New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-09

there is one house which is an exception to the
rule Flandrau & Co.. Of Broomest.. have what
IS considering varieties Of design and perfec-
ton Of workmanship, q stock OF sieiGhs that is
probably unequalled in the country. II their
trade were confined to the city it would not pay
them to devote so much attention to sleghs.
but a large proportion OF the buyers Of these
vehicles are residents in nearby country towns
or in cities further north and west. where the
amount Of snow makes the sport more prac-
tcable.
Those who have never had occasion to look
into the matter would doubtless be astonished
to learn how many different kinds Of sleighs are
made The IDEAS for many Of them have been
obtained from the northern countries Of Europe
Norway. sweden. Denmark and Russia-and
have then been modified to suit the American
taste The inhabitants Of the older northern
countries have naturally evolved highly prac-
teal lines in sleigh building. and their discov-
cries the result Of centuries Of experimenting.
are worthy Of imitation. But the materials used
BY them are almost invariably far inferior In
quality TO those demanded here. and the Ameri-
can Manufacturer takes the foreign idea and
develops il to the highest possible degree OF ex-
celence
European firms have frequently expressed
surprise al The beauty Of the sleighs made here
on designs almost if not precisely similar TO
their own. A Norwegian sleigh which the
writer saw the other day would present an at
tractlve appearance on the snow, with its
bright red body and runners. and the rich plush
Of the SAM shade with which it is upholstered.
One Of these has recently been sent to Scotland
upon the order Of a man there who had asked
FOR the best sleigh that could be made. The
Swedish s,..shs and vctOrias are prominent
among the larger kind. They are imposing IN
style and luxuriousy comfortable in their APP
poIntmeuts The newest victOrias are now
made with two sets Of bob runners. thereby
being much more easily turned and managed
than when the single long runners were used.
The fayorite upholstery material is crimson
mahogany red or olive green plush, and the
bodies and unGergear Of the sleighs are usuaIIy
painted in colors to correspond.
novelty here is the Canadian tub some
times called also the Quebec carriole." ii Is
surprisingly low hung. on solid wooden runners.
and is very easy TO step into from the ground,
In the body Of the sleigh are either one or two
low broad seats with high. narrow seat for
the driver in front The dasher is high. with
graceful curves being a beautiful specimen OF
bent woodwork The sleigh is usually painted
in bright colors and is exceedingly picturesque
It's sOlidity and weight demand substantial
foundation 81 snow to carry it, but it is not too
heavy to be drawn by one strong horse. as Is
the practice in Canada. The tubs made here
are much superior in materials and finish to
those from across the border.
Another original design this year is the tan
Gem Sleigh. with its folding rumble. The main
seat for the driver is high and wide Under 1t
Is folded a small seat for the groom. which can
be pushed out backward when its use Is re-
quired. Whom Ugh, wood in the natural colors
Is combined a.th black In a sleigh Of this kind
makes particularly handsome and trim
looking trap.
Special designs frequently made for Gus
TONER'S who have IDEAS OF their own regarding
comfort oT warmth. Sometimes the body of
neigh Is made close and covered like that OF
carriage Built on this plan is the "booby-
au'' familiar il New England. but seldom