MEXICAN HORSEMAN 
163 
First of all, he has his broad-brimmed, steeple-crowned Sombrero, cov- 
ered with oilskin ; next, his short leathern jacket, fancifully embossed 
with plated nails, like the old buff-coats of the feudal freebooters ; then, 
his leather trowsers with rows of buttons at the seam, preventing the 
chafing of the saddle, and his leggings to protect his feet and ankles ; in 
front of him are his armas de agua, a large skin cut in two parts, the 
ends of which on one side are fastened to the saddle-bow, the other two 
being tied behind him, so that his legs are entirely protected from rain ; 
before them, again, are strapped his pistols, while, passing beneath his 
left leg, rests his trusty toledo. From the peak, in front, hangs his lasso, 
a long running-noose with which he catches his horse in the morning ; 
and behind him is strapped his serape, or blanket-cloak, with a slit in the 
middle, which he throws over his head when it rains or is cold, and 
protects him from the weather as by a perfect thatch. 
MEXICAN HORSEMAN. 
Thus mounted on his high-peaked Spanish saddle, with stiff wooden stir- 
rups, over which are long ears of leather, — and his feet armed with ths 
