Page:Miscellaneous Papers on Mechanical Subjects.djvu/143

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NEW YORK INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.
129

between the inner zinc and outer wooden easing as may be required.


37. Carriage Making.—Many of the carriages, especially those technically called "waggons," are made of an exceedingly light construction, and are intended generally to carry two and sometimes four persons.

Their wheels are frequently made with only two felloes, which are bent round by the operation of steaming, and are strengthened at the joining with iron clamps. The wheel of a carriage constructed to carry four persons had felloes only 1½ inches square. They are generally made of white oak, and the spokes are obtained ready shaped from shops where their manufacture forms a special trade.

It would seem as if the elasticity of these carriages peculiarly fitted them for the very bad roads on which they in general have to run, and it is evidently a principle with the Americans to use up their light carriages and save their horses.

Every man in America who is able to keep his waggon is free to do so, unfettered and unquestioned, consequently their use is so general that it may be said to be almost universal. Their manufacture is one of great importance, and supports a vast number of