The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-12-27

One of the most prolific sources ofwealth
throughout entire Texas, is the raising Of
horses. As the bluegrass region Of Ken
lucky affords such delightiul food for
horses, more extensive and greater crop
Of mesquite grass, peculiar TO Texas only,
furnishes to the stock-raiser far better
article Of food, and almost without limit.
Everywhere west Of the Trinity river Il is
abundant, and east Of that river il is found
in many localities. Until very recently,
stock men and herd-raisers encountered
severe trials from the Indians, who would
frequently make raids and rob them Of
much of their property; taking on these
occasions, the very best stock on the ranche
One Of the peculiaritics Of all the Indian
tribes is their knowledge of and extraordi-
nary foundness for the horse. They seem
to have an intuitive understanding Of all
the strong points about the animal, aud
generally steal the best Of the horses on
the rancho or in the corral, or wherever
else these governmental thieves make their
predatory ineursions. Keeping OF raising
horses is much easier than cattle or sheep.
After securing the rancho, the owner di-
vides his stock into Glands, or ''bunches,
or "cayallard's', of 90 to 25 mares aud
their colts, and as many yearlings, and
places stallion with them, which acts in
the capacity Of herder. The bunches are
placed about mile apart. The stallion
guards his cavallard with Jealous eye,
and allows no interference from other
horses, often battling so ferociously with
any and all intruders that when the owner
or herdsman approaches, he is compelled
to use stones or other missiles before the
guardian allows him to enter the range
over which he holds supreme Jurisdiction.
When the horses 60 to water, his equine
majesty drives them to the creek, stands
over them while they drink, quenches his
own thirst, and then leads the baud back
to their accustomed feeding grounds. He
also brings the bunch up to the sailing
place, keeps the closest watch over those
entrusted to his guardianship and, when
all have received their quota Of salt, the
chief circles and leads them back as be-
fore. Hcrding or driving by the cayallard
exhibits the sagacity Of the animal. In
cases Of either of the mares, colts, year
lings, or two-year olds wandering or run.
ming OF, the attendant promptly follows
circles, or promptly runs around the estray
and with ears well set, puts his head neal
the ground on the side opposite to the di
rection in which he desires them 10 90
and, understanding his nod, they usual,
yield willing obedience, and start back Z
the rancho, or wherever the cavallard ma,
be. Should the mares become rebellious
the stallion Kicks aud bites them until the,
become obedient aud placed under com
pete subjectiou. The supreme comman,
OF this horse, and the autocratical manne
in which he shows his authority, is delight
ful to behold. He is a very severe discip
linarian, most careful aud competen
guardian, and as kind to those under hin
as mother can be to a babe. When, b
chance, two cavallards happen to meet
the stallion representing each viii adyanc
and commence to battle. It is general
sharp and decisive. The lunches, whe
their leaders begin to eight, move off t
the right aud left, every step widening q
up aud down theirrespeetiye columns, wit
more anxiety and exercising even create
surveillance than faithful colonel at tn
head Of his regiment When the engage
ment terminates, and quiet is fully Restores
along the entire line, the stallion takes hi
accustomed position in the rear Whel
on they move for better grass, and il j
found aud it is necessary for the bunch t
stop, the stallion selects the ground, an,
running forty or fifty yards ahead, put
his ears back, his head down, and come
to halt, facing those under his charge
The bunch will Immediately obey this sig
nal, and 60 to grazing,