102 THE BRIDLE BITS. 



the saddle. It is likely that the inventor of the wire bit 

 had one or two objects in view when he made it, namely, 

 strength and economy, and wire to spare. Strength, in 

 having the greatest power in the smallest possible sub- 

 stance ; economy, in his being able to make it himself 

 without forging or costing anything for material — so that, 

 as regards its mercantile value, it could be sold, at a 

 profit, for three cents. 



But whatever the material, when well driven with a 

 plain snaffle bit, having double guards and hung to a plain 

 headstall without blinds, the buggy horse is the most 

 fortunate and should be the happiest of harness horses. 



Fiff. 40.— WIRE SNAFFLE BIT. 



'(-> 



for the vehicle he draws is the lightest, his harness the 

 thinnest, his bit (should be) the mildest, and his work the 

 easiest of all. In fact he need not know he is in harness, 

 and if his driver be as considerate toward his favorite ab- 

 sorber of ice-cream, attentions and flowers, as he should 

 be toward his horse, we do not know but that it is the 

 most complete, perfect and agreeable equipage in exist- 

 ence. The feelings between horse and driver being mut- 

 ual and undivided, the voice is heard and heeded, and 

 is always music and a charm to ^'the listening ear, the 

 silent tongue and tlie faithful heart." And when we 

 consider that " the ox knoweth his owner and the ass his 

 master's crib," the horse, though not named in this con- 

 nection, is not exempt from his due share of the glory 



