404 HARNESS. 



evei:y strap of the harness has the wrinkles running across 

 it, and not in the direction in which its strength is to be 

 tested. No saddler with a regard for his reputation would 

 cut his straps in the direction of these wrinkles, and it is 

 chiefly in purchasing ready made harness, of a cheap 

 quality, that this caution is necessary. Poor leather is 

 sometimes varnished, to give it a bright appearance. This 

 can be detected by comparing it with leather known to be 

 of good quality. Yarnished leather should be rejected 

 in all cases when good quality is desirable. 



The softness and pliability of leather is a pretty good 

 test of its quality, inasmuch as a skin is never so soft and 

 pliable when rotten, or half tanned, as when fully tanned 

 and of good stock. The fact that the best tanned sole- 

 leather (English Bend) is very hard, seems to be opposed 

 to this idea, but this hardness is due, in a great degree, to 

 compression. 



Beyond these, and, possibly, a few other similar indica- 

 tions, there is nothing which can be said on this subject, 

 which would be of. any practical value to those whose 

 only interest in learning the character and quality of 

 leather is based on their occasional necessity to purchase 

 harness. Important differences between two tannages of 

 leather appear, to the uninitiated, as subtle as those be- 

 tween two vintages of old wine, and they can be detected 

 only by men cunning in the craft. 



THE QUALITY OF WORKMANSHIP. 



Of course the most casual observer will perceive great 

 differences between the style of manufacture of different 

 harness. Aside from ornamental stitching, and scrolled 

 edges, there is a certain air of neat and dexterous work- 

 manship apparent in the stitching and trimming of well- 

 made -harness. 



