s
much hard riding, which he greatly enjoys if no accident befalls him.
But dashing on in heedless speed while rounding up cattle he is ever
liable to mishaps, as his horse, although sure footed, may at any time
step into a prairie dogs' hole or stumble on a loose rock that is
liable to throw both horse and rider to the ground in a heap. He is,
indeed, fortunate if he escapes unhurt, or only receives a few bruises
and not a fractured bone or broken neck.

His work consists in riding over the range and marking the condition of
the cattle; line riding to prevent the stock from straying; looking
after the springs and water holes and keeping them clean; branding
calves, gathering steers for market and assisting in the general work
of the round-up. Every day has its duty and every season its
particular work, yet there are times of considerable leisure during the
year. After his day's work is done he repairs to the ranch house, or
to some outlying camp, whichever happens to be nearest when night
overtakes him, for every large ranch has one or more such camps posted
at some convenient point that furnishes temporary shelter and
refreshment, where he rests and eats his frugal meal with a relish that
only health and rough riding can give.

If he is at the home ranch in winter he spends the long evenings before
an open hearth fire of blazing logs and by the light of the fire and
the doubtful aid of a tallow dip lounges the hours away in reading and
cogitation; or, if in the company of congenial companions, engages in
conversation and pleasantry or any amusement that the party may select.
At an early hour he turns in for the night and after a sound and
refreshing sleep is up and out with the dawn. After breakfast he
mounts his horse and in his striking and characteristic costume of
broad sombrero, blue flannel shirt, fringed chaperejos and jingling
spurs he rides forth to his work a perfect type of the gallant
caballero.

CHAPTER V

THE ROUND-UP

In the range cattle business it is important for every owner of live
stock to have some mark by which he can tell his own cattle. It is
impossible for any man to remember and recognize by natural marks every
animal in a large herd. On the open range there are no fenced pastures
to hold the cattle, but all are permitted to run free and mix
promiscuously. To distinguish the cattle of different owners a system
of earmarks and brands has been devised by which each ranchman ca