204 STAGE-COACH AND MAIL IN DAYS OF YORE 



by more than five, in pairs ; and narrow-wheeled 

 waggons Avere not allowed more than four. A 

 penalty of 20s. Avas indicated for harnessing an 

 extra horse, in addition to the horse being con- 

 fiscated. Additional horses might be used Avhen 

 the roads Avere covered Avith snoAv or ice, and it 

 Avas left to the discretion of turnpike trustees to 

 alloAV extra horses on steep hills, in Avhich cases 

 any number up to ten might be used for four- 

 wheeled AA^aggons, or up to six for two-AA heeled ; 

 but trustees Avere to carefully specify those hills 

 on Avhich this indulgence Avas granted. Steep 

 hills, consequently, for many years afterwards 

 Avere generally seen Avith notices beside the road, 

 Avhere the horses might be attached. A post at 

 the bottom announced in large letters, " Put On," 

 and another, at the top, " Take Off." 



NarroAV-Avheeled Avaggons Avere not to be drawn 

 by 2^t^ii's. Drag-irons or slijij^ers to be flat, not 

 rounded ; penalty 40s. The OAvner's name and 

 place of abode were to be painted on the most 

 conspicuous part of each Avaggon or cart, Avith 

 the Avords " Common Stage- Waggon," or cart, as 

 the case might be. It Avas this enactment tliat 

 for many years afterAvards gave their character- 

 istic appearance to the old stage-AA-aggons, for the 

 most conspicuous place on them Avas undoubtedly 

 the canvas tilt, Avhich Avas always painted as the 

 Act directed, in very large lettering. 



The Act Avas lavish Avith its pains and penalties. 

 For using a Avaggon Avith a false name, or Avithout 

 a name, 40s. was the price. The driver of any 



