HORSEMANSHIP. 17 



bit, that which is but the effect of the igno- 

 lance of the rider." 



The branches, are two upright bars of 

 iron, to which the canon is attached by the 

 ends of the mouth-piece ; and it is by them 

 that the bit holds the bridle, and that the hand 

 of the rider makes the mouth-piece act. 

 Formerly the branches were made round, in 

 many modes, and very complicated ; now, 

 straight branches in the English fashion, are 

 generally adopted. There are three princi- 

 pal parts belonging to them ; the eye, which 

 is a hole placed at the end of the short ex- 

 tremity ; the body or the cheek of the bit to 

 which the ends of the mouth-piece are attach- 

 ed ; the ring of the drill opposite to the eye. 

 The separation of the branches, and conse- 

 quently the length of the mouth-piece, should 

 be proportioned to the conformation of the 

 mouth of the horse. 



The porte-mors, or the leather which fastens 

 the bit and the bridle, is a little strap which 

 proceeds from each eye and is attached to 

 the reins. 



The curb is a chain of iron composed of large 

 and small rings of a S, and of a hook which pass- 

 es behind theback part of the mouth, and is at- 

 2*- 



