42 BITS AND BRIDLE GEAR. 



and none of the disadvantages of the old form of india- 

 rubber bits. As these covers can be put on and removed 

 in a few seconds, they allow the metal mouth-piece to be 

 cleaned and examined at any moment. For rendering a 

 bit soft for a light-mouthed horse, this invention is much 

 superior to the contrivance of covering the mouth-piece 



Fig. 45. Hancock's "Curl Bit Mouth Cover." 



with a tew rolls of wash leather. The increased size and 

 larger bearing surface which these covers give to the mouth- 

 piece, is in many cases a strong point in their favour. They 

 can be procured from any saddler. 



CURBS. 

 A curb is a bit which has a special action, owing to its curb- 



