96 



METHODS OF SUBJECTION. 



inner end of the bar, as shown in Fig. 124, or the bar slotted, as 

 shown in Fig. 123. In either case, the bars must be filed smooth, 

 so as to make the play of the ring free and easy. 



But the most important point is its proper adjustment to the 

 head. It should be made to hang a little low in the mouth ; next 

 the strap across the nose should be, made of nice soft leather, from, 

 an inch and a quarter to an inch and a half wide, the ends buckling 

 nicely into the rings. This strap must come right straight across 

 the nose, and be buckled short enough so that when the bit is 

 pulled upon, the full pressure of the center of the bit, or the ends 

 of the bars, where they come together, will be brought firmly and 



strongly against the 

 roof of the mouth, 

 yet not fitted so 

 tightly that it will 

 press uncomfortably 

 against the upper 

 jaw when the bit is 

 not pulled upon. If 

 the strap across the 

 nose is in the least 

 too long, the point 

 of advantage will be 

 practically lost, and 

 there must be dis- 

 appointment. This 

 is a point that must 

 be looked to care- 

 fully. 



. The ordinary simple forms of this bit, as generally sold by har- 

 ness-makers, are not made properly, and in addition they are never 

 properly fitted, and consequently will rarely give the, satisfaction 

 expected. 



When in Cleveland, Ohio; a gentleman reported to me having 

 a very fine, fast-gaited driving horse in, 'every respect all right, 

 except that he would pull so hard that he became practically 

 unmanageable. I adjusted this form of bit carefully, when he would 

 i drive in any manner, fast or slow, to a slack rein, scarcely showing 

 any resistance. ' 



A very fine driving mare owned by a physician in Battle Creek, 

 Mich., was perfectly gentle and fearless, but she would pull the 

 wagon with the reins, — if in the least excited could not, in fact, be 



Fig. 125.— Four-ring Bit as Arranged for Use. 



