LASSOING REINDEER 57 



sledges, which soon brought us to the spot. It was 

 admirably chosen — a large open space — perhaps half a 

 mile across, sufificiently hollow to give it the effect of a. 

 natural amphitheatre surrounded by forest. In the centre 

 was a slight elevation, where three or four sledges were 

 stationed, commanding a fine view of the herd of rein- 

 deer gathered round. A little below us in the hollow were 

 about a score of sledges with the women and the baggage. 



The Samoyedes proved themselves expert in throwing 

 the lasso. In the left hand they held a small coil of rope, 

 in the right hand the larger half. The lasso was thrown 

 with an underhand fling, and nearly always successfully 

 over the horns of the animal at the first attempt. The 

 left hand was then pressed close to the side so as to bring 

 the shock of the sudden pulling up of the reindeer at full 

 speed against the thigh. When a reindeer found itself 

 caught, it generally made desperate efforts to escape, but 

 was usually on its haunches gasping for breath in a few 

 seconds. The Samoyede then hauled in the rope, or, if 

 it had run out nearly to its full length, another Samoyede 

 came up and began to haul it in nearer to the animal. 

 When he was close to the deer he took hold of its horns, 

 and with a side twist brought it down on to the snow. 

 The Russian to whom the fifty reindeer belonged then 

 approached, and taking a thong of three-plait matting 

 from a bunch at his belt, tied one of the animal's forelegs 

 to the hind leg on the same side ; crossing the feet, but 

 keeping the legs parallel at the point of ligature. 



As soon as the reindeer was left, he made wild efforts 

 to rise and walk ; and sometimes succeeded in hobbling 

 a few paces. Finding his strength give way with his 

 frantic efforts to escape, he generally rested with his fore- 

 knees on the snow for a time; and finally lay down 

 quietly. A dozen reindeer were soon on the ground. 



