The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1880-01-03
HORSE RAISING IN TEXAS.

One Of tEe most prolific sources OF
wealth throughout entire Texas, is the
raising OF horses. As the blue grass
region of Kentucky affords such delight
full food tor horses, 4 more extensive and
greater crop Of mosquito grass, peculiar
to Texas only, furnishes to the stock
raiser a far better article OF food, and
almost without limit. Everywhere west
Of the Trinity river il is abundant, and
east Of that river it 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 rancho. One
of the peculiarities OF all the Indian
tribes is their knowledge of and eXtraor-
binary fondneSs for the horse. They seem
to have an intuitive understanding of all
the strong points about the animal, and
generally steal the best of the horses on
the rancho or in the coral, or wherever
else these government thieves make their
/ predatory incursions. Keeping or raising
horses is much easier than cattle or sheen.
/ After securing the rancho. the owner di-
vides his stock into bands or lunches. ;
or 'cavallards, of 20 to % mares and
their colts and as many yearlings. and
places Il stallion with them. which acts in
the capacity of herder. The punches are
OH IL,
guards his carallard with Il Jealous eye
and allows no interference from other
horses, often battling SO ferociously with
any and all intruders that when the own
er or herdsman approaches. he is com
PEELED TO Use stones or missiles before the
guardian allows him to enter the rancho
over which he holds supreme jurisdiction.
When the horses 90 to water, his equine
majesty drives them to the creek stands
over them while they drink. uuenches his
own thirst, and then leads the band baci,
to their accustomed feeding grounds. lie
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. llerGing or driving by the cavallar,i
exhibits the Sagacity OF the animal. In
cases of either of the mares. colts. YEAR
lings, or two-year Odds wandering or run
ming off, the attendant promptly follows.
Circles or promptly runs around the
astray. and with ears well set. put his
head near the ground on the side opposite
to the direction in which he desires them
to 80. and understanding his nod. they
usually yield willing obedience, and
start back TO the rancho. II whercyer the
cayalard may be. Should the mares be-
come rebellous. the stallion kicks and
bites them until they become obeClient
and placed under complete subjoction.-
The supreme command Of this horse and
the autocratical manner in which he
shows his authority, is delightful to be-
hold. lie is a very severe disciplinaran.
a most careful and competent guardian.
and as kind to those under him as a
mother can be to a babe. When, by
chance, two cavallards happen to meet,
the stallion representing each will advance
and commence to battle. 1t is generally
sharp and decisive. The punches, when
their leaders begin to fight, move OFT to
the right and left, every step widening
the distance between thom. The stations
run upand down their respective columns
with mere anxiety and exercising even
greater surveillance than 4 faithful colo
mel at the head of his regiment. When
the engagement terminates, and quiet is
fully restored along the entire line. the
stallion takes his accustomed position in
the rear When on they move for better
grass, and it is found and il is necessary
for the bunch to stop, the stallion selects
the ground, and running forty OF fifty
yards ahead, puts his oars back, his head
10. hole L..