. Journal of researches into the natural history and geology of the countries visited during the voyage round the world of "Beagle" under the command of Captain Fitz Roy, Beagle Expedition (1831-1836); Natural history; Geology; Voyages around the world. 46 MALDONADO CHAP. that it is almost superfluous to describe either the lazo or the bolas. The lazo consists of a very strong, but thin, well-plaited rope, made of raw hide. One end is attached to the broad surcingle, which fastens together the complicated gear of the recado, or saddle used in the Pampas; the other is term
. Journal of researches into the natural history and geology of the countries visited during the voyage round the world of "Beagle" under the command of Captain Fitz Roy, Beagle Expedition (1831-1836); Natural history; Geology; Voyages around the world. 46 MALDONADO CHAP. that it is almost superfluous to describe either the lazo or the bolas. The lazo consists of a very strong, but thin, well-plaited rope, made of raw hide. One end is attached to the broad surcingle, which fastens together the complicated gear of the recado, or saddle used in the Pampas; the other is terminated by a small ring of iron or brass, by which a noose can be formed. The Gaucho, when he is going to use the lazo, keeps a small coil in his bridle-hand, and in the other holds the running noose, which is made very large, generally having a diameter of about eight feet. This he whirls round his head, and by the dexterous movement of his wrist keeps the noose open ; then, throwing it, he causes it to fall on any particular spot he chooses. The lazo, when not used, is tied up in a small coil to the after part of the recado. The bolas, or balls,. RECADO OR SURCINGLE OF GAUCHO. are of two kinds : the simplest, which is chiefly used for catch- ing ostriches, consists of two round stones, covered with leather, and united by a thin plaited thong, about eight feet long.^ The other kind differs only in having three balls united by the thongs to a common centre. The Gaucho holds the smallest of the three in his hand, and whirls the other two round and round his head ; then, taking aim, sends them like chain shot revolving through the air. The balls no sooner strike any object, than, winding round it, they cross each other, and become firmly hitched. The size and weight of the balls varies, according to the purpose for which they are made : when of stone, although not larger than an apple, they are sent with such force as sometimes to break the leg even of a horse. I have seen the bal
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