New-York tribune., 1907-05-27
DROTES OF WILD HORSES
British Columbia Ranchmen Find It
Difficult to Get Rid of Them.

In a special article from Vancouver B. c. The
Seattle Daily Times tells of the Wild horses that
make their homes among tho untravelled peaks OF
the Alpine Province
To these supple little creatures scale the sIda
OF almost perpendicular mountain. to watch
them leap from rock to rock with the dexterity OF
a mountain goat 10 witness exhibition OF speed
that would sensation one OF our race
tracks, requires good deal Of faith believe that
these hendlike creatures brothers of our pom
derous Percherons and colossal CIydesdales- Such.
however is the case and il Is only another srrtk-
ing example of what environment and conditions
viii do for Unrestrained animal
Away back in the early days explorers and pros
pectors would come horseback from the older
countries of the East and South. Many of these
pioneers perished in their search for gold. while
their horses would survive, and these would join
the ranks Of the bears. panthers and mountain
British Columbia's population These horses formed
the nucleus Of the wild bands of to-day.
Then. the late sos and early 60s. when the
gold fever ragged in the Carboo region. many horses
brought in from the South Tor pack and sad
fifty would he brought in at time, and with
things imaginable Is that some of these horses
would get away from the band and join the ranks
those already enjoying the freedom OF the wilds
These interesting creatures resemble but littls
the stock from which they sprang. Instead of the
fine specimens which have been developed by mans
aid. and of which justly proud, We have a.
value to man The average wild horse of tho
mountains probably will not weigh more than seven
hundred pounds Most of them possess that VI
cious varied eye. which is sufficient warning for
tnOSe with wisdom 10 keep away
Opinions regarding the number OF these Wiltl
horses vary from 800 TO $3.50. There are several
bands of them in different parts of the province
The originators of one herd escaped from pack
train In CaribOO gold DAYS One OF these was a
fine animal, and numerous attempts We're made 70
capture her. Fences which led 10 corral were
built across valley. but from this she escaped
with y posse OF Indians was organized and
stationed in relay fashion. that when one
horse got tired fresh horse and rider would take
up the chase. This kept up for two or three
days. until she finally captured. but she died
that night from exhaustion.
The ranchman who has large herds of cattle and
horses often finds his pastures eaten bare by tho
frequent visits of these mountain pirates Occa-
stOnally these wild horses VIII journey down tbs
mountain sides search Of better pasture. and In
that way get acquainted with the tame horses OF
the ranch The law of greed. common among
all animals prompts the wild horses add to their
numbers. RanChmen have often been surprised To
see in the distance the wild stations fighting with
the mares of his herd. driving them the hillside
and compelling them TO join their cause for free
dom and the heights.
How to rid the province of these worthless pirates
has for some time been considered An act was
passed at the last session of the Legislature
thOrizing any to shoot these horses at certain
times of the year, and after giving due notice to-
horse owners in that district, that any tame
horses which were among them might first be-
captured.