164 THE FURNITURE. 



are recognized by the average owner, but if he interest him- 

 self in such matters the influence of a buckle that is too 

 large or too small and other such details on the symmetry 

 of the harness soon become evident. The intending buyer 

 of one or more sets of harness is advised to go to some 

 dealer in first-class harness at whose establishment, even if 

 he cannot afford to purchase, he will learn sufficient to guide 

 him in making the best choice available elsewhere of less 

 finished but more moderate priced goods. 



THE FURNITURE. 



The furniture, i. e., the metal mountings, buckles, etc., 

 is usually brass or silver plated; but if the latter form is 

 selected the purchaser should demand that the plating be 

 heavy and that the material under it be of white metal. 

 Nickel plated furniture is sometimes used, but it is open to 

 the objection of the shabby appearance presented when the 

 nickel wears off in parts, and the impossibility of remedy- 

 ing the evil short of replating. Solid brass or silver plate 

 over white metal will wear longer than the leather of the 

 harness, and all parts will have the same surface, no matter 

 how far the material is worn down. The hames, owing to 

 the strength required, have to be made of wrought iron 

 and consequently are plated. Metal trimmings should not 

 be used on the nose-band, bearing-rein, drop-straps or on 

 other parts for purely ornamental purposes. The kidney- 

 link and kidney-link ring when used should be prefer- 

 ably of steel, as there must be no question as to their 

 strength. In appointment classes these parts of pair-horse 

 harness are plated to match the other furniture, but this is 

 purely a refinement to please the eye. 



