iABLE OF DIMENSIONS. 



889 



TABLE OF DIMENSIONS (iN INCHES) OF SPRINGS FOB 

 DIFFERENT VEHICLES. 



The bodies of town carriages with low wheels, should 

 be hung low ; for country use bodies should be hung high, 

 and high wheels used. The draught is less when so 

 hung. When the diameter of the wheels will permit, the 

 springs are best hung on the under side of the axle, as in 

 this position they keep better in place, having less ten- 

 dency to pitch forward. The use of springs on even the 

 hea^rier description of wagons, except where subjected to 

 excessive loads or very rough usage, is desirable, as it 

 lessens the wear on all parts of the vehicle, and makeiS a 

 lighter draught. 



Shafts. — The best wood from which to make shafts is 

 hickory. It is, however, more affected by wet than ash 

 or oak. Second growth eastern ash makes very gocd 

 shafts ; but oak, except for heavy work, in which a con- 

 siderable amount of timber is allowable, will be deficient 

 in stiffness. For such heavy work it is the best, as it ia 

 the most durable, wood used in carriage-making. Shafts 

 for light wagons are generally steamed and bent to such 

 form as is re(iuired. They should be bowed out widely at 



