MANUAL OF PACK TKANSPOETATION. 29 



CBOSS-TKEE OR SAWBUCK. 



Sec. 2. The cross- tree, as the term imphes, consists of two saddle 

 boards, shaped somewhat similar to the McClellan saddletree, con- 

 nected at front and rear (pommel and can tie), by crosspieces shaped 

 like the letter "X," termed the "cruz" (cross), or forks of the saddle, 

 supplied with a breast strap, breeching, and quarter straps, holding 

 cincha and latigo, or tightening strap, accompanied by a saddle pad 

 or blanket. 



For the carrying of supplies two methods are in use : 



First (or original method). By the employment of wicker baskets, 

 and panniers made of canvas or leather, constructed so as to fit over 

 the forks of, the saddle, and strapped to the animal by the aid of 

 cincha and latigo. 



Second. By the employment of "sling and lash" rope. (See sees. 

 39-40.) This latter method has a more general application, due to 

 its relative lightness and cheapness, and is used by trappers, miners, 

 prospectors, small hunting parties, and members of the Bureau of 

 Forestry, etc. (See sees. 39 and 40 and figs. 54 to 57.) 



THE "MOOEE" PACK SADDLE. 



Sec. 3. Description of this saddle is copied from pamphlet pub- 

 lished by authority of the War Department, Washington, Govern- 

 ment Printing Office, 1881. (Figs. 3, 4, 5.) 



The pack saddle consists of the "saddle proper," two pads, corre- 

 sponding with the pads of the aparejo, laced on either side of the 

 saddle to the skirts and at the upper edges over the top; a crupper 

 similar to the aparejo crupper, but lighter, laced to the rear edges of 

 the saddle skirts; a corona, or pad, used under the saddle and next 

 to the animal's back; a manta, or pack cover, two pieces of canvas 7 

 feet long and 22 inches wide, stitched together along their long 

 edges; halter and strap; cincha of canvas 10 inches wide, and in 

 length according to the size of the animal; "sling rope;" best hand- 

 laid manila wh^e line, one-half inch, 20 to 30 feet long; "lash rope," 

 with leather cincha, same as above, five-eighths inch, 42 feet long, and 

 one blind to each five packs. (6, fig. 3.) 



When the saddle is "full-rigged," as it is called, that is, supplied 

 with shng straps and cargo cinch, the sling and lash ropes are dis- 

 pensed with. (Fig. 4.) 



After years of its use, under personal observation, the following 

 defects have developed : 



The crupper, being too short in length, when laced to the rear edges 

 of the saddle skirts, leaves a space of from 4 to 12 inches, as deter- 

 mined by the conformation of the animal. Necessarily the action of 

 the saddle and crupper are independent of each other, causing sore- 

 ness by friction of the lacing, due to travel action of the animal. 



When a "bunch" arises (a puffing up of the skin), caused by un- 

 evenness in the filling of the pads, or shape of the saddle boards 

 lacking conformation to fit the varying flesh conditions of the ani- 

 mal's back, there is no provision in the make-up of the saddle to 

 relieve the animal of its misery, and, necessarily, its constant use 

 destroys the usefulness of the animal. , 



