g is in
readiness, the first horse is led carefully into the water, while the
men on the opposite bank, pulling upon the rope, thus direct him
across, and, if necessary, aid him in stemming the current. As soon as
this horse strikes bottom he pulls upon those behind him, and thereby
assists them in making the landing, and in this manner all are passed
over in perfect safety.

DRIVING LOOSE HORSES.

In traveling with loose horses across the plains, some persons are in
the habit of attaching them in pairs by their halters to a long, stout
rope stretched between two wagons drawn by mules, each wagon being
about half loaded. The principal object of the rear wagon being to hold
back and keep the rope stretched, not more than two stout mules are
required, as the horses aid a good deal with their heads in pulling
this wagon. From thirty to forty horses may be driven very well in this
manner, and, if they are wild, it is perhaps the safest method, except
that of leading them with halters held by men riding beside them. The
rope to which the horses are attached should be about an inch and a
quarter in diameter, with loops or rings inserted at intervals
sufficient to admit the horses without allowing them to kick each
other, and the halter straps tied to these loops. The horses, on first
starting, should have men by their sides, to accustom them to this
manner of being led. The wagons should be so driven as to keep the rope
continually stretched. Good drivers must be assigned to these wagons,
who will constantly watch the movements of the horses attached, as well
as their own teams.

I have had 150 loose horses driven by ten mounted herdsmen. This
requires great care for some considerable time, until the horses become
gentle and accustomed to their herders. It is important to ascertain,
as soon as possible after starting, which horses are wild, and may be
likely to stampede and lead off the herd; such should be led, and never
suffered to run loose, either on the march or in camp. Animals of this
character will soon indicate their propensities, and can be secured
during the first days of the march. It is desirable that all animals
that will not stampede when not working should run loose on a march, as
they pick up a good deal of grass along the road when traveling, and
the success of an expedition, when animals get no other forage but
grass, depends in a great degree upon the time given them for grazing.
They will thrive muc