The William F. Cody Archive: Documenting the life and times of Buffalo Bill

GAUCHOS AT THE WILD WEST.

At the Wild West Show, held in conjunction with the "Floweries" at Earl's-court, Messrs. Cody and Salsbury have supplemented their unparalleled combination in the arena—which already included all manner of Red Indians, Mexicans, Don Cossacks, and Cowboys—by the introduction of a band of Gauchos from the Llanos of the Argentine Republic, making the sixth delegation to the "Congress of the Rough Riders of the World" which is being specially organised for the Chicago World's Fair. The heavy rains of the night and morning on Thursday did not contribute to the display or the comfort of the half-breed cavaliers from the Pampas, who, nevertheless, made brave display in their round Spanish hats and violet jackets over the sodden and unequal ground. Yesterday they were seen to much greater advantage in the finest of weather by a multitude of spectators, including the Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Ferdinand of Roumania, and Princesses Marie and Victoria of Edinburgh. Like the Vacqueros of Mexico they ride with a long stirrup, and in this respect are quite dissimilar from the Cossacks, who have their knees almost up to their saddle-bows. Specially skilled are the Gauchos in the wielding of the bolas—a string of raw-hide thongs sixty feet long, with an iron ball at either end, which is thrown with unerring aim about the legs of wild ostriches, guanacos, and other big game (here represented by stationary posts). Nearly everything belonging to the Gauchos is homemade, for as that excellent authority Major John M. Burke remarks, "Even to the rude saddle and his boots, which are made from the skin (taken from the knee down and shaped to the leg and foot while warm) of a freshly-killed colt, and sewed at the toe. Thus forming, practically, a leather stocking without toe or heel." Mr. Kingsland, the well-known Argentine dealer, has imported fifteen wild horses, on which the Gauchos show wonderful dexterity; but their style differs little from that employed by the Cowboys. They have great pluck and determination, and unanimous applause followed one example of their prowess, in which two or them, after having been rolled in the dirt, mounted the same horse, and, despite his frantic endeavours to unseat them, rode him triumphantly round the ring. The Gauchos should undoubtedly prove attractive auxiliaries to "Buffalo Bill's" display. Perhaps the arrival of the South Americans stimulated the other members of the show, but certain it is that the buck-jumpers never caused more hearty enthusiasm, that the Cossacks on heads and heels never performed more daring feats, and that even the stolid Redskins seemed determined to outdo themselves. Another feature of the exhibition was the formal opening of Major Burke's Logwood Cabin, so well known in the Jubilee year, and it may be mentioned that all the goodly array of viands to which the guests were hospitably bidden were "cooked in camp," under the superintendence of the chief sutler, an American, Mr. Langan. The backwoods, even in this instance, have been brought within measurable distance of Bow Bells. Outside the Wild West, the gardens are improving in beauty every day, and whether bathed in the afternoon sunshine or lighted up at night with myriads of coloured lamps are truly a scene of enchantment, while the numerous bands that play almost incessantly during the afternoon and evening add greatly to the delights of this charming place of resort. Nor should the "side shows" be forgotten. The display of living ants at work is as instructive as it is interesting, while the wonderful maze of mirrors in which the spectator sees himself duplicated in the most bewildering fashion is a marvel of ingenuity and skill.

Prince Ferdinand of Roumania and the Duchess of Edinburgh, with Princesses Marie and Victoria of Edinburgh, visited the Horticultural Exhibition and Wild West Show, at Earl's-court, yesterday afternoon. After dining at Clarence House their Royal Highnesses attended the performance of "Henry VIII." at the Lyceum Theatre.

Her Majesty will be present this afternoon at a performance given by the Cossack troupe now exhibiting at the Wild West. The display will take place upon the lawn in the Home Park, opposite the East Terrace of Windsor Castle.