acal influence of the stables, from open drains and cesspools, and
other gaseous influences likely to affect the paint and varnish. When
the carriage returns home, it should be carefully washed and dried, and
that, if possible, before the mud has time to dry on it. This is done by
first well slushing it with clean water, so as to wash away all
particles of sand, having first closed the sashes to avoid wetting the
linings. The body is then gone carefully over with a soft mop, using
plenty of clean water, and penetrating into every corner of the carved
work, so that not an atom of dirt remains; the body of the carriage is
then raised by placing the jack under the axletree and raising it so
that the wheel turns freely; this is now thoroughly washed with the mop
until the dirt is removed, using a water-brush for corners where the mop
does not penetrate. Every particle of mud and sand removed by the mop,
and afterwards with a wet sponge, the carriage is wiped dry, and, as
soon after as possible, the varnish is carefully polished with soft
leather, using a little sweet oil for the leather parts, and even for
the panels, so as to check any tendency of the varnish to crack. Stains
are removed by rubbing them with the leather and sweet oil; if that
fails, a little Tripoli powder mixed with the oil will be more
successful.

2227. In preparing the carriage for use, the whole body should be rubbed
over with a clean leather and carefully polished, the iron-work and
joints oiled, the plated and brass-work occasionally cleaned,--the one
with plate-powder, or with well-washed whiting mixed with sweet oil, and
leather kept for the purpose,--the other with rottenstone mixed with a
little oil, and applied without too much rubbing, until the paste is
removed; but, if rubbed every day with the leather, little more will be
required to keep it untarnished. The linings require careful brushing
every day, the cushions being taken out and beaten, and the glass sashes
should always be bright and clean. The wheel-tires and axletree are
carefully seen to, and greased when required, the bolts and nuts
tightened, and all the parts likely to get out of order overhauled.

2228. These duties, however, are only incidental to the coachman's
office, which is to drive; and much of the enjoyment of those in the
carriage depends on his proficiency in his art,--much also of the wear
of the carriage and horses. He should have sufficient knowledge of the
constr