CARRIAGES. 491 



ing on the box or the central cover ; oiling the axletrees ; and perpetu- 

 ally noticing the wear which the tire, or the marginal rim of metal, 

 undergoes. With regard to the box, that should be screwed until the 

 wheel turns steadily, evenly, and pleasantly. Should sensible efifort be 

 requisite to put the wheel in motion, the necessity for force is proof posi- 

 tive that the box has been screwed too tightly, or that it has been made 

 to press too hardly against the wheel, which it should merely help to 

 retain in its position. Such a compression, acting upon all four of the 

 wheels, will increase the draught threefold, the action being the same as 

 a break when it is applied to check the perilous downward progress of 

 any vehicle. 



Inferior axle-trees soon wear with the friction of the wheels which 

 rotate upon them. Colins's (expired patent) are, perhaps, the best; 

 though the choice is somewhat extensive, and there is no article of this 

 description which does not possess some merit. When the box will not 

 screw steadily, and the case-hardening of the axle has worn oif, the 

 wheel is not, as many persons imagine, imminently dangerous ; but its 

 rotation becomes uneven, and the motion of the carriage is rendered less 

 pleasant to the rider. The greasing or the oiling of the wheels, when 

 the work is of the ordinary duration and character, is performed suffi- 

 ciently often, if done once in three months. Quicker progression neces- 

 sitates more constant attention ; and the axles of a conveyance driven 

 notoriously fast had better be inspected every week. 



Coachmen are not commonly negligent concerning such particulars. 

 Neglect, however, would cause the grease to assume a solid form, and 

 Impede the motion. This effect causes an extra drag upon the collars 

 of the horses ; and gentlemen, when the vehicle moves slowly, should, 

 upon reaching home, see that the axles are properly greased, and the 

 boxes are not screwed too hardly. 



The tires will sometimes outlast the wheels; but all depends upon 

 the distance covered, the weight drawn, and the pace at which the 

 vehicle is driven. Some gentlemen — especially medical gentlemen in 

 full practice — will wear through a set of tires in eight or nine months, 

 when the orders given are to move fast, and four changes are required 

 to get through the daily visits. However, no person should risk riding 

 in a carriage when the tires become perceptibly thin or loose. 



Small lamps are a mistake. Diminutive lanterns may in some eyes 

 look prettier during daytime ; but when they are used, the confined space 

 does not allow the amount of oxygen to enter the interior which is re- 

 quired to support the flame. The consequences are, diminished brilliancy 

 and an abundance of smoke. The glasses become speedily soiled and 

 the reflectors deadened. A lamp of sufficient size is not without its 



