32 BITS AND BRIDLE GEAR. 



there are generally sand marks, which an expert would pro- 

 bably detect, although an ordinary observer might not notice 

 them. " Steel can be easily distinguished from iron by placing 

 a drop of diluted nitric acid upon it, when a dark stain is pro- 

 duced upon the steel, from the separation of carbon." (Bloxam^) 



Annealed cast iron bits are more difficult to polish, and 

 rust more quickly than forged steel bits. Cheapness is their 

 only recommendation. 



4. Nickel and alloys of nickel. The term " nickel," as 

 applied to bits, is a trade name for a composition formed 

 chiefly of nickel, copper and zinc, in varying proportions. 

 These alloys, however much they may be disguised by 

 the fantastic names given to them in the trade, may be 

 always recognised by the claim made for them that they 

 do not rust, which property is their sole advantage. Bits 

 made from them have to be cast, and are consequently un- 

 reliable. These alloys are comparatively soft, and are more 

 liable to lose their shape when strain is put on them, than 

 even forged iron. They can be easily cleaned, but they do 

 not look so smart as well-burnished steel. Nickel-plated bits 

 wear badly, as the plating is inclined to peel off. Nickel 

 bits suit idle grooms, or places where labour cannot be 

 readily obtained. 



VARIETIES OF BITS. 



Bits may be divided into snaffles, curbs, and Pelhams. 



SNAFFLES. 



A snaffle is a bit which acts on a horse's mouth by 

 direct pressure and not by leverage. In almost all cases, it 

 has rings for connecting it to the reins. 



A bridoon is the term usually applied to the snaffle of a 

 " double bridle," which is a bridle that has a curb and a 

 snaffle. A double bridle is often known as a " bit and 

 bridoon." Saddlers call a single bridle which has a curb bit, 



