tim to unrequited affection.

The articles to be transported should be made up into two packages of
precisely equal weight, and as nearly equal in bulk as practicable,
otherwise they will sway the saddle over to one side, and cause it to
chafe the animal's back.

The packages made, two ropes about six feet long are fastened around
the ends by a slip-knot, and if the packages contain corn or other
articles that will shift about, small sticks should be placed between
the sacks and the ropes, which equalizes the pressure and keeps the
packages snug. The ropes are then looped at the ends, and made
precisely of the same length, so that the packs will balance and come
up well toward the top of the saddle. Two men then, each taking a pack,
go upon opposite sides of the mule, that has been previously saddled,
and, raising the packs simultaneously, place the loops over the pommel
and cantel, settling them well down into their places. The
lashing-strap is then thrown over the top, brought through the rings
upon each side, and drawn as tight at every turn as the two men on the
sides can pull it, and, after having been carried back and forth
diagonally across the packs as often as its length admits (generally
three or four times), it is made fast to one of the rings, and securely
tied in a slip-knot.

The breast-strap and breeching must not be buckled so close as to chafe
the skin; the girth should be broad and soft where it comes opposite
the fore legs, to prevent cutting them. Leather girths should be
wrapped with cloth or bound with soft material. The hair girth, being
soft and elastic, is much better than leather.

The crupper should never be dispensed with in a mountainous country,
but it must be soft, round, and about an inch in diameter where it
comes in contact with the tail, otherwise it will wound the animal in
making long and abrupt descents.

In Norway they use a short round stick, about ten inches long, which
passes under the tail, and from each end of this a cord connects with
the saddle.

Camp-kettles, tin vessels, and other articles that will rattle and be
likely to frighten animals, should be firmly lashed to the packs. When
the packs work loose, the lash-strap should be untied, and a man upon
each side draw it up again and make it fast. When ropes are used for
lashing, they may be tightened by twisting them with a short stick and
making the stick fast.

One hundred and twenty-five pounds is a sufficient l