I20 BITS AND BITTING 



for use in breaking ; this is an unjointed bit 

 with leather covered mouth and leather guards 

 at side buckling under the jaw. This arrange- 

 ment effectually prevents hurting the colt's mouth, 

 and is most useful with the long reins. 



The staunchest supporter of the Royal Society 

 for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals could 

 hardly disapprove of a plain-curb with slide 

 mouth, low port, and short cheek, and in very 

 average hands this, in conjunction with the bri- 

 doon, is probably the best tackle for all purposes. 

 Although we have not made any very great 

 advance in the matter of " bits and bittingr" over 

 our ancestors of three centuries ago, we may 

 congratulate ourselves upon being a little more 

 merciful. We need not plume ourselves too much 

 on this account though, for as much ingenuity has 

 been exercised in making irritating bits at the 

 present day as ever distinguished the past. 



