Cr-Ass Ya.]
193
We do not observe that there has been, -what may beproperly considered, a “ successful application of any newmaterial,” although we may mention the application re-cently of a band of caoutchouc around the rim of carriagewheels, in order to render them “ noiseless.” This ap-plication may be useful to a limited extent on light car-riages, but it is of very doubtful general utility, and doesnot appear to be adapted to long or hard street service.We are pleased to see the general use of very superiorpatent and enamelled leathers, combining in a remarkabledegree, pliancy and water-proof qualities. This is con-spicuous in the contributions of Great Britain, France ,Belgium, and the United States . The iron-work is alsogenerally of the best description, in point of quality ofthe metal and the execution, but in many cases it lacksdue simplicity in form and arrangement of some of theparts. The perfection which textile manufacture liasattained of late years, has had a corresponding effect onthe interior fittings of carriages, which in linings, &c.,are now beautifully appointed at a comparatively mode-rate cost.
The consideration of “ reasonable cheapness ” has beenduly observed; but it is obviously very difficult to deter-mine the exact intrinsic value of an article like a carriage,and to judge positively whether the affixed price is exces-sive or not. The cost is often much increased by ornament,finish, or contrivance, that might be advantageously dis-
pensed with, and thus a carriage, otherwise extravagantin price, be reduced to a standard of “ reasonable cheap-ness.” And this useless addition of expense is a faultof common occurrence to which we have previouslyalluded. Extravagant pricesmay fairly diminish the claimfor approval; but at the same time we are convinced thatwhat may be deemed high prices are not always ex-orbitant prices, but that with carriages as with articles ofhousehold furniture, the most similar perhaps to thoseunder our notice where the quality of the article is moreor less concealed, the lowest priced may often prove to bethe dearest purchase.
After a patient, and we believe thorough examination,we are unanimously of opinion that there is no contribu-tion among the articles in our department which possessessuch “pre-eminent and indisputable merit” (Sec. 20,Instructions) as to be eutitled to the “Council Medal,”and therefore we do not recommend that this distinguishedaward be bestowed on any. But while we withhold thehighest mark of merit, from a sense of duty, we do notdeny the prominent claims of many contributors to dis-tinction ; and we have endeavoured to select those uponwhich we think we can confer with the greatest justicethe only mark of merit at our disposal. A list of con-tributors, to whom we award the “ Prize Medal,” is sub-joined.
GREAT BRITAIN.
No. S02
Andrew?, Richnul - -
Pony Phaeton.
No. 811
Briggs, (t. ami Co. - -
Town Chariot.
No. 814
Browne, W. — - - -
Dublin -----
Two Jaunting Cars.
No. 828
Davies, D. - - - -
Basterna Brougham.
No. 862
Hallmarke, Aldcbcrt, and
Park Barouche.
Ilallraarke.
No. 872
Holmes, 11. and A. - -
Derby -----
Park Phaeton.
No. 874
Hooper, G. N. - -
Brougham.
No. 1)33
Peters and Sons - - -
Park Barouche.
No. 930
Robinson and Co. - -
Park Phaeton.
No. 956
Rock and Son - - -
Hastings - - - -
Diaropha.
No. 968
Silk and Brown - — -
Park Phaeton.
No. 997
Ward, J. - - - -
Bath Chair.
No. 996
Dress Chariot.
No. 50
Balvalctte Brothers - -
Buggy Drag.
No. 490
Dumaine, J. A. — - -
Town Berlin.
No. 118 i
Jones Brothers - - -
Brussels - - - -
Cab Phaeton.
No. 122 j
Van Aken, P. and Son -
Antwerp - - - —
Cab Phaeton.
No. 466
Childs, Charles - — —!
Slide-top Buggy.
No. 361 |
Watson, G. W. — — —,
Sporting Waggon, j
JOSEPH HOLLAND, REPo-mm.
0