192 FARMING COSTUME. 



considered it as a great treasure. About two 

 p. M. we mounted our horses ; and after two 

 hours' ride, chiefly through corn and pasture 

 lands, having a gentle ascent, we arrived at 

 the Hacienda of Echarleche, situated at the 

 foot of the mountain, on the summit of which 

 is the famous Lagoon. We were kindly 

 received by the overseer of the estate, and 

 his wife, — the former a fine-looking, power- 

 ful, athletic man, dressed in the costume of 

 the country ; having loose trowsers on, with 

 strong leather leggings strapped round his 

 legs, and alpergates with tremendous spurs, 

 instead of shoes ; no stockings ; a jacket 

 and waistcoat, with a handsome roana 

 thrown over all ; no neckcloth ; his shirt- 

 collar open, and turned back, and a large 

 white beaver-hat : also a lasso^ in his hand. 



* Lazo, a Spanish word, means a slip-knot, or noose ; 

 from whence in English we call it Lasso ; and the act of 

 encircling the object wished to be taken, Lassoing. 



