i 4 o SADDLERY. 



has been obtained. In the latter, screws work in an arched 

 piece of metal, and press against a leather strap, which is 

 drawn tightly over the withers by means of a girth, before 

 the measurement is taken. With either instrument, the 

 actual lines of the withers and back should be taken, without 

 making any allowance for the space which will exist between 

 the upper part of the gullet plate and the withers. Care 

 should be taken to hold the gauge, whichever one is em- 

 ployed, in a vertical position and at right angles to the 



Fig. 139. Messrs. Champion and Wilton's Gauge for the Back. 



direction of the animal. When the correct measurement 

 has been made, the gauge is laid on paper, and a tracing 

 taken. 



If no special instruments are available, we can take both 

 the front and rear measurements, by moulding a strip of 

 lead of suitable length, width, and thickness, over the parts 

 in question. In order to avoid any error which might arise 

 from the ends of the strip of lead opening out or closing, after 

 removal from the back, it is advisable, while the ends are in 

 position, to measure the distance they are apart by means 

 of a pair of calipers. The measurement is then transferred to 

 paper, in the manner described. 



