216 GOODYEAR ON GUM-ELASTIC, 



SADDLES. 



Specimens of saddles have heretofore been made of gum-elas- 

 tic in different ways, some inflated with air, others with elastic 

 compound springs. 



Notwithstanding there are conflicting opinions about the 

 usefulness of springs of any kind as applied to saddles, it is 

 believed that the manufacture of gum-elastic saddles, with springs 

 of the same material, and also of air, will become an important 

 one. The objection to leather saddles, that they are liable to 

 become saturated with water, is one that is well known to all 

 that are accustomed to horseback riding. 



By exposure to the weather and storms, the saddle is not only 

 soon destroyed, but the health and the life of the rider are much 

 endangered. To remedy these evils is an object worthy the 

 attention of the philanthropist, as well as the manufacturer. It 

 is probable that vulcanized gum-elastic is suitable for this purpose, 

 and since the introduction into this manufacture of gum-elastic 

 sponge, and the porous fabrics and hard compounds, it is reason- 

 able to suppose that these materials may be so combined as to form 

 a saddle comfortable for the horse and the rider. The inventor 

 has made some specimens, both of the common forms and those 

 that are inflated with air, according to his idea of the best com- 

 bination of these materials for this purpose. See plate xxiv., 

 figs. 1 and 2. 



SADDLE COVERS. 



Saddle covers are made of gum-elastic plated fabrics. They 

 are designed for the protection of leather saddles and the com- 

 fort of the horseman. They may also be made in moulds of 

 gum-elastic sponge. See plate xxiv. fig. 3. 



