THE COLLAR. 



405 



If the stitches be somewhat wide apart (or long) they 

 are stronger, supposing good thread to have been used, 

 than those which are very close together. Again, if the 

 awl, which is dagger-shaped and not round, has been so 

 inserted as to make the greatest length of its puncture in 

 the direction of the stitching, the work is not nearly so 

 strong as if the holes have their longest diameter extend- 

 ing diagonally across the line of the stitching. This differ- 

 ence is a very important one. Especially in cheap harness, 

 the improper style of piercing is frequently adopted, from 

 its greater rapidity. The reason why it is not so well is, 

 that it weakens the leather by a too continuous line of 

 cutting. When the proper plan has been pursued, the 

 ends of the slit-like awl-holes can be seen on either side of 

 the stitches. 



PARTS OF THE HARNESS. 



The Collar. — The best for heavy work is the English 

 Collar^ which is shown in figure 80, as it distributes the 

 draught over the whole surface of the breast and shoulders. 

 Its size and weight should be regulated by the nature of 

 the work to be performed. If for light work, too great 

 weight should be avoided, as it increases the heat about 

 the shoulders. For heavy work, it should be broad and 

 full, especially at the point where the most direct strain 

 comes, viz: where the traces are attached. 



The proper fitting of the collar is an important matter, 

 and should receive the especial attention of the horse- 

 keeper. If it is too loose, it will gall the shoulders and 

 cbafe the neck by its motion ; or if too tight, it will obstruct 

 the breath by its pressure upon the windpipe. When in 

 its proper position, snug against the shoulders, there should 

 be space enough between the collar and the windpipe 

 to allow the insertion of the fingers. With horses of 



