400 CAEEIAGES. 



In lubricating tlie axle we can use for the heavy wooden 

 or the plain iron axle a mixture of one-third tar and two- 

 thirds lard, or some of the patent wagon-grease now offered 

 for sale everywhere. 



If from want of oil, or other cause, the friction of the 

 axle in the box should cause the wheel to " stick" on the 

 road, it will be necessary to stop until the iron becomes 

 entirely cool, and contracts to its proper size ; this can be 

 facilitated by pouring cold water on the axle at the rear of 

 the hub. The wheel may then be knocked off, and the axle 

 suf&ciently filed to remove the roughness caused by the 

 slight welding which occasioned its sticking. It may then 

 be oiled and the wheel put on again. If you have occasion 

 to use a carriage when it probably needs oiling, you should 

 take the precaution, as often as possible, to feel of the axle 

 near to the wheel. If it is at all warm, it is unsafe to pro- 

 ceed without oiling it. 



REPAIRS. 



Tire Setting is the most important repair which will 

 be necessary in the case of well-kept carriages, unless they 

 become accidentally broken or worn from long use. This 

 operation should, unless rendered necessary by accident, 

 or improper construction, be performed only in the dryest 

 summer weather, when the wood of the wheel is shrunk 

 to its narrowest limits. 



Injuries resulting from Loose Tires are : they cause the 

 spokes to work loose, (technically, "churn out,") at the 

 hub ; they do not properly confine and support the felloes ; 

 and they are liable to be broken, or to become bent. The 

 most certain indication of looseness of the tire is, that when 

 struck on the fiat with a hammer, it will give a dead, fiat 

 sound ; a tight tire will give a clear, ringing sound when 



