^60 



THE PAMPAS. 



it to the rider, and froni that moment no one 

 seemed to take any further notice of him. The 

 horse instantly began to jump, in a manner which 

 made it very difficult for the rider to keep his seat, 

 and quite different from the kick or plunge of an 

 English horse: however, the Gaucho's spurs soon 

 set him going, and off he galloped, doing every 

 thing in his power to throw his rider. Another 

 horse was immediately brought from the corral, 

 and so quick was the operation, that twelve Gau- 

 chos were mounted in a space which, I think, 

 hardly exceeded an hour. 



It was wonderful to see the different manner in 

 which the different horses behaved. Some would 

 actually scream while the Gauchos were girthing 

 the saddle upon their backs ; some would instantly 

 lie down and roll upon it; while some would stand 

 without being held, their legs stiff, and in unnatural 

 directions, their necks half bent towards their tails, 

 and looking vicious and obstinate ; and I could not 

 help thinking that I would not have mounted one of 

 these for any reward that could be offered me, for 

 they were invariably the most difficult to subdue. 



It was now curious to look round and see the 

 Gauchos on the horizon in different directions, 



