376 CARRIAGES. 



one will last for years, while the other will give signs of 

 dissolution in a month. 



In these hints to those who would purchase a carriage 

 either ready made or made to order, we would not claim 

 that any one, however experienced, can avoid being 

 cheated if he fall into the hands of a dishonest maker, 

 who has no regard for his reputation. In a hundred 

 things can the purchaser be deceived ; the quality of iron 

 and steel — of the wood and leather — of the paint* and var- 

 nish even — can only be tested by actual use ; and the car- 

 riage-maker himself has to depend in a great degree on 

 the " brand" or the reputation of the manufacturers, 

 for the quality of many of the materials. Much more, 

 then, must the purchaser of a carriage, which, when it is 

 delivered to him, is covered up with paint and trimmings, 

 depend on the character of the carriage manufacturer or 

 merchant. 



To those who would buy a carriage, our advice then is : 



First — Make the most diligent investigation into the 

 character of the firm with whom you deal ; if possible, 

 obtain the opinion of those who have dealt with them pre- 

 viously, as to their reliability ; and when you are satisfied 

 on this point, do not let an undue suspicion prevent your 

 asking and following their advice — obtaining, when you 

 can, a full guarantee for at least one year, against all de- 

 fects or breakages, accidents excepted. Do not hope to 

 buy a good carriage at a very low price. A dealer who 

 professes to sell at cost is always to be suspected. A well- 

 made carriage is always cheaper than one poorly made, at 

 any difference in price. 



Second — Consider well the purpose for which you re- 

 quire a carriage, and the character of the roads on which 

 it will be used, and let your selection be carefully made in 

 reference thereto. The weight of the carriage, the«thick- 



