418 HOME LIFE IN FLOKIDA. 



own injury and that of the horse, or else "smothered" to 

 the extent of clogging. In this case, as in many others, 

 "enough is better than a feast." 



After your carriage or wagon has been used a year or 

 two (or even longer if they have been cared for as they 

 should be), they will look a little the worse for wear so far 

 as paint and polish go. Then they should be done up. 



"Can't afford it. No coach-painter near." 



Well, you think so, doubtless. But we dispute both as- 

 sertions. You can afford it, and there is a coach-painter 

 near. He is as close as your own good right arm ; you 

 can do it yourself, when once you know how. 



How to renovate the carriage or wagon : Let us suppose 

 the body to be black, the wheels and running-gear red. 



First procure the following materials: One pound of 

 drop-black ground in Japan ; if you can not get it ground 

 in Japan, get it in linseed oil ; one pound of Indian red, for 

 the w^heels and running-gear ; one quart of good varnish, 

 several sheets of member one and a half sand-paper, and 

 number five and a quarter ground pumice-stone (very fine). 



Rub the body first with sand-paper, then mix your drop- 

 black with turpentine and varnish, and paint the body ; 

 when thoroughly dry, rub it well with the pumice-stone and 

 water on a rag ; then paint again, and when thoroughly dry 

 varnish with clear varnish, Avithout the drop-black added. 



Mix the Indian red with linseed oil and turpentine, and 

 paint the Avheels and running-gear ; when thoroughly dry 

 varnish with clear varnish. 



It is best to do this Avork during the winter months, when 

 there are no small insects to light upon it and impair its 

 appearance, which will be equal to new. If there is a pat- 

 ent-leather dasher to be looked after, rub in two or three 

 coats of castor oil, or sweet oil, and, after it is well dried, 

 a coat of varnish. 



