166 THE PERFECT HORSE. 



do it according as he is able to do it, he himself being 



the judge. Now let us begin to hit a colt according to 



the machine method. The colt, never having been even 



broke to the halter, perhaps, is let out into a yard, the 



"machine" strapped on to his back, the bit of iron or 



steel jammed into his mouth, the check-rein adjusted, 



and the colt's head drawn suddenly up into the air, 



and the trainer stands one side. The colt, of course, 



struggles and rears and plunges. He becomes enraged, 



and " fights the bit : " foam drops from his lips ; pretty 



soon it is stained with strealdngs of blood. The iron 



bit, you see, as he "fought it," has grated over the 



young teeth, cut into the tender tongue, and lacerated 



the gums and lips. I have seen all this done (it is no 



fancy sketch), — seen blood come in less than two 



minutes after the " bitting-machine " was adjusted. 



Now, what has been done ? Several things, I reply. 



First, unnecessary imin has been caused an innocent and 



harmless creature : that alone is enough to condemn 



any "machine" ever invented. Secondly, the colt's 



mouth has been spoiled until the lacerated gums and 



lips and tongue can heal Thirdly, the colt's temper 



has been soured, and no useful knowledge imparted. 



These truths are self-evident. But this is not all. The 



" machine," instead of being removed, is left on ; the 



trainer goes to his work in the field, or to drive ; and 



the colt is left to "fight it out." Now, examine the 



matter a little. What is the true position of things? 



This, I respond: The colt is in pain. His head is 



