While saddling, loading, or readjusting the packs, the animals should be blinded. The mules should be trained to stand perfectly quiet while the blind is on; they should never be led or forced to move without first removing the blind.
TO FIT THE SADDLE.
The pack-saddle is fitted to the animal in a manner similar to that of the riding-saddle; it is so constructed that it can be placed one and one-half inches farther forward than the riding-saddle.
If the pads are not square, draw the screws, unlace the pads from the skirts, then square and fit them to the animal by placing the canvas cincha immediately around the animal's girth, the front edge touching the breast-bone (cartilages of true ribs), the middle of the cincha being exactly in the middle of the lower edges of the pads; then screw the pads to the saddle-bars, keeping the cincha in place till the adjustment is made; then remove the cincha and replace the pads.
Adjust the canvas cincha so as to be long enough to go nearly around the girth of the mule, over the saddle.
Adjust the crupper by lengthening or shortening the lace-strings that attach it to the saddle, taking care not to make it too tight.
TO SADDLE.
Place the corona on the mule's back, about two to two and one half inches in front of where the pommel end of the saddle is to rest; place the folded saddle-blanket over the corona; take the saddle by both yokes and place it squarely in position, a little in rear of its proper place; place the crupper under the dock and gently move the saddle forward to position; pass the ring end of the canvas cincha over the saddle from left to right and under the belly; pass the latigo through the ring and tighten the cincha; when cinched, the ring end of the cincha should be above the lower edge of the near pad.
CARGOES.
The rations should be carefully put up in one-hundred-pound packs lashed solidly, and carried on the best pack-mules; each pack is plainly marked with its contents and weight.