42 FAKM APPLIANCES. 



is wasted it is because it is stuff not fit to be used, for a 

 good lubricator costs enough to keep the average man 

 from allowing it to waste. Oil that "gums" much is 

 unfit to be used. Castor oil is a splendid lubricator for 

 axles, but used alone may gum too much. This is cor- 

 rected by the addition of refined coal-oil (that used for 

 lamps), or lard ; the coal-oil is the better. Some wagons 

 are yet made unprovided with metal shields or "thim- 

 bles," being banded with steel ; for these some tallow may 

 be used, as it is one of the best of lubricants when iron 

 and wood are brought together. Pine-tar is a good addi- 

 tion to the lubricant for wagon axles, and is a part of 

 most of the " axle greases " sold. Plumbago is another 

 good addition ; its fine particles fill the small irregulari- 

 ties in the opposing surfaces, thus making them smooth- 

 er. A mixture of lard and plumbago is good for the 

 journals of reapers, mowers, etc. ; we have found castor 

 oil and refined coal ojj also good for this use, particularly 

 for use on the ' ' sickle-driver. " For carriages nothing is 

 better than castor oil and a very little lard oil or refined 

 coal oil. Lard oil alone has not " body " enough for the 

 journals of reapers, mowers, etc. ; add a little castor oil, 

 or tallow or plumbago. While the axles of reapers, grain- 

 drills, hay-rakes, etc., will not need lubricating so often 

 during the year as the axles of the wagon, oiling them 

 must not be neglected, as the rough ground the wheels 

 pass over makes the wear on unoiled axles quite rapid. 

 The axles of corn-cultivators require frequent lubricating. 

 For these the best lubricants are those recommended for 

 wagon axles. 



A LIGHT SLEIGH OE 



A light sleigh may be made of hard-wood poles cut and 

 bent into shape, a few bolts, and a light body or box. 

 Figures 42 and 43, made from sketches of a recently 



