414 HIGHWAYS AND HORSES. 



each end, to reduce the vibration. The lubricating oil, 

 however, sometimes acts on them, and dissolves 

 portions, rendering them insecure and liable to 

 accidents. 



" Indiarubber tires have been introduced with 

 gradually increasing success, owing mainly to the use 

 of the materials in a better form, and an Improved 

 method of cementing. The chief drawback Is their 

 limited durability, especially when used on roads of 

 fresh-laid small stones on the MacAdam system. To 

 remedy this, a plan Is shown of providing a wheel with 

 a hollow external tire, bedded on a cushion of India- 

 rubber, that encircles the whole wheel, and Is concealed 

 by the external hollow tire." This plan I myself 

 proposed, not knowing that such a plan had ever been 

 adopted. " As regards axles, a very considerable step 

 has been made In Improving them. By methods 

 suggested by the Institute of British Carriage Manu- 

 facturers, which took up the subject, several improve- 

 ments of great value have been Introduced. Carriage 

 manufacturers had long desired Improvements In quality, 

 accuracy, and facility of repair. 



" The liability to cause a rattling noise, chiefly owing 

 to the demand for light carriages, reducing the 

 diameter and wearing surfaces of the arms and boxes, 

 had to be overcome. 



" The multiplicity of sizes and parts varying greatly, 

 and complicated by each maker producing sizes strictly 

 confined to his own works, rendered repairs costly and 

 tedious. 



"The first step was to devise means to produce 

 order out of chaos ; and after having ascertained what 

 really was necessary, communications were opened 

 with Sir Joseph Whitworth. It was soon found that 



