The Country Gentleman's Magazine 



273 



IMPROVEMENTS IN BREAST-STRAP FOR HORSES. 



THE breast-strap of harness is subject to 

 great strain in backing the vehicle, orthe 

 holding back of the vehicle when descending 

 a declivity \ consequently, when this impor- 

 tant portion of a harness is constructed of 

 leather, it soon gives way, even when used 

 only in the prosecution of the routine of farm 

 operations. There are numerous patented 

 appliances for the preservation of the breast- 

 strap ; but they protect them at but one 

 point, viz., where the neck-yoke rmg presses 

 against the strap. Taken as a whole, it is a 

 bungling, uncouth affair, a combination of 

 leather, snaps, buckles, rings, &c., which is 

 not desirable, as simplicity is above all a 

 desideratum. In the accompanying illustra- 

 tion is shewn an arrangement for breast-strap 

 that reduces the whole affair to the simplest 

 possible form consistent with strength and 

 convenience ; it is, however, open to one 

 objection — it being of iron, the neck-yoke 

 ring, when driving fast, or over a rough road, 

 makes a jingling and not unmusical sound. 

 Snap Aj A, are secured to the near plate of 



circle b by welding; 

 from the hames p, p. 



it is easily detached 

 If made of good iron 



Improvement in Breast-Strap for Harness. 



it will outlast three pair of hames. The 

 manner of using it is clearly shewn in the 

 figure. 



VOL. IX. 



