128 BITS AND BITTING. 



it is a consequence of disease strangles, for instance 

 and sometimes it arises wholly from the pressure of 

 the angles of the jaws, especially when these lie too 

 close together, and the rider or driver has attempted 

 to force a certain position, either by the use of severe 

 "bits, or, what is still worse, a combination of these with 

 the bearing-rein in harness. 



If such a state of things be overlooked or neglected, 

 very serious consequences may arise. The forced press- 

 ure of the jaw-bone on these glands is sometimes per- 

 fectly excruciating to the animal, and it has recourse, 

 to the great astonishment of its ignorant rider or 

 driver, to all sorts of expedients to get rid of the intol- 

 erable pain. It will refuse its work, or run away, or 

 throw itself down, or rear up, or do anything or every- 

 thing in its desperation, and the brute on its back or 

 on the coach-box knows no other remedy for it than 

 " to flog the sulk out of him," whereas the whole thing 

 is probably the result of bad bitting and bridling.* 



Many young horses, too, have been prematurely 

 blinded by undue pressure on the glands in question, 

 between which and the eye there is an intimate con- 

 nection, both by the absorbent vessels and the nerves. 

 We sometimes find the glands aifected on both sides, 

 and just as frequently only on one. The horse will 

 in this case exhibit what may be termed one-sided 

 restiveness, bending and cantering perfectly willingly 

 on the one hand, and refusing more or less obstinately 

 on the other. We can perfectly recollect the case of a 



* Why should not corporal punishment "be inflicted on those 

 who disgrace themselves and our common Immanity by ill-treating 

 animals ? It would be the nearest possible approach to retributive 

 justice, and much more effectual than fine or imprisonment. 



