The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-18
THE AUTOMOBILE IN THE WILDs
A Puzzle to Cowboys in the Region
of Ranches.


AUSTIN. Tex. March lit is predicted
that the automobile will come into prac-
teal use on many Texas ranches within the
next few years John G. Kennedy, proprie-
tor of La PARA ranch. in Nueces county, is
giving one of these vehicles a test, and is
so far well pleased with the results. 1t is
of the runabout variety, but is much
stronger and more substantially constructs
ed than the ordinary road vehicle 1t is
run by gasoline motor.
The day after its arrival Mr.. Kennedy
and the foreman Of the ranch started cut
TO make i run to distant part of the
ranch. Their course was through large
pasture, in which about fifteen hundred
head of cattle were grazing. These cattle
had no fear of men on horseback but
when they caught sight of the horseIess
machine making toward them they stam-
peded and tore across the pasture in
solid body. When they reached the wire
fence or the opposite side of the pasture
they went right through it. Many Of them
were cut and injured by the barbed wires
Mr. Kennedy and the foreman returned 10
the ranch headquarters as fast as the auto
mobile could carry them and the whole
force OF cowboys was ordered out TO round
up the excited cattle ard return them to
the pasture. The stalIpeded herd was
overtaben several miles away and, after
hard work. was again placed in the pas
ture. This experience taught Mr. Ken
edy That he must allow the cattle to be-
come acquainted with the automobile uy
degrees. For several days ne has been
running the vehicle about the place with
horses driven Immediately in front OF it.
The cattle are gradually becoming used TO
the conveyance.
Ever since the arrival of the automo-
bile the cowboys have had q strong desire
TO try their hand at rOping cattle from its
seat. Mr.. Kennedy was prevailed upon to
give them trial at this sport and num-
Der of three year-cld steers were turned
into large corral where the roping con-
test was to occur. John Fisher and Harry
TOwles. TWO of the most expert ropers on
the ranch. We're to have the first trial.
Fisher was to run the vehicle. while
Towles was to do the rOping. Fisher re
ceived careful instructions as to the man
agement of the propelling lever and brake.
When Towles landed the rope over the
steers horns Fisher was to bring the au-
tomobile TO quick stop. The horse end
of the rope was to be thrown around the
front axle. The vehicle entered the corral
AT ten mile clip and when the steers
saw it coming toward them they struck
for the far side of the enclosure at full
speed. The vehicle followed closely IN
their wake and when the animals saw that
they were about to be cornered they
turned tail and made break to get by
the terrorizing object. Here was Towles'
opportunity. He gave Fisher word to be
ready and then threw the rope at one of
tho steers. The coil settled down over
the animals horns and the horse end was
quickly wound around the front axle. The
vehicle, however, was not brought to
standstill. but continued right on toward
the high fence that bounded the corral.
Fisher was Juggling desperately at the
throttle. but something was wrong with
the machinery and he could not stop the
vehicle Towles grabbed hold OF the
steering lever and managed to turn the
thing just in time to escape colliding with
the fence. The wild automobile then
started toward the other side of the cor
raj. dragging the roped steer in its wake.
An exit was made from the corral by
careful steering and the wild automobile
started ON a trip across the big pasture.
As soon as the other cowboys who were
watching tho ropiDg proceedings under
stood what the trouble was about they
overlook the runaway and cut the rope TO
which the unfortunate steer was attached.
The two cowboys stuck manfully to their
post, and after the machine had run about
fifteen miles they managed TO get the pro-
polling lever working again and ii was
brought TO a standstill. No further at
tempts will be made to use the automo-
bile for roping cattle until the cowboys
unders tand better how TO manage IL.