CHAPTER XXIV. 



HABIOBSS. — ^rrS SELECTION AND CABB. 



Wa QUALITY OP LEATHER— QUALITY OF WORKMANSHIP— THE COLLAR— Tfll 

 TRACES — THE BRIDLE— THE BIT — THE SADDLE — THE GIRTHS — THE CRItPPKR 

 -—THE BRRECHINQ — THE HOLDBACKS— THE REINS AND MARTINGALE -THB 

 MOUNTINQ — HOW TO HARNESS AND UNHARNESS THE HORSE — THE CARE OF 

 HARNESS — OLEANINO THE PLATING. 



All who drive are interested in the subject of harness — > 

 not onlj those who, keeping their own carriages or busi- 

 ness wagons, have to procure and maintain one or more 

 sets of harness, but, in a less degree, those who have to 

 trust their valuable persons to the fidelity of strap and 

 buckle. The horse-keeper, from motives of economy, 

 should acquire such knowledge of the quality of leathei 

 and workmanship, and of the best means of preserving 

 harness in sound condition, as will enable him to purchase 

 as wisely, and as seldom as possible. While those who 

 ride in hired vehicles should be able to assure themselves 

 of the safety of the harness by which they are drawn. 



It is the object of this chapter to give as much informa 

 tion concerning harness, as can be comprised within ita 

 limited space, by general remarks on the quality of mate- 

 rials and workmanship ; descriptions of the various parta 

 of the harness ; and directions for keeping the leather, 

 bits, buckles, &c., in the best possible condition foi safety, 

 durability, and good appearance. 



Note. — In preparing this chapter we have been greatly aided by Ifessrs. J. T. Snutk 

 Ik Co,, of 842 and 344 Broadway. The saddles, harness, bits, etc., lllastrated in thic 

 work, were mainly selected from their extensive stock. 

 402 



