Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1879-05-31

Eipnl inc ENt@ icth sun
1t is the early dawn of May day in
western Kansas. A sea Of rolling bill.
lows OF land extends in every direction
to the utmost reach Of the vision. The
plains are covered with a rich growth
of bluejoint and buffalo grass. A herd
of cattle is sleeping in a corral by a
creek-cows, two-y ear-olds, yearliDgs,
and calves. A few ponies are picketed
with long ropes on the prairie. A couple
of saddles, blankets, and brides hang
on pegs by the corral bars. The scene
is eminenuy peaceful. Occasionally q
cow rises, and, walking to the salt bar
rel, gently ticks the salt, then ticks her
nose, as though she had serious thoughts
Of picking it, so rs 20 insure its keep
ing over summer. But on reflection
she concludes it will keep this season at
any rate, and walks over TO the scratch
ing posts and there stands rubbing her
neck up and down. Suddenly STOP
ping, she gazes, open-eyed, at a wolf,
yards from the corral, sitting there pen
sively. looking mt the great amount of
fresh meat. After gazing at the wolf
until satisfied, the COW lies down again.
The deep breathing of the cattle, the
morning calls of the NEE low larks, the
soft music of the wind as it whistles
through the short, tender grass, are the
only sounds heard.
As the east grows red, the occupants
of large dug-out situated by the bank
Of creek lounge slowly out, and walk
to the water, and drink and wash-the |
latter speedy operation, as the herder |
does not waste time in washing. One
goes to feed the ponies corn, and saddle |
them; the other builds a fire and
cooks breakfast. This meal con-
sists of corn-dodgers, or baking
powder biscuit. fried bacon, and
strong coffee without milk or sugar.
There may be 200 cows in the herd, but
none are MIXED. The herders simply
exist with as little trouble rs possible
As u rule, they do not read do not
think of any thing but the cattle. To
attesd these well is their ambition. Al
ter breakfast the bars are taken down
and the cattle string out of the corral.
Forming in long files, they follow the
deep, well worn trails that lead to the
feeding grounds. 1t is very leisurely
march. Now and then an animal drops
out OF file, eats few mouthfuls of grass,
but soon drops into file again and re-
sumes marching. On reaching the de-
sired feeding ground the cattle spread
and begin feeding. At about 10 o'clock
they are full, or nearly SO; and in list
less manner they change front, and feed
toward water. Arriving there, the herd
drink, stand in thewater, and so 'sioaf''
away an boar. They then lie down, and
Ior two or three hours remain quiet. As
he sun gets low the cattle again spread
md feed. As the sun sinks 10 the hori. ,
ION the herders slowly force them to T,
eed toward their corral, and by the +,
lime they have led up to it, it is gener- {
I!ly dusk. Bars are put up, ponies .
taxed out, supper cooked and eaten, {
md the herders go 10 bed 4
In all herds there are a few animals
hat lead off; that is, they will not re- a
main on your range, but constantly en- t
eavor TO lead the herd TO pastures new. |,
'hese animals are generally yellow or u
lack steers; but sometimes cows or b
eifers are guilty Of the trick. OF course V
,ese animals are sold as soon as posi- G
lie; but until sold they are the cause of il
vast amount of hard riding. Many Il
re the devices used to break them of a
lis habit, but never knew any 10 be X
lccessful l well remember a large b,
ree-year-old heifer, coal black in col IL
:, which had great desire to feed in to
ravine that We did not want her TO W
ed in. Almost daily she would slip e,
1t of the herd, aud some of US would hi
I'VE to drive her back. One day new ST
rider, unaccustomed TO Texas cattle. W,
id he could brighten the heifer out of
e rayine, and frighten her so badly pr
At she would never again leave the
rd. We all told him to 90 ahead W,
III his plan. Riding near the rayine, if