MODERN CARRIAGES. 387 



same sentiments and tastes refined or blunted according to 

 surroundings or other circumstances. 



That there is a satisfaction in gazing on such equipages is 

 evidenced by the crowds of critics and sightseers who throng 

 St. James's Park on drawing-room and levee days. Were 

 the elegant ladies, gallant officers, stately nobles, and great 

 statesmen who attend such Court ceremonies conveyed thither 

 in omnibuses or London four-wheel cabs, it is probable that 

 many sightseers would stay away. And what shall we say about 

 the Lord Mayor's procession on each ninth day of November ? 

 His state coach is eagerly looked for as the cutwardand visible 

 sign ot his rank and dignity as chief magistrate of the City of 

 London. The eye of the public has to be pleased and satisfied ; 

 it wants sentiment and glitter to enable it to realise the rank and 

 station of the occupants, for what the handsome uniform is to 

 the officer and soldier, the state carriage is to others who have 

 to take prominent positions in the eyes of their fellow-men. 



Last, but not least, is the mail-coach, or four-in-hand coach, 

 however now best known as a ' drag,' a small coachTBody with 

 large and deep boots, carrying four persons inside, hung on a 

 wooden perch under- carriage, with mail-coach springs, fre- 

 quently with mail-coach axles. Each boot has a high seat, the 

 front one carrying two persons, the driver being on the right or 

 off side, seated on a deep wedge-shape driving cushion. The 

 hind seat is elevated on curved irons, and carries two or three 

 persons ; two seats on the roof, one at each end, carry three 

 or four persons according to the taste or requirements of the 

 owner ; a break, actuated by a long lever handle to the right 

 of the driver's seat, and having two arms provided with wood 

 or India-rubber blocks which are pressed on the tires of the hind 

 wheels to retard the speed of the carnage when descending 

 hills. Such carriages are (or should be always) provided with 

 a strong pole made of the finest and toughest ash from young 

 and well-grown trees, five splintrees for the leaders (three for 

 use, and two spare ones in reserve in case one of the three 

 becomes disabled from any cause). 



c c 2 



