3Q 



AXLE 



CH. Ill 



A practical objection to this arrangement, is the 

 largely increased number of parts and joints, with 



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Fig. 12. 



the consequent risk of breakage, and difficulty of 

 preventing rattling. 



Axle. — The axle of the simplest cart or wagon 

 is entirely of wood, the ends being tapered and 

 rounded, and covered by a thin conical iron tube 

 called a skein, on which the wheel, which has an 

 iron boxing or lining of some more or less complete 

 form, runs. The axle of a coach is made in several 

 parts. The axle-bed is of wood, sometimes in two 

 pieces, between which the futchells are held, and 

 under it is fastened the axle proper, which is of 

 strong, tough iron or mild steel, about two inches 

 square, in one continuous length, terminating in 

 arms upon which the wheels run. Originally these 



