HERD OF WILD CATTLE. 251 



had a most appalling effect at so late an 

 hour. I immediately went out, attended by 

 the Indians, to ascertain the cause; when I 

 found, close to the rancha, a large herd of 

 bullocks, collected from the surrounding 

 country. They had encompassed a spot 

 where we had killed a bullock in the morn- 

 ing ; they appeared to be in the greatest 

 state of grief and rage ; they roared, they 

 moaned, they tore the ground with their 

 feet, and bellowed the most hideous chorus 

 that can be imagined ; and it was with the 

 greatest difficulty that they could be driven 

 away by the men and dogs. Since then, 

 I have observed the same scene by day- 

 light, and seen large tears rolling down their 

 cheeks. Is this instinct merely, or does 

 something nearer to reason tell them, by the 

 blood, that one of their companions has been 

 butchered ? I certainly never again wish to 

 view so painful a sight,— they actually ap- 

 peared reproaching us. 



