PACK-HORSE, a horse employed in the carriage of goods, which are either fastened on its back in bundles, or, if weighty, are placed in panniers, slung one on each side across the horse's back. The saddle to which the bundles were fastened consisted of two pieces of wood, curved so as to fit the horse's back, and joined together at the ends by other two straight pieces. This frame was well padded underneath, to prevent injury to the horse's hack, and was firmly fastened by a girth. To each side of the saddle a strong nook was attached, for the purpose of carrying packages, panniers, etc. Pan niers were sometimes simply slung across the horse's back with a pad under the hand. The panniers were wicker baskets, and of various shapes, according to the nature of their usual contents, being sometimes long and narrow, but most generally having a length of tame feet or upwards, a depth of about two-thirds of the length, and a width of from one to two feet. The pack-house with panniers was at one time in general use for carry
ing merehandise, and for those agricultural operations for which the horse and cart are now employed; and in the mountainous regions of Spain and Austria, and in other Parts of the world, it still forms the sole medium for transport; though the mule has, especially in Europe. been substituted for the horse.
An army requires to be accompanied by several thousand pack-animals, sometimes horses, but preferably mules; and in Asia, commonly camels, or even elephants. Pack-saddles are variously fitted, according to the objects to be carried; some for pro visions or ammunition; others for carrying wounded men, tents, and in mountain-war fare, even small cannon. In battle, the immediate reserves of small-arm ammunition are borne in the rear c,f divisions by pack-animals; the heavy reserves being in wagons between the army and its base of operations.