OCR Rendition - approximate

74

Art of Travel.

feet, and learn to be cunning and watchful. If the hobbles are of iron, and made like handcuffs, it is hardly possible for robbers-at all events for savages-to unlock or cut them. A horse that is hobbled or knee-haltered, can graze during the night; but if tied up or pounded, his grass must be cut for him. A horse may be successfully hobbled with a stirrup

leather, by putting its middle round one fetlock, then twisting it half-a-dozen times, and, lastly, buckling it round the other fetlock. The hobble used by Mr. Gregory takes

1 into five separate pieces, viz., two fetlock straps, al, a,; a chain, b, having a swivel point, c, in the middle ; and two double pot-hooks, dl, d2, which pass through eyes in the fetlock straps, and also through the end links in the chaiit. The two ends of both, dl and d2, are thickened and pierced, so as to admit of tying a thong across their mouths, as shown on one side of d2. The fetlock strap is made of a strip of thick leather, folded lengthways down its middle, and having its edges sewn together. The sewn edge should always be the uppermost, when on the horse's legs.

Oxen are often picketed to their yokes ; I have already mentioned that it is hazardous to secure ride and pack oxen by their nose reams, as they will tear themselves loose without heeding the pain, if really frightened. Horses are often tied to the wheels, &c., of the wagon. When you wish to picket horses in the middle of a sandy plain, dig a hole two or three feet deep, and tying your rope to a faggot of sticks or brushwood, or even to a bag filled with sand, bury this in it. (See " Dateram.")

Swivel.-The woodcut shows how a makeshift swivel can be fitted to a tether rope. Without one, the rope will be twisted almost up to a knot by the horse walking round and

round his picket peg; with one, the rope will turn freely in the hole, through which its large knotted head prevents it from being drawn.

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