CHAPTER XXIII. 



CABRIAGES. 



RTTLE OF CABEIAGES IN THE UNITED STATES— HOW TO BUT A CAWUAnB— 

 JtUST BE ADAPTED TO ITS PURPOSE — THE WHEEL — 1 HE HUB — THE SPOEBB — 

 THE TIKE — THE AXLE — THE SPBIUGS — THE SHAFTS AND POLE — THE BODY — 

 THE TOP — THE LEATHER — THE PLATING THE TRIMMING THE PAINT- 

 ING — HINTS ON COLORS — HARMONY OP COLOR IN THE TRIMMINGS WITH 

 ladies' COMPLEXION AND DRESS— THE OARE OP THE CARRIAGE — WASH- 

 mo LUBRICATING — REPAIRING. 



In a country wliere ridiag in carriages is an almost uni- 

 versal custom among those who can afford to keep a horse, 

 J;he selection of a carriage, and the manner of taking caro 

 of it, are subjects of no small importance. 



The vehicle, as soon as it rises above the condition of a 

 •'business wagon," and is constructed with a view to com- 

 fort, or elegance of appearance, and assumes the character 

 of a "carriage," becomes an article of luxury, although 

 by no means a useless one; and its selection is a question 

 which should exercise both the judgment and the taste of 

 the purchaser. 



No carriage can really look well if it does not look ser- 

 viceable. If for heavy work, it must be strong and 

 appear strong, without appearing heavy or unwieldy. If 

 for light work, it can hardly appear too light ; for it is so 

 generally known that delicately-made carriages may be 

 very strong, that the light appearance does not convey 

 an idea of weakness. If the carriage be intended to make 

 a rich display, it will be most beautifully finished when 

 most richly decorated. If to be used by persons of mod- 



[874] . 



