SUKCINGLES 217 



MARTINGAL. 



The rings of the gum-elastic martingal are manufactured of 

 caoutchouc ivory. The straps are corded harness leather. An 

 improvement is made in the straps by inserting in them a spring 

 of elastic compound. See plate xxiv., fig. 4. 



GIRTHS. 



Saddle girths are made of gum-elastic or other webbing, with 

 a spring of perforated elastic compound, about two inches in 

 length, inserted either about the middle or at either end of the 

 girth. The springs are varied in length, according to the thick- 

 ness of the compound, and the width of the web. By the use of 

 this girth the saddle is made more secure from turning, as the 

 girth may be drawn very tight without inconvenience to the 

 horse. 



It is believed that a perforated gum-elastic felt or vegetable 

 leather webbing will be found to make an additional improve- 

 ment in the girths here described, on account of its durability 

 and cleanliness. When this webbing is used, it is necessary that 

 they should be made up at the factories, for the purpose of stay- 

 ing the buckle holes, in the same manner as the traces and bag- 

 gage straps hereafter described. See plate xxiv., fig. 5. 



SURCINGLES 



Are made either of woven web or of perforated felt, like the 

 saddle-girths already described, with a spring of the same sort, 

 only about twice the length of that in the saddle-girths, so as to 



