I used to think that the carrion vultures, man's constant attendants on these dreary plains, while seated on the little neighbouring cliffs, seemed by their very patience to say, "Ah! when the Indians come we shall have a feast." (PLATE 25.

MAT POTS AND BAMBILLIO.) In the morning we all sallied forth to hunt, and although we had not much success, there were some animated chases.

Soon after starting the party separated, and so arranged their plans, that at a certain time of the day (in guessing which they show much skill) they should all meet from different points of the compass on a plain piece of ground, and thus drive together the wild animals.
One day I went out hunting at Bahia Blanca, but the men there merely rode in a crescent, each being about a quarter of a mile apart from the other.

A fine male ostrich being turned by the headmost riders, tried to escape on one side.

The Gauchos pursued at a reckless pace, twisting their horses about with the most admirable command, and each man whirling the balls round his head.
At length the foremost threw them, revolving through the air: in an instant the ostrich rolled over and over, its legs fairly lashed together by the thong.
The plains abound with three kinds of partridge, two of which are as large as hen pheasants.