520 SADDLERY AND HARNESS. 



soiled during the requisite labor demanded for the purification of its 

 adjunct. These annoyances are avoided when the bit is made to take 

 on and off by the means of a buckle. Each part can then be properly 

 attended to without hazard to the rest. Should the bridle not appear 

 clean, the owner recognizes a legitimate cause for complaint ; but when 

 the bit is fixed, the groom has always ready an excuse for idleness, while 

 the consequent wear will be found altogether more rapid. 



There are various kinds of bits, and each has its admirers ; but a well- 

 broken and a good-tempered animal requires nothing more powerful than 

 a snaffle. Restraints of needless severity, employed with extravagant 

 exertion, are by no means required, though such are far too general with 

 the great majority of professed horsemen. The animal is spoilt by such 

 tuition. It is educated to understand nothing but coercion; whereas 

 gentleness and firmness combined can accomplish much more than bru- 

 tality can compel. 



There is a well-known tale, which, being illustrative of this subject, 

 may here be aptly quoted. A fai*mer, intending to break a colt for sale, 

 mounted the animal ; but hardly was he in the saddle before the ears 

 were laid upon the neck, and the frame rendered rigid by the presence 

 of obstinacy. The intention of the attitude was recognized by all; but 

 offers of stick, whip, or spur were as stubbornly rejected. " No, no, no," 

 replied the kind-hearted proprietor to the proposal of such favorite per- 

 suaders. "Jane, lass I bring I the afternoon's mug and pipe." These 

 were discussed. Another pipe was filled and exhausted, without the 

 honest fellow descending to earth. Then the colt was invited to pro- 

 ceed ; but the humor of the quadruped continued unaltered ; accordingly 

 it remained stationary, with the master on its back. 



"Father! tea is quite ready," cried Jane, peering from the kitchen 

 window. "Bring it here, lass, for I shan't get down 1" was the response. 

 The tea was brought and partaken of. The day was drawing toward 

 its close, and the air was becoming cold. "I should not mind having 

 my great-coat, a pipe, and a glass," shouted the farmer. Everything 

 was brought, and the man endeavored to make his position comfortable ; 

 but apparently took no heed of the creature beneath him. "For," he 

 observed, "if I could strike, the colt could fling and prance; so it might 

 not be certain which would master ; whereas, while I be quiet, I've the 

 best on't." 



Supper was eaten where the tea had been swallowed: the master 

 showed he was resolved, unless the colt moved, to pass the night in the 

 saddle. The animal became uneasy, and shifted about; but without 

 progressing until some time after the clock had struck eleven. Then 

 the oolt was suddenly disposed to progress. " Whoy !" shouted its mas- 



