THE ROAD. 
mail-coaches. The spokes are framed somewhat differ- 
ently into the nave, which is made rather larger than 
is usual for common coach-wheels, and every other 
spoke is framed perpendicular to the nave. Hence, 
the mortises to receive them in it are not made in 
a parallel line round it, but stand as it were in two 
different parallels one without the other ; by which 
means greater solidity is given to the nave, and an 
immense addition of strength to the wheel. What is 
called the patent hoop, always used in stage-coaches, 
having the iron tire drawn into one complete ring, 
is not put on these wheels ; but the common strokes, as 
they are called, forged and hammered to the sweep of 
the rings, and in lengths equal to those of the fellies, 
are put on red hot, and well secured by ri vetted nails. 
The mail fore-wheel is somewhat higher than that of the 
stage-coach, which is an advantage. Low fore-wheels 
place the axle so much below the level of the wheel-horses' 
breasts, that they have not only the carriage to draw, but 
also part of its weight to bear. This weight distresses 
their hams, stifles, and hocks, and accounts for coach- 
horses being so soon unfit for the saddle. It is evident 
that attention to these points is necessary in putting horses 
to a coach ; and when the fore-wheels are low, the wheel- 
horses should have as much length of trace as can be 
given them, for the line of traction should be as nearly 
even with the draught of the horse as we can make it.* 
* Thus it is with a farmer's waggon. When the shaft-horse is standing 
at rest allowing two degrees of an angle for that position the point of 
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