off in flesh, more thicknesses are added, and "_vice versa_."
This saddle-blanket is regarded by the Russian officers as the best
possible arrangement. The Russians use the curb and snaffle-bits made
of steel.

The Cossack saddle has a thick padding under the side-boards and on the
seat, which raises the rider very high on his horse, so that his feet
are above the bottom of the belly. Their bridle has but a simple
snaffle-bit, and no martingale.

The Prussian cuirassiers have a heavy saddle with a low pommel and
cantle, covered with leather, but it is not thought by Captain
M'Clellan to present any thing worthy of imitation.

The other Prussian cavalry ride the Hungarian saddle, of a heavier
model than the one in the Austrian service. The surcingle is of
leather, and fastens in the Mexican style; the girth is also of
leather, three and a half inches wide, with a large buckle. It is in
two parts, attached to the bars by raw-hide thongs. The curb and
snaffle steel bits are used, and attached to a single head-stall.

The English cavalry use a saddle which has a lower cantle and pommel
than our _Grimsley_ saddle, covered with leather. The snaffle-bit
is attached to the halter head-stall by a chain and T; the curb has a
separate head-stall, which on a march is occasionally taken off and
hung on the carbine stock.

The Sardinian saddle has a bare wooden tree very similar to the
Hungarian. A common blanket, folded in twelve thicknesses, is placed
under it. The girth and surcingle are of leather.

Without expressing any opinion as to the comparative merits of these
different saddles, I may be permitted to give a few general principles,
which I regard as infallible in the choice of a saddle.

The side-boards should be large, and made to conform to the shape of
the horse's back, thereby distributing the burden over a large surface.
It should stand up well above the spine, so as to admit a free
circulation of air under it.

For long journeys, the crupper, where it comes in contact with the
tail, should be made of soft leather. It should be drawn back only far
enough to hold the saddle from the withers. Some horses require much
more tension upon the crupper than others. The girth should be made
broad, of a soft and elastic material. Those made of hair, in use among
the Mexicans, fulfill the precited conditions.

A light and easy bit, which will not fret or chafe the horse, is
recommended.

The saddle-blanket must be fo