S3 1 



THE FARMERS HANDBOOK. 



interfere to some extent with the draught, and may get under the feet in 

 turning; while if too short, the swingle-bars catch against the heels. In 

 hard, uneven ground, plough-chains should be fairly long. The swivels 

 must be kept in good order to prevent twisting of the chains, with conse- 

 quent risk of breakage. 



The reins or lines are usually of rope in plough harness. A clasp at one 

 end is a convenience in attaching them to the bit. Heavy lines should not 

 be used, as they cause a drag on the horse's mouth, especially when wet. 

 Rope of 1:} inches circumference is the most suitable for ordinary work. 



Plough Harness. 



Showing the correct position of the hiuue hook, the position of the backhand, and the method of 

 attaching the lines. 



They are passed through the terrets or rings on the backhand, but not 

 through those on the names. If they are passed through the latter the 

 horse's head is pulled upwards rather than outwards, and he does not 

 answer to the rein well. They should not be too long, and if they must be 

 taken up in length, it can be done most conveniently at the bit by tying a 

 bowline knot; the spare rope can be tied up to the names out of the wav. 

 (Fig. 1.) 



Leading Harness. 



This differs from plough harness principally in that a heavier backhand 

 and more complicated fittings are required to support the chains. The 

 winkers, collar, and hames are essentially the same. A broad band of 

 leather, divided into two- straps at the fore end, passes through a loop in the 

 backhand, along the back to the tail, where it ends in a crupper. Two 

 meeter straps are attached with a loop and keeper to the hames, or are 

 stitched to the collar itself about 5 inches below the top of the collar, and 

 the straps attached to the backhand are buckled to these to keep it in 

 position. 



