GROOMING, STABLE GEAR, ETC. 87 



sold by native saddlers. I have frequently seen 

 sore backs caused by this tape binding, as well as 

 the hair in white horses discoloured by the edge. 

 When put on, the numdah should be well pulled 

 up into the arch of the saddle, particularly in front. 

 The common practice is to put the numdah flat on 

 the back, and then the saddle on the top of it, so 

 that when the weight comes on it, the numdah gets 

 tight and is stretched, and is a common cause of 

 sore backs and galled withers. When taken off the 

 horse's back, the numdah should be spread out in 

 the sun to dry ; it should then be beaten with a 

 stick and brushed with a hard brush to get the dry 

 caked perspiration out of it, and to bring the nap 

 of the felt up again. If this is not done it will get 

 as hard as a board, and neglected numdahs are 

 certain to give sore backs. If the saddle is properly 

 stuffed and fitted to the horse's back, a numdah is 

 not required, the only use of it being to save the 

 lining of the saddle, and for this purpose I prefer a 

 leather one. 



Grooming (malisti). 



Grooming is an art that native grooms excel in. 

 They have infinite patience, and their long supple 

 fingers are peculiarly adapted for the work. They, 



