hot, the cowboy pressed the branding iron against the hide of
the cow. The unique brand meant the cattle owned by multiple
ranches would then be able to graze freely together on the
open range. Cowboys could then separate the cattle at roundup time for driving to market. Cattle rustlers using running
irons were ingenious in changing brands.
The most famous brand change involved the making of the
“XIT” brand into the Star-Cross brand, a star with a cross
inside. Brands became so numerous that it became necessary to record them in books which the ranchers could
carry in their pockets. Laws were passed requiring the
registration of brands, and the inspection of cattle driven through various territories. Penalties were imposed
on those who failed to obtain a