Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1912-01-24

lose no time in branding them with
their own outfits brand, using run
ming iron" which they carry for the
purpose.
The herd being now punched UP.
fires are lighted and the "hempen
rifles" are uncoiled. Calves are roped
and dragged to the branding fires,
where couple of men on foot grab
and hold the calf, clearing the lariat
so that the rider may be free to fetch
another one They then apply the
heated irons for two or three seconds.
The branding completed, they admins
lister gentle kick to the bewildered
calf to remind him he is free, and
they are ready for the next. This
goes on until all the calves and yearl-
ings have been branded.
The climatic and physical conditions
of the country seem to have quite an
effect on the cattle running wild.
Their breeding propensities vary &C
cordipg to the country.
Each member of herd seems to
know its place. and prefers It's own to
any other herd. but ike all other rules
this one is proved by exceptions. and
sometimes in large herd calves Will
get mixed up and separated from their
mothers, and in such cases disputes
will arise as to the ownership OF the
calves. II not satisfactorily settled
otherwise, the calf in dispute Is taken
to the fire and the branding irons APP
piled with not suffi cient pressure, how
ever, to make permanent mark. but
sufficiently to burn the calf and make
1t cry out. In moment there is an
answering below from one Of the
herds. followed by stir among the
cattle, who seem almost to make
gangway for the concerned mother as
she rushes to answer the call OF her
calf A rope is shot around her hind
legs as she leaves the fringe OF the
herd, allowing her no chance to make
any serious objections. her brand Is
observed and the calf branded accord
ingly. Justice is served. The COW and
calf are turned loose again, and It Is
fine sight to watch them beat It.
together for the herd.
The branding done and stock taking
finished, the beef ready for shipping Is
driven to the home range to await
actual shipment. and the remainder OF
the cattle are once more free to wan
der the hills and plains until the fall.
when the big drive will take place.
The rounding up Of cattle is some
times difficult, as they. unlike horses.
take notion. to split up in
punches and head of in all directions,
making much work for the riders.
Cattle are not roped as are horses.
The latter are thrown by their fore
legs, the cattle roped by their hind.
legs. The reason for these different
methods will be readily understood
when one remembers that. while a
horse. rises from the ground with his
forelegs, the cattle are able to rise
only with their hind legs In the case
Of the horses also. they are less liable
to be injured or to injure themselves
when thrown in this way.
The COW pony enjoys the chase. the
puncher's "Haloo-oo!" being to him
what the hunters horn IS to the
hound. He understands every move
ment of his rider, who. Wether at
work or play, seldom touches a
bride rein. Should he wish to gallop
he lifts his elbows and he is borne
away; If he wishes to go to the right
or to the left he leans slightly In
either direction, and a gentle touch on
the pony's neck Is sufficient to pull
him up When the rider is about to
make a throw the pony slows up, and
when he sees>the rope uncoil ahead Of
him he advance again and finally
stops dead as the loop settles about
steer, jerks back his head, stiffens
his neck and prepares for the shock.
aiding the rider in throwing his vic
tim. and all this of his own accord
and without having received any
spoken command from his rider.
The kind of COW puncher we read
about, who was as indelibly marked
with the physical characteristics Of
his calling as were the cattle he herd
ed with the brand Of their owners.
has given way to the less hardy and
picturesque cowboy or stockhand OF
today. who may be beating a train to-
morrow or driving team In the city.