BITS AND BITTING 



III 



has been a humane tendency to reduce the height 

 of the port and seek restraining power in other 

 directions. In making this general statement, 

 however, mention must be made of that most 

 cruel implement known as " The Russian Rear- 

 ing- Bit," as the exception to the rule. 



The inquirer is chiefly concerned with the im- 

 provements which have been made in this cen- 



HUMTIXG BIT WITH SI.IDIN'G MOUTH 



tury, more especially in double-reined bridles ; 

 for our racing-snaffles are uncommonly like the 

 bits which were used before and in the time of 

 the Romans, though of course ours are made of 

 the best steel, whereas formerly such bits were 

 made in wood and bronze, and afterwards in 

 iron. 



The chief peculiarity of the modern curbs is 

 their movable mouthpiece, which is made so as 

 to allow a certain degree of play on the cheek. 



