be passed over. One of the most useful improvements 

 in connection with coach building is the Collinge Axle, 

 invented in 1792, and by means of which wheels only 

 require to be oiled once in several months. The other 

 great improvement is the Eliptic Springs, patented in 

 1804 by Obadiah Elliot, and by means of which carnage 

 travelling is made more comfortable ; and the labour of 

 the horses much lighter. The Collinge Axle, although it 

 obviates the necessity for frequent lubrication, does 

 not dispense with it entirely. The axle of all vehicles, 

 whether those of carriages or carts, should be regularly 

 oiled or lubricated, as it not only renders the labour of the 

 horse much easier, but preserves the axle and wheel from 

 wearing so rapidly. It not unfrequently happens that 

 through the axle not being regularly lubricated it becomes 

 uneven, and both it and the hub of the wheel wear out 

 much sooner than they would do if carefully and regularly 

 attended to. 



Care should be taken on the return from a journey 

 to see that the vehicle is properly washed, and all soil, 

 sand, or grit is removed from the axle, as it is very apt to 

 get into the hub and grind either it or the axle into 

 grooves or ruts, which if not noticed in time may lead to 

 serious accidents. In order to prevent break-downs, or 

 spills, the vehicle should be regularly inspected and kept 

 in good repair. It is a very bad plan to leave vehicles 

 exposed to the weather ; they should, therefore, be kept 

 under cover when not in use, as the sun not only spoils 

 the paint and varnish, but shrinks the wood to such an 

 extent as to render travelling in a carriage long exposed, 

 dangerous, as not unfrequently after long exposure to the 

 sun's rays, the tires become loose. For this reason it is 

 never safe to purchase a second-hand carriage, as it not 

 unfrequently is exposed in open yards and places without 



