234 BRIDLES AND SADDLES. 



the pannel, and not, as they ought to do, by the tree 

 being of a proper shape. As the substance of each 

 hide varies in its different parts, while the strength 

 which is appHed to each stitch by the machine remains 

 uniform, the sewing is much inferior to that done by 

 hand. 



A saddle should have as little stuffing as possible 

 compatible with an accurate fit and immunity from the 

 danger of its hurting the horse's back ; for the less 

 the distance is between the rider and his horse the 

 firmer will be his seat. The best makers nowadays 

 construct saddles so admirably that they leave little, 

 if anything, to be desired. 



Pannels should be " laced " (sewn) in, and not nailed 

 to the tree, for if the latter method be adopted, the nails 

 may work loose and hurt the horse. One nail, placed in 

 the centre and just under the cantle, must be retained 



Mr. Nicholls has kindly furnished me with the follow- 

 ing notes on saddles : 



It is not a bad plan to allow I lb. for the saddle, 

 up to 14 lb., for every stone of the rider's weight. 

 This will give sufficient strength in the tree, and size 

 enough for a heavy man to sit comfortably. The 

 length of the seat should vary from 17 to 18 inches, 



