The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-06-24

gradually enIarging the circles BY permitting tbs
smooth rope to clip gently through hia fingesu
BY sudden motion, at the same instant
plunging the spur into his charger, ia order to
increase his speed, IL possible, he dashed quickly
forward, and hurled his lasso with unerring skill
around the neck Of the foremost horse The
herd were now thrown into panic, and wheel
ing around in their course, they were COM
pletely surrounded by their pursuers Several
were lassoed by the natives, and the remainder
kept together by two or three of the horsemen,
who were continually circling around them not
one escaped, aud ere hour had elapsed they
were driven safely into one Of the peHs at Ca
Juelro, neighlng loudly, and their mouths cover
ed with creamy foam. The best horses being
selected from the herd, and properly secured.
the Others We're again turned at large
The mode adopted by the natives, Of breaking
them, cannot be styled by any other term than
that of barbarous; yet it is so eiicacious that
the poor animals are rendered perfectly dociie
and manageable in the course of two or three
days.
One afternoon an opportunity was afforded
me OF witnessing the operation. In the largest
incosure proudly stood one of the majestic
animals, kicking up the earth with his hoofs, and
shaking the heavy name ON his finely curved
neck, while his bright eyes glanced fearfulIy
around him, and his loud laughing voice ringing
wildly in the quiet air, seemed to be calling on
his far-oH companions for relief
The fiery creature was held by strong hal
ter, of at least fifteen feet in length, manned by
three OF the muscular and barc-chested natives
Soon moose was thrown around his neck by
a couple OF powerful blacks stationed on the OPP
posite side OF the inclosure. They then pulled
oil ~ ~
had hold of the halter exerted themselves
vehemently in the contrary direction. The OBJ
ject evidently was to effect partial stranQulaton
in order that they might weaken and TEN porarily
overcome the wonderful power of the spirited
creature.
Violent were the plunges of the captive steed
as he sought in vain, by superhumnn exertions,
to free himself from the grasp Of his cruel tor
mentors, who stood like heartless demons
around him. His terrific leaps only served 10
draw the cord tighter and tighter about his neck
his breathing became more and more difficult
and might have been heard andibIy at the dis
lance of a furlong. His heart beat as if it
would burst from his heavng bosom, and his
veins stood out in ridges along his quivering
flesh. At last overwhelmed with the intensity
Of his agony, and powerless from suffocation,
he fell, and for an instant lay without sense or
motion upon the ground The moose was i'm
mediately oosed about his neck, and shortly re-
turning consciousness began to light his glazed
eyes-the fresh air swelIed his nostriIs, and his
tremendous chest rose and fell like the pillows
of the sea. At the expiration of fifteen minutes
he was once more on his feet, but how different
from the magnificent animal who had stood, in
his native pride and dignity, paving that sandy
soil an hour before Weak--hardly able to
stand-his head dropping, and his eyes without
ray, he looked like miserable spectre of his
former self--like a monarch dragged from his
throne, who has been scofed at by those whom
he had before despised, and forced to be Il
wretched and miserable save
The persecution of the horse was now by no
means concluded. AS soon as he had recoy-
cred somewhat from his exhaustion, he was
mounted by naked Indian, who was rewarded
for his temerity by being thrown to consider
able distance over the head of the animal The
native, however, was but little hurt, and in a few
moments again resumed his dangerous seat
This time he kept his place, notwithstanding the
vast efforts OF the animal to shake him off; in
fact the horse and his rider, being nearly Of the
same color, brought wildly to my mind the re-
membrance of an ancient Centaur
The animal was now held tightly by long
rope. and forced to run round and round in a
circle. Whenever he tagged, or manifested the
slightest obstnacy, native with heavily knott
ed cord swinging around his head would give
him terrible blow on his TANKS, the pain of
which was almost sufficient to drive him to mad
ness Gradually he become more and more
passive, and at the end ofanother hour was quite
tractable