VEHICLE, HARNESS, AND SADDLE 



291 



strap supports in whicli the body of the vehicle was slung (Fig. 

 162), or two long, supple poles, supported at tlie ends by the 

 axles, and upon which the body was suspended. Iron tires were 

 reported in the first half of the nineteenth century, although 

 wooden rims, braced with iron at the joints, had been previously 

 used. 



Use of Bitbber. — Early attempts were made at shock absorp- 

 tion, it being no doubt more imperative then tlian now, on ac- 

 count of the rough condition of the roads. The pneumatic tire 

 was patented in France in 1846, but proved impracticable at 

 that time. Before this, inflated cushions over the springs, 



Fig. 162. — Strap supports in which the body of the vehicle was slung. 



rubber cushions inside the hubs, and spring spokes had all been 

 attempted. In 1883 rubber cushions under the iron tires were 

 tried. 



The first brakes were used 1860 to 1865. 



Superior Woods. — A distinct advantage is claimed for 

 American carriage builders over those of any other country on 

 account of the superior woods which are available to them. 

 Hickory is fast replacing oak in carriage construction, and 

 American woods are extensively exported for the use of foreign 

 manufacturers. The American idea in carriage design is light, 

 rigid strength of the " split hickory " sort., while foreign car- 

 riages are much heavier. It is interesting to note the exchange 

 of ideas between England and the United States ; while caiTiages 



