So, you see, a forty-foot throw is a pretty good one." He was asked to explain how to throw a lasso, and consented to do so.
"The first thing about this business," said Mr.Ohnimus, "is to have a perfect riata.

If you have one perfectly stretched, oiled, and in a thoroughly good condition, you can throw well; if your rope is kinky or uneven, you will find it impossible to do accurate work." "What do you consider a good riata ?" "Well, I can only tell you how a good one is made.

First, the rawhide is cut in thin strips, as long as possible, and half tanned with the hair on.

Then these strips are soaked and stretched over a block.
Then they are braided into a rope, care being taken, of course, to pull the strands as tight as possible.

When the riata is made it should be buried for a week, ten days, or even a fortnight, in the sand.