_Washing._—When a carriage is much used in the summer season use water freely, so as to remove dust or mud before using the sponge or chamois skin. The varnish of a carriage is often ruined through a want of attention to this matter, for the sharp particles of dust, which are chiefly silica, when by means of the leather forced over the surface of the varnish, act like diamonds on glass and score it in all directions. Mud should not be allowed to dry on the varnish if it can be avoided. The English varnishes take a long time to dry, and if mud gets on it before it is perfectly dry a permanent stain is left, which cannot be removed except by re-varnishing. In winter time it is not a good thing to wash off the mud when it is so cold that the water freezes during the operation. _Warm water_ should _never_ be used in winter time, as it is apt to cause the varnish to crack and peel off. _Greasing._—For axles and wheel-plates the best lubricating material is castor oil. It is not necessary to apply a great deal at a time—little and often should be the rule; for when there is an excess of oil it oozes out and finds its way on to the stock, and from thence is thrown over the wheels while the vehicle is in motion. The grease is then liable to be taken up on to the sponge when washing, and also on to the leather, which will cause a great deal of trouble and vexation. The wheel-plate should be particularly looked after, and not allowed to become dry. _The Leather._—Enamelled leather should be kept soft and pliable with sweet oil or sperm oil. It will only be necessary, while the leather is new, to cleanse the top and curtains from dirt and rub them with a greased rag. When the leather shows signs of drawing up and becoming hard and lifeless, wash it with warm water and Castile soap, and with a stiff brush force the oil into the leather until all the pores are filled. _Sponges and Chamois._—Two of each of these should always be kept on hand, one of each for the body and the same for the under-carriage. The reason for this is, that after a carriage has been used there is a liability to get grease on the sponge and chamois after cleaning the wheels and wheel-plate mechanism. Another reason of some importance is that the sponges are soon destroyed by being used for cleaning the under-carriage, which renders them unfit for use for large panels. _The Cover._—When a vehicle has been washed and housed, it should be covered with an enamelled cloth cover, fitted to it so as to keep it free from dust inside and out. To preserve the wood and save expense it should be re-painted or varnished once a year. There is no economy in saving a few shillings this year if such saving will necessitate an expenditure of three times the amount next year. INDEX. Advantages of dishing wheels, 56 American carriages, 144 Argand lamp, 100 Are they competent judges? 158 Ash timber, 29 Axle-boxes, 69