386 DRIVING. 



and refined types were produced and have held the public 

 favour for years. Latterly Shelburne landaus have been simi- 

 larly suspended, and they offer considerable advantages to 

 elderly or infirm persons. They are open and closed carriages 

 combined. Being hung low, they can be entered with a single 

 step as a brougham, and the mechanism of the heads is so 

 perfect that they can be opened and closed in case of rain 

 almost as readily as an umbrella. If better known, they would 

 be more appreciated. 



The dress-coach carries four persons inside, while the dress- 

 chariot carries only two persons inside. Such carriages, pro- 

 duced under able hands, are not only triumphs of mechanical 

 but also of artistic skill, for they combine more than any other 

 vehicle that is produced the most diverse materials ; the artificers 

 carry on the most varied occupations, and the manufacturer 

 has so to design his work, arrange his materials, and control 

 the whole construction, that in the end they shall produce a 

 result of the utmost harmony, whether mechanical or artistic ; 

 for it is of little use to produce a fine mechanical work and 

 mar it by coarse or inappropriate decoration ; or to ornament 

 with the utmost refinement -and taste a work that is mechani- 

 cally incorrect. All the proportions, the suspension, the equip- 

 ments, and decorations must be in harmony ; but the whole 

 effect of a very perfect work may be marred by a pair of 

 coarse-bred horses, badly-fitted harness, servants of ill-propor- 

 tion as regards figure, or untidy and slovenly bearing, or with 

 incongruous liveries or hats. 



No wonder so few fine equipages are now to be seen. Their 

 production requires a combination of qualities in the owners, 

 producers, coachmen, and all connected with them, that needs 

 to be kept in practice, and they deserve and should receive ap- 

 preciation in those who are critics or even spectators ; for the 

 owners of fine pictures, a fine house, a fine horse, or even a 

 good suit of well -fitted clothes, derive some satisfaction and 

 encouragement from the approval of friends and the out- 

 side world for all are mortal, and moved by somewhat the 



