It was no easy job either for one man alone to catch and brand such a big and wild creature, especially if among the brush and cedar trees.

A certain stimulant to your work was the fact that you were not the only one out on a maverick hunt.

There were others, such as your neighbours, or even independent gentlemen, expert with the rope and branding-iron, who never bought a cow critter in their lives, but started their herds by thus stealing all the calves they could lay hands on.

A small crooked iron rod, an iron ring, or even an old horseshoe, did duty as branding-iron on these occasions.

The ring was favoured by the latter class of men, as it could be carried in the pocket and not excite suspicion.