THE BRIDLE. 173 



in place. Fronts or brow-bands, in consequence of being 

 too short, often chafe the horses' ears. Fronts may be 

 obtained that are made with a heavy rim of leather at the 

 top and bottom, forming a groove into which the metal 

 part may be laid, and the ends held by flat hooks. When 

 the front is attached to the rosettes, the metal part is firmly 

 held in place. This form has the advantage of allowing 

 the metal part to be cleaned separately, whereas when it is 

 sewed on, as is customary, the " compo " and dirt become 

 imbedded behind the metal. Fronts consist of a piece of 

 leather, plain or in colors, but more generally of plain 

 leather, over this is stretched a metal chain or band, or a set 

 of links of the same metal as that of the other furniture. 

 Enamelled fronts do not require so much time to clean, 

 and if dark colored are in good form for all simple harness. 

 Colored silk fronts, though coming into vogue again, are 

 objectionable: first, because they soon become soiled in clean- 

 ing the leather parts ; and secondly, because they are on the 

 showy order. Fronts, rosettes and housings should always 

 correspond, and be of the same color as the carriage and 

 livery. 



ROSETTES (see Figs. 56 and 57) are made of metal, leather 

 or ribbon. The metal ones are usually plain, flat disks, meas- 

 uring about two inches and a half in diameter, and corre- 

 sponding with the other furniture. They may be orna- 

 mented with the monogram, initial letter or badge of the 

 owner. When made of leather the rosette is usually con- 

 ical in shape, measuring about three inches and a half at the 

 base and ending off in a button. Sometimes loops of leather 

 fall four or five inches from the base. They are composed 

 of the same color or colors as are used for the fronts. Rib- 



