330 BIG GAME OF NORTH AMERICA. 



tea, which is the best and most refreshing drink I know of. 

 It is as well to carry in them an oiled rag, and if it comes on. 

 to rain, just rub your gun with it, and when you get to camp 

 you will see how easily it is cleaned. 



My favorite lariat is made of plaited cord— not twisted, 

 for this, when wet, unravels — about the same as good, strong 

 window-cord, forty-five feet long. I fasten one end to the 

 bit, and hold it up as I would a halter-strap, and allow the- 

 other end to trail after me. When I see game close, I jump 

 off my horse, stand or sit on the rope, and thus secure my 

 horse at a moment's notice. When I have time I use a 

 picket-pin. This should be made of steel, and formed like 

 the old-fashioned bayonet, not round, as in hard ground it 

 is difficult to drive the latter, whereas a three-cornered one 

 cuts its way, and is soon home. Have a swivel attachment 

 on top; that prevents the lariat from becoming twisted or 

 snarled. Keep the pin fastened by a steel snap, on the 

 mounting-side; this is the most convenient and secure mode 

 of carrying it, and the quickest to get it off., 



A good, powerful field-glass is useful; the single-barreled 

 one will answer all purposes, is much more easily carried — 

 the best way being in a leather pocket made to fit it — than 

 the lorgnette, and not nearly as liable to be broken or ren- 

 dered unserviceable. This can be fastened to the belt, and 

 should not be over two inches in diameter and six in length 

 when closed. 



A compass is a grand, good thing if you understand it, 

 and know where you want to go; but unless you do, it 

 doesn't amount to much, for it is always a greater aggrava- 

 tion to be lost with a compass than without one. I always- 

 carry one — one that opens like a double hunting-case watch 

 is the best — and sometimes have been lost, compass and 

 all. There is nothing more easily leading to this than to 

 follow a wounded animal; you forget everything but the 

 game you pursue, and when it is getting late, and thoughts 

 of camp steal gently o'er you, then you find you have lost 

 everything but your appetite. For this emergency I al ways- 

 carry salt and matches in my saddle-bags, and if I have 



