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Ah-da-da-qua, or Indian Saddle. 



This is an Indian invention, but came originally from the west. It 

 closely resembles the saddle of the native' Mexicans in its general plan, 

 but its pommel is not as high, and its side pieces are longer. It is still 

 used among the Iroquois, and among the Indian tribes of the west. 

 The frame is made of four pieces of wood, firmly set together, over 

 which is a covering of raw hide. The side pieces are about eighteen 

 inches in length, six in width, and about an inch in thickness at the 

 centre, but terminating in a sharp edge above and below. In front 

 the pommel rises about five inches above the side pieces. It is made of 

 a stick having a natural fork, which is so adjusted as to embrace the 

 side pieces, and determine the spread of the saddle. Another piece, in 

 the same manner, embraced the side pieces at the opposite end, rising 

 several inches above, and descending nearly to their lower edges. These 

 side pieces at the top, are about three inches apart, leaving a space for 

 the back-bone of the horse. The fastenings of the saddle, including 



