HITS AND BITTING. 141 



per, and tluoe inches for lower briincli, the otlier 

 C(|ually important iliinenaion, the transversal width 

 of mouth, must bo ascertained 1)j' measurement. 



For jiairs, nioutii^neces with ports are only then 

 advisaljlo, if tlie bits fit the width of the horses' 

 mouths perfectly ; because, if the coupling reins aro 

 short, as is often tiie case, the bit is displaced 

 in the mouth by force and the edges of the i^ort 

 would invariably cut holes into the bars of the 

 mouth. With long coupling reins, reachiug 

 back almost to the hand of the driver, as it 

 ought to be, this evil is lessened, the same time 

 eual)ling the driver to adjust the reins, if necessary, 

 from the box without <lismouuting — the port, with or 

 without spoon, is perfectly admissable. Any bit- 

 maker will furnish said bits if dimensions are given. 



It is to call the attention of those who love and 

 esteem a horse to the unpardonable injuries done 

 our dumb friends, that I beg to submit these my ob- 

 servations and views on the subject. I sincerly hope 

 they may accomplish their object — that of alleviating 

 the sufl'ering of some of them, and, thereby render- 

 ing them more serviceable to their owners. 



