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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
The Iricole having successfully undergone these trials and its advantages 
being besides incontestable as regards lightness, economy, preservation and 
carriage, preference is given to it over the collar. 
In spite of the favourable results of the experiments of which the analysis 
has just been furnished, the majority of the Commission do not think them¬ 
selves in a position to propose the immediate adoption of the breast harness 
system; they demand that the experiments should be continued with a view of 
testing the durability of the breast strap, and the manner in which it behaves 
in the bad season of the year under the influence of wet weather and severe 
cold 
Considering the importance of the question, and in presence of so radical 
a change in the mode of draught of the horses of the artillery, the Committee 
shares the opinion advanced by the greater number of the Commissions, 
Minute of His Majesty the Emperor, 
It seems to me in reading this memoir that I see reproduced the discussions 
of Yalliere and De Gribeauval on the advantages and disadvantages of iron 
and of wooden axletrees. Iron axletrees have prevailed in spite of certain 
incontestable advantages of those in wood because the iron axletrees had in 
spite of some inconveniences yet still greater advantages. Therefore why 
wait longer for useless experiments which will doubtless prove that the 
bricoles have also their disadvantages . 
Nothing in this world is perfect, but as it is proved that the Iricole is more 
economical, is more easily kept in order on service, that the horses draw well, 
that, if they are killed, the harness is more readily removed, what would one 
wish to know more before adopting it ? 
I give my opinion therefore in favour of immediate adoption. 
(Signed) NAPOLEON. 
"Extract of a Minute of the Committee of Artillery on a Report relative to 
the conservation of Artillery Harness in the Campaign in Mexico, 
Seance of the 3rd March, 1864. 
* * * * 
The Iricole permitted to be put into draught together—little mules from 
the hot country, whose height did not exceed 11 hands 1 in. and the mules 
of New York, whose height was 16 hands 1 in. 
It produced none but slight galls which healed of themselves easily on the 
march. * * * This motley character, in the harnessing, and 
the simultaneous employment of almost all known methods of draught have 
furnished the officers of the artillery with an opportunity of making com¬ 
parisons between them which is perhaps unique. 
Our regulation harness has undergone under these circumstances a trial 
which may be considered decisive, and which gives special value to the 
