n an instant a gaucho was seated on his head. They then put a piece of
hide in his mouth to serve for a bit, and a strong hide halter on his
head, and allowed him to get on his feet.

"While two men held the horse by his ears, the gaucho who was to mount
him fastened on the saddle, and then quickly sprung into it.

"The horse instantly began to jump in a manner which made it very
difficult for the rider to keep his seat; however, the gaucho's spurs
soon set him going, and off he galloped, doing every thing in his power
to throw his rider.

"Then another horse was brought from the corral; and so quickly was
every thing done that twelve gauchos were mounted in less than an hour.

"It was wonderful to see the different manner in which different horses
behaved. Some would actually scream while the gauchos were fastening
the saddle upon their backs, and some would instantly lie down and roll
upon it.

"Others would stand without being held, their legs stiff and in
unnatural positions, their necks half bent towards their tails, and
looking vicious and obstinate.

"It was now curious to look around and see the gauchos trying to bring
their horses back to the corral, which is the most difficult part of
their work, for the poor creatures had been so scared there that they
were unwilling to return to the place.

"At last they brought the horses back, apparently subdued and broken in.
The saddles and bridles were taken off, and the young horses trotted
off towards the corral, neighing to one another.

"When a gaucho wishes to take a wild horse, he mounts a horse that has
been used to the sport, and gallops over the plain.

"As soon as he comes near his victim, the lasso is thrown round the two
hind-legs, and as the gaucho rides a little on one side, the jerk
throws the wild horse without doing injury to his knees or his face.

[Illustration]

"Before the horse can recover from the shock, the rider dismounts, and
snatching his cloak from his shoulders, wraps it round the fallen
animal's head.

"He then forces into his mouth one of the powerful bridles of the
country, fastens a saddle on his back, and, mounting him, removes the
cloak.

"Upon this the astonished horse springs to his feet, and attempts to
throw off his new master, who sits calmly on his back.

"By a treatment which never fails, the gaucho brings the horse to such
complete obedience that he is soon trained to give his whole speed and
strength to the c