148 



BALLS LANCE. 



lead, or metallic ore, with shorter cords or thongs, which are 

 for small animals. 



Sometimes two small balls, each of which has a cord about 

 a yard in length, are fastened to the thong of the larger set. 

 This is to entangle the victim more effectually. They do not 

 try to strike objects with these balls, but endeavour to throw 

 them so that the thong shall hit a prominent part ; and then, 

 of course, the balls swing around in different directions, and 

 the thongs become so 'laid up' (or twisted), that struggling 

 only makes the captive more secure. They can throw them so 

 dexterously, as to fasten a man to his horse, or catch a horse 

 without bruising him. If an animal is to be caught without 

 being thrown down suddenly — an inevitable consequence of 

 these balls swinging round his legs while at full speed — a 

 soinai is thrown at his neck. The two balls hang down, and 

 perplex him so much by dangling about his fore-legs, that his 

 speed is much checked ; and another set of balls, or a lasso, 

 may be used, to secure, without throwing him down. The 

 lasso is not much used, so adroit are they with the balls. A 

 formidable missile weapon is the single ball, called by the 

 Spaniards ' bola perdida.' This is similar to the other in size 

 and substance, but attached to a slighter rope, about a yard 

 long. Whirling this ball, about a pound in weight, with the 

 utmost swiftness around their heads, they dash it at their adver- 

 sary with almost the force of a shot. At close quarters, it is 

 used, with a shorter scope of cord, as an efficient head-breaker. 



Several of these original, and not trifling offensive weapons, 

 are kept in readiness by each individual ; and many a Spa- 

 niard, armed with steel and gunpowder, has acknowledged their 

 effect. 



The lance (chuza) is a long bamboo cane, from twelve to 

 twenty-four feet long, headed with iron or steel. The great 

 length and tapering slightness of these spears makes them for- 

 midable to any adversaries, but often fatal to those who are 

 unskilful or timorous, because their vibration, artfully increased 

 to the utmost by the holders, makes it extremely difficult to 

 parry the advance of their point ; but, once parried thev are 



