P a g e 4 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r The Round-Up. The customary way of managing a band of cattle in these regions has been simply to brand them and turn them out upon the free and almost boundless pastures; while a more careful system is to employ herders—one man for every 1,200 or 2,000 head of cattle—whose duty it is to ride about the outskirts of the range, follow any trails leading away, and drive the cattle A Scene on Shields River back, seeking through neighboring herds for cattle that may have mistaken their companionship. They are “rounded up” only twice a year—in the spring, to brand the calves, and in the fall to choose the fat steers for market. At the spring “round-up” a few extra men must be employed for several weeks. During such time no person dares to go among the herds on foot. They have only been used to horsemen, whom they fear; but a person on foot causes a general stampede to the object of their curiosity, resulting in instant death to their victim. The Cowboy. It was formerly believed by residents in the older states that the cowboy was the most terrible creature to be met with throughout the region of his range. Although this was true with “dudes,” or offenders of the law who had gained their displeasure, in which case they took great delight in tormenting them, or in securing revenge to their own satisfaction. On the other hand, to those who met them pleasantly, or who passed by them in the “taking care of their own business, and letting others do the same way,” the cowboy could not be excelled in hospitality, joviality, or in performing the good Samaritan act if called upon. As to the patriotism and bravery of the cowboy, we find an example familiar to all, in Roosevelt’s Rough Riders during the late Spanish-American war. To the tenderfoot it seems strange that education and politeness are predominating accomplishments of these rough rangers—many of them being college graduates; while despite the above facts, this peculiar rough and independent life on the range possesses an enchantment that cannot be overcome. WOOL GROWING IN PARK COUNTY. Of all the moneys that enter Montana none are so widely distributed and remain so permanently with us as do those of the sheep and wool industry. The wool here is unquestionably the favorite range-produced now thrown upon the market; there are climatic conditions that make it light and strong, and range conditions that keep it from sand or dirt, while the best of all there is a set of intelligent and progressive wool growers established here who see that everything is done that can be done to keep up and advance its reputation.
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