The traditional work of the Camargue gardian (herdsman) essentially consisted of watching over herds that could number several hundred heads. Before the parceling of the plots, the gardian's work was facilitated by the isolation of the herds on the large grazing areas naturally limited by the Rhône, the ponds, and the irrigation canals. The risks of herd mixing or damage to cultivated land were limited, and the bulls followed unchanging paths as they fed. They were led by the simbèu or dountaire that, castrated and equipped with bells, served both as leaders and rallying points.