[Three sketches to illustrate items described on this page].

To Padlock a Bag.—­A padlock, passed through the next buckle-hole, as is also shown in the same figure, prevents pilferers from unbuckling and opening the package.  It is well to learn some artful sailor’s-knot for tying up bags, with which other people cannot meddle without your finding it out.

Rings.—­In packing-gear and other harness, use is frequently made of rings.  Iron ones may be replaced by a loop of tough wood, such as the peasants of the Campagna commonly employ:  a piece of the thickness of a small walking-stick, and eight inches long, is bent (see “Wood, to bend"); its arms are notched when they cross, and are firmly nailed or lashed.

Tethers, Hobbles, and Knee-halters.—­Cattle may be secured at night by being tethered, hobbled, knee-haltered, or driven into an enclosure made of bushes.  The nature of the country, and what dangers are apprehended, determine which plan is most advisable.  A knee-haltered horse has a good change of escape if he scents a wild beast that is creeping up to him; for he can gallop, though with labour, to a short distance.  A hobbled horse has no chance at all; though, indeed, they have been known to fight desperately with their teeth and 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 into five separate pieces, viz., two fetlock straps, a1, a2; a chain, b, having a swivel point, c, in the middle; and two double pot-hooks, d1, d2, which pass through eyes in the fetlock straps, and also through the end links in the chain.  The two ends of both, d1 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.

[Two sketches on this page illustrating equipment].

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, etc., 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 brush-wood, or even to a bag filled with sand, bury this in it. (See “Dateram.”)