Harris, Ted 1972-06-30

Mr. Ted Harris, member of a longtime West Texas rancing family, discusses various aspects of West Texas ranching.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Ted Harris

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: June 30, 1972

Location: San Angelo, Texas

Interviewer: Paul Patterson

Length: 2 hours

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Family background reviewed, Acquisition of ranches near Big Lake--1900, Traces extent of ranching operation, Cattle drive to San Angelo recalled, Water wells sources of ranch water, Claims of extinction of the lobo wolf through the use of blood hounds, Supplies were freighted from San Angelo, Recollections of cowboy personalities, Fatal accidents described, Comments on Black cook, "Sancho", Abandonment of Ft. Grierson mentioned.

Tape 1, Side 2: Recollections of individual cowboys, continued, Use of "bacon rinds" for bearings related, Discussion of predatory animals , Explanation of government transportation of antelope to the Plains, Wildlife and unregulated hunting reviewed, Examination of 1917 drought, Mexican Army attempted to steal cattle, Various droughts compared, Cattle shoot program defended, Cites use of red lipstick to repel sun, Remembrances of stampedes, Sleeping behavior of livestock studied, Technical and ecological changes on the ranch, Poisoning prairie dogs, Denial of sheep-cattle conflict, Prairie chicken recalled.

Tape 2, Side 1: Anecdote concerning accidents, Attempts to train cattle to eat cattle feed, Recollections of floods, Various kinds of ranch grass enumerated, Used prickly pear cactus and mesquite beans for livestock feed, Explains the preparation of beef for use on the ranch Claims climactic change, Experiences trucking cattle to Big Lake, Discussion of cattle breeding, Change from Hereford to Angus cattle explained, Need for de-horning practices cited, Clarifies details of family history, Growth of San Angelo.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

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