io4 THROUGH STABLE AND SADDLE-ROOM. 



explanation, divided into four separate parts, viz. : 

 the side-boards, the pommel, or head, and the 

 cantle. The two first-named are connected by the 

 two last. The whole, when fitted together and 

 laid on the back of a horse, should fit and follow 

 the lines and curves of the back perfectly and 

 closely, and yet in such a manner that the edges of 

 the side-boards, or any portion of the tree, cannot 

 bear unduly on the back. A well-shaped saddle-tree 

 will fit nearly any ordinary horse, and will remain in 

 its proper place so perfectly that it would be quite 

 possible to ride on it without girths. The tree, as 

 I have said, is made of wood. Now, if it were all 

 carved out of one piece of wood, it is obvious that, 

 in order that its shape may follow that of the 

 horse's back, the grain of the wood would in 

 several places be across, and not run true, and that 

 where this cross-onrain existed manifest weakness 

 must result. It is therefore made in several pieces, 

 which are so joined and dovetailed into each other 

 that, whatever the curve required may be, the grain 

 runs true throughout. This system therefore 

 requires to be very carefully and scientifically 

 carried out. The work is also further strengthened 

 by pieces of metal at both head and cantle, which 

 are termed the front and back arches, and these, in 

 a good tree, are closely riveted (the rivets being 



