126 Centaur ; 



The breech-band is of necessity required to be strong 

 and specially safe, but the writer is of opinion that there 

 is not the slightest occasion for a 5-inch breech-band, or 

 crupper, or back-band, in cart harness ; and he contends 

 that breech-bands 3 J and 4 inches wide are strong enough, 

 if well made and stitched by hand with strong threads, 

 a small awl used, and plenty of wax ; particularly if, after 

 the first row is sewn, a strong filling of solid mill banding 

 •^ — either old or new — be inserted under the lay, and with the 

 ends of the lay carried round the ironwork. The stitching 

 should be four straight rows or slight waves ; fancy work, 

 such as diamonds, points, or crosses, in stitching is calcu- 

 lated to cut and weaken the leather, and will at times 

 break off, or through, at those particular filagree patterns. 

 The piece or pieces of leather above referred to as '* filling " 

 are better if old and firm, but must be sound and free from 

 cracks. It is not necessary to pare or shave down the edges 

 for rounding ; simply wetting and hammering flat each side 

 before inserting between the top lay and breech-band body 

 is sufficient. 



The shaft crupper, belly-band, and cheeks of the bridle 

 should be made on the same principle. 



The housings of the saddle and collar are better glued 

 together when lined, instead of being pasted. 



The firmness of a set thus built will be beyond all com- 

 parison with the wide over-loading and flimsily made old 

 pattern harness. All the stitching should be carefully 

 rubbed down at the bottom side, and if the top is hammered 

 it should be done very lightly, and only for the purpose of 

 rounding the work off after wetting; if the mark of the face 

 of the hammer is left it indicates hurried or careless work- 

 manship. 



The hurried manner in which the shaft horse is some- 

 times forced down hill plainly indicates the necessity for a 

 safe breech-band and hip straps. 



The most important part of the cart-set, for the comfort 

 of the horse, is the collar ; and the only portion of it that 

 can be reduced in weight is the housing. The old-fashioned 

 monster housings never ought to be revived, and the writer 

 thinkp thev can never be forgotten. 



