Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/176

156] in the third volume of the Repertory of the Arts and Manufactures.—These improvements were sanctioned, and originally published, by the Patriotic Society of Milan, in their valuable Transactions; and we trust, that most of our bakers in the metropolis are sufficiently wealthy and intelligent to adopt the rational and cleanly practice here proposed.  DRAG, or, an implement so constructed as to prevent the accidents which frequently happen to horses, when drawing loaded carts down steep hills or declivities.

In the year 1794, an instrument of this description, upon an improved principle, was invented by Mr., of Marazion, Cornwall, for which the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, &c. in 1795, conferred on him a bounty of twenty guineas.

This simple contrivance is, on the brow of the hill, applied to the near wheel, being fastened to the shaft by a chain, to prevent the wheel from passing over it, in case any great obstacles should occur in the road. It answers the purpose of taking off the increased weight, necessarily thrown on the shaft-horse's back when descending any declivities, so effectually that the deep ruts, or loose stones, which frequently occur in roads, do not in any degree impede the descent of the cart. Instead of a loaded carriage running on the heels of the shaft-horse, when descending hills, the drag, by supporting and elevating the wheel, places it on a level, so as to oblige the horse to draw a small burthen. In some instances, it is even necessary to link the chain-horse to the side next the wheel that is dragged; by which means, a weak horse may, without any risk or danger, be placed within the shafts. As soon as the cart arrives at the bottom of the hill, the drag is to be taken off, and secured in the manner hereafter to be described.



Description of the Cut of Mr. 's Wheel-drag, for two-wheeled Carriages.

a, a, a, A piece of wrought iron, curved to the exact form of a cart-wheel, with the thickest part at b, on which the weight of the cart rests.

1, 2, 3, 4, are shoulders, that keep the wheel within the drag, and should be about 4 inches high.

c, Is the wheel, made of solid iron,