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OUR IMPROVEMENT 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 first used at the Latonia race course. They were crude in the beginning and consisted of white Canton flannel shaped to fit the horses back. The figures on tlicni were of the primary colors Improvements In making them have steadily gone on, and at last perfection has lieen reached. The present make will soon have a world-wide reputation, and probably will be In actual use at every race course in the world. They are made of seamless black cable cloth, having a tensile strength of COO pounds to the square yard, cannot be torn, ripped or sagged in racing, and are guaranteed against fading. Being three-quarters cf a yard in length and a half yurd In depth, they fit snugly under any race saddle and weigh but eight ounces each. The white figures are ten inches high and 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 one or two ounces can be placed. These little weights prevent the saddle cloths from ballooning or being blown over by the wind. The discs can easllv be removed when the saddle cloths are laundered. The pommel part Is of double thickness and prevents rubbing by the saddle. These saddle cloths are double stitched and the weight is only tea ounces each with the discs.
