be things of the past. The breech-band is of necessity 

 required to be strong and specially safe, but the writer is 

 of opinion that there is not the slightest necessity for a 

 5-inch breech-band, or crupper, or back-band, whether 

 shaft or chain, in any case ; and contends that breech-bands 

 3^ and 4-inches wide are strong enough, if well made and 

 stitched by hand with strong threads, a small awl used, and 

 plenty of wax, particularly if after the first row is sewn 

 a strong filling of solid mill banding, (either old or new), 

 be inserted under the lay, and with the ends of the lay 

 carried round the ironwork. The stitching should be four 

 straight rows or slight waves ; fancy work such as 

 diamonds, points, or crosses in stitching are calculated to 

 cut and weaken the leather, and will at-times break off, or 

 through, at those particular fillagree patterns. The piece 

 or pieces of leather above referred to as filling are better 

 if old, but must be sound and free from cracks. It is not 

 necessary to pare or shave down the edges for rounding, 

 but simply wetting and hammering flat each side before 

 inserting between the top lay and breech-band body is 

 sufficient. The shaft-crupper, belly-band, and cheeks 

 of the bridle should be made on the same principle ; 

 the housings of the saddle and collar are better glued 

 together when lined, instead of being pasted. The 

 firmness of a set thus built will be beyond all comparison 

 with the wide flimsily made old pattern set. All the 

 stitching should be carefully rubbed down at the bottom 

 side, and if the top is hammered it should be done very 

 lightly, and only for the purpose of rounding the work off 

 after wetting ; if the mark of the face of the hammer is 

 left it indicates hurried or careless workmanship. 



The manner in which the shaft horse is sometimes 

 forced down hill, plainly indicates the necessity for a safe 

 breech-band and hip straps. 



