The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-01-31


but who had not the less taken possession of
their land and settled there; that they them
selves were amongst tho number, and that
although il was Just as likely they would turn
negroes as Roman Catholics, they had no idea
of being turned out of their houses and plan
tatlonsthat at any rate, ifthe AIexicans tried it,
they had their rifles with them, should be apt,
they recSoned, to burn powder before they al
lowed themselves to be kicked off such an
almighty fine piece of soil. So, after while
we began TO think, that as we had paid our
money and come SO far, we might do as 9th
ers had done before us-occupy our land
and wait the course of events The next day
we each bought horse, or mustang, as they
call them there, which animals We're selling
at Brazoria for next to nothing, and rode out
INTO the prairie to look for II convenient spot
to settle. ... .|rFI .t....
These mustangs are small horses. rarely
above fourteen hands high, and are descend
ed from the Spanish breed introduced by the
original conquerors ofthe country. During
the three centuries that have elapsed since
the coquest ofMexico, they have increased
and multiplied to an extraordinary extent
and are to be found in vast droves in the Tex
ian prairies, although they are now beginning
TO become somewhat scarcer. They are Ia
ken with the LdSSo, concerning which instrIl-
ment or weapon, will here say word or
two, Notwithstanding that it has often been
described.
The lasso is usual, from twenty TO thirty
feet long, very flexible, and composed Of
strips oftwisted oX-hide. One end is fasten-
ed to the saddle, and the other, which forms
running moose, held in the hand of the hum
ter, who, thus equipped, rides out into the
prairie. When he discovers troop of wild
horses, he manmuvres to get TO windward of
them, aud then TO approach as near them us
possible. Hhe is an experienced hand, the
horses seldom or never escape him, and as
soon as he finds himself within twenty or
thirty feet of them, he throws the moose with
unerrng aim over the neck of the one lie has
selected for his prey. This done, he turns
his own horse sharp round, gives him the
spur, and gallops away, dragging his unfor-
tunate captive after him, breathless, and with
his windpipe so compressed by the moose,
that he is unable to make the smallest resist
ance, and after n few yards, falls headloug to
the ground, and lies motionless and almost
! liteless, sometimes indeed badly hurt and
disabled. From this day forward, the horse
which has been thus caught never forgets the
lasso; the mere sight oft makes him trenble
in every limb; and however wild he may be,
it is sufficient to show it to him, or lay it on
| his neck, TO render him as tame and docile as
a lqRSb. ..... ........
Thu horse taken, next comes the breaking
\ in which is effected in no less brutal man
ner than his capture The eyes of the I'M
| fortunate animal are covered with bandage
and tremendous bit,a pound weight or more
clapped into his moutfE the horsebreaker puts
on u pair ofspurs six inches long, and with
roweis like penknives, and jumping on his
back urges him to his very utmost speed. If
the horse tres TO rear, or turns FESTIVE, one
pull, and not n very hard one either, at the
Instrument of torture they call bit, is suffi-
cient to tear his mouth to shrcds, and cause
the blood to flow in streams. | have myself
seen horses teeth broken with these barba-
rous bits. The poor beast whinnies aud
groans with pain and terror; but there is no
help for him, the spurs are at his TANKS, and
on he goes full gallop, till he is ready to sink
from fatigue and exhaustion. He then has n
quarter of an hours resi- allowed him; but
scarcely does he begin to recover breath
which has been ridden and spured ont ofhis
body, when he is agaTrl mounted, and has TO
go through the same violent process as be-
fore. Ifhe breaks down during this rude
trial, he is either knocked on the head or driv
EN- away as useless; but if he holds out, he is
marked with hot iron, and left to Craze OH
the prairie. Henceforward, there is no par
ticular difficulty in catching him when want
punished out ofhim, but for it is substituted
the most confirmed vice and malice that it is
possible TO conceive. These mustangs are
unquestionably the most deceitful and spite
| ful ofall the equine race. They seem to be
perpetualiy looking out for an opportunity
of playing their master trick; and very soon
after got possession of mine, | was nearly
paying for him in way that had certainly
not calculated upon. .H.. .......I ....
We were going TO Bolivar, and had to cross
the river BraZos. / was the last but one to
get into the boat, and was leading my horse
carelessly by the bride. Just as was about
to step in, a sudden jerk, and cry of ''mind
your beastm made me jump on one side; and
lucky it was that did so. My mustang had
suddenly sprang back, reared up, and then
thrown himself forward upon me with such
force and fury, that, as got out of his way
his fore feet went completely through the
bottom of the boat Inever in my life saw
an animal in such paroxysm of rage. He
curled up his lips till his whole range ofteetl
was visible, his eyes literally shot fire, while
the foam flew from his mouth, and he gave q
wild screaming neigh that had Something
quite diabolcal in its sound. was standing
perfectly thunderstrllck at this scene, wher
one ofthe party took lasso and very quietly
laid it over the animals neck. The effec
was really magical. With closed mouth
dropping ears, and head low, there stood the
mustang, as meek and as docile as any ole
jackass. The change was so sudden and
comical, that we all burst out laughing; al
though, when Icame to reflect on the danger
had run, it required all my love for horses tc
prevent me from shooting the brute upon the
spot . .. ...
Mounted upon this ticklish steed, and il
company with my friend, made various ex
ID. ~