CARE OF THE CARRIAGE. 897 



well finished, it is desirable to maintain it in this condi- 

 tion as long as possible. This requires it to be properly 

 cleansed, oiled when necessary, kept free from dust in tha 

 carriage-house, and to have its bolts tightened whenever 

 they have worked loose. 



The appurtenances necessary for this purpose are a pail, 

 It watering-pot, (the water should never be thrown through 

 a Lose, as it ruins English varnish, and penetrates all the 

 crevices in the springs, &c., causing rust,) two large soft 

 sponges, free from grit, two full-sized chamois skins, an un- 

 limited supply of water, a wisp-broom, a feather duster, 

 (a cloth one will answer), a sheet for covering the whole 

 carriage, a can of sweet oil, or, which is better, pure sperm 

 oil, and a screw wrench. Soft water is much better than 

 hard, as the latter is injurious to the varnish. 



All of the fine carriages now made being varnished with 

 English varnish, it may be well to call to mind that it 

 has these peculiarities : it will become spotted whenever 

 the mud is allowed to remain long upon it, and the more 

 frequently it is washed, the more lustrous will it remain 

 — ^hence it is necessary, in order that it may be kept in 

 the best condition, that the carriage should be washed 

 every time it comes in, and at least once a month whether 

 It, is used or not. 



All freshly varnished carriages should be nicely washed, 

 with soft cold water, four or five times before being used ; 

 it hardens the varnish and prevents its spotting by mud. 



Never place a carriage near a stone or brick wall ; the 

 dampness destroys the varnish. Varnish requires a well 

 ventilated room. 



Ammonia from the stable will also destroy varnish in a 

 short time. 



The washing should be done in the following manner: 



1. Supposing the top to be sufficiently clean, the cush 



