536 



In some parts of South America the trace is fixed to the pummel of the saddle v 

 which in its turn is well secured to the horse by saddle-girths, breast-straps, 

 and breechings ; and we are informed that horses in this manner drag very 

 considerable loads. It resembles completely the harness of the ancients, with 

 the addition of the breechings. It is, of course, a mere temporary arrangement, 

 convenient only as requiring no preparation. The 'trace is, in fact, the lasso of 

 the rider, which is always fastened to the saddle ; and when he has entangled it 

 round the horns of a bull, or attached it to anything he may have occasion to 

 transport, he takes one or two turns of the thong round the pummel of the 

 saddle, and the horse will at full gallop drag the load after him. Here the load 

 being generally upon the ground, the trace must incline considerably down^ 

 wards ; and this, added to the weight of the rider, will perhaps account in some 

 degree for the extraordinary effects of a young powerful horse goaded to the 

 utmost, and continuing the exertion only for a short time. 



A gentleman who travelled some time in this part of America, and frequently 

 witnessed the practical effects of this arrangement, has suggested the propriety 

 of introducing it into the Artillery, by means of which a number of horses 

 might in an instant be attached to a gun, to extricate it from any heavy or 

 broken ground in which it might be entangled. Certainly, the length of these 

 traces would enable these additional horses to secure a good footing ; and any 

 number of horses might thus be made to lend their assistance in time of need. 

 We do not pretend, however, to judge of the practical utility of this measure, 

 but merely record the suggestion of another. 



The collar now generally used is an improvement upon the ancient shoulder- 

 strap described by Homer ; and it is probably the best possible mode of attaching 

 the traces to the horses. If the connection is made at the proper place on the 

 collar, the latter bears flat and evenly upon the muscles which cover the collar- 

 bone, and the shoulders of the horse are left almost as free in their action as if 

 the collar were not there. About A, (figs. 14, 15,) is the point of the shoulder 

 where the trace should come ; and a little inclination downwards, which can 

 easily be effected in the case of the shaft-horse by the shafts, and in the others 

 by the belly-band, will, if necessary, prevent the collar rising up, and incon- 

 veniencing the throat of the horse. 



Reflecting upon the various circumstances which we have shown to occur in 

 the application of animal power, and the various conclusions we have drawn 



