-C^gj 



WHALE SPRINGS. 109 



BUFFERS. 



These are blocks or springs of gum-elastic, placed between 

 and in front of the cars, (instead of underneath them,) to prevent 

 their jarring by concussion. They are an English invention, 

 and not so generally introduced in America as the car springs, 

 see plate xvii., fig. 9. 



CART AND TRUCK SPRINGS. 



These are made in the same manner as the car springs 

 described, and are placed underneath various kinds of carts and 

 trucks to be used on common roads. They are placed under- 

 neath the body and over the axle of the cart or truck, much in 

 the same way as they are underneath cars. See plate , fig. 



WAGON SEAT AND RAIL CHAIR SPRINGS. 



These are blocks of gum-elastic sponge, which are placed 

 under the feet of the chairs of railway cars, wagon seats, and the 

 seats of other vehicles. In this manner the seats of all vehicles 

 without springs, may be rendered easy and comfortable, at a very 

 trifling expense. 



WHALE SPRINGS. 



These are made of elastic cordage, and of one or more gum- 

 elastic ropes, of any size required, with a shackle attached at each 

 end, by which they are to be connected with the cable. The 

 use of the spring is to ease off the strain upon the cable, by 

 which the whale is secured from breaking loose from the ship in 



