MANUAL OF PACK TRANSPORTATION. 



145 



Durino; the Garza campaign on the Rio Grande frontier, in Texas, 

 in LS91 and 1<S92, a troop of the Tliird Cavahy and a part of one 

 pack train marched 108 miles in sixteen hours; the mules were loaded 

 250 pounds to the mule. 



In the same campaign another troop, with part of a pack train, 

 marched 104 miles in a night and part of the following day. 



In another instance, in the same campaign, a pack train made 90 

 miles in less than twenty-four hours, the animals carrying loads of 

 250 pounds. After such marches the mules were given twelve to 

 twenty-four hours' rest to regain their normal condition. 



It should be remembered that pack animals should be kept in con- 

 dition by constant exercise, for if fat such marches will quickly kill 

 them. 



2. GAITS. 



Sec. 84. When moving at a slow rate of speed the walk is the ordi- 

 nary gait of the pack mule. 



As the rate of travel is increased, however, a trained pack mule, 

 instead of quickening the walk, falls into an amble or "fox" trot. 

 This is for the reason that an extended walk or a "jogging" trot 

 would transmit motion to the load, which wx^uld greatly inconvenience 

 the animal. He has, accordingly, learned to acquire the gait which 

 enables him to move to the best advantage without rocking his load.*^ 

 At this ambling gait he is able to cover from 5 to 6 miles an hour 

 without undue fatigue. 



Sec. 85.— 



3. Table showing loads and rates of travel considered practicable for a well-organized 



and seasoned pack train. 



a To acquire this ambling gait a young pack train should be taught to travel 5 miles an hour and under no 

 circumstances should mules be allowed to straggle out, i. e., keep them in close order, one mule following the 

 trail or step of the other. After a few practice marches they readily acquire this ambling gait. Occasionally 

 one or two mules in a train seem to have dilhcully in acquiring this ambling gait. Do not overload such 

 animal in the endeavor to teach him; instead place the cincha sufficiently forward on the aparejo so that 

 the elbow will rub against the cincha during travel; as soon as the elbowbecomes sore the mule, to escape 

 the cincha, will take short and quick steps in order to keep his place in line and thus readily learns this 

 ambling gait. Do not continue the forward use of the cincha longer than necessary. 



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