CARRIAGES. 145 



Among the many advantages of the " Collings" axle, we 

 may mention, that it does not need bolts to hold the wheel 

 in its place ; and it requires to be greased or oiled only 

 three to four times a year. These axles on our " drag" 

 have been greased once in six months, and then they 

 did not require it.* It is also impossible for a wheel run- 

 ning on these to be forced off, because of the reversable 

 brass burrs, three in number, and which are jSnally secured 

 by a tempered steel spring-keeper, the whole covered from 

 view by a silver or other metal ornamented cup, screwed 

 to and revolving with the wheel. In addition to the above- 

 named advantages, these axles are made by a peculiar pro- 

 cess, and so durable, that with ordinary care, they will last 

 the wear of several carriages or during the longest lifetime. 

 Yet, notwithstanding the advantages of the Collings, the 

 ordinary cart but diminutive axles are seen too often on our 

 expensive carriages. 



This matter of axles is not the only exception we make 

 to the finish of a perfect carriage", for every day when our 

 attention is attracted to them, the springs of many are 

 also decidedly faulty, and even dangerous to life and 

 destructive to the other portions of the vehicle. Let us 

 illustrate, by simple reference to the fact, that the vipper 

 and lower half of the spring being joined firmly at each 

 end, allowing no elongation when weight is placed upon it, 

 the result that naturally follows this confinement is that 



* The material for greasing was castor oil. 



