24 HORSE PACKING 



THE APAREJO. 



In reality the load lashed on the aparejo is carried 

 virtually on the ribs; their resilience taking up the gall 

 ing pounding of a dead load, or adjusting it to a most 

 remarkable extent. In addition to this the manner of 

 padding the aparejo is such that galls, bruises, bunches, 

 etc., can be cared for, or rather the pressure of the 

 padding on those parts can be eased away so that Na- 

 ture itself can relieve and cure the point of hurt. 



Ribs for the Aparejo. — A reference to the accom- 

 panying diagram and illustration will clearly show what 

 is meant by "ribbing" the aparejo, and also demonstrate 

 the essential principle of the aparejo as against other 

 forms of pack saddle. 



The important principle in ribbing the aparejo with 

 these small sticks is that the diameter of the first one 

 shall be greatest at the front of the aparejo and then 

 the others shall lessen gradually in diameter till the 

 slenderest rib is at the rear. 



An aparejo will require from fifty to sixty sticks, 

 or from twenty-five to thirty on each side. 



The first stick on each side that is placed under the 

 collar or forward end should be of about 3/^ of an inch 

 in diameter. The diameter of the last stick must be 3X 

 of an inch. The sticks should be selected and laid out 

 beforehand in a row in the order of their diminishing 

 diameters. Any not clear, straight and sound must be 

 rejected. This is for the ordinary load of 250 pounds. 

 For heavier loads slightly, very slightly heavier ribs 

 must be made. 



The butt end of each rib should be cut square across, 

 i. e., flat, and have been cut to a slight taper for about 

 two inches. This is for greater ease in holding to the 

 flat surface of the boot stick. 



Kind of roood for rifes.— The ribs must have tough- 

 ness, springiness or resilience, straightness, freedom 



