THE ROUND-UP 65 



and the bight supported at the requisite height by 

 pointed stakes driven into the ground, forming 

 thereby a small enclosure. Each man who is about 

 to beat round the country selects ropes (lassoes) 

 and saddles up the horse he intends to use, getting 

 away to his work as quickly as possible, leaving the 

 camp to the care of the cook, the wrangler, and the 

 man who has done the last shift at night-herding, 

 in order that he may get his full share of sleep. 



At the end of the first day's operations quite a 

 respectable bunch of cattle or horses (according to 

 whether it is the spring or fall round-up) is driven 

 into camp, and makes things busy for all concerned. 

 The numbers gradually increase as the days go on, 

 which necessitates more men being employed in 

 herding, for it would never do to allow any beasts 

 to escape after all the trouble entailed in gatheriug 

 them. 



After the round-up has completed its work, the 

 cutting out of all cows and calves commences. The 

 " cutters " ride at a walk through the bunch, select 

 those animals that are required, and edge them 

 gradually towards the outside, round which all the 

 other available men keep moving (mounted) to pre- 

 vent any beast breaking through. When the 

 animals wanted approach sufficiently near the outer 

 circle, they are quickly driven out and away to 



