CARE OF THE HARNESS. 417 



above dpscribcd system only so mucli as is requireJ hy 

 tlie different character of the harness, — and Searing in 

 mind the remarks on coupling- reins, and c-ccasionally 

 changing sides with the horses, which will be found in 

 chapter XIX., (How to Drive a Horse.) 



THE CARE OF HARNESS. 



Fine harness sbould not be kept where it will be con- 

 Btfintly surrounded by an atmosphere saturated with 

 ammonia, as in the stable, or so near to it as to be within 

 reacli of the fumes of the manure of the horses. The am- 

 monia would be absorbed by the imperceptible film of 

 moisture on it, and would " eat up" the oil of the leatlier. 

 For the same reason it should not be hung against a white- 

 washed wall, as the lime would get on the leather, and in- 

 jure it by the same action. 



For each harness there should be two long pegs, five or 

 six feet from the floor. On one, hang the bridle, next to 

 the wall ; and the collar, the small end up, outside of the 

 bridle. On the other, hang the body of the harness, by 

 the saddle, letting the back-strap and breeching hing do wn, 

 and the hames outside of the saddle. Thus arranged they 

 will be in the proper order for putting on to the horse. 



When the harness is taken from the horse, take a 

 woollen cloth or chamois skin, kept for the purpose, and 

 wir-re off the dust, and all moisture from rain or perspira- 

 tion ; and wlicn the harness is nearly dry, rub its damper 

 parts very thoroughly with a second cloth or skin, until it 

 is quite soft and pliable. 



The bits and plated mounting should be cleaned and 

 rubbed with a slightly oiled rag before the harness ia 

 18* 



