240 SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



they sleep on the bare stones, and I never 

 saw a curry-comb nor any substitute for one. 

 Tied up the whole day in the yards of the 

 city, they remain patiently waiting their 

 evening meal; they are often turned loose 

 together, and it then requires the use of the 

 lasso to catch them again* The lasso is 

 thrown with great dexterity by every ostler 

 or servant, and the moment the horses or 

 mules feel the rope on their necks they stand 

 perfectly still, but without it will not suffer 

 themselves to be saddled or bridled. The 

 horsemen are, as I have before mentioned, 

 extremely expert. I have often observed 

 with pleasure a number of young men, in 

 sport, amusing themselves by riding after 

 and endeavouring to unhorse each other: 

 they whirl round suddenly, and, seizing their 

 adversary^ horse by the tail, bring the rider 

 to the ground by destroying his equilibrium. 

 With the greatest dexterity and agility 



