CARE OF HARNESS. 155 



Linseed oil . . . . . .1 pint. 



Tallow ....... 1 pound. 



Beeswax ...... 1 ounee. 



Eosin ....... 1 ounce. 



Dissolve over a slow fire, and apply warm. 



For fine new and costly harness, at least for the first 

 year, the crown soap already spoken of is all that will be 

 found necessary. The crown soap is not used so much for 

 ivashing the harness as it is for softening and keeping the 

 leather j)liable, and may be applied as follows : The harness 

 being previously cleansed and dry, smear on a little with 

 the hand, as if going through the process of greasing or 

 oiling; after this, come lightly over it with a wet or damp 

 sponge, and dry with the wash-leather. A fine soft 

 appearance, not unlike a piece of dressed kid skin, will be 

 the result. If a polish be required shortly afterward, the 

 harness will have to be thoroughly polished previous to 

 soaping, softening, or greasing, and a polish can immedi- 

 ately be produced, with little labor, by the use of the 

 paste. The mountings of silver are less troublesome 

 to keep in good condition than any other kind, even 

 by soap and water ; but a slight rub with a dry chamois 

 blackened with lampblack and dipped in a little whiting, 

 will be all that can be desired. 



Brass and Prince's or yellow metal mounts are difficult 



to keep clean and free from stains or spots, which can 



hardly be removed by rubbing, if not j)reviously moistened 



by some of the mineral acids. To save labor and make a. 



14 



