Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 17.djvu/149

 Managing Horses by Electricity.—An ingenious and efficacious method of subduing savage or restive horses has been brought to the notice of the French Société d'Encouragement by M. Bella, administrator of the Omnibus Company of Paris. It is the invention of M. Defoy, who has illustrated its use by some remarkable exhibitions. The machinery is simple, and consists, as shown in the accompanying figure, of a Clark's magneto-electric apparatus inclosed in a box, which is placed within easy reach



of the driver or rider. A conducting wire running through the reins connects the apparatus with the bit. By turning a handle attached to the electro-magnet, a current is formed which affects the horse's mouth, and so surprises him that he stops and stands still. The most dangerous horse may be subdued in a short time by the application of the electric current, combined with a soothing manner and caresses. M. Bella