FORM OF THE BIT. 107 



Consequently, I only allow one kind of 

 bit, and this is the* form and the dimensions 

 I give it, to make it as simple as it is easy. 



The branches straight and six inches 

 long, measuring from the eye of the bit to 

 the extremity of the branch ; circumference 

 of the canon* two inches and a half; port, 

 about two inches wide at the bottom, and 

 one inch at the top. The only variation to 

 be in the width of the bit, according to the 

 horse's mouth. 



I insist that such a bit is sufficient to 

 render passively obedient all horses that 

 have been prepared by supplings; and I 

 need not add that, as I deny the utility of 

 severe bits, I reject all means not coming 

 directly from the rider, such as martingales, 

 piliers, &c. 



* The mouth-piece of the bit consists of three parts: 

 the port, to give freedom to the tongue, and the two 

 canons, which are the parts that come in contact with the 

 . TRANSLATOR, 



