46 
MALDONADO 
CHAP. 
that it is almost superfluous to describe either the lazo or the 
bolas. The lazo consists of a very strong, but thin, well-plaited 
rope, made of raw hide. One end is attached to the broad 
surcingle, which fastens together the complicated gear of the 
recado, or saddle used in the Pampas ; the other is terminated 
by a small ring of iron or brass, by which a noose can be 
formed. The Gaucho, when he is going to use the lazo, keeps 
a small coil in his bridle-hand, and in the other holds the 
running noose, which is made very large, generally having a 
diameter of about eight feet. This he whirls round his head, 
and by the dexterous movement of his wrist keeps the noose 
open ; then, throwing it, he causes it to fall on any particular 
spot he chooses. The lazo, when not used, is tied up in a 
small coil to the after part of the recado. The bolas, or balls, 
RECADO OR SURCINGLE OF GAUCHO. 
are of two kinds : the simplest, which is chiefly used for catch¬ 
ing ostriches, consists of two round stones, covered with leather, 
and united by a thin plaited thong, about eight feet long. 1 The 
other kind differs only in having three balls united by the 
thongs to a common centre. The Gaucho holds the smallest 
of the three in his hand, and whirls the other two round and 
round his head ; then, taking aim, sends them like chain shot 
revolving through the air. The balls no sooner strike any 
object, than, winding round it, they cross each other, and become 
firmly hitched. The size and weight of the balls varies, 
according to the purpose for which they are made : when of 
stone, although not larger than an apple, they are sent with 
such force as sometimes to break the leg even of a horse. I 
have seen the balls made of wood, and as large as a turnip, for 
the sake of catching these animals without injuring them. The 
balls are sometimes made of iron, and these can be hurled to 
1 See page 248. 
