70 THE POCKET AND THE STUD. 



groom with the muzzle, which he would otherwise 

 do. But he can still fly at the rack and rack- 

 staves, by which 1 have known a tooth broken 

 more than once, and have seen the lip injured 

 several times. 



The two check-chains I allude to should be 

 fixed to the standing, about two feet and a half 

 from the wall, or rather boards, that are before 

 the horses ; and when buckled on or fastened to 

 each side of his head-collar, effectually prevent his 

 reaching rack, manger, or man, each chain being 

 made so as to shorten or lengthen at pleasure. 

 Thus the horse can be kept nearest the side the 

 groom is not, if necessary. Horses that have a 

 tendency to rush at persons passing by their heads 

 while waiting on the pillar-reins when bridled, can 

 be fastened on the check-chains, which prevents 

 annoyance or irritation to man and horse, as in 

 that case they stand with their heads towards the 

 manger. I once saw a mare, in rushing at a 

 stranger passing her head, so severely checked by 

 the pillar-reins that it threw her on her haunches 

 like a dog sitting, at the risk of a sprained back. 



Of muzzles there are various sorts; any of 

 them will answ^er their purpose, and there is but 

 one that can be called absolutely objectionable 

 (though still in very common use) ; this is made 

 with a tin shallow basin or dish at the bottom. 

 This I hold as a bad sort, for it stops inhalation 



