~ FRONT ~

• [Crossing] Fording The River

~ BACK ~

• [Crossing] Fording The River
  

TRANSCRIPTION: All historians of the cattle industry speak of the “long trail.” This was the one over which the herds traveled, going from southern to northern ranges. In the years when such migrations were usual there were no bridges over Western rivers. When the cattle could not wade across they had to swim. In the latter case there was sometimes a long delay before they could be persuaded to take to the water. Experienced cowpunchers generally solved the problem by getting leaders of the herd started, after which the rest would follow. When they were gotten into the river, they swam, like most animals by instinct. The cowboys, with the help of their faithful ponies, kept them pointed for the other shore, till the last one was safely up the bank. They were thankful when the job was over, and they could go on with the drive, prepared for the ordinary unpleasantnesses, such as storms and stampedes.