CARRIAGE-SPRINGS. 389 



do besides those I have already named. Every part 

 of a modern carnage is strengthened by iron stays ; 

 the wings and dash have an iron framework, which is 

 merely covered with leather ; there are the iron railings 

 round the seats, the raised backs, the opening and 

 closing heads of carriages, such as landaus, phaetons, 

 victorias, and sociables, are more or less constructed of 

 iron, which being covered with leather is not seen, 

 ■except the iron stays which are observed on the 

 outside, but which coach-builders have lately frequently 

 dispensed with. 



One of the principal things a smith has to construct 

 .are axle-trees ; these are now frequently made of Bes- 

 semer steel welded too^ether. To be successful in 

 welding steel axles, everything preparatory to the 

 task must be attended to, as it is generally understood 

 that steel is exceedingly difficult to weld. The smith 

 has also to set his axles, so that the axle-arms may 

 properly fit the box in the nave of the wheel. In all 

 -cases, and under all circumstances, the wheels should 

 be ready for the smith before he welds up his axles. 



Carriage-springs should occupy a great part of the 

 smith's attention ; they are one of the most essential 

 points in the construction of a carriage. All coach- 

 builders gain their knowledge of what is requisite in 

 a set of springs, suitable for a certain carriage, from 

 •experience, or from comparing it with other carriages 

 to which they have fitted springs ; but no fixed rule 

 to my knowledge exists, whereby a coach-builder may 

 be governed in making springs sufficient to support 

 any particular weight. 



The fact of there not being any fixed rule decided 

 by precise mathematical calculation, is rather a matter 

 for regret, as carriages frequently sufier, as also do the 

 liorses who draw them, and the persons who ride 



