CHAPTER VIII. 



HARNESS. 



QUALITY OF LEATHER, FURNITURE, FITTING, VARIOUS 

 PARTS AND APPOINTMENTS. 



Harness to the horse is what a dress 

 is to a woman — it may be elaborate to 

 the extent of being shoddy, or on the 

 other hand it may be simple, appro- 

 priate, of good material and workman- 

 ship. A refined woman chooses by in- 

 stinct the latter form, and any elabora- 

 tion introduced is made with care and 

 judgment. The same principles apply 

 to harness, and if it is thought that 

 fancy metal and stitching are required 

 to be "smart," let the above simile be 

 again employed to prove the contrary. 

 What is neater or "smarter" than the 

 tailor-made costume ? And is not this 

 "smartness" due to its very simplicity .f* 

 In sanctioning the elaboration of 

 harness under certain conditions, the 

 chances are that when it is attempted 

 by a novice the result will be open to adverse criticism. 

 For instance, although there is no serious objection to the use 

 of fronts (or brow-bands) made of silk cord if the colors are 

 subdued, yet to some owners red and yellow and similar com- 



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