Mariposa Democrat. [volume], July 02, 1857, Image 1

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Jllatrijjusa Democrat.
WARREI BAER, Editor and Pnbllalicr.
YOL. 1.
PROFESSIONAL CARDS.
S. A. MEKBITT ALEX. UKEKINQ.
JtIEHniTT {f HJ EflU t,
ATTORNEYS AT LAW.
Office on Main street, between Fourth ami Fifth.
MARIPOSA. Allf
ALEX. PEERING, NOTARY PUBLIC.
Henry G. Worthington,
ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT LAW.
Office in Fremont’s Adobe House. corner Main and Fifth its.
altf MARIPOSA.
R. H . DALY,
COUNSELLOR AT LAW;
DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND NOTARY PUBLIC;
MARIPOSA.
Office in the Court Hoaae Building. aS-tf
•AML. B. AIJRON B. B. HARRIS.
ALISON & HARRIS,
ATTORNEYS AT LAW,
MARIPOSA.
Office on Main, bktwkkn Fourth and Fifth Sts.
altf
R. B. Hall,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
MERCED FALLS, MERCED COUNTY. altf
J . S . WATTS,
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE FOR TOWNSHIP No. 3.
Office on Mam street, two doors below the Post Office,
MARIPOSA. altf
ALFRED F. WASHBURN,
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE FOR TOWNSHIP No. 3,
OFFICE IN MARIPOSA. alt!
Dr. 11. J. Paine,
DENTIST,
I .ATE OF THE FIRM OF PAINE fc BEERS, DENTIgTB.
BAN FRANCISCO,
Is now permanently located at
H O Ml JV I T O S ,
WHERE HE WILL BE HAPPY TO ATTEND TO CALLS
in his profession. Having, during an extensive prac
tlce of seventeen years, made many Improvement* in the
Dental Art, and assisted materially in bringing it toils pres
ent high state of perfection, he feels warranted in saying to
all those wishing IH-ntal operations |»erfornied, or Artificial
Teeth inserted, on fine gold plate, that his work cannot lie
excelled in the United States. Terms moderate. Consults
lions free.
N. B Dr. P. will make, occasionally, professional visits
to the neighboring Towns, when he will attend persons at
their re si HUM, n pon IffMliM, either by letter Off other
wise. altf
Dr. A. J. liasotor,
PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON,
LOWER A 0 U A FRIO.
OFFICE—FIRST DOOR BELOW WHITTIER’S HOTEL.
DR. L. WILL DEVOTE HIS ASSIDUOUS AT
itention to the examination and treatment of such
caaeH and disorders as may be brought to hi* notice.
Personal attendance will i« given in any part of the
(■County, on «hort notice, when required.
A new utock of Medic.lnen. pure and fresh, just re
ceived. Agua Frio, July 8,1856. altf
DR. W. S. KAVANAUGH.
OFFICE —ON MAIN STREET, OPPOSITE DR. HUBBELL’S
DAGUEHREAN GALLERY. MARIPOSA. altf
DR. JAMES L. CLARKE.
OFFICE “PINE TREE HOUSE,” CORNER FIFTH AND
MAIN STREETS. MARIPOSA. altf
DR. THOMAS PATH*.
gar Office —At Dr. A. D. Boyce’s Drug-Store, opposite
4he Yosemite Hotel, Mariposa.—where he may be consulted
at all hours. allf
J. B. I SBA J L,
DENTIST,
MAIN STREET, MARIPOSA,
Formerly of Philadelphia, (pexn.) is perma
nenlly located in Mariposa, having a comfortable and
convenient Office, nest door to the Pacific Express, with all
<he necessary Instruments and appliances. Will do any
hind of work that pertains to the profession of l*»*ntistry. in
a manner which shall give entire satisfaction, or the money
refunded Artiliclal Teeth inserted on Gijd Plate or on
livot. as the case may require. Teeth Hugged wltii pure
ifold, or extracted. Children's Teeth regulated when neces
sary. and all Diseases of the Gums treated, the most of
which are called scurvy of the gums. Cure, or no pay.
Chloroform administered, it deal red. Terms reasonable.
(Examination free. allf
COOK &. FENXE U,
CO UNSELLORS AT LAW,
Parsons Building, No. 140 Clay Street,
a2!Uf SAN FRANCISCO.
JOHN A. LENT,
Attorney and Counsellor at Law,
No. 42 Montgomery Block, Montgomery street,
al tf BanFkaNCIRCO.
S. K. carpentier,
COUNSELLOR AT LAW AND NOTARY PUBLIC,
Corner Merchant and Montgomery streets,
*1 If Sax Francisco.
N. Potty,
CONSTABLE, TOWNSHIP NO. 1.
Particular attention paid to the collection of
Accounts, Notea, Ac., jolltf
SIGN PAINTINGr
ORNAMENTAL SIGNS AND GENERAL LETTERING,
in a superior manner, and according to the latest
styles, executed with neatness and dispatch, and at reason
able rates. CLAVE A l r .
Odd Fello* Hal!. Maripora 4pH2 7th 1157. a« tf
HORNITOS, MARIPOSA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, THURSDAY MORNING, JULY 2, 1857.
MARIPOSA BUSINESS HOUSES.
UNION HOUSE.
BY FRANK WILLIAMS,
(Formerly of the “Franklin House.”)
MARIPOSA.
THE PROPRIETOR INVITES FRIENDS,
Strangers and Old Customers to give him a call at his
New House, near the head of Main street,
At the Liberty Polti
Where Board and I.odging of a first class Hotel can
be obtained.
.... To his House are also attached ...
LIVERY STABLE
. . ,*NI>
BATHS I BATHS I BATHS I
Those who desire the comforts and benefits of a
clean, luxurious Bath, Hot, Cold, Temperate, or
Shower, can be accommodated, as the Proprietor
spares no pains in administering to the wants of the
outer as well as the inner man. Baths Fifty Cents
each. altf
MARIPOSA HOOK STORE.
A!»D
NEWS DEPOT,
AT THE OFFICE OF WELLS. FARGO k CO.
Main street, Mariposa.
THE UNDERSIGNED WOULD RESPECTFULLY
inform the Public tha he will keep constantly on
hand a good selection of
BOOKS, STATIONERY,
FANCY ARTICLES,
MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS,
Which will heeold at Rata to wit the Tima.
STEAMER PAPERS, for sending to the Atlantic
States or Europe, (in wrappers, postage paid,) will be
kept on the counter, at 25 cents j»er copy.
California Daily or Weekly Papers furnisded ov the
single copy or by the week.
Orders for such Rooks or Articlcsas are not ou hand
will be received and promptly attended to. JyHtf
Mariposa, July 8,1856. J. B. CONDON.
NEW TOBACCO, CIGAR,
AND
VARIETY STORE,
.... WHOLESALE AND RET All
OPPOSITE CASHMAN** NEW STORE.
MARIPOSA.
By Noal d? MoG-rann.
err THE PROPRIETORS HAVE RECENTLY
received an addition of many Articles most common
in use, and will try to accommodate the wants and
taste of the Public, especially in
TOBACCO AND CIGARS.
Great pains have been taken to select a good variety of
FANCY ARTICLES,
That are sire to suit our Customers. To enumerate
all our Articles, is useless: we will only mention
NUTS. BOOKS.
FRUITS, STATIONERY,
BUTTER, CUTLERY,
CHEESE, FANCY TOYS.
GARDEN SEEDS, CONFECTIONERY,
OIL, WALL PAPER,
ETC., ETC. altf
J. A. HENRY,
Butcher’s Shop,
MARIPOSA,
AND WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN
Groceries and ProviHions,
Superior Old French Wines and Liquors,
Havana and American Cigars,
French Clothing, direct from Faria.
WST Mlncra and others an* requested to call and examine
for themselves before purchasing elsewhere. altf
NEW ORLEANS
OX.OT H I N G
AND
DRY GOODS STORE,
MARIPOSA.
nAVK ON HAND A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF GOODS,
suitable for Farmers and Miners,and a HEAVY FALL
STOCK, which we offer to 8101.1. C’ll K \ PI
altf B. OPI'ENHEIM k CO.
DOHADO
FANCY DRINKING AND BILLIARD SALOON.
The undersigned begs leave to in
form nia frienda and the public generally, that
having renewed business at bla large and spacious Sa
loon known aa the “EL DORADO," he will now be
happy to receive the patronage of his old customers.
85T THE BAR will always be supplied with the
choicest brands of LIQUORS AND CIGARS.
LEROY VINING, Proprietor.
Mariposa, May 20th, 1857. m2U-tf
MARIPOSA BAKERY,
BY O. MEYEH dJ CO.
MAIN STREET, RETWEEN FIFTH AND SIXTH, MARIPOSA.
»r THE PROPRIETOR OF THE MARIPOSA
BAKERY ia always ready to supple Families with
good, wholesome BREAD; also, PIES and CAKES,
at LIVING PRICES.
Mariposa, July 8, 185«. nltf
THE GEM!
Main Street, (opposite Van Dyke’s Saloon,)
MARIPOSA.
JW. TOIINEY respectfully inform* hi* friend* and the
# public that he ha* now on baud a choice selection of
the BF>T LIQUORS. WINES AND CORDIALS, and thank
ful for past favor*, lie respectfully solicit* a continuance of
their patronage—having full confidence that he ia able to
give hi* customer* entire satisfaction. eltf
R. B. THOMAS,
ARCHITECT AND CARPENTER,
MARIPOSA,
Will furnish Designs for Buildings. Specifications
Bill* of Lumber, Estimate of Cost, etc.,and undertake
Building* on moderate terras. All work entrusted to
him will he executed with neatness and despatch.
Shop on Bullion street, near Concert Hall. Jyfltf
"THE UNION AND ITS GOVERNMENT."
Hariposit Jfinocrat.
PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY MORNING,
BY WARREN BAER,
EDITOR AND PUBLISHER.
TERMS:
Per annum, in advance $6 00
Fornix mnnthn, in advance 3 00
Single copie* 2*
Advertiaementn inserted at the lowest rates.
g Every description of I'luln ami Fancy Job Printing
neatly and promptly executed.
MUSTANG ANT) ANTELOPE HINT.
BY THE EDITOR.
Last Thursday wo left Hornitos in company
with the Hon. William J. Howard, on a visit to
his Rancho, situated some five miles south of
this town, on Burns’ Creek. The rancho em
braces within its boundaries the very beauti
ful valley of Buena Vista, through which runs
the Creek, and around which the graceful hills
of the Pelono lift their gentle slopes. Fronting
the valley on the south appears the, bold tow
er-like front of the Court House Rock—rising
up out of the top of an oval hill, and stand
ing prominent to view before the gaze of the
admiring visitor. A capacious adobe building
furnishes a pleasant retreat for the attendants
on the rancho from the summers heat—while
a well, at convenient distance from the house, af
fords water of a most pure and excellent quality
to satisfy the thirst of the industrious laborer or
* the passing stranger. Near the road stands a
j very large Corral built of rock taken from a
| neighboring sand-stone quarry, which affords
most admirable slabs for building purposes.
Higher up the valley is seen the barley held,
! embracing within its ditched fence some two
I hundred acres of land, the soil of which readily
I produces all kinds of grain and vegetables.
Long before reaching the house we passed
' many cavcy-yards of horses, guarded by In
dians, and quietly feeding along the margin
of the stream. Strolling towards evening to
a very large garden in which every descrip
tion of vegetables were grow ing, we reached
the Indian Ranchcrla and saw the squaws
and children busily engaged in cleaning
wheat and barley in wooden battiers. Mr.
Howard and brother have some fifty or sixty
Indians in charge on his Rancho, most of whom
have been reared under their immediate care,
and for which it seems to us he should receive
a compensation from government. The males
were absent attending to the various duties of
the farm, and the squaws seemed to eye us
with a glance of curiosity. The Indians ap
peared healthy and contented, and were dress
ed after the American fashion. After a pleas
ant night’s repose we arose next morning to
w itness the preparations in progress for the
hunt. Shortly after breakfast, various bands
of horses were driven into the corral, and then
began the sport of lassooing. Old mares and
young studs, colts, mules and Indians, were
all huddled together in one promiscuous crowd,
until the sweeping swing of the lasso put the
band in motion, and then the corral was filled
with dust and noise. One after another of the
animals selected for the chase were captured
with the larriette, and drawn away from the
throng and securely staked beyond the reach
of the band of horses that were shortly to be
driven out of the corral. The horses secured,
and the cavey-yard again turned loose to free
dom, the sport of mounting the young colts by
the Indians, began to attract attention. Many
of the colls had never before been mounted,
and we expected to behold some lofty tumbling
and awful pitching—nor wore wc disappointed
in our expectations. A belt was buckled
around the backs of the horses, sufficiently
loose to admit the knees of the riders, and a
rope halter was tightly drawn around the nose
of the wild and timid animals. The squaws,
young and old, left their quarters to witness
the prowess of their ambitious sons, and stim
ulated the young equestrians by cheers and
praises. And well did these young bucks
need encouragement, for such a pitching, such
a rearing, such a biting and snorting, and a
twisting, never was beheld since the formation
of the kingdom of hoss-dom. No sympathy
was manifested by the Indians for their com
panions when thrown in the air by some af
frighted animal —the girls laughed at their
mishaps, and mocked at their misfortunes.
When cast to the ground with a force sufficient
to kill an ordinary white man, the Indian
would quickly spring from the dust, pull the
blind over the colts eyes, adjust his blanket
and his strap, and then rc-raount, when the
same occurrence would again be witnessed,
and as heartily laughed ut by the delighted
women Indians. All things being soon made
ready for the start, the Indians set off at a
gallop for the Mariposa Creek, driving the pack
mules or leading extra horses for the chase*
Directing our course towards Montgomery’s
Ranch, we bade the hills adieu and with hasty
speed soon reached that gentleman’s abode,
and were regaled with some cool and delicious
melons, and after witnessing some graceful
feats of his noble stallion, we again turned the
heads of our steeds towards the plains.
Bear Creek was soon crossed by us, and be
fore an hour had elapsed a steaming gallop had
brought us to the Lone Willow encampment
on the Mariposa Creek, The Indians with the
pack mules and led horses, had arrived some
two hours before us, and wo found the colts
all staked out and wood collected for the evc
ning’s fire. Wc had crossed over a plain of
some twelve miles in width, covered with sun |
parched grass with no trees visible to shelter
man or beast from the scorching rays of a
I summer sun. Near the Lone Willow, stands
i a solitary frame house occupied by negro Bob,
a native of the statu of Pike, and by the way a
very clever fellow of his kind, having furnished
\us with plenty of new milk and home-made
! cheese. He had captured a fine mustang the
day before, and felt very proud of his feat—
i From his statement, it appears that the marc
I had wandered off from the band, and fouled a
colt beside a pond of water near one of the
sinks in the bed of the stream. Coming on
her suddenly, the mare made battle, when he
succeeded in capturing the colt, and then its
mother. The old fellow was soon in busy
| chat with the Indians, and advising with them
i in all seriousness as to where they were most
1 likely to find the wild critters. Among our
i band of Diggers was a noted Indian named
1 Kalis, an excellent marksman and a most in
trepid and untircing hunter. Soon divesting
himself of his fashionable habiliments, and un
tying his paint bags, he stood before us a
brown denizen of the forest. Another Digger
now advanced and rubbing the paint between
his hands he commenced to daub it over the
back and thighs of Mr. Falis, and this contin
tinued until the hunter wore the appearance of
an Antelope walking on two legs. Tying
his hair up into a standing knot, Falis placed
the Antelopes head upon his own, and then
mounting his horse he started off in pursuit of
his favorite game, the Ilar-la su—Antelope.
Another Indian on a mule accompanied him to
bring into camp the results of the sport. Du
ring his absence every preparation was made
for supper, and for a comfortable night’s lodg
; ing in the open air. The twists were taken
out of the larrictts and the horses led to water,
when Mr. Falis made his appearance and with
a broad grin spreading over his features de
manded the half dollar he had bet with us
upon his killing an antelope. Wc cheerfully
redeemed our promise, for he had brought
with him a noble buck of some three summers
old. The hide was soon taken oft’, and the
ribs as quickly placed on a blazing fire. The
coffee and bread were then placed on a
matches which had been spread on the ground,
when myself and friend began our repast in
good earnest, and with mucho gusto. The In
dians prefer the 11. sh of the horse to that of
the deer, antelope, or elk, because, they say
it is sweeter and does not make fever in the
stomach, and they can eat a larger quantity
without being made sick.
Next morning wc were all astir by the break
!of day, and after partaking of our coffee ami
Antelope ribs, we saddled for the chase. The
nights rest had not much abated the wildness
of the colts, which reared and plunged at
a fearful rate as soon as the Indians had placed
their legs over their backs. Many were the
falls they received, and many were the jeers
that were aimed at them by their more fortunate
companions, until the laughers in return be
came the victims of their own temerity or
carelessness, ami then became the subjects of
merriment to the rest of the band. Mustangs
were quickly espied afar off over the plains,
when Falis was again painted like an antelope
and started in pursuit, taking with him his un
erring rifle, and when running o’er the parched
grass at a rapid pace, he looked more like a frol
icing imp than anyting mortal, —the antelope’s
head giving him the appearance of a kind of
devil incarnate. Eagerly we watched his pro
gress—when within three or four hundred
yards of the horses he began to imitate the
motions of the animal he so correctly personi
fied. Running round in a circle, then back
wards and forwards, and then feeding at leis
ure, then again, at times, looking with intent
gaze at the hunters, he gradually approached
the mustangs until within shooting distance,
when he let off his fire at a roan marc which
was nearest, when away went the band, and
Falis stood erect upon the plain, mortified and
chagrined. His over anxiety to kill a horse,
had rendered his aim uncertain, and he had
missed so large an object as a horse. A kind
of guttural grunt passed among the Indians
when they saw that Falis had failed, and well
they might, fur Falis never came within shoot
ing distance of them again during the hunt—
A smart gallop quickly brought us to his side,
and when he protested that he had shot one
through the paunch, the Indians were sent in
pursuit of the band, and three others were
sent off in another direction, to intercept the
flight of the wild mustangs. Away they went
heedless of the Cayotc holes that everywhere
appeared to the eyes of the pursuers—away
they fled, until horses and horsemen were
lost to view. Wo continued our course to
wards the Chowchilln, leaving them to their
fate.
The noonday sun was pouring its beams
down on the plains with tremendous force,
when antelopes were again espied, and Falis
again sent on his mission of death. This time
every thing was in his favor, the game were
fat and lazy and the heat oppressive. He re
sorted to the same inaneuvres to advance up
on the unsuspicious Har-la-su. Too well he
succeeded, for he soon became entangled
among the. flock, and while undecided as to
which he should select, an old buck advanced
from behind, and with a prodigious butt on his
stern quarters decided the question for him,
TEU MB : FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM, IN ADVANCE.
and tumbled his false body on the ground.—
If Falls was startled by this mishap, not less so
was his pugnacious antagonist, who fled away
with the speed of the wind, followed by the
flock. Kalis fired by way of revenge, but it
was all in vain, their active legs had placed
too wide a distance between their ugly foo. —
It would be impossible to describe the boister
ous whoops of mirth when this ludicrous oc
currence was first beheld. In vain Kalis tried
to explain, no one would listen to his explana
tions, the scene was too supremely ludicrous,
the antelopes had been revenged-—the hunter
was foiled—the Har-la-su were safe.
Passing along over a clayey soil, we came to
the Lone Tree, and after refreshing our beasts
with dirty water, found in the bed of the
stream of Mariposa Creek, we reached a few
scattered knolls, and suddenly came upon a
band of antelope, after which we pave chase.
This sport we enjoyed exceedingly, being fine
ly mounted and having a fair view of the
chase. We were congratulating ourself upon
seeing the fun without any exertion, when the
Har-la-su taking a turn passed before our
horse, when away went our steed after them
as though the devil had kicked him in the
stern. Pulling and coaxing were of no avail—
on he went in the pursuit until ho came up
with the herd. And then, and not till then,
did he stop and neigh for his less fleet com
panions to come up and witness his victorious
(light with us, on the banks of the Chow
chilla. Here we spread our blankets and
after a hearty supper retired to rest, with the
stars quiclty twinkling over our tired forms.
Next morning we awoke before day, and six
Indians were sent to drive the mustangs into
the corral, while the rest of the party were
stationed at convenient distances to aid the dri
vers when the mustangs should come in sight.
It was the last wc saw of the Indians until late
that evening, when they returned, stating that
the mustangs had left for the banks of the San
Joaquin River. All those placed on guard were
found asleep, when Howard came to the corral
to announce the failure of the hunt The cor
ral lias two wings, both one mile in length,
widening as they extend from the circle of the
corral, which is about sixty feet in diameter,
and enclosed by a strong fence some ten feet
in height, with two short wings running to
wards the center wing, to prevent a rush of
llie confined animals towards its entrance.
On our return home, the Indians gave chase
to a band of mustangs, and that was the last 1
saw’ of them, for leaving friend Howard await
ing their return wo hurried back to the ranch,
wearied with tho long and rapid ride.
The mustang—the wild horse of the plains,
is probably the fleetest, most enduring, and
best winded animal of all quadrupeds. His
habits are peculiar ; bis sight far reaching, his
scent delicately accute. Every band is con
trolled and protected by some hardy stallion,
who has won his upremacy in a hundred bat
tles. During the summer months the mus
tangs begin feeding at early noon, and continue
to rove until four o’clock, p. m., when they
seek the stream to water. Yet some hunters
say that they have no fixed hours for feeding
or drinking, and usually loiter near n stream
towards evening, and seek the shelter of the
trees about noon. When a hand of these ani
mals first espy the hunters, they become very
restless and uneasy, especially the leader of
the herd. As soon ns he winds the hunters,
he begins snorting and neighing, evidently to
warn his flock of approaching danger, and to
command their attention. With head and tail
erect he trots around the marcs—then stopping
and surveying the dangerous intruders with a
scrutinizing gaze, he suddenly starts off in the
direction in which he wishes the band to fol
low. The mares, obedient to his neigh, follow
at command and away they go over the plains
at a furious pace, tho stud leading and the
marcs and colts moving with equal swiftness
at his heels. Now’ rings tho startling whoop
of the Indian in their affrighted ears. The
forms of their pursuers grow more distinctly
visible to the flying fugitives, whose speed is
increasing at every jump—with distended nos
trils, floating manes and soaring tail, these
noble denizens of tho plains are cleaving the
wind and spurning tho ground. On they
move, running in a promiscuous crowd and
marking their course with a cloud of dust.—
The hunters have as yet gained nothing upon
them in the chase ; ten or a dozen miles have
been run, over the hardest of soils. The stud
now stops and again surveys the approaching
enemy, then turning his piercing eye upon
tho hand he immediately detects the slightest
symptoms of fatigue in any of the mares or
c#lts. But his rest is hut momentary, for he
again gives the signal to start, and marks the
course by leading off in a brisk trot, then cir
cling around the herd as they run, he stations
himself in the rear, and woe be unto that marc
that fails to keep up with the fugitive band.—
Like floating shadows on the air, the forms of
the excited Indians linger before the sight of
the stud and mares. The horses of the pur
suers share tho excitement of the chase, strain
ing every muscle, bracing every nerve, and
husbanding every breath, the domestic horse
urges his sinew’y limbs to their utmost, and
then trots along with exhausted strength hut
with fury flashing from his eye. By this time
only some twenty or thirty miles of distance
have been passed, and tho mustang colts begin
to lag behind the band and retard the flight of
tho marcs, this the stud quickly perceives,
NO. 13.
when instantly he applies his teeth and heels
and compels the mares to leave their foals. —
Behold other figures appear directly in front of
the course they are pursuing. He halts and
gazes, then darting away in a different direc
tion he urges the marcs to the utmost of their
speed. Well may he redouble their speed, for
the treacherous foes are surrounding his course
with fleeter and fresher horses, and not one
foot of ground does the gallant band gain in
their straining effors to escape their eager fol
lowers. A dozen miles are thus passed over,
when the mustangs begin to run in single file
along their well beaten pathways. Repeated
ly turning his gaze on the pursuers, the leader
quickly perceives they are gaining on his band,
which now exhibit symptoms of great fatigue.
Their gait has been reduced to a slow steady
trot, and with all his snorting, neighing, bit
ing and kicking, he is unable to increase their
pace. As though conscious that some meas
ure must be taken to avoid a capture of all his
marcs, he endeavors to scatter his band, and
begins driving them in different directions—
driving away the slowest first—then encourag
ing with his neighs some favorite companion.
The ruse is all in vain ; the determined pursu
ers arc controlling their course; they arc
urging the mustangs towards the corral, where
horsemen on fleet and gallant steeds join the
chase, and urge them into its wings, when at a
crashing and smashing rate of speed they are
driven into the corral. They arc entrapped
but not conquered—they are still the children
of the plain, and with desperate efforts to free
themselves, they rush against the sides of the
corral, and to the last resolutely struggle to
be free. One by one they arc lassooed and
dragged from amid their companions until all
lie tied on that soil which they and their sires
had so often pressed with the hoofs of free
dom.
The Mexicans sometimes reserve an old
stud, in native wildness, for the purpose of
tireing down a band of mustangs. They stuff
a suit of clothes with tulcs, and then tie it in
an erect position on his back, and when a band
of mustangs is discovered he is turned loose.
The stud with straining flight seeks the band;
they sec him coming apparently with a rider
on his back, and away they go, he after them
wondering why they fly away so rapidly from
his presence. His native signals are all use
less, they herd them not—they see the figure
on his back—anxious fears lend swiftness to
his speed; straining his sinews for a determin
ed effort, he rushes after them with the pace
of the wind, urged on by all the fury of re
venge. The Mexicans are keenly watching
the race, and when they think the band is
nearly used up by running away from imagi
nary danger, they ride in on fresh horses and
then the sweeping lariette descends over the
heads of the tired mustangs.
In these wild chases the mustangs not unfre
qnently break their legs in running over the
hard earth during the summer months. When
caught by the lariette, they rear and plunge
with fearful violence, and frequently in strik
ing their hoofs on the sun hardened road of
the plains, they snap off the bones of their
forelegs just above the fet-lock joints.
The mustang when captured and exercised
under the severest rules of domestic discipline,
still retains some traits of his native wildness,
and it is not till age has dimmed his eye and
labor strained his limbs, that he becomes obse
quiously obedient to the will of his master.—
Mustang mares when crossed with the Ameri
can breed of horses produce fine colts, which,
when grown, are much prefered for saddle
horses by the Mexicans and Rancheros. A
mustang can be ridden eighty or a hundred
miles in a day, and then turned loose without
fear of his being injured by the long journeyi
for he is again able to take a similar trip in a few
weeks. While the American horse if put
through the same laborious task would per
haps never recover his former strength and
spirit.
The meat of the mustang is sweet and
healthy, and is readily sought after by the In
dians. They are yearly becoming less nume
rous, and like the Elk and Antelope, they are
avoiding the haunts of the white man. The
mustang studs are very troublesome to farmers
and rancheros, in driving away their mares
from their domestic range. They will some
times stampede a whole cavcy-yard of domes
tic horses and ever afterwards prevent their
returning to slavery. Ho is inferior to the do
mestic horse in point of sagacity, but superior
to him in power of endurance. He loves to
wander amid the quiet solitudes of the plains,
and to sleep beneath the broad expanse of the
spangled heavens. He is graceful in his mo
tions and commanding in his flight. When
urged to his utmost flcctness, the Indians say
he lashes the ground with his feet and burns
the wind with his breath, and that when he
falls exhausted in the chase and dies, they say
his phantom-form still wanders over the plain
and warns the mortal mustang of the ap
proach of danger.
Hurry Flurry. —Boy with ragged trowsers
and rimless chip hat runs into Dr. Fuller’s
drug store with dipper in his band. “ Doctor,
mother sent me down to the shoticary pop
quicker’n blazes, cose budder’s sick with the
picken chox, and she wants a thimbleful of
polly gollic in this din tipper, cos we hadn’t
bot a gottlc, and the kint pup’s got the bine
witters in’t. Got any ? ”