CHAPTER XXI. 



STAGE COACH, AND CARRIAGE TRIMMINGS. 



Coach curtains. Improved coach curtains. Hammer-cloths. Coach lace. Coach boots. Wagon 

 and chaise boots. Baggage boots. Baggage covers. Box cushions. Coach and chaise cushions. 

 Improved box, coach, and chair cushions. Improved cushion covers. Carriage dasher& 

 Coach whips, riding whips, and switches. Coach mountings. Coach trumpets. Improved 

 coach and car sashes. Improved blinds. Improved carriage dashers. Coach pannels. 



Some of these articles which are made of vulcanized gum- 

 elastic, may be considered important on account of their cheap- 

 ness, in comparison with those which have heretofore been 

 made of other materials for the same purpose. 



Others, because this material is comparatively indispensable 

 for their manufacture on account of its water-proof qualities. 



Of the latter sort are the cushions for waggons and the 

 driver's box, hereafter described. With the stuffed cloth and 

 leather cushions which have been furnished, drivers are exposed 

 to a vast deal of hardship and suffering during storms, and the 

 evil does not end with the storm. The cushion, or rather the 

 sack of stuffing, becomes completely saturated with water, which 

 continues to endanger their health even more than before, be- 

 cause it seldom, if ever, becomes dry. 



The napped and plated fabrics might be highly recommended 

 for the lining of stages and coaches throughout, on the score 

 of quality and cheapness, except that the odor of them may be 

 considered objectionable for close and expensive coaches. 



In reply to this objection it may be urged, that as the gum- 

 elastic linings acquire age, they will become free from odor, and 

 remain much more cleanly than cloth linings. 



They will not, like cloth, become impregnated with filth and 



