INFERIOR EXTREMITY OF THE HEAD. 81 



Functionally, the bit is, therefore, an apparatus of restraint which, 

 by its pressure, more or less severe, on the bars and the chin, causes 

 pain of variable intensity. 



Temperament of the Mouth. The animal will react in con- 

 sequence of this pain, and Bourgelat designated the temperament of 

 the mouth as the particular mode or intensity of this reaction ; in 

 other words, as the special effect of the different sensations transmitted 

 by the bit to the mouth. 



Thus, the mouth is qualified as being steady, true, or normal when it 

 supports the bit with freedom, without uneasiness, pain, or fear ; when 

 it neither struggles nor yields too easily to the action of the hand. 



The mouth is sensitive, tender, delicate, or easy when it perceives 

 the most delicate impressions of the hand and responds to them with 

 promptness. 



It is strong, hard, and thick when it yields only to energetic traction 

 on the reins. 



A spoiled mouth is one which reacts falsely towards the indications 

 of the bit, whatever may be its sensibility otherwise. 



Finally, the fresh mouth or the active mouth is that which relishes 

 the bit, chews it without cessation, and appears slightly frothy from the 

 continual agitation which the movements communicate to the saliva. 



These different qualities of the mouth can only be judged by the 

 utilization of the animal, but they should not be neglected on that 

 account. In a general way it is always necessary, in the selection of 

 a horse, to seek the most complete information possible and not omit 

 any tests, if such be necessary. Overweening vanity is too often 

 the cause of the most singular mistakes. We cannot insist too much 

 upon the importance of examining all parts of the mouth, and of cen- 

 suring those individuals who confine themselves to an inspection of the 

 teeth with a view to a knowledge of the age alone. 



Internal Pace of the Cheeks. We will now refer to the 

 internal face of the cheeks, whose external conformation we have 

 already studied. It does not constitute a particular region by itself, 

 but it limits laterally the mouth external to the molar teeth, as the 

 lips do in front of the incisor teeth. It merits, nevertheless, some 

 consideration, because it presents the round tubercle at the termination 

 of Stenon's duct, opposite to the anterior border of the third molar 

 tooth. 



Wounds or lacerations of the mucous membrane, the result 

 of dental spiculse from irregularities of the molars, often exist here, 

 particularly in old horses. They may produce inability to masticate, 



6 



