The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26

them for O race has at least the merit or
simplicity. 10 consists solely in removing
the saddle and tying a rope loosely
around the body OF the pony. The joe
key. after removing most OF his clothing
mounts and thrusts his knees under TINS
rope. This gives him a very secure seat
and a safe one. for by the mere straight
ening OF his leg he can instantly Tree
himself
Seven horses arc entered for the first
heat. The betting Is heavy; even the
poorer McXicans stake their scaniy sup
ply OF silver on the result. The race ls
obligingly postponed until al the Woseis
ara satisfactorily laid.
Then the starter marshals the horses
to the further end Of the bread clay path
and arranges them there on line. with
their tails toward the finish Pulling 10
one side. he draws his pistol and raises
H.. A pun Of pearlv smoke shoots from
its muzzle. aud before the report reaches
those who stand at the finish. the horses
have turned as only cOw-ponies can, ana
come pcltng down The course. The
crowd yels. and so do The riders The
latter have been obliged 10 shed their
spurs when TO prepare for the race, they
took OFF their boots together with other
articles of attire even moro essential
but their two tailed quirts go incessnnt-
o.. Each little horse b. striving iranii-
calv. il seems scarcely an instant before
The short course Is traVerscd, the winner
led away 90 await the final heat, ana
"a new lOt Of horses are IN line at the
starting point, when the scene U.s. repeat
Cd
Two races. each OF four heats. have
been run. when the faint popping Of
siX-shoOtsr supplemented by distant
roar Of Grub Oh. grub, announces
The hour for dinner Spectators and
racers rush back 10 the plaza.
Back of one Of the principal saloons,
between 10 aud the base of the mountain.
a long trench has been dug and filed
with mcsquit wood burned 10 clear, red
Goals. over these Goals, resting on well
soaked green poles. quarters of beef have
been roasting for the last twelve hours
These quarters are hung i'm the different
verandas ana from them each man cuts
such portion as seems good TO him and
retircs 10 eat it. together with whatever
provisions he may have brought with
him; while In the burning sun OF the
plaza the Indians and dogs dispute for
and gorge themselves on the refuse.
The next event is 90 be the roping.
For this part Of the sports several cow
boys. unable 10 come before. ride mp
the plaza. One Of these men is especially
noticeable. with a handsome horse and
a get-up more than usually ornate. ne
has capped his climax with ~ derby hat.
apparently QUITE new, but of the most
pronounced "gum-drop' fashion Of ten
years ago. lie processes great admira-
lion fo- his hard boiled hat" as he calls
IT, and i'm reply TO the many inquiries as
TO his reason for wearing 1t, says that
he does so in order that the company
there ass mhled may have AN Opp0rtun-
ity 10 see what fashionable headgear is
like. But the company does not seem 10
appreciate this privilege. As the owner
of the hot purchases "a dish Of the mix
ture called ice cream by its pcrpetrator,
another cowboy snatChes the cup; and
observing that any one wearing such
tile deserves warmer climate even than
the one afordcd by Arizona. he gallops
on The man with the hat Tursues him,
and there follows some OF the pretticst
riding OF the day. one man trying 10 i'm
sert his spoon into the ice cream with
which the other tries To escape.
A sudden turn throws The derby from