The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1886-03-11
LIFE IN THE SOUTHWEST.
How Texas Winds Literally Pull up Grass
by tho Roots.

by tho Roots.
Some man who was undoubtedly q
good Judge of nature has said that if you
wish to know what wind really is, 60
to Texas and you will get the desired
information. 1t blows so hard here that
the grass is blown up by the roots in
many places, and sprouts are unable to
grow to the size of trees from the same
cause. A "norther'' is fierce North
wind peculiar to this State, which seems
to shrivel up everything it strikes in the
relentless course over plain and hill.
Now everything is sere and yellow ex-
cepting the tops of few cottonwood
trees, which still present green crowns,
as they did in midsummer. But even
these must give way soon, as the Decem-
ber northers respect nothing. The dust
whirls and dances along, powdering
everything so that there is strange
uniformity of color given to every place.
Even the cattle look dust. covered and
nasty, the red, white, gray, and black
one resembling each other in remarka-
BILE degree. The brands even appear
indistinct, which is saying good deal
for brand full in length, as most Texan
and Mexican brands are, besides being
as intricate and artistic as a Chinese
letter of the alphabet No man can say
whence they came or whittier they are
tending.
There has always been something OF q
mystery about the scarcity Of trees, but
the high winds readily solve it. Besides
this, there is very uncanny appearance
about whirlwind of dust far off, and l
have sometimes mistaken them for signal
smokes of the Indians. This is more
easy on ground which has been burnt
over, leaving ashes and Goals lying on
the surface. Then away they fly, straight
up in the air, to be answered apparently
in another direction by similar pillar of
smoke. The inhabitants of the country
are quite deft ia these matters, having
learned much from their old ancestors OF
the forest and prairie. No advantage
can be taken of these smokers or whirl-
winds, so far as known to me, except BY
moving quickly into some gorge, shelter
ed from the storm, and then letting the
winds whistle.
Though the Texas climate is ordinarily
so mild and serene, there are times when
it gets its back up and cuts up some
didos which are the reverse of seemly
and sedate, to say the least of it. Cattle
get very much frightened at these times,
and gallop over immense stretches of
country, only stopping when thoroughly
exhausted-hundreds run themselves to
to death. Horses, too, set possessed at
such times, and run as if the evil one
himself were riding them fully booted
and spurred. The animals become mad
with excitement, and with flowing name
and tail go careering over the ground,
their eyes flashing and their sides heav-
ing from violent exertlon.
When norther changes into snow
storm there is liable to be great deal
of suffering both to man and beast. The
snow drives along thick and fast, and
being about half rain, whatever it touch
es soon becomes wet through and through,
as it is exceedingly penetrating and
tenacious. No coat is proof against the
moist influences, and animals seek such
shelter as can be obtained, and if none
be available their bones are apt to bleach
upon the plain but with all this there is
nothing like the mortality here which
thins out the focks and herds further
north.
A ranch in this country is worth visit
ing, and truly there must be charm in
living in it, as many people from the
north take kindly to ranch life and will
not change it for any other. The build
ing is not as general thing very highly
finished, nor are the surroundings such
as denote great wealth, but the freedom
from care and anxiety make it desirable
and frequently homelike. Cooks are
plentiful, though not excellent, and it is
happy thing, therefore, that the inhabi-
tauts do not care much for what are
known as creature comforts. Ordinarily
there are three or four Mexican herdsmen
living near the main building who have
wives and children to look after and
support. Being frugal people, this is
not difficult task, and is really de-
lightful to see how happily they get
along. Of the pomps and vanities oi
the world they know little about aud
care less.
We burn live.oak wood here, which is
nearly as heavy as stone-coal and makes
equally as hot FIRE. The tree is of low
growth but plants its roots firmly among
the rocks and then thrives. Whole
mountain ranges have been dennded Of
this precious fuel, but the hardy noun
taineers are on hand to replenish when.
ever it is deemed necessary. This wood
makes clean, nice fire, and does not pop
or crackle at all while burning. Those
who are acquainted with the country find
axant nnantitias of IL in nnfrennanted