BITS AND BITTING 



113 



the shape of the cheek, the height of the port, 

 the play of the mouthpiece, and the absence or 

 presence of the bridoon, which is the principal 

 innovation in double-reined bridles since the 

 Middle Ages ; this is merely a thin snaffle which 

 is used with the curb, the two together constitut- 

 ing the ordinary double bridle. 



A curb made of the finest forged steel costs 

 about 14s. 6d. The bridoon, sold separately, 

 costs 4s. 6d. Racing snaffles, with 2^ inch flat 

 rings, are 7s. 6d. The old-fashioned curb-chains 

 cost IS, 6d., but letters patent have recently been 

 taken out by Messrs. Peat, for a " Humane Curb," 

 consisting of a smooth steel bar shaped to accom- 

 modate the angles of the lower jaw, and ringed 

 at the end to slip on the hooks of the bit. 



The advantage claimed for the invention is, 



H 



