CHAPTER XYL 



SADDLER1, HARNESS, AND STABLE SUNDRIES — OP WHAT THESE CONSIST; 

 THEIR APPLICATION AND THEIR PRESERVATION. 



The ensuing particulars were communicated by Mr. Thomas Sains- 

 bury, Junr., the skillful foreman to a well-known and old-established 

 firm — Messrs. Gibgon & Co., of Coventry Street, Leicester Square. 

 Proceeding from so trustworthy a source, the information cannot other- 

 wise than merit implicit confidence ; for when descanting on the above 

 subject, the author, being anxious to state only facts, deemed it better to 

 seek instructions from an established tradesman rather than to employ 

 such knowledge as he himself possessed ; since, not being acquainted 

 with every branch of the business, his opinions must necessarily be more 

 or less speculative, or based upon probabilities. Havmg enjoyed the 

 benefit of Mr. Sainsbury's unreserved communications, the writer rejoices 

 at the resolution which he had formed ; and can only tender his sincerest 

 thanks to Messrs. Gibson & Co. for the extreme liberality they have 

 evinced throughout the transaction. 



Saddlery and harness making are two distinct branches of one occu- 

 pation. Saddlery strictly irnplies only that furniture which fits a steed 

 for the uses of its rider. Harness making signifies the manufacture of 

 those trappings which are employed upon animals of draught. There 

 are, also, other subdivisions recognized by the trade ; but on the present 

 occasion these need not be particularly enlarged upon. 



Many men are expert at either kind of manufacture ; but the best 

 workmen are those who devote themselves to one particular branch of 

 the trade. Such can only find remunerative employment with the 

 masters who can afibrd to keep an artisan constantly employed at the 

 work in which he excels. 



Saddlers justly complain that a horse cannot be accurately fitted when 

 the animal is fresh from a dealer's stable. A good saddle should be so 

 exquisitely adapted to the body on which it is placed as scarcely to be 

 moved, even by the action of the limbs. A tradesman approaches per- 

 fection, therefore, in proportion as his trappings cleave to the trunk for 

 r494) 



