92 



BUENOS AYRES. 



becomes so alarmed and sensitive when the 

 rein is handled, that I have seen him liter- 

 ally tremble from the fear of being suddenly 

 pulled up; and the mouth often bleeds im- 

 mediately^ if any violence is used. Without 

 any compunction a gaucho will ride his 

 beast to death, and then catch another with 

 his lasso from the troop which generally ac- 

 companies him in his gallop across the plain, if 

 he has to travel far from home. 



But let us return to the cattle-market. The 

 purchases being completed, the cattle were let 

 out by twos and threes at a time, from the 

 coral. They rushed forth at a gallop, their 

 heads down, and their tails stretched out or 

 curled over their backs, in token of rejoicing at 

 having regained a short liberty. In an instant 

 the skilful lasso-men darted after them, on their 

 well-trained horses, the wide noose flying 



