The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-24

VOtarlcS, Out we consider none Dcttcr
than that lined with leather next the
skin, when kept free from skin secre-
ton, but which, if allowed to remain on
the collar, becomes hard and rough, and
then produces irritation. TO keep the
shoulders III good condition and prevent
galling-presuming that the collar fits
it is a good rule to have the drivers
battle the shoulders with a little cold
water each time the collars are taken
off. This could easily be done at the
drinking trough when the mules are be-
ing watcrcd.
ACKBANDS AND TRACES.
No part Of the plow gear produces SO
much permanent injury or loss as the
back band The Importance Of the
proper adj juStmcnt Of the back band may
be somewhat appreciated when We state
that Oh one plantation, within our knowl.
edge, eleven or twelve fine mules were
lost from paralysis of the hind cxtrcmi-
ties, due to severe and continued pressure
on the spine, over the loins.
In travelling down the "Vallcy" road,
for instance and it is the case in other
parts of the sugar belt, it is not all I'M
usual thing to sec tho entire teams of a
plantation with the back bands over the
loins, behind the last rib, where there is
the least support to the back, not only
pulling, but lifting the plow with this,
the weakest part. AS matter of fact,
the only proper function Of q back band
IS to prevent the traces falling amongst
the animals feet when the tension is
taken of them.
The principal reason for this too fire.
quent position Of the back-band is that
the driver, instead Of having his clevis
and beam properly adjusted, and assist
ing with his own weight, if necessary,
on the handles, sets back his bands,
hitchcs up his traces, and imposes the
entire weight Of traction and lifting on
his mules, the principal part of which is
centercd Oh that portion Of the spinal
column above alluded to.
This is most dangerous procedure,
and is the cause Of the death Of many a
valuable mule.
The trace should have straight pull
from it's attachment to the names to the
single-tree; there should be no angles in
it at all. If there are, it is an Indication
OF undue pressure Oh the back. The
back-bands should be adjusted to the
traces, and should simply rest on the
back. If the plow will not run properly
by simply shortening the traces if neccs-
sary, then it is at fault, and either the
cleVis is out OF fix or the beam REQUIRES
lowering. If there is liability of any
portion Of the back having to bear
weight, such as behind the rise of the
withers, the band, with blocks on either
side Of the spine, or that which curves
over the spine, is preferable to the plain
web, as the one has no direct bearing on
the spinal column; the other has.
AS warning and guide in this inn
portant matter, il will be we'll to observe
that any part Of the back behind the last
rib is unsuited to bear weight, for here
we find the large muscles which propel
the hind limbs, whose function becomes
considerably impaired by pressure, here,
also, there is no elastic support from be-
low The kidneys also are placed under
this portion Of the spine, and there is a
peculiar rolling actiona side to side
movement--in the part, which can be
readily felt by placing the hand over the
loins when the animal is walking.
More attention paid to the proper gear
ing of the animals would often prevent
serious loss.