SKIDS FOR JFHEELS. 329 



'lignum illud, quo per radios rotarum trajecto ; vel fer- 

 reum instriimentum in modiim solece formatum, quo subter 

 notas unius canthum supposito, currus in declivibus locis 

 nimio impetu ruentes cohibentur : illud Itali stanga, hoc 

 Scarpa vocant. 



There can be no doubt, then, as to the Romans 

 possessing such an instrument to facilitate the travelling of 

 their carriages ; but I do not remember any mention 

 being made as to their discovery anywhere ; and in all 

 likelihood we have them here. I am aware that in a 

 sepulchral bas-relief found at Langres, representing, among 

 other objects, a cart drawn by three horses, two chains are 

 seen attached to the body of the carriage, and in front of 

 the hind wheel, one with a ring, the other with a hook at 

 the end to lock round the felloe between two of the spokes, 

 and make a fetter for the wheel. So says Mr Rich ; but 

 this kind of contrivance would, one is inclined to think, 

 be of as limited application in the Romano-Gallic days as 

 now. It is a most expensive way of staying the velocity 

 of a carriage. The shape of the supposed sandals presents 

 but little difference from that of the skid or wheel-shoe ot 

 now-a-days, except, perhaps, in length. 



The drawing of one of those attached to the waggons 

 of the Military Train will make this manifest (fig. 137). 



fig- 137 



