MODERN CARRIAGES. 379 



8. The approximate weight, varying much according to size 

 and the requirements of buyers. 



9. The Government licence payable annually for each sort 

 of carriage. 



A short description of each carriage will probably afford 

 some assistance in the choice of a suitable vehicle. 



And here, en passant, we may mention that carriages of all 

 kinds should really be proportioned both to the size and weight 

 of the persons who use them, and of the horse or horses in- 

 tended to draw them ; proportion and fitness are all-important 

 for a satisfactory result. 



The pony-cart is generally small, is hung low, and carries 

 two, and occasionally four, persons. It is mostly driven by 

 ladies and young people, and more frequently in the country 

 than in London. 



The dog- cart is almost always made to carry four persons ; 

 its hanging varies according to the taste of buyers some pre- 

 ferring high, others low ones ; the balancing is arranged by a 

 screw acting behind, or by the action of a lever, or by simply 

 moving the seats by hand, the body being hung back for carry- 

 ing two persons, and forward for four persons. 



Gigs vary much. The old style of Stanhope gig has four 

 cross springs, and the bent ash shafts are strongly plated with 

 iron. They are sometimes made with folding heads. Many 

 gigs are now made with elastic lancewood shafts with tapered 

 hind ends, and with fulcrum action. Many of the polo ponies 

 are now used in light small gigs made especially to suit these 

 smart little animals. 



Gigs are considered equally suitable for London and country 

 use. 



Mr. C. J. de Murrieta has recently had a very successful gig 

 made for him. By taking the old curricle body, refining the 

 lines, and reducing the proportions, mounting it with a fold- 

 ing head, and suspending it on a Stanhope gig carriage, he has 

 succeeded in producing not only a novelty, but a new type of 

 carriage, not only very comfortable, but very stylish and gentle- 



