FOREST AND STREAM. 
255 
my a tom and dusty jacket attested his -whimsical 
rtics. 
There are several methods practiced in capturing wild 
nstangs, nz: snaring, lassoing, creasing, and walking 
em down. Snaring is only practiced by Mexicans 
died Greasers), who are too indolent to resort to other 
satis. The place where mustangs drink must first be as- 
rtained. Their watering places in dry prairies are few 
d far apart. A herd of mustangs will often graze in the 
sinity, and drink from the same waters for weeks at a 
ne, if unmolested. Their trail leading to water is usu- 
:y inclosed on both sides by thick chapparal, with only 
e passage. Several lassos are suspended over limbs of 
:es, with one end securely tied and the noose opened. 
hen the herd traverse the trail the Greasers, who have 
eviously remained unseen, expose themselves to view, 
A by shouting at- the top of their voices, bo frighten 
e herd that they galop headlong through the narrow pas- 
»e, A few are caught by the neck, which pitch and 
juggle until choked to the ground exhausted, when they 
eliberated, but not before being saddled and mounted by 
eir captors, who cling to them with the tenacity of life, 
d do not yield their places in the saddle until the aci¬ 
ds are thoroughly subdued. In using the lasso it is 
town with precision to a distance of thirty feet, and is a 
Jkain snare in practiced hands. The lasso is very simple 
construction, beiug made from rawhide, carefully plait- 
or a rope twisted fropi the mane and tail of horses, or 
anilla rope made thoroughly pliant. In either case the 
riat is furnished with a loop or iron ring at one end, and 
g other is fastened to the saddle. When not in use it is 
gpended in coils upon the horn of the saddle; but when 
e animal is in view which is to be secured, the coil is 
rown over tbe left arm, the slip-noose or ring is grasped 
mly with the right hand ready for action. By swinging 
is four or five feet in diameter around the head the 
sight of the loop and ring gives an impetus to it, and the 
inter is enabled to hurl it to its full length with certain 
in. The size of the loop must be accommodated to tbe 
stance of the object, for the noose contracts as it travels 
rough the air, and if made loo small it fails to encircle 
e animal’s neck. 
The mustang when captured is savage and furious with 
scomfiture, and would speedily escape were not the rider’s 
>rse trained to assist in the manteuver; for he com- 
eheuds as well as the rider, when the aim is unerring, 
id suddenly checks his speed, and throws himself upon 
s haunches so that when the rope is spent the weight of 
e captured horse throws it prostrate, which is strangled 
r the encircling noose and reduced into subjection, 
bile the captured horse is gasping for breath the hunter 
smounts, one end of the lariat being securely tied to his 
(Idle. He secures the rope, and glides along the lasso 
ith cautious advance until within a few feel of the wild 
ute, tightening the encircling rope when the animal tries 
escape, and relaxing it slightly when the creature sub- 
its. In a short time he is enabled to seize the horse by 
Ahead and mount it. 
As soon as tbe mustang learns subjection, and that he 
kindly treated, he is overcome, and can scarcely be dis- 
iguislied from a thoroughly domesticated animal. Creas- 
g is mostly practiced by hunters who become dismounted 
d are in need of ahorse. After sighting a drove of 
irses they usually crawl towards them, and lie in wait in 
(he secluded place near their trail, and when they come to 
tier one is singled out, and shot so as to graze the top of 
e-skull just behind the ears. The sndden blow stunning 
e horse for a few seconds. In this bewildered condition the 
inter secures him with ropes before consciousness returns. 
ie rifle is never brought into requisition, in creasing, ex- 
pt by experienced marksmen, for a deviation of half an 
eh is quite sufficient to miss or kill. If the whole herd 
ito be captured, the best method is to walk them down, 
ils procedure requires four men with one or two led 
irses each, who are stationed at a watering place in wait- 
g for the arrival of a herd, when two men start in pursuit 
lore the mustangs have had an opportunity to quench 
eir thirst. They must start slowly, taking care not to 
ge them into a ran. The sight of the mounted horses 
sure to keep the mustangs at a safe distance; in this 
ly they are kept moving, bat no faster than a walk, so 
at they cannot eat. Moonlight nights should be selected, 
that the trail and herd can be discerned through tbe tall 
ass. By daybreak twenty or thirty miles may separate 
eherd from the watering place, and the drove will move 
->re gently, but still they must not be pressed or they 
.11 flee from pursuit. After changing horses, one of tbe 
lers, by flanking the herds may start them on the back 
tek towards water; being thirsty they readily obey, and 
ten they arrive they are surprised to see two more men in 
Ireuit, while the first men turn carefully away to wait their 
rn iu pursuit on the following day. Each relief in this 
ly takes their turn, taking care not to force them into a 
n but pressing them sufficiently to prevent them from 
ting or drinking. Three or four days aod nights, with 
e exercise and abstinence from food, is usually quite suf- 
ient to tire them so that they can be driven to the nearest 
rral and penned; though a much longer time is necessary 
some instances for the accomplishment of their capture. 
The writer in first visiting Texas after traveling into the 
lerior by rail, determined to purchase a saddle horse and 
sw the country on horseback. In the suburbs of Hous- 
i was a cavayard of mustangs which were exceedingly 
.imp and fine looking. The herdsmen were dressed in 
ckskin suits; their swarthy complexions and broadbrim- 
Sd sombreros convinced him that they were Indians, but 
they proved to be Mexicans, disposing of their herd. A 
stranger approached and informed him of the intractable 
Whe Billt. 
spirit of these unbroken and pitching mustangs which saved 
him from much expense and perhaps broken limbs. One 
was lassoed and saddled for exhibition. After witnessing 
it pitch the newly formed'acquaintance was kindly thanked 
for his manifested- interest, and assured that the steam 
horse was much preferred to the unruly mustang. 
Mexicans wheu riding an unbroken mustang use the 
Basal instead of a bridle, which is simply a nose hand held 
in position so that when the horse is inclined to pitch, by 
drawing on the reins the nose band is drawn tigklly over 
the nostrils, stopping the breadlh. Unless the mustang 
can at each jump or pitch take a full inspiration, their 
pitching is ineffectual. 
Many of tbe wild horses, when thoroughly broken, show 
considerable speed. Several years ago a traveling circus 
company had among tbe number of horses a domesticated 
wild horse named Orphan Boy, perhaps on account of his 
dilapidated and rough appearance, but this same brute as¬ 
tonished many by tiottingamileinless than three minutes. 
On entering populous towns his owner enjoyed trotting 
this horse agaiust time for oysters for the company, which 
he was sure to win. 
The wild mustang after being broken and rendered sub¬ 
servient to the will of man, when his freedom is regained, 
soon retuns to his original state. A tribe of Indians cap¬ 
tured a wild mustang, and in their rude manner forced 
him into subjection, and after being exchanged from tribe 
to tribe be finally escaped, and for a long time battled all 
efforts for bis recapture. At length he was caught, but 
broke the cords which bound him and fled to the moun¬ 
tains. In time he again reappeared and plans were laid to 
take him. He was so fleet that he outdistanced the best 
horses, and a number were not sufficient to run him down. 
When surrounded he fought and kicked so fiercely that it 
waB impossible to take him. One day being surprised in a 
canyon he was lassoed and choked into scmi-obedience, but 
when mounted by a fool-hardy brave, flew like the wind to 
the mountains. The poor Indian returned a day or two 
afterwards to his wigwam bruised, sore, and tired, afoot, 
having been thrown when tbe animal was again free. 
The countenances of men generally disclose their 
nativity and the complexion the climate in which they 
were reared; so the hoof of the wild horse is the certain 
index to the locality in which he ia reared. The horses 
ranging on a flat prairie have hoofs and limbs to corres¬ 
pond; while tbe mountain mustang has a hoof smaller and 
more compact, which is better adapted to the wear and 
tear of climbing the rugged mountain sides. The Bizo of a 
mountain pony is smaller and more symmetrical, denoting 
a higher bred animal. The hardy manner in which he is 
reared, cropping here and there tbe crisp herbage, also fits 
him better for hard usage. The climate of the mountain 
regions being colder causes a profusion of hair to protect 
him, which is also a distinguishing mark. 
The Mustang Race.— The effort on the part of George 
Parker to ride 305 miles is fifteen hours, at Fleetwood 
Park on Thursday, although resulting in a failure, was 
still a great feat as far as accomplished. Indeed, had it 
not been for a want of condition in the rider, and most 
injudicious use of provender, also on his part, the distance, 
as far as the horses were concerned, could easily have been 
accomplished. Apple pie, washed down by copious 
draughts of cold water, would be, we should imagine, the 
most destructive diet which could have been adopted, and 
at the close of the 236th mile Parker was so exhausted as 
to have to be carried from the track. The following table 
will show the time made at various stages of the ride:— 
v—Total—, 
Re- 
Miles. 
M. S. 
H. M. S. 
xnonnts. 
10 . 
.27 24 
27 24 
6 
20 . 
.26 2 a 
53 47* 
30. 
.28 25* 
1 22 13 
9 
43. 
.26 m 
1 48 52* 
8 
60. 
. 25 45 
2 14 37* 
6 
60. 
.26 09* 
2 40 47 
70. 
.26 22* 
3 07 09* 
6 
80 . 
.26 07* 
3 33 16* 
6 
00 . 
.26 29 
3 59 45 
7 
100 . 
.26 56* 
4 26 41* 
7 
110 . 
.27 07* 
4 58 48* 
8 
120 . 
.27 01 
5 00 49* 
7 
130. 
.27 30* 
5 28 20 
10 
140. 
.29 09* 
5 57 29* 
10 
150. 
.27 63* 
6 25 23* 
9 
160. 
.26 48* 
6 52 11* 
10 
170. 
.28 02* 
7 20 14* 
10 
180. 
. 27 05 
7 47 19* 
9 
190. 
.27 14* 
8 15 34 
9 
200 . 
.27 27 
8 43 01 
9 
210 .. 
.27 40* 
9 10 41* 
8 
220 . 
.28 26* 
9 39 06* 
9 
226. 
.21 05* 
10 00 13* 
8 
Total...... 
.10 00 13* 
10 00 13* 
181 
Parker allowed himself ten seconds to change horses, 
but he really averaged about fifteen seconds, which would 
make in 181 relays 45m. 15s. That gives the following 
SUMMARY. 
H. M. 8. 
Actual time in saddle ...10 00 13} 
Time occupied in changes... 15 15 
Rests and other delays . 41 81} 
Actnal time....11 27 00 
If Parker had been on time be should have completed 
226 miles in llh. 6m. 53 l-9s., which therefore made him 
20m. 6 8-9s. behind when he was obliged to give up. 
Parker has since published a card, saying that his diet 
was of his own choosing, and exonerating every body. He 
attributes failure to the rain and bad track. 
—The Alexandria (Va.) Gazette mentions a haul of rock 
fish (striped bass), made in 1854 off the Freestone Point 
shore, on the Potomac, sufficient to load three vessels, be¬ 
side large quantities given away on shore. 
Creedmoor. —The fine weather attracted an immense 
crowd to Creedmoor on Saturday, the contest being for the 
Geiger Bull’s-eye trophy; 15 shots at 800, 900, 1,000 yards, 
the firing to open at the latter ranger. There were thirty- 
two entries, General Dakin making the highest score, but 
tieing with Mr. Farwell on the number of bull’s-eyes. 
The question then arose as to tbe manner in which tbe tic 
should be shot off, Mr. Farwell contending that it should 
be decided by another shot, and he proceeded to make 
another bull’s-eye to substantiate his claim. The Secre¬ 
tary, however, held t lie badge until such time as Mr. 
Geiger decides as to the conditions of his gift. The prin¬ 
cipal scores were as follows:— 
J.UUU 
Name. yds, 
W. B. Farwell. 71 
T. B. Dakin. 81 
L. M. Ballard. 75 
F. Hyde . 81 
N. Washburn. 78 
H. S. Jewell.... 70 
L. WebDer. 66 
R. Rathbone. 81 
11. Fulton. . 69 
A. Anderson. 74 
Yds. Tds. T’ls. 
The Seventh Regiment Rifle Club were out shootiug for 
several badges and trophies at 200 and 500 yards. The 
“shells" were won by Private Nichols, of the Eighth 
Company, and Captain Robbins, Rifle Practice Inspector 
of tbe regiment, won the Diamond Badge. 
Creedmoor. —The Seventh Regiment, 155 men; Eighth, 
160; and Sixty-ninth, 70, practised at Creedmoor on Mon¬ 
day. Of the brigade staff, Major Wylie scored 40 of the 
possible 50 points, at 300 and 400 yards; Col. Wentworth, 
34; Gen. Varian, 30; and Col. Fleming, 28. Private God¬ 
frey Smith, Company F, Eighth Regiment, had his right 
leg broken near the ankle. The winners of marksmen’s 
badges were:— 
Name. _ 
Sergt, Conover.19 18 
Pvt. Bostwicic.19 14 
Pvt. Dam.20 12 
Pvt. Clayton.12 19 
Corp. Reynolds. 15 16 
Pvt. Haynes.17 14 
Lient. Steele...16 13 
aienTn regiment. 
Name. Score. Total.I Name. 
Score. Total. 
87 Pvt. Jardine..21 
S3 Pvt. Thompson.21 7 
82| Pvt. Cooper.12 14 
SliPvt. Purdy. 9 16 
81 Pvt. Minor.12 13 
31 Corp. Wilson.13 12 
Capt, Ross.13 
Capt. Fielding.16 18 
Sergt. Oreoom.18 16 
Lieut. Carman. 8 24 
Sergt. Bryant.17 11 
Corp. Fielding.17 10 
Score. Total. 
35 Capt. Glbeon.13 13 
34 Sergt. Demerest.., ...18 13 
34|Pvt. Eulcn.14 12 
82;Corp. Balden hausen.. 15 11 
31 Pvt. Boak....21 4 
27 
SIXTY-NINTH REGIMENT, 
Name. Score. Total.l Name. Score. 
Pvt. McFealy.22 10 32 Sergt. (Jnrtaln.14 11 
Capt. Oartiu.17 14 28 Capt. Brennan.20 5 
Pvt. Lovett. 8 17 25| 
PrIZEB OF THE NATIONAL RlFLE ASSOCIATION. —At a 
meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of 
Directors of the N. R. A. held on Friday last, the Prize 
Committee reported ibe receipt of a number of prizes 
which were distributed among the matches as follows; 
Short range match-^first prize, a Martini-Henry Rifle, value 
$75; second prize, field glass, valued at $18; third prize, 
cash, $10; three cash prizes of $5. and four cash prizes of 
$3. each. Military match—first prize, an embroidered flag, 
value $100; second prize, a wall tent, value $45; third 
prize, a bronze clock, value $25. Mid-range match—first 
prize, a telescope, value $70; second prize, a bronze manlol 
clock, value $34; third prize, cash, $20. Individual 
match—first prize, a Remington special military rifle, value 
$75; second prize, a telescope and tripod, value $25, and 
three cash prizes of $5. and five of $3. each. 
Glen Drake.— The opening matches of the spring meet¬ 
ing of the American Rifle Association, after one postpone¬ 
ment, were commenced at Glen Drake range, Pelhamville, 
on Friday last. The first match was open to all comers, 
at 200 yards distance, the prizes heing two silver trophies 
valued at $25 and $12 respectively. The winning scores 
were as follows;— 
Name. Score. Total. 
Major Shonnard. 44544 21 
A. Gorohman.3 5 4 4 5 21 
D. F. Davids......5 4 5 3 4 21 
The second contest was a military match, distance 200 
yards, off-hand, the best scores being as follows;— 
Name. Score. Total. 
M. Cookepere.. 4 4 4 4 5 21 
Colonel Shonoard. 3 4 4 4 4 19 
D. F. Davids..1 4 4 3 8 18 
The third and last contest was a “subscription" match, 
in which the prize consisted of a division of onc-half the 
entrance fees between the makers of the three highest 
scores. The distance covered was 200 yards. Following 
are the winning scores.— 
Name, Score. Total. 
D. F. Davids.5 4 4 4 4 21 
D. F. Davids .4 3 4 5 5 21 
Major Shonnard. 4 5 3 5 4 21 
The principal event on Saturday was the match for the 
DeFeyster badge, valued at $300. The conditions were— 
seven Bhots each at 800 yards, off-hand, State rifles. The 
leading scores were as follows:— 
Name. Score. Total. 
Lieut. Gee, Eighth.2 834343 22 
F. Backofen, Forty-seven iu.4 5 3 3 0 3 3 21 
In the all comers' match seven shots were fired by each 
man, but those using 50-ealibre military rifles were given 
seven points, placing them entirely ahead of the marksmen 
having fine sporting rifles. Captain Thompson was the suc- 
ccessful shot, scoring 27 out of the possible 35, and count¬ 
ing 34 A few of tbe best scores were;— 
Name. Score. Total. 
Capt. Geo. H. Thompson.3 4 3 4 4 4 5 27* 34 
Lieut. Kunz.0 4 3 4 3 4 4 22* 29 
sergt. Madden.0 3 2 4 4 3 4 20* 27 
Lient. Gee.0 3 3 0 4 4 4 17* 24 
-Seven points allowance. 
In a subscription match, carried on in connection with 
the day’s practice, the winners of the moiety of the stakes 
were:— 
Name. Score. Total. 
Lieut. Knnz, Twenty-seventh Regiment. ..3 4 4 3 4 18 
F. Backofen, Forty-seventh Regiment_4 4 2 4 4 18 
D. F. Davids...4 4 2 5 3 18 
Long Island. —The conlest for the Champion Badge by 
the members of the Jamaica Rod and Rifle Association, 
took place on their range Wednesday afternoon, Col. Wm. 
