66 



ELEMENTS OF HIPPOLOGY. 



Figure 47. 



Figure 48. 



The curb bit (Figures 47 and 48) is a bit operating on an 

 entirely different principle from the two other kinds just dis- 

 cussed. In the curb bit the force exerted by the pull on the rein 

 is increased in intensity by the leverage of the bit, and the pos- 

 sibility of inflicting pain is greatly augmented. 



The curb bit consists of two cheek-pieces with a mouth- 

 piece connecting them at such a point that the upper branch of 

 the cheek-piece will be about half the length of the lower one. 

 This ratio is by no means fixed, however. The upper branch is 

 usually between one and a half and two inches in' length. The 

 mouthpiece should be large in diameter. It has a curved central 

 nortion, called the port. The object of the port is to take 

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