154 MANUAL OF PACK TEANSPOETATION. 



pack mules in the train, it sometimes becomes necessary to divide the 

 train into "sections" when traveling with a command of cavalry. 



For this purpose ten pack mules are usually assigned to a "troop" 

 with their proper complement of equipment. The pack master will 

 see to it that the necessary cargador tools, mule shoes, nails, etc., are 

 supplied, and packers will mess with the troop to which assigned. 



The pack master should therefore school the packers in the require- 

 ments exacted of the "skilled" packer (sec. 108). 



In case of the distribution of the five sections of the train the 

 pack master will retain the bell horse, blacksmith, and cook with the 

 first section, and will be considered headquarters of the pack train. 

 The cargador will be assigned with the fifth section, or the one far- 

 thest away from the first or headquarter section of the train. It 

 must then be the duty of the pack master and cargador to visit the 

 intermediate sections, at stated or suitable intervals, to overlook the 

 condition of the animals and equipments so as to maintain efficiency. 



It should be remembered by commanding officers that pack mules 

 (sections) should be reassembled as early as possible to maintain 

 organization. 



5. THE ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS IN THE SELECTION OP THE PACKER. 



Sec. 107. He must know how to read and write; be sound in body, 

 of athletic build, and not addicted to the excessive use of intoxicants 

 or display of bad or ugly temper, and thoroughly imbued with an 

 "esprit de corps" for the pack service. 



Age, from 21 to 35 years. Height, from 5 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 2 

 inches. Weight, from 165 to 210 pounds. Honorably discharged 

 soldiers will be given the preference. 



THE SKILLED PACKER. 



Sec. 108. Ordinarily one versed in the usages and customs of pack- 

 train service. 



As instancing the requirements necessary for the proper discharge 

 of his duties, the following may be enumerated : 



He must understand — 



(1) The principles of "ribbing up " the aparejo, to keep the animal's 

 back sound. 



(2) The relative toughness in different classes of wood suitable for 

 the "ribbing" of aparejos. 



(3) The gradual tapering to give " ribs " necessary for conformation 

 to the body of the mule. 



(4) How to select grasses (hay) suitable for filling or padding for 

 aparejos. 



(5) Where and how much filling is necessary in the aparejo to give 

 perfect conformation to the body of the animal, and the relative 

 thickness necessary for the holding up of different weighty loads 

 bearing on the proper surface on either side of the backbone and 

 withers. 



(6) Thecauseof "bunches," or wounds, on any part of theanimal's 

 body covered by the aparejo and cincha, and the proper adjustment 

 to correct the same. (See Evolution of the aparejo, and sec. 9.) 



(7) The cause for the animal's "dock" becoming sore, and the 

 proper remedy to correct the same. (See sec. 9.) 



