CH. XI DRAUGHT-EYE 213 



which the pole-chain runs instead of being- fastened 

 into a kidney-link. 



The names are fastened together at the top by 

 the hame-strap, and this must be strong and fre- 

 quently renewed, since the strain from the pole- 

 chain comes upon it. The hame-strap must be put 

 on with its point turned toward the inner side — that 

 is, to the off side on the near horse, and the near 

 side on the off horse ; because, should a horse fall, 

 the quickest way to loosen his traces and pole-chain, 

 and to free him, is to unbuckle his hame-strap, which 

 is much more readily done when the strap can be 

 pulled toward the operator. This is such a simple 

 way of getting the harness off, that it is strange 

 that many experienced horsemen forget it and try 

 to pull the traces out of the tug-buckles without 

 success. The hame-strap can be cut in an emer- 

 gency, with the loss of only an insignificant part of 

 the harness, whereas cutting a trace means serious 

 damage. 



Draught-eve. — At a point about two-fifths of the 

 whole length of the hame from the bottom, the 

 draught-eye is welded on, and to it is attached the 

 trace. 



There are several patterns of draught-eye, but 

 those most in use are shown in Fig. 99 ; A is the 

 most common ; B is practically the same as A, and 

 is really a better design, since it is fastened at two 

 points, and hence is stronger ; C has the same form 



