Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1880-01-29
California Drivers.

The California ranchmen have won derfl
aptitude for driving, and one sees some
pretty good examples among the hills. The
road down the mountain sides is entirely
unguardcd upon the outer edge, and the dc
scent In most places is precepitous. A
balky horse or fractured wheel, or a slight
carelcssness in hand ing the reins. might
easily send carriage load of people to des-
truCtion--and an awful destruction. too.
| The path is wide enough for one pair OF
wheels, only, but, at intervals, in favorable
| places, il broadens so that teams may pass
each other TO drive in such a manner as
not to meet another traveller midway be-
! tween these places is special branch of the
art. The huge lumber teams which carry
wood from the mills in the mountains to the
yards in the valleys, beng unwieldy and
very heavy, are especially hard to manage.
\ ct the drivers always seem easy and non
chalant. First, there is a large four wheeled
oaken truck, with a seat in front ten feet
| above the ground; behind it is another
truck, somewhat shorter, but still enormous
! ly stout. These are fastened together and
loaded with from ten to fifteen tons of fresh
ly sawn lumber-boards and joists This
mass is drawn 10y six or eight mules or
horses, guided by reins and a prodiglously
long whip. The first wagon has powerful
brake, worked by long iron lever by the
driver upon his seat. The driver is man
of nerve and courage His skill must be
of the highest order. 1t will not do for him
to take fright even if in imminent danger.
and he must know TO hair breadth where
he can go, and where he can not. Towering
up far above the road, overlooking the most
stupendous depths, and guiding with few
slender lines a tremendous force, he must
needs TO be an adept and tireleSS one.
But a acknowledgement of the danger that
constantly surrounds him-would say that
his work was simple, and that he managed
matters with ease. True, he seems so.
With his broad-brimcd hat shading his sun
burned face, his sinewy hands holding the
reins with carelessness, lis legs outstretch-
ed. with one foot feeling the all-impOrtant
brake, he jogs onward with his monster
charge without trouble or concern; the bells
upon the horses breasts jingle little tune;
the great wheels crush the stones in the
path; the load creaks like a ships hull in
sudden gust; wild birds sweep down into
hazy, sunny depths below; yet the driver
seems 10 take no heed. But let a scare take
place; let a herd of runaway cattle appear
at bend and set the horses wild, and then
see what will happen. The day dreamer
will become giant of strength: he is up
in flash he shortens his hold upon the
reins, and feeling his wagon start up beneath
him, places a foot of iron on the brake
The horses snort and rear and surge the
harness rattle, the dust arises, the load
shrieks again, and the huge wheels turn
fatally faster and faster. An instant may
hurl the wagon down into the valley with
its struggling train-a mad rush TO the
other side of the way may end all in one
horrible plunge. muscle, eye, brain, skill
are then brought to work SO splendidly to-
gcther that the peril is averted, and the
looker-on, who knows not the way Of the
land, regards the teamster with profound
respect thereafter.