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The wholesale death of cattle as a result of blizzards, and sometimes droughts, over a wide range of territory was called a `` die-up ''.

Followin' such an event there was usually a harvest of `` fallen hides '', and the ranchers needed skinnin' knives instead of brandin' irons.

Cattle were said to be `` potted '' when `` blizzard choked '', that is, caught in a corner or a draw, or against a `` drift fence '' durin' a storm.

Cattle which died from them winter storms were referred to as the `` winter kill ''.

When cattle in winter stopped and humped their backs up they were said to `` bow up ''.

This term was also used by the cowboy in the sense of a human showin' fight, as one cowhand was heard to say, `` He arches his back like a mule in a hailstorm ''.

Cattle drove to the northern ranges and held for two winters to mature 'em into prime beef were said to be `` double wintered ''.