Those who are nice about the look of their Harness, must keep a set of Old Harness for Wet Weather and Night Work; which is a plan to be recommended to all Persons who make much use of their Carriage.
A Handsome set of Chariot Harness, of the very best Workmanship, with patent Leather Waterdecks, according to Estimate (No. 9), costs from about £30. to £36.
SECOND-HAND HARNESS.
Observe the condition of the Leather; if it is soft and pliable, it is good:—if dry and stiff, it is bad. This is also the case if the Grain is cracked, or if the Sewings are gummed up with grease, and the veined marks on the edges are effaced. See that all the Leathers at the buckling and looped parts are whole and perfect;—the trace ends, the collars, the cruppers, the belly bands, and billets, shew best at the buckling parts how much the Harness has been used.
The Furniture (except the Ornaments) usually remains longer perfect than the Leather does, but look to the corners of the Buckles and Rings of the Territs through which the Reins pass, and to the Ornaments; likewise the inside Winker-pieces and the head chains; these are the likeliest parts to look to for a proof of the Furniture, but the Leather is the best guide, for if the pipes and ley of the Collars, traces at the points, and the breeching at the straps, are perfect, the Harness is likely to be a good one, though a Second-Hand Harness seldom proves (after the expense of alterations and changing the Ornaments, which necessarily must be done before it can be used) to be so Cheap, in the long run, as a New one.
TRAVELLING CARRIAGES
Should not be hung higher than Three feet from the ground, should have strong well-seasoned Springs, which should be corded, and every part of it should be much stronger than a Town Carriage. Bolts inside should be attached to the Doors, to prevent their being opened on the outside.
The Dickey Box should have Pistol Holsters on each side, covered with black fur tops.
A front Budget attached to the Body, or fixed on the beds of Carriage.