WILD CATTLE. 
109 
1849.] 
vours to avoid being caught, by shaking their heads and 
throwing the cords off before they could be pulled tight. 
Each man kept his attention directed to one animal, fol- 
lowing it about to every part of the corral. After a few 
attempts he generally succeeded in getting the loop fixed 
over the horns, and then half-a-dozen came to his as- 
sistance, to get the ox out of the corral into the water. 
This was done by some pulling at the lassos, while others 
poked and beat the animal with long poles, which would 
so irritate it that it would roll itself on the ground and 
rush at the men with all its force. At this they did not 
seem to be much alarmed, but jumped on one side or 
sprang on to the rails of the corral, and then immedi- 
ately returned to the attack. At length the creature 
would be either pulled or driven into the water, and 
the end of the rope being quickly thrown on board the 
canoe, the ox was towed up to the vessel’s side. A strong 
rope was then noosed over its horns, by which it was 
lifted into the air, struggling as helplessly as a kitten 
held by the skin of its neck ; it was then lowered into 
the hold, where, after a little disturbance, it soon became 
quiet. One after another were put on board in this 
manner, each offering something interesting, arising from 
the fury of the animal or the great skill and coolness of 
the vaqueiros. Once or twice the lasso, which is made 
of twisted hide, was thrown short of the canoe, and I 
then admired the rapidity with which an Indian plunged 
head foremost after it, not stopping even to take the 
cap from his head ; he then gave the rope to those on 
board, and mounting on the back of the swimming ox, 
rode in triumph to the canoe. 
