MARKING HORSES. 



27 



occupied in picking the disgusting insects off 

 each other. We did not escape, without adding 

 to the stock we had already picked up at Can- 

 elones. 



Tuesday^ 2^th. Got tolerable horses, and 

 started at nine, passing through the same fine 

 meadow country, abounding in wild deer, os- 

 triches, hawks, and vultures. Not a habitation 

 was to be seen, till we arrived at the post of 

 Cufre, a distance of twenty-one miles, where we 

 procured fresh horses, the country having the 

 same appearance. Passed a cross, erected to 

 commemorate the spot where an unfortunate 

 traveller had been murdered; arrived at Ro- 

 sario, twenty-one miles, where they were mark- 

 ing their horses ; and it was truly astonishing to 

 see with what dexterity they used the lasso, 

 which is a hide rope, to the end of which is a 

 ring; thus forming a long noose, they whirl it 

 round their heads several times before throwing, 

 and rarely miss catching any horse they please. 

 The marking of the young and wild horses forms 



