HOW TO HOBBLE AND ANCHOR HORSES. 211 



cord, which, tightening equally on both sides, acts exactly 

 like a bridle in the hand of a rider ; and as the pressure 

 of the curb-chain ceases so soon as he stops, he soon 

 finds out that the best thing he can do is to stand still 

 and graze. 



As the cord is not fastened to either ring of the bit, 

 but merely runs through both, the pressure it exerts 

 when the horse tries to move is equal on both sides ; and 

 therefore, on the pulley principle, a lead of four pounds 

 weight makes it necessary for the horse to overcome with 

 his mouth a steady and continuous pressure of eight 

 pounds on the extremity of the bit lever before he can 

 move forward. On mounting hurriedly the cord is 

 grasped with the reins, the anchor is raised, and while 

 galloping away is adjusted in its pocket. 



Although this invention has proved to be admirably 

 adapted for farmers, for hunting and shooting, or for staff 

 or engineer officers while reconnoitring or surveying (for 

 which purpose General Sir John Michel, now commanding 

 a brigade in China, has used it with great success), it could 

 not safely be applied to cavalry ; for as the horse has 

 power, if he chooses to endure the pain inflicted by his bit, 

 to " pull " or drag the anchor, were he to run away with 

 it, its oscillations would be very dangerous in a camp. 



To carry the additional weight of the anchor would also 

 be considered as an objection ; but this could be entirely 



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