PRESERVING HARNESS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 381, 30 April 1881, Page 2

PRESERVING HARNESS.

The fi.rst point to be observed is to keepthe leather soft and, pliable. This c»h only be dope by keeping it well with oil and grease. Water- is the de-v stroyer of all these, „ but mudl and; tfib saline moisture from the animal are even, more destructive. Mud in drying absorbs: the grease and opens the pores of the. leather, making it a ready prey to water, while the salty character of the perspiration from the animal injures the leather, stitching, and mountings. It therefore follows that to preserve harness the straps should be washed and oiled whenever

has been moistened by sweat or soiled by mud. To do this effectually the straps should be all unbuckled and detached, then washed with a little water and brown soap, then coated with a mixture o£ neatsfoot oil and tallo w to be allowed to remain undisturbed until the water has dried out; then thoroughly rubbed with a woollen rag. The rubbing is important, as vNi in .addition to removing the surplus oil atuf^grease, tends to close the pores, and gives a finish to the leather. In hanging harness care should be taken to allow all straps to hang their full length; bridles, pads, gig saddles, and collars should be hung upon forms of the shape -of each, iught is essential in the care of leather, and when the harness closet is dark the door should be left open at least half the time during each day. All the closets should be well ventilated, and when possible they should be welj lighted. To clean plat'd mountings use with a little tripoli or rotten stone, but they should be scoured as little as possible. —Harness Journal.