148 AMERICAN STABLE GUIDE. 



est and most hilly roads of Delaware county, Pennsylvania, 

 with no jarring or jostling to tlie body, nor straining to 

 the vehicle. 



We must, however, leave the general construction of 

 carriages to those to whom it more properly belongs. Our 

 best axles are the mail, and half-mail or half patent, and are 

 not in or up to the general improvements in most other 

 things made by our mechanics. 



The care and cleansing of Carriages in a satisfac- 

 tory and proper manner is understood by but few persons. 

 Whether carriages be idle or in everyday use, they never- 

 theless require care and attention. Moths and rust, mil- 

 dew and decay are the result of idleness and improper 

 housing, and can only be prevented by good ventilation 

 and dryness. Carriages in daily use should be washed, 

 md not dusted, after the journey is over, with cold 

 water. The articles in use for the washing of carriages 

 are : the sponge, one for the panels or body proper, 

 which should be kept free from dirt and sand, and 

 another for the under carriage and wheels; the spoke- 

 brush, for the tires of the wheels. The mop of cloth, 

 attached to a handle, is not in use in this country, as the 

 sponge is sufficient, and not very costly ; but as a matter 

 of economy it is an excellent contrivance in the place of 

 the sponge. These articles are for the rough or outside 

 cleansing of carriages. The chamois leather, commonly 

 called the wash-leather, is also used in its dry and wet 

 Btate — the wet one to dry or absorb the moisture after 



