46 



MALDONADO 



CHAP. 



that it is almost superfluous to describe either the lazo or the 

 bolas. The lazo consists of a very strong, but thin, well-plaited 

 rope, made of raw hide. One end is attached to the broad 

 surcingle, which fastens together the complicated gear of the 

 recado, or saddle used in the Pampas ; the other is terminated 

 by a small ring of iron or brass, by which a noose can be 

 formed. The Gaucho, when he is going to use the lazo, keeps 

 a small coil in his bridle-hand, and in the other holds the 

 running noose, which is made very large, generally having a 

 diameter of about eight feet. This he whirls round his head, 

 and by the dexterous movement of his wrist keeps the noose 

 open ; then, throwing it, he causes it to fall on any particular 

 spot he chooses. The lazo, when not used, is tied up in a 

 small coil to the after part of the recado. The bolas, or balls, 



RECADO OR SURCINGLE OF GAUCHO. 



are of two kinds : the simplest, which is chiefly used for catch- 

 ing ostriches, consists of two round stones, covered with leather, 

 and united by a thin plaited thong, about eight feet long.^ The 

 other kind differs only in having three balls united by the 

 thongs to a common centre. The Gaucho holds the smallest 

 of the three in his hand, and whirls the other two round and 

 round his head ; then, taking aim, sends them like chain shot 

 revolving through the air. The balls no sooner strike any 

 object, than, winding round it, they cross each other, and become 

 firmly hitched. The size and weight of the balls varies, 

 according to the purpose for which they are made : when of 

 stone, although not larger than an apple, they are sent with 

 such force as sometimes to break the leg even of a horse. I 

 have seen the balls made of wood, and as large as a turnip, for 

 the sake of catching these animals without injuring them. The 

 balls are sometimes made of iron, and these can be hurled to 



' See page 248. 



