548 



The Book of the Horse. 



should always be kept up at full stretch in the coach-house ; and aprons of every kind should 

 be frequently unfolded, or they will soon spoil. 



In cleaning brass or silver, no acid, or mercury, or grit should be used ; the polish should 

 be obtained solely by friction. 



To prevent or destroy mollis in woollen linings use turpentine and camphor. In a close 

 carriage the evaporation from this mixture, when placed in a saucer, and the glasses up, is 

 a certain cure. 



Be careful to grease the bearings of the fore-carriage, so as to allow it to turn freely. If 

 it turns with difficulty the shafts or pole will probably strain or break. 



Examine a carriage occasionally, and whenever a bolt or clip appears to be getting loose 

 tighten it up with a wrench ; and always have little repairs done at once ; should the tires of the 

 wheels get at all slack, so that the joints of the felloes are seen, have them immediately con- 

 tracted, or the wheels will be permanently injured — "A stitch in time saves nine." 



MR. SAMrSON HANBURY's HIGH-PERCH PHAETON. {St'e page 535.) 



Collinge's patent axles, in regular work, will run about three months without being cleaned 

 and oiled, and about six months without new washers. With the Mail Patent it is better to 

 have a cleaning every two months, using neat's-foot oil. A little of this may be supplied to 

 the caps more frequently, care being taken not to cross the threads or strain them when being 

 replaced, as in that case they will be liable to drop off on the road. 



Keep a small bottle of black japan and a brush always handy to paint the treads and steps 

 when worn by the feet ; nothing tends to keep up the tidy appearance of a carrian;e more 

 than this. Lay it on as thin as possible. 



Never draw out or back a carriage into a coach-house with the horses attached, as more 

 accidents occur from this than any other cause. 



As a general rule, a carriage with gentle work retains its freshness better than if standing 

 for long periods in a coach-house. If the latter is necessary, draw it out occasionally to air. 



See that the coach-house doors can be so fastened as not to blow to by the wind. 



A good carriage kept as here recommended will always be a credit to every one 

 concerned. 



