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EVOLUTION OF SADDLE CLOTHS. The first numbered saddle cloths used for horse racing in this country are said to have been made by a Kentucky concern. over a quarter of a century ago, and were iirst used at the Latonia race course. They were crude In the beginning and consisted of white Canton flannel phaped-to lit the horses back. The figures on them were of the prlmarv colors. Improvements in making them have steadily gone on; and ar last perfection " has been reached. The present make will sooii have a world-wide reputation, and probably will be in actual use at every race course in the world- Tliey are made of" "seamless black cable cloth, having a tensile strength of 60O pounds to the square yard, cannot lie torn, -ripped or snagged iu racing, and are guaranteed against fading. Being three-quarters of a yard in length and half a vard in depth, they tit snugly under any race saddle and weigh but eight; -ounces each. The white figures are ten inches; high alid are plainly visible to the naked eye from the grandstand. Under the figures are little invisible pockets with draw strings, and into these pockets padded discs of ihe -mW-olllleeTv-eanlie- placed. These little weights prevent the saddle cloths from ballooning or being blown over by the, wind. The, discs caii easily be removed .when, the saddle cloths are laundered. -:rhtv pommel part js of double thickness and prevents rubbing by the saddl?. These saddle cloths are double stitched and the weight is oulv ten ounces each with the discs.
