BITS AND BITTING. 



39 



bars, being much less painful than if srnall. That part 

 of the bit lying between the bars should be made 

 of thinner iron and a little elevated, forming what is 

 called the port or tongue-groove, preventing the horse 

 from taking the pressure on his tongue, as he might do 

 if the bit were straight, and thus becoming heavy or dull 

 in the hand. 



The lower ends of the levers or "branches" may be 

 either straight or curved. If straight, they should have 



Fig. 12. — "baitchee" bit. 



eyes a little above the points where the reins are attached, 

 to carry what is called the lip-strap ; a small leather that 

 passes through a loose string in the curb-chain, and is 



