226 



KOTES ON BRAZIL. 



got nearly abreast with him on the left ; thus the lasso was brought over 

 his back, and he was enabled to employ his utmost might to draw the 

 horse round the bush ; the horse also, used all his power to counteract 

 this manoeuvre, and thus the great strength of the lasso was proved. By 

 this time, the whole party was again collected, and another lasso applied 

 to assist in conducting the captive, which seemingly conscious that he 

 was completely subdued, walked along quietly. A boat had just 

 reached the beach, and the people were still on board, when the 

 treacherous animal, as soon as he came near enough, made an unex- 

 pected attack, and caused them to tumble one over another into the 

 water, to the great amusement of the spectators. 



Returning to the hut, after a chase of three hours, milk and fruit 

 were served to us in abundance ; while the beast was taken from his 

 former bondage and tied to a post, where I found him bellowing with 

 madness, and still furiously striving to release himself. A man now came 

 forward with an instrument, called a facam, somewhat resembling both 

 a large carving knife and a short sword ; and warning every one to be on 

 his guard, passed near the heels of the ox, and endeavoured by a back- 

 handed stroke to hough him. The attempt was clumsily made, and the 

 beast, though wounded, was not disabled. Another took the instrument 

 and used it with greater effect ; when the ox gave a desperate kick at the 

 operator, and snapping the tendon, feU on his haunches. A third then 

 drew a sharp knife across his throat, blood copiously followed, and with 

 a deep bellow, expressive of rage and agony, he yielded up his life. 



Immediately the people set about skinning the beast, and preparing 

 a part of him for dinner. The former operation was performed in a 

 workmanlike manner, and the skin as it was taken off, being carefully 

 stretched upon the ground, preserved the flesh from blood and dirt. 

 During this process, fires had been kindled and burned down to clear 

 embers ; slices of flesh were then cut off from the ribs, as the choicest 

 part, for the master and his guests, and roasted at a fire apart ; afterwards 

 the attendants helped themselves as they pleased, and cooked their portion 

 after their own modes. 



