In the thirties and forties cabs were painted in most startling and conflicting colours, the proprietors considering, apparently, that the greater the contrast the more effective the result. A miniature white horse, symbolic of the House of Hanover, was painted on the majority of hansoms. On the sides of four-wheelers were depicted strange monsters unknown to heraldry, zoology, or mythology. These were in imitation of the armorial bearings so conspicuous on the panels of the old hackney-coaches, which, as already stated, were generally discarded family coaches. In 1838, cabmen were compelled by Act of Parliament to take out a licence and wear a badge. On the day of the distribution of badges, many of the cabmen, attired in their best clothes, took a holiday. Some half a dozen of them walked along the Strand with their badges fixed conspicuously on their chests. A crowd soon collected around them, and in it were two Frenchmen, one apparently showing the other the sights of London. The latter inquired who the cabmen were, and an Englishman, who understood French, was surprised to hear the following reply:-- “They are gentlemen who have been decorated by the Government in honour of Her Majesty’s coronation.” A new hansom, the “Tribus,” patented by Mr. Harvey of Lambeth House, Westminster-bridge Road, was placed on the streets in 1844, but it was not well patronised and was soon withdrawn. The “Tribus” carried three passengers, and the entrance was at the rear, the driver’s seat being removed further to the “offside.” The cabman was thus able to open or shut the door without descending from his seat. There were five windows to the vehicle, two being in front, one on each side, and one behind--beneath the driver’s seat. Small safety wheels--such as can be seen at the present day attached to many omnibuses--were fixed to the front of the “Tribus” to prevent the vehicle pitching forward in the event of the horse falling, a shaft breaking, or a wheel coming off. [Illustration: THE TRIBUS. BACK VIEW.] Mr. Harvey also patented the “Curricle Tribus,” a vehicle similar to the “Tribus,” with the exception that it was drawn by two horses abreast, did not possess safety wheels, and could be converted at pleasure into an open carriage. The “Curricle Tribus,” however, never plied for hire. [Illustration: THE TRIBUS. SIDE VIEW.] Another unsuccessful cab was the “Quartobus,” a four-wheeler with accommodation for four inside passengers. It was introduced in 1844, and Mr. Okey, the inventor, described it as “hung on four wheels, the coupling being very close for easy draft.” CHAPTER IV