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PURCHASING OR ORDERING THE 



HARNESS. 



" Knavery's plain face is never seen till used." 

 The first question to consider in reference to the 

 harness before you purchase or order is, the kind of 

 vehicle to be used, if a heavy or Hght one, or whether it 

 is to be a gig, dog cart, or four-wheeler. For a gig the 

 harness should be made up to have a light appearance — 

 an imperial pad with straight flaps, square furniture, and 

 winkers looks and wears well, in both silver and brass 

 furniture. Where practicable the horse may be used 

 without winkers. If the business requires a dog-cart or 

 trap, the harness should be somewhat heavier, with an 

 Alexandra or other saddle, at discretion. Should a four- 

 wheeler or phaeton be decided upon, the saddle is not 

 required to be heavy, the only weight to carry being the 

 shafts, but a breech-band, (either a long or short one), is 

 absolutely necessary. Many persons in setting up their 

 first "Turn Out" decide upon having a second-hand set of 

 harness, which system of drawing the line at the harness, 

 after going to the expense of a good horse and new 

 vehicle, requires second consideration, and the harness, 

 before purchasing, a most minute examination. At first 

 sight it may be clean, and to all appearance sound ; but 

 when we consider the fact that the simple breaking of the 

 top hame strap, or the ends of the traces, or billetts of the 

 reins, may result in the death of a valuable steed, the 

 total wreck of a handsome vehicle, or perhaps, per- 

 manent injury to the driver and occupants, besides 

 numerous public risks, it is absolutely necessary that the 



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