GIRTHS. 105 



Every day after work, stirrup leathers should be 

 detached from the saddle and irons, drawn out flat, 

 and hung up, so as to save them from cracking. 



Girths. Fitzwilliam girths, which consist of one 

 broad girth attached to the saddle by two girth tugs 

 at each side, with an ordinary shaped girth over it, are 

 perhaps the best for every day work. Those made of 

 plaited or twisted raw hide, usually called Australian 

 girths, and ones made on the same pattern, but of 

 cord, answer extremely well. Being made of open 

 material they save the part, over which they pass, from 

 becoming heated, and, consequently, chafed. 



A neat arrangement for the drying and stretching of 

 girths, is to have a frame made with two rows of girth 

 tugs, placed vertically, to which the girths may be buck- 

 led, after being used. 



Saddle Cloths. The legitimate use of these articles 

 is to save the pannel of the saddle from becoming 

 soiled by perspiration ; hence they should be thin in 

 order to avoid giving " play " to the saddle. A thick 

 numdah is but a clumsy make-shift for the preven- 

 tion of a sore back, and its use should be restricted to 

 cases where it is impossible to have the saddle properly 

 stuffed. 



Saddle cloths, made of one thickness of leather, 

 answer their purpose admirably. If constantly worn, 

 they will keep soft and pliable on account of their 

 absorbing the oil which is secreted by the skin on 

 which they rest. 



Cleaning Saddlery. Yellow soap, with a very little 

 water, is the best material for ordinary use. Stains may 



