136 



SADDLERY. 



The transverse section at the withers can be taken by the 

 instruments shown in Figs. 138 and 140. The former is 

 made somewhat on the principle of the head gauge used by 

 hatters, and consists of a folding-up case, in which thin pieces 

 of wood can move freely up and down, and can be clamped by 

 screws at the ends of the branches, when the desired position 

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



Fig. 138. Messrs. Champion and Wilton's Gauge for the Withers. 



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 

 direction of the animal. When the correct measurement 



