. The Cuba review. THE CUBA REVIEW 15 CATTLE RANCHING IN CUBA An interesting letter from Air. Otto W. Fischer, Trinidad, Cuba, describing Cuban methods of cattle raising, is herewith given in full with some characteristic illustra- tions by the writer. Cattle ranching in Cuba is carried on almost in the same manner as in the vast plains of ]\Iexico and the western United .States, the only difference being in the amount of land the cattle has to run at large, and in that all the potreros (ranches) being private properties, are fenced in. The ranges of Cuba possess such rich natural pasturages,
. The Cuba review. THE CUBA REVIEW 15 CATTLE RANCHING IN CUBA An interesting letter from Air. Otto W. Fischer, Trinidad, Cuba, describing Cuban methods of cattle raising, is herewith given in full with some characteristic illustra- tions by the writer. Cattle ranching in Cuba is carried on almost in the same manner as in the vast plains of ]\Iexico and the western United .States, the only difference being in the amount of land the cattle has to run at large, and in that all the potreros (ranches) being private properties, are fenced in. The ranges of Cuba possess such rich natural pasturages, that a large herd of cattle can be maintained in a very limited area of land, contrary to what occurs in the countries above named. The monteros or men who look after the cattle, perform the same duties as the vaqueros of Mexico and the cow-boys of the United States, and in the use of the lazo or rope are as familiar as these, al- though not quite as experts in its accom- plishments. The Cuban cow-boy is an excellent horse- man, but as a rule he is not a bronco- buster, and will refuse to ride a horse that one of his American colleagues would think little of. The Cuban pony resembles the ^Mexican and Texan in all but its gait and temper. Easy-going, mild of disposition, of great endurance and quick of movement, makes him the ideal for long journeys and for cattle-work. The saddle generally used by the mon- teros is of Cuban invention and resembles a pack-saddle somewhat. It is called the albarda and is very inferior for stock- work. I believe, however, that the horn- saddle will soon reign supreme, for its su- periority in all respects is being rapidly recognized even b}^ the most refractory. The "rope," speaking in cow-boy lan- guage, used by the Cubans, is of various kinds and lengths; those made of raw-hide and of pita (a vegetable fibre) being con- sidered the best. Lengths range from fifty to sixty feet. Our cattle is of no special breed, being common range-anima
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