462 THE HANDBOOK FOE PEACTICAL FAEMEES 



maintain the appearance of harness, but it is insufficient of itself 

 to properly preserve it. At intervals of from one to four weeks, 

 depending upon circumstances, used harness should be thor- 

 oughly cleaned. First, the harness is taken apart, all buckles, 

 loops, straps, etc., removed wherever possible. Then all surface 

 dust and mud is wiped off with a damp (not wet) sponge or cloth. 

 Then a lather is made by moistening the clean sponge in clean 

 water, squeezing it out as nearly dry as possible, and rubbing 

 vigorously upon the castile soap. When a thick, creamy lather 

 is obtained, all pieces are cleaned. 



After cleaning the sponge again, make a thick lather as 

 before, but this time with saddle soap ; go over each piece again, 

 working the lather well into it, remembering that its action is 

 that of a dressing. After the leather is partially dry, it should 

 be rubbed with a soft cloth to give it a healthy appearance. If 

 the leather is soft and pliable, nothing further is required. 

 Occasionally, however, it is found necessary to apply oil. 

 During the first few months of use, a new set of harness should 

 be given at least two applications of oil each month. Frequent, 

 light applications are of more value than infrequent, heavy ones. 

 Before using new equipment, it should be given a light 

 application. 



How to oil leather. — The quantity of oil used should rarely 

 exceed an ounce or two tablespoonfuls for each set of harness. 

 Oil should be applied to the flesh side where practicable, when 

 the leather is clean and still damp, after washing. It should be 

 applied with an oiled rag or cotton waste by long, light, quick 

 strokes, with the endeavor to make a light, even distribution. 

 After oiling, leather should be allowed to stand twenty-four 

 hours, if possible, in a warm, dry place, then rubbed with a dry 

 cloth to remove unabsorbed oil. 



Oil is applied on the flesh side because it penetrates more 

 uniformly, and when the leather is dry it will absorb oil like 

 blotting paper, preventing proper distribution. An additional 

 reason for consistent cleaning and oiling lies in the fact that 

 practically all leather contains at least one-tenth of one per cent 

 of sulphuric acid, acquired as a normal product of tannage. 

 This acid, which, if excessive, will in time rot the leather, is 

 neutralized by the alkali of the castile soap, and to a less degree 

 by the oil. 



A few cautions to be observed are : To keep the leather clean 

 and off the ground ; keep pliable by light applications of oil ; use 

 only materials recognized as good ; dry all leather in the shade, 



