THE HANDY MAN ON THE FARM. 839 



Repair of Harness. 



Although this is commonly considered to be within the province >f the 

 Baddler, and consequently is neglected by bhe farmer, there is no reason 

 why 'he latter should not make many of his own repairs. Those required 

 are often very simple, and the following details are given, so that those who 

 are not in a position to obtain training may be able, by studying them 

 carefully, to acquire a knowledge of the work. 



It is necessary to bear in mind that, although the process may appear 

 complicated, it is not really so, and can easily be mastered. Time is always 

 available for doing odd jobs, and by following the instructions no difficulty 

 will be encountered in making ordinary repairs, and the harness will be kept 

 in good order at little expense. 



It is not proposed to deal with the more complicated work, such as the 

 restuffing of collars, <fec. — this must be left to the trained man — but merely 

 to show how many simple repairs can be neatly and strongly made. 



The following list comprises a fairly complete outfit for effecting repairs 

 Whilst with these almost any class of work can be done, the possession of 

 them all is not essential ; for instance, much useful work can be accomplished 

 with an awl, needle, and thread. Costs are given, but are only approximate.* 



.1. 

 1 pair clams ... ... ... 6 6 1 edge tool, No. 2 ... ... 1 li 



1 ,, pliers, No. 3 ... ... 3 6 2 tongue punches, Nos. 35and 37, 



1 dozen awls, assorted ... ... 2 at 2s. 3d. ... ... ... 4 6 



1 ,, awl-handles ... ... 2 4 round punches, Nos. 3, 4, 5, 



1 ,, collar needles, assorted 9 and 6, at Is. 6d. ... ... 6 



2 packets needles, Nos. 2 and 4 1 1 tine saddler's shoulder-crease... 5 



1 saddler's compass ...» ... 16 1 single hand-crease ... 2 6 



1 round knife ... ... ... 7 6 1 saddler's palm ... ... ... 16 



1 hand knife 



1 saddler's' hammer 3 6 Total £2 16 6 



A saddler's plough, which costs about 30s., facilitates the cutting of leather, 

 but is not essential. 



The different materials which are required in renovating harness, with the 

 approximate costs are* : — 



A small leather apron, about 12 inches by 4 inches, is required. This is 

 suspended from the waist and hangs over the right thigh. A small 5 hook, 

 for holding the hemp whilst making the thread, is also needed. A suitable 

 bench is shown in Fig. 1 1 . 



Use of the Tools. 



The Plough is somewhat expensive, and its work can be done by other 

 tools, such as the round knife. The chief parts are a cutting blade ana' 

 gauge. By setting it to the right width a strip of leather can be rapidly and 

 accurately cut. (Fig. 7.) 



* These prices are subject to variation. 



