PHYSIC. 



61 



between the creature's jaws it forcibly holds the mouth open. Therefore, 

 it will certainly prevent biting ; but an irritable or a fearful horse can reai 

 up and strike with its forefeet. Such an animal is not entirely subdued 

 when the iron is adjusted. Moreover, these instruments occasion^ pain, 

 and the horse, instructed by repeated agony, soon grows very cunning, 

 and equally resolute in its efforts to oppose the insertion of the dreaded 

 instrument which causes its suffering. 



The man using a balling-iron has, therefore, to guard himself from 

 blows rapidly dealt with the forehoofs of a desperate animal. 



THE COMMONEST FORM OF BAUJNG-IBON'. 



A A. The ring of iron which, being forced into 

 the animal's mouth, keeps the jaws asunder. 



B B, B B. That portion of the metal which stec^ 

 dies the ring by remaining against the jaws. 



C. The handle. 



THE IMPROVED FORM OF THE COMMON BALUNG- 

 IRON, WHICH AFFORDS A PROBABILITY OP 

 ESCAPE FOR THE OPERATOR'S ARM. 



A A. The part forced into the mouth. 

 B B. B B. The parts which remain against 

 the jaws. C. The handle. 



He has also to be ready at the slightest intimation of an intention to 

 rear, so that he may withdraw his arm on the instant, otherwise the 

 operator is dragged upward with the elevated crest, and, hanging by the 

 inserted member, he is very lucky if a broken limb does not reward his 

 tardiness. The use of the balling-iron, consequently, is not free from 

 danger; and in practice it will be found safer to subdue by kindness 

 than to partially conquer by the employment of mechanical restramts. 



