Usually the largest and most intricately decorated figures were on the outside row. Although most Park Carousels had three rows, some had four rows and a few had five. Portable carousels usually had two or three rows. The ornamentation on a carousel figure, including secondary carving, saddles, blankets, strappings and jewels. Pieces other than carousel figures which were created architecturally to hide the ugly working mechanisms of a carousel.
Scenery includes panels, rounding boards, and mirrors.
Signs from ticket booths are also considered part of scenery. Classic Carousels Steve estimates that the number of carousels in the United States dwindled from 700 or 800 during their heyday to just a few hundred. Many of the surviving rides are still in their original locations, and other carousels operating in theme parks are refurbished antique carousels. Unprofitable and neglected, the figures and scenery soon deteriorated. Carousel mechanisms, along with their accompanying scenery, were often destroyed by floods, hurricanes or just disinterest.