Gauchos

Gauchos are the herdsmen of the great plains of the Argentine Republic and Uruguay, where they live in rude huts with scanty furniture, and are chiefly employed in driving, catching, and slaughtering cattle. They are mostly of mixed Spanish and Indian descent, sparsely built, and of great strength and endurance; they are most expert horsemen, and use the Lasso (q.v.) and Bolas (q.v.) with marvellous skill. Their dress consists of a rough jacket and trousers, over which a woollen poncho falls, heavy top-boots, and a wide-brimmed hat. Cheerful and hospitable, they are violent and vindictive when enraged, and are much given to drink and gambling. Inured to hardship and fatigue, they have played an important part in the revolutions of South America.