DK AWING. 73 



many of their roads. Not only are all their pleasure 

 carriages, or "buggies,." so constructed, but the wag- 

 gons have a perch that by an admirable arrangement 

 can be detached, to allow of the carriage being length- 

 ened when required to carry timber or other lading. 

 The perch, being in two pieces, can be coupled by the 

 simple contrivance of a movable iron band and pin, 

 giving a freedom, most desirable in a rough country, to 

 the movement of the lower carriage. This contrivance 

 works well, and might with advantage be applied to 

 our military train - waggons and ambulance - carts. 

 Horses cannot but suffer from the present construction 

 of carriages in general use, where the axles are left un- 

 supported and unbraced to encounter the roughness 

 and inequalities of the road. 



Axle- Boxes. — Proper lubrication of the axle-boxes is 

 too often sadly neglected. Even Collin ge's patent will 

 not run freely without periodical aid in proportion to 

 use, and it is no harm to make an occasional examina- 

 tion of the wheels of a carriage when they are lifted off 

 the ground by setters, to see that there is thorough 

 freedom in the working of them, by spinning them 

 round with one's finger against the spokes. The re- 

 application of gutta-percha or leather washers is essen- 

 tial, as the amount of friction by work will wear that 

 requisite. 



For a few days after the washers are replaced, the 

 boxes should not be screwed too tightly, but subse- 

 quently they should be re-tightened. 



A round tire is decidedly easier for draught than a 

 flat-edged one. 



Carriages, immediately after use, should be cleaned, 

 or at least have water dashed over them, to prevent the 



