Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1900 edition. Excerpt: ...have a bar across them to keep the lead-reins and swing-reins apart. Either a pole or a chain may be used to connect the lead horses to the coach. The pole has, at its hind end, an eye which goes on the main pole-head hook under the lead-bars, and at its front end, a head, or crab, of the usual form, with bars to which the leaders' traces are attached. This pole should be much lighter than the main pole, since there is no strain upon it, except the direct pull, and the bars also should be somewhat lighter, half the weight of the pole and all the weight of the bars being supported by the necks of the swing horses. An alternative similar arrangement consists of a light chain covered with leather, or a rope, like that on a cock horse harness (see Plate XXIV.), instead of a pole, with lead-bars. It should be suspended by a chain, or straps, from the collars of the swingpair, and the leaders when at rest must be kept well forward to prevent the bars from hanging down. It is also well to have a strap from one tugbuckle of the swing horses to the other, on which this chain may rest. The swing pole or chain and the bars may be dispensed with altogether, by using for the leaders long traces going to the tug-buckles of the swingpair, as shown in Plate VI. Post1ng.--In posting, the near horse of a pair is ridden by a postilion, who leads the off horse. The In a plate published by Euw. Okme, Bond St., London, 1816, entitled Paris Diligence, a postilion, on the near wheeler, is driving three leaders. off side harness is the same as that of a pair, with the exception of the reins, but the near side harness has a saddle like that shown in the plate of the cock horse harness. The bridle, collar, and traces are as usual, except that a long trace without a...
