212 ANIMAL MANAGEMENT. 



are the points from which the work is done, but the term is a convenient 

 one and in general use. 



We have pointed out that the ordinary neck collar oscillates during 

 progression from side to side ; the breast collar does not oscillate, but 

 has a sawing action. Sawing is obviously a greater source of friction 

 than oscillation, and in consequence the make and fit of breast collars 

 must be such as to present a perfectly smooth surface next the horse's 

 skin. Neglect of this precaution is soon evident, even a projecting 

 stitch is capable of doing great harm. 



A well-made breast collar is wide, the lining being wider than the 

 leather work on which the draught comes. Further, the lining must 

 be as one whole piece without seam or stitch, and this is effected by 

 taking a piece of soft leather and folding it ; the inside fold goes next 

 the skin, while the outside one is used for the purpose of the attachment 

 of the breast piece proper, \vhich is a thick piece of leather provided 

 with buckles, dees, &c. 



Such a collar is supported on the neck by a strap, frequently lined 

 with felt, but in spite of this galls on the neck are frequent, owing to the 

 friction to which the part is exposed. This strap works up and down, 

 and either requires a metal or leather shield on the neck to move 

 over, by which means all friction is avoided. The metal shield used 

 by wheel horses of artillery is perfect for this purpose. 



In most varieties of breast harness the pole chains pass directly 

 through a link on the -collar, and the length of the pole chains must 

 be such that the horses can get into their collars fairly and squarely ; 

 in other words the pole chains must not be too short. At the same 

 time they must not be so long that the pole is unacted upon when the 

 animals hang back on the breeching. 



Breast collars, pole chains, supporting straps, &:c., are by no means 

 easy things to fit, especially in a general service wagon, Avhere pole 

 chains have to be employed. 



The artillery wheel horse has two straps passing over the metal 

 shield on his neck, viz., one for supporting the pole, no pole chains 

 being used, and the other for supporting the breast harness. 



The fittiiig of the latter strap in all patterns of breast harness 

 requires great attention, owing to the friction it produces ; it must 

 neither be too long nor too short. If too short the strain in draught 

 comes on the neck, if too long the draught place falls below the point of 

 the shoulder. Especially does this question of short supporting strap 

 require the most careful and continuous attention in mule transport. 

 With this class of animals even the trace supporting strap, which passes 



