590 DRIVING. 



on carriage licences. Thus, year by year, there is a constant 

 flow of a number of first-rate carriages into the hands of the 

 best London carriage-builders ; and by applying to respect- 

 able firms, reliable second-hand carriages can be had on con- 

 tract, or purchased by those who from choice or necessity 

 desire to limit their yearly expenditure. 



There is only one rule for the guidance of would-be pur- 

 chasers of second hand carriages even when a reliable builder's 

 name is plainly seen on the axle-caps. The rule is a negative 

 one, but still is valuable : 'Do not purchase any second hand 

 carriage unless you have implicit faith in the vendor? 



Changes of fashion have this effect that, however good a 

 second-hand carriage may be, if it is even a little out of the 

 fashion, people are unwilling to buy it ; such carriages the 

 coach-builders are generally anxious to sell at almost nominal 

 prices, and to these persons who do not object to what maybe 

 a little out of fashion, such carriages offer an excellent invest- 

 ment ; for many years' use may be had out of them with a 

 very small outlay for repairs. 



We should weary our readers were we to attempt to give 

 descriptions of the various improvements that have been 

 taking place from year to year. The use of concealed hinges, 

 whereby the neatness of the suspension and wider opening of 

 the doors is secured ; spring door locks and improved inside 

 handles, rendering shutting and opening easier ; and the saving 

 of many nice dresses and lace by suppressing the projecting 

 inside lever handles, are among minor improvements. 



Landaus have during the last thirty years had more in- 

 genuity bestowed on them than any other carriage : in extreme 

 reduction of weight and size, and by contrivances to provide 

 available sitting accommodation in bodies of small external 

 dimensions ; in improved arrangements of the folding heads to 

 enable them to fall flatter, and afford more view and air to 

 the occupants of the carriage ; in the concealed and ingenious 

 mechanism which facilitates the closing and opening of the 

 heads, almost as simple in action as the opening and closing of 



