rts in which persons sit; carriage-makers, who make and fit together
all the under parts of the vehicle on which the body rests;
wheelwrights, joiners and fitters; several classes of smiths, for
special work connected with the strengthening of the body framework by
means of long edge plates, the construction of under works, tiring and
wheels, manufacture of springs, axle-trees, &c. Painting is an
important part of the business, those professing it being divided into
body, carriage and heraldry painters. Trimmers are needed who fit up
the upholstery of the interior, and budget trimmers who sew on the
patent leather covering to dasher wings, &c.

A very great deal in the coach-making industry depends upon the
selection of materials. Ash is the kind of wood required in the
framework both of body and carriage. The quality best suited for the
body is that of full-grown mild and free nature; for the carriage that
which is strong and robust; that for carriage-poles should be of
younger growth, straight and tough in quality. An important
consideration is the seasoning of this timber. Planks of various
thicknesses are required, varying from 1-1/2 in. to 6 in., the time
required for seasoning being one year for every inch of thickness.
After the framework is made, the body is panelled with 1/4 in. mild
Honduras mahogany, plain and free from grain, every joint and groove
carefully coated with ground white lead to exclude water. The roof is
covered with 1/4 in. wide pine boards, unless when superseded by an
American invention, by which, in order to obtain the needful width
frequently of 5 ft. or upwards, boards are cut from the circumference
of the tree, instead of through its diameter; three thicknesses of
very thin wood are then glued together under pressure, the grain of
the centre running across the outer plies, the whole forming a solid
covering without joints. Birch and elm of 1 in. thickness also enter
into the construction in many carriages; for floor and lining boards
pine is the material used.

Wheel-making is a very important branch of the business, in which,
owing to the increased lightness now required, many modern
improvements have been introduced. The timber used in an ordinary
carriage wheel is wych elm for the naves, heart of oak for the spokes,
and ash for the felloes. American hickory has of late years been also
largely used for spokes in ex