The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Sporting Dictionary, and Rural Repository of General Information upon Every Subject Appertaining to the Sports of the Field. By William Taplin. Vol. I.

It is now twenty Years since your Lordship's Appointment to the Head of his Majesty's Hunting Establishment, during which it has acquired a Degree of Perfection and Celebrity, hitherto unprecedented in the Annals of Sporting History. From the impressive Influence of your Lordship's philanthropic Representations, every Subordinate within the utmost Limits of your Lordship's Department, has derived an annual Addition, by which the domestic Comforts of his Family have been most happily encreased. The Hospitalities of Swinley Lodge[1] are universally known, and at all Times gratefully recollected, by that Infinity of Sportsmen who have so repeatedly experienced their salutary Effects.

To have had the inexpressible Happiness of partaking with your Lordship the Pleasures of the Chase during the Whole of that Period; to have witnessed your Lordship's humane, polite, and condescending Attention to various Individuals, upon the most distressing Emergencies; to have been repeatedly honoured by your Lordship's public Patronage and private Favor; are Gratifications of so much Magnitude to the Ambition of a Sportsman, that it is impossible to resist the Temptation of dedicating to your Lordship, a Work solely appertaining to the Sports of the Field; and of publicly soliciting Permission to continue,

PREFACE.

The variety of Publications annually announced under SPORTING TITLES, with which the contents, upon examination, are found so ill to accord, first suggested to the Writer, the idea of forming an aggregate of information, from whence both entertainment and instruction (to the young and inexperienced) might be derived. From a review of the works now extant, under titles nearly similar, it was found they were the productions of more than a century past. These having been repeatedly re-copied, and repeatedly transmitted from one generation to another, are replete with matter nearly obsolete, and sports long since {viii} buried in oblivion. From these facts may be inferred, the very trifling utility such books are of in the improved sports and refined polish of the present time; more particularly when one just and emphatic remark from the pen of a most popular writer is adverted to, that there is no subject upon which so little has been judiciously written, as upon the SPORTS of the FIELD; and what has issued from the press under titles of attracting similitude, have been much more the efforts of theoretic lucubration, than the result of practical knowledge, or personal experience.

To compensate for such deficiency, is the professed purport of the present Work; calculated to recommend itself to public attention upon no other ground than its originality, and the great variety of useful information it will be found to comprehend. Numerous and diversified {ix} as the subjects are, they will be found largely treated on, and satisfactorily explained: not as has been too much the case in former publications, by the effusions of literary fertility, but clearly demonstrated upon the practical knowledge, and individual experience, of the Author; who, disdaining the subservient trammels of imitation, has not presumed to enter into a diffuse disquisition upon any SPORT or SUBJECT in which he has not been personally and principally engaged. If the mind of man can be candidly admitted to derive some gratification from its universality of rational attainment, so it is the greatest and most consolatory ambition of his life, to have engaged in every sport, and to have embarked in every pleasure, upon which these Volumes will be found to treat; without a deviation from the line of consistency, a debasement of dignity, or a degradation of character.

It is a long standing and universally acknowledged axiom, that the art of life consists as much in knowing what to avoid, as what to pursue; and this cannot apply with more force or propriety, than to those who throw themselves unthinkingly upon the fascinating prospects, and uncertain chances, of the SPORTING WORLD; the necessitous and determined dependents upon which are replete with numerous barbed and unerring instruments of depredation. To juvenile adventurers, who feel themselves inadequate to the talk of self-denial, and who cannot resist the predominant temptation of engaging in scenes of such duplicity and danger, is earnestly recommended an occasional reference to those heads in the following Work, which are fully fraught with precautions they may probably stand much in need of; amongst these, BETTING, COCKING, GAMING, HAZARD, and {xi} the TURF, will not be found the least conspicuous; the delineations of which are taken with so much accuracy, that the most tenacious professor of the arts cannot feel himself materially affected by the correctness of the description.

Professed SPORTSMEN of every other description will find no unfair restraint laid upon their distinct or separate inquiries, or investigations. The HORSE will be found very fully expatiated upon in all its states and stages, as well in SICKNESS as in HEALTH. The CHASE, of every particular kind, will be found to have undergone the most minute description; and its numerous appendages proportionally explained. The existing GAME LAWS are simplified, and reduced to one comprehensive single point of view. Lovers of the TURF will find themselves gratified with a recital of {xii} its past and present state; as well as with a correct account of the recent racing performances of some of the most celebrated horses of the present time. That there will be discovered some traits not perfectly pleasing to every individual must be presumed; but as they are not written by the pen of prostitution, no apology can be necessary for the unavoidable introduction of TRUTH, particularly under the scholastic retrospection of

Authors

,—who have dedicated much time and labour to the infinity of subjects which these Volumes will contain, have been both numerous and respectable; and to those who are accustomed to see things through a single medium, it will seem matter of surprise, that any thing NEW, INSTRUCTIVE, or ENTERTAINING, should be still left worthy of public attention; but when the unceasing influence, and decisive dictates of fashion; the abolition of old sports, and introduction of new; the various regulations in, and increase of, the penal laws for the preservation of GAME, and the privileges of killing; in addition to the great and unprecedented national exertion in the reformation of FARRIERY, {2} since the publication of the present Author's Stable Directory, are taken into the aggregate; it will be found, by the judicious and enlightened part of the SPORTING WORLD, that a more modern, comprehensive, and explanatory work, has not been too soon obtruded upon PUBLIC PATRONAGE. To enumerate individually here, those Authors, of the greatest celebrity, whose endeavours or productions have stood the highest in general estimation, would prove not only unnecessary, but superfluous, as they will of course be occasionally adverted to, and remarked upon, under different heads in the progress of the Work.

ARTISTS

—are gentlemen, the aid of whose pencils, in the decorative department of sporting publications, is considered so immediately necessary (particularly with the younger branches) in all matters of minutiæ requiring accurate representation, that the success is frequently considered doubtful and uncertain without the attractive influence of their professional exertions. It has been observed, and must be freely admitted, that, till within the last third of the last century, HORSES, DOGS, and GAME, have appeared less upon canvas (in proportion to the progress of the art) than any subjects whatever: whether they were thought less worthy the study and pencil of the master, or productive of less emolument, it may not be possible, nor is it much to the purpose, to ascertain. Certain it is, {3} they have never, at any former period, so nearly approached the summit of perfection as at the present moment; never were artists known more emulous; never were finer pictures produced by the foreign pencils of fertility, than are now exhibited by the natives of our own island; nor ever were artists of this description so largely patronized, or so well rewarded.

Elmer, whose paintings of GAME excited the astonishment and admiration of every beholder for forty years past, has lately paid his last debt, with one of the best and most unsullied characters that ever accompanied man to the grave: but what is equally to be regretted, is the total destruction and loss of his very valuable collection (soon after his death) by an accidental fire near the Haymarket, where they had been but lately deposited and arranged for exhibition; constituting an irreparable misfortune to those whose property they were become by his decease, and no small disappointment to CONNOISSEURS, amongst whom they would most probably have been divided at some future period by public sale.

The PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS, or, as they are now more familiarly termed, animal painters, who derive present advantage from public protection and personal popularity, are not numerous, but truly respectable; each enjoying the happy effect of {4} his own peculiar excellence, in the gradations of favour, a discriminating and indulgent public is always so truly ready to bestow. Of these, the names of Stubbs, Gilpin, Marshall, Garrard, and Sartorius, appear the most prominent. Others there are, but of much inferior note, who do not at present promise (by the specimens they have displayed) to soar above the planetary influence of mediocrity. Various productions of the rest of those just mentioned, have for years in succession graced the exhibition of the Royal Academy at Somerset House, where they have been as repeatedly honoured with ROYAL as with general approbation: but whether it is owing to a superiority of good fortune, or to a superiority of his genius, Marshall is the only instance of an artist's having so early in life, and with so much rapidity, reached the summit of princely patronage, as well as the very zenith of professional celebrity, without having once submitted a single production of his pencil to the caprice of public opinion at the shrine of fashion, hitherto considered the only possible and direct road to Fame and Fortune.

ABSCESS

.—An abscess (in either man or beast) is an inflammatory tumour, constituting a progressive formation of matter from some serious injury previously received by blow, bruise, or accident. It may also proceed from plethora, or gross humours originating in a too viscid (or acrimonious) {5} state of the blood; as well as a morbid disposition of the fluids; and many degrees of latent ill usage, to which HORSES are incessantly subject, from the too well-known and irremediable inhumanity of the lower classes, to whose superintendence and management they are unavoidably, and must inevitably, continue to be entrusted. From whatever cause an abscess may proceed, judicious discrimination should be expected and enjoined from the practitioners employed; many of whom (particularly of the old school) possess, and indulge in, the unhappy fatality of endeavouring to counteract Nature, and to set all her powerful efforts at defiance. Under this mistaken notion of scientific practice, in such and similar cases, great difficulties frequently arise; not more in respect to the very evident ill effect of erroneous treatment, but in the disappointment occasioned by a procrastination of cure.

The very basis and foundation of an abscess being a cavity continually enlarging internally by the propulsive force of matter collecting within, will sufficiently demonstrate the inconsiderate folly, and extreme obstinacy, of endeavouring to repel, by the interposing and improper power of spirituous repellents, or saturnine astringents, what Nature is making her most strenuous efforts to discharge. In all slight and superficial appearances of tumefaction, where there are no immediate or strong signs of suppuration, the use of moderate repellents may be {6} adopted with judgment, and in most cases with success; but when the predominant, and almost invariable, symptoms of increased swelling, great heat, with pricking and darting sensations, (in the human frame,) or visible increase of the enlargement, and palpable pain upon pressure, in the HORSE, denote the formation of matter to be going on, all attempts at repulsion must be instantly laid aside; not only as nugatory, but as tending to mischief in the extreme. Such treatment persevered in, would evidently not only retard, but positively destroy, every chance of ultimately effecting a purpose, for which alone the experiment could have been made. The consequence would soon prove decisive, by a termination in either an indurated tumour, a fixed schirrus, a partial and imperfect suppuration, a fistulous wound, or an inveterate and ill-conditioned ulcer. As, however, it is not intended to extend the Work to a complete system of ANATOMY, SURGERY, PHYSIC, or FARRIERY, but to render its utility more general and diffusive, reference must be occasionally and necessarily made to the professors of either, or to the books particularly appropriated to the subject of each.

ACRIMONY

—is a state of the blood disposed to only certain degrees of disease, by the quantity of serum becoming too great for the proportion of crassamentum, with which, in its state of active fluidity, it is combined for the purpose of regular circulation, so invariably necessary to the standard of health. Blood thus divested of its adhesive property, soon displays in HORSES a tendency to what are {8} termed acrimonious diseases, originating in, and dependent upon, the impoverished state to which it is reduced. Hence arises a train of trouble and disquietude more vexatious than alarming, more troublesome than expensive; as cracked heels; cutaneous eruptions of the dry and scurfy kind; a dingy, variegated, unhealthy hue of the coat; and frequently a seemingly half starved contraction of the CREST. These palpable effects of acrimony in the blood, are produced much more by the penury and indifference of the master, (or the neglect of his servant,) than any disposition to disease in the horse. Experience has sufficiently proved, that a sufficient quantity of proper and healthy food is so indispensably requisite for the support of the frame, and every office of the animal œconomy, that a want of such due supply must be productive of acrimony in a greater or a less degree; to obtund which, and counteract its effects, recourse must be had to alimentary invigorants and antimonial alteratives, as will be found more medically explained in "The Gentleman's Stable Directory;" or, "Taplin's Compendium of Farriery."

ACTION

—is a word in constant use with the SPORTING world, and horse-dealing fraternity, to express the peculiar property of a horse by his good or bad action: speaking of him as a subject possessing superior powers, he is called "a horse of exceeding fine action;" meaning it to be understood, he is {9} not to be found fault with; that he is calculated to make a very valuable roadster, "as he trots within himself (that is, with ease to himself) fourteen or fifteen miles an hour;" implying an unequivocal proof of his speed in that pace: that he goes in high style, "well above his ground;" meaning, that he lifts his legs light, quick, and freely, without dwelling or tripping, so as to be entitled to the degrading appellation of "a daisy cutter," by going too near, and of course always liable to fall.

ADDER STUNG

,—a term indiscriminately applied to the bites or stings of venomous animals and insects without distinction; and this probably arose from the frequent discovery of such accidents, without being able to ascertain the cause, or from what enemy the injury was sustained. HORSES, as well as DOGS, are sometimes bit by the VIPER, (called an adder,) slow-worm, or eft; but much more frequently stung by hornets, wasps; a large gold-coloured, long-bodied, glittering fly, called, "a horse-stinger;" or other poisonous insects, with which, in the summer months, the sunny banks of pastures so infinitely abound. In all injuries of this kind, bleeding (pretty freely in respect to quantity) should precede every other consideration; as instantly unloading the vessels must greatly contribute to the intent of reducing present and preventing farther inflammation. For some generations, unctuous and oily applications have been in general {10} use, without any well-founded reason, or established proof, of their being either infallible or efficacious; but in the present and enlightened state of much-improved practice, frequent fomentations of warm vinegar, an aqueous solution of sal. armoniac, or the vegeto mineral water of a pretty strong consistence, may be safely and advantageously preferred; assisting the general effort with small doses of nitre and gum arabic, to allay inflammation, and attenuate the blood.

ADULTERATION

—is the too prevalent custom of lowering the strength of spirits by the profitable addition of water, thereby reducing the quality by increasing the quantity; or, in words of less paradoxical import, by a most deceptive prostitution of integrity on one side, and an equally shameful imposition upon friendly confidence on the other. This species of lawless tergiversation, bad as it is, cannot be considered so truly unprincipled, so strictly iniquitous, or so cruelly destructive, as the adulteration of medicine: this has been for a long time past the purest privilege of the profession, and may be candidly concluded the most predominant and best-founded reason that can be assigned for the unprecedented increase of CHEMISTS and DRUGGISTS in every part of the kingdom. The superior art of adulteration consists (with the adept) in so securely incorporating the cheap and inferior substitute with the genuine and higher priced article of the Materia {11} Medica, as to insure the additional profit, and (secundum artem) escape detection. To this purity of principle, this species of professional privilege, it is, that individuals of opulence and liberality stand indebted for the disappointments they have experienced in the expected efficacy of "prescriptions faithfully prepared."

When a horse is more than six years old, he is then termed an aged horse; from which time till seven, the cavities in his teeth fill up; and from seven to eight years old, (varying a little in different subjects,) the mark is entirely obliterated, by which his age can no longer be perfectly known. Deprived of this criterion, general observations must be resorted to, upon which only a tolerable (though sometimes an uncertain) opinion may be formed. If the teeth are very long and discoloured, ragged at the edges, with either the upper or lower projecting beyond the other; the fleshy ridges (called bars) of the upper jaw become smooth and contracted; {12} the tongue lean and wrinkled at the sides; the eyes receding from their former prominence, and a hollow and ghastly indentation above the orb; the knees projecting beyond the shank-bone, and overhanging the fetlock, as well as a knuckling or bending forward of the lower joints behind; little time need be lost in looking for farther proofs; old age is approaching very fast. For age by the teeth, see Colt.

Take of verdigrease, finely powdered, five ounces; honey, fourteen ounces; the best white wine vinegar, seven ounces; mix and boil them over a gentle fire to the consistence of treacle or honey.

This article, which has so long passed under the denomination of an ointment, and was so called in the London Dispensatory of the College of Physicians, produces, without any additional process, (but merely by standing, and depositing its sediment,) another name for a part of the same preparation in this way: the grosser parts subsiding, constitute a more substantial consistence at the bottom, which is the article termed ÆGYPTIACUM: the fluid or thinner part, floating upon the surface, is the mildest in its effect, and called, by medicinal practitioners, MEL ÆGYPTIACUM. The property of both (one being a degree stronger than the other, and may be used separately, or shaken together, according to the effect required) is to assist in cleansing inveterate and long-standing ulcers; to keep down fungous flesh; and to promote the sloughing off of such foul and unhealthy parts of the surface, as prevent new granulations from arising to constitute the incarnation necessary to a sound and permanent restoration of parts. They are articles of acknowledged utility in the hands of judicious and experienced practitioners; but the furor of folly has sometimes rendered them medicines of mischief with those who have never heard, or do not condescend to recollect, the trite but expressive adage, that "the shoemaker should never go beyond his last." This is the case when the lower classes of farriers, smiths, coachmen, and grooms, attempt to cure the grease, cracked heels, &c. with the articles described, {14} constituting to a certainty, "the remedy worse than the disease."

Its various effects upon both the body and the mind of man, as well in sickness as in health, cannot be lost even upon the least sensible and least ruminative observer; who is in the constant enjoyment of those great blessings, air, health, and exercise; for he finds himself affected (and frequently like Pope's rustic hero, who "whistled as he went for want of thought") in different ways, and by every breeze, without knowing why: he meltingly submits one day to the SUN; he shrinks another from the cold: he is depressed, even to melancholy, with the heavy gloom and dense atmosphere to day; and elated, almost beyond the power of expression, by the exhilarating, temperate, clear and lucid sky of to-morrow. If then the spirits are thus not only fairly considered, but fully proved, the thermometer of mental sensations, upon which the air (or rather its change) is found to {15} operate with so much palpable effect; who shall presume to doubt its physical influence upon the human frame, so far as is applicable to the introduction of disease, or the re-establishment of health?

Thus much it has been unavoidably necessary to introduce by way of proof, that the human frame being so affected by the extremes of heat and cold, damps or dryness, such proportional effects (though not probably in directly the same way) may be produced by the same means upon the ANIMAL world, who possessing no power of communication, we cannot derive information but by means of observation upon the original cause and relative effect. As for instance; if the air is too much impregnated with cold, moist, damp particles between the chilling showers of hazy weather, the body (particularly of invalids and valetudinarians) is much more disposed to, and susceptible of, morbidity, than in a more temperate and settled state of the atmosphere. This, proceeding from a collapsion of the porous system, occasions slight indisposition with thousands, who are sensibly affected by lassitude and disquietude, not reaching disease; whilst in others more irritable, it is soon productive of coughs, sore throats, fevers, inflammations of the lungs, and various other disorders. North winds are considered bracing, healthy, and invigorating, to good, sound constitutions; though they are always complained of by those of delicate and tender habits; {16} and there can be no difference of opinion upon the fact, that dry seasons are more conducive to health and spirits than those of a contrary description.

Of all the classes of medicines, none can be more proper or applicable than alteratives, to those who cannot make it convenient to let their horses undergo a regular routine of purgation at the accustomed seasons; as during the administration of alteratives (mercurials excepted) a horse may go through the same occasional work, and diurnal discipline, as if he was under no course of medicine whatever. The alteratives most deservedly esteemed, are antimony, sulphur, nitre, (in small quantities,) cream of tartar, Æthiops mineral, and the antimonial alterative powders of the Author, to be found in the list of his medicines at the conclusion of the Work.

ALUM

—is an article too well known in the shops, to require farther description, than its medical utility, when, upon any emergency, it may be {18} advantageously brought into use. Reduced to fine powder, and applied as a styptic to the mouths of divided vessels, to stop the effusion of blood, it will be found very efficacious. Dissolved in water, the proportion of one ounce to a pint, it is an infallible cure for the foul white specks, or little watery pustules, so frequently seen in the mouths of horses, (and supposed to arise from internal heat,) the parts being twice or thrice touched with a piece of fine sponge, properly moistened with the solution. Burnt alum, finely powdered, and sprinkled, very lightly, upon the fungous flesh of old or foul wounds, will speedily reduce it, and promote the cure.

To set this upon better ground, for the comprehension of all matters relative to bodily sustenance, the animal œconomy, its natural secretions and evacuations, it is necessary a criterion should be {19} fixed, by which its intentional meaning should be generally understood. It has been hitherto used in the previous Works of the present Author, not as synonimous with either FOOD or NUTRIMENT, but in a sense directly between both, and for this reason. Food may feed a frame, and prolong existence; though, from its weak, improper, or impoverished quality, it may not possess the essential property requisite to generate blood, create flesh, or promote strength.

The word ALIMENT seems intended to convey an idea somewhat superior to the meaning expressed in the term food, and yet not extend so far as the mind may lead us, in the comprehensive view of the word NUTRIMENT; for, although mouldy hay, or musty straw, may be taken by an animal, in a state of hunger and necessity, to support life, it does not follow that from such food a proper portion of nutriment can be conveyed to the frame. Aliment, therefore, upon every occasion, in which it will be found necessary to introduce it during the course of this Work, must be considered as a term intended to convey an idea of support (in any way whatever) adequate to health, and a state of useful service; in the direct line of mediocrity between the starving existence of a "winter straw yard," near the metropolis, and the nutritious and invigorating system necessary for the invalid recovering from a state of emaciation, or the severity of disease.

ANGLING

—is the art of catching fish by rods and lines, of different construction, with baits, natural and artificial, according to the season of the year, and the fish intended to be caught. As this sport (if it may with consistency be termed one) is not very eagerly sought, and enjoyed but by few, it will not be much enlarged on here; more particularly as those who enter into the minutiæ of enquiry, and spirit of the practice, will find whole volumes appropriate to this particular purpose. A writer of no small celebrity, in alluding to this subject, says, "FISHING is but a dull diversion, and, in my opinion, calculated only to teach patience to a PHILOSOPHER;" and this most likely is the echoed opinion of every fox-hunter in the kingdom; for it should seem that the simple sameness {22} of angling, and the more noble, healthy and exhilarating sports of HUNTING and SHOOTING, were, in a certain degree, heterogeneous, as it has been but very rarely or ever known, that the enthusiastic admirers of one were ever warm or anxious followers of the other.

The kinds of fish which mostly attract the attention of anglers in the principal fresh water rivers and trout streams of the kingdom, (whether for the sport of killing, or the supply of the table,) are salmon, trout, pike, barbel, chub, perch, roach, dace, and gudgeon: CARP and TENCH may also be taken into the aggregate, upon the score of attraction; but instances are few where any great quantity has been taken in this way, as they are, in general, particularly in ponds, motes, and still waters, too shy and cautious to become the hasty victims of human invention.

Upon the subject of ANGLING, it may not be inapplicable to term it a most unfortunate attachment with those classes of society who have no property but their trades, and to whom time alone must be considered a kind of freehold estate: such time lost by a river side, in the frivolous and uncertain pursuit of a paltry plate of fish, instead of being employed in business, has reduced more men to want, and their families to a workhouse, than any species of sport whatever. Racing, hunting, shooting, {23} coursing, and cocking, (destructive as the latter has been,) have never produced so long a list of beggars as the sublime art of angling; in confirmation of which fact, the eye of observation need only turn to any of those small country towns near which there happens to run a fishing stream, when the profitable part of the pleasure may be instantly perceived by the poverty of the inhabitants.

ANISEEDS

—are the produce of a plant cultivated much more in France, Spain, and Germany, than in any part of England. Those from Spain are preferred; they have a fragrant smell, a warm pleasant taste, with some degree of sweetness. When reduced to powder, they form a principal and efficacious ingredient in the preparation of the pectoral cordial balls for horses, where their virtues are fully admitted. They yield, by expression, an aromatic essential oil, containing all the medical property of the seeds, and is mostly imported to us from other parts ready prepared. Being an article of some expence, it is very much adulterated with sperma-cæti, and other articles, for the profitable purposes of retail, by the secundum artem abilities of the parties concerned. Those who expect any efficacious effects from the aniseed powder, should grind (or see ground) the seeds themselves; for the article sold in the shops under that name, is neither more or less, than the aniseed cakes reduced to powder in the common stock mill of the druggist, {24} from whence the essential oil has been previously extracted.

The crude antimony, when reduced to a fine and impalpable powder, is in many disorders full as efficacious as its more subtle and elaborate preparations; this observation appertaining to its effects upon the human frame, to which it is administered in all forms, by the most learned and eminent physicians in every part of the enlightened world. In respect to its corresponding effect upon one of our most useful animals, the HORSE, experience has proved it to be a safe and certain medicine to obtund acrimony, promote the secretions, open the pores, refine the coat, and finally ensure condition; hence it stands the principal ingredient in the well {25} known advertised "Alterative Powders" of the Author.

APPETITE

,—if good, in either man or beast, ought to be, and in most cases is, a clear criterion and proof of health. However, instances are not wanting, where a rule so seemingly just is sometimes subject to exceptions. The quantity of good and healthy food taken into the frame, is by no means an infallible proof of strength, or of what work the subject is, or ought to be, equal to: some horses are the greatest slugs in nature, though always feeding; while others, who undergo thrice their labour, do not consume even a moderate share of what is placed before them. This is probably one of the latent operations of Nature, upon which it should seem human penetration is not permitted to define, at least to a degree of certainty, in respect to both origin and effect. Scientific aid, and industrious investigation, may do much; but when done, the enquiry will rest upon no better {27} grounds than undefined hypothesis, and unconfirmed conjecture.

Here, then, appears most forcibly, the inutility of going into an enquiry where no certainty of information can be obtained: the labyrinth of perplexity is better unentered, than to explore its most difficult passages in the dark, without even a chance of extrication. We have, indeed, been informed by a publication of late years, that "Appetite is a painful sensation of the stomach, always accompanied with a desire to eat." It might, perhaps, have been less "caviar to the multitude," and much nearer the truth, if appetite had been defined, a pleasing sensation, and hunger a painful one; particularly if (for the sake of a paradox or an iricism) "accompanied with nothing to eat." Waiving, therefore, for the foregoing reasons of uncertainty, any intent of going into a farther disquisition of why the appetite is good or bad, it becomes necessary to proceed to the facts which are known, and to point out the proper remedies to insure relief.

When the appetite of a horse is seemingly never satisfied; when he displays an immoderate and impatient desire for food at all times; when, in failure of repeated supplies of hay and corn, he is constantly consuming his litter, (although it is none of the cleanest;) such a horse is generally, and with strict justice, denominated a coarse and foul feeder; {28} the result of which frequently is, that he soon becomes as foul in his blood, his coat, and condition, as he has previously proved himself in his inclination. The ready road to relief in a case of this kind, is to unload the frame of its accumulated rubbish by a course of physic; the rack rein and the muzzle are then such easy alternatives, that those who do not chuse, or are too indolent, to adopt them, must sit down easy under the defect.

Some there are who attribute the voracious dispositions, and strong digestive powers, of such horses to their being affected with worms. Such reasoning may, with more propriety, be attributed to the fertile imagination of those advocates, than to any effect (of the kind mentioned) in the worms themselves. That (worms being there) disquieting or painful sensations, from some remote or internal cause, may occasion a horse to pull out and disperse his hay, to pick, scrape, and disorder his litter, in proof of disorder or discontent, may readily be conceived; but that absolute pain from the corroding misery of living insects, preying upon the very vitals of an animal, shall give him an increased appetite to eat, is a doctrine that cannot be so readily believed.

Horses of a contrary description, who labour occasionally under a loss of appetite, is no such {29} matter of ambiguity as what has been just described; but may with certainty be ascribed to its proper cause, by minutely attending to such signs, and predominant symptoms, as present themselves to the eye, and to the touch of the diligent enquirer. A loss of appetite in horses whose constitutions are generally good, and who have not been remarked for refusing their corn, or being off their feed, sufficiently indicate some tendency to either slight and temporary indisposition, or impending disease; as cold, cough, febrile heat from the fatigue of a long journey on the road, or exertion in the field; intestinal disquietude, from flatulent affection, or pain in the kidnies; as well as a stricture upon the neck of the bladder, proceeding from a preternatural retention of urine, in having travelled too far "without drawing bit." This is the exulting practice of too many unthinking masters, and indiscreet servants; it, however, holds forth no proof of the goodness of the head or the heart in either one or the other. This defect, proceeding from whatever cause, cannot be too soon properly attended to: early and attentive investigation should be made as the first and most necessary step to the acquisition of relief. Admitting it to have originated in any of those causes already described, there is very little doubt to be entertained, but a moderate bleeding, a cordial ball, a mash of ground malt and bran, equal parts, with warm soft water, and a little {30} nursing, if expeditiously proceeded upon, will soon set all to rights again.

Not so with those whose defect is constitutional, proceeding from an inexplicable degree of irritability, so generally and palpably evident in both attitude and action; in the stable, or out, they never appear perfectly at ease; the eye, the ear, seeming alarmed with every sound, as if in perpetual search of new causes to keep up the unceasing spirit of discontent and eternal disquietude. Upon the road in company, or in the field with hounds, they invariably and impatiently court competition, making the most violent exertions to prove their great, passionate, and ill-tempered desire for superiority; so that horses of this description, after a journey of some length, or a chase of severe duration, are not only off their appetites for two or three days, but hardly fit to be seen again for a week. They are mostly light, and what is termed fluey in the carcase; carry no flesh, with or without work; and for that reason, do no credit in appearance to their master. Yet, strange as it may appear to those unacquainted with the fact, horses or mares of this restless, unsettled disposition, are almost so invariably good and persevering in nature, that they will continue to exert themselves, till, becoming totally exhausted, they must sink under fatigue, rather than permit themselves to be restrained; a palpable contrast in spirit to those voracious, gummy-legged {31} gluttons, who, after an insatiate series of gormandizing and rest, absolutely tire (or "knock up") in the second stage, or first twenty miles, of a journey.

This defect, (or more properly deficiency in appetite and disinclination of food,) whether proceeding from the fiery volatility of temper impatient of restraint, or a peculiar laxity of the parts necessary to strong digestion, is so clearly inherent, so truly constitutional, that a well-founded expectation of permanent relief, or total eradication, is not to be formed upon any change that can be made in food, or improvement in attention. Such horses, however, if their paces are good, and they are desirable in other respects, should not be too hastily disposed of; instances having been very frequent, where horses of such irritable habit, and fretful disposition, when young, have, when accustomed to the same stable, gentle usage, and to one rider only, become as settled feeders, good goers, round carcased and firm fleshed horses as any in the kingdom. Some inducement to feed after the fatigues (or frettings) just recited, may be attempted by the means before described; few occasions will occur where the malt mashes will be refused; the novel fragrancy attracts attention, and when once taken, its invigorating property soon appears. In cases where the stomach continues weak, the carcase thin, and appetite not restored, an occasional use of the {32} pectoral cordial balls, once or even twice a day, is the proper substitute for aliment, and will seldom or ever fail to produce the desired effect.

ARSENIC

,—is a most certain and destructive poison, mentioned here only to demonstrate its utility in clearing premises of rats, which it will infallibly do, if made use of in the following manner. Take (in the season when they are to be obtained) a dozen large apples; let them be pared, and the cores extracted; then chop them exceedingly fine, till they are almost a paste; to which add half an ounce of arsenic, reduced to powder, and two ounces of coarse sugar; mix well, and let this be distributed in their usual haunts, remembering to let earthen pans be set with plenty of water within their reach; and the sudden thirst they are seized with, after eating the smallest quantity of the composition, is so violent, that they drink till unable {33} to move from the spot; and if the preparation is made over night, and the rats are plenty, they will be found in the morning swelled to the utmost extent, and lying dead in different parts, as if they had fallen victims to a fashionable dropsy.

ART VETERINARY

—is the present improved state of FARRIERY, as taught at a newly established institution, called the Veterinary College at Camden Town, in the parish of Saint Pancras; where the pupils attend LECTURES upon anatomy, physiology, and medicine, under a PROFESSOR of the first eminence, as well as the practical part of the business at the forge and in farriery, till, being properly qualified, they pass the necessary examination before a committee of surgeons, when they receive their diploma, and embark for themselves as VETERINARY SURGEONS in the service of the public; or possess the privilege of an immediate appointment in his Majesty's service, under the patronage of his Royal Highness the Commander in Chief, at a stipend which does honor to the institution, {34} as will be found more fully explained under its proper head, Veterinary College.

ASCARIDES

—are a species of worms, to which horses are frequently subject, from two to three inches long: they are not larger in circumference than a common knitting needle, have a flat head, and in some degree not unlike the millepedes, at least in respect to their number of legs. They are in general voided with the dung, where they may be seen twirling and twisting about with wonderful rapidity, not unlike a grig, or small eel, when thrown out of his own element upon the grass. Horses persecuted with these painful and troublesome companions, are generally relaxed in the intestines, and throw off their dung in a loose state, affording, by that circumstance alone, sufficient proof how much they irritate internally, as well as why horses affected with worms, are not only low in flesh, but rough in coat, and almost every way out of condition.

ASTHMATIC

.—Horses are considered asthmatic, or thick-winded, who have acquired a difficulty of respiration, and a short husky cough, from blood originally dense and sizey having been permitted to become proportionally viscid, from a want of evacuants and attenuants in time to have prevented the obstructions which lay the foundation of this troublesome defect. The viscidity of the {35} blood constituting obstructions in the finer vessels, produce tubercles in the lungs, which, rendering their action partial and imperfect, occasions the difficulty of breathing, and repetition of cough, so constantly observed during the increased circulation of the blood, when the horse is brought into use. Frequent bleedings, and a course of the Author's Pectoral Detergent Balls, are the best means of alleviation and cure.

ATTRACTION

—is positively, in some respects, the best property (if it can be so termed) a horse can possibly possess, at least so far as it is admitted to exceed every other qualification in its effect upon the mind of the owner during the time he is in possession; as well as no inconsiderable gratification of pecuniary expectation when the horse comes to be sold. The great advantage arising from attraction in a horse is, that, however vexatious his defects in respect to temper and action may be, he will never hang upon hand, or the {37} owner be long in want of a customer, if external figure and good colour do but afford attraction in any tolerable degree. There are always those in pursuit of horses for purchase, who more know what constitutes figure at first sight, than what constitutes good points after a week's examination. Two good ends (as the dealers term them) well set on, and both up, go a great way in the fashionable work of attraction; without one or both of which, a horse can never become a commanding figure, either before or behind; and, strange as it may be thought by the young or inexperienced, there are numerous instances of horses bearing, in their general appearance, a kind of attracting uniformity, that, upon critical investigation, are found not to have any distinguishing point of excellence about them. Those, however, who have the prudence to bear in memory the effect of attraction, and to secure it when they buy, will never be at much loss when they sell: it will be also by no means inapplicable to have it equally "in the mind's eye," that many horses without attraction are too dear at nothing.

BACKING

—is the term used for the first time of mounting a colt (or taking seat upon the saddle) after he has been previously handled, quieted, stabled, and accustomed to the mouthing-bit, the cavezon, martingal, lunging-rein, saddle, and the whole of the apparatus with which he has been led his different paces in the ring: all this he should be brought to submit to most quietly, as well as to the being saddled, and every part of liable discipline, before any attempt is made to back him; if not, it cannot be termed a systematic completion of the business. As backing a colt (after every precaution) requires a certain degree of cool and steady fortitude appertaining principally to the breaker, whose province it is, (and is but little attempted by others,) a minute description of the means and ceremony could prove but of little utility here, and is of course for that reason dispensed with.

Opinion and practice have very much varied in respect to the age most proper for backing a colt, or even taking him in hand. Not more than half a century past, colts were never touched (upon the score of handling) till rising four, backed and {40} brought into very gentle use when rising five, and never seen in constant work till nearly or full six years old. But so wonderfully has fashionable refinement operated upon the human mind, and so constantly is it agitated by the fascinating effusions of novelty and innovation, that we now find colts handled at two, broke (and racing) at three, and in constant work at four, in every part of the kingdom; in consequence of which impatient and premature improvement upon the judgment and practice of our forefathers, we now daily observe horses at five, six, and seven years old, more impaired in their powers, than they formerly were at double that age, to the evident production of strained sinews, swelled legs, splents, sprains, wind-galls, and the long list of ills so admirably calculated for the support of the new generation of veterinarians, who are daily emerging from obscurity, and for whom employment must necessarily be obtained.

BACK SINEWS

,—so called in a horse, are the tendons extending from the junction of the knee, at the back of the shank-bone to the fetlock joint, where they are inserted. These parts are so much acted upon, and partake so palpably of the labour in which the animal is constantly engaged, that they are eternally liable to injury from over work, rolling stones, deep ground, or projecting prominences in the pavement of large towns. When injuries {41} of this kind are severe, and threaten, by swelling and inflammation, some duration, a repetition of work should be by all means avoided. A speedy and permanent cure principally depends upon the first steps taken for relief, to which mild treatment, attention, unremitting care, and rest, will conjunctively contribute. In most cases too much is done in too short a time, to gratify either the impatience of the owner, or the pecuniary sensations of his medical monitor; burning applications (increasing the original inflammation) of what they term hot oils, followed up by blisters of extra strength, and lastly, the humane (and frequently ineffectual) operation of the firing irons, constitute the routine of professional practice, to the utter rejection of milder means, and the indications of nature, who, with the assistance of rest, would frequently effect her own purpose, and complete a cure.

BACK RAKING

—is an operation of which confident grooms, and indolent farriers, are too frequently fond. It is introducing the hand at the sphincter ani, to extract the indurated fæces, or hardened dung, from the rectum, in which the horse must experience considerable pain, that would be better avoided by the more humane and considerate administration of a clyster. By this a repetition of the more slovenly and less efficacious operation would be rendered unnecessary, as well {42} as the original intent more expeditiously promoted. There can be but little doubt, under the present improved practice, that means of relief so singular and unnatural, will soon give place to, and be totally superseded by, methods of greater neatness and humanity in their operation, and greater certainty in the effect.

BADGER

.—Though this animal cannot be said to afford sport to the superior classes, he is entitled to notice here, in conformity with the original intent and title of the Work. Former writers have, with a greater attention to the fertility of invention, than any respect to truth, held forth a seemingly plausible description of BADGERS of two distinct and separate kinds, under the different appellation of a dog-badger and hog-badger; the former having feet resembling a dog; the feet of the latter cloven, exactly similar to those of the hog. To strengthen this assertion, they tell you they subsist on different food; that the one eats with eagerness any kind of flesh and carrion as a dog; the other, roots, fruits, and vegetables, as a hog. This, however, may be justly considered the effect of fiction, or of a too enlarged imagination, as the existence of only one kind of badger is admitted amongst us, with such trifling difference in size or colour, as may happen from age, the peculiar soil of any particular county, or other such collateral circumstance as may add something to the size in one {43} part of the kingdom, or vary a shade or two in the colours of another.

Hunting the badger is no more than an occasional sport with rustics of the lower order, and can only be enjoyed by moonlight; the badger, from his natural habits, being never to be found above ground by day. In this sport they are obliged to oppose art to cunning, and obtain by stratagem what they cannot effect by strength. At a late hour in the evening, when the badger is naturally concluded to have left his kennel or his castle, in search of prey, some of the party (as previously adjusted) proceed to place a sack at length within the burrow, so constructed that the mouth of the sack directly corresponds with the mouth of the earth, and is secured in that position by means of a willow hoop, which, from its pliability, readily submits to the form required. This part of the business being completed, the parties withdrawn, and the signal whistle given, their distant companions lay on the dogs, (either hounds, terriers, lurchers, or spaniels,) encouraging them through the neighbouring woods, coppices, and hedge rows, which the badgers abroad no sooner find, than being alarmed, and well knowing their inability to continue a state of warfare so much out of their own element, they instantly make to the earth for shelter, where, for want of an alternative, and oppressed with fear, they rush into certain destruction, {44} by entering the sack, where being entangled, (by the rapidity with which they enter,) they are soon secured by those who are fixed near the spot for that purpose.

If he escapes by the ill construction or accidental falling of the sack, (which is sometimes the case,) and enters the earth with safety, digging him out is not only a certain laborious attempt, but with a very precarious termination; for the badger possessing instinctively much art, ingenuity, and perseverance, has generally formed his retreat with no small strength resulting from natural fortification; to render which the more probably tenable against the premeditated attacks of constant and implacable enemies, it is most frequently formed amongst the roots of some old pollard, in the banks of moors, or unfrequented ground, or underneath a hollow tree, from amidst the large and spreading roots of which the burrows run in such remote and ramified directions, that his assailants are compelled, by loss of time and labour, (after digging fifteen or twenty feet,) to relinquish the pursuit, and abandon the contest: corroborating the opinion of countrymen in general, that, in a light or sandy soil, badgers can make way as fast from their pursuers, as the latter erroneously conceive they are gaining ground upon them, and to this perhaps it is owing that there are so many drawn battles between the pursuers and the pursued.

Badger baiting is a different sport, and exceedingly prevalent in both town and country, particularly with the butchers, and lower orders in the environs of the metropolis, for whom a constant supply of badgers, from the woods of Essex, Kent, and Surry, were sure to be obtained. To so great a pitch of celebrity had this sublime amusement attained in the neighbourhood of Tottenham Court and Islington, that the magistrates most laudably exerted themselves to put an end to a pleasurable business, which brought together an infinity of the most abandoned miscreants, with their bull dogs and terriers, from every extremity of the town. To the dreadful and inhuman scene of baiting bears and badgers (with the most ferocious dogs) till nature was quite exhausted, succeeded dog fights, boxing matches, and every species of the most incredible infamy under sanction of the knights of the cleaver; till, by the persevering efforts of the more humane inhabitants, and the spirited determination of magistracy, the practice seems totally abolished, and likely to be buried in a much-wished-for oblivion.

BALLS

,—medicines so called when prepared in that form, as they now mostly are, for the mitigation and cure of almost every disease to which the horse is incident. There are purging balls of various kinds, prepared of proportional strengths, and compounded of different ingredients, with or without the impregnation of mercury, according to the {46} state, disease, or condition of the subject. Mild and strong diuretic balls, for cracked heels, swelled legs, fluctuating humours, and grease. Pectoral cordial balls, for colds, as well as to be given after severe chases, or long journeys: they are also useful when a horse is off his appetite, as well as an excellent preventative to cold when a horse has been long out of the stable, in sharp winds or chilling rains. Pectoral detergent balls, for obstinate coughs, and thick-winded horses. Likewise balls for flatulent and inflammatory cholic, as well as for strangury and other disorders. Articles of this description are usually prepared from the prescriptions of those authors who have written upon farriery and veterinary medicine; but, for the accommodation of the public at large, and to prevent the abuses sometimes attendant upon the casual preparation in shops, by the inattention of servants, or the privilege and practice of substituting one article for another, the Author, immediately after the publication and success of his "Stable Directory" prepared his own advertised medicines, which have now been fourteen years honoured with public patronage, a list of which, with the prices, will be found annexed to this Work.

BARBS

—are horses brought from the coast of Barbary, and mostly consigned as presents to His Majesty, or some other branch of the royal family. Those arriving under such distinction, are to be considered the true MOUNTAIN BARB, the pedigree of whose blood has been recorded with as much tenacity and care as the genealogy of our most ancient nobility. Barbs (as they are called) are to be found in the possession of many people of fashion and fortune in England, but they are in general of inferior degree, and thought to be only the common horses of the country from whence they came: such there are at all times to be obtained through the intervening medium of Provence and Languedoc in France; but in this kingdom they are held in very slender estimation; not more for their deficiency in growth and strength, than the aukwardness of their action.

Barbs were formerly in great request here; and neither trouble or expence was spared to obtain them, for the sole purpose of improving the speed of our own breed for the TURF, where, upon the {48} various events in RACING at Newmarket, and in the north, immense sums are frequently depending; and from the various crosses in blood, the breeding in and in, with the different fancied interlineations by different individuals, it is affirmed, by some of those best versed in racing pedigree, that there are at this time a very few (if any) thorough bred English horses, but what have a cross of foreign blood in their composition. To elucidate or justify this opinion, reference may be made to the well authenticated list of Barbs and Arabians, who have contributed, as stallions, more or less, to the increase of the most select and valuable studs in every part of the kingdom.

The Helmsley Turk (one of the first we can go back to) was the property of an old Duke of Buckingham, and afterwards of Mr. Place, (studmaster to Oliver Cromwell when Protector,) in whose possession he got Bustler, &c. Mr. Place had also a stallion, called Place's White Turk, who was the sire of Wormwood, Commoner, and other good horses.

The Stradling or Lister Turk was brought into England by the Duke of Berwick, from the siege of Buda, in the reign of James the Second. He got Snake, Brisk, Piping Peg, Coneyskins, &c.

The Byerley Turk was Captain Byerley's charger in Ireland in King William's wars, 1689, and was afterwards the sire of many good runners.

Greyhound was got in Barbary by a white Barb, out of Slugey, a natural Barb mare. After the leap, both sire and dam were purchased and brought to England by Mr. Marshall, where the sire became one of King William's stud, and was called the "White Barb Chillaby." Greyhound was the sire of Othello, Whitefoot, Osmyn, Rake, Sampson, Goliah, Favorite, Desdemona, and others.

D'Arcy Yellow Turk was the sire of Spanker, Brimmer, and the great great grand-dam of Cartouch.

Curwen's Bay Barb was a present from Muly Ishmael, Emperor of Morocco, to Lewis the Fourteenth, and was brought to England by Mr. Curwen, who procured from Count Byram and Count Thoulouse (natural sons of the French King) the two horses afterwards called the Curwen Bay Barb and Thoulouse Barb, both which proved excellent stallions, getting a great number of winners, and transmitting their blood through the sisters of Mixbury to Partner, Little Scar, Soreheels, and the {50} dam of Crab; as well as to Bagpiper, Blacklegs, Panton's Molly, and the dam of Cinnamon.

Darley's Arabian was brought over by a brother of Mr. Darley in Yorkshire, who being a commercial agent abroad, exerted his interest to procure the horse. He was sire of the famous horse Childers, (who was said to have ran a mile in a minute,) Dædalus, Dart, Skipjack, Aleppo, and other good horses.

Sir J. Williams's Turk got Mr. Honeywood's two True Blues, out of the only thorough-bred mare he was ever known to cover; though he got some middling racers out of common mares, whose pedigrees were not known.

The Belgrade Turk was taken at the siege of Belgrade, and, after passing through the hands of General Merci, the Prince de Craon, and the Prince of Lorrain, became the property of Sir Marmaduke Wyvill, in whose possession he died about 1740.

The Godolphin Arabian was the property of Lord Godolphin, and thought so little of as a stallion, and so little likely to get racers, that he was for some years teazer to Hobgoblin; but, upon his refusing to cover Roxana, the Arabian had the {51} leap, which produced Lath, the first horse he ever got. To Lath succeeded Cade, Regulus, Blank, Babraham, Bajazet, &c. &c. and there can be no doubt, from the success of the progeny of each, but that he contributed more to the value and speed of horses for the turf, than any other foreign stallion ever brought into this kingdom.

The Cullen Arabian was sire of Camillus, Sour Face, the dam of Regulator, &c. &c.

The Coombe Arabian, called also the Pigot Arabian, was sire of Methodist, the dam of Cross, &c.

The Arcot Arabian has been covering a few years in the neighbourhood of the metropolis, but has not produced any thing of note. This may probably happen from a want of interest in procuring thorough-bred mares, without which a stallion for racing blood can acquire no celebrity.

King Charles the Second sent over his master of the horse to procure a number of foreign horses and mares for breeding; and the mares brought over by him, as well as many of their produce, have since been called Royal Mares. Dodsworth, though foaled in England, was a natural Barb; his dam was imported in foal during the time of {52} Charles the Second, and was sold for forty guineas at twenty years old, (after the King's death,) then in foal (by the Helmsley Turk) of Vixen, afterwards dam of the old Child Mare.

However largely this description of horses may have contributed to the improvement of blood in this country, and however grand and majestic they may appear in competition with our more settled, steady, and well-broke studs; yet, when the uniformity of parts which constitute the whole come to be judiciously examined, and every point of perfection precisely ascertained, no doubt can or need be entertained, but the best bred horses in Britain, as Highflyer, Escape, Rockingham, Hambletonian, Diamond, and many others, must stand firmly entitled to the palm of priority. The most accurate must have observed, that the major part of the horses brought to this country as Barbs and Arabians, being submitted to public inspection, are very much inferior in height to our own, few reaching, and none exceeding, fifteen hands: they have mostly a curvilinear hollowness of the back, a narrowness of the chest, (indicative of speed, but the reverse of strength,) and a palpable deficiency in the arm or fore thigh, seemingly disproportioned to their own weight. Their apparent powers are entirely appropriate to the purposes of speed, and not to the common services of the people of this country; being, in general, bad, uneven walkers; and once {53} exerted to a trot, their legs are thrown about in the clambering manner of the German cavalry, much more adapted to the gratification of pompous parade, than the neatness or utility of expeditious action.

BAT FOWLING

—is a favorite sport with farmer's servants on a winter's evening, and can only be enjoyed with a degree of success proportioned by the darkness of the night. The party should not consist of less than four; two of whom are provided with long flimsey hazel sticks or hurdle rods; the third carries and manages the flap, (or folding net;) and the fourth a candle and lanthorn, suspended to the end of a pole seven or eight feet long. Upon the net being spread, by separating the side rods to their utmost extent, before the corn-rick, out-houses, eaves of stable thatch, yew hedge, or {54} whatever spot it is intended to try, the candle and lanthorn is then to be held up as nearly the centre of the net as possible, but at about three or four feet distance, just before the assistants begin to beat the rick, thatch, or hedge, with their poles; when the birds being thus suddenly alarmed from their resting-place, make instantly for the light, when the net being directly closed (if by a skilful practitioner) the success is beyond description; it being no uncommon thing, in large remote farms, and in severe winters, to take twenty or thirty dozen of sparrows, and other small birds, in one evening's diversion.

BATTLE ROYAL

—was formerly (much more than at present) a favorite mode of fighting amongst COCKERS of the lower order, who, upon the old maxim of "the more danger the more honor," became practical advocates for general destruction in the following way. A battle royal may consist of any number of cocks, but is hardly ever known to exceed eight. The owner of each having made good his stake, or previously contributed his share of the prize or purse for which they fight, and all parties being ready, the cocks are most inhumanly pitted at the same moment, when a long and distressing scene ensues, to which there is no termination so long as a second cock is left alive, and the victory can only be obtained by the last survivor. This species of sport is but little practised now, {55} and that in the most distant and remote corners of the kingdom.

BAY

—is a sporting term, and used in the following sense. When a stag has been so long pursued that, finding his speed or strength nearly exhausted, he turns round, (having some protection of building or paling in his rear,) and facing the hounds, resolutely defends himself with his antlers, keeping the hounds at bay, till the sportsmen come up, who immediately assist in drawing off the hounds, and saving the life of the deer. When the deer takes soil, (that is, takes to the water,) he will defend himself, and keep the hounds a long time at bay, provided he fathoms the lake or river so well as to keep the hounds swimming, and not go out of his own depth; if he loses which, and is obliged to swim at the time he is up, (in other words, quite {56} tired,) and surrounded by the hounds, he is inevitably drowned by his numerous and determined foes, in opposition to every exertion that can be made to save him.

In fox-hunting, when the fox is supposed to have gone to earth, the fact can only be ascertained in many cases by the excellence of the terrier attending the pack, who has in general strength and speed sufficient to keep him from being far behind. Upon entering the earth, discovery is soon made of the certainty of his retreat, by the terrier's "laying well at him," provided the fox has not turned in the earth: if he has so done, and they are face to face, they are both baying, or keeping each other at bay, till the controversy ends in digging out the fox, and letting in the hounds for their share of the entertainment, with the additional acquisition of blood for the advantage of the pack.

BEAGLES

,—in early stages of the sporting world, was an appellation of much more definite meaning than in the polish of the present times, and was then used to signify a brace or two of the tanned or pied hounds of small dimensions, with which the country squire or opulent farmer picked and chopped the trail of a hare to her form for a course with his greyhounds. As they were, however, so constantly useful in recovering the hare after the first course, and bringing her to view for a second, it became in a great degree stigmatized by sportsmen in general, and is now considered neither more or less than one mode of poaching under the sanction of legal authority. Many packs of these small beagles (for beagle then implied the smallest kind of hound known) were formerly kept by country gentlemen at a very trifling expence, and with no small share {58} of amusement to their rustic neighbours; for, although those who joined in the chase might be numerous, yet two or three horsemen only were seen in the field, so easy was it to keep up with the hounds (alias beagles) on foot. They were in general so well matched, that they did not exceed eleven inches in height; and ran so well together, they (to speak technically,) "might be covered with a sheet." Though they were slow, they were sure; for if the scent lay well, a hare could seldom escape them; and this, to the object of pursuit, mostly proved a lingering as well as a certain death: for though, in the early parts of the chase, they could never get near enough to press her, they were frequently two or three hours in killing.

In proportion to the increasing spirit of the times, slow hunting declined, and beagles of this kind got in disrepute. The numerous crosses in the breed of both beagles and hounds, according to the wishes and inclinations of those who keep them, have so diversified the variety, that a volume might be produced, in a description of the different sorts and sizes adapted to the soil and surface where they hunt; from the old heavy, deep tongued, dew-lapped southern hound of Manchester, (where the huntsman with his long pole goes on foot,) to the highest crossed harriers of the present day, who kill the stoutest hares in thirty and forty minutes with a speed not much inferior to coursing. Beagles, when the term is now used, implies hounds who {59} hunt hares only, in contra-distinction to those who hunt either STAG or FOX. Harriers have been produced from the crosses between the beagle and the fox hound, for the advantage of speed; but harriers are not, in sporting acceptation, to be considered synonymous with beagles, to whom they are very superior in size. Mr. Daniel, in a recent publication, called "Rural Sports," has given an account of "a cry of beagles, ten or eleven couple, which were always carried to and from the field in a large pair of panniers, slung across a horse: small as they were, they would keep a hare at all her shifts to escape them, and often worry her to death. The catastrophe (says he) attending this pack of hounds is laughable, and perhaps is a larceny unique in its attempt. A small barn was their allotted kennel, the door of which was one night broke open, and every hound with the panniers stolen; nor could the most diligent search discover the least trace of the robbers or their booty."

BEAT for a Hare

,—is a term in hunting, much less known, and much less used, formerly, {60} than of late years. When the huntsman was mounted at day break, and the hounds were thrown off at the place of meeting, as soon as the horsemen could see to ride, the hounds took trail, and went to their game in a style much better conceived than described. No assistance was then required to beat for hares, when the hounds were thus early enabled to find for themselves. A chase (or two) was enjoyed at that time, and the hounds at home in the kennel, before the hour at which it is now the custom to reach the field. Hence the custom of engaging help to beat for a hare, the worst method that can be adopted, and the most destructive of all discipline with the hounds; for once accustomed to the practice, heads are all up; and they are much more employed in staring about, and listening for a view holloa, than in putting their noses to the ground.

BETTING

—is one great gratification of happiness with the people of this country, who never {61} can be said to be truly happy, unless it is blended with a chance of becoming completely miserable. It is that kind of national furor, that no laws, however penal, no restrictions, however severe, can have sufficient force to stem the torrent of popular propensity; particularly when nurtured and encouraged by the prevalent example, and personal practice, of the first and most exalted characters in the kingdom. Experience has for ages proved it a privilege implanted in the very hearts of its devotees, which can only terminate when sporting propagation ceases, and will of course continue to the end of time. Legislative dictation, and magisterial authority, may give a temporary check to games of chance at tables of public notoriety, where the most villainous depredations are in constant practice; but so long as that excitement to the true spirit of speculation, a lottery, the exhilarating power of a race, the infectious clamour of a cockpit, or the greater hobby-horse of John Bull, a boxing match, is open to all minds, and in all directions, so long will betting excite the attention, and continue to constitute the pleasing, painful anxiety of pecuniary speculation with the people of this country, (and probably of every other,) from the highest to the lowest classes of society.

Betting is the act of laying a wager, or making a deposit of money, by two persons of contrary opinions, for one to become the winner, upon the decision {62} of some public or popular event; and that so fashionable a mode of terminating disputes may meet with but little difficulty or obstruction, bets are made with as much deliberation, and discharged by the SPORTING WORLD with as much integrity, as the most important transactions of the commercial part of society in the first city of the universe. Betting has of late years been reduced to a system, by which there are now many professors in existence, who were originally of the very lowest order; but, by an indefatigable and persevering industry at Newmarket, the cockpit, and the gaming table, have acquired princely possessions, by the unexpected honour of being admitted to princely association. Where two opponents deposit each an equal sum (whether five pounds or five hundred) upon any event whatever, it is then termed an even bet. An offer of six to four, implies the odds in direct ratio of six pounds to four, twelve to eight, sixty to forty; or in that proportion to any amount. Betting two to one, is laying ten pounds to five, twenty to ten, and so forth; one depositing exactly double the amount of his adversary's stake; three, four and five to one being regulated in the same way. The latter are all termed laying the odds, which vary according to the predominant opinions of the best judges upon the probable termination of the event; one rule being invariable, the person betting the odds (or, in other words, the larger sum against the smaller) has always the privilege of taking {63} his choice in preference to his adversary, against which no appeal can ever be made with a decision in its favor.

Any person proposing a bet to another during the running of a horse, the fighting of a cock, or any other transaction, the party applied to, saying "done," and the proposer replying "done" also, it then becomes a confirmed bet, and cannot in sporting etiquette and honour be off, or revoked, but by mutual consent. No bet above ten pounds can be sued for and recovered in our courts of law; the payment of all losings above that sum must depend entirely upon the sporting integrity of the parties concerned.

BISHOPING

—is an operation performed upon the teeth of a horse, and supposed to have derived its modern appellation from an eminent and distinguished dealer of the name of Bishop; whether from any peculiar neatness in, or reputed celebrity for, a personal performance of the deception, it is most probably not possible (or necessary) to ascertain. The purport of the operation is to furnish horses of ten or twelve years old with a regeneration of teeth, bearing the appearance of five or six, and is thus performed. The horse being powerfully twitched by both the nose and the ears, a cushioned roller (large enough to keep the jaws extended) is then placed in the mouth; which done, the teeth of {64} the under jaw are somewhat reduced in their length (according to their growth) by the friction of a whitesmith's cutting file: an engraver's tool is then employed in taking away as much from the centre of the surface of each tooth as will leave a conspicuous cavity in the middle; this cavity (or rather every individual cavity) is then burned black with an iron instrument red hot, and adapted to the purpose; a composition of cement is then insinuated, so well prepared in both colour and consistence, that it is frequently not discoverable (at least to slight observers) for many months after its introduction.

BITS

—are of different kinds, formed of iron, and constitute the mouth-part of bridles of every denomination, whether in carriage harness, or for use on the turf, in the chase, or upon the road. The single large-mouthed bit, first used with colts in breaking, is known by the name of mouthing-bit: the same shaped bit, but of a much smaller size, {65} with a small cheek of about three inches long, is called a piped cheek snaffle. A single bit, having a curb, and a cheek of five or six inches long, with one rein only, and that inserted to the bottom of the cheek, is termed a hard and sharp, and with justice; it is one of the worst inventions ever adopted, never seen in use with a sportsman, and only calculated for vicious run-away horses, not to be stopped by any common means. A bit of the same form, having eyes for two reins, one on each side the mouth-piece, and others at the lower extremity of the cheek, are called pelhams, as a favourite bit of the old Duke of Newcastle. A bridoon is a small snaffle, or mouth-piece, having no other cheek than a circular eye to receive the rein into the same headstall, with which is stitched a roller-mouthed polished port bit, having a cheek of four, five or six inches in length, according to fancy, or the mouth of the horse: the rein to this bit is affixed to the lower extremity of the cheek, and, in conjunction with the bridoon, constitutes the double reined bridle, called a Weymouth, mostly in use.

"By this statute it is enacted, that persons, hunting armed and disguised, and killing or stealing deer, or robbing warrens, or stealing fish out of any river, &c. or any person unlawfully hunting in His Majesty's forests; or breaking down the {67} head of any fish-pond; or killing of cattle; or cutting down trees; or setting fire to house, barn, or wood; or shooting at any person; or sending letters, either anonymous, or signed with a fictitious name, demanding money, &c. or rescuing such offenders, are guilty of felony without benefit of clergy." This is commonly called the Waltham Black Act, and was made perpetual by 31 George II. c. 42.

BLACK-LEGS

—is the expressive appellation long since given by the superior classes of the sporting world (consisting of noblemen and gentlemen of fortune) to the very honorable and very distinguished fraternity who are known to constitute "a family," and are, perhaps, without exception, the most unprincipled and abandoned set of thieves and harpies that ever disgraced civilized society. They are a body, existing by, and subsisting upon, the most villainous modes of deceptive depredation: their various modes of attacking, and preying upon, the credulity of the inexperienced and unsuspecting part of the public, are beyond conception: their number is incredible, and their stratagems exceed description. Destitute not only of character, but of every sense of honor, their minds are destined solely to the purposes of determined devastation upon the property of those unthinkingly seduced or betrayed into their company; upon whose credulity and indiscretion they are supported in a continued scene of the most luxurious and fashionable dissipation.

As members have no great power in exerting themselves with much success individually, the firm (if a phalanx of the most infamous combination can be termed so) are adequate to almost every desperate undertaking, from pricking in the belt, hustling in the hat, or slipping a card, to the casually meeting a friend upon Hounslow Heath. They are sole proprietors of the different gaming tables, public and private, as well in the metropolis, as the hazard and E O tables at all the races of eminence in the kingdom. They are invariably present at every fashionable receptacle for sport: the tennis-court, the billiard-room, the cockpit, have all to boast a majority in quest of prey; and even the commonest coffee-house is a spot where modest merit, in the form of a lounging emissary, frequently obtrudes, in the anxious hope of picking up some opulent juvenile, that he may afterwards enjoy the pleasure of introducing him in the most friendly and liberal way to another member of the fraternity, as a very proper object, or pidgeon, well worth plucking for the benefit of the family.

BLANK

—was a horse in high form, beating almost every horse of his time, and his blood was held in the utmost estimation: he was bred by Lord Godolphin; foaled 1740; got by the Godolphin Arabian, dam by Bartlett's Childers, out of the dam of the Large Hartley Mare. The various performances of Blank will not admit of being brought within the compass of so concise a description; therefore, suffice it to say, that, after his performances upon the turf, he became a stallion of the first celebrity, and was sire of Ghost, Tripod, Chatsworth, Hengist, Croney, Yeoman, Porsenna, Lottery, Young Blank, Lustre, Lumber, Whipster, Amazon, Britannicus, Charlotte, Prussia, Helen, Lycurgus, and a very long list of excellent runners, too numerous for insertion under this head.

BLEEDING

—of horses is a simple and easy operation, hitherto performed with an instrument called a fleam, which being steadily supported over the neck vein (about five inches below the superior process of the jaw-bone) is forcibly struck with what is professionally termed a bloodstick, turned out of the wood called lignum vitæ, as being sufficiently heavy to insure weight and certainty to the blow: the blade of the fleam is supported by a {70} shoulder, to prevent the incision's being made beyond the depth of safety: the use of the line round the lower part of the neck, previous to the operation, is now greatly out of use; although it is certainly a means of keeping the vein firm from fluctuation, and of course a very proper guide, particularly for young practitioners. Of late years this mode of operating has greatly declined, particularly with veterinarians of the new school, the most expert of whom adopt the use of the lancet, and are introducing it to general practice; and, although the neatness of the operation must be candidly admitted, yet, with high spirited, shy, unruly horses, (where there is a chance of the point of the lancet's being broken in the orifice,) a doubt naturally arises, whether, in such cases, the former method is not both the least troublesome and least dangerous of the two.

The consistency and propriety of BLEEDING upon slight or moderate occasions, has always been matter of cavil and capricious controversy with those whose cynical rigidity, and restless spirit, ever prompts them to take even the wrong side of any argument, (however absurd and ridiculous,) rather than want a cause to carp at; but with those possessing the power of scientific disquisition, and practical professional knowledge, such fallacious and ill-founded reasoning must fall to the ground. Its utility, upon the attack of almost every disease to {71} which the animal is subject, is now so generally admitted, that it stands in need of no additional corroboration from the more refined rays of constantly increasing improvement.

The quantity proper to be taken away at one time, in any case, may be from three to five pints; the latter only in such disorders as require plentiful depletion: in all cases of inflammation (particularly the lungs) frequent repetitions are to be justified, provided they follow not too fast upon each other; the lives of many horses have been preserved (particularly in those influenzas of late years called "the distemper") by four or five plentiful bleedings in so many days; and, vice versa, as great a number lost by a want of the same means. As blood is generated, and the unloaded vessels replenished, by the constant supply of aliment in health, or nutriment in disease, so little, or, in fact, no permanent injury can be sustained by leaning to the safe side, and taking away even too much, provided it be at different times, particularly when it is remembered, that the life of a valuable horse is very frequently lost by a too great pusillanimity and forbearance in the operation.

BLEMISHES

—are so called which constitute disfiguration and eyesore, without impediment to sight or action; it is therefore readily conceived, a {72} horse may be very materially blemished without being unsound. Blemishes are various, and many of them not to be immediately perceived, in a superficial survey of the subject: broken knees are a very material and conspicuous blemish: splents, if large, are unpleasing to the eye of the good judge and nice investigator: warts are easily observed, and as easily cured: thrushes, and a carious state of the frogs, not to be known but by an examination of the feet: sandcracks, previously cured, sometimes remain unseen, but are always liable to a renewal of the original defect: the marks of former blistering is, in general, to be plainly perceived by a variation in colour, or an unnatural roughness in the hair of those parts: the marks of firing-irons may be easily traced (however neatly performed) upon the hocks for spavins and curbs, or upon the back of the shank-bones for strains in the back sinews. A horse may be blemished by a speck in the eye, arising from a blow with the lash of a whip or switch; this is frequently no more than a partial thickening of a small part of the outer humour of the eye, not obstructing those rays of light which constitute vision.

If a horse is warranted "perfectly sound, without blemish, free from vice, steady to ride, and quiet in harness," it is a full and general warranty speaking for itself; leaving very little for the intentional {73} purchaser to do (in respect to inspection) if he has previously tried and approved the paces of the horse. But where a warranty seemingly guarded, or cautiously partial, is offered, a proper degree of circumspection will be necessary to prevent a chance of early repentance; a prevention of litigation will prove less expensive than the cure of a lawsuit.

The eyes of some horses are periodically affected, even for months and years, before they terminate in total blindness: to this species of ocular defect, the illiterate and less enlightened of former times gave the appellation of "moon-blind," {74} under the weak and ridiculous idea, that such changes were produced by the gradational stages of the moon; an opinion too trifling to render animadversion necessary, it being one of the very few remaining traits of superstition which will speedily be totally done away. Many horses lose their eyes from extreme exertion, as by over racing; in proof of which, a very long list of instances might be adduced: the same effect has been produced upon STALLIONS in being permitted to cover mares not only in an unlimited degree in respect to number, but stimulated so to do by the use of powerful and prejudicial provocatives: in both these cases the loss of sight is occasioned by a total subversion of the nervous system, reducing it to a fixed or partial debility of those particular parts, from which they never recover.

Horses are frequently found to inherit constitutional defects from SIRE or DAM; and none are, perhaps, to be considered more justly hereditary than defects of the eyes; and to render such fact the more extraordinary, it generally happens to have lain dormant for the first three or four years, and never to display itself to any visible inconvenience till a colt is broke, and brought into work. The eyes of a horse inheriting this taint by hereditary transmission, are much less prominent than a natural, well-formed and good eye; they have a kind of indented furrow in the lid above the orb, {75} and a wrinkled contraction in the part immediately over that, constituting a kind of "vinegar aspect," better conceived than described: this kind of eye should be carefully avoided in purchase; for however they may vary by changes in work, and a diversity of seasons, they, nine times out of ten, terminate in blindness; a circumstance fairly to be presumed, no professional man living can prevent.

BLISTERING

—is an operation performed upon a horse by unguents prepared of different degrees of strength, according to the circumstances of the case. They are in general use for blood and bone spavins, curbs and strains of the back sinews: where they do not complete the purpose for which they were intended, they are repeated at a proper period; or firing the part is adopted, and the horse is turned out. Blistering is in general too soon resorted to as a remedy, and in many cases before the inflammation arising from the original injury has sufficiently subsided for the operation to take place; from which injudicious mode of practice, a permanent enlargement of the part is occasioned, that is never got rid of during the life of the horse.

BLOOD

—is the well known fluid issuing from wounds, or separated vessels, in an accidental destruction of parts: it is not only the very basis, but the support, of life itself; and drawn from the frame of any animal beyond a certain proportion (professionally {76} ascertained,) causes instant death. In the regular routine of the animal œconomy, blood is generated by the frequent supplies of nutritive aliment, and retaining within itself sufficient strength and power for its own peculiar purposes, throws off, by the different emunctories, the superflux with which it may be encumbered: but as medical or anatomical disquisition is not intended in a work of this general kind, it must suffice to observe, that, from the blood in its original and first formed state, proceeds all the progressive and superior functions of Nature. From the blood issues every gradational proportion of insensible, sensible and profuse perspiration; from the blood, the urine is secreted (or separated) by the kidnies; and from the blood is extracted, by the genitals, that very masculine semen, by which (we are told from high and indisputable authority) our posterity is to be continued to the end of time.

BLOOD HOUNDS

.—Those so called, have always had a kind of fabulous property ascribed to them, of pursuing, and infallibly taking or seizing, robbers, murderers, or depredators, whenever they could be laid upon the footsteps (or scent) of the particular object they were intended to pursue; and of their possessing this property there can be no doubt, when the experience of ages, transmitted to us by our predecessors, (as well as our own observations,) have afforded the most indisputable proofs, that {77} hounds may be taught or broke in to carry on any particular scent, when feelingly convinced they are to hunt no other. There requires no "ghost from the grave" to confirm a fact of so much notoriety: a mere sporting embryo would tell us, that "a pack who for some years hunted fallow deer in the possession of their last owner, are hunting hare in high style with the present; that the principal body of the celebrated pack who for some years past hunted fox with Lord Darlington in the north, are now probably destined to the pursuit of the red deer with Lord Derby in the south: and the whole art of changing hounds from one chase to another is the temporary trouble of breaking them afresh, and making them steady to the scent they are to pursue."

In respect to the received opinion of what were formerly called bloodhounds, the fact is simply this: the original stock partook, in nearly an equal degree, of the large, heavy, strong, boney old English stag-hound, and the deep-mouthed southern hound, of which mention is made under the head "Beagle." The hounds destined to one particular kind of business or pursuit, as bloodhounds, were never brought into the chase for a constancy with the pack for the promotion of sport, but were preserved and supported (as a constable or Bow-Street runner of the present day) for the purposes of pursuit and detection, whenever they could, with certainty, {78} be laid on in good time upon the scent of footsteps of the object it was thought expedient to pursue. Deer stealing, for instance, was so very common a century since to what it is at present, that the GAME and PARK keepers in most parts of the kingdom were in a kind of eternal watching and nocturnal warfare: the hounds we are now describing were then constantly trained to the practice, and so closely adhered to the scent they were once laid on upon, that (even after a very long and tedious pursuit) detection was certain and inevitable: from this persevering instinct and infallibility, they acquired the appellation they have so long retained; and an offending criminal not a century since, was absolutely conceived to be positively taken, and half convicted, the very moment a blood-hound could be obtained.

BLOWS

—inconsiderately given, in passion, to harmless, inoffending animals, are nineteen times out of twenty productive of repentance, when probably repentance comes too late. A horse sometimes, and most commonly from the inattention of the rider, steps almost unavoidably upon a flint or rolling-stone; and in the very exertion of recovering himself from nearly falling, he at that critical moment receives a severe and unexpected blow behind the ear from the stick of his philosophic, patient, humane rider, which brings him instantly to the ground, giving and receiving ample proof, that "the remedy was worse than the disease." No conjectures need be formed upon the loss of eyes annually sustained by blows from petulant masters, as well as the most rascally servants; injuries of this kind may be daily seen by observers with their eyes open in every part of the kingdom.

Blows will most assuredly sometimes happen from accident, though most of this description arise from folly, ignorance, or indiscretion; as for instance, the very common circumstances of carelessly giving a horse's head or eye a blow against the stall in turning, or the hip-bone very frequently against the post of the stable door, and this by the stupidity of those who seem to think a horse can turn within as small a space as themselves; or rather, perhaps, by those who seem unfortunately destined by Nature never to think at all. In general, the good or bad usage of servants to horses, or other animals under their {80} care, may be conceived a very fair and unerring criterion of the depravity or integrity of their own hearts; and such should be emphatically told, that not only broken bones, but instantaneous loss of life, has frequently followed passionate blows, and cruel usage, by the law of retaliation, in the resentment of an animal capable of distinguishing between a fault committed, a reproof given, or any unjust injury sustained.

BORING

;—one of the former humane operations in farriery for what is now called a lameness, then termed a wrench in the shoulder: it consisted in making a small orifice, or superficial incision, through the integument near the part affected: into this is insinuated a small tube or pipe; by the operator's breath through which the part is inflated, directly in the way a butcher swells his veal: a flat piece of iron, of small dimensions, is then introduced between the ribs and the shoulder in different directions, to produce some effect hitherto unexplained, and never understood. The seeming cruelty, and evident uncertainty, of the operation, has long since buried it in oblivion, at least with scientific practitioners; and it is very little seen or heard of, except amongst the rustic Vulcans in remote corners of the kingdom.

BOTTS

—are differently described by different writers; a certain proof many of them wrote more from theory, copy, and hearsay, than from attentive practice, or personal observation. Some have observed, they were of one shape; a second, of another; a third has said their seat was invariably upon one particular part; but the present Author has told you, in his former Works, and now repeats the fact, that they are equally inhabitants of the stomach before, {82} as they are of the rectum behind; and are as constantly found in the former after the death of the subject, as they are seen adhering to the sphincter of the rectum during his life; and that horses, who have fallen victims to the ravages of these destructive diminutives, had both the stomach and rectum loaded with numbers in a degree to be fairly concluded incredible, unless the proof had been personally confirmed by sight and individual conviction. The mode by which they are conveyed into the body (or how they are engendered there) may possibly long continue a matter of conjecture and ambiguity: Not so with the effect; when there, they soon continue to increase, and to occasion constant disquietude; sometimes violent pain. A horse labouring under their persecuting pinchings, is frequently eating, and without appetite, in a hope of relieving himself from the gnawing sensations within: he is generally rough in the coat, low in flesh, depressed in the stable, and not elated when out. Various remedies are in use; but mercurial physic is the only certain mode of extirpation.

BOWLS

—is a game played upon a fine smooth grassy surface, either square, circular, or oblong, used solely for the purpose, and called a BOWLING-GREEN. The party may consist of two, four, six, or eight, and is generally chosen alternately, after tossing up a coin to decide who shall have the first choice. The sides being selected, each player has two bowls, which bowls have numerical figures, thereby ascertaining to whom they belong. The leader sends off a smaller bowl, called the jack, to what distance he pleases, it being (by the toss) his privilege so to do: this he follows with his first bowl, getting as near the jack as possible: he is then followed by one of the adverse party, the partner of the first following, and so in rotation till all the bowls are played; when as many of the bowls, on either side, as are nearer to the jack than the nearest on the opposite side, so many do the successful party score that time toward the game, and so on in succession, till one side or the other have won the match. Sometimes great disappointment happens in the play, when a ball laying very near the jack, is removed to a distance by the hit of an adversary's bowl, which remains nearer the jack than the bowl it has driven away; this is called a rub, and gave rise to the long-standing adage, "he that plays at bowls, must expect rubs."

BRAN

—would not have been entitled to notice in a work of this kind, had it not been in a certain {84} degree of conditional use with horses of different descriptions, in sickness as well as in health. Bran is an article almost generally known to be the coarser part of the skin or covering of the grain called wheat, from the body of which flour is manufactured, and bread made. With some people (particularly in the country parts of the kingdom, who are desirous of keeping their horses at little expence) bran constitutes a principal part of their food; in consequence of which, it becomes necessary to advert concisely to its known effects. From its nutritive property having been taken away, it contains little more than the means of distending the frame, without the generative quality of enriching the blood, or contributing to the formation of flesh. Not calculated to become a primary object of support, it may in some ways be brought into use as a collateral of utility. Horses belonging to bakers and mealmen, who have been principally subsisted upon this article, with the addition of a few split beans, (or peas,) have become pursive and thick-winded; then asthmatic; lastly, dull, heavy, and inactive; dying at nine or ten years old; when a large ball, or mealy concretion, (of different sizes in different subjects,) has been found in the stomach or intestinal canal, of a most impenetrable hardness, to the weight of ten or twelve pounds. Though not proper for food in its dry state, it is a most useful article in mashes with malt, to disunite and prevent the satiating richness of that article {85} alone; or to assist in common mashes with oats, (when a horse is in physic,) as well as to incorporate with a proper impregnation of honey in the mashes for colds during the severity of the winter season.

"On the 15th of November, 1799, died, after having been disordered some days, a horse belonging to Mr. Ransom, of Hitchin. The cause of his death was owing to a substance found in his stomach, of a brown colour, exactly resembling a large pebble stone, very smooth and hard on the surface, and weighed 11 lbs. 14 oz. avoirdupoise. It is nearly spherical, and measures just two feet in circumference, being about the size of a man's head. It is supposed to have been occasioned by his eating of bran, that having been his constant food."—Sporting Magazine.

BREAKING the Herd

—is the ceremony of singling out a deer (either stag or hind) from the herd for the chase, which is thus performed with His Majesty's establishment in Windsor Forest. A survey being made of the herd, and the particular deer fixed on for separation, the huntsmen, assisted by one of the yeomen prickers, ride at a hunting rate, gallop directly into the herd, continuing so to do (as the herd divide) at the particular part to which the deer intended to be singled out continues to adhere. This ceremony is sometimes a very tedious business to the men, as well {86} as to the horses, as it is no uncommon thing, when they have detached, or reduced a divided part of the herd to a leash or two brace, (amongst which is the particular deer wanted,) for that number to make a circle of ten, fifteen, or even twenty miles, before the riders, with all their energy, can disunite them more than to a single brace, and not at all to a single deer. When this is effected, the hounds, who are in waiting at some distance, under the six remaining YEOMEN PRICKERS, are capped forward, and laid upon the scent; when the brace finding themselves pursued, soon divide, under the impression of individual safety; and the selected deer being thus completely singled out, the chase goes on, and continues till the deer is taken; unless, after a pursuit of proper length, for the sport of the day, he should regain the herd, where he is then permitted to remain, and the hounds are drawn off: but if it is either an old hind, or a calf destined to death, for the purpose of blooding the hounds, a repetition of the original ceremony of separation takes place, when which is effected, the chase is immediately renewed till the object of blood is attained.

BREAST-PLATE

,—an article in horse furniture of great utility with light carcased horses, who very frequently, in both hunting and racing, run through their girths. It is made of either spring web or soft leather, as most agreeable to taste or fancy, and is fastened by buckles to small loops screwed to the tree of the saddle, just under the upper saddle-flap behind the withers of the horse; from whence the two parts divide transversely, and one passes down each shoulder to the point of the breast, where they are united to a strong strap, having holes, a buckle and loop, through which loop one of the girths is passed when the saddle is put on, and being thus fixed, it is considered almost an impossibility that any alteration can take place in its situation, but by the manual assistance of master or groom.

BREEDING

—is the production of COLTS in a stud principally or solely kept for that purpose. The methods of bringing up colts vary according to the purpose for which they are intended, whether for the turf, field, draft, or road. The breeders of opulent magnitude in the northern counties, most celebrated for the breed of horses in Britain, are too well skilled in the practical part to require the least aid from theoretic instruction. They are well convinced, by the unerring principle of well-founded experience, that sound sires, well shaped dams, good summer care, and winter keep, are {88} the means (and the only means) to insure well-grown, strong and valuable stock for any of the before mentioned purposes to which they are afterwards to become appropriate.

BROKEN WIND

—remains in its long-standing state of professional ambiguity; for, notwithstanding frequent dissections must have afforded {89} every assistance to earnest investigation, yet no authenticated, well-established opinion has transpired, sufficiently attracting or corroborative to fix a criterion upon which scientific or public faith seem inclined to rely. Since the appearance of "The Gentleman's Stable Directory," (about fourteen years since,) a great variety of veterinary writers, and veterinary practitioners, have emerged from obscurity in the metropolis, as well as in different parts of the kingdom. One has defined broken wind to be "an inflammation, which continuing a length of time, throws a quantity of extravasated blood into the windpipe, where it occasions a kind of roaring": this was the opinion of an eminent veterinarian, delivered upon a horse cause tried before Lord Kenyon in the court of King's Bench. In this sublime description there certainly appears no brilliant or satisfactory elucidation. A recent writer says, "Broken wind is a disorder that a horse is subject to when he is suffered to stand too long in the stable without exercise; by which means he contracts gross and thick humours in such abundance, that, adhering to the hollow parts of his lungs, they stop his windpipe." So much for the "sublime and beautiful." A third attributes it to "a relaxation or rupture of the phrenic nerves, which cause the motions of the diaphragm." A fourth supposes "the disease to proceed from a morbid or obstructed state of the glands, and membranes of the head and throat, the enlargement of which {90} prevents a free passage to the wind." Doctor Darwin, speaking of humoural asthma, attributes it to "a congestion of lymph in the air cells of the lungs, from defective absorption."

Others, harping upon the same string, constitute an echo of nearly the same sound: "In my ideas, a redundance of lymph being thrown upon the lungs, the quantity becomes too great for the capacity of the absorbent vessels; hence it stagnates, and choaks up the air conduits; and the theatre of its action being more confined, of course respiration must be more difficult and laborious." All which divested of the transposition of words, is the opinion of the present writer, promulgated in his Stable Directory, "that the disease originated in a sizey state of the blood, which at length becoming viscid and stagnant, occasioned obstructions in the first instance, lastly tubercles, by which respiration became imperfect, and one or both lobes of the lungs inadequate to the execution of their office." However literary speculators may differ in either opinion or description, no great diversity of opinion can happen upon the subject of relief; palliation may be obtained; perfect cure must not be expected.

Buck hunting—has been of late years but little practised, very few of them affording chase enough to render it a matter of much sporting attraction; particularly if bred in a park, whence, from its being so much accustomed to the sight of the human frame, it becomes in some degree like a kind of domestic animal. They were much hunted by the late and great (Culloden) Duke of Cumberland; but with his hounds (called buck hounds) he drew for and roused his outlying deer in Cranbourne Chace, {92} near Windsor Great Park. When found in this way, they frequently went away well across the country, and sometimes afforded tolerable sport. The bucks shed their horns (called heads) annually in April or May, which, with the skins of both bucks and does killed within the year, (if a park is large,) make no inconsiderable perquisite to the keeper.

BULL DOG

.—A bull dog, though inoffensive and harmless when properly domesticated, forms, to the eye of timidity, a most terrific appearance: the doubtful and designing leer of the eye, the tiger-like shortness of the head, the under-hung jaw, the wideness of the forehead, the width of the skull, the distension of the nostrils, and the almost constant sight of the teeth, hold forth a very emphatic specimen of the power they possess, when that power is angrily brought into action. The breed is by no means so numerous as formerly, in consequence of the gradual decline of bull-baiting, and the great number taken abroad, for many of which very great prices were obtained. The natural ferocity, strength, and thirst for blood, in this animal, rendered them a formidable nuisance in their unrestrained state, and they are now seldom seen at their full liberty, either in town or country; the owners, from a proper fear of the law, finding it more prudent to keep them properly confined.

BULL-BAITING

—was formerly not merely a pleasing pursuit, but an extatic diversion, of the most unfeeling, and least humane, part of the very lowest, and most abandoned, orders of the people. To such a pitch of prevalence had it arrived in some particular parts, and was so much considered to give additional callosity to the minds of its cruel and inconsiderate abettors, that the more polished and humane classes of society made strong and repeated efforts for its total abolition, by endeavouring to obtain an act of the Legislature for that purpose; which, however, unluckily failed of the intentional effect; for the bill being rejected by a very trifling majority in the House of Commons, it left the sport at the full liberty of every subject to enjoy, who is not restrained by any more humane, sublime and manly sensations of his own, prompting him to believe it "more honoured in the breach than the observance." The towns of Stamford, in Lincolnshire, and Wokingham, in Berkshire, are now, perhaps, the only places of any note where the sport (as it is called) is obstinately persevered in, or enthusiastically and annually repeated by the clamours of those unfeeling advocates for custom, who, in the language of Shylock, claim "it as a right, and will not be deprived of it."

The first bull-bait in this country is supposed to have been at Stamford, in the year 1209, in the reign of King John, and at Tutbury, Staffordshire, {94} in 1374. The introduction of it at Stamford was as follows.

"William, Earl Warren, Lord of this town, standing upon the walls of the castle, saw two bulls fighting for a cow in the castle meadow, till all the butchers' dogs pursued one of the bulls (madded with noise and multitude) clean through the town. This sight so pleased the Earl, that he gave the castle meadow, where the bull's duel began, for a common to the butchers of the town, after the first grass was mowed, on condition that they should find a mad bull, the day six weeks before Christmas-day, for the continuance of that sport for ever."

"George Staverton, by will, dated May 15, 1661, gave the whole rent of his dwelling-house at Staines, after two lives, to buy a bull annually for ever; which bull he gave to the poor of the town of Wokingham, to be there baited, then killed, and properly divided; the offal, hide, and gift money, to be laid out in shoes and stockings to be distributed among the children of the poor. The alderman and one Staverton (if one of the name should be living in the town) to see the work done honestly, that one of the poor's piece did not exceed another in bigness."

These seem to have been the principal donations upon which the practice was originally founded, and afterwards continued upon the plea of charity for its justification. To give it a degree of singularity {95} in the town of Wokingham, St. Thomas (21st. Dec.) is the day dedicated to the sport, and the market-place the spot destined to the sacrifice.

Let the reflecting mind indulge one moment in awful rumination upon the dreadful scene and "note of preparation." On a day when every well informed mind, and duly disposed heart, must feel inclined to follow the dictates of religious inculcation; when a certain impressive silence pervades the whole; when the devout, the aged, and the infirm, await the signal by which they are summoned to receive every comfort and consolation from clerical benediction; it must be to all good hearts a mortifying circumstance, that the very bell which tolls to bring the moral and religious part of the inhabitants to their duty in the church, is also the signal for bringing a poor, harmless, unoffending animal (with his chain) to the stake. Incredible it must seem to those who have never witnessed the cruelty of the scene, that this very stake is fixed (and called the bull-ring) in the center of the market-place of a market town no more than twelve miles from the seat of Majesty, and thirty only from the metropolis of this great and enlightened kingdom.

Without enlarging much upon the "hellish practice" of the sport itself, it cannot be inapplicable to advert one moment to the effect a scene of {96} so much insatiate cruelty must inevitably produce upon the growing offspring of the lower classes, in towns where a custom so generally execrated is so shamefully carried on. Previous to the commencement, "every heart beats high with the coming joy;" not a window but is crowded with women and children; not a street, or an avenue, but is crowded with brutes; the very scum and refuse of society from every part of the surrounding country; and then begins a scene of the most cruel and infernal practice that ever entered the heart of man, under the appellation of sporting mirth to the multitude. In the church of this town, on Sunday, the 20th day of December, (being the day previous to the baiting of the bull,) 1801, a sermon was preached by the Rev. Doctor Barry, which sermon is since published, and where the following passages may be found.

"Gracious God! benevolent Parent of the universe, what a prodigy must he be in a Christian land, who could thus disgrace his nature by such gigantic infamy, at which the blood of a heathen, of a very Hottentot, might curdle! Two useful animals, the bull, who propagates our food, and the faithful dog, who protects our property, to be thus tormented! and for what purpose? Does it tend, as some have said,[2] to keep alive the spirit of {97} the English character? In answer to this we must remark, that the barbarous sport (if sport it can be called) was unknown to the ancient bravery of our ancestors; was introduced into this country in the reign of a bad king; and earnestly do I pray to Almighty God, that in the reign of a most pious and benevolent Prince, it may be for ever set aside! Cowards, of all men the least unmoved, can both inflict and witness cruelties."

"The heroes of a bull-bait, the patrons of mercenary pugilists, and the champions of a cock-fight, can produce, I should think, but few, if any, disciples brought up under their tuition, who have done service to their country either as warriors or as citizens; but abundant are the testimonies which have been registered at the gallows of her devoted victims, trained up to these pursuits of BULL BAITING!!!"

Thus much upon its morality: now to a description of its practice. The bull being chained to the stake, which chain extends to about fifteen yards in length, and terminates in a very strong leather collar passing round the neck of the bull; and his horns having been previously muffled at the points (by the professional amateurs) with a composition of tow, tallow, and melted pitch, the ceremony thus commences. Those gentlemen best calculated to appear in the character of desperados begin the attack {98} by the most dreadful noises of different kinds, bellowings, hootings, and hissings, consisting of a complication horrid beyond description. Whilst the abandoned crew of raggamuffins are in this way, with their hats and huzzaings, endeavouring to irritate him before, if the poor animal, partially submissive to his fate, remains unmoved, seeming (in the "mind's eye" of rumination) to say "I stand here an object more sinned against than sinning," it rouses the infernal malice of the multitude to a certain degree of indignation, which is instantly displayed by the confederates behind, who being mostly provided with sharp-pointed sticks, proceed to those pleasing punctures, and provoking twists of the tail, which rouse him from his state of humiliation to a temporary madness; when, in the midst of this horror and confusion, the first dog is suddenly let loose: and this, to the treble refined and inexplicable sensations of a bull-baiter, is the most extatic moment of his life; his very existence is absorbed in the magnitude of the concern; his whole soul is engaged; the mind or memory is no longer itself, and the tormentor is as completely mad as the unfortunate object of his persecution.

The scene now advances to a state of confusion exceeding all humane conception; the howling of the dogs, still in hand, anxious and eager to be let loose; the roaring and dreadful bellowings of the bull, (particularly if pinned by the nose to the {99} ground;) the dangerous pressings, and incessant hollowing and huzzaings of the mob; the galloping tramplings of the enraged animal; all constitute a scene from which the thinking mind retreats with horror, and claims a chasm to renew the description. The first dog, perhaps, inadequate to the wishes of his adherents, and not being able to succeed farther than to increase the rage of the bull, is assisted by a second, which instantly rousing the victim at the stake to an encreased exertion of rage and self defence, as evidently increases the horrid happiness of the multitude to a degree beyond all power of imagination, and to which the descriptive pen must bow obedience, and acknowledge its inability.

Should the poor persecuted animal, by every strenuous effort in its own defence, collect sufficient strength to keep its two inveterate foes at bay, and preserve its nostrils from the blood-thirsty fangs of its opponents, delay does but increase the determination of those previously determined; in which case resentment is seldom long without a remedy. Stimulated to a greater degree of cruelty by tedious disappointment, a third dog (should it be necessary) is let loose, as it were by accident, to assist the other two; when, under so severe a weight of accumulated oppression, exhausted nature sinks; the poor pitiable object is pinned to the ground by the most irritable and tender part about him, bleeding and {100} bellowing amidst the shameless shouts of a shameful victory, where five hundred greater brutes have brought a lesser to the ground.

Not to prolong so shocking a description beyond the length unavoidably necessary to its perfect comprehension, it must suffice to say, the cruelty is extended by every means that can possibly assist the cause. Prizes are annually advertised for the best dogs, thereby inducing the owners to bring them any distance, not only to increase and lengthen the sport, but that the object of misery may not die too easy a death! In the midst of his sufferings, if the minds of his hellish tormentors have not been sufficiently satiated with repetitions of what has past, collateral aids are called in to rouse his powers (already by an unwearied scene of persecution lulled to an apathy) of defence and resentment once more into action. Instances are common where fires have been made under the very body of the bull, when too much worn down, and exhausted by the jerks of the chain, longer to exert himself; patiently he stands, with the blood streaming from his nostrils, totally insensible to the twistings of his tail even to dislocation, the continued goring with sticks pointed with nails, and a long list of experiments equally to be abhorred, only tend to strengthen, most incontrovertibly, the dreadful effect such scenes (exultingly enjoyed) must have upon the rising generation, whose minds must, by {101} a familiarity with the frequency of the scene, be rendered totally callous to every sensation of tenderness and humanity, even in the very hour of infantine infatuation.

BULL RUNNING

—is a pursuit of the bull in a way no less cruel and disgraceful to the humanity of this enlightened country than what has been before described. By custom in the manor of Tutbury, in Staffordshire, as mentioned at almost the head of the last article, a bull was given by the prior to the minstrels. After undergoing the torture of having his horns cut off, his ears and tail cropped and docked to the very stump, his nostrils filled with pepper, and his body besmeared with soap, he was turned out in such a pitiable state to be hunted, (this was called bull running;) and when taken, or held long enough to pull off some of his hair, he was then fastened to the stake, and baited. To the great honour, however, of the Duke of Devonshire, (Steward of Tutbury,) and not less so of the people who petitioned against it, the BULL RUNNING at Tutbury was entirely abolished in the year 1778.

CALKING, or Corking

,—is the projecting part erroneously formed at the heels of horse-shoes in general, particularly in frosty weather; at which time their utility may be admitted, and, in fact, cannot be done without, where horses are in frequent use. These calkings, however, cannot be justified upon any scientific principle whatever, without {103} chance of accident to the rider, and of lameness to the horse; for upon level ground the horse cannot move but in a distorted motion; and if the prominence in the shoe comes into immediate contact with a rolling-stone, or a projecting part in the pavement, ligamentary lameness probably ensues. If it is found necessary to bring them into use at all, even in frosty weather, both heels should be equally raised, as there will be much less danger in a double than a single calking.

CAMPHIRE

—is a vegetable concrete, unctuous to the touch, with a fragrant smell, somewhat like that of rosemary, and a bitter pungent taste, accompanied with a sense of coolness on the tongue. It is volatile, like essential oils, but without their acrimony: it burns in water; it receives no empyreumatic impressions; nor does it suffer any resolution from any degree of fire, to which it can be exposed in close vessels, though readily combustible in the open air. Camphire is known to be good, if, when it is put upon hot bread, it becomes moist; if dry, it is bad. It should be kept in a glass stopper {104} bottle, or close tied in a bladder, not more to prevent it from losing its property, than to prevent the loss of the whole by exhalation. Used as a medicine, internally or externally, it has a narcotic effect, and greatly diminishes the irritability of the system; as an external, it is singularly useful, particularly in weakness, rheumatic pains, or spasmodic affections.

CARP

—are esteemed one of the richest fresh water fish we have in the kingdom: they are the principal stock of park canals and manor ponds, {107} to the owners of which they afford considerable profit; particularly near populous cities, where they can be disposed of to advantage at the season when such ponds are drawn, and new stocked with stores. Much success depends upon the nature of the soil where the pond is situate: if in a soft marley kind of earth, or warm clay, impregnated with hazel earth, and a muddy bottom, they thrive beyond expectation; but upon a dead, black, moory gravel, or a flinty, chalky bottom, they are sterile beyond description, in both growth and propagation. They are a fish so exceedingly shy, (or so exceedingly cunning,) that they afford very little success to the angler, who ought to be one of the most patient adventurers that ever embarked in sporting speculation. They are but little found in running streams or rivers, notwithstanding very large quantities of small stores are constantly thrown in from the reservoirs and breeding ponds of gentlemen living in the vicinity of such rivers, not more to get rid of their own superflux, than to promote a friendly supply for the accommodation of their neighbours. In large ponds, well stocked, the poachers are never deficient in means of procuring themselves a share: this they effect by forming a paste of crumbled bread, flour, and treacle, to which they add some of the coculus indicus (an Indian berry) in powder: this being well incorporated, and thrown into the pond in various parts, about the size of common baits, in the latter part {108} of the evening, the fish will be found at daylight in the morning floating upon the surface in a state of stupefaction, when they are taken out with the hand close to the bank without the least difficulty. This is a business carried on to a wonderful extent for thirty and forty miles round London, in which circle the system of supply is as regularly conducted as the first commercial concern in the metropolis; as will be seen when we come to a more minute description of the art under the head Poaching.

CARROTS—

are, after the fair experiments of late years, become an article of very considerable consumption, as a collateral kind of food for the support of horses employed in agriculture. The most candid attention, and minute observation, at length admits, that horses having a proportion of carrots, washed, cleaned, dried, and cut either alone, or mixed with the barn chaff, do their work as well, look as firm in their flesh, and fine in their {109} coat, as those who are kept upon corn, chaff, and hay. Although their utility in this way cannot be denied, yet it must be remembered, they are not sufficiently nutritious for horses in hard or expeditious work upon the public and posting roads; they require a more firm, substantial support: for horses in easy, slow, and moderate work, they answer well, incorporated with other articles; or even alone, in small quantities; but if given too largely, they attenuate the blood, and impoverish the frame.

CART HORSES

.—The horses so called are principally the horses employed in drawing farmers' waggons, carts, and the plough; as well as the infinity employed with waggons upon the turnpike road, in the conveyance of articles in trade from one part of the kingdom to another. The incredible number supported in the metropolis, and its environs, by the merchants, breweries, coal merchants, carmen, and the proprietors of wharfs, exceed the utmost conception of those not accustomed to such prospects, or to such calculations. Of cart horses this kingdom has to boast different kinds, and those kinds are most judiciously appropriated to the different work, and different countries, for which they seem to be more particularly or individually adapted. Great pains have been taken, and no expence spared, to improve this peculiar and most useful breed of horses to the utmost {110} possible pitch of perfection. The sorts mostly in use, are the large heavy blacks, for which Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and the midland counties, are the most remarkable; the little stout, uniform punches from Suffolk; and some of the strong, hardy sturdies from Clydesdale, in North Britain. The former of the three sorts, when well shaped, and uniform, constitute as perfect beauties to the contemplative eye of the patriotic agriculturist, as the best bred blood horses can possibly do to the most enthusiastic admirer of the turf. From these midland blacks of the largest size, strength, and uniformity, are selected all the capital stock of the most opulent firms and manufactories in and round the metropolis. Those one degree inferior in height, strength, uniformity, and price, constitute the bell teams of the farmers in Berkshire, Hants, and Wilts; at the principal market towns of which, as Reading, Wallingford, Abingdon, Basingstoke, Alton, Alresford, Winchester, &c. may be seen some of the strongest, handsomest and finest teams of draft horses in the kingdom without exception.

The Suffolk punches are a considerably coarser kind of horse, less uniform in shape, and less constant in colour; they run greatly into a mealy chesnut, or roan sorrel, having mostly a blaze in the face, with a white mane and tail; they are very staunch to their work, and the hardiest, perhaps, of any horse brought into use. These qualifications {111} destine them to the possession of small farmers, having the least money, and, in general, to countries having the least keep. By the account of a previous writer, they are entitled to a more pre-eminent situation. He says, "they are nimble walkers and trotters: they have ever proved themselves the truest and best drawers in the world, as well as the hardiest and most useful cart and plough horses. Their nimbleness, it should seem, is owing to their moderate size; and their immense powers in lifting weight, to the same cause, combined with the low position of the shoulder, which occasions weight to be acted upon in a just and horizontal direction. Their superiority over all other horses, at drawing dead pulls, is, no doubt, in some measure owing to early training, as in no county is such pride taken in teaching horses to draw; and it is well known, that a team of Suffolk horses, the signal being given, will all down upon their knees, and leave nothing behind them, that is within the power of flesh and blood to draw away."

Of the Clydesdale or Scotch horses it is said, "they are probably as good and useful a draft horse as any we are possessed of; larger than the Suffolk punches, being from fifteen to sixteen hands and a half high; strong, hardy, and remarkable true pullers; a restive horse being rarely found amongst them. In shape, plain made about the head, sides, and hind legs; mostly grey or brown; said to have {112} been produced from the common Scotch mare and Flanders horses, a hundred years ago." The same writer also recommends "the mixing a little racing blood with the cart flock; enlarging also upon the wonderful exertions in carting business upon the road by the Cleveland bays, a sort of coach horses. Although bred horses are, of all others, the most sluggish; yet it is well known, that a cross of their blood gives spirit and activity to the heavier kind of horses."

CASTING NET

.—In a half extended form, (when in part suspended from the ground, and resting on the leads fixed to its bottom,) it resembles a bell in its shape; but when cast in the water, or spread on the ground, it constitutes a complete circle. They are made of different dimensions; and so constructed, as to be completely grasped by the right and left hand, having the centre of the net spread over the left shoulder; when, by a sudden exertion, (in which there must be great expertness,) the net is so cast as to fall upon the water in its utmost circular extent; where sinking with all possible expedition, by the weight of the lead affixed to its edges, which now becoming the bottom, incloses within it all the fish in the space so covered, and from whence no one can escape. To the centre of the net is fixed a line of ten or twelve feet long, which line, in throwing (or casting) the net, is of course extended, the extremity being previously fastened to the wrist: when the leads have {113} reached the bottom of the water, and rest on the ground, the fish rise into the bell part of the net; then the person having the line in hand begins to draw the net gently to land; in doing which, the edges approach each other at bottom, where there are tucks to receive the fish; and those, particularly roach, perch, and gudgeons, are sometimes caught in great abundance. The person casting the net should use a round frock, or a jacket without buttons; for want of using which precaution, many a sportsman of this description has received a complete and dangerous ducking, to which he did not seem to think himself fully entitled.

CASTRATION

—is the loss of the testicles by extirpation, which requires a very nice eye, and steady hand, in the operator: for, although it has, in general, been performed by Vulcanians of the inferior order, who are strangers to the delicate structure and formation of the parts, yet it is now to be anxiously hoped, we are fast emerging from former ignorance, and that we shall become as expert and dexterous in this art (if not so famous) as the Italians. There are two modes of operation; one of those not of long standing: the original manner of operating was by first casting the horse upon a bed of straw, properly prepared for the {114} purpose; then securing the testes by bandage, and making an incision longitudinally through the scrotum; laying bare the testicle, and, after making firm a waxed thread around the spermatic cord, the testicle was then extracted by the knife, and the farther effusion of blood prevented by the hot iron, or actual cautery. This is the method still in use in most parts of the kingdom, and most probably where the greater number of colts are bred; but in the present increase of veterinarians, some verification of the old adage, "New lords, new laws," must be expected; and they proceed in a different way.

Presuming upon the possibility of the cauterized eschar coming away by chance or accident, and the profuse hæmorrhage that might probably follow, before the apparatus could be again collected, and the horse reduced to a proper position for securing the arteries from a farther effusion of blood, the following mode is now adopted. The horse being cast, and the incision made through the scrotum, as before described, the spermatic cord is then secured by passing across it a slit stick up close to the body, which is secured at each end with the waxed thread used by shoemakers: this acting as a tourniquet upon the artery, the separation and dissection is then made with the knife; after which a few pledgets, of warm digestives, are introduced; no cautery at all applied; a trifling inflammation, with {115} consequent discharge, ensues; the superfluous parts slough off, and ten days or a fortnight terminates the whole.

In respect to the age and season most applicable, and best adapted, to the operation, custom and experience seem to have left no room for improvement: twelve or thirteen months old is the best time to perform the operation, and in the months of April, May, or June, that either extreme of heat or cold may be equally avoided. In the last seven years, several practitioners of the new school (to shew the superiority of art over NATURE) held forth the theory of castrating horses of any age, without the least confinement or rest, the subject being permitted to go directly about his business as usual. This proposition was too surprising, and too alluring, not to obtain converts; numbers acquiesced; theory was in a variety of instances reduced to practice; and the practice soon proved (to the mortification of the owners) the truth of the adage, "Dead men tell no tales."

CATARACT

,—the technical term for a defect of the eye, to which no particular cause of origin has been yet decisively ascertained. The faculty define it, "an opacity of the crystalline humour of the eye, which prevents the rays of light passing to the retina, and of course preventing vision." Doctor Hunter says, "it is when an inflammation in {116} the coat of the crystalline humour hath rendered it opaque." But Mr. St. Yves seems to be of opinion that the crystalline humour swells. He also divides the cataract into the true, the doubtful, and false: the true he subdivides again into three; the doubtful into four; and the false into the glaucoma, and the shaking cataract. All this division and sub-division seems little regarded even by the most curious and indefatigable in anatomical researches; particularly as it is much to be regretted, that, with every professional and energetic endeavour, no medicines, external or internal, have ever been discovered, that are known certainly capable of removing this disorder. In the human frame, methods of operating on the crystalline humour were successfully practised by Sharp, Daviel, and others: little, however, is to be expected with the horse. In such case, perhaps, it may be "better to bear those ills we have, than venture upon those we know not of."

CAUSTICS

—are medicines which externally constitute a destruction of the texture (or superficies) of the parts to which they are applied. Caustics are of different kinds, and of various powers, according to the reduction, or extirpation, for which they are intended. The actual cautery, {117} or red-hot iron, is used in firing, as well as for the farther prevention of sand-cracks already broke out. The antimonial caustic, or butter of antimony, (in judicious hands), is a complete and perfect cure for poll evil, fistula, quittor, and canker in the foot. Lunar caustic is an admirable counteraction to warts, and fast-shooting fungus. Red precipitate is an excellent substitute, when so much strength is not required; few wounds in horses can be brought to a favourable state of cicatrization without it.

CAVESON

—is an article used in the breaking of colts, as well as in the manege: it consists of a semi-circle, of iron or blocked tin, passing round the nose, about five inches above the nostrils, having three hinges or joints, concave on the inside, and covered with leather, list, or woollen cloth. This has three swivel rings, one in the center of the noseband, and one on each side; to all or either of which the reins are affixed, that he may be accustomed, in the ring, to pace either to the right or left. The caveson is mounted with a headstall, somewhat similar to the headstall of a bridle: and to the rings on each side the caveson, are straps long enough to be buckled to the sides of the saddle, that his head may be kept in a proper position (when bearing upon the colt's bit) to render him pliable, and to insure a good mouth.

CHASE

.—The chase, as well as other pleasures of equal attraction, has had its most inveterate opponents, as well as its equally determined devotees. Various and vehement have been the declamations against it; equally numerous, and equally energetic, have been the expostulations in its defence. That it was practised, and enthusiastically enjoyed, by the ancients, as perseveringly pursued by the moderns, and will be continued to the end of time, (in opposition to every species of puritanical rigidity,) will not admit of the least contrariety in opinion. The CHASE, taken in a general point of view, includes the chase of every description, and implies a pursuit of GAME (or vermin) found in a state of natural liberty, with a body (called a pack) of hounds, who follow the object, whatever it may be, by the scent left on the ground, (from which an {119} effluvia exhales,) so soon as the game thus found may have broke from their view. Upon the subject of scent, its origin, its duration, and its evaporation, innumerable conjectures have been sported by literary theorists; in opposition to the animadversion upon which, much more might be introduced; but as it must unavoidably terminate, like all other matters of hypothesis, to which no criterion of certainty can be produced, very little entertainment, and no positive information, can be derived from the investigation.

The CHASE, in this its most comprehensive meaning, implies hunting of every kind, whether STAG, FOX or HARE, (with either or all of which, the otter is not of sport or magnitude sufficient to be put in competition.) These three different kinds of chase afford equal sport, but in a more distinct and different way from each other; most admirably adapted to the different inclinations, dispositions, and personal sensations, of the various admirers who enter into its spirit, according to the different stages of life and gradations of age. Fox hunting, it must be admitted, is most applicable and exhilarating to the fire and impetuosity of unrestrained juvenility, or manhood more matured; where, perhaps, the pleasure is enhanced only in proportion to the difficulties of the day, upon the military principle of "the more danger, the more honor."

Stag hunting may probably be more adapted to the taste or prudence (or more appropriate to the wishes) of the SPORTSMAN, who having past the meridian of life, has long since discovered the value of time, and knows how to appreciate its loss: he wishes to insure a chase of two or three hours to a certainty, without employing perhaps double that time before the game is found; with the additional chance of exploring a dull and dreary journey of fifteen or twenty miles home, in a dirty country, with no other consolation, than a great deal of riding, but a blank day.

Hare hunting is, in the estimation of the sporting world, held in a certain degree inferior to the other two, (so far as hard riding and personal courage is concerned;) because the exercise is not so violent, nor is the chase of equal duration. Indeed, strong advocates for STAG and FOX hunting hold this sport exceedingly cheap, and satirically say, "it is better calculated for the initiation of juveniles, the entertainment of women, and the amusement of those gentlemen in the more advanced stages of life, who, like the old woman in the farce, is highly pleased with the sound of the fiddle, though no longer able to dance." Hare hunting, however, though not so attracting to those who wish to recount the difficulties, the toils and vicissitudes of the day, after a long chase, yet to the contemplative mind of reflection, much more of the minutiæ {121} of hunting, and the instinct of animals, is to be enjoyed than in either of the other two: of this most probably ample proof will be adduced, when they come to be separately enlarged upon under their different heads.

CHALLENGE

—is a term used for the first tongue of a hound after throwing into covert, to draw either for fox, or an out-lying deer. Upon the challenge of a single hound, if he is staunch, and to be relied on, a general silence ensues; ears are all open for a repetition, and every eye for a view; the huntsman (who well knows how far to depend upon the truth of the declaration) instantly encourages the pack to the promised point, by "hark to Gamboy!" "hark to Galloper!" or whatever may be the name of the favourite hound so to be relied on. The hounds by this means are immediately rallied to the precise spot, and ready to go off in a body with their game, as a lucky find frequently follows an unexpected challenge; more particularly in the present fashion of going to covert, at a time of day when our predecessors of only one generation past used to return.

CHAFFING

,—so called, is a loss of hair, and laceration of the skin, by the pad of the saddle having got too hard in the stuffing from constant use, and for want of timely circumspection. It is also frequently occasioned by the extreme heat and {122} friction, in continuing to travel very long stages in the hotter months, without more frequent relief or rest to the horse. This is a very common fault, or act of indiscretion, with the mechanical part of the community; who possessing rather too much of the spirit of trade, anxiously endeavour (in the extent of their sagacity) to do much more, in less time, than nature ever intended, by humanely travelling a horse two stages instead of one, thereby saving most arithmetically one half the expence, upon the city principle of Old Philpot, that "a penny saved, is a penny got."

There cannot be a more prudent precaution in either sportsman or traveller, than an occasional inspection of the stuffing of the saddle, which invariably gets hard with constant use: it should sometimes be beat and softened with a stick, afterwards lightly raised in every part with the point of a packing needle, and made smooth and free from lumps upon the surface, by which means every chance of injury will be avoided. Nothing can be productive of more anxiety than a sore back of the horse, either to the traveller on his journey, or a sportsman in the field; or any thing more mortifying, than to recollect such injury originated in the neglect of the master, and not in a fault of the horse. The backs of some well-bred and thin-skinned horses, particularly young ones, are subject to chaffing and warbles upon very slight occasions; {123} to counteract which, nothing can be better, more simple, or more easily obtained, than two or three table-spoonsful of the best white wine vinegar, bathed cold upon the part, and that so soon as the saddle is taken off, and while the pores are open.

CHARGE

—was a favourite part of former practice in farriery, and consisted of compositions in the form of an adhesive mass, which being plastered upon the part afflicted, was there left to act as a corroborant, an emollient, a discutient, a repellent, or, in fact, to effect any purpose intended, or that the case might require. These preparations were applied in different states, and were denominated hot or cold charges, according to the mode in which they were laid on. As, however, no great proofs of their efficacy were ever established, or any authenticated records of their utility known, they seem to have glided out of modern practice, and been totally superseded by the more rational introduction of penetrative stimulants, in fomentations, embrocations, &c. which come into more immediate contact with the affected parts, where injury has been sustained.

CHEST-FOUNDERING

,—a debility in the shoulders, chest and fore-quarters of a horse, seemingly less understood, and certainly less explained hitherto, than any one disorder or defect to which the horse is incident. Those who have written upon this subject, evidently echo each other; as they literally and individually say, "it proceeds from hard labour, whereby the horse becomes surfeited; so that, upon the whole, it is no more than a severe cold, and is to be managed accordingly." These are, in fact, the very words of Bracken, who precedes it with this remark: "Most authors agree it is so;" giving no opinion of his own, beyond its originating in a "severe cold," and is to be "managed accordingly." He says, "the signs are a staring coat, and heaving of the flanks more than common." That a chest-foundered horse may happen to have a staring coat, or a heaving of the flanks, from some different or remote cause, cannot be denied; {125} but that either of them are diagnostic symptoms of chest-founder, no scientific practitioner will ever admit.

A horse said to be chest-foundered, is almost invariably contracted in the breast between the points of the shoulders; becoming narrower there, as if there was a wasting of those particular parts. If you put him into a trot, he moves his legs one before the other with great difficulty, as if they were internally connected, and prevented farther extension by two latent links of a chain. When pressed to a gallop, the case becomes instantly decisive; he labours to get his legs from under him without success; a general constriction pervades the whole of his fore parts; and his action may, with much more propriety, be termed jumping than galloping.

Although no one author has given a proof he ever bestowed an explanatory thought, or condescended to transmit a single line, upon the absolute cause of this very common defect, yet it by no means seems sufficiently involved in ambiguity, to render fair conjecture, or professional opinion, a matter of the least difficulty. As the disorder is invariably fixed upon those subjects who have done the most expeditious and constant work, without having been ever known to affect those who have done little or none; so it is natural to conclude, the intercostal and subclavian muscles must have sustained injury, {126} from the incessant vibrative concussions occasioned by the almost eternal contraction and expansion of those parts, in such labour as horses are put to who become subject to the misfortune, which partakes much more of oppressed nature than of disease. It should seem, by the great number of horses (decidedly chest-foundered) who experience evident relief, and go with much less pain and difficulty, when they have got warm, that the muscular parts acquire rigidity when in a state of inaction, but expand, and gradually throw off the stricture, so soon as the circulation is encreased by action, and perspiration produced; both which subsiding, the previous stiffness returns. Let, however, what will be the cause, (and upon which the best opinions may vary,) instances are very rarely or ever known of perfect cure, or complete eradication. Long rest, by either a summer or winter's run, will always be found productive of relief, and sometimes hold forth a descriptive promise of permanence, which very mild and gentle work may continue; but hard riding, long journies, or severe labour, will always produce a relapse.

CHILDERS

—was distinguished from four others in succession of the same name, by the appellation of the Devonshire, or Flying Childers, having been the fleetest horse ever bred or trained in this kingdom, and said to have ran a mile in a minute. The fact, however, was not so; he went the fourth {127} of a mile at the rate of a mile in a minute, and beat every horse of his time with ease. He was bred by Mr. Childers; was foaled in 1715; and got by Darley's Arabian, dam (Betty Leedes) by Careless. He covered as a stallion, and was sire of Firetail, Blacklegs, Second, Plaistow, Snip, and Commoner; all good runners, particularly the first three; also Blaze, Winall, and Spanking Roger; horses of some note; as well as Lord W. Manners's Poppet, (an extraordinary runner at five years old,) Steady, Fleece'em, &c. He covered but very few mares, except the Duke of Devonshire's.

Bartlet's Childers was likewise bred by Mr. Childers, and was own brother to Flying Childers.

Hampton Court Childers was got by the Devonshire Childers, dam (Duchess) by the Newcastle Turk; and was likewise bred by Mr. Childers.

Smale's Childers was bred by Mr. Smale, and foaled in 1726. He was got by Bartlet's Childers; dam by the Byerley Turk.

Childers, commonly called Grey Childers, was bred by Lord Chedworth, and got by the Devonshire Childers; dam by Sir W. Wharton's Commoner. {128}

CHOLIC

.—The disorder so called in horses, is properly divided into two kinds, and should be carefully attended to in the attack, before medicines are administered in one, which might have been more applicable in the other. One species of cholic (which is the most common) originates in a retention of confined air, from having been supplied with too much flatulent provender, or too much water, at an improper time. This disorder, in general, soon submits to warm, cordial, anodyne medicines, accompanied by friction and flank rubbing; seldom terminating in death, though always accompanied with symptoms of danger. The other is produced by hardened fæces plugging up the intestinal canal, and frequently proves fatal: the least delay is dangerous, and too much expedition cannot be used to obtain relief. In the "Gentleman's Stable Directory," they will be found distinctly described, and the mode of cure explained.

CLYSTERS

—are, in a variety of cases, and upon many emergencies, so truly and so expeditiously useful, (without the least danger of being injurious,) that their salutary effects cannot be too well known, or too generally understood. They are differently prepared, from a decoction of the aromatic garden herbs, as marshmallows, camomile flowers, and wormwood, gruel, a handful of salt, and half a pint of oil; or, indeed, from any of the prescriptions with which books upon physic and farriery are generally loaded. When prepared, and of a proper warmth, they are gently conveyed into the body through a wooden pipe, to which is fixed a large bullock's bladder, containing the clyster to be injected. The pipe having been previously moistened upon the surface, with either sweet oil or lard, is then insinuated within the sphincter of the anus; when which is effected, the string hanging from the bladder (and to the other end of which the cork is annexed, that plugs up the internal mouth of the pipe confined in the bladder) is steadily pulled with the right hand, while the left is employed in keeping the pipe in its proper situation, and supporting the bladder with its contents: upon the cork's being withdrawn, and a free passage made for the clyster, the hands are pressed moderately, and in motion upon the bladder, so as to force the whole into the body; when which is done, the pipe is gently taken away, and the effect of course is waited for, or repeated, if necessary. The {130} mild and advantageous mode of obtaining relief by clysters, is greatly preferable to the rough old method of extracting the dung from the rectum by introducing the hand, which is not only producing unnecessary pain to the patient, but very frequently of exciting inflammation. Every sportsman of experience must know, that, upon all emergencies, in fever, cholic, strangury, inflammation of the lungs or kidnies, a clyster may be so soon prepared, and so soon administered, (particularly in remote situations in the country,) that no gentleman, anxious for the safety and preservation of his stud or stock, should be without such articles as would enable him to adopt some extemporaneous means of relief, till assistance (which is sometimes at a great distance) could be obtained.

COAT

.—The coat of a horse (which the hair is called) is not only an object of sporting exultation when the horse is in fine condition, but, to the judicious and penetrating eye, is in a great degree indicative of the state of health. Nothing will so soon demonstrate the ability, the care and attention of the GROOM, as the coat of his horse. If the coat is observed to become suddenly rough, standing different ways, with a dusty hue underneath, and the hair to look harsh and bristly upon the surface, the blood is then sizey, and tending to an unhealthy state; the porous system has been collapsed by some chilling exposure to wet or cold; the integument {131} acquires a tightness and rigidity, which, if not relieved, soon displays itself in some slight degree of disease: this may, in general, be prevented, by taking away blood, and proceeding upon a short course of antimonial alteratives.

COCKING

—was formerly a sport so exceedingly prevalent (from the great and perpetual variety it afforded in betting) that matches were constantly fighting between different counties, as well as opulent individuals, and at most of the horse-races in every part of the kingdom, for very considerable sums of money. This practice, however, like every other species of sporting, in the course of time, opened so great a field for villainy amongst the subordinates, who become unavoidably instrumental, (as feeders, setters-to, and assistants,) that, in addition to the incredible expence of breeding, walking, feeding, matching, removing and carrying cocks from one walk to another, collecting them when brought up to fight, injuries sustained upon their walks, consequent disappointments when taken up, with a long train of collateral considerations, have very much reduced both the sport and the breed in every part of England.

When all the leading expences are brought into one point of view previous to a MAIN of COCKS being placed in the pens, and the aggregate of expenditure annexed to the match money, (then to be deposited,) {132} it plainly appears, that any man so fighting, is doing it at a disadvantage of two to one against himself. If he wins, he wins but the match money; this, probably, may, or may not, even pay his expence: if he loses, he has then lost both the deposit, and his previous expenditure in breeding, feeding, &c. constituting loss upon loss; and if he wins, he is no gainer, because the winning has been absorbed in the predatory payments already described. In fact, COCKING then (divested of every moral consideration in respect to its alledged cruelty) is the most ungentleman-like, the least entertaining, and the most doubtful in probable profit, that any sportsman of honour and integrity can possibly engage in: but as fashions continually vary, and it may hereafter undergo a renewal, farther particulars respecting the sport will be found under the proper heads of Game Cock, and Cockpit Royal.

COCKNEY

—is the distinguished appellation by which those gentlemen are honoured, who, being natives of the Metropolis, are supposed never to have very far exceeded the vibrative limits of St. Paul's clock, or Bow bell. The term, however, well known as it is, would not have been entitled to a place in this collection, had it not been thought necessary to communicate to the sporting world, a derivation so very little known. A citizen of the above description making an excursion with his {133} son to the neighbourhood of Highgate, the lad (who had never before taken a journey of such magnitude and extent) happening to hear a horse neigh, (which was quite new to him,) hastily exclaimed, "How that horse barks!"—"Barks! you booby," replied the father; "Neighs! you mean. A dog barks; a horse neighs!" They had not proceeded far, when the youth, finding his ears assailed by the sudden crowing of a cock, was so fascinated with the shrill and unexpected sound, that he instantly attracted his companion's attention with, "Hark, father, how that cock neighs!" To which happy effusion of fancy, citizens will probably stand indebted for the name of cockney to the end of time.

COCK-MATCH

;—an agreement and article entered into by opposite parties, to shew any number of cocks (as "twenty-one, thirty-one, or forty-one) on each side in the main and ten in the byes, to fight for ten guineas a battle, and fifty the odd." The cocks so agreed to be matched, are under the management of their different feeders till the day specified in the article for their being shewn and weighed; which day is, upon most occasions, the day but one preceding the day on which the main begins to be fought. This ceremony is attended to with the most scrupulous nicety on each side; every cock is weighed precisely to a quarter of an ounce; his colour described almost to a feather; his marks in the eye, the right and left norrel, the in right and out left in the feet, are all taken down in writing with the same accuracy as the weight; the whole being entered in the match-bills to be produced, read, and compared, with the cocks as they are brought to pit at the commencement of every battle.

The number of cocks having been shewn and weighed on each side, the match-bills containing their weights are compared; and all those who are either dead weights, or within an ounce of each other, are said to fall in, and are called main battles; in contra-distinction to those who do not come within the ounce of each other, and are thrown into the byes; which are generally fought for a trifling sum, {135} and have no affinity whatever to the MAIN. Should the cocks thus falling in constitute either a very small or an even number, it is usual then to separate cocks of dead weights, or the nearest so, to match against others, (giving or taking an ounce in weight,) that the main may be extended in respect to the number of battles, and that number to be odd; thereby preventing, if possible, the MAINS being undecided; which, indeed, sometimes happens unavoidably by the chance of a drawn battle.

That the match may be the better understood, let it be supposed that A stands engaged with B "to shew twenty-one cocks on each side, ten guineas a battle, and fifty the MAIN or odd battle." Of these fifteen fall into the main; and the remaining six are thrown into byes, and fight for two guineas a battle. It is in such case a custom to fight a part of the byes, both before and after such part of the main as is fought on each day, whether it is finished in one day, or is a long main of many days duration. The match being concluded, we find A has won nine main battles and two byes; B six main battles and four byes; when the winning and losing will stand precisely thus: A having three battles ahead in the main, is a winner of fifteen guineas upon the single battles; and winning the main also, he wins the twenty-five guineas upon that event; making himself the creditor for forty guineas: but in the byes, B having the advantage of four battles to two {136} won by A, affords him a drawback of two guineas; and B is the loser of thirty-eight guineas battle-money upon the whole match; it being remembered, the byes were fought for only two guineas a battle; or, in other terms, a guinea each cock. And this it will be necessary for young adventurers to remember, that a match made for "ten guineas a battle," is tantamount to five guineas each cock; and "fifty guineas the odd of the main," is always bona fide understood a deposit (if required) before fighting of five-and-twenty guineas a-side.

Cocks of middling size, and adequate powers, are always considered the sharpest and best fighters; in confirmation of which opinion, custom has established the match weights from three pounds six ounces to four pounds eight; none to be shewn and weighed in the main under the former, or above the latter, unless an extension to either a lower or a higher weight should be agreed on by the parties. Sometimes (but very seldom) a short match, of a different kind, takes place, and is termed a "shag-bag" match, (or battle;) which is no more (the battle money having been previously agreed on) than "turning the cock out at the bag's mouth" in the pit, to meet his opponent, without ever having been brought to the scale, or the weight of his adversary ascertained.

In weighing the cocks, and making the match-bill, it is an invariable rule to begin with the lightest pair, who are to fight first, and so continue according to their weight upwards; such successive pair being heavier than the former, so that the heaviest pair of cocks is fought the last. Various sums being betted upon a match (or main) soon after it is made, it may not be inapplicable to observe, that those who lay the odds in any proportion, as five to four, six to four, two to one, (or whatever odds may be laid,) either upon the main or a single battle, is always entitled to the privilege of choosing his side, although it may not be mentioned; and this right he is possessed of in consequence of laying the odds.

COCKPIT ROYAL

.—The cockpit royal is considered sanction sufficient for the diversion of COCK-FIGHTING in every part of the kingdom. It {138} is situate on the south side of St. James's Park, from which it has its entrance, and was erected in the reign of King Charles the Second, who, having been himself fond of the sport, is said to have frequently honoured it with his presence, when matches were made and fought amongst his nobles. It is the only place where long mains, and great SUBSCRIPTION MATCHES, are fought in the Metropolis; some of which are for considerable sums between opulent individuals, who procure their cocks from different parts of the country; and others (particularly the subscription matches) by many members on each side, who breed their cocks in distant counties, but fight them only in town; of which description many matches are annually fought during all the spring months, when both STAGS and COCKS are in the finest feather and highest perfection.

The cockpit is circular, and completely surrounded with seats six tier deep; exclusive of a rail, with standing room all round the summit of the uppermost seat; forming, in the whole, a perfect amphitheatre. The centrical circle upon which the cocks fight is a raised mound of earth, (surrounded with boarding,) about twenty feet in diameter, and should, according to the technical term of the sport, be covered with a fine green turf, denominated sod; in conformity with the general acceptation of the word in the sporting world, where by "the sod" is implied COCKING. By "the turf," RACING is equally {139} understood. In all mains or matches fought in the country parts of the kingdom, cocks invariably fight upon the sod; but as it is an article difficult to obtain in the Metropolis, and would be inconvenient and inapplicable during hard frosty weather, when many matches are fought, matting upon the surface is substituted in its stead.

On each side the circular mound, at its extremity, and exactly opposite to each other, are two small seats for the setters-to; who retire to those seats during long fighting, or when ordered by the betters and spectators so to do. Directly over the centre is suspended from the dome, by a chain, a very large circular branch, containing a great number of candles, affording a profusion of light; for nearly all the matches fought here are very unnaturally decided by night, the company going to pit at six o'clock in the evening.

At the hour previously agreed on, the bags containing the cocks are brought into the pit by the FEEDERS, or who ever they may appoint: they are there received by persons called the setters-to, whose qualifications depend upon a quick eye, a light hand, and agile heel; without the whole of which, celebrity can never be acquired in their way. The cocks being taken from the bags, are most scrupulously compared in feather and marks with the original description entered in the match-bill {140} on the day of weighing; if there should prove the most trifling deviation from which, a mistake wilful or accidental is supposed to have taken place, and no progress whatever is made in fighting, till it is completely rectified, and the cause done away. This scrutiny is seriously critical, and made by the FEEDERS, who attend minutely to the match-bill and marks of each other's cocks; which ceremony gone through, and admitted to be right, the feeders retire from the centre of the pit, becoming spectators; and the setters-to are then the sole possessors with the cocks in hand. In this state they are shewn to each other "beak to beak;" and if they "show fight," they are (for form's sake in the first battle only) given into the hands of the makers (called masters) of the match, who are situate in the lowest circular seat opposite to each other, and they giving the cocks a set-to toss upon the mat, the battle begins amidst clamours indescribable, and offers of bets innumerable, according to the pecuniary sensations, opinions and predictions of the different parties interested in the event, constituting a scene very far beyond the power of description, and which must be seen to be perfectly understood.

Bettings now take place of every kind, as well upon the battle then fighting, as upon the main (meaning the odd battle) of the first three, the first five, &c. Bets made upon the "LONG MAIN," imply the winner of the match at its termination, {141} in contra-distinction to betting upon the main of three, of five, or of seven battles, which are very frequently made. Sometimes the cocks on one side are rather greater favourites than on the other, from an idea of their being better blood, better fed, or in finer condition; in this case, there are offers of, "a shilling,"—"eighteen-pence,"—and not unfrequently even "half a crown for a guinea;" the meaning of which is, the person so offering, is willing to give you either of the sums mentioned, to bet him a guinea upon the battle, he taking his choice for buying the bet. The person receiving the half-crown to bet a guinea, stands precisely thus; if his cock is successful, he is the winner of one pound, three shillings and sixpence; on the contrary, he can be a loser of only eighteen shillings and sixpence, having previously received half a crown from his adversary toward the guinea he has got to pay: a recollection of this advantage is equally necessary in proportional betting of greater magnitude, as sometimes half a guinea is offered for five pounds, or a guinea for ten.

Persons taking these bets, whether for large or small sums, should, if the odds in fighting come to two or three to one in favor of the cock they have backed, immediately take such odds, which is called "hedging," (alluding to a fence for the bet,) and the party then stands the chance of winning a certain number of pounds to the losing of nothing! {142} This is the only mode by which money can be made in a cockpit, and what the professional amateurs are always prompted by prudence to do; as it is a very common thing, during a battle, for the odds to vary, till three, four, or five to one are betted upon each cock: a person taking the five to one each way, will consequently derive an advantage of four guineas from either cock, let which ever will win. There are never wanting persons in a pit who are attached to the cocks on one side or the other; these are always ready to offer bets of ten, eleven, and twelve to four, that the opposite party "does not win two battles running:" If the cocks on that side are healthy, properly fed, and in equal condition, with those in the other pens, these are not bad bets to take. As for instance; A bets B twelve half guineas to four, that Charles Walter (the feeder) does not win two battles running; it happens he wins the first, (which is no more or less than even betting he does;) then B prudently backs the opposite party for two guineas the second battle of the two, and of course stands the winning of four guineas to the losing of nothing.

In a cockpit, the faculties of every man, who sports his money, must be feelingly alive, to escape the most villainous depredations. The family, who exist only by the most abandoned and unprincipled scenes of infamy, are always prepared to deny their bets when they lose, particularly with noviciates; {143} and with this advantage, they are always supported by gentlemen of their own party on each side of them, ready to swear, "he had no bet with you;" but if he wins, he demands his money of you, and receives it; consequently, in the difference of receiving and not paying, he has ten to one the advantage of a YOUNG ADVENTURER, particularly as you cannot call for "cover," in the ten thousand clamours, and Babel-like building, of a cockpit. At the termination of every battle, the betters leave their seats to adjust, pay and receive the winnings and losings dependent upon the battle just decided; it being a regular point, that the winner makes application to the better who has lost; and no disgrace is annexed to the character of the latter by his omitting to follow the former, it being sufficient to pay the bet when demanded.

There are certain rules and laws of custom to be observed in fighting; the most material of which it is necessary to explain. When once the cocks are pitted, neither of the SETTERS-TO have the privilege to touch or handle his cock, so long as they continue to fight, unless their weapons hang in the mat, they are entangled with each other, are got too close to the edge of the pit, or have left off fighting while the umpire or law-teller can count forty; when, in either of those cases, each setter-to instantly handles his cock, bringing them beak to beak in the middle of the pit: if one cock has refused {144} to fight while the telling forty took place, his adversary, who made the last fight, with either heel or beak, is said to have the first law in his favour. When brought beak to beak, and set on their legs, if the cock who did not fight while the forty was telling, continues to decline fighting, the setter-to of his adversary (or umpire, if there is one) proceeds to tell ten; which being done, they are again handed, and brought beak to beak; if the same cock continues still unwilling or unable to fight, the ceremony of telling ten, and bringing beak to beak, at the conclusion of every ten, takes place, till it has been repeated ten different times, when the cock so refusing to fight has lost his battle. But should he fight during any part of the law, (even in telling the last ten,) what has been told is of no effect, and the first ten must be begun again, whenever a fight is renewed. Instances sometimes happen, when the cock who has the long law in his favour, retreats from the cock seemingly beaten, and in his turn has the law going on against him; so that the cock who fights last has the law in his favour, till one side or other is counted out.

If, during a battle, (either by long fighting or a cut down blow,) any person offers to bet ten pounds to a crown, or throws his hat, glove, or handkerchief, into the pit, which is the same thing, and so understood, though not a word is spoken, the teller immediately begins to tell forty in a deliberate manner, {145} which being done, he proclaims, "ten pounds to a crown is betted; will any body take it? will any body take it?" No reply being made, the battle is won by the cock upon whom the odds were offered. On the contrary, should the bet be accepted in words, or a handkerchief, hat, or glove, be thrown into the pit, during the time of so telling the forty, it is an acceptance of the ten pounds to a crown offered, and the cocks are instantly handed beak to beak in consequence. If a cock, having the law in his favour, dies before the long law is told out, his adversary wins the battle, although he did not fight within the law; for there cannot be a greater criterion of victory, than having killed his opponent.

When the cocks are first shewn in the hands of the setters-to, and either refuses to face, that is, to fight, it is deemed no battle, upon the equitable principle, that no man can lose where he has no chance to win. There are frequently disputes between the setters-to respecting which cock is in for the law in his favour, during the changes which sometimes happen by the various changes in setting-to during the long law; as well as disputes amongst the spectators concerning bets made, and misunderstandings during the heat of battle; to prevent litigation, and long-standing animosity, it is an invariable rule, that all disputes are to be decided by a majority of the pit; but in all pecuniary altercations, {146} both parties deposit their money before the question is asked, in proof of their readiness to acquiesce in the decision when made. Persons making bets in a pit, which they were afterwards unable or unwilling to pay, were formerly drawn up in a basket by pullies, and suspended during the play; that ceremony, however, is now nearly dispensed with, the aggressor being instantly turned out of the pit, with a variety of cuffs and kicks plentifully bestowed upon him in the gauntlet of his escape.

COFFIN-BONE

.—This bone is situate at the lower extremity of the foot, deposited in the membranous mass with which the box (or coffin) of the hoof is lined, and is in nearly the shape of the hoof itself: in the centre of the coffin-bone is a concavity, {147} into which is inserted the inferior part of the coronary bone, supported by the nut bone behind: upon the superior part of the coronary bone (that is just above the line said to be "between hair and hoof") is lodged the lower part of the fetlock bone, its upper part articulating with the fetlock joint. Injuries are very frequently sustained by holes in the road, or cavities in the pavement, into which a part, or the whole, of the foot getting, ligamentary twists or distortions happen to the lower joints. Too much pains cannot be taken in accurately ascertaining the exact seat of lameness, particularly in these parts, as a great number of horses are annually blistered and fired by much too hastily, and upon parts where no lameness has ever been.

Cold is much more likely to be acquired in a horse by neglect or indiscretion, than by the effect of chance: it is certainly prevented with more ease than it can be cured; and those who ride or drive their own horses, have this in constant recollection; those who ride or drive the horses of others, have seldom any such recollection at all. Horses are hardly ever known to get colds under the eye of the MASTER, but unluckily he cannot be employed in the eternal superintendance of a servant, nor can he carry the horse in his pocket. Colds unattended to upon the first attack, not unfrequently degenerate to something worse, displaying its progressive virulence upon the eyes, the lungs, or in glandular tumefactions. Colds (in general thought very little of) cannot have their probable tendencies too soon counteracted, particularly when it is remembered, that if the blood is previously in a state of sizey viscidity, an inflammation of the lungs may very speedily follow, and carry off the patient in two or three days, in opposition to every medical endeavour that can be made to prevent it. {149}

A COUGH is generally one of the first and most distinguished symptoms of cold; for the collapsion of the porous system having thrown the perspirative matter upon the blood, its circulation through the finer vessels of the lungs becomes proportionally retarded, and constitutes the obstruction and consequent irritation (or tickling) which almost incessantly excites the cough; to relieve which, all writers agree, that bleeding is the first step to be taken: this to be followed by cordial balls, malt mashes, thin gruel, &c. &c. the particulars of which may be found fully explained in the "Gentleman's Stable Directory," or "Compendium of Farriery," by the present Author.

The bright and the dark bay, the jet black, the chesnuts, the browns, and the dappled greys, are {150} each proportionally beautiful when in fine condition; and are held preferable in pecuniary estimation to the sorrel, the dun, the roan, the flea-bitten, the strawberry, and the nutmeg or iron-grey. There is a prevalent idea amongst people of a certain class, that many of the latter description are very much inferior in spirited exertion, less calculated for hard work, not such good feeders under fatigue, that they feel the effect of age sooner, that their powers do not continue so long unimpaired, that they are more susceptible of disease, and, lastly, that they are shorter lived, than those called the hardy colours, first mentioned. That there will always be a variety of opinions in mere matter of conjecture cannot be denied, any more than that the framers and supporters of those opinions will magnify mole hills to mountains in defence of their own sagacity; notwithstanding which, it must be admitted, that variety of inferences might be drawn to justify a conclusion, that many of those observations may have the basis of truth for their foundation, if this was the place proper for such elucidation.

Whatever may be the colour of the horse, it is a practice with old sportsmen, and good judges, to reject white heels, and white hoofs, if they can be avoided: experience has proved, beyond all fear of contradiction, that white heels are more tender, and white hoofs more subject to defects, and susceptible of injury, in thrushes, corns, and sand-cracks, {151} than any other; and none more so, than light chesnuts with blazes and white heels: the hoofs are frequently shelly, brittle, narrow at the heel, diseased in the frog, and contracted in the feet. Prudence should prompt every man (in a new purchase) to pay some respect to the lower as well as the upper story; it being evidently more advantageous to reflect in time, than to repent at leisure.

COLT

,—in the general sense, and immediate acceptation of the term, implies a produce from Horse and Mare, without adverting for the moment to either the masculine or the feminine gender; but in a more contracted point of view, (as well as in just and sporting-like phraseology,) it is meant to convey an unequivocal idea, that the produce being A COLT, is really so, that is a horse colt,) in contra-distinction to the opposite gender, invariably called a filly. The bone and growth of a colt depends greatly upon two circumstances: the first, his being foaled late or early; that is, early in April, or late in June; as well as the difference of {152} his being weaned in November or March. Although it is admitted that colts (in the first year termed foals) running with the dam during the winter, will afford greater probability of size, bone, and strength, yet it is not at all times it can be complied with, unless in studs, where brood mares are kept for that purpose only, and are left fallow (uncovered) for the season. When a mare has been covered with a foal at her foot, and is evidently in foal again, it should be an invariable rule to wean the foal in October or November, upon the palpable impossibility of giving suck to the one, without an impoverishment of the other. Whether the colt is, or is not, weaned in either of those months, he should be well kept, and have daily supplies of corn and hay, as well as proper stable, shed, or shelter from the inclemency of the winter season. Upon the liberal keep of the two first winters, his size, growth, strength, and bone, entirely depend, and must be particularly attended to, lest repentance come too late; for it must be held in remembrance, that if a colt is small at two years old, from having been stinted in keep, there is not one in a hundred ever attains to good size, by any additional exertions or expence, after the natural efforts for expansion have been so long retarded.

As COLTS of any description (except for THE TURF) are seldom taken in hand, at least offered for {153} sale, or brought into work, till they are three years old, it is totally unnecessary to go into a minute description of their AGE by the TEETH previous to that period. Suffice it, therefore, to observe, the twelve teeth in the front of the mouth are, from their original appearance, called COLT'S TEETH, and so continue to be, till dispossessed, and followed by others which we proceed to describe: and that a matter of such necessary information may (with very little attention) be perfectly understood, an accurately engraved Plate is annexed, with such explanatory matter, as will bring the subject home to the plainest comprehension.

Colts' teeth are, in whiteness and appearance, not inferior to polished ivory; are individually smooth upon the surface, or seat of mastication, and so continue till some time between two and a half and three years old; when, a few weeks sooner or later, (depending entirely upon their having been late or early foals,) but within the space of time specified, he sheds the two middle teeth of the SIX in the under jaw: these are pushed forward, and succeeded by two of a stronger formation, deeper in color, fluted, as it were, or having small grooves from top to bottom, with a natural black cavity in the centre, as represented in figure the first of the Plate, when the colt will be found rising THREE YEARS OLD.

Some time in the last half of the fourth year, the same process takes place with the teeth on each side the two in the centre, (already described to have undergone the change;) so that at four years old we find a repetition of (or addition to) the first two, at which particular period he becomes possessed of FOUR horse teeth in the middle, and one colt's tooth only on each side, as will be observed in the second figure of the Plate, where is represented the mouth of a colt when FOUR YEARS OLD off, which he should be properly called till the fall of the leaf; after that time it is the custom to say, he is RISING FIVE.

At this time, that is, some time in the autumn, as September, October, or November, (depending a little upon his having been a late or early foal,) he sheds the two remaining outside or corner teeth, the successors to which continuing to push out till the May or June following, when he is full in the mouth, FIVE YEARS OLD, and then called a horse.

During the course of this year, the single teeth, called TUSKS, seated beyond the corner teeth upon the bars, appear; and proper attention to the infantine or advanced state of this projection, will evidently demonstrate the fifth year of age; notwithstanding any trifling variation, or singular exception, to the law of Nature already laid down; {155} as may be accurately collected from an attentive inspection of the third figure in the Plate, where the subject is to be considered FIVE YEARS OLD, off, and through the whole of the year is termed "rising six;" the year not terminating till the first of May, from which every horse takes his age; and it is customary to say he is coming six, or will be six years old next grass.

In the space of the last six months of the sixth year, the cavity of the two middle teeth of the SIX (already described to have succeeded the two in the first change at three years old) gradually fill up, and when turned of SIX YEARS OLD, retain a faint remains of the original black mark, but is nearly or quite smooth upon the surface.

In the last half of the SEVENTH YEAR, when the horse is termed "six off," (or rising seven,) the teeth on each side the two centrical, last described, become gradationally possessed of the same appearance; and when SEVEN YEARS are fully attained, the two outside or corner teeth only bear any mark of the original cavity. At this period the HORSE is said to be aged; and from this time to the completion of his eighth year, the faint mark in the corner teeth continues gradually to disappear (varying a little in different subjects) till quite obliterated, when the AGE by the TEETH is no longer a matter to be relied on, but becomes totally dependent upon {156} the immaculate declaration of the DEALER, or the ipse dixit of the BREEDER, if that can be bona fide obtained. This description will be found accurately delineated in the fourth figure of the Plate.

As the curious, but very common, operation of Bishoping has been properly explained under that head, so another deception, in full practice by the fraternity of horse-dealers, must not be forgotten; they consider it a LAW of PRIVILEGE, and never omit an opportunity of gratifying their professional sensations. By referring to figure the second of the Plate, (where the teeth represent the state of the mouth at four years old off,) may be seen the four centrical teeth with the black cavities, and the two COLT'S TEETH at the corners, without any mark at all. In this state they are frequently purchased of the simple harmless BREEDER in the country; but they are very seldom a few hours in the possession of a DEALER, before the fertility of his imagination is at work to rectify the deficiencies, and to anticipate the very intent and effort of Nature.

The two corner COLT'S TEETH just described, are immediately wrenched from their sockets, with even a common door key, or the first iron instrument that can be found applicable for the purpose; and this is done as a substitute for the impending exfoliation, by way of giving earlier opportunity for {157} the appearance and growth of their successors, that the HORSE may be shown out as, and affirmed to be, a FIVE YEARS OLD, when, in fact, he is positively no more than four. This is an imposition very little better than a ROBBERY, and principally practised upon the young and inexperienced, (the DEALER'S best friends,) but seldom attempted to be played off with the OLD SPORTSMAN, whose very mode of making his examination, speedily displays a proof of his qualifications, and generally shields him from any very palpable species of depredation.

When a HORSE is considerably advanced in years, but still full in the frame, and fresh upon his legs, it is a general rule, even with the best and most experienced judges, to form an opinion tolerably accurate by the length of his TEETH; but this can by no means be considered infallible; as some horses carry a mouth so much better than others of a less age, that it can constitute no certain criterion of decision.

CONDITION

—is a word in frequent use with the sporting world, to express the state of a horse in respect to his health and external appearance. If low in flesh, rough in his coat, hollow above the eye, and depressed in his spirits, he is then said to be "very much out of condition." But, on the contrary, if full of good sound flesh, his skin loose {158} and pliable, with his coat soft and sleek, he is then said to be in "perfect condition to start," if for the TURF; fine condition to take the field, if a HUNTER; or, if a roadster, to be in good condition to undertake his journey. Horses too full of flesh or of blood, are said not to be in condition, because they are not fit for strong exertions without the danger of disease: brought into constant work in such state, they soon, as it is termed, "fall all to pieces;" that is, if they escape inflammation upon some of the various parts, morbidity soon displays itself, either in a swelling of the legs, cracked heels, bad eyes, defective wind, cutaneous eruptions, tumours, or in one of the many ills to which horses in this state will always be subject.

Experience has so fully confirmed this fact, and custom has so firmly established the great prudence of prevention, that much disgrace and mortification is incurred by both MASTER and groom, who are so unfortunate as to have horses out of condition; and this is so perfectly understood in the present state of equestrian emulation, that the necessity for occasionally cleansing the frame by BLEEDING, PURGING, DIURETICS, or a course of ALTERATIVES, is not only almost universally acknowledged, but generally practised by every judicious and well informed SPORTSMAN in the kingdom. {159}

CONSTIPATION

—implies that state of the bowels, when, for want of the necessary secretion of mucus, their excrementitious contents acquire a degree of solidity bordering upon induration; the dung becomes too hard and adhesive, fœtid in effluvia, and dark or nearly black in appearance. A horse in such state should not be long neglected; inflammatory cholic and consequent danger may ensue; or an indurated mass may be formed in the intestinal canal, which no medicine may have the power to move in time to prevent mortification. Too nice attention cannot be paid to a horse's regular evacuations: if the body is evidently foul, he should be proportionally physicked. Circumstances not rendering that perfectly convenient, opening mashes might be adopted, and continued nightly (or oftner) till the constipation is removed.

CONSUMPTION

.—A consumption is a disorder to which horses are very much subject, particularly the carriage horses of the great and opulent: these fall victims to the unmerciful ambition of nocturnal grandeur, in the four, five and six hours street-waiting in the most dreary nights of the most dreary winter. Consumptions originate in colds, which being ill managed or neglected, constitute an increasing viscidity of the blood; this preternatural consistence renders it more languid in its circulation; and it is, of course, proportionally impeded in its progress through the finer vessels of the {160} lungs. Here then obstructions are first formed; as these increase, the passages become impervious; the tubercles continue to enlarge, till the vessels are partially distended to their utmost extent, when inflammation takes place, and maturation follows. This stage completed, the tumours rupture; some probably heal by the efforts of nature, and others become corroding ulcers, laying the foundation of inevitable danger, and distant death. To a penetrative eye, and distinguishing hand, the predominant symptoms will be immediately found to exceed the traits and appearances of a common cold: the unequal and difficult respiration; the kind of half-suppressed, sore, hollow cough, (denoting an internal sensation of pain,) terminating in a sort of resigned moan; a constant desire to masticate hay, without any seeming enjoyment of it; a general heavy dulness, the palpable effect of conscious decay or debility; and a frequent looking to and after the person accustomed to superintend him, exciting reason to believe he may expect or hope for relief from the very hand from whence it has been usual to derive support.

When brought into motion, the flanks heave, and the cough comes on in proportion to the increase of action and circulation: the pain thus produced soon excites profuse perspiration: by the efforts of snorting, sneezing, and blowing, to relieve himself from the load under which he labours, {161} the discharge from the nostrils is increased, and gets deeper in colour, according to the duration and inveteracy of disease. Different subjects are very differently affected by the gradations of this disorder, (to which but a faint expectation of relief can be at all formed;) as one horse will continue to appear constantly declining, and to waste away perceptibly, every symptom becoming more predominant and distressing, till the scene is finally closed; while another shall alter but very little in flesh, coat, or external appearance, till within a few days of his falling dead in his stall.

COMPRESSION

—is a term meant to convey the idea of an injury sustained in the foot of a {162} horse from a contraction of the hoof, more particularly at the heel, by indiscreet management in the mode of shoeing: first, in forming the shoes too narrow, and giving them an improper internal curve at each heel; the injudiciously cutting away the bars of the foot, (formed by nature for its proper expansion;) the rasping away each side of the heel, to make the foot fit the shoe, already put on too small; all which is still more aggravated, by the equally infernal and equally invincible practice of fitting the shoe red-hot to the foot, in opposition to every argument and entreaty, thereby drying up and consuming the natural moisture of the internal or fleshy sole, at the moment of cauterizing and contracting the surface.

A hoof in the state described, holds forth, in its appearance, ample proof of compression upon the parts constituting the internal structure of the foot; the membranous mass, the nut and coffin-bone, thus pressed upon by the surrounding stricture, occasions a torpidity, and consequent defect in action, by no means dissimilar to the hobbling gait of an infant in pain from the tightness and rigidity of new leather shoes. Horses whose feet are thus destructively reduced, are generally those to whom neither MASTER or MAN ever condescends to look: if proper injunctions were laid upon the shoeing smith, at each time of performing the operation, such a scene of devastation could never ensue. When {163} the feet, by such mismanagement, have got into this state, every possible application should be made to promote growth and expansion. If the horse stands constantly in the stable, fresh stopping of moist cow-dung every night, with a plentiful impregnation of spermacæti oil, all round the hoof, every night and morning, are the most expeditious remedies for the defect; but if it can be adopted with convenience, turning out two or three months upon a moist marshy piece of land will prove superior to every other consideration.

CORNS

,—as they are called, would be much more properly denominated bruises, and are of infinite trouble to those who implicitly submit to the {164} Quixotic schemes and manual dexterity of the SMITH; who, with a secundum artem expedition, instantly renders the remedy worse than the disease. As his principal province is the art of cutting, he has no sooner the drawing-knife in his hand, than he is at "the bottom:" his great object is the destruction of parts; and he piques himself upon doing more mischief in two minutes, than Nature can restore in three months. Impressed with no idea but instrumental extirpation, he proceeds to excavate the sole of the foot, till, having reached the membrane, a protrusion ensues, and leaves him a happy opening for the bar-shoe, hot-stopping, a daily dressing, and the collateral considerations which constitute a sum total by no means necessary.

Corns mostly originate in the shoe having swerved a little from its proper seat upon the wall or crust of the hoof, and becoming, as it were, indented upon the outer sole, occasions a bruise, appearing to have ramifications of extravasated fluid in very fine and oblique directions: the shoe being permitted to press upon this part, (become irritable by the injury it has sustained,) produces pain and impediment to action. Upon the discovery that such has taken place, the remedy is as simple as the cause by which it was occasioned. The shoe being carefully removed, take from the surface of what is miscalled a corn, just enough to leave the part free from pressure by the shoe; moisten once externally {165} with a few drops of oil of vitriol, or simple aqua fortis; and the operative smith, farrier, or veterinary surgeon, will not find a plea for the devastation he is generally so ready to promote.

CORDIALS

,—medically considered, are the very reverse, in their property, of what has been said under the subject of "coolers:" they are warm aromatic articles, which stimulate to action the internal coat of the stomach, enliven the circulation, invigorate the frame, expel wind, strengthen the digestive powers; and are, perhaps, without exception, the best and most useful discovery yet made for the prevention and cure of colds in horses, as well as of some other disorders arising from an impoverished state of the blood. Horses subject to incessant fatigue in all weathers, particularly in the wet and dirty months of winter, should never be without the occasional interposition of a warm malt mash, or a CORDIAL BALL, after long journies or severe chases, whenever circumstances may render either or both necessary; the first being given at night, the latter in the morning. After a previous bleeding, these means may be considered infallible in a cold and cough, and never known to fail, if properly persevered in and attended to. The cordial balls are also exceedingly useful, where a horse is off his appetite, either from being overworked, or from the very common and very injudicious custom with weak servants, or penurious masters, {166} of administering large quantities of nitre, (as a cheap and efficacious medicine,) till the blood is attenuated and impoverished below the standard of health, the solids reduced to a state of flaccidity, the stomach nauseated, and the digestive powers proportionally impaired.

CORIANDER

,—the name of A HORSE who acquired much celebrity by his performances upon the TURF for six years in succession. He was bred by Mr Dawson, and was got by Pot8oo's out of Lavender, who was got by Herod; her dam by Snap, out of Sweet William's dam by Cade. He was foaled in 1786. In 1789, when three years old, he beat Jericho, from the ditch-in, for 200 guineas, and Sir W. Aston's Marcia, two year old course, 100 guineas. First Spring meeting, 1790, he beat Buzzard, seven stone each, 100 guineas. Second spring meeting he beat him again for the same sum. He beat Egbert and Isabel, a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each; and Shovel, Glaucus, Alexander, and Sir Thomas, a sweepstakes of 50 guineas each; Baronet, Nimble, Egbert, and Sir Pepper, paying forfeit. He walked over for the King's hundred at Ipswich; and beat Lord Barrymore's Pellegrine the two middle miles of the Beacon for 200 guineas.

In 1791 he won a subscription purse, beating Spear, Isabel, Ruffian, Black Deuce, and Mouse. {167} He also won the plate at Swaffham, beating Isabel and the Sister to Imperator; and the next day won the other plate, beating Clayhall. At Newmarket, in October, he beat Highlander, Serpent, Halkin, and Espersykes; after which, from the ditch-in, he beat Escape, Skylark, and Pipator.

When rising six years old, he received forfeit from Sir C. Turner's Weathercock, and won the King's plate at Guildford, beating Enchanter and Braggadocio; also the King's plate at Nottingham, beating Young Cicero.

In 1793 he won the aged plate at Newmarket, beating Dragon, Halbert, and Halkin. He won the King's plate also, beating the Duke of Bedford's Skyscraper. Second spring meeting, he won the Jocky Club plate, beating Skyscraper, Bustler, Cardock, and Pipator; and on the same day won the weight for the aged plate, beating Huby, Volanté, and Eager. In the same meeting he beat Buzzard the Beacon Course for 200 guineas.

In 1794, when aged, he won THE WHIP and 200 guineas, beating Creeper, ten stone each, over the Beacon. He won 50l. at Chelmsford, beating Sweeper, and Portland; likewise 50l. at Northampton, beating Triumvirate, and a son of Faggergill. At Newmarket, in October, he won the aged plate, beating Quetlavaca, Exciseman, and {168} Halkin; and in the same week he beat Lord Egremont's Gohanna (giving him 24lb.) and Lord Strathmore's Hermes. In the second October meeting, being the last time of his running, he won a subscription purse, (paying 50 guineas entrance,) beating Lord Grosvenor's Exciseman, and Lord Sackville's Silver. This extraordinary horse was one of the very few who stood so many years training, and so much severe running, without an accident. He covered afterwards in the north, at seven guineas, and has produced some good runners.

"In our country, during the reign of King John, greyhounds were frequently received by him as payment in lieu of money, for the renewal of grants, fines, and forfeitures, belonging to the Crown. The following extracts prove this Monarch to have been exceedingly partial to this kind of dogs. A fine paid A. D. 1203, mentions five hundred marks, ten horses, and ten leashes of greyhounds. Another, in 1210, one swift running horse, and six greyhounds."

"In the days of Elizabeth, when she was not disposed herself to hunt, she was so stationed as to see the coursing of deer with greyhounds. At Cowdrey, in Sussex, the seat of Lord Montecute, (now Lady Montague's,) A. D. 1591, one day after dinner, the Queen saw from a turret sixteen bucks, all having fair law, pulled down with greyhounds in a lawn before the house."

Coursing was formerly extended to the DEER, the FOX, and the HARE; and much ceremony was observed in park and paddock coursing with the former, {171} even in the Royal presence. It is, however, now principally confined to the hare, (except in the season for fawn killing;) is not only universal in most counties, but particularly patronized and promoted in others. Clubs are composed of the most opulent and respectable members for the enjoyment of the sport, who have mostly two (some three) meetings in each season; the first established and principal of which is the "Swaffham Coursing Society," instituted in Norfolk by the late Earl of Orford in the year 1776, which is supported with true personal spirit and sporting energy; the Bradwell and Tillingham meetings, in Essex; the Flixton Wolds, in Yorkshire; and the Ashdown Park meeting, at Lambourn, in Berkshire.

The meetings at Swaffham are held on the second Monday in November, and the first Monday in February, unless prevented by frost or snow, in which case they are then held the first open Monday in or after November, and the first open Monday in February; and not later. The Ashdown Park meeting to be held at the Red Lion at Lambourn, annually, the second Monday in November.

The LAWS of COURSING were arranged in the reign of Queen Elizabeth by the Duke of Norfolk, and were sanctioned by the acquiescence of the nobility, gentry, and sporting world, who then followed the diversion; and have since been considered {172} the fixed criterion for the decision of all bets, by which they are regulated and determined to the present day. The person appointed to let loose the greyhounds, was to receive into his slips (or thongs) those matched to run against each other so soon as he came into the field; and then to follow next the hare-finder, or him who was to start the hare, until he came to the form; and no horse or foot men were to go before, or on either side, but directly behind, for the space of about forty yards.

The hare-finder to give the hare three soho's! before he put her from her form; to give notice to the dogs, that they may attend to starting.

The hare to have twelve score yards law before the dogs were loosed, unless the small distance from cover would not admit it without danger of immediately losing her.

The dog who gave the first turn, if there was neither cote, slip, nor wrench, during the course, WON.

A cote is when a greyhound goes endways by his fellow, and gives the hare a turn.

A cote serves for two turns, and two trippings or jerkins for a cote: if the hare did not turn quite about, she only wrenched, and two wrenches stand for a turn.

If there were no cotes given between a brace of greyhounds, but that one of them served the other at turning, then he that gave the hare most turns, won; and if one gave as many turns as the other, then he that bore the hare, won.

If one dog gave the first turn, and the other bore the hare, he that bore the hare, won.

If one dog turned the hare, served himself, and turned her again, it was as much as a cote; for a cote was esteemed two turns.

If all the course was equal, the dog that bore the hare, won; if the hare was not borne, the course was adjudged dead.

If a dog fell in a course, and yet performed his part, he might challenge the advantage of a turn more than he gave.

If a dog turned the hare, served himself, and gave divers cotes, and yet in the end stood still in the field, the other dog, if he ran home to the cover, although he gave no turn, was adjudged the winner.

If by accident a dog was rode over in his course, the course was void; and he that did the mischief was to make reparation for the damage.

If a dog gave the first and last turn, and there was no other advantage between them, he that gave the odd turn, won.

He that came in first at the death, took up the hare, saved her from being torn, cherished the dogs, and cleansed their mouths from the fleak, was adjudged to have the hare for his trouble.

Those who were appointed judges of the course, were to give their decision before they departed from the field.

Exclusive of the county clubs and local societies established for the annual enjoyment of the diversion upon a larger scale, COURSING has its devotees, who are as energetic in its defence, as its most enraptured advocate can possibly be, for what he calls the inexpressible pleasures of the chase: taken, however, in a more extensive point of view, it is held in nearly an equal estimation with angling, when {175} put in competition with the more attracting sports of the field; and seems much better calculated for the amusement of a cynical solitary disciplinarian, than a mind open to all the more noble and exhilarating sensations of the CHASE.

CRACKS

—in the heels of horses, during the winter season, are found only in stables where the master seldom or ever condescends to appear. These trifles are too frequently attributed to a defect in the constitution of the horse, when, with more propriety, they might be fixed upon a want of constitutional punctuality in the groom. Horses left with wet legs and heels after chase or journey, particularly in sharp easterly winds, or in frost and snow, constitute the evil to a certainty. So severe a rigidity is occasioned in the texture of the integument, that it becomes partially ruptured, (or broken in various places,) upon being brought into action the following day: this, with the irritation and friction occasioned by the sharp particles of gravel and extraneous matter in the dirty roads, soon produce enlarged lacerations of the most painful description. The prudent part of the world {176} will always consider, as well in this, as in every other case, that prevention is better than cure: servants should be allowed in the stables, linen cloths for rubbers to the heels, that they may never be left in the least wet, particularly in the winter season, when once getting tender, the stubbed ends of the new and stiff straw frequently occasion or increase such lacerations.

CRAMP

—is a most extraordinary spasmodic muscular contraction of some particular limb, where the stiffness and rigidity of the part exceeds belief. To those who have never been accustomed to such cases, they are serious and alarming; for the strength of two men is inadequate to the task of rendering the affected limb pliable and active. The cause is sometimes not to be ascertained; but it has frequently arisen from a horse, in a high state of perspiration, having been placed in a current of cold air, or a damp stable, and in a few minutes found not able to move. Standing still two or three days in succession without exercise, after long and constant travelling, is likewise known to produce it. But whatever cause it may have originated in, the direct road to relief is still the same. Instantaneous BLEEDING, hot fomentation with a decoction of aromatic herbs, immediately followed up by strong friction with an old stable horse-brush, and this by an embrocation of camphorated spirits, half a pint, incorporated with one ounce of oil of {177} origanum, and a part of it patiently rubbed in upon the particular part affected, never fails to relieve in a short time. Should it, however, not take effect so soon as expected, dissolve a cordial-ball in a pint of gruel, to which add an ounce of liquid laudanum, and let either or all the operations be repeated in a few hours, should the case (or a relapse) require it.

CREST-FALLEN

.—A horse is said to be crest-fallen, when the part running from the withers to the ears, and upon which the mane grows, is impoverished, and wasted, from the natural prominence of its beautiful curve, to a state of reverse hollowness or indentation. This is generally accompanied by a total emaciation, brought on by very bad support, or neglect under different degrees of disease. The firmness and corresponding curve of the crest is almost invariably a tolerable criterion of the health and condition of the horse; and a judicious inspector seldom omits this part of the examination. If the flesh upon the crest is firm, solid, and not flabbily soft, or fluctuating, it is a good sign of constitutional strength; but a horse having a low, bare, indented crest, will always have a poor, weak, and impoverished appearance, doing his owner no credit. This defect, however, proceeds more from penurious keep, and temporary starvation, than any cause or defect in Nature, and {178} may always be expeditiously remedied by liberal support, and nutritious invigoration.

It is certain a crib-biter never appears high in flesh, or so full in condition as horses that are not so; and so prejudicial is it considered by many, that they will not admit a horse to be perfectly sound if sold with this infirmity. Opinions vary upon the difference it makes respecting the labor and fatigue a horse of this description can undergo; some asserting that "the defect keeps him weak, languid, and unable to endure much work:" while others as strenuously insist upon its being in no way whatever prejudicial.

CROWN-SCAB

—is a partial appearance about the coronet of a horse, varying in different subjects, according to the state of the object diseased. It partakes a little of the disorder called grease, to which, if unattended to, it would soon degenerate; being a species of that defect, but in an inferior degree. In some it appears as a scurfy eruption, raising the hair, and turning it different ways, from whence soon oozes a kind of oily ichor, fœtid in smell, and greasy in appearance: in others, the discharge is thinner, and more watery, according to the greater or less degree of morbidity in the frame, or acrimony in the blood. It has been a practice with the old school to counteract its effects by vitriolic lotions, slight styptics, and strong repellents: scientific disquisition will not, however, justify such treatment, but recommend daily mollification with warm oatmeal gruel and a soft sponge; when which is wiped gently dry with a soft linen {180} cloth, it may be very mildly impregnated with camphorated spermacæti ointment, and the cure assisted by mercurial physic, diuretic balls, or a course of antimonial alterative powders.

CUTTING in Action

,—in the manege called interfering, is lacerating the round inside projecting part of the fetlock-joint, with the edge of the shoe, upon the foot of the opposite leg. This arises much more frequently from the indifference or neglect in the owner, than from any imperfection or defect of the horse; more horses cut from being broke and put into work too young, rode too long journies in a day, or over-worked when weary, than from any cause whatever. Some horses, it is true, cut from their formation, particularly those narrow in the chest. Carriage horses, too, very frequently cut behind; but this must in a great measure be occasioned by the projecting parts and cavities in the pavement, for all which the surest footed horse existing cannot be prepared. {183}

DECOY

,—a canal, river, pond, or sheet of water, appropriated to the profitable purpose of taking wild ducks and teal: it is a business peculiar to those only who profess it, and conducted upon a principle of the strictest stillness and regularity. The person having the management of a decoy, must possess taciturnity and patience in a very great degree, both being brought into constant practice; without which, success can neither be expected or deserved. The fowl are brought within the tunnel of the net by stratagem, where, at a critical moment, they are enclosed and taken. All this, however, depends upon the industry, sagacity, deception, and exertion, of the DECOY-DUCK, by whose wiles and allurements the whole flight are brought within the space allotted to their destruction. The decoy-ducks are trained to their business almost from the shell, and amply demonstrate what services may be obtained, what fidelity insured, or what attachment excited, by the exertion of tenderness and humanity, even to the more inferior parts of the creation.

It, however, often happens, that the wild fowl are in such a state of sleepiness and dozing, that they {185} will not follow the decoy-ducks. Use is then generally made of a dog trained to the business, who passing backwards and forwards between the reed screens, attracts the eye of the wild fowl, who not choosing to be interrupted, advance towards the small and contemptible animal, that they may drive him away. The dog all the time, by the direction of the DECOY-MAN, plays among the screens of reeds, nearer and nearer to the purse-net; till at last the decoy-man appears behind the screen, and the wild-fowl not daring to pass by him in return, nor being able to escape upwards on account of the net-covering, rush on into the purse-net.

The general season for catching fowl in decoys is from the latter end of October till February: the taking of them earlier is prohibited by an act 10th of George II. which forbids it from June 1st to October 1st under the penalty of five shillings for each bird destroyed within that space. An action will lie against the disturber of a decoy, by firing a gun, or any other act of wilful injury to the owner.

Decoys cannot be formed, nor need they be attempted, but where nature has been a little diffuse in her favors for the formation: marshy low lands, plenty of water, and sequestered situations, are indispensably necessary to a successful embarkation. They are to be found in different parts of the kingdom, but more plentiful in the northern and eastern counties than in any other. Essex, Cambridgeshire, {186} Lincolnshire, and some part of Warwickshire, are remarkable for many of considerable extent, and from the principal of which the markets of the Metropolis are so plentifully and so reasonably supplied.

DEER-STEALERS

—are those nocturnal desperadoes who, setting at defiance all laws, all possession of property, and the protectors of it, disguise themselves, and, under cover of the night, attack, seize, kill, and carry away, from the best fenced parks, bucks or does, (according to the season,) with the greatest impunity. Their mainspring of action is a dog of the cur kind, called "a coney-cut lurcher:" this is a breed peculiar to itself, and those who use it; being a light sort of brindled wiry-haired mongrel, with a natural stump tail, having the appearance of a bastard greyhound. They are exceedingly fleet and lasting, run mute, {187} (by either nose or sight;) and are so well trained for the purpose to which they are solely appropriated, that they are equally expert in picking up a HARE, or pulling down a BUCK. After having executed their office, though in the darkest night, they will soon recover their master by scent, and lead him to the game so pulled down, which is repeated till a sufficiency is obtained for that journey; the business having been so systematically conducted, by the various neighbouring emissaries and associates concerned, that horses and carts were employed, and a regular routine of robbery carried on, by periodical and alternate depredations upon most of the parks within fifty and sixty miles of the Metropolis. Many living in a line of respectability in other respects, were publicly known to be employed in the nefarious practice without fear of detection; for no informer could come forward, without a very great probability of destruction to his PERSON or property, from some of the many confederates concerned.

These offences, so long thought but little of, became at length enormities of such magnitude, that the Legislature discovered a necessity for the introduction of new and more severe pains and penalties. A variety of statutes were enacted in the reigns of former sovereigns for the punishment of such offenders, which are now fully concentrated in the Acts of Parliament passed in the present reign of George III.

By these statutes, if any persons shall hunt, or take in a snare, kill or wound, any red or fallow deer, in any forest, chase, &c. whether inclosed or not, or in any inclosed park, paddock, &c. or be aiding in such offence; they shall forfeit twenty pounds for the first offence; and also thirty pounds for each DEER wounded, killed, or taken. A GAME-KEEPER, guilty of either, to forfeit double. For a second offence, the offenders may be transported for seven years.

Justices may grant warrants to search for heads, skins, &c. of stolen deer, and for toils, snares, &c. and persons having such in their possession, to forfeit from ten to thirty pounds, at the discretion of the justices. Persons unlawfully setting nets or snares, to forfeit, for the first offence, from five to ten pounds; and for every other offence, from ten to twenty pounds. Persons pulling down pales or fences of any forest, chase, park, paddock, wood, &c. subject to the penalties annexed to the first offence for killing deer. Dogs, guns, and engines, may be seized by the PARK-KEEPERS; and persons resisting, shall be transported for seven years. Penalties may be levied by distress; in default of which, offenders to be committed for twelve months.

Persons disguised, and in arms, appearing in any forest, park, paddock, &c. and killing red or fallow deer, deemed felons without benefit of clergy. {189} Prosecutions limited to twelve months from the time of the offence committed. Destroying goss, furze, and fern, in forests and chases, being the covert for deer, is liable to a penalty from forty shillings to five pounds; to be levied by distress; and if no distress, the offender to be committed to the county gaol, for a time not greater than three months, nor less than one.

DEFAULT

;—a term in hunting, which custom has reduced to an abbreviation, and is in general called FAULT. The hounds, during a chase of any kind, when losing the scent, throwing up their noses, seeming at a loss, and dashing different ways, in anxious and earnest hope of recovery, are then said to be at "a fault." This is the very moment when the judgment of the huntsman is most required, and the soonest to be observed. Different opinions have been formed, and decisions made, respecting the proper mode of proceeding at so critical a juncture, whether to try forward, or to try back: here a great deal depends upon the GAME you are hunting of, and the country you are hunting in, which circumstances at the time can only determine. However opinions may vary upon some particular points, all seem to coincide upon others; that the ground should invariably be made good forward, previous to trying back; that a general silence should prevail, and not an unnecessary aspiration be heard, that can tend to attract the attention of a single {190} hound from the earnest endeavours he is so busily engaged in; by which means nineteen faults are hit off out of twenty, without greater delay, suspense, or disappointment.

If HOUNDS, in pursuit of deer or fox, throw up on a fallow or highway, they cannot be got forward too soon; certain it is they have neither of them stopt there: not so with the hare, who is likely to have thrown herself out by the side of one, or squatted in a land (or furrow) of the other. Faults with the two former, are much more easily and expeditiously hit off than with the latter, with whom they are sometimes tediously incessant, particularly with a young or a hard-hunted hare: it should therefore, be a fixed rule, never to abandon a fault, if possible, without recovery; it being as likely, at least, to bring the lost hare to a view, as to find a fresh one.

DEFECTS

—in horses differ very materially from what are termed BLEMISHES, (which see:) the latter are always considered conspicuous, and easily observed by the eye of experience and judicious inspection. A horse may have defects not so readily to be perceived, and consequently remain a longer or shorter period before they are discovered: he may prove incorrigibly restive, and not happen to display it in a new situation for days or weeks; he may be a seasoned and invincible crib-biter; he {191} may be vicious to dress; a kicker in the night; doubtful in the eyes; aukward in action; troublesome to saddle, and when saddled, more troublesome to ride. Though these are defects, yet the DEALER (proceeding upon the purest principles of integrity) conceives them professional privileges of secrecy, which he is not bound in honor to disclose; affecting to believe, they are totally abstracted from every idea conveyed in the declaration and warranty of being "perfectly sound."

That this matter, however, may be the better and more universally understood, it cannot be inapplicable to introduce the opinion which the late Lord Mansfield held publicly in the Court of King's Bench; "that a restive horse was tantamount to an unsound one; and upon this principle, that if the subject so purchased was evidently restive, and would not, or could not, by fair means, be prevailed upon to go where he was required, he was equally useless with an invalid whose lameness or infirmity prevented him from executing the purposes for which he was purchased." From such authority (founded upon the basis of equity) there can be but little, if any, doubt, an action brought for the recovery of money paid for a restive horse, such horse having been "WARRANTED SOUND," would obtain a verdict. As, however, the proverbial uncertainty of the LAW, the confusion of witnesses, and the caprice of a sleepy jury, are {192} very slender reliances for the man of prudence and honor, who wishes "to do unto others as he would be done unto," the safest method for every purchaser is to take (from the GENTLEMAN as well as a dealer) a proper receipt, upon payment of the money, that such horse or mare is warranted sound and free from vice; by which litigation and law-suits may be prevented.

DIABETES

,—divested of medical dignity, and technical ambiguity, is neither more or less than a profuse, frequent, and involuntary discharge of urine, from a weakness of some of the parts necessary to the secretion and evacuation of that particular excrement. Whatever may have been the {193} cause, whether an injury in the loins, near the region of the kidnies, violent and excessive purging from improper physic, or a relaxed state of the sphincter of the bladder, the road to relief and cure is still the same; invigorants of every kind. Oatmeal gruel for drink, instead of water, in which gum arabic is dissolved, so that four or six ounces may be taken every day; not submitting to which, half an ounce, or six drachms of liquid laudanum, may likewise be given in a little gruel, with a horn, every night and morning.

DIAMOND

—was esteemed for some years the speediest and best bottomed horse in the kingdom. He was foaled in 1792; bred by Mr. Dawson; got by Highflyer out of the dam of Sparkler, and was own brother to Screveton. At three years old he repeatedly ran in handsome with some of the first horses, and was within a length of winning the Derby at Epsom when twelve started, but did no more than receive 50 guineas forfeit from Lark at the second Newmarket Meeting of the year 1795. First Spring Meeting, 1796, he won the Jockey Stakes of 100 guineas each, six subscribers. In the July Meeting of the same year he WALKED OVER for a sweepstakes of 200 guineas each, seven subscribers. In 1797, when Mr. Cookson's, he won the King's hundred at Newcastle, and a 50l. plate the next day at the same place; 50l. at York; the 50 guineas for all ages {194} at Newmarket, beating Yeoman, Play or Pay, Aimator, and others. The next day he won the King's hundred guineas, beating the famous Hermione and Vixen. In 1798 he beat Moorcock, over the Beacon Course, for 200 guineas, Monday in the Craven Meeting. First Spring Meeting he won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, twelve subscribers. Second Meeting, received a compromise from Lord Clermont's Spoliator. At Oxford he won the GOLD CUP of 100 guineas value, with 50 guineas in specie, beating Stickler, Johnny, Oatlands, and Whip; all excellent runners. The King's hundred at Nottingham; the King's hundred at York; and beat Sir H. T. Vane's Shuttle four miles over Doncaster for 1000 guineas: the odds eleven to eight upon Shuttle. In 1799 he was beat half a length the great match by Hambletonian, over the Beacon Course at Newmarket, for 3000 guineas; the odds five to four upon Hambletonian. More money was sported upon this match, and more company went from the Metropolis to see it decided, than ever was known upon any other race in the kingdom. The next day he won the first class of the Oatlands stakes 50 guineas each (ten subscribers) beating eight of the best horses of the year. First Spring Meeting he won the King's hundred, beating Grey Pilot, Lounger, and St. George. Second Meeting won the Jockey Club plate, and 50 guineas, beating Stamford and Lounger. In 1800, First {195} Spring Meeting, he won a subscription 50l. beating Stamford, the famous Coriander, and Wrangler. First October Meeting he received 250 guineas forfeit from Warter. Second October Meeting he beat Hippona over the Beacon Course, 200 guineas. Here ended his career of GLORY by the death of Mr. Cookson; after which he was sold, and taken to Ireland; where being engaged by his owner in a match of much magnitude, he was LAMED by over training in another country, after running five successive years in this, without being lame, or having paid FORFEIT from indisposition, or being once amiss.

DIET

.—The diet of horses in this country is now so universally known, that very little is required upon the subject of explanation under this head. The articles called oats, beans, hay, bran, chaff, carrots, and grains, are individually brought into use, as may best coincide with the pecuniary propensities, or liberal sensations, of the owners. Whatever may be written upon the subject of quantity and quality, will very little influence the enquirers upon those heads; the GENTLEMAN and the SPORTSMAN will never alter their invariable plan of plenty, and of the best quality; but the long list of coachmasters, postmasters, job and hackney-men, carmen, carriers, and inferior tradesmen, who merely exist, under the unavoidable accumulation of taxes, cannot feed their horses as they would, but are compelled to feed them as they can. No particular instructions, therefore, become materially {196} necessary; but some general rules may be laid down for occasional recollection.

The management of horses of every description, whether for the turf, the field, or the road, is now so systematically understood by the different classes of society, that nothing new, instructive, or entertaining, can be introduced under that head. Each horse is supported in a way (at least in respect to quantity and quality of food) individually, and regulated by the opinion of the owner, or the work he has to perform. One conceives, from his own sensations of liberality, even four feeds of corn a day too little; another considers two rather too much. In such contrariety and diversity, who can expect to see opinions concentrate in one particular point? Such hope, if adopted, will be eternally disappointed. It may not be inapplicable to have it always in memory, that it is not the number of feeds, or the quantity of hay, that should constitute the criterion, but the quality of both upon which the nutritious support entirely depends. Three measures of good corn will contribute more nutriment to the frame, and invigoration to the system, than five of bad: and twenty-eight pounds of substantial fragrant hay will at all times be more prudent, and more profitable, than even double the quantity of a very inferior quality.

This data judiciously and occasionally adverted to, will sufficiently widen the ground of information to every comprehension; it being only necessary to hold in memory the additional circumstance, that horses fed too high, without proportional work, exercise, and evacuations, must become full, plethoric, and ultimately disordered; while, on the contrary, those whose blood is permitted to become impoverished from a want of the necessary supply of FOOD, will soon display it in a wasting of the flesh, a contracted state of the crest, and, if long continued, probably produce some of those diseases originating in a serious and acrimonious state of the blood.

DIOMED

—was in great repute as a racer, and afterwards as A STALLION at ten guineas a mare. He was bred by Sir C. Bunbury; got by Florizel; dam by Spectator, and grand-dam by Blank; was foaled in 1777, and proved himself an equal runner with the best horse of his time. As a stallion, he has propagated some of the finest stock in the kingdom. Diomed is the sire of Anthony, Charlotte, Grey Diomed, Laïs, Mademoiselle, Playfellow, Quetlavaca, Sir Cecil, Whiskers, Montezuma, Glaucus, Speculator, Champion, Little Pickle, Michael, Monkey, Young Grey Diomed, Snip, Tom, Robin Grey, Dalham, Guatimozin, Habakkuk, Adela, Cædar, Switch, Greyhound, Laurentina, Poplar, Wrangler, and Egham; all considered WINNERS; exclusive of {198} many others who won MATCHES and SWEEPSTAKES, (as colts and fillies,) but were never named.

DISTANCE

;—a sporting term appertaining solely to the TURF. It is a length of two hundred and forty yards (actual measurement) from the WINNING-POST of every RACE-COURSE in the kingdom; precisely at which spot is fixed a post corresponding with others, but having a gallery annexed capable of holding three or four persons, which is called the DISTANCE-POST. In this gallery, as well as in the gallery of the winning-post, before the horses start each heat, is stationed a person holding a crimson flag; during the time the horses are running, each flag is suspended from the front of the gallery to {199} which it has been appropriated; but immediately upon the first horse passing the holder of the flag in the gallery of the WINNING-POST, he strikes THE FLAG; at the very moment of his doing which, the holder of the flag in the gallery of the distance-post strikes his also, in confirmation that the heat is decided; and such HORSE or HORSES (running for the plate) as may not have passed the DISTANCE-POST before the flag is struck, is then deemed a distanced horse, and disqualified from starting again for the same PLATE or PRIZE. A horse running on the wrong side of a POST, the RIDER not bringing his proper and full weight to scale after the heat, or dismounting without first riding HIS HORSE up to the side of the scale, and weighing, are also deemed distanced horses, and not permitted to start again.

DOGS

,—that well-known species of animal whose fidelity, attachment, gratitude, and general utility, very far exceed every eulogium within the power of the profuse pen of admiration to bestow. Their virtues and useful qualifications are beyond the most prolific description: they are the protectors of our property at home, the promoters of our pleasures abroad, and the pleasing partners of our domestic comforts by the fire-side. The Rev. Mr. Daniel, in his elegant production called "Rural Sports," has given a very full and satisfactory historical account of their origin, the different kinds and crosses, with instances, and well authenticated {201} proofs, of their mutual affection, fidelity, sagacity, and docility. He has also introduced "a laughable philosophical account of dogs, under the supposition of a transmigration of souls;" with a great variety of matter, truly entertaining to the SPORTSMAN of curious investigation.

In the reign of Queen Elizabeth was published a systematical arrangement of the different kind of dogs peculiar to Britain; but many of the names by which they were known, having since become obsolete, they have been most judiciously classed by Mr. Daniel under the following genealogical heads. 1. Shepherds' Dog; Wolf Dog; Iceland Dog; Lapland Dog; Siberian Dog.—2. Hound; Harrier; Terrier.—3. Large Spaniel; Small Spaniel; Water Dog; Small Water Dog.—4. Bull Dog.—5. Large Danish Dog; Irish Greyhound; Great Hound Mongrel; Large Greyhound; English Greyhound; and lastly, the Mastiff Dog. When, after an investigation so seemingly clear, and a description so truly systematic, every sportsman must be equally surprised, that there is no collateral branch of the "Genealogical Table," by which the Pointer has been produced; so that, with both these Authors, his ab origine, or unde derivatur, is left in equal obscurity.

As the qualification of each particular sporting dog will be more minutely adverted to under the distinct heads of Hound, Greyhound, Pointer, Terrier, &c. it becomes only applicable here, to {202} introduce such useful remarks as appertain to the species in general, under the separate fatalities of MADNESS and DISEASES.

The signs of madness in a dog are as follow: He becomes dull, solitary, and endeavours to hide himself: he seldom barks, but makes a kind of murmuring noise, and refuses all kinds of meat and drink: he is enraged at, and flies upon, strangers; but in this stage he remembers and respects his master: his ears and head hang down; he walks nodding, as if overpowered with sleep: this is the first stage; and a bite now, though dangerous, is not so bad as afterwards. After these symptoms, the dog begins to pant; he breathes quick and heavy; hangs out his tongue, to emit a great deal of froth from his mouth, which he keeps perpetually open: sometimes he walks slowly, and as if half asleep, and then suddenly runs, but not always directly forward, as pretended: at length he forgets his master; his eyes look dispirited, dull, full of tears, and red; his tongue is of a lead colour, he grows faint and weak; oft reels, staggers, and falls; then rises suddenly, and attempts to fly at every thing, becoming now mad and furious: this second stage seldom continues thirty hours, death putting by that time an end to the disease: and a bite received during the last stage is justly considered incurable. To these distinguishing traits of the dreadful malady, may be added the following, which are believed certain {203} and invariable. All other dogs are alarmed at the approach of a dog really mad, and, upon smelling him, not only instantly avoid him, but run away with horror. The tone of the dog's voice when he barks, seems hoarse and hollow. In the dumb madness, if the dog is confined, he barks incessantly for a day or two.

Those who wish to go into a most ingenious and explanatory investigation of madness, and its different kinds in dogs, will feel themselves highly gratified in a perusal of that part of Mr. Daniel's "Rural Sports," who has systematically introduced the best and most judicious opinions and authorities upon the subject.

The disease occasioned by the bite of a mad dog is called HYDROPHOBIA; and the smallest quantity of his saliva, either fresh or dry, will produce it. The infection frequently lies dormant for many months, and then displays itself with the greatest violence; but, in general, it appears from a month to six weeks, at the expiration of which, if no symptoms of disorder are perceptible, the patient is considered to be safe, and not to have received the infection. It has been thought by the best medical authority, that the nearer the place bitten is to the salivary glands, the sooner the symptoms appear; and this, by observation and experience, is now fully confirmed.

In order to communicate the infection, a wound is no more necessary than it is in the small-pox; to the HUMAN SPECIES it can be communicated by the saliva only; but dogs have received it by being in the KENNEL where mad dogs have been before. This disorder, it seems, is only inherent and natural to the canine species, (as the dog, fox, and wolf;) but other animals having received the infection, by the puncture of the tooth from either of those, may then communicate it to any other species, and by the same means.

When the human species become unhappily the subjects of this disorder, though in particular instances some variation may be observed, the symptoms are in general a slight pain in the wound, sometimes attended with itching, but always resembling a rheumatic pain; it extends also into the neighbouring parts, and at length from the extremities it passes into the viscera; the cicatrix (if there has been a wound) begins to swell, inflames, and then to discharge an ichor; and this alone may be considered the primary and invariable symptom of a certain hydrophobia. There are other more general pains, resembling rheumatic ones, and are of a quick, flying, convulsive kind: they affect the patient in the neck, joints, and other parts; a dull pain often seizes the head, neck, breast, belly, and even runs along the back-bone. The patient is gloomy, murmurs much, is forgetful, {205} and drowsy; at times the mind seems disordered; by turns he is watchful; his slumbers become disturbed, and awaking from them, convulsive agitations immediately follow.

A deafness is sometimes complained of; the eyes are watery, the aspect sorrowful; the face becomes pale and contracted; sweat also breaks out about the temples: an unusual flow of saliva at length comes on, with a dryness of the fauces, a foulness of the tongue, and a disagreeable, or rather fœtid, effluvia from the breath. As the above symptoms increase, the second stage advances: a fever comes on, which at first is mild, but attended with momentary horrors, and violent periodical agitations; wakefulness becomes continual; the mind is more and more disturbed; a delirium approaches; and an aversion to fluids and polished bodies is at this time plainly perceptible. At first, a constriction of the gullet is perceived, and a difficulty of swallowing; but as yet liquids are freely taken, although soon refused: this symptom augments so visibly, that, when any liquid comes before their sight, an horror immediately seizes them; and if they make an effort to drink, spasms are produced, on which horrid gesticulations, and loss of senses, follow. The patient now murmurs, groans, and mourns most distressingly, loses by degrees all knowledge of his most intimate acquaintance, and then becomes desirous of biting: reason returns at {206} intervals, and he laments his own calamity; the thirst excites a desire to drink, but in vain they strive, and soon sink into the most affecting despondency. Conscious of the approaching inclination to bite, he warns his friends of their danger, and, by words or motions, advises them to keep at a distance. Toward the conclusion, the fever and thirst increase, the tongue hangs out, the mouth foams, strength fails, cold sweats come on, the tightness in the breast increases, as well as all the predominant symptoms, till the patient expires in strong convulsions.

The subject of MADNESS in DOGS, and the HYDROPHOBIA in the human species, afford ample scope for reflection and scientific disquisition: this, however, not being the proper place for a literary enlargement upon either, it becomes necessary to introduce a few remarks upon that well known destructive disorder called "THE DISTEMPER," which Mr. Daniel properly observes, "is the most fatal (the plague only excepted) that any animal is subject to. It is astonishing what numbers have been destroyed by it within the period of its being known in this country, which is about forty years: whether the attention paid, and the medicines of different kinds now usually administered in its first stages, have occasioned the alteration, certain it is, the disease is milder, and less frequent, than it was twelve or fifteen years since."

After all the dissections and minute investigations that can possibly be made, the distemper, in respect to its original or remote cause, sets every enquiry at defiance; and it remains in the same state of uncertainty in which it has continued for thirty years past. Great and indefatigable exertions, however, on the part of Mr. Blaine, (a professional gentleman of anatomical and medical celebrity,) have done much in the investigation; and as his researches are constant and unwearied, the SPORTING WORLD have yet much to expect from his perseverance. Mr. B. most candidly observes, that, "amidst all his investigations, although unable to discover the original cause of the disease, and after many experiments made upon probable ground to provide a cure for it, what enquiry, conducted on principles of reason and science, could not do, was effected by chance; and a remedy was found as certain in its effects, as it is possible for a remedy to be. Under a fair trial it has never been known to fail; even in the worst stages, when the convulsions were very frequent, it has removed the complaint; yet, where the disease is so malignant, the certainty must be diminished."

Mr. Beckford, whose series of "Letters upon Hunting" are amongst the happiest efforts of truth and accurate observation, communicates a remedy for the distemper, transmitted to him by a friend whose hounds had derived great benefit from the {208} experiment, of taking "an ounce of Peruvian bark in a glass of port wine twice every day;" whether as a ball or bolus does not appear; but, perhaps, upon trial, it will be found, that an ounce of bark in powder will absorb (or take up) four glasses of wine, before it can be rendered sufficiently fluid for administering in that form.

Mr. Daniel has so largely and judiciously treated upon the subjects of the distemper and canine madness in his Rural Sports, that it is impossible to add a single thought or line upon either, without the most palpable appearance of plagiarism: his own observations, blended with a collection of well-authenticated facts, are so numerous, so just, and the inferences drawn so truly scientific, that nothing new or additionally advantageous can be introduced.

Dogs of every description are held in such general estimation, that the Legislature has thought proper to render the privilege of keeping them a matter of pecuniary contribution to the support of government, and the exigencies of the state; under which increased and accumulated act, they are become very efficient objects of taxation, as will be readily conceived by the annexed abstract.

"Persons keeping one DOG, not passing under the denomination of GREYHOUND, HOUND, POINTER, {209} SETTING DOG, SPANIEL, LURCHER, or TERRIER, to pay the annual sum of six shillings."

"Any person keeping one or more dogs, of either of the above description, is to pay ten shillings for every DOG up to any number of DOGS so kept."

Dogs, from their general utility, and the estimation they are invariably held in by their owners, have been thought worthy an ACT of PARLIAMENT formed solely for their protection; rendering them of proportional value with any other kind of property, and equally entitled to legal preservation. By this statute it is enacted, "If any person shall steal any dog, or dogs, of any kind or sort whatsoever, from the owner thereof, or from any person entrusted by the owner thereof with such dog or dogs; or shall sell, buy, receive, harbour, detain, or keep any dogs of any kind or sort whatsoever, knowing the same to have been stolen as aforesaid; every such person being convicted thereof upon the oath of one credible witness, before two Justices of the Peace, shall for the first offence forfeit and pay any sum not exceeding 30l. nor less than 20l. and the charges of conviction."

And "in case such penalty shall not be forthwith paid, the offender to be committed to gaol for any time not exceeding twelve months, nor less than six, or until the penalty and charges are paid. Any person guilty of a subsequent offence, to forfeit and pay any sum not exceeding 50l. nor less than 30l. together with the charges; which penalties to be paid, one moiety thereof to the informer, and the other to the poor of the parish. On non-payment, the offender to be imprisoned for any time not exceeding eighteen months, nor less than twelve, or until the penalty and charges shall be paid, and be publicly whipped. Justices may grant warrants to search for dogs stolen; and in case any such dog or dogs, or their skins, shall, upon such search, be found, to take and restore every such dog or skin to the owner; and the persons in whose custody any such dog or skin shall be found, are liable to the like penalties and punishments. Persons aggrieved may appeal to the quarter-sessions, and the determination there to be final."

DRAG

—is a sporting term in HUNTING, and used exactly in the same sense with THE FOX, as trail is with THE HARE. Upon throwing THE HOUNDS into covert, to draw for a FOX, any single hound giving tongue, is said to CHALLENGE, and to have hit upon drag; that is, to have come upon the foot or scent of the fox, where he had been in the night or early part of the morning, before he retired to secrete himself for the day. When it was the custom to be at the covert side so soon as there was day-light sufficient to RIDE up to the HOUNDS, drag was speedily obtained; and in many instances a GOOD DRAG proved better than a bad chase; but in the present fashion of going to covert, and throwing off at mid-day, drag is but very little {212} known, and but of trifling use if found; for the SCENT must, from the great length of time, have so generally died away, and so partially remained, that no expectation can be entertained of THE HOUNDS carrying it up to THE GAME.

DRIFT

—is the act of driving A COMMON. This ceremony takes place once, twice, or thrice, a year, (according to the custom of the place,) to insure and continue the privilege of the Lord of the Manor, as well as to preserve the rights of the {214} parishioners. The cattle upon the COMMONS and WASTES being all driven to some particular spot, are there examined, and their owners ascertained: those belonging to parishioners (or such as have right of common) are immediately liberated, and return to their old lair: others, the property of ALIENS, are impounded, and the owner is fined such reasonable sum as may be thought equitable by the BAILIFF of the MANOR. No owner being found, the object (whatever it be) is called an estray, which being cried three times in the nearest market-towns, and not claimed within twelve months and a day, it then becomes the property of the LORD of the MANOR.

DROPSY of the Chest

—is a disorder to which horses are subject; and many instances have occurred in the practice of the Author, where seven, eight, and in one case near ten gallons of water were found in the CAVITY of the CHEST, upon opening the body after death. This accumulation of fluid being completely extravasated, no hope of cure can be entertained, as the preternatural collection can neither be taken up by absorption, or carried off by evacuation. There seems to be only one predominant trait, or distinguishing symptom, by which this disorder can be even tolerably ascertained, and that is solely by the ACTION of the horse. In either walk, trot, or gallop, (and the more as his pace is increased in each,) the fore legs seemingly spread from each other, as if they were internally distended by painful pressure, similar to division by forcible expansion, not at all unlike the means used by butchers in the stick pointed at each end to extend the limbs of carcases when displayed for sale. The legs in a trot constitute a painful hobble; and in a GALLOP the subject cannot get his legs before him, but appears at every motion likely to pitch upon his head. All this gives every reason to believe the defect, when first discovered, is frequently thought a lameness in the shoulder, and the patient presently deemed a chest-foundered horse. If a horse having a DROPSY in the CHEST, and the collection of water (from the duration of disease) is large, much information may be derived respecting {216} the certainty, by the following experiment. Lead, or let him be rode up a gentle ascent, and he will be observed to move with but very little pain or impediment: the moment he is turned round, and descends, the weight of the water in the chest coming forward, and being pressed upon by the contents of the abdomen, in the action of going down hill, instantly produces so much pain, and such difficulty of proceeding, that with judicious practitioners, or nice observers, no great hesitation can arise in pronouncing the probable CERTAINTY of this disease.

It is a matter too universally known to require much information, that DRUGS of different kinds {217} (or qualities) are sold under the same denomination at various prices; by which the prudent and the experienced may easily judge of the gradational shades of ADULTERATION by which those prices are reduced. The lower class of FARRIERS, particularly in the country, are remarkable for purchasing the cheapest articles they can obtain, and have of course the regular channels through which they are supplied. The paltry articles sold for LIQUORICE POWDER, DIAPENTE, FŒNUGREC, ANISEED POWDER, and TURMERIC, are mostly a compound of flour, bean meal, oatmeal, and various kinds of rubbish, slightly impregnated with a small proportion of the genuine drug or medicine it is intended to represent. See Adulteration.

The DRUGS and MEDICINES indispensibly necessary for the professional embarkation of the VETERINARIAN, are as follow; and without the entire possession of which, it will be impossible to do justice to the good opinion of his employers, or to the reputation he may be anxious to obtain.

Aloes Succotrine and Barbadoes.
Assafœtida.
Diaphoretic Antimony.
Crude Antimony Levigated.
Butter of Antimony.
Barbadoes Tar.
Alum, Plain and Burnt.
Aniseeds, Whole and in Powder.
Balsam of Sulphur.
Bay Berries.
Bole Armeniac.
Burgundy Pitch.
Cream of Tartar.
Calomel.
Cammomile Flowers.
Camphor.
Camphorated Spirits of Wine.
Carraway Seeds.
Corrosive Mercury.
Elecampane.
Emetic Tartar.
Euphorbium.
{218}
Ægyptiacum.
Fœnugrec Seeds.
Frankinsence.
Friars Balsam.
Ginger.
Gum Arabic.
Guaiacum.
Gum Ammoniacum.
Honey.
Jalap in Powder.
Juniper Berries.
Long Pepper.
Liquorice Powder and Juice.
Linseed and Linseed Powder.
Mustard Seeds.
Myrrh Gum and Tincture.
Nitre and Spirits of Nitre.
Oil of Aniseed.
Oil of Castor.
Oil of Turpentine.
Oil of Vitriol.
Oil of Amber.
Opium.
Peruvian Bark.
Red Precipitate.
Quicksilver.
Saffron.
Sulphur.
Saltpetre.
Sal Armoniac.
Sugar of Lead.
Salt of Tartar.
Spermacæti.
Syrup of Buckthorn.
Snake Root.
Tutty and Turmeric.
Philonium.
Venice Treacle.
Turpentine.
Roman Vitriol.
White Vitriol.
Verdigrease.

To which may be added ointments detergent, digestive, and healing; lint, tow, syringes, pipes, bladders, &c. to meet all emergencies. Nothing so much betrays a want of medical knowledge and consistency, as the habitual indolence of being without the necessary apparatus, when suddenly called upon in cases of ALARM and DANGER. Judicious practitioners never fall into the slovenly mode of substituting one medicine for another, unless difficulties or distance prevent the possibility of their being obtained.

Many of the foregoing articles will also be found useful in the possession of gentlemen resident in remote parts of the country, or at a distance from {219} towns; particularly as the practice of the VILLAGE SMITH or FARRIER may be too confined and unprofitable to admit of his keeping up a stock adapted to a more extensive concern. Sportsmen who are anxious for the uniform consistency of stable discipline, and the preservation of their studs in good condition, stand not in need of advice upon a subject become so universal; as very few sporting establishments are now to be seen, but what have their collection of medicines ready prepared for any unexpected emergency.

DUNG

.—The excrement of the horse is so {220} called, and should be occasionally attended to, as its appearance will sometimes tend to the prevention of disease. If the dung is bright in colour, the globules uniform in shape and consistence, and not fœtid in effluvia, the body may be considered in good state: on the contrary, if the dung, when voided, is hard, black, and offensive, or the parts adhere to each other by a viscid ropy slime, they are equal prognostics of internal heat, foulness, and impending disquietude. Horses in this state should be put under a course of physic without delay; for till they are thoroughly cleansed, they cannot with propriety be brought into any strong exertions whatever. Another advantage is frequently derived from an accurate inspection of the dung, where WORMS are sometimes seen in great plenty, although, from the general appearance of the horse, no such circumstance may have been expected.

DUNGANNON

,—the name of a horse of much celebrity, his winnings being equal to any racer of his day. He was bred by Col. O'Kelly, and foaled in 1780. He was got by Eclipse; dam (Aspasia) by Herod; her dam (Doris) by Blank; grand-dam (Helen) by Spectator, &c. &c. After beating every horse of eminence, particularly the famous horse Rockingham over Newmarket, he was taken out of training, and as a stallion produced annually some of the speediest and best bottomed {221} horses in the kingdom. He covered first at twenty guineas, then at fifteen, and lastly at twelve. He was sire of Sybil, Cinderella, Equity, Lurcher, Harriet, Northland, Bandalore, Clementina, Fancy, Griffin, Hambleton, Hop-picker, Minimus, Parrot, Bedford, Pastor, Billy, Edgar, George, Little Devil, Totterella, Totteridge, Cannons, Dispute, Inferior, Outcast, Pensioner, Bragger, Oatlands, Boaster, Omen, Ploro, and Miss Totteridge; all WINNERS; exclusive of many others, both colts and fillies, who ran and won without a name.

EARS

.—As the ears constitute much of the beauty of a horse, according as they are well or ill shaped, so from their situation, they are sure to become early objects of observation. If they are small, soft, and fine, curving inward in a small degree at the point, perfectly erect, and spirited in action, they give the animal a very noble, majestic, and commanding aspect: on the contrary, when a horse points his ears forwards, he bears the appearance of looking eternally for mischief, and always preparing to start at every object he meets, which is no very pleasant sensation to the rider. Horses of this description are seldom remarkable for the safety of their eyes; a purchaser cannot be too circumspect {222} in his examination before he makes him an acquisition. Horses having coarse, long, foul ears, set on too low, and hanging down on the sides, are called mule or lop eared horses; and if of good form in other respects, and of some value, they are in general cropped to improve their appearance. The greater part of the racing stock of old Herod, one of the best stallions ever bred in England, were foul, long, and wide in their ears, which is to be seen in almost the whole of their progeny.

Pain in the ear of a horse is discoverable immediately by its flaccidity, and painful deprivation of erection. The ear lays nearly flat either one way or another; the horse is almost every minute giving violent shakes of his head, which he as constantly leaves hanging down on the side affected; from which circumstances alone the seat of pain may with certainty be ascertained. Pains in the ear may arise from various causes, as colds, blows, the insinuation of, or sting from, forest flies, bees, wasps, or hornets. If the first is known to be the cause, the stimulus excited by mildly rubbing the inside with the half of a newly divided onion, will soon relieve the pain. If from a blow, rubbing the ear inside and out with two table-spoons full of camphorated spirits, mixed with two tea-spoons full of extract of saturn, will relieve. If from a sting, a plentiful impregnation of fine olive oil, to give the {223} skin the power of expansion, will be right in the moment of increasing inflammation; after which, the swelling may be allayed with common white wine vinegar, verjuice, or strong vegeto mineral water.

Trimming the EARS on the inside is a very common practice, and adds considerably to the neatness and cleanliness of the head and appearance; but care should be taken never to let it be done during rainy weather, sharp and severe winds, or in the winter season; dreadful colds, as well as dangerous diseases, have often been produced by these means, without knowing from what cause the ill effect has been derived. The operation of trimming should be performed in warm, open, mild weather, and with SCISSARS in preference to the flame of a candle; which, with the additional use of the twitch, only serves to put the poor animal to a double degree of unnecessary misery. After the ears are trimmed, they may be rubbed over the inside with a small quantity of fresh butter, or a piece of fine linen impregnated with olive oil, both of which are excellent preventives to cold after the operation.

ECLIPSE

—the name of the most famous horse (since Flying Childers) ever produced or trained in this or any other country. He was bred in Windsor Great Park by the Culloden (or Great) Duke of {224} Cumberland, being foaled during the celebrated eclipse in the year 1764, from which his name was taken. He was got by Old Marske, dam (Spilletta) by Regulus; her dam (Mother Western) by Smith's son of Snake; grand-dam by Lord D'Arcy's Old Montague, &c. &c. Upon the decease of his Royal Highness, the stud were sold by auction at the Park Lodge; where Eclipse (then a yearling) was purchased by Mr. Wildman for 46 guineas, and afterwards sold to Colonel O'Kelly (his last and only possessor) for 1700 guineas. In 1769, when five years old, he won two 50's at Epsom; 50 at Ascot Heath; the King's 100 guineas, and 50, at Winchester; the 100 guineas, the bowl, and 30 guineas, at Salisbury; and the King's 100 guineas at Canterbury, Lewes, and Litchfield.

In 1770 he received forfeit 600 guineas, and won the King's 100 guineas at Newmarket; the King's 100 guineas at Guildford; the same at Nottingham; the same and 319 at York; the King's 100 guineas at Lincoln; 150 guineas, and the King's 100 guineas again at Newmarket, where orders having been privately given by his owner, "to go off at score, and run the whole four miles for speed," he double distanced his opponents, and was then taken out of training for want of a competitor. From this time he continued as a stallion at Epsom, in Surry, and afterwards at Cannons, the seat of Colonel O'Kelly, in Middlesex, where he died {225} on the 27th of February, 1789, in the 26th year of his age; leaving a progeny of winners and stallions who are transmitting his blood to posterity in directions too numerous to be obliterated to the end of time.

He was sire of Firetail, Soldier, Corporal, Serjeant, Don Quixote, King Fergus, Nina, Charlemont, Competitor, Gunpowder, Hidalgo, King Hermon, Meteor, Pegasus, Scota, Serpent, Squeak, Stripling, Devi Sing, Eliza, Poor Soldier, Big Ben, Spitfire, Fair Barbara, Adonis, Mercury, Lily of the Valley, Volunteer, Bonnyface, Jupiter, Venus, Antiochus, Dungannon, Maria, Henley, Soujah ul Dowlah, Grimalkin, Dian, Thunderbolt, Lightning, Spinner, Horizon, Miss Hervey, Plutus, Pluto, and Comet; exclusive of a great number of winners, for the list and particulars of which, reference may be made to Weatherby's "Stud Book," and "Racing Calendar."

EMOLLIENTS

—are such external applications as mollify the surface, and alleviate any stricture upon the surrounding parts: they supple the solids, as well as sheath and soften any asperity of the fluids. Fomentations are of this class, and prove of the greatest utility in all tumefactions, enlargements, and many lamenesses of HORSES, with those practitioners who have judgment and patience {228} to bring them perseveringly into use. From the relaxing property of emollient topics, and their sheathing of acrimony, it is that they are good sedative applications, when pain from tension or irritation is excited: from nervous sympathy, their efficacy is conveyed to distant and deep-seated parts, and thus it is that the warm bath proves in most cases so powerful a sedative. Emollients, whether in the use of fomentations, or the application of poultices, by relaxing the fibres, and increasing the congestion of fluids, greatly promote suppuration, to effect which in all inflammatory tumours, they should be immediately brought into use.

ESCAPE

,—the name of a horse of great beauty, excellent symmetry, and much celebrity. He was bred by Mr. Franco, and got by Highflyer out of a Squirrel mare; he was foaled in 1785; and in the First Spring Meeting at Newmarket, 1789, he beat the Prince of Wales's Cantoo Baboo, from the ditch-in, for 200 guineas. He was then purchased by his Royal Highness, and in the Second Spring Meeting he received forfeit from Alexander, and Clown, 100 guineas each. In the First October Meeting of the same year, he beat Nimble across the flat 200 guineas. The Craven Meeting, 1790, he beat Grey Diomed over the Beacon 500 guineas; and won the great subscription purse at York, beating Actæon, and Gustavus. The Craven Meeting, 1791, he beat Skylark, Highlander, Glaucus, Halkin, Meteor, and Buffer, a subscription of 50 guineas each: two to one on Skylark. First October Meeting the same year, he beat Grey Diomed over the Beacon Course 8st. 7lb. each for 1000 guineas. Two days after, he beat him again for the renewed 140 guineas. In the second October Meeting he won a subscription purse (twelve subscribers) over the Beacon, beating Chanticleer, Skylark, Grey Diomed, Harpator, and Alderman, with the odds four and five to one {231} against him. When taken out of training, he covered at Highflyer Hall at ten guineas a mare, and half a guinea the groom.

ESTRAY, or Stray

,—appertain equally to horse, mare, bull, ox, cow, sheep, or, in fact, any head of cattle, who having strayed from its own home, common, waste, or lair, into a strange MANOR, or LORDSHIP, and there found without an owner, is then called an ESTRAY, or stray: in which case it is an established custom, sanctioned by LAW, and founded in EQUITY, that such stray is proclaimed, and his or her marks described, by the common crier, in the three next nearest towns on the market-day; and if the stray is not claimed within a year and a day of the time on which it was publicly {232} cried, and fully described, it then becomes the property of the LORD of the MANOR where it was found. If the owner makes the claim within the time limited, he is liable to pay reasonable charges for finding, keeping, proclaiming, &c. An estray must be kept without labour, uninjured, and properly fed, till reclaimed, or the time above mentioned is expired.

EVACUANTS

—are such medicines as gently stimulate the intestines, and urinary passages, to a more speedy secretion and expulsion of their excrementitious contents. The term is applicable to both PURGATIVES and DIURETICS; the effect of which is to remove plethora in horses, and to prevent the consequent viscidity of blood; which, when a horse is overloaded in his frame, and the solids too grossly distended, soon displays itself in swelled legs, cracked heels, cutaneous scurfy eruptions, grease, farcy, or some one of the many ills frequently produced by an accumulation of HUMOURS {233} originating in a corrupt or vitiated state of the fluids, inconsiderately neglected, or probably never attended to. Those who will condescend to dedicate a little time occasionally to the palpable utility of EVACUANTS, either as preventives, or the means of cure, (in a variety of cases,) will never stand in need of a monitor to promote their use.

EVACUATION

—is that part of the ANIMAL ŒCONOMY, without a regular preservation of which, the frame of man or beast cannot long continue free from PAIN or DISEASE. Next to the aliment necessarily received for the support of life, EVACUATION is the very effort of Nature upon which HEALTH must principally depend. Little penetration is requisite to comprehend most perfectly a system so plain as to require but very concise explanation. Consistency should be observed, and attention should be paid, to what the frame receives by FOOD, and what it discharges by the different evacuations; for if the body (within any given time) accumulates much more by unreasonable and unnecessary supplies, than the EFFORTS of Nature can carry off by her different emunctories in the evacuation of excrements, the foundation of disease follows of course. The fluids become thick and stagnant, the circulation languid, the solids preternaturally distended, and their elasticity partially destroyed; hence arises that infinite number of distorted VALETUDINARIANS with which {234} the streets of the Metropolis so plentifully abound, and by whom the constantly increasing MEDICAL SHOPS and MEDICINE WHAREHOUSES are principally supported.

By adverting to these considerations, it will immediately appear, that even a temporary suppression of the natural evacuations must, in the first instance, inevitably prove the basis of pain or disquietude, and lastly of DISEASE. In the human body, great attention should be paid to diurnal evacuation, if a wish to preserve health is at all entertained. Infinite are the miseries originally brought on, and for years continued, (to a lingering death,) by an inconsiderate neglect or indolence in respect to the due proportion to be observed between repletion and evacuation.

This attention is not more necessary in the human frame, than it is with the HORSES of those who indulge the least desire to have their studs in high health and perfect condition. When a horse is observed to get above himself, or, in other words, to become loaded with flesh, too full in the carcase, round in the legs, thick in the wind, dull in the stable, and heavy in action, EVACUATION cannot be too soon promoted as a preventive to impending disease.

EXCRESCENCE

.—Any preternatural enlargement is so called; but it is principally, and most properly, applied to those of a spongy nature, as WARTS and WENS, as well as a polypus upon any particular part. In all wounds of HORSES, if they are of considerable magnitude, fungous flesh increases very rapidly, and frequently disconcerts the young or injudicious VETERINARIAN; who, erroneously adopting caustics and escharotics, too often renders the remedy more destructive than the disease. Fungous formation of this kind passes also under the technical denomination of EXCRESCENCE, and is best reduced by superficial scarification in lines transverse and longitudinal; the dressings then consisting of strong red precipitate digestive ointment with lint, &c. Excrescences of the warty kind will always submit to repeated and persevering applications of BUTTER OF ANTIMONY, OIL OF VITRIOL, or any other escharotic, but they are not to be laid on with too liberal a hand. Wenny deep-seated substances (erroneously called excrescences) require very warm stimulants, and powerful spirituous applications, for a great length of time, before any expectation of repulsion or obliteration can be entertained.

EYES

.—The state of the EYES in every horse constitutes so much of the value and excellence in respect to their good or bad formation, that proper, nay extreme, circumspection ought to be used in the examination previous to purchase. The best and most experienced judges of horses are sometimes seriously disappointed, and not unfrequently deceived, in a superficial survey, and too hasty decision: in fact, there is no point of the ANIMAL upon the merits of which (in a variety of instances) it is so difficult to form an accurate, at least an infallible, opinion as upon the parts before us. If at first sight you are attracted by their bright, bold, prominent appearance, and observe they are sufficiently clear and transparent to reflect your own figure in the eye as you stand before it, and the horse neither winks, blinks, or rolls the orbs of the eyes about, as if feeling for the light when brought out of the stable, there is then every well-founded reason to believe they are not only safe, but PERFECTLY GOOD. On the contrary, when the EYE appears flat, as if sunk in its orbit, with a palpable vacuum round the orb, between it and the eye-lid, it is a very unfavourable indication; particularly if there should be no defluxion (or inflammatory discharge) from the eye, to justify the idea of a temporary injury having been sustained by a BLOW, BITE, or some such accident, neither to be foreseen or guarded against. If there is a palpable indentation above the orbs, and a wrinkled contraction of {238} the eye-lids towards the forehead, they are invariable symptoms, or certain signs, of impending danger, and the subject cannot be ventured upon without a very great probability of certain loss when he is again offered for sale.

A small pig-eye should be likewise carefully avoided, as they are seldom to be depended upon; the subject is frequently addicted to starting, and the future state of the eye in general doubtful. A cloudy muddiness within the outer humour of the eye, (giving it an opaque appearance,) or a milky thickening of the surface, denote present defect, and great probability of approaching blindness. It becomes, therefore, in all cases of doubt, a matter of self-preservation, to have in memory this admonition, that it will be more advantageous (evidently more prudent) to reject an object of impurity and partial attraction, than to purchase in haste, and "repent at leisure."

The BUCK sheds his horns from the middle of April through the first weeks of May, which are in part regenerated by the month of September. The DOE generally produces her young in the last week of May, or during the two first of June. The season for BUCK VENISON commences in July, and goes out about Michaelmas; when DOE VENISON comes in, and continues till January. The time in which the act of procreation is carried on (called rutting time) commences at the latter end of August, and continues during the greater part of September.

The skins of both buck and doe are manufactured into the article of leather for breeches, so {240} superior to every other kind for the purpose of riding, the produce of the whole kingdom is not equal to the demand, many thousand skins being annually imported from different parts of the world. For the LAWS relating to DEER, see Deer Stealers.

Buck hunting was formerly a much more frequent sport than at present; and a dwarf kind of stag-hound (called buck-hounds) were kept for the purpose. The uncertainty and short duration of the chase, has, however, at length, nearly obliterated the practice, as there is hardly such a thing in the kingdom as a pack kept solely for the purpose of hunting FALLOW DEER.

FALSE QUARTER

—is a defect in the hoof of a horse, originally sustained by some injury, producing a destruction of parts; as quittor, canker, wounds, treads, bruises, or such formation of matter, by which a part of the hoof has been unavoidably destroyed, or necessarily taken away. In the regeneration of parts, the incarnation (from the rigid and horny nature of the hoof) is irregular and imperfect, forming a sort of cleft (or artificial union) with the sound part upon the surface, productive of a sensible weakness underneath. This imperfect and defective junction renders such quarter, as is it called, inadequate to the weight it is destined to bear; in which case, much judgment is required, and may be exerted, in the palliation, as perfect cure is not to be expected. Care must be taken in forming the shoe to relieve the tender part from pressure, by hollowing it at that particular spot, and letting the bearing be fixed entirely upon the sound parts. By constant attention in reducing the prominent edges of the irregular projection with the fine side of the RASP, and a few occasional {242} impregnations with fine spermacæti oil, the hoof may be sometimes restored to its original formation.

The very first traits of this disorder are too distinguishing to be mistaken; although the attack may be made either one way or the other. The subject is, in general, dull, heavy, sluggish, and seemingly oppressed with lassitude and debility, for some days previous to any external symptoms of disease; in a short time after which, small purulent pustules appear, with a sort of seeming eschar upon the apex of each, running along the veins in a kind of continuity, bearing no ill affinity or resemblance to a bunch of grapes a little diversified {243} in size. Upon any of these eschars, or scabs, being removed, they are followed by a thin bloody ichor in some; but in others, by a fœtid, viscid, corrupted matter, not unlike a mixture of honey and oil, when brought into all possible incorporation.

As the disorder advances to a more inveterate malignity, these pustules burst, the scab or eschar exfoliates, and each becomes a virulent, ill-conditioned ulcer. In many instances the progress is extended with incredible rapidity; and the larger vessels, with their inferior ramifications, are soon universally affected; holding forth a very unpromising prediction of early extrication. A tolerable opinion may be formed of the mildness or threatened severity of the disease by the nature of the attack: if appearances are partial, (that is, attached to any particular spot,) without a speedy extension to different parts of the body, or its extremities, the case may be considered in its then infantine state favourable; and the proper means should not be delayed to counteract its farther contamination of the blood and juices: on the contrary, should a daily increase of the eruption be observed, spreading itself in various directions along the plate-vein, and down the inside of the fore-arm, under the belly, proceeding on both sides the sheath, and down the inside of each thigh, a cure may be considered very distant and uncertain; involving a doubt for prudent deliberation, {244} whether the alternative of DEATH may not be preferable to the chance of cure, at an expence (if effected) very, very far exceeding the value of THE HORSE.

Experience, and attentive observation, tend to justify an opinion, that when the FARCY makes its first appearance, in the way described, it is then of the species received by infection, and that it has lain dormant some time in the circulation. When it makes its attack upon one particular part, in a previous tumefaction, and subsequent suppuration, (extending no farther than the quarter in which it originates,) it may then be considered a degree of the same disorder, retaining within itself much less virulence than the former, and to have been produced by the morbid state of the blood, and predominant tendency to disease; holding forth a well-founded prospect of CURE, if the case happens to fall into the hands of a judicious and scientific practitioner, who well knows the peculiar property of medicine, upon which alone the success depends.

Those writers who have industriously divided and sub-divided the FARCY into so many different diseases, have not noticed a disorder (or rather a complication) partaking of the joint symptoms of both GLANDERS and FARCY; from which circumstance it has, by the best and most experienced practitioners, been denominated, FARCY GLANDERS, and is, in its {245} attack, progress, and termination, precisely as follows. One or more swellings appear upon some part or parts of the body, where, after attaining a certain size, they become indurated, making no farther progress toward maturation. Here NATURE seems counteracted in her own efforts, and, by some inexplicable revulsion, the head is almost immediately and severely affected; TUMEFACTIONS appear under the jaws; the SWELLINGS increase in various parts and degrees about the eyes and mouth; a most incredible discharge comes on from the nostrils, discoloured and offensive beyond description; in which state, bidding defiance to every interposition of ART, or administration of MEDICINE, the animal lingers a few days, and, if not previously dispatched, (as in fact it ought to be,) DIES a mass of complete putrefaction.

FARRIER

—is the appellation by which a person is known, whose occupation it has hitherto been considered to execute the joint office of furnishing shoes for the PROTECTION of the FEET, and the BODY with MEDICINE for the cure of disease. It has been, from its original formation as a business, the most dangerous, laborious, and least compensated, trade (or profession) of any in the kingdom; consequently none but the most indigent or illiterate (from the eaves of a cottage, or the walls of a workhouse) could be prevailed upon to undertake it. In proof of which, it is a well known fact, {246} that, for a century past, not more than one in TWENTY of its practitioners, in either town or country, has ever been enabled to leave a clear twenty pounds to his family at the time of their decease. Recent circumstances have, however, occurred, to give the PRACTICE of FARRIERY a new complexion; but, unluckily, in the extreme; for the appearance of "The Gentleman's Stable Directory" a few years since, and the success of its author in his indefatigable endeavours, and energetic exertions, to promote a reformation in the shamefully neglected, erroneous, and cruel system of FARRIERY, constituted such a blaze of national emulation, that the institution, erection, and establishment, of a PUBLIC SCHOOL, has rendered practitioners in FARRIERY (newly ycleped "Veterinary Surgeons") as numerous as the necessitous medical adventurers in almost every town and village of the kingdom. See Veterinary College.

FARRIERY

.—The ART of FARRIERY consists in the peculiar mode of discovering one disorder from another, by a discrimination of predominant symptoms, and the administration of medicine particularly applicable to that peculiar species of disease. It also comprehends and includes the operations of BLEEDING, CROPPING, DOCKING, NICKING, BLISTERING, FIRING, &c. as well as the cure of wounds, and the long train of ills and accidents to which the horse is incident. This ART (or more {247} properly science) now struggling to become respectable, has hitherto continued in a state of the most wretched sterility for the reasons so clearly explained under the last head; to which may be added, the very impressive consideration, that its PROFESSORS have not been permitted to retain the least personal weight in the scale of society; on the contrary, have been generally held in the most trifling estimation, and consequently destined to associate only with the lowest and least polished classes of every description.

The degrading, dirty, and inferior offices to which the manual or operative FARRIER must incessantly become liable in the course of his PRACTICE, renders it readily to be believed, that those whose EDUCATION have been sufficiently liberal to qualify them for a scientific initiation in the STUDY of PHYSIC and ANATOMY, as well as a perfect knowledge of the PROPERTY of MEDICINE, cannot be expected to descend to the rough and laborious business of the FORGE, making, fitting and setting the SHOES, as well as many other equally difficult and hazardous operations to which the subordinate must perpetually become subject in the course of his practice. Hence it is fair to infer, that the liberal education, and acquired polish, of the VETERINARY SURGEON, will so ill accord with the sensations of the SHOEING or black smith, that they will be found incompatible with each other; and, {248} until a more extended idea, and generous compensation, is adopted by the public, to render the MEDICAL MONITOR, (or veterinary surgeon,) and common shoeing-smith and operative farrier, two distinct and separate branches, the practice of FARRIERY and VETERINARY MEDICINE will never attain the improvement of which it is so clearly capable.

FEATHER WEIGHT

,—in the SPORTING WORLD, signifies the lightest weight that can be put upon the back of a HORSE, in whatever MATCH he may be engaged, and totally depends upon the will of the owner; who is not under the necessity of bringing his RIDER to the scale either before or after the race, in an engagement where "feather weight" is particularly expressed. On the contrary, when a horse runs for any PLATE, MATCH, SWEEPSTAKES, or SUBSCRIPTION, at a fixed weight, according to his AGE, HEIGHTH, or QUALIFICATION, his RIDER must be publicly weighed upon the course previous to starting; and at the termination of every heat, if the rider dismounts before his horse is led up to the SCALES, (generally affixed to the starting-post,) or when there, not weighing his proper weight, the HORSE is deemed distanced, and can start no more for the prize in question.

FEEDER

—is one essential part of a HUNTING ESTABLISHMENT, bearing no ill affinity to the bellows-blower of an ORGANIST; for if the hounds are not well and properly fed, they can never be adequate to the fatigues and difficulties they have to go through. To the FEEDER is submitted the management of the HOUNDS in kennel; but he is always subject to the occasional directions of the HUNTSMAN, whose immediate subordinate he is, and whose dictation he must implicitly obey. He should not only be young, indefatigable, and alert, {250} but fond of his employment; as well as humane and good tempered, for the comfort of the poor animals entrusted to his care, who have not the power to expostulate when ill used, or to remonstrate if their grievances stand in need of redress.

The department of the FEEDER is of more magnitude than may at first sight be believed. It is his particular business to keep THE KENNEL sweet and clean, and to execute this part of his trust at stated and invariable periods. To boil, prepare, and mix the different kinds of provision for the HOUNDS, according to the regulations of the establishment to which he belongs. When disengaged from the concerns of the kennel, he is expected to assist in the stables; as well as to exercise and dress the spare horses of the HUNTSMAN and WHIPPER-IN, on hunting days when they are absent. In extensive concerns, and large packs, two are required to FEED, in which case the HUNTSMAN (as is most proper) always renders assistance.

FEET

.—The FEET of HORSES being the very basis of support upon which the safety and expedition of the frame entirely depend, they are entitled to every possible degree of CARE and ATTENTION; more particularly in the WINTER SEASON, when, from neglect, so many ills and inconveniencies are known to arise. The injuries, accidents, and diseases, to which the FEET are constantly {251} liable, consist of CRACKS in the heels, SCRATCHES or lacerations, STUBS and bruises of the outer sole, or upon the verge of the coronet, between hair and hoof, CORNS, SANDCRACKS, THRUSHES, CANKER, QUITTOR, RINGBONE, and FOOT-FOUNDER; exclusive of the frequent injuries sustained in SHOEING, by the ignorance, indolence, or obstinacy of those SMITHS who, having no professional reputation to support, are too innately confident in their own ability to bear instruction.

As the DEFECTS thus enumerated will be found individually enlarged upon under distinct and separate heads, it becomes only necessary here to lay down such general rules for the regular management of the FEET, as may (properly attended to) prove the means of prudent prevention; not more in respect to the trouble and expence of DISEASE, than of the most mortifying and repentant anxiety. These defects and disquietudes are seldom found but in the stables where the MASTER rarely or ever condescends to obtrude his PERSON and commands upon the tenacious dignity of a self-important groom; the persevering industry of whose careful endeavours, and the pliability and elasticity of whose joints, if properly exerted, would prove the truest and most infallible preventives to SWELLED LEGS and CRACKED HEELS, in preference to all the nostrums ever yet brought into private practice or public use. And those who unfortunately encounter {252} these ills, may generally, and with justice, attribute them much more to the constitutional tardiness of the professed groom (or occasional strapper) than any defect in the constitution of the horse.

The FEET of different HORSES vary exceedingly in what may be termed the texture or property of the hoof; and this is, in general, regulated by the colour of the LEGS and FEET. There are few horses with white heels, but what have white hoofs also, and these are always more liable to, and susceptible of, DEFECTS and WEAKNESS, than those of an opposite description. The sound, firm, dark-coloured hoof, of the BAY, BROWN, or BLACK horse, is seldom found defective; but those of other coloured horses are the most subject to weak, thin soles, displaying a prominence on each side the frog, occasioned by a too feeble and inadequate resistance to the force of the membranous mass within; feet of which description are also frequently found to have the corresponding concomitant of a brittle hoof, the edges of which are incessantly splitting, and throwing out a constant threatening of SANDCRACKS, with the additional mortification of being subject to inveterate THRUSHES, or an almost constantly diseased or putrefied state of the frog.

Feet, so exceedingly different in the nature of their construction, must certainly require as different a mode of treatment, according to such circumstances as happen to exist. To preserve feet perfectly sound, and free from the ills to which they are subject, cleanliness is the leading step. After exercise or use, so soon as the body is drest, the dirt or gravel should be carefully taken from under the shoes with a PICKER, the feet well washed, the legs and heels rubbed dry, the bottom stopped with cow dung, and the hoofs oiled with a brush impregnated with SPERMA CÆTI OIL. Horses left with wet legs and heels, after a severe chace, or long journey, particularly in sharp easterly winds, or during FROST and SNOW, constitute cracks or scratches to a certainty. So severe a rigidity is occasioned in the very texture of the integument, that it becomes partially ruptured or broken in various places, upon being brought into expeditious action; which, with the friction and irritation then occasioned by the sharp particles of gravel in dirty roads, soon produce lacerations of the most painful description.

The state of the SHOES should be constantly attended to. Permitted to continue too long upon the FEET, the growth of the hoof brings the shoe forward, rendering it too short at the heel, when it begins to indent, and sinking upon the foot, soon presses upon the outer sole, constituting pain or disquietude {254} in some horses, and laying the foundation of CORNS in others. Horses, in moderate work, require NEW SHOES once a month upon an average, never varying more than two or three days from that time: indeed, it is not right they should go longer. The penurious plan of removing shoes half worn is truly ridiculous; they never render service adequate to the expence, and the practice only tends to a more frequent destruction of the hoof. Thrushes should be counteracted upon their first appearance, without being permitted to acquire a corroding virulence. Swelled Legs are hardly ever seen in stables where a proper course of discipline, and regular routine of business, is observed; they proceed from a visced, sizey state of the blood, a languor in the circulation, a want of exercise out of the stable, or a sufficiency of friction, leg-rubbing, care, and attention within. See Grease.

"Any person who shall unlawfully set fire to, burn, or destroy, or assist in so doing, any goss, furze, or fern, upon any FOREST or CHASE within England, he shall, on the oath of one witness before a JUSTICE of the peace, forfeit a sum not exceeding 5l. nor less than 40s. one moiety to the informer, the other to the poor of the parish. The same to be levied by distress; in want of which, the offender to be committed to the house of correction, or county gaol, for a time not longer than three months, nor less than one." In addition to which act, there are other MANORIAL rights and local customs, respecting FERN upon wastes and commons, restraining those who have right of common (or other privileges) from cutting fern before HOLYROOD DAY in every year.

FERRET

—is a useful little animal, well known to WARRENERS and RAT-CATCHERS, by whom they are principally bred, as necessary to their own occupations. The ferret is of great spirit, strength, and courage, for its size; is an inveterate enemy to rabbits, rats, and poultry; in the pursuit of which, it will encounter any difficulty or danger, when once put upon the scent. The body is longer in proportion to its height, than almost any other animal, the weazel and stoat excepted. The colour {256} frequently varies, even in the young of the same dam and the same litter; some being black, with white under the belly; some are of a faint straw-colour yellow, and others of a light sandy red. The head is, in its formation, not unlike the mouse; the eyes are small, fiery, having the appearance of red-hot iron, and can consequently distinguish objects in the dark. It has a natural and instinctive propensity to burrowing, and where-ever the head can enter, the rest of the body can easily follow. Whenever the FERRET has secured the prey he is in pursuit of, he extracts the blood with extreme pleasure by suction, but is totally indifferent to the flesh; with the exception of the head of either RABBIT or RAT, the skull of which he directly destroys with his teeth, the better to enjoy an instantaneous and luxurious feast upon the brains.

The FERRET usually produces five or six young at each litter, after a gestation of forty days: the offspring continue blind for thirty days, and copulate in six weeks after they can see. They are not ravenous, (except in pursuit of their prey, after having been long fasted;) are easily supported upon bread, milk, and similar trifles, enabled by nature to exist a long time without food, which is in some degree compensated for by their great enjoyment of sleep. When used in WARRENS, they are hunted with muzzles, that they may alarm the RABBITS, {257} and drive them from their burrows to the nets, without having the power to injure them; for if they were enabled to seize them under ground, they could never be prevailed upon to leave the earths.

FETLOCK

.—The part so called is the next joint below the knee, and is formed by the union of the shank-bone, at its bottom, with the upper part of the small bone passing from this junction to the coronary bone at its top. The TENDONS (commonly called the back sinews) have their lower seat of insertion at this joint, which is constantly liable to, and frequently susceptible of, the most serious LAMENESS. As injuries of this joint are sometimes incurable, particularly when occasioned by a twist or ligamentary distortion, one precaution may be prudently retained in memory; that more horses are lamed by short, sudden, and unnatural turns in the narrow stalls of an ill-constructed STABLE, (particularly in the Metropolis,) than by any straitforward means whatever. Tendinous lameness has a much greater chance of early relief, and permanent cure, than an injury sustained at the junction of the bones; for the relaxed tendons being restored to their original elasticity by CORROBORATIVE STIMULANTS, BLISTERING, or FIRING, frequently continue sound during the existence of the horse: on the contrary, a LIGAMENTARY LAMENESS, however {258} it may be relieved, or apparently restored, is always more subject to a relapse or repetition.

FEVER

,—HORSES are subject to, and frequently attacked with, originating in various causes, and acting upon different constitutions in a different way. Judicious discrimination should be made between what is (ab origne) a FEVER within itself, and symptomatic fever, dependent upon, and arising from, another cause. Extreme pain may produce FEVER, as in large formations of matter, where tumours approach gradually to suppuration. Fever may become attendant upon inflammatory cholic, or upon a severe fit of the strangury, or spasmodic affection of the kidnies. In all INFLAMMATIONS of the LUNGS, the fever exceeds description; but these fevers are called SYMPTOMATIC, as being a concomitant, or distinguishing trait, of the DISEASE upon which it is founded, rather than a disease within itself.

The predominant symptoms of FEVER are, an agitated lassitude and debility of the whole frame, with evident disquietude in every position; quick and strong pulsation; mouth parched and dry, with a burning heat to the fingers, when placed under the tongue; breath of a fleshy offensive smell; the eyes red, inflamed and prominent, as if propelled by internal inflammation; heaving {259} more or less in the flanks, according to the mildness or severity of the case. Frequent attempts are made to STALE; the urine is very red in colour, and comes away in small quantities: the dung is generally hard, voided in single or double globules, to each of which adheres a viscid slime, indicative of much internal foulness amidst the interstices of the intestinal canal. Loss of appetite, difficulty of respiration, a refusal of food, and impatient thirst for water, are amongst the most invariable diagnostics of fever; and as these symptoms are more or less violent, may be estimated the severity and DANGER of DISEASE.

FIRING

—is an operation performed upon different parts of A HORSE for the promotion of any particular purpose, (according to the degree of injury sustained,) and in the following way. The horse being safely secured by twitches and cords, according to the methods in general use, the OPERATOR having his irons in the fire properly heated, and his attendant ready to supply him with another, as often as the fire of the previous iron is exhausted, he proceeds with the edge of the red-hot iron to make longitudinal and transverse strokes in succession, over the whole part where injury has been sustained, and to such extent as circumstances may have rendered necessary; the depth and magnitude of the operation depending upon the severity of the injury, and the length of time since it was sustained. Firing is frequently adopted in strains of the back sinews, where the subject is said to have broken down; likewise for BONE and BLOOD SPAVINS, CURBS, SPLENTS, and partially to prevent a renewal or repetition of SAND-CRACKS, as well as for RINGBONES, and LAMENESS in the round-bone; in the two {262} last, however, it has hardly ever been known of the least utility.

By the 5th Eliz. c. xxi. s. 2, it is provided, That if any person shall unlawfully BREAK or DESTROY {263} any head or dam of a FISH POND, or shall wrongfully fish therein, with intent to take or kill fish, he shall, on conviction at the ASSIZES or sessions, at the suit of the King, or the party injured, be imprisoned three months, and pay treble damages; and after the expiration of the said three months, shall find sureties for good behaviour for SEVEN YEARS to come.

By 31st Henry Eighth, c. ii. s. 2, If any evil-disposed persons shall fish in the day-time, from six in the morning till six in the evening, in any PONDS, STEWS, or MOATS, with nets, hooks, or bait, against the will of the owners, they shall, on conviction thereof, at the suit of the King, or the party aggrieved, suffer imprisonment for the space of three months, and find security for their good behaviour.

By 22d and 23d Charles Second, c. xxv. s. 7, it is enacted, That if any person shall, at any time, use any casting-net, drag-net, shove-net, or other net whatever; or any angle, hair, noose, troll, or spear; or shall lay any wears, pots, nets, fish-hooks, or other engines; or shall take any fish by any means whatsoever, in any RIVER, STEW, MOAT, POND, or other water, or shall be aiding thereunto, without the consent of the OWNER of the WATER, and be convicted thereof before a JUSTICE, by confession, or the OATH of one witness, within one month after the {264} offence committed, such offender shall give to the party injured such satisfaction as the JUSTICE shall appoint, not exceeding treble damages; and shall, over and above, pay down presently unto the OVERSEERS of the POOR, such sum, not exceeding 10s. as the JUSTICE shall think fit: and in default of payment, the said penalties to be LEVIED by DISTRESS; and for want thereof, the offender to be committed to the house of correction, for a term not exceeding one month, unless the party offending enter into bond, with surety, to the party injured, in a sum not exceeding 10l. never to offend in like manner.

Justices are also authorized to take, cut in pieces, and destroy, all such articles as before recited and adapted to the taking of fish, as may be found in the possession of OFFENDERS when taken. Persons aggrieved may appeal to the QUARTER SESSIONS, whose judgment shall be final. Although this power is vested in a MAGISTRATE, yet the owner of the water, or fishery, cannot justify such a measure, but can only take them damage feasant, as is particularly expressed in various clauses of different acts of Parliament upon this subject. And by the 4th and 5th William and Mary, it is enacted, That no person (except makers and sellers of nets, owners of a river or fishery, authorized fishermen, and their apprentices) shall keep any net, angle, leap, pike, or other engine for taking of FISH.

The proprietor of any river or fishery, or persons by them authorized, may seize, and keep to his own use, any engine which shall be found in the custody of any person fishing in any river or fishery, without the CONSENT of the OWNER or OCCUPIER. And such owner, occupier, or person, authorized by either, sanctioned by the consent of any JUSTICE, in the day-time, may search the houses, or other places, of any person prohibited to keep the same, who shall be suspected to have such nets, or other engines, in his possession, and the same to seize, and keep to their own use, or cut in pieces and destroy.

By the 5th George Third, c. xiv. s. 1, it is enacted, That if any person shall enter into any PARK or PADDOCK inclosed, or enter into any garden, orchard, or yard, belonging to, or adjoining to, any dwelling-house, wherein shall be any river, pond, moat, or other water, and, by any means whatsoever, (without the consent of the owner,) steal, kill, or destroy, any FISH, bred, kept, or preserved therein, or shall be assisting therein, or shall receive or buy any such fish, knowing them to be such, shall, upon conviction, be transported for seven years. Persons making confession of such offence, and giving evidence against an accomplice, who, in pursuance thereof, shall be convicted, will be entitled to a free pardon.

And by the same Act, s. 3, it is enacted, That if any person shall take, kill, or destroy, or ATTEMPT to take, kill, or destroy, any fish in any river or stream, pool, pond, or other water, (not being in any park or paddock enclosed, or in any garden, orchard, or yard, belonging or adjoining to a dwelling-house, but in any other enclosed ground, being private property,) such person, being thereof convicted by confession, or the oath of one witness before a JUSTICE, shall forfeit five pounds to the owner of the fishery of such river or other water; and in default thereof, shall be committed to the house of correction for a time not exceeding six months. Stealing fish in disguise is made FELONY by the 9th George the First, c. xxii. If any person armed and disguised, shall unlawfully steal, or take away, any FISH, out of any river, or pond, or (whether armed or not) shall unlawfully and maliciously break down the head or mound of any FISH-POND, whereby the fish shall be lost and destroyed, or shall rescue any person in custody for any such offence, or procure any other to join him therein, he shall be guilty of FELONY, without benefit of clergy.

FISTULA

.—Any ulcer having a SINUS or pipe of uncertain termination, the inside of which has acquired callosity, and from whence a matter or bloody sanies flows, or may be pressed out, is {267} called a FISTULA. In its more immediate application, it appertains principally to the injury sustained upon the WITHERS of HORSES; pinched by the saddle, or bruised by the harness; in long and severe chases or journies with one, or long continued weight and friction with the other. A repetition of the first cause generally lays the foundation of great trouble; some expence, and no small share of anxiety: attended to upon the first injury, the inflammation frequently submits (and sometimes speedily) to the mildest class of REPELLENTS: a fomentation of hot vinegar twice or thrice, for ten minutes each time, or a few applications of strong VEGETO MINERAL, incorporated with a proportion of camphorated spirits, will generally prevent any farther cause of disquietude.

There is no one disease, or injury, to which THE HORSE is incident, more perplexing to the VULCANIANS of the old school or VETERINARIANS of the new, than a FISTULA; the formation and process of which is precisely thus. A repetition of the bruise and friction, or painful pressure upon the wither, having excited inflammation, NATURE makes an effort in her own favour; tumefaction or swelling ensues, and suppuration follows of course. From the bony structure of this particular part, a copious secretion of matter is in the first instance never obtained, or, indeed, to be expected. From the great difficulty of securing poultices so as to retain {268} their situation, the progress of maturation is always tardy, and ultimately both partial and imperfect: the aperture, if self-made, is always exceedingly small, from which may be immediately traced with the probe, one or more pipes or SINUSSES in different directions, becoming more and more callous internally, according to the length of their standing, or the injudicious mode in which they may have been treated.

Various modes of treatment, and different directions for a certainty of cure, have been laid down by successive writers upon FARRIERY, and frequently with little success. Theory, it must be admitted, is one thing; the execution in PRACTICE is another. The VOLUME of EXPERIENCE opens to the mind of rumination, and professional emulation, a new page every day; that page now demonstrates the fact, that the most inveterate and long-standing FISTULA is to be firmly and infallibly cured, and the parts perfectly restored, by a mode easy in execution, and invariable in effect. Let a silver probe be passed in every possible direction, that the SINUSSES may be precisely ascertained; this done, let the probe be properly armed with lint, then plentifully impregnated with BUTTER of ANTIMONY, and carefully introduced in such state into each distinct sinus, (whichever way they divide or ramify;) when there, give the probe a turn, that every part may be equally affected; artificial inflammation {269} will succeed, the internal CALLOSITY will be destroyed, and slough off in a few days from the sound parts. The vacuum may then be cleansed with equal parts of FRIAR'S BALSAM, and TINCTURE of MYRRH, by a long-necked syringe, once in three or four days; and the WOUND being daily dressed with the precipitate digestive ointment, insinuated with lint rolled round the probe, and when properly inserted, slipt off with the force of the finger and thumb into the wound, and covered with a sticking plaister to keep it firm, incarnation will be gradually promoted, and COMPLETE CURE certainly follow.

FLESHY-FOOTED

.—A horse is said to be FLESHY FOOTED, when that part of the bottom of the foot on each side the FROG (called the OUTER SOLE) is preternaturally prominent, constituting a convexity above the wall or crust of the HOOF, where the shoe should have its proper bearing upon the FOOT of the HORSE. In feet of this description, the outer sole, from repeated bruising and battering in constant work upon hard roads, or from an injudicious and destructive paring away with the butteris, are so exceeding thin as to indent with the slightest impression, and being too weak to resist the membranous expansion within, compulsively submit to the internal propulsion, and are thrown into the projecting form already described. Great care is required in shoeing horses with this defect: the inner part of the web of the shoe should be so completely hollowed as not to admit the least chance of bearing upon the prominent part; if it does, tenderness and disquietude (if not lameness) must inevitably ensue. In cases of this kind, neither the butteris or drawing-knife, should be permitted in hand; they only render the REMEDY worse than the DISEASE.

FODDER

.—The winter provender for HORSES and CATTLE is so called, and consists of barley and oat straw, peas haum, the short rakings of the barn floor after threshing the corn, and previous to cleaning it; all which, with good shelter in the most severe and dreary part of the season, constitute no ill accommodation; particularly those FARMYARDS in the country that are well managed, from whence HORSES, after a winter's run, frequently come up FIRM in FLESH, and not very foul in condition. On the contrary, those who are advocates for the STRAW-YARDS within ten or fifteen miles of {272} the Metropolis, had better cut the throats of their HORSES than make the experiment: they barely exist in a state of wretched starvation, are brought up in the months of April and May objects of dreadful emaciation, and commonly occasion more expence to generate flesh, and render them fit for use, than they are afterwards worth. An insufficiency of sweet, good, and healthy FODDER, or even a profusion of stinking oats, or musty hay, will inevitably impoverish the blood, and lay the foundation of SURFEIT, MANGE, FARCY, and other disorders.

FOIL

,—a term used in HARE HUNTING. When, during the chase, a hare, after a head or double, runs over the ground she has ran before, she is then said to be running the foil, and with strict truth, for nothing can so much foil the HOUNDS as a chase of this description. Old hares, who have speed enough to break away, and get considerably a-head, almost invariably throw themselves out to the right or left, double, and QUAT; particularly if a hedge-row, hedge, fern, furze, or any kind of covert presents itself favourably for the purpose. The HOUNDS continuing to run the scent to the spot where she made her head, over-run the hare, and having no continuance of scent, are of course at fault; during which delay of trying forward, trying back, making a cast to the right, then a cast to the left, the HARE slips into her foil; by repeatedly running of which with the same instinctive sagacity, {273} she as repeatedly saves her life; without which, and many similar innate shifts to avoid their numerous enemies, there would not long be a HARE left in the country.

FOMENTATION

—is, perhaps, the most generally useful of all external applications in a great variety of cases, and cannot of course be too well known, or too much encouraged. It is a process but little prescribed or practised by FARRIERS or VETERINARIANS; either because its efficacious property is very little known; or the persevering patience required in the act, is too great for constitutional indolence. In all inflammatory tumours and enlargements arising from STRAINS, BLOWS, BRUISES, and various other injuries, the efficacy of hot and persevering FOMENTATION can only be known to those who have repeatedly experienced its salutary effects. In fact, its properties are twofold, in as much as it assists NATURE in whichever is her most predominant effort, either for absorption or suppuration.

Fomentations are prepared by boiling three or four double handsful of the different kinds of aromatic garden herbs in six quarts or two gallons of water, occasionally stirring them for a quarter of an hour; then let the part affected be patiently FOMENTED {274} with sponges or flannels, alternately dipped in the DECOCTION, as hot as it can be consistently used without injury to the hair. If the TUMOUR, or enlargement, does not threaten suppuration, the absorption may be assisted by a gentle persevering friction in hand-rubbing, previous to the application of such REPELLENT as may be thought applicable to the case: on the contrary, should a formation of matter have evidently taken place, the intention of nature cannot be too expeditiously promoted; an EMOLLIENT POULTICE should instantly follow the FOMENTATION, and both be repeated once or twice a-day, according to the magnitude of the emergency.

The herbs chiefly in use for FOMENTATIONS (and from which any three or four may be selected) are Roman and COMMON WORMWOOD, MALLOWS and MARSHMALLOWS, LAVENDER leaves and flowers, Rosemary leaves, CAMMOMILE flowers, Elder flowers, and Bay leaves. These are articles not always to be readily obtained; and as they are in all HUNTING establishments likely to be wanted upon the most sudden emergencies, GENTLEMEN in the country will find the convenience of giving orders for an annual supply to be provided, and properly dried, in the summer, that no disappointment may be experienced in the winter, when their use is more likely to be required. They are kept ready mixed at the BOTANICAL SHOPS in the different markets {275} of the Metropolis, and may always be had in any quantity under the denomination of FOMENTATION HERBS.

FOOT-FOUNDERED

.—A horse is said to be FOOT-FOUNDEREd when there is an evident defect in action, and a palpable tenderness, which prevents him from putting his feet freely and boldly to the ground. This malady seems never to have been clearly comprehended, or perfectly explained, by any of those who have written upon the subjects included in the general practice of FARRIERY. It is to be observed, that HORSES labouring under this infirmity, have become gradually contracted in the hoof, and proportionally narrowed at the heels, putting their feet before each other with as much fear and caution, as if they were moving upon a sheet of red-hot iron; the RIDER of any such horse, being constantly in the happy expectation of the horse's pitching upon his head, and probably breaking the rider's own neck.

The very few reasons hitherto assigned for the origin of this defect, "as being watered when too hot, then setting the horse upon cold planks without litter;" "heats and colds, which disorder the body, and excite malignant humours, that inflame the blood, melt the grease, and make it descend downward to the feet, where it settles, and causes a numbness in the hoofs;" are so truly nugatory, that they are not for a single moment entitled to SCIENTIFIC disquisition. The only two RATIONAL CAUSES which can be assigned for this disorder (if it can with propriety be so termed) seem never to have attracted professional observation or reflection. That it has its foundation in long and hard riding (or drawing) upon the hard and hot roads in the summer months, will not admit of a single doubt; which foundation once laid, is not only increased by every repetition of the original cause, but a formidable addition made to it by the shameful and destructive practice of fitting red-hot shoes, from THE FORGE, to the foot of the horse; an unrelenting act of cruelty, constantly and obstinately persevered in at almost every shoeing-shop in the kingdom, by which infernal act alone, hundreds of horses are annually FOOT-FOUNDERED; to crush which evil, THE LEGISLATURE would not find itself degraded, by enacting a prohibitory LAW, any more than by condescending to protect the persons of the outside passengers upon a STAGE COACH.

To justify what is advanced upon the subject of FOOT-FOUNDER, let it be recollected, that persevering friction will produce fire; of which we have repeated proofs in the number of carriages known to have taken fire upon the roads, and to have been totally consumed. We are convinced a piece of cold iron, struck with a hammer five or six times in succession upon an anvil, will quickly afford a communication of fire to a match; this being reduced to an incontrovertible certainty, what must be the excess of heat produced by the EFFECT of ATTRITION between the shoe of a horse and the hardness of the road in the summer months, the animal going a FIFTEEN or TWENTY miles stage, at the rate of twelve or fourteen miles an hour?

Why, the effect is precisely this; that, by the time the horse has travelled a few miles, the RIDER dismounting, will find, upon instantaneous examination, the shoe has acquired (by the attrition already described) a degree of heat beyond his power to bear with his hand, without being seriously burned. The effect of heat without, being the same within, acts so powerfully (in proportion to the continuation of the journey, and the state of the road) upon the foot of the horse, particularly those of the weakest texture, and the most susceptible, that the INNER SOLE (or membranous mass in which the coffin-bone is lodged) becomes in time, and by repetition, partially divested of its moisture, the very {278} source of sensation; upon which contraction of the internal parts, the HOOF losing its means and support of expansion, contracts in a corresponding degree, constituting the impoverished appearance, brittle-hoof, and narrow heel, previously described.

Those who have been so exceedingly sparing, or so accidentally sterile, in respect to the causes of this DEFECT, have, nevertheless, been sufficiently liberal in directing A CURE. "First, pare all the horse's soles so thin that you may see the quick; then bleed him well at every toe; after which stop the vein with tallow and resin melted together; and having tacked some hollow shoes slightly on his feet, stop them with bran, tar, and tallow, melted together, and poured into the feet as hot as can well be born; repeat this every other day for a week or nine days, after which give him proper exercise daily; or, what is still better, turn him out for six weeks, if it is a proper season for so doing."

Whether this mode, so strenuously recommended, and copied by one writer from another, is likely to effect a cure, every reader will enjoy the privilege of judging for himself: it is, however, most likely that those who rely upon any professional exertions for total obliteration, will be disappointed, and that occasional palliation is all that can be reasonably expected. There is, however, no doubt, but frequent and plentiful impregnations {279} of the whole hoof, and bottom of the foot, with SPERMA CÆTI OIL, made warm over the fire, will contribute as much to the expansion of the hoof, and the regeneration of membranous moisture in its contents, as any other means whatever.

FORE-LEGS

.—The fore-legs of a horse begin at the lower extremity of the SHOULDER-BLADE before, and the ELBOW behind: they consist of what are termed the ARMS, (or fore thighs,) which extend to each KNEE; the shank-bone from the knee to the FETLOCK JOINT; the fetlock-bone is continued from thence to the CORONARY-BONE, into which it is inserted; the coronary-bone in part fills the cavity, or box of the hoof, being lodged in the COFFIN-BONE, supported by the nut-bone behind; these last are deposited in the membranous mass denominated the INNER SOLE; the whole being terminated by the bottom of the hoof, the frog, and the outer sole. The FORE-LEGS, to be uniform, (in a front view,) should be wide at the upper part next the breast, strong and broad in the ARM, bony below the KNEE, free from SPLENTS, a broad sound HOOF, firm SOLE, and a FROG without thrushes.

A FOREST has its foundation under a commission bearing the great seal of England, and when proclaimed through the county in which the land so appropriated lies, "that it is A FOREST, and to be governed by the LAWS OF A FOREST," it then becomes a forest upon record, and the OFFICERS before mentioned are appointed. A forest has its "BOUNDARIES," its "PURLIEUS," its "PROPERTIES," its "COURTS," with a variety of regulations equally uninteresting and unentertaining, except to those who are resident within its precincts; to whom a variety of enlarged particulars will be useful, and may be found in "Daniels' Rural Sports," a recent publication of merit and celebrity.

There are said to have been SIXTY-NINE FORESTS in England, of which the New Forest, Windsor Forest, Sherwood Forest, and the Forest of Dean, have always been considered the principal. His Majesty's STAG HOUNDS are kept at the kennel upon Ascot Heath, in Windsor Forest, where he has for some years enjoyed the pleasures of the chase.

The beasts of forest, in all ancient records, were denominated "BEASTS OF VENERY," and consisted {282} of the Hart, Hind, Hare, Boar, and Wolf: the complete extinction of the two latter has, however, long since rendered the term unnecessary, if not entirely obsolete, and the whole is generally comprehended under the appellation of GAME, and the LAWS enacted to prevent its destruction.

During the time of the great camp upon Bagshot Heath, the Duke of Richmond having taken up his temporary residence at the Rose Inn, Wokingham, in Windsor Forest, where the courts were occasionally held, and seeing the regulations respecting the Court of Attachment fixed in the room, his Grace wished to obtain some information upon the subject; but finding none to be derived from the waiter, he desired "a person might be sent up who knew something of the matter." In a few minutes appeared the son of the landlady, who most sagaciously informed the Duke, that the "Forty Days Court was an ANNUAL MEETING, held every six weeks;" with which very clear and explanatory account, his Grace condescendingly expressed himself "perfectly satisfied."

FORM

—is the spot in which the HARE takes her seat at the dawn of day, to secrete herself, after making her various work in the night (or rather in the early part of the morning) to avoid discovery. When found sitting, she is said to be in her FORM. If shot as she sits, without being previously disturbed, she is then said to have been shot in her form. Hares vary their sitting according to the season, the sun, and the wind. Soon after harvest they are found in wheat, barley, and oat stubbles, as well {284} as in rushy grassy moors; after these get bare, they retire to coverts, banks, hedges, and hedge-rows. After Christmas, and in the spring months, dry fallows, particularly those laying towards the sun with an ascent, are seldom without hares, if there are any in the neighbourhood.

FOWL

.—Fowl, properly arranged, may be classed under three distinct heads; as DOMESTIC FOWL, consisting of cocks, hens, geese, and ducks. Wild fowl, comprehending, in the general sporting acceptation, only birds of flight and passage, as sea-gulls and geese, wild ducks, widgeon, teal, curlews, plover, woodcocks, and snipes. Game fowl, in the earliest Acts of Parliament, for its preservation, were extended to a very long list, including even the "Heron," the "Mallard," the "Duck," and the "Teal:" these, however, seem to be buried in a legal oblivion, and the whole at present to centre in the PHEASANT, the PARTRIDGE, the GROUSE, or red game, and the HEATH FOWL, or black game; the laws respecting which individually, will be found under their distinct and separate heads.

FOX

.—The FOX is that well-known native animal of this country whose instinctive cunning has rendered it proverbial: they are common in most parts of the kingdom, (as well as in Scotland,) but vary so much in size, that a late writer has extended his description to three different and distinct kinds. He says, "There are three varieties of fox with {286} us, differing in form, but not in colour, except the cur FOX, whose tip of the tail is black: they are distinguished by the names of the GREYHOUND FOX, which is the tallest and boldest, and is chiefly found in the mountainous parts of England and Scotland, and will attack a well-grown sheep. The MASTIFF FOX is less, but his limbs more strongly formed. The CUR FOX is the least, the most common, and is the most pernicious to GAME, approaches nearer to the habitations of mankind, lurks about the out-houses of the FARMER, and destroys all the POULTRY it can get at."

Without descending to a minute examination of this "VARIETY," which probably may arise from the force of a too fertile imagination, or the different growth of FOXES in different counties, where the deficiency of food, or the difficulty of obtaining it, may occasion as great and proportional a variation in the size of the ANIMAL, as may be observed with the HORSES of Scotland and Wales, when brought into competition with those produced in a more fertile part of the kingdom; it must suffice to explain his natural history as of one species only.

The FOX, when tamed and subject to nice inspection, is one of the most beautifully formed animals in the creation; and when that form is critically surveyed, the possibility of his persevering speed before such immense bodies of fleet pursuers, {287} for so great a length of time, becomes matter of the greatest admiration. Foxes are in colour of a yellowish red, or rather yellow brown, having on the forehead, the shoulders, as far as the root of the tail, and the outside of the hind legs, a tinge of dirty white or ash colour: the edges of the lips, the cheeks, and the throat, are white; and a stripe of the same runs along the under side of the legs: the breast and belly are a lightish grey: the tips of the ears and feet (sportingly termed PADS) are black: the tail (called BRUSH) reddish yellow, with a blackish hue upon the surface; the tip itself pure white.

The fox in formation has great resemblance to the dog, but with some variations; his head is larger in proportion to his body; his ears are shorter; his tail thicker, and the hair longer: he has a broad flat forehead, narrowing to a picked nose; ears erect, and sharp at the point; eyes small, and fiery in aspect, by which are easily observed whether he is influenced by AFFECTION, ANGER, or FEAR. His sense of smelling is so instinctively exquisite, that he can wind either his prey or his enemy at a very considerable distance.

The sagacity of this animal, in the pursuit of his prey, as well as his various modes of obtaining it, are almost beyond description: his favourite objects are GAME of every kind, RABBITS, POULTRY {288} without exception, BIRDS, and the smaller quadrupeds. In extreme hunger he will eat mice, frogs, snails, and insects: some kinds of fruits and berries also are not refused. Honey he is remarkably fond of; and, it is said, will even attack the HIVES, and hazard the event of a battle, rather than relinquish the chance of so luxurious and delicious a repast. The same sagacity regulates all his proceedings in respect to bodily safety: when laying above ground, it is generally in the most sequestered and unfrequented places, and the most difficult of access; when at earth, it is generally in the strong hold of hard ground, exceedingly deep, of which some BADGER has been dispossessed, (by the FOX'S cunning of depositing his excrement there,) or under the roots of trees, by the diverse ramifications of which he is shielded from every chance of extermination.

In his nocturnal depredations, he is in some degree systematic, frequently selecting for his concealment those small grassy-bottomed COVERTS near the small hovels and thatched cottages of the labouring poor, where his lurking-place is the least suspected. Here, in his recluse KENNEL, he enjoys the various cackling of the different kinds of poultry, and exultingly anticipates the intentional devastation. When unrestrained, and in a state of liberty, he seizes POULTRY with a rapturous eagerness, and ravenous rapacity, absolutely incredible; his joy in {289} possession is demonstrated by the most inexpressible twistings and flirtings of the TAIL, with other wanton gesticulations, indicative of the highest possible gratification. The first and most pressing sensations of present hunger being satisfied, he prudently provides for the uncertainty of the future: after the annihilation (or safe deposit) of a first, he returns for the second; that safely secured, either in a hole dug for its reception, and covered with earth, or secreted in his kennel, he comes for a third, which is concealed in a similar manner, but not in the same place, well knowing the impolicy of placing all his treasure in ONE BANK, wisely recollecting, that should BANKRUPTCY happen in one place, it can prove no bad maxim to have EFFECTS in another.

Fortune not always favoring him at the same points, he has his ALTERNATIVES: as it is the misfortune annexed to his very NATURE to afford sport to others, so, with all the retaliation in his power, he frequently finds sport for himself. To the helpless, inoffensive LEVERETS, during the early part of the season, he frequently gives chase, particularly on moon-light nights, with too much success. In this pursuit he vents a sensation of pleasure, partaking more of a yelping whimper than a distinct bark: he seizes old HARES in their forms; perseveringly digs rabbits out of their burrows; is indefatigable in the search after, and discovery of, PHEASANTS and PARTRIDGES upon their nests, which {290} he instantly destroys. The fatigue he undergoes by night in quest of prey, occasions him to sleep much, and sometimes exceedingly sound, by DAY: instances have been frequent of HOUNDS drawing up to, and killing them in kennel, without a drag; as well as of their being found sleeping in the sunny banks of hedge-rows, and shot by FARMERS, (basking as they lay,) without being previously disturbed.

The naturally rank and offensive smell of the FOX renders it a rich scent to HOUNDS, which they evidently evince when it lays well, and they are running BREAST HIGH; at which time the crows, magpies, and jays, (who consider him an invincible and cruel enemy,) give clamorous proofs of his presence, by hovering over him with their screams of exultation at his impending fate, so long as they can keep him in view. They copulate (or go to clicket, as it is called) in the winter, and produce cubs during the month of April, and the first week in May: they have but one litter a year; an OLD VIXEN frequently bringing from six to nine cubs; a VIXEN of the first or second year not so many. They are known to grow for eighteen months, and to live, even in a tame state, for fourteen or fifteen years.

Doubts have arisen, and opposite opinions have been strenuously supported, upon the question whether the FOX and DOG will generate an OFFSPRING to {291} which the prolific powers shall continue in successive perpetuity: this seems to be positively ascertained in the AFFIRMATIVE, with one exception, which is, that the act of copulation will be effected only by the DOG FOX with a bitch of the CANINE SPECIES.

Instances of the extreme cunning, and innate sagacity, of FOXES, when hunted, and in returning twenty and thirty miles to the coverts where they have been first found, are upon record, and almost innumerable. Their COURAGE, as well as the strength of their jaws, are beyond conception: they defend themselves to the last extremity; no blows deter them from their hold: their bite is severe and dangerous, as they make their teeth meet through a strong and thick hand. When caught by the HOUNDS, they are silently resolute even in DEATH; for revengefully seizing upon the first assailant, their hold is never relinquished but with the last gasp.

FOX-HUNTING

—has been for time immemorial a favourite sport with the natives of this kingdom, particularly in the prime of life; the pleasing exercise, and bodily exertion, contributing greatly to the PRESERVATION of HEALTH; but the fatigue and danger render it but ill-adapted to the AGED, the INFIRM, and the VALETUDINARIAN. The persevering speed and fortitude of the GAME, the constantly {292} improving high mettled excellence of the HOUNDS, the invincible spirit of the HORSES, and the unrestrained ardour of their RIDERS, have given it a decided superiority over every other FIELD SPORT ever yet known to the people of this country. Its salutary effect upon both the BODY and MIND, has established its enjoyment upon a basis too broad ever to be shaken, even by time itself: the superlative pleasure of every scene, the diversities of the aggregate, and the extacy with which the whole is embraced by its infinity of devotees, have reduced the sport to a system of perfection never before known; and in this some of the most LEARNED, the most EMINENT, and the most OPULENT characters are principally and personally engaged in nearly every county, from one extremity of the kingdom to the other.

Fox-hunting seems to be possessed of a charm, or magical inspiration, within itself, that even the most serious, the most cynical, and the most singular, cannot, with all the firmness of their resolves, summon resolution to withstand. It is the very kind of rapturous gratification to which every effort of the pen becomes inadequate in its attempts at description; it must be seen to be understood; it must be FELT to be ENJOYED. A FOX-HUNTING ESTABLISHMENT consists, in general, of what it has done for the last century past, at least with those PACKS most celebrated for the EMINENCE and OPULENCE {293} of their OWNERS. The principal and second HUNTSMAN, the first and second WHIPPER-IN, three horses kept for each of the first, and two each for both the last; from TWENTY-FIVE to THIRTY-FIVE couple of HOUNDS, terriers, helpers, earth-stoppers, dog-feeders, and a long list of et ceteras, too numerous for minute description. Those who wish to acquire a systematic knowledge of the SPORT, (so far as it can be obtained from THEORY,) will do well to peruse attentively "Mr. Beckford's Thoughts upon Hunting, in a Series of familiar Letters to a Friend."—They are so truly the effusions of sound judgment, and so replete with the useful remarks of an experienced sportsman, that there is no room for any thing NEW or ADDITIONAL to be introduced upon the subject.

FREE WARREN

.—A FREE WARREN is a term totally distinct from FOREST, CHACE, PARK, MANOR, or WARREN; it is a franchise derived originally from the Crown; and the person having a grant of free warren over certain lands, possesses a SOLE RIGHT of pursuing, taking, and killing GAME of every kind within its limits; although there may be no one acre of land his own property through the whole district where he is possessed of this right. There are instances where a variety of circumstances render manorial rights and privileges so complex, and seemingly indefinite, as to produce litigation without personal enmity, but merely that the right {294} shall be LEGALLY ascertained. It appears that where MANOR LANDS are situate in, and surrounded by, a FREE WARREN, the owner of such lands may kill game within his own manor, but he cannot introduce even a qualified person to KILL GAME there also, without the consent of the owner or possessor of the privilege of FREE WARREN over the whole; if so, the person introduced killing game, will be liable to an action for trespass, which action will lie.

A curious cause came on to be tried before a jury at the summer assizes of the present year, 1802, held at Abingdon, for the county of Berks, wherein John Westbrook, Gent. of the parish of Bray, (situate in Windsor Forest,) was PLAINTIFF, and a Game-keeper of his Majesty's the DEFENDANT. The action was brought to try the RIGHT of the DEFENDANT, as one of his Majesty's keepers, to KILL GAME within the enclosed grounds of the PLAINTIFF, situate in, and surrounded by, the wastes, commons, and within the boundaries of the said FOREST. When, without adverting to the laws relative to forests only, (with which the question was totally unconnected,) the Court held it good, that the King, possessing a FREE WARREN over the WHOLE, possessed likewise the privilege of appointing a KEEPER to kill game upon any, and within every, part of the said FREE WARREN, without the least exception as to enclosed lands, the property of others; {295} when the jury instantly found for the defendant, by which the right is fully confirmed.

This being a question of privilege, tried on the part of an individual against the prerogative of the Crown, it might be fairly considered conclusive upon the subject of FREE WARREN; but as it cannot be too clearly understood, for the prevention of ill neighbourhood, and expensive litigation, another decision is subjoined, which took place about the same time, though in a different county.

On the 12th of July, in the same year, a writ of inquiry was executed before the Under Sheriff at Hertford, in an action wherein Henry Browne, of North Mimms, Esq. was PLAINTIFF, and Thomas Greenwood, the Younger, DEFENDANT. The action was brought for a trespass committed by the DEFENDANT, in shooting game within the FREE WARREN belonging to the PLAINTIFF, who is Lord of the Manor of North Mimms, and entitled to free warren through the whole of the Manor. It appeared, that the land on which the trespass was committed, and the game killed, by the DEFENDANT, was not, in point of fact, the land of the PLAINTIFF, but, on the contrary, belonged to Justinian Casamajor, Esq. However, as it was proved to be within the Manor of North Mimms, and the right of free warren extending over the whole of the Manor, the Jury, after considering {296} the circumstances of the case, and the defendant's conduct, who persisted in shooting after being warned to the contrary, gave a verdict of TEN POUNDS with costs.

FRET

.—The disorder which (in the country) is called by this name, is the FLATULENT CHOLIC, and occasioned from a retention of wind, and a rarefaction of air in the intestinal canal. It is immediately discoverable by the fulness and extreme tension of the carcase, the agonizing pain of the horse, the rumbling of the confined air, the partial and very trifling expulsions of wind, the laboured respiration, frequent groaning, suddenly laying down, and as hastily rising, constant looking back to the flank on one side or the other, as if soliciting relief from those who surround him. The great and leading object is, to promote a plentiful EXPULSION of WIND: this is in general followed by excrementitious discharges, by which ease is obtained, and the disorder near at an end. Warm, spicy, aromatic CARMINATIVES, blended with ANODYNES, are the medicines best adapted to this species of CHOLIC, and to which it speedily submits; more particularly if plenty of ASSISTANTS are at hand to bestow the necessary portion of flank rubbing, (and belly wisping,) to an unceasing perseverance in which, success is equally to be depended upon with the administration of MEDICINE; as in most cases {297} little is to be expected from one without collateral aid from the other.

FROG

,—in HORSES, is the centrical soft kind of horny substance at the bottom of the foot, spreading wide from the heel, having a cleft in the middle, and terminating in a point toward the toe. To the internal parts the lower extremity of the TENDONS are attached, and the FROG is the basis by which their elasticity is supported, and from whence is derived the deceptive reasoning, that the FROG must indispensibly (in action) touch the ground. The frog is subject to a defect, called the FRUSH, or THRUSH, and this, when become virulent, is termed running thrush: it sometimes arises from internal heat, by standing too much upon foul hot litter, (particularly in the livery stables of the Metropolis,) as well as from a STAGNANT state of the FLUIDS in the extremities, for want of proper exercise, leg rubbing, and keeping the feet clean.

FUMIGATION

—is a most useful PROCESS in all cases where the DISEASES of HORSES particularly affect the HEAD. In recent colds, obstinate coughs, glandular tumefactions under the jaws, STRANGLES, INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS, low fevers, and even in dulness, over-fatigue, or when a horse is off his appetite, and refuses food, it is very frequently of perceptible utility. Horses may be fumigated by boiling ROSEMARY, LAVENDER, MARSHMALLOW LEAVES, and CAMMOMILE FLOWERS, in a few quarts of water over the fire for a quarter of an hour, then straining off the liquor, and strewing the hot herbs from one end of the manger to the other, fastening the horse's head up with the rack rein, by which means he cannot evade the EFFLUVIA. In want of these, or where they are difficult to obtain, a mash made of GROUND MALT, with boiling water, is a very substantial and proper substitute, into which stir two ounces of aniseed, and two ounces of carraway seeds, both fresh, and {299} previously beaten to powder in a mortar. This mash most HORSES will afterwards EAT, when sufficiently cold for the purpose; which, with the effect of the fumes upon the THROAT, the NOSTRILS, the GLANDS, and the HEAD, in general will promote a discharge, and relieve the subject.

Injuries of this description, if unexpectedly sustained, should be immediately attended to; a repetition, and that soon, upon the part so injured, is frequently productive of trouble, expence, loss of time, and disappointment. When the side of a horse is galled, as it sometimes is, by the girth-buckle having been most improperly placed upon the edge of the pad, it is not unlikely, for want of early or proper attention, to terminate in a SITFAST, and then can only be completely cured by {301} extirpation with the knife. The WITHERS being affected in the same way, and the saddle or harness continued in use by which the injury was originally occasioned, the foundation of FISTULA may be laid, and will be likely to ensue. In all slight and superficial galls, two or three moistenings of the part with cold vinegar will allay the inflammation, and harden the surface; but where the long-continued heat and friction has occasioned a destruction of parts, it must be dressed and managed as a wound, which can only be completely cured by incarnation.

GALLOP

—is one pace of THE HORSE, well known by that general name; though it will admit of gradational distinctions. A CANTER is the slowest gallop, in which a horse bears most upon his haunches, but lightly on the bit; it is a pace which spirited, good-tempered horses seem to enjoy, and is peculiarly calculated for the accommodation of a lady. A RATING-GALLOP is the increase of action to such pace, as the particular horse may or can go with ease at his rate in common stroke without being exerted to speed; and this is the HUNTING GALLOP of thorough BRED HORSES, who will always lay by the side of HOUNDS at it, without being in the least distrest. A BRUSHING GALLOP upon the TURF, implies an increased degree of velocity, but not equal to utmost speed.

GAME

—for the preservation of which such a succession of LAWS have been enacted, were, in many of the former preambles to the different ACTS of Parliament, extended to "the Heron, Pigeon, Mallard, Duck, Teal, Widgeon, or any such Fowl;" but in the present construction, GAME is generally considered to imply no more than the HARE, PHEASANT, PARTRIDGE, HEATH-FOWL, and MOOR GAME, which are the whole of what is intentionally included {303} in the GAME LAWS; and what persons possessed of certain qualifications, as well as an ANNUAL CERTIFICATE, are empowered to kill. Deer of every description are also denominated GAME; but they are protected by LAWS appropriate to their peculiar preservation. Rabbits were also included in many of the earliest acts relating to GAME, but are now considered of no consequence, except in WARRENS, where being private property, and productive of annual profit, they have LAWS for the security of THE OWNER, with very heavy penalties annexed to their destruction. Proprietors of DOVE-HOUSE PIGEONS have likewise legal means of redress, upon their pigeons being wantonly shot at or destroyed. The mallard, wild-duck, widgeon, teal, &c. are not without LAWS for their increase, and proportional preservation. See Decoy.

Those NOBLEMEN and GENTLEMEN who have (from hereditary rule, and local custom) continued the sport of COCKING, in the neighbourhoods where their country mansions and landed estates lay, have been, and are, exceedingly circumspect and cautious in the BREED, lest any chance of contamination should creep in, by an injudicious, improper, or unlucky, cross in the blood; for as some HUNDREDS of POUNDS are frequently depending upon ONE MAIN, and that main upon the battle of a single cock, no such money can be betted with a probable or equal chance of winning, unless the unsullied purity of the BREED is most accurately ascertained. In confirmation of which remark, it is to be observed, that whenever a COCK, in FIGHTING, declines the battle, no longer faces his adversary, but repeatedly turns tail, and runs away, his blood is no longer to be relied on; and such cock has not only his neck broke in the Pit, but the whole of that breed are destroyed, to prevent farther contamination, as well as future loss, disgrace, and disappointment.

Game cocks are bred of various colours, according to the fancy or opinion of different AMATEURS, many of whom have their favourite plumage; {305} their colours are technically described by the variations in feather, and are as follow: The black or pheasant-breasted RED; the black-breasted GINGER; the speckle-breasted ginger dun; the black-breasted YELLOW DUCKWING; the turkey-breasted DITTO; the SMUTTY DUN; the BRASS-WINGED BLACK; and the SMOCK, which is a milk-white, having the appearance of a common barn-door fowl; and the odds are proportionally against them whenever they are brought to Pit, which is now but seldom, the breed being nearly or quite destroyed.

Two opinions have always been, and still are, entertained respecting THE COCKS most proper to breed from, admitting the standard of bone, strength, weight, and standing, to be just the same. Some prefer breeding from A COCK who has WON many hard-fought battles, by which his own blood is so fairly proved; whilst others maintain the consistency of breeding only from the full brothers of such, (who are called MAIDEN COCKS, as never having fought,) under an impression, that the former must have sustained material injury by the wounds received, and the blood lost, in the battles he had formerly fought. However those who BREED GAME FOWL may differ upon this particular point, it is an opinion nearly unanimous, that if you breed entirely for the Pit, that no cock should be bred from younger than TWO, or more than SIX, {306} years old. Although it is right to breed from a strong, bony, close-made, majestic, high-standing cock, yet it is by no means prudent so to do from cocks much above match weight; that is to say, never to exceed FOUR POUNDS, TWELVE OUNCES, at the utmost; for should the HENS prove large also, the progeny might run still more into size and bone, and never fall into any match whatever.

In breeding GAME CHICKEN, to breed with success, there are some general rules, which should be strictly attended to, and invariably persevered in. No BROOD-COCK should walk with more than four hens; three being, in fact, fully sufficient. Game hens should never be permitted to bring forth a clutch of chickens before the last week in February, nor after the first week in May; those hatched in March and April are only adapted to the Pit, and are always preferable, in SIZE and GROWTH, to those hatched at any other season of the year. Hens after hatching should be cooped asunder, where the chickens cannot intermix; as the hens will not only kill the young of each other, but FIGHT THEMSELVES with the same inveteracy as THE COCKS. If a game hen, with chicken, retreats when attacked by another in the same state, her produce has been suspected to prove, in future, defective in courage; this opinion has, however, been founded upon false principles; because it is a very common circumstance for the younger hen to {307} give place to an older, as it always is for THE STAG to submit to the OLD COCK, who must and will continue master of his walk.

During the first year after being hatched, they are called individually CHICKEN; from twelve months to two years old, they are termed STAGS, and from that period called COCKS, being then thought in their prime; but they are probably more so AT THREE, if properly walked. Cock chickens should never be permitted to run too long together, but be separated as soon as they begin fighting with each other; and this ought to be the more strictly attended to, because it frequently happens, that out of a whole clutch, by neglect or inattention, what with scalped heads, loss of eyes, broken beaks, or deformed feet, not one has ever been brought to the scale.

Cock chicken, when first removed, at three or four months old, are placed where they continue to walk under an OLD COCK, and will continue obedient and submissive till nine and ten, or sometimes TWELVE MONTHS old; the experiment is nevertheless too hazardous to be made; they had much better be taken to a MASTER-WALK in proper time, to avoid the probability of either one or both being SPOILED. The most eminent BREEDERS, as well as the most enthusiastic BETTERS, have one mode of endeavouring to fix a criterion, how far {308} they can depend upon the heel, the fight, and the blood, of any particular BREED or CROSS they may have been induced to adopt. This experiment (dreadfully cruel as it is) is termed "CUTTING OUT," and consists in pitting such CHICKEN of seven, eight, or nine months old, unarmed, against their own brothers, or others of superior age, weight, and strength, having SILVER SPURS; if the chicken, so unarmed, and without the least chance of success, continues the combat till completely deprived of life, without displaying the least tendency to cowardice, or consciousness of defeat, more of his brothers have the same severe and "fiery ordeal" to undergo, when, if the result is just the same, the cross is admitted to be good, and the BREED is persevered in, till, from circumstances, the blood is thought to degenerate, when new crosses are adopted, and new experiments made. See Cocking, Cock-match, and Cockpit.

GAMING

—is that destructive vice which has annihilated some of the most princely fortunes in this, and, perhaps, in every other kingdom: it is a whirlwind of devastating infatuation, which destroys every thing before it: like the effect of unrestrained fire, it continues its ravages so long as there is a single combustible to feed the flame. The most MAGNIFICENT MANSIONS, the most LORDLY POSSESSIONS, the most MAJESTIC "towering woods," and the most extensive FERTILE VALES, have been {309} in one night swept away by this infernal and definitive propensity. Thousands, educated in AFFLUENCE, and left in a state of the most flourishing INDEPENDENCE, have been reduced to the greatest want, and died miserable repentants within the dreary CONFINES of a PRISON, by the certain effect of an attachment to this most dreadful of all vices, which the united WISDOM of the Legislature has so strenuously endeavoured to suppress. Laws have been framed, and are rigidly enforced, for its prevention; heavy STAMP DUTIES have been laid upon CARDS and DICE, that those who use them may voluntarily contribute to the support of the State, by which both person and property are protected; and, as a farther proportional prohibition, no GAMING DEBT is recoverable BY LAW where the sum sued for shall exceed TEN POUNDS. See Betting.

GAMING-HOUSES

—are those infamous NOCTURNAL RECEPTACLES of the most abandoned iniquity, where such scenes of villainy are in perpetual practice, that the most fertile pen must be inadequate to even a tolerable representation. These houses in the Metropolis, are, by the SPORTING WORLD, denominated "Hells;" and so truly are they entitled to that sublime distinction, that the whole FORCE of MAGISTRACY has been most laudably and successfully exerted against them without exception. Houses of this description are appropriated only to the purposes of play, and that of the {310} most unfair description. They are kept by SYSTEMATIC DEPREDATORS, "who shun the light;" men who have no credit to support, no reputation to lose; and who are as completely lost to every sense of shame, as they are completely banished from the respectable classes of society. Here it is where the young, the inexperienced, the injudicious, and the inconsiderate, sacrifice not only their OWN, and often the property of OTHERS, but prostitute also that most invaluable GEM their INTEGRITY, and with it a PEACE of MIND never to be restored.

From the first moment of entering such an iniquitous sink of POLLUTION, such a complication of VILLAINY, and such a combination of the most desperate and abandoned THIEVES, every infatuated adventurer may date the origin of future misery. Whether it be CARDS, DICE, E. O. or whatever GAME or NAME the speculative sport may be, the credulous, unsuspecting dupe has no one CHANCE TO WIN, but inevitably every chance to lose, under the certainty of their systematic depredation. Thus far in explanation of those Hells, legally considered nuisances to society, as being prejudicial to the morals, and destructive to the property, of such individuals as unhappily fall within the vortex of so fashionable an influence; but there are other GAMING HOUSES of a superior order, and of the most magnificent description, supported in all the style {311} of EASTERN SPLENDOR, by annual contribution from the first characters in the kingdom, and called "SUBSCRIPTION HOUSES," to which none but their own INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS are admitted under any plea whatever; and these, as private houses, being ABOVE THE LAW, any member possesses, of course, the privilege of ruining himself, and reducing his family to beggary, without transgressing the LAWS of HIS COUNTRY, or incurring the censure of his best and most fashionable friends.

GAME-KEEPERS

—are persons delegated by legal prescription, to provide GAME for the purposes of those by whom they are appointed, to PRESERVE and PROTECT it against a class of adventurers (denominated poachers) by night, as well as an unfair or improper destruction of it by day. Every LORD or LADY of a MANOR are authorized, by writing under their hands and seals, to empower a GAME-KEEPER to kill within the said manor, any HARE, PHEASANT, PARTRIDGE, or other game. If, however, such game-keeper shall sell or dispose of the game he shall so kill, without the knowledge or consent of the said LORD or LADY, and shall be convicted, upon the oath of one witness, before a Justice of Peace, he shall be committed to the house of correction, and kept to hard labour for three months.

One GAME-KEEPER only can be appointed to kill game within one manor; in which he is authorized {312} and empowered, by his DEPUTATION, to take and seize all guns, bows, greyhounds, setting-dogs, lurchers, ferrets, trammels, low-bells, hays, or other nets, hare-pipes, snares, or other engines, for the taking and killing of HARES, PHEASANTS, PARTRIDGES, or other game, within the precincts of such manor, in the possession of any person not qualified to keep the same. It does not appear by this act (23d Charles Second, c. xxv. s. 2) that a GAME-KEEPER is empowered to seize THE GAME, although he is authorized to take all instruments in use for the destruction of it.

By the 25th George Third, c. v. s. 2, every deputation of a GAME-KEEPER granted to any person, by any LORD or LADY of any MANOR in England or Wales, shall be registered with the Clerk of the Peace of the county in which such manor lies; where he shall receive a certificate of such registry, upon payment of ONE GUINEA, and one shilling to the Clerk, for the same. A game-keeper omitting to register his deputation, and to take out his certificate, for twenty days, to forfeit TWENTY POUNDS. The certificate must be renewed annually; and upon the appointment of a NEW GAME-KEEPER, a new certificate must be taken out; and the person formerly acting under the old certificate is no longer qualified to kill game, but liable to all the penalties of this act.

In addition, a few general remarks may be useful. A GAME-KEEPER having no other qualification than his deputation and certificate, is not entitled to KILL GAME out of the precincts of the manor for which he is appointed. Nor is he empowered to demand THE NAME, or a SIGHT, of the CERTIFICATE of any qualified person out of his own district; unless he is qualified to kill game in his OWN RIGHT, (exclusive of his deputation,) and is possessed of his THREE GUINEA certificate; in which case he may do either or both. But let it be remembered, that, although he is QUALIFIED to KILL GAME in his own right, and acts under a deputation for a certain specified MANOR, he is liable to the penalty prescribed by the Act, if he is informed against for, and convicted of, killing game out of that manor, without being previously possessed of the three guinea certificate. Any GAME-KEEPER killing or taking a hare, pheasant, partridge, or other game, under colour of being for the use of the Lord of the Manor, and afterwards SELLING and DISPOSING thereof, without the consent of the said Lord of the Manor, upon conviction, on the complaint of such Lord, and on the oath of one witness, before a Justice, shall be committed to the house of correction for three months, and there kept to hard labour.

GAME LAWS

.—The laws framed for the PRESERVATION of THE GAME, are, by the different {314} Acts of Parliament, during several successive reigns, become so truly voluminous, and in many instances thought so truly complex, that it is impracticable to reduce any moderate abridgement of the whole within the intentional limits of this Work. But as many of the former Acts (at least many of the clauses in those Acts) though unrepealed, are in practice almost obsolete, it is proposed (divested of legal tautology) to bring a review of the existing parts of the GAME LAWS as they now stand, and as they are now acted upon, into as concise a point of view as the subject will admit; and so perfectly free from ambiguity, as to be rendered perfectly clear to the most moderate comprehension: at least as much so, as can be expected upon LAWS, that, after all the refinement of CENTURIES, after all the investigation and deliberation of the different Legislatures, and the advantages derived also from the sage opinions of the most learned in THE LAW, are certainly less respected, and less effectual, than any other part of the code to be found in the statute books of this realm. Whether it is, that they are less understood, less palatable to those interested in their effect, or but feebly and partially executed, is a matter only to be ascertained by time, and such future arrangements as may probably take place.

Persons held legally qualified to kill game, must be in the full and undisputed possession of a FREEHOLD LANDED ESTATE, {315} producing a clear 100l. per annum; or possessed of a lease, or leases, for ninety-nine years, or any longer term, of the clear yearly value of 150l. other than the heir apparent of an Esquire, or other person of higher degree. Esquires, as defined by LAW, are the younger sons of Noblemen, and their heirs male for ever: the four Esquires of the King's body: the eldest sons of Baronets, of Knights of the Bath, of Knights Bachelors, and their heirs male in the right line. A Justice of the Peace is also an Esquire for the time he is in the commission, but no longer.

Persons of higher degree than Esquires, are Colonels, Serjeants at Law, and Doctors in the three learned Professions; but neither Esquires, nor any of these, are qualified to kill game, unless they have the requisite estate mentioned; though their SONS are qualified without any estate. This, however unreasonable it may seem, has been fully decided to be the true construction of the Act. In addition to every necessary QUALIFICATION by ESTATE, according to the construction of all former Acts, it is enacted, by 25th George Third, c. 1. s. 2, That every person in Great Britain who shall use any dog, gun, net, or other engine, for the taking or destruction of game, shall every year, previously to his using the same, deliver in a paper, or account in writing, containing his name and place of abode, to the Clerk of the Peace of the county {316} where he shall reside, (or his deputy,) and annually take out A CERTIFICATE of having so done, for which he is to pay THREE GUINEAS, and one shilling to the Clerk for his trouble in making out the same; which certificate shall bear date on the day whereon it is issued, and remain in force from thence until the first day of July then after, and no longer. Such certificate may be demanded by the unqualified as well as QUALIFIED; and if the Clerk of the Peace shall refuse to grant such certificate when demanded, he is liable to the penalty of TWENTY POUNDS.

Any person, qualified or unqualified, who shall be in pursuit of game, without having obtained such certificate, shall be liable to the penalty of TWENTY POUNDS. It is also provided in the said Act, That every person having obtained a certificate, who shall find any other person in pursuit of game also, it shall be lawful for him (after having produced his own certificate) to demand from such other person, the certificate to him issued of having conformed to the said Act; and on such demand, such person shall produce such certificate, and permit the same to be inspected; and on refusing to produce the same, and also refusing to give his Christian and Surname, and place of residence, or giving a false name or place of residence, he shall forfeit the sum of FIFTY POUNDS.

It is to be observed, that persons taking out A CERTIFICATE, who are not qualified by former Acts to KILL GAME, derive no privilege from their certificate so to do; but, nevertheless, remain liable to all the penalties of former acts, if informed against, and prosecuted to conviction. It, however, appears, upon the experience of the last seven years, that since the privilege of killing game has contributed so largely to the exigencies of the State, less litigation has prevailed upon the score of PRESERVATION. Indeed, there is now so little fear of an information, that almost every person having taken out a certificate, erroneously considers himself nominally entitled TO KILL; in full confirmation of which, the list of those who have obtained certificates in the different counties, may be inspected at the Stamp Office, upon the payment of one shilling, where will be found the names of hundreds who do not individually possess an independent TWENTY POUNDS per annum upon the face of THE GLOBE.

In all cases where the penalty does not exceed 20l. the Justice of Peace shall, upon information or complaint, summon the party and witnesses to appear, and proceed to hear and determine the matter in a summary way; and, upon due proof, by confession, or the oath of one witness, give judgment for the forfeiture; and issue his warrant for levying the same on offenders goods, and to {318} sell them, if not redeemed within six days; rendering to the party what overplus there may happen to be; and if goods sufficient are not found to answer the PENALTY, the offender shall stand committed TO PRISON for six calendar months, unless the penalty be sooner paid. Any offender feeling himself aggrieved by such judgment, may, upon giving security, amounting to the value of the forfeiture, with the costs of affirmance, APPEAL to the next general Quarter Sessions, when it is to be heard and finally determined; and in case the judgment be affirmed, Sessions may award such costs incurred by appeal as to themselves shall seem meet. Justices may mitigate penalties; so that the reasonable charges of officers and informers for discovery and prosecution, be always allowed over and above mitigation, and so as the same does not reduce the penalty to less than a moiety, over and above the costs and charges.

Restrictions for killing GAME are as follow: No PARTRIDGE to be killed between the 12th of February and 1st of September, under a penalty of FIVE POUNDS. No PHEASANT between the 1st of February and 1st of October, under the like penalty. Grouse, or RED GAME, only from August 12th to December 10th. Heath fowl, or BLACK GAME, from August 20th to December 10th. Bustards from December 1st to March 1st. No time is limited for the killing of HARES, provided {319} they are not illegally taken. No GAME whatever is to be killed or taken sooner than ONE HOUR before SUN RISING, or later than ONE HOUR after SUN SET, under a penalty of 5l. to the qualified or unqualified. Killing game on Sunday, or Christmas-day, liable to the same penalty as killing game during the night.

Any unqualified person exposing a HARE, PHEASANT, PARTRIDGE, or other game, to sale, is liable to a penalty of 5l. For selling a HARE, PHEASANT, PARTRIDGE, or other game, qualified or unqualified, 5l. If either are found in the shop, house, or possession of any POULTERER, SALESMAN, FISHMONGER, COOK or PASTRY-COOK, or of any person not qualified in his own right to KILL GAME, or entitled thereto under some person so qualified, it shall be deemed an exposing thereof to sale.

Unqualified persons using any engine to kill or destroy HARES, PHEASANTS, PARTRIDGES, or other game, liable to a penalty of 5l. as well as keeping and using GREYHOUNDS, SETTING DOGS, or any engines to kill or destroy HARES, PHEASANTS, PARTRIDGES, or other game, are liable to a penalty of 5l. The keeping or using being individually or jointly liable to the forfeiture of 5l. as well as for killing, so it should appear, from the plain construction of the Acts, that if the informations are separately laid, first for "keeping and using," {320} and secondly "for KILLING," conviction must inevitably follow for both, if sufficient evidence is produced to confirm the offence. Informations must be laid within SIX CALENDAR MONTHS, before a Justice of Peace, or by action of debt, bill, plaint, or information. The whole penalty to be given to the informer, with double costs, if brought on in Westminster Hall. Summary conviction, half to the informer, and half to the poor. These are the penalties annexed to former Acts, independent of the Act respecting annual certificates to be taken out from the Clerk of the Peace, to KILL (or go in pursuit of) GAME; without which, incurs an additional penalty of 20l. to the unqualified, making the forfeiture 25l. and of 20l. to the QUALIFIED, who becomes only liable to that single penalty, for killing, or attempting to kill, game without the annual certificate so prescribed to be taken out.

A QUALIFIED PERSON cannot come upon another man's ground to KILL GAME, without being liable to an ACTION for trespass; and an unqualified person for trespassing, shall pay full costs: but if a person qualified to kill game, sustains an ACTION for trespass, and the damage shall be found under 40s. he shall in such case pay no more COSTS than DAMAGES; this being a most equitable construction, to prevent paltry and personal litigations. It has been decided by the highest legal authority, that {321} any unqualified person may go out to beat hedges, bushes, and mark birds, in company with any qualified person, to see the game pursued and taken, without being liable to any penalty, provided he has no DOG, GUN, or ENGINE, of his own, individually, to assist in its destruction.

It would be unfair to conclude this subject, which has for centuries occasioned such a diversity of opinions amongst the SUPERIOR CLASSES, and diffused so much discontent amongst the lower, without submitting to both, a very EMPHATIC and literal extract from Judge Blackstone, in his comment upon the Forest Laws, in which he has this particular passage.

"From a simple principle, to which, though the Forest Laws are now mitigated, and by degrees grown entirely obsolete, yet, from this root has sprung a bastard-slip, known by the name of the Game Laws, now arrived to, and wantoning in, its highest vigour; both founded upon the same unreasonable notions of permanent property in wild creatures, and productive of the same tyranny; but with this difference, that the Forest Laws established only one MIGHTY HUNTER throughout the land; the Game Laws have raised a little Nimrod in every manor."

GAMES of ART

—are those in which the skill, judgment, and penetration of the player are immediately concerned, and upon which alone his success must entirely depend. In this class are included Billiards, Chess, Draughts, Cricket, Fives, Tennis, Bowls, and some others, as well as a few upon the Cards; but as the latter are always subject to DECEPTION, and completely subservient to the slipping, sliding, and cutting of the most FAMILIAR FRIENDS, (even in private families,) they are, with propriety, much more entitled to the appellation of CHANCE than of ART, particularly where the unsuspecting player has the perpetual chance of being ROBBED, without the mortification of knowing the main-spring of depredation. However expert those may be, who indulge and excel in GAMES of ART, two things should ever be predominant in memory; always to play with an invariable philosophic PATIENCE and SERENITY, never to seem affected by a temporary run of ill-luck or momentary advantage, any more than agitated by the exulting irritation of a successful opponent. The run on one side may as suddenly be reversed to the other; a chance that petulance and ill-humour may probably destroy. Prudent players never engage in matches of any kind where four or more are concerned, except amongst their most intimate acquaintance; particularly at the public tables of the Metropolis, where it is the custom for three to poll one, and divide the spoils after the {323} PIDGEON has been plucked; a very fashionable mode of playing at both BILLIARDS and WHIST; by which an infinity of necessitous and unprincipled adventurers procure a daily subsistence.

GAMES of CHANCE

.—Those games are so called, which depend solely upon the turning up of a CARD, or the uncertain "HAZARD of THE DIE." When fairly played, without any latent deception on one side or the other, they are considered truly equitable between the players, who are then said "to PLAY UPON THE SQUARE," without a point of advantage, the whole being dependent upon, and decided by, the EFFECT of CHANCE. The celebrated nocturnal game of Hazard, at which such immense property is annually LOST and WON, at the most fashionable and powerfully-supported GAMING HOUSES, is known to be the first and fairest GAME of CHANCE, upon which an adventurer (determined to encounter the probability of ruin) can possibly venture to STAKE HIS MONEY: on the contrary, it must be admitted, that the torrent of villainy, and unprincipled prostitution of affected integrity, have made such rapid and unprecedented strides to perfection, that the most experienced SPORTSMEN must despair of being enabled to play upon the square, after so many GAMBLERS of FASHION have, within a few years, been detected with loaded dice in their possession.

The game of E O, so plausibly deluding to all classes, particularly to rustics upon the different country COURSES and RACE GROUNDS, is the most deceptive, and most destructive, of any ever yet displayed for the purpose of public attraction; it may be very candidly placed in a parallel line with those low and rascally inventions of HUSTLING in the HAT, and PRICKING in the BELT, to both which an infinity of cunning countrymen become infatuated dupes, to the great emolument and gratification of that horde of miscreants, who subsist only upon the credulity and ignorance of the inexperienced, avaricious, and unsuspecting.

GASCOIN, or GASKIN

,—of a horse, is that part of the hind quarter extending from the stifle (or inferior point of the thigh approaching the belly) to the bend of the hock behind; upon the shape, strength, and uniformity of which, the property, action, and excellence of the horse very much depends. If the GASKINS are wide, and divide below the tail in a curvilinear arch on the inside, with a prominent swell of the muscle on the outside, it is not only indicative of great strength, but adds considerably to the symmetry and value of the horse, when viewed behind. A horse well {325} formed in the gaskins, is seldom badly shaped in the fore quarters; nor are they, in general, horses of inferior action; exclusive of which, they are insured from the very aukward DEFECT of cutting; no small inconvenience to a TRAVELLER with a weary horse upon a long journey.

GATE-NET

.—A GATE-NET is a principal part of the stock in trade of an expert and experienced POACHER; and, in respect to HARES, the most destructive nocturnal instrument that can be brought into use. They, at a certain hour in the dead of night, when hares are sure to be at feed, are fixed to the third bar of the gates of such fields as have green wheat, young clover, or any other where (by daily observation) they are known to use; when being fattened to the ground under the lower bar by means of wooden forked pegs, a lurcher is turned over the gate, who having been trained to the business, and running mute, scours the field in a circuitous direction; when the victims, thus suddenly and unexpectedly alarmed, make immediately for the gate, (by which they entered,) when the dog being close at their heels, at least not far behind them, they have no alternative, but to rush into the net, where becoming entangled, they meet their destruction. In this way three or four brace are taken in a plentiful country at one adventure. The only likely mode of rendering such attempts abortive, is by painting the lower bars of the gate {326} white, which will occasion the hares to shun the gateway, and have recourse to their meuses; if GAME-KEEPERS and SPORTSMEN will but occasionally examine which, to take up the well-intended wires, it will, at any rate, go a great way towards preventing such incredible havoc and wholesale destruction.

GINGER

—is an aromatic spicy root, brought to us from the East and West Indies, in a preserved as well as in its natural state. In the former it is used as a stomachic and sweetmeat by the superior orders: in the latter it is common in all the shops, consisting of flat-knotted branches, of which the whitest, and least stringy or fibrous, are the best. It is a very useful ingredient in many compositions for the internal diseases of horses, particularly in the FLATULENT CHOLIC, commonly called FRET. Houses in the country, remote from towns, {328} where horses are used and fed upon peas haum, and other winter fodder, frequently producing such disorders, should never be without a small quantity of this article: two ounces bruised, and boiled in ALE or GRUEL, then drained off, and the liquor given with a horn, would prove an excellent substitute for medicine upon many emergencies.

GIVE and TAKE PLATES

—are those where the HORSES carry WEIGHT according to their HEIGHT, by the regulated standard of four inches to a HAND. The fixed rules for a GIVE and TAKE are, that horses measuring FOURTEEN HANDS, are each to carry nine stone; above or below which height, they are to carry seven pounds, more or less, for every inch they are HIGHER or LOWER than the FOURTEEN HANDS fixed as the criterion.—Example: a horse measuring FOURTEEN HANDS, one inch and a half, will carry nine stone, ten pounds, eight ounces; a horse measuring THIRTEEN HANDS, two inches and a half, will carry only eight stone, three pounds, eight ounces; the former being one inch and a half above the FOURTEEN HANDS, the other one inch and a half below it. The weight is, therefore, added, or diminished, by the eighths of every inch, higher or lower weight in proportion; and these PLATES were so exceedingly popular some few years since, that very few country courses were without one of this description.

GLANDERS

—is, perhaps, without exception, the most dreadful, and certainly destructive, disease {330} to which the horse is incident. No exertions have been wanting on the part of the most eminent professional men (particularly in France) to discover the means of successfully counteracting the justly-dreaded virulence of this disorder; but hitherto with so little the appearance of progress, that it is almost an invariable custom to render the subject an immediate VICTIM to DEATH, so soon as he is ascertained to have become the VICTIM of DISEASE. There are never wanting SPECULATORS, or SPECULATIVE WRITERS, so long as "a doubt remains to hang a loop upon;" and many of these both speak and write as prompted by their pecuniary sensations, and the sale of the NOSTRUM it is their personal interest to promote. These, of course, promulgate not the probability, but the certainty, of cure, and may, in so doing, possibly prey upon the credulity of those who are equally strangers to the origin of this disease, its progress, its effects, or its termination.

After the great variety of opinions which have taken place; after all the investigations made by every class of the most diligent inquirers in anatomical dissections, as well as by various other means, three facts are incontrovertibly established: first, that the disease is INFECTIOUS; secondly, that it is CURABLE; and lastly, that the LUNGS of every HORSE dying under the disorder, or killed during its progress, have been either partially, or totally, {331} destroyed. This demonstrated beyond the power of contradiction, what does it prove? Why, very clearly, to the judicious and scientific, who are inquisitive to experience, and open to conviction, that this disorder is in direct affinity to the PULMONARY CONSUMPTION of the HUMAN SPECIES; but that the horse having no means of throwing off the morbid matter by expectoration, as is the case with us, Nature, in her strong and inexplicable efforts for relief, propels the putrid discharge through the nostrils of the animal; whereas with the HUMAN FRAME, the wasting of the lungs passes through, and is discharged by, the mouth; and this, to the experienced practitioner, and learned inquirer, will hold forth the most unequivocal and satisfactory proof, that the GLANDERS is a virulent CONSUMPTION of THE LUNGS, by the corrosive property of which discharge (become inveterate) the glandular passages are proportionally affected.

Much judicious observation, and professional knowledge, is requisite to discriminate between this disease, and others bearing a part of its appearances: many horses are too hastily deemed GLANDERED, which are not so; and others as ignorantly said to be labouring under A COLD, and its consequence, till a whole stable has been affected, and every horse lost. The distinguishing traits are a discharge from one or both nostrils, of a viscid, slimy, and fœtid matter, having a kind of greasy tinge upon the surface: {332} it is glutinous in its property, hanging to, and becoming dry and barky, upon the internal edges of the nostrils: it is white at the beginning, and grows darker in proportion to the duration and inveteracy of the disease; it becomes yellow, ash-colour, green, and lastly, tinged with blood, at which time, as well as before, it is dreadfully offensive: previous to this stage, indurated tumefactions have taken place under the jaws, the frame is daily more and more emaciated, the eyes sink gradually in their orbits, the appetite totally ceases, the body becomes almost motionless, seeming a mere lifeless trunk, till it falls to the ground a mass of perfect putrefaction.

"GONE AWAY!"

—is the exhilarating communicative HOLLOA! from one sportsman to another in STAG or FOX hunting, when the game breaks from large coverts, and goes away; at which time, if it was not for this friendly rule, invariably observed, those who happen to be up the wind, would be inevitably thrown out, and the hounds have got miles, before the most distant part of the field knew any thing of the matter. To prevent the mortifying probability of which, those nearest the chace and the hounds, instantly vociferate the enlivening signal of, "GONE AWAY!". This being repeated by the next in succession, it is re-echoed by a third, and so on till it vibrates through the {334} whole chain; and it must be acknowledged, there is not a more gratifying moment in the progress of a chase, than to see the distant effort of every individual, to recover his lost ground, and get in with the hounds.

GORGED

;—the common and vulgar term for swelled legs, when their enlarged and distended state has been occasioned more by severe and hard work, than the effect of HUMOURS originating in a fizey or morbid state of the blood. A horse having his back sinews flushed, and legs thickened, so as to go short and stiff in action, but not broken down, is said to be gorged. Having the same appearances from humours, or a viscidity of the blood, he is then said to be foul, and must be relieved by PURGATIVES or DIURETICS, assisted by a great deal of hand-rubbing and regular friction. Gorged horses should be blistered, and turned out in time, by which they frequently get fresh again: continued at work too long, they break down, and become cripples.

GOULARD

.—The article so well known by this name, and so constantly brought into use upon many emergencies, is the EXTRACT of LEAD; which is prepared by, and may be obtained of, almost every druggist in the kingdom. Its excellent properties are universally admitted as a CORROBORANT, a REPELLENT, a SOLVENT, and an almost infallible {335} remedy in well-proportioned topical applications to inflammations, strains, bruises, or recent tumefactions: but some degree of professional knowledge, and experimental practice, is necessary to insure a probable certainty of effect. Upon the first discovery of this article, it was brought into use in very small quantities, and a teaspoonful or two only were directed to be added to a quart of spring water, which was then termed Vegeto Mineral Water, and in certain cases (particularly of the eyes) looked up to as A SPECIFIC. Long experience, and attentive observation, have, however, justified its utility in much larger proportions, particularly with HORSES; where, in severe strains, or long-standing lamenesses, less than four ounces to a pint of CAMPHORATED spirits cannot be brought into use with any expectation of success.——As a mild repellent to SWELLINGS, BRUISES, WARBLES, &c. two ounces of the extract, two ounces of camphorated spirits, and a pint of water, will be a proper proportion. In defluxions and inflammation of the eyes, one ounce of each, with a pint and half of water, will be found a very useful composition.

GRASS

—is that well-known produce of the earth, which is the proper food for horses in a state of NATURE, EASE, and INDOLENCE; but not of sufficient nutritive property for horses engaged in either SEVERE, LABORIOUS, or ACTIVE exertions. Horses taken up from grass, and put suddenly to work, labour under an immediate and perceptible disquietude; the contents of the intestines are soon evacuated in a STATE of LAXITY, the frame displays a profusion of FOUL and FŒTID PERSPIRATION, the body bespeaks its own DEBILITY, and the perseverance of a few days demonstrates its EMACIATION. To horses having been whole months in constant use and work, alternately accustomed to diurnal drudgery, and the routine of the manger, GRASS, with its conjunctive LIBERTY, must prove a sweet, a comfortable, a proper, and a healthy change: it not only, by its own attenuating property, proportionally alters the PROPERTY of the BLOOD, but affords, by the comforts of EASE and EXPANSION, a renovation of elasticity and vigour to the relaxed sinews, the exhausted spirits, and the battered frame.

To the penurious and the unfeeling (equally insensible) it is sufficient, that a horse, worn to the bone with constant work, and want of food, is "TURNED TO GRASS" in the winter, when there is none to be eaten; or during the months of July and August, when a horse loses more FLESH by persecution from flies (if not well protected by shade, accommodated with plenty of water, and an equal plenty of grass) than he can acquire by any advantage arising from LIBERTY alone; which some people seem to conceive all that is required, and that the poor animal, Camelion like, "can live upon the air." It should be recollected, that in the animal œconomy, substance only can beget substance, (see Aliment;) and no horse will be likely to accumulate flesh, or become FAT, whose means of living are poor.

Impoverished rushy moors, and lank half-rotten autumn grass, (particularly after wet summers,) will prove much more likely to produce DISEASE, than produce CONDITION. Those who turn out horses to grass with a cough upon them, particularly if from a WARM STABLE in a cold season, may expect to take them up with a short, husky, laboured asthmatic increase of the original complaint, or with tubercles formed upon the lungs; and those who turn out in the winter season, with a hope of obtaining the cure of CRACKED HEELS, or SWELLED LEGS, may probably take up with a confirmed {338} GREASE, particularly if the constitution should lean a little to blood, and pedigree of that description.

The utility and advantages of physic were never better understood, or more clearly ascertained, than at the present moment of general improvement: experienced sportsmen, and rational observers, however doubtful they may have been, are now convinced of its propriety, and never deviate from its practice. They invariably cleanse at the end of the HUNTING SEASON, and repeat the ceremony after taking their horses up from grass, previous to getting them into condition. Let those who doubt the consistency, try the experiment, and they will be soon convinced, how little one will be enabled to stand a WINTER'S WORK with the other.

GRAVELLED

.—A horse is said, by the lower classes, to be GRAVELLED, when broken particles of flints, or small pebbles, are insinuated between the outer SOLE of the FOOT and the WEB of the SHOE. This injury is seldom sustained, but where the shoe is formed too flat upon the inner surface, (without its proper protecting concavity,) when pressing too close, whatever extraneous substance gains admission, is there confined, and, from the stricture, has no possible chance of extrication. The degree of pain, or tenderness, depends entirely upon the mildness or severity of the case, and the length of its duration. The road to relief is the same; the {339} shoe should be tenderly taken off, by one nail at a time, in preference to tearing it off by main and sudden force, (according to custom;) the sole should be well fomented with good hot milk and water, then covered with an EMOLLIENT POULTICE of linseed powder, milk, and two table spoonsful of olive oil, letting the same be repeated daily, till the inflammation has subsided, and the tenderness gone off; when the bottom of the hoof may be hardened by two or three applications of a sponge dipt in vinegar boiling hot before THE SHOE is replaced.

GREASE

.—The GREASE is a disorder particularly affecting the CART or DRAFT HORSES of this country, but is seldom or rarely observed amongst horses of a superior description: its seat is cutaneous, and it first discovers itself by a stagnation of the fluids, and as consequent inflammatory enlargement above and about the fetlock, attended with pain and stiffness, more or less, according to the state of the subject, or the severity of the attack. If proper means are not immediately taken, and judiciously persevered in, a degree of virulence, much trouble, and tedious attendance, unavoidably ensue. The skin, by its preternatural distension, soon assumes a greasy kind of transparency, having an irregular scaly appearance upon the surface, from whence (particularly when put into action) exudes a thin oily ICHOR, which, when become of {340} long duration, is frequently tinged WITH BLOOD, but always of a filthy unctuous property, and greasy to the touch.

As it advances in unrestrained progress, it increases the growth of the hoof around THE CORONET, rendering it of a soft, spongy, and diseased appearance: by the corrosive and fœtid property of the discharge, it soon affects and putrifies THE FROG, which it centrically corrodes, and lays the foundation of CANKER in the FOOT. As it becomes more inveterate, so it proportionally extends itself, and affects the surrounding parts; the small apertures from whence the ferous ichor originally oozed, now become malignant ULCERS, intersected by warty excrescences, and watery bladders of a poisonous appearance. Arrived by length of time, want of care, and probably by the use of improper medicines, or injudicious treatment, at this its second stage, it assumes a more formidable appearance, and every symptom, as well as the limb, continues to increase: what were before only CADAVEROUS ULCERS, now become (in a partial degree) barky eschars, intermixed with growing tetters, from amidst which trickles down, in smoaking heat, the acrimonious sanies, or corrupted matter, which seems to excoriate as it passes, and soon deprives the part of hair; the little that is left serving only as so many conductors, from whence flows in streams the morbid matter, now become so truly {341} offensive, that a horse, in such state, should be separated from others, lest fumes so incredibly noxious should, from the miasma, lay the foundation of disease with horses perfectly sound.

The GREASE may originate in either an INTERNAL or an external cause; as well as be transmitted by hereditary taint (of SIRE or DAM) from one generation to another. An impure and acrimonious state of the blood, unattended to till it has acquired morbid malignity, must display itself in some part; and with horses of the kind described, it generally appears in the extremities, where the CIRCULATION is languid, and the least able to make RESISTANCE. Horses too long continued in MOORS of long lanky grass, intermixed with rushes, or in MARSHY MEADOWS of a swampy soil, where, in the dreary months of autumn and WINTER, their heels are never dry for weeks together, is a very probable foundation of permanent GREASE, or some other CHRONIC complaint, the original cause of which is seldom adverted to, perhaps never recollected. Cutaneous disorders not properly eradicated by MERCURIALS or ANTIMONIALS, but injudiciously thrown upon the circulation by REPELLENTS; the sudden absorption of a plentiful flow of milk, when a colt is taken from the dam; an extreme plethora, with a fizey viscidity of the blood; or any of those causes which too much relax the texture of THE SOLIDS, or impoverish and stagnate THE FLUIDS, {342} may be more immediately or remotely productive of this disease.

External causes also frequently give rise to its appearance; a sudden check to perspiration by change of weather, or change of situation, from one stable to another; or from either to the external air, by turning out to grass from a warm and comfortable stable, unfavourably followed by a succession of cold nights, bleak winds, and rainy weather; washing the heels in hard well water after profuse perspiration; standing too constantly upon stale and filthy dung, for days and nights, impregnated with urine, so evidently prejudicial to the feet and frogs. Horses fed upon grains are remarked to be much subject to the disorder in a slight degree, and this tendency is probably strengthened by a want of cleanly attention, or a little assistance from medicinal counteraction.

Much mischief is frequently occasioned by the rash and injudicious interposition of some illiterate practitioner, who, with a degree of self-cunning, (peculiar to professional ignorance,) piques himself upon the superiority of his art, and confidently proceeds to oppose the predominant efforts which Nature has been induced to make for her OWN RELIEF. Influenced by the deceptive impression of imaginary success, he begins with mild repellents, drying washes, sharp waters, strong astringents, then styptics, {343} and lastly MERCURIAL or VITRIOLIC caustics and escharotics, where having reached the utmost extent of his fertile faculties, he is surprized, but not MORTIFIED, at finding what he erroneously thought a remedy has proved TEN TIMES WORSE than the original disease. The Grease, upon its first appearance, is, by a proper course of medicine, and judicious management, very easily subdued, and radically cured. In its second stage, great PATIENCE and PERSEVERANCE is required; and no expence should be spared, or necessary means omitted. In the third and last, DEATH is preferable to any attempt at cure.

GREYHOUND

.—The particular species of DOG passing under the denomination of greyhound, was formerly called GAZEHOUND, and is at the present day more universally known by the appellation of LONG DOG in many parts of the kingdom. The breed has been at all times carefully cultivated by the lovers of coursing, but has never been brought to so great a degree of enthusiastic perfection, as since the establishment of the different COURSING CLUBS and SOCIETIES in Norfolk, Essex, Berkshire, and the Flixton Wolds of Yorkshire. The members of each have, with an unremitting perseverance, endeavoured to excel each other with an unalloyed spice of SPORTING EMULATION: the late Lord Orford; the Marquis of Townsend; Colonel Thornton, of Thornville Royal; Major Topham, of the Wolds, and the Reverend H. Bate Dudley, of the Bradwell and Tillingham Club, in Essex, are those who have excelled every competitor, and improved the breed to the highest possible state of perfection.

Czarina was bred by the late Lord Orford; Jupiter and Claret, by Colonel Thornton; Snowball, by Major Topham; Miller, by the Reverend H. B. Dudley; and Schoolboy, by the celebrated Mr. (Vauxhall) Clarke. Czarina, the grand-dam of Snowball, was purchased at the late Lord Orford's sale by Colonel Thornton, with an intent to improve the breed, in which he was not {345} disappointed. She won FORTY-SEVEN matches in Norfolk, Wiltshire, and Yorkshire, and never was beat. She displayed no signs of producing progeny till thirteen years old, when she brought forth eight whelps, got by Jupiter, who all lived, and ran in high form.

Snowball was got by Claret, (one of the eight whelps of Czarina,) and supposed to be, taken "for all in all," the surest dog to kill and take up that ever ran. He won FOUR CUPS, COUPLES, and upwards of thirty matches; one of which was so severe, that his opponent (a dog of Mr. Plumer's) died immediately after the course. Claret was got by young Jupiter, out of old Czarina; he challenged all Yorkshire, which was twice accepted; one match he won; and received forfeit for the other.

That truly celebrated dog, the Miller, was so large, awkward, and clumsey, when a puppy, that he had been nearly thrown aside, and not thought worthy of being brought into the field; but a friend of Mr. Dudley's having borrowed him, took him to the Marshes at St. Osyth, where, at only twelve months old, he won several matches in one day against the best dogs in the field. Having thus accidentally ran himself into reputation, he was, at his return, introduced to more powerful, at least more popular, opponents, where, however, he for SEVEN YEARS maintained his superiority, during SEVENTY-FOUR successive MATCHES, without {346} having been beaten. He is at present a stallion in great estimation, as all the stock he has yet produced are excellent runners.

Schoolboy was of great celebrity; he was bred by Sir C. Bunbury, and got by Dr. Frampton's Fop, out of Sir Charles's Miss: he ran a great number of MATCHES for very considerable sums, particularly over Newmarket, and never was beat. Several of his get have been sold for twenty guineas each, as Troy, Traveller, and Lilly; all very good runners.

Mr. Daniel, who, in his "Rural Sports," has given most beautiful and admirably executed portraits of Czarina, Maria, Venus, and Claret, engraved by Scott, has also introduced the following, as a criterion of comparative speed between the race-horse and the greyhound. "A match was to have been run over Doncaster course, in the December of 1800, for one hundred guineas; but one of the horses having been drawn, a mare started alone, to make good the bet, and, after having gone the distance of about a mile, a greyhound bitch started from the side of the course, and ran with her the other three miles, keeping nearly head to head, which produced a singular race; and when they reached the distance post, five to four was betted on the GREYHOUND; when they came to the stand, it was even betting; but the mare won by about a head."

A variety of singular occurrences respecting the invincible ardour and velocity, as well as persevering fortitude, of greyhounds, might be introduced, but a few must suffice. In February, 1800, a brace of GREYHOUNDS coursed a hare upwards of four miles in a straight line from where she was found, (exclusive of turns,) when she ran herself dead before she was touched by the dogs.

A famous dog of the Reverend Mr. Corsellis, who chanced to be wind-bound at Dover, coursed a hare, who had beat a variety of pursuers in that neighbourhood, when the dog proved so superior to her in speed, and pressed her so close, that she ran immediately for the cliff, as her only chance of escaping; but the greyhound threw at, and caught her at the brink, going with her in his mouth to the bottom of the precipice, where they were literally dashed to pieces. In 1797, a brace of greyhounds coursed a hare over the edge of a chalk-pit, at Offham, in Sussex, and both hare and dogs were found dead at the bottom. In December, 1794, a company of gentlemen were coursing at Finchingfield, in Essex, when a hare was started, and a brace of greyhounds starting from two different points, ran against each other with so much violence that they both died on the spot.

The greyhound is always mild and inoffensive, and his fidelity cannot be better described than in {348} the words of the unfortunate Charles I. who said, amidst his courtiers, during his troubles, that "the GREYHOUND had all the good-nature of the SPANIEL, without his fawning."

GRIPES

.—The disorder this term is meant to imply, is more properly distinguished by the appellation of INFLAMMATORY CHOLIC, and is much more painful and dangerous than that species of intestinal complaint known by the name of FLATULENT CHOLIC, or FRET. The inflammatory cholic, or GRIPES, proceeds from a painful obstruction in the intestines, occasioned by an accumulation of indurated excrement, which must be mollified, and removed, before EASE can be obtained. In cases of this kind, no time should be lost, the intestines being preternaturally distended beyond the original intention of Nature, the pain is most excruciating, the state of the animal dreadful; and, unless relief is very speedily procured, INFLAMMATION of the BOWELS immediately comes on, MORTIFICATION follows, and DEATH ensues.

If a groom is judicious, honest, and industrious, intending DUTY to his MASTER, and justice to himself, he will never be prevailed upon to undertake more than he can perform: the MASTER who wishes it, will always be instrumental to his own deception {350} and disappointment. Those who expect GROOMS to dress hair, as well as their horses; or to leave the latter wet and dirty, or half dressed, in the stable, while they dance attendance at the back of the chair, during the hour of dining, must be content to see their horses in equal condition with those of the DANCING, MUSIC, and DRAWING MASTERS, so frequently seen, in all weathers, standing the disconsolate hour, at different doors, in almost every respectable street of the Metropolis.

The department in which A GROOM is placed, if the stud is valuable, must always be considered an office of very considerable trust; where great confidence is placed on ONE SIDE, and strict integrity should be observed on THE OTHER. It is upon the sobriety, steadiness, and invariable punctuality, of the groom, that the HEALTH, SAFETY, and CONDITION, of every horse depends; and by his incessant attention only can they be insured. Grooms (at least those completely qualified to be termed so) are men who, from the arduous talk they stand engaged in, the variegated nature of their servitude, and the property entrusted to their care, lay claim, and are entitled to, (their sobriety, steadiness, fidelity, and punctuality, once established,) all the equitable pecuniary compensation, and personal kindness, their employers can possibly bestow.

Grooms and coachmen, deprived of free agency by their situation in life, and doomed to eat the bread of DEPENDENCE, exist to act solely upon compulsion; they receive (sometimes the most supercilious) injunctions only to obey, and are not permitted the privilege of either remonstrance or expostulation. Tacitly submissive, they encounter the severity of the elements at all hours, and in all seasons; and what should more influence the reflecting mind in their favor, is, that when the inclemency of the weather compels the RICH and OPULENT to take shelter under the ROOF of HOSPITALITY, servants must bear the "pelting of the pitiless storm" unprotected; and when a satiety of pleasure drives the reluctant frame of their superiors to the downy pillow of nocturnal relief, their task as yet "is but half performed," and not unfrequently, till the broad sun serves only to remind them of a speedy renewal of their daily labour.

These observations are impartially introduced, to demonstrate their utility in the great scale of OPULENT SOCIETY, as well as to bring home to the reflection of the illiberal and penurious, palpable conviction how highly they stand entitled (upon many particular occasions, and distressing emergencies) to their salutary tenderness and kind consideration. It should be always held in remembrance by SUPERIORS, that the services are reciprocal; and {352} that, in strict truth and candour, the obligation is no greater on one side than the other. Gratitude and AFFECTION is much more likely (in a good soil) to be excited by kindness than severity; and instances are very rare of a SERVANT'S fidelity having been obtained, or preserved, by the unkind treatment, or unjust rigidity, of the MASTER.

Grooms of a certain description are, in general, too much disposed to a degree of self-consequence, and studiously endeavour to obtain an ASCENDANCY in the stabularian department, to which, if the master imprudently and pusillanimously submits, he becomes in some degree a non-entity, and bids adieu to every particle of power upon his own premises. The groom once possessed of this power, and conscious of the ground he stands upon, becomes so confident of his own imaginary superiority, that the master is little more than an instrument of mere passive convenience; barely permitted to think, hardly presuming TO SPEAK, or, in fact, daring to obtrude an OPINION even where his own horses, their health, and safety, are concerned. Grooms, so long as they continue to execute the trust reposed in them with fidelity, that is, with care, kindness, punctuality, and attention to their HORSES, and a dutiful attachment to their employers, will ever find themselves respected; but when, from a false, ridiculous, and ill-founded confidence, they exceed the bounds of consistency, {353} and go beyond their own sphere, in an affected knowledge of the PROPERTY of MEDICINE, QUACKING their masters' HORSES, and becoming self-coined Veterinarians, they, in the eye of every judicious observer, abandon their own merits, and render themselves objects of both pity and contempt.

This affectation of MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE is so very prevalent with stabularian gentlemen, that they support it with a great degree of irritable tenacity; and would sooner have even their HONESTY, than their medical ability called in question. To stem the torrent of this dangerous practice, should be the first principle, and persevering determination, of every GENTLEMAN, who expects to see his HORSES in good CONDITION, and his servants in a state of uniformity: and if he wishes to shield himself from mental disquietude, and his horses from perpetual persecution, he will lay a serious injunction, that no medicine, or nostrum, whatever, shall be administered to any horse or horses under the GROOM'S care, without the MASTER'S acquiescence first had and obtained.

If GENTLEMEN will condescend to give the subject a trifling consideration, they will instantly perceive, that the symptoms of disease, the state of the body, the languor or velocity of the circulation, and the property of the blood itself, must require a greater degree of SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION, {354} than people of this description have the power of going into; from which palpable fact may be inferred, the sole reason why they so often miscarry in their experiments, and so frequently render that a matter of permanent difficulty, which, properly treated, would have proved no more than a mere temporary inconvenience.

Grooms (as well as Coachmen) should have it strongly impressed on their memory, and never lose sight of the reflection, that by a slight, or almost momentary, deviation from the line of rectitude, in either error, inattention, inadvertence, or neglect, injuries may be sustained that neither months or money can repair. Their minds should be always alive to the interest of their employers; they should, in all seasons (but more particularly in the colder months) have it in perpetual recollection, that COLDS are sooner caught than cured; that SWELLED LEGS, and CRACKED HEELS, are much easier obtained than obliterated; that LAMENESS (either by accident or indiscretion) is easier got than gotten rid of; and that bad eyes are much more frequently the effect of a careless or a malicious blow, than of "humours," to which they are upon all occasions so industriously attributed.

Colds and COUGHS are suddenly acquired, and by means at the time but little thought of, till the event first prompts, and then reproaches retrospection. {355} A horse in fine condition, standing in a warm and comfortable stable when at home, is always liable to inconvenience abroad; accidentally exposed to a long, wet, and dirty journey, or a severe chase in sharp winds and unfavourable weather, with a cold and comfortless stable after either, he insures it almost to a certainty, without incessant care and unremitting circumspection. A horse after one or the other, should never be left one minute without the precaution of substantial and unwearied wisping, so long as a wet or damp hair is to be found about him. He should never be permitted to stand still in rain, even with HOUNDS, so great is the danger of throwing the perspirative matter suddenly upon the CIRCULATION; thereby constituting a sizey viscidity of the BLOOD, and laying the foundation of various diseases.

Horses kept in good style, should never have their customary cloathing reduced, but with the strictest care and attention: the internal air of a stable should be regulated, and its temperature equally preserved entirely by the state of the season, (or, in other words, by the SEASON of the YEAR;) and external air should never be additionally admitted in cold and chilling winds, but with the greatest circumspection; as it is to be remembered, it is not the admission of such air in itself alone, by which the injury is sustained, but by the contrast {356} it constitutes, when opposed to the previous warmth of the stable.

It is enacted by the 13th George Third, c. lv. s. 2, That no person shall kill, destroy, carry, sell, buy, or have in his possession, any GROUSE, commonly called RED GAME, between the tenth day of December and the twelfth day of August in any year, upon pain of forfeiting, for the first offence, a sum not exceeding 20l. nor less than 10l. and for the second, and every subsequent offence, a sum not exceeding 30l. nor less than 20l. one moiety thereof to go to the informer, and the other moiety to the poor of the parish: and in case the penalty be not paid, and there be no distress to be had, the offender may be committed to prison, to be kept to hard labour for any time not exceeding SIX, nor less than THREE MONTHS.

And for the further preservation of both BLACK GAME and GROUSE, or RED GAME, it is enacted, That any person who shall, between the second day of February and the twenty-fourth day of June, in any year, burn any grig, ling, heath, furze, goss, or fern, on any mountains, hills, heaths, moors, forests, chases, or other wastes, shall be committed to the house of correction for any time not exceeding one month, nor less than ten days; there to be whipped, and kept to hard labour.

GUN

.—A GUN is that well-known instrument of pleasure used in the destruction of GAME, for the privilege of carrying which, its devotees voluntarily contribute so largely to the exigencies of State, and the support of Government. Fashion, that great centre of fluctuation, has in this, as in almost every thing else, wrought a very considerable change. Guns formerly in use for this purpose, were principally constructed from three feet eight and ten inches, to five and even six feet in the length of the barrel only; which, by the effect of constantly increasing ingenuity and persevering invention, are now reduced to a standard varying but little below two feet nine, or above three feet and an inch; these having been improved to such a degree of perfection, as to bring down a bird from FORTY to SIXTY yards distance; and at no greater would any SPORTSMAN wish to put a gun to his shoulder. Guns with longer barrels are generally appropriated to the killing of water fowl, and are called FOWLING-PIECES.

Hack horses, whether for riding or drawing, used in travelling post, are individually liable to a duty of one penny halfpenny per mile, for as many miles as such horse shall be engaged to travel within a day, or any less time; but where the distance cannot then be ascertained, one shilling and ninepence shall be paid for each horse so hired. This duty is demanded by the person letting the horse or horses to hire, who, upon receiving such payment, shall deliver to the person so hiring, one {360} or more STAMP-OFFICE TICKETS, under a penalty of TEN POUNDS.

HACKNEY

,—in the general acceptation of the word with the SPORTING WORLD, is a horse superior to all others upon the score of UTILITY; being rendered subservient to every office of exertion, speed, and perseverance, or, in other words, to all the drudgery and labour of his situation, from which his cotemporaries, the RACER, the HUNTER, and the CHARGER, by the imaginary superiority of their qualifications, and pampered appearance, are always exempt. It is the peculiar province of the HACKNEY to carry his master twelve or fifteen miles in an hour to covert, (where the HUNTER is in waiting,) and sometimes to bring back the GROOM with still greater expedition, whose engagements may probably have occasioned him to be much more in haste than his MASTER. It is in the department of the HACKNEY to encounter and overcome emergencies and difficulties of every description: his constitution should be excellent, and his spirit invincible; he must be enabled to go five-and-twenty or thirty miles at a stage, without drawing bit, and without the least respect to the depth of the roads, or the dreary state of the weather; and if he is not equal to any weight, in these trifling exertions, he will be held in no estimation as a HACKNEY of FASHION.

If, on the contrary, the coat is rough, hollow, staring different ways, of a variegated hue, with a tinge of dust or scaly scurf beneath the surface, the perspirative matter has been thrown upon the circulation by a collapsion of the porous system, the blood is become sizey, and disposed to morbidity, {362} in proportion to the preternatural weight by which it is overloaded, and the obstructions it has to encounter in its passage through the finer vessels, occasioned by the languor of the circulation.

It is no uncommon thing for HORSES in tolerable GOOD CONDITION to go all to pieces, particularly in the autumn months, without the least cause to be assigned, the least reason to be suggested, by either MASTER or GROOM. Certain it is, that to two successive acts of indiscretion, (or error in judgment,) this very prevalent defeat may be attributed, without the least fear of being at all wrong in the conclusion. Grooms and COACHMEN, in general, totally unmindful of the great heat of their stables during the night, throw open the doors immediately upon coming in the morning, (regardless of even frost or snow,) and frequently so continue during the whole ceremony of "mucking out" and carrying away the dung, if not with the addition of stripping and dressing the horses into the bargain.

That the measure of indiscretion may be complete, the ceremony not unfrequently terminates in a three or four gallon pail of hard cold water from the PUMP in the yard or mews; immediately after which, a judicious observer will perceive

"Each particular hair to stand on end,
"Like quills upon the fretful porcupine."

This prevailing practice has frequently laid the foundation of various ills, not one of which were ever attributed to the right cause. Such an accumulation of chilling frigidity immediately succeeding the extreme heat of the night, has often produced diseases without end, at least those which ended only with life. Colds, COUGHS, FEVER, (original or symptomatic,) INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS, BAD EYES, BROKEN WIND, SWELLED LEGS, CRACKED HEELS, DROPSY in the chest, with a long list of et ceteras, or even death itself, may be occasioned by circumstances which in themselves appear so trifling, yet they sometimes prove of considerable magnitude, and would attract the necessary attention of any humane man looking after his own horses; but in the present age of duplicity and deception, are very little likely to affect the sensibility or integrity of those looking after the horses of others.

Where a loss of hair has been sustained by some injury, as in broken knees, wounds after being healed, blistering or firing, the growth may be promoted (particularly in slight cases) by reducing three drachms of CAMPHIRE to fine powder, then letting it be well incorporated with two ounces of SPERMA CÆTI OINTMENT upon a marble slab, and a small portion of it well rubbed into the part affected at least once, but it will be better if persevered in twice a day.

HALTER

—is that well-known convenience by which a horse is fastened to the MANGER when confined in a STABLE. Halters are of two kinds; the one prepared of twisted hemp, the other made of LEATHER, having head-stall, throat-straps and buckles, nose-band, &c. and are called double-reined hunting-collars. These are the safest in every respect, and, although the most expensive at first, are proportionally durable, and consequently cheapest in the course of time. Hempen halters are sometimes injurious, in forming swellings, or lacerations, upon the upper part of the head, behind the ears, by the friction of the hard-twisted hemp upon a part naturally tender and easily susceptible. They are, however, now but very little used, except in the stables of inferior inns, and of indigent rustics.

HALTER-CAST

.—This is an accident to which horses are constantly liable, and it very frequently happens; but, in general, from the inadvertency of leaving the rein of the halter of too great a length on either one side or the other: for when the horse is lying down, and has occasion (from itching, or some other cause) to rub his neck or head with the hind foot, it is no uncommon thing to have it get entangled in the halter-rein; which encircling the cavity of the heel, renders it impossible for the animal to extricate himself, unless the halter breaks in his favor; and during these {365} struggles, the heel is sometimes so terribly excoriated, as to become not only a WOUND of much trouble, anxiety, and loss of labour, but often leaves a very vexatious blemish, never to be removed. It is, therefore, a truly necessary part of stable circumspection, to have an occasional eye to a circumstance in itself so seemingly insignificant, when it is recollected, that its omission may be productive of much mortification.

HAMBLETONIAN

;—the name of A HORSE whose performances have ranked him in an equal degree of retrospective celebrity with Eclipse, Highflyer, Diomed, and the most famous runners of the past or present day. He was bred by Mr. Hutchinson, of Skipton, near York, and foaled in 1792; was got by King Fergus; dam by Highflyer; grand-dam by Matchem.—1795. May 5, when three years old, he won a stakes of fifteen guineas each, over Hambleton, (five subscribers,) beating Sober Robin, Tarquin, and another. At York, May 20th, he won a sweepstakes of twenty guineas each, four subscribers. He was then purchased, with all his engagements, by Sir C. Turner, Bart. in whose possession he won, on the 27th of August, at York, a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, (six subscribers,) beating Benjamin, Minus, and Maximus. Two days after he won a sweepstakes of fifty guineas each, four subscribers. At Doncaster, the 22d of September, he won the St. Leger stakes of twenty-five guineas each, twelve subscribers. The next day he won the GOLD CUP of 100 guineas value, four miles, beating Governor, Capsicum, and Bradamant.

1796. At the York August meeting he won a subscription purse of 227l. 10s. beating Spread Eagle, Sober Robin, and another. The next day he won the ladies' plate, beating Lord Darlington's St. George. At this period of his uninterrupted success, he was purchased by Sir Henry Tempest Vane, Bart. and at Doncaster, September 28, won the GOLD CUP of 100 guineas value, beating Sober Robin, Ambrosio, and three others. In the Newmarket Houghton meeting, November 2, he beat Mr. Tatton's Patriot (who was got by Rockingham) over the Beacon Course for 1000 guineas.

1797. Monday in the Newmarket Craven meeting, he won the Craven stakes of ten guineas each, beating Sober Robin, Bennington, Paynator, Hermione, Parisot, Cymbeline, and five others. The same day he received 250 guineas forfeit from Spread Eagle. On Thursday, in the same week, he beat Lord Clermont's Aimator, Beacon Course, 300 guineas. At York, August 23, he won one third of the great subscription of 25 guineas each, (25 subscribers,) to which was added a 50l. plate given by the city. The next day he won another third of the same subscription, with an additional 50l. plate by the City, beating Beningbrough, Trimbush, and Brilliant. At Doncaster, the 27th of September, he won the stakes of ten guineas each, (ten subscribers,) with twenty guineas added by the {368} Corporation; and on the 29th received 100 guineas forfeit from Mr. Sitwell's Moorcock.

1799. Monday, in the Craven meeting at Newmarket, he beat Mr. Cookson's famous horse Diamond, over the Beacon, for 3000 guineas, with the odds of five to four in his favour, on account of his superiority in size and strength; it being jocularly observed by the rider of Diamond at starting, that it seemed "a little like a race between a mare and her colt." This match was the greatest in popularity ever known from one extremity of the kingdom to the other, and was decided before one of the fullest meetings ever seen at Newmarket. It was won by no more than three parts of a length, to effect which the winner had felt the utmost force of the spur; and, it was generally believed, if they had then one hundred yards farther to have ran, Diamond would have been the winner; in proof of the justice of which opinion, Mr. Cookson challenged a repetition of the match, which was declined.

At Doncaster the same year, he won the renewed stakes of ten guineas each, (fourteen subscribers, with twenty guineas added by the Corporation,) beating eight of the best horses in the north of England. In 1800 he won the great subscription {369} at York, with 50l. given by the City, which was the last time he started. He once ran out of the Course, soon after starting, when running three miles over York, 1797, for a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each against Deserter and Spread Eagle; and paid one forfeit to Sterling (from being amiss in 1792) at Newmarket; but NEVER WAS BEAT. He is now a stallion in high repute near Leeds, in Yorkshire, at TEN GUINEAS, and half a guinea the groom.

Bridle-hand: the left hand is so termed, in contra-distinction to the right, which is called the WHIP-HAND; and the most experienced jockies in racing, always take the whip-hand, if possible; it {370} being considered a point in their favour; that is, because they have not only an advantage in the turns of the course, but their adversaries circumscribe a larger circle of many lengths in a FOUR MILES race, exclusive of their having an unrestrained use of THE WHIP, should it come to a severe push at the run in.

There are many sporting phrases in which the word HAND becomes particularly emphatic. To say a horse is LIGHT in HAND, implies his being playful, lively, champing his bit, firm upon his haunches, and not dwelling upon the ground with his fore feet. A horse is HEAVY in HAND, when, bearing his weight upon the bit, and lifting his fore legs with reluctance, he goes boring on, with no other sensation to the rider, than an eternal fear of his pitching upon his head. A vicious horse, breaking away with his rider, seems a dreadful sight to a spectator, but can never be attended with misfortune, if the rider is a good HORSEMAN, and has him "well in hand," which is, in fact, the power of "gathering him together," or stopping his career at pleasure.

Although the left is technically termed the BRIDLE-HAND, yet a good horseman, or experienced sportsman, will use either right or left with the most perfect ease and dexterity; to effect which with the greater freedom, young horsemen should constantly {371} practise an exchange of the reins from one hand to the other in their daily excursions. The hand should be delicately alive to every motion of the horse; for it is the judicious management of one, that is to constitute entirely the good or bad mouth of the other. A horse is supposed to gallop awkwardly (if not unnaturally) when he strikes into that pace with his left leg foremost; to prevent which, bear the rein to the left, with the bridle-hand, and the horse invariably sets off with the right leg.

Hand-gallop is that easy kind of pacing adapted to the aged and infirm, who wish to obtain every possible degree of motion, most consonant to bodily ease; it is the degree of equestrian action synonimous with, and more universally known by, the denomination of CANTER; which is, in fact, the slowest, or most contracted gallop, and can only be enjoyed by those who possess horses of good temper, and well broke for the purpose.

A COLT said to be "taken in hand," implies his being brought from his wild state of nature, to be handled, quieted, led about, and stabled, previous to his being broke in for the SADDLE or HARNESS.

A horse's FORE-HAND includes the fore quarters, from the withers upwards to the tip of the ears; the principal beauty and attraction of which depend {372} entirely upon the length and curvilinear form of the neck, which increases or diminishes his marketable value, in proportion as it is well or ill formed.

A, B, and C, put an equal sum into a hat. C, who is the handicapper, makes a match for A and B, who, when they have perused it, put their hands into their pockets, and draw them out closed; then they open them together, and if both have money in their hands, the match is confirmed; if neither have money, it is no match: in either of these cases, the handicapper C draws all the money out of the hat: but if one has money in his hand, and the other none, it is then no MATCH; and he that has the money in his hand, is entitled to the whole deposit in the hat.

A HANDICAP PLATE is the gift of an individual, or raised by SUBSCRIPTION, for which horses are generally declared the day before running, at a certain hour, by written information privately delivered to the Clerk of the Course, whose province it is to make out the list, and hand it to the Steward of the Race; when the weight each horse must carry is irrevocably fixed, (by whoever {373} the steward may appoint), and appears in the printed lists of the following morning. Horses thus entered, and declining the weight appointed for them to carry, are of course permitted to be withdrawn, without any forfeit or loss.

Hares in hilly and mountainous countries are smaller, but more fleet than any other; those who are the natives of low, wet, marshy ground, or moors, are larger, but less firm and delicious in flesh, as well as less nimble in action. Hares bred in open countries, diversified with woods, parks, and arable lands, are in size between both, and afford the best coursing before GREYHOUNDS, as well as the longest chases before HOUNDS. Every part of the hare is admirably formed for the promotion {375} of speed; which, in conjunction with other natural advantages, greatly enables her to evade the pursuits and stratagems of her numerous enemies.

The sense of SMELLING, as well as of HEARING, the hare possesses in a more exquisite degree than any other animal; the latter of which may be justly attributed to the great length, and singular formation, of the ears, so well adapted to receive the slightest vibration of sound, which even the earth is so well known to convey. Its sense of smelling is so incredibly nice, that the hare can wind an enemy (either man or beast) at a considerable distance, particularly in the stillness of the night; this is evidently occasioned by the elastic formation of the nostrils, and the depth of the division between both, from whence has arisen the appellation of a hare-lip, with which defect some of the human species are afflicted, in consequence of fright to the mother during the early months of pregnancy. The ears seem to be the regulators of almost every action; for during the chase one is always erect, the other horizontal; unless in suddenly coming upon an unexpected object, when they are for a moment both erect; but, upon turning and renewing her speed, they invariably resume their former position.

The EYES of the HARE, from the peculiar prominence of their formation, enable her to distinguish objects in almost every direction, without altering the position of either her head or her body; and it is remarkable, that their sight in a straight forward line seems less perfect than in any other. The natural timidity of the hare is excessive; she exists in perpetual fear, and is tremblingly alive to every breeze that can possibly produce alarm. Formed entirely for RUNNING, she either possesses no power, or makes no attempt to walk, but in her slowest motion proceeds by JUMPS. The food of the hare varies with the season, and consists chiefly of young clover, green wheat, short sweet grass in parks or upon lawns; and in the winter, parsley, turnip greens, and other succulent plants. During severe frosts, or deep snow, they make no small havock amongst young fruit-trees and fragrant shrubs, by nibbling the bark, thereby retarding their growth, if not (as is frequently the case) promoting their destruction. It is asserted by Mr. Daniel, in his publication called "Rural Sports," that the plantations of a GENTLEMAN in the county of Suffolk, had suffered so much in this way, that, in defence of his improvements, he felt himself under the necessity of destroying his HARES, when no less than five hundred and forty brace fell victims on the occasion.

The almost perpetual and incredible destruction of HARES, by HUNTING, COURSING, SHOOTING, and the nocturnal net and wire of the poacher, (as well as the infinite increase to supply that destruction,) having occasioned suggestions, that they possess the property of SUPERFŒTATION, it becomes immediately applicable to introduce a remark or two under that head. We are told by Mr. Daniel, that "Sir Thomas Brown, in his Treatise on Vulgar Errors, asserts this circumstance from his own observation: and Buffon describes it as one of this animal's peculiar properties, introducing an idea of hermaphrodite hares; as well as that the males sometimes bring forth young; that they are alternately MALES and FEMALES, occasionally performing the functions of either sex." Nothing can be more contemptible and ridiculous than such conjectures; they are the very essence of mental fertility; and it must suffice to admit, that Sir Thomas Brown and Buffon were not inquisitive sportsmen, or not scientifically acquainted with the parts necessary to generation.

For want of information so very easily to be obtained, some one of these speculative writers promulgated an erroneous assertion, every day liable to the most palpable confutation; "that in the formation of the genital parts of the MALE HARE, the testicles do not appear on the outside of the body, but are contained in the same cover with the intestines." It should seem these authors write more {378} to SURPRIZE than to INSTRUCT, or that they knew little of the subject they wrote upon; as nineteen sportsmen out of every twenty, who have handled hares in the field, or taken them up before the hounds, can demonstrate the contrary; as the testicles, when the hare is full grown, are not only prominently perceptible externally, but of considerable size for so small an animal.

The natural fecundity of HARES almost exceeds belief; they continue to breed for nine months out of the twelve; and leverets (young hares) are frequently found and chopped by the hounds in January, when the winter has been mild. The doe hare goes a month after conception, and at her first produce seldom brings forth more than two, afterwards three, and sometimes four. Whenever the number exceeds two, it is a received (and generally believed just) opinion, that each of the young has a white star in the forehead, which, however, is gradually obliterated as they approach maturity. The dam is supposed to suckle them about one-and-twenty days; but takes care to separate them before that time, and deposits them individually in such forms as she has previously prepared for their reception, at a considerable distance from each other; but so situate, that she can afford maternal protection to the whole. Their prolific powers, and perpetual increase, will create no surprise, when we are respectably informed, that a brace of hares, {379} (the doe pregnant when shut up) were inclosed in a large walled garden, and proper aliment supplied for their sustenance; when at the expiration of TWELVE MONTHS the garden was searched, and the produce was fifty-seven hares, including the original brace turned down: this fact alone demonstrating the certainty, that the females begin to breed when, or before, they are six months old.

The length of a hare's natural life is limited to six or seven years, and they reach their full growth in eight or nine months. The male is by much the smallest, seldom exceeding in weight five or six pounds; but the females, particularly in some very rich and fertile counties, weigh from seven to eight: some few instances have been known of their weighing nine pounds, after being paunched. The hare is supposed to be in gentle motion all night during the summer months, and a great part of it in the dreary nights of winter; during the length of which their works are of such immense perplexity, (in heads, doubles, and circles,) that little expectation is entertained of finding a hare by the trail, unless the field is taken early in the morning, soon after she is gone to seat; which is seldom, if ever, before the dawn of day; and in the summer months, very frequently not till long after day-light.

The HARE till full grown is called A LEVERET, and at any age is very difficult to be found sitting; so nearly does the downy fleak (when close contracted) approach the colour of the ground. In this position the old and experienced SPORTSMAN will declare the gender of the hare before it is started. The head of the male is short and round, the whiskers longer, the slit in the nose wider, the shoulders more ruddy, and the ears shorter and broader, than those of the female; the head of which is long and narrow; the ears long, and sharp at the tip; the fur of the back of a dingey hue, inclining to black, and of superior size to the male. When a hare is observed in its FORM, it may be easily ascertained, by the ears only, whether it is a BUCK or DOE; and this is a useful kind of knowledge, particularly at the latter part of the season, when no man, but a hardened poacher, or pot-hunting sportsman, would turn out a female hare before either HOUND or GREYHOUND, where there is a chance of destroying a leash, or two brace, by the wanton destruction of one.

If the hare found sitting is A BUCK, the ears will be seen drawn close in a parallel line with each other, directly over the shoulders, pointing straight down the back; but if A DOE, the ears are distended on each side of the neck, having a space between them in the centre. In the chase, a Jack hare, (as {381} the male is sportingly termed,) after the first ring or two, particularly in the spring months, flies his country, goes straight forwards, and affords a good run, but generally falls a victim to his own fortitude at its termination. The female hangs closer to her native spot, depending more upon her instinctive efforts, in heading, doubling, soiling, and squatting, than speed for her preservation.

Hares bred upon the downs, or in hilly countries, are always the stoutest, and best enabled to escape from GREYHOUNDS; of which they are so conscious, that they always make for the nearest rising ground, so soon as started. When so severely distrest that they plainly perceive there is no other means of escape, they will take to a brick or wooden drain for security, or even run to earth, if one should luckily present itself in the emergency. They are thought to foresee a CHANGE in the WEATHER, and to regulate their sitting accordingly. After harvest they are found in stubbles, banks of hedges, woods, and thickets; during the fall of the leaf, they seat themselves more in open fields; and when the severity of winter begins to decline, warm, dry, hilly fallows are hardly ever without them. As one species of GAME, they are held in high estimation; and, notwithstanding the utmost efforts, by every degree of interdiction, with all the pains and penalties that successive parliaments could devise, from Richard the Second {382} to the present day, for their preservation, and appropriation to the use of the superior classes, yet no laws ever proved more fallacious or deceptive; for the infinity of POACHERS, with which every rural district abounds, and the alacrity with which STAGE COACHMEN and COUNTRY HIGLERS supply their friends, will never let any inquirer be in want of A HARE, who has his five shillings in hand as a means of retribution. This INSUFFICIENCY of the LAW to check nocturnal depredation, and progressive infamy, is most sincerely to be regretted; but experience has long held forth ample conviction, that regret cannot produce redress.

Hare-hunting, though universal in every part of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, is in the highest estimation in those open and champaign {383} counties where, from want of covert, a STAG or FOX is never seen. Here the hares are stouter, more accustomed to long nightly exercise, more frequently disturbed, more inured to severe courses before GREYHOUNDS, and hard runs before hounds; consequently, calculated to afford much better sport than can be expected in either an inclosed or woodland country. There are three distinct kinds of hounds, with which this particular chase is pursued, according to the soil and natural face of the district where it is enjoyed. The large slow SOUTHERN HOUND is adapted to the low swampy, marshy lands, so conspicuous in many parts of Lancashire; as well as those in Norfolk, and various others bordering upon the sea. The small, busy, indefatigable BEAGLE seems appropriated by nature to those steep, hilly and mountainous parts, where it is impossible for the best horse and boldest rider to keep constantly with the hounds. The hounds now called HARRIERS, and originally produced by a cross between the SOUTHERN HOUND and the DWARF FOX, are the only hounds to succeed in those open countries, where, for want of covert, the hare goes five or six miles an end without a turn; as is frequently the case in many parts of Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, and other counties; constituting chases very superior to many FOX HOUNDS, hunting beechen coverts and woodland districts.

Hare-hunting, when put in competition with the pursuit of STAG or fox, is much more gratifying to the ruminative and reflecting mind, than either of the other two; as it affords a more ample field for minute observation upon the instinctive sagacity of the GAME, and the patient, persevering fortitude of the HOUND, in the various heads, turns, and doubles, of the chase. Hence it is that hare-hunting is principally followed, and most enjoyed, by sportsmen in the decline of life; but with the younger branches it is held in very slender estimation, as they in general appreciate the excellence of sport more by the difficulty in pursuing it, than by its duration. Hare-hunting, in a woody or inclosed country, is such a perpetual routine of repetition within a small sphere, affording no more than a continual succession of the same thing, that with a zealous rider, and a high-mettled horse, it soon palls upon the appetite of both. Young men, from emulative motives, (naturally appertaining to their time of life,) feel a pressing propensity to encounter obstacles, and surmount difficulties, where the effect of vigour and manly courage can be displayed, and consequently prefer the kind of chase where personal fortitude, and bodily exertion, are brought more to the proof; and where, by covering a larger scope of country, and with a much greater proportional rapidity, a more pleasing and extensive variety is obtained.

Another cause of mortification constantly presents itself to young sportsmen with HARRIERS, or BEAGLES, in the field: a valuable horse, or a bold rider, are equally unnecessary in HARE-HUNTING, and this is eternally brought to an incontrovertible proof; for after a burst of five minutes, in which a perfect hunter has an opportunity of displaying his speed, and, after clearing some dangerous leaps, a sudden turn or double of the HARE, brings him by the side of a rustic upon a poney of five pounds value, who is nine times out of ten as forward as himself. The infinite time lost in finding, where hares are not in great plenty; the frequency of faults; the persecuting tediousness of cold hunting; and the injury done to HORSES in drizzling dreary days, during hours of slow action, are great drawbacks to the pleasure this species of hunting would otherwise afford.

Moderate sportsmen will never avail themselves of immoderate means to occasion a contraction of their own sport, by a wanton or unnecessary destruction of hares; too great a body of hounds should never be brought into the field, or any unfair modes adopted during the chase: pricking a hare in the paths, or upon the highways, as well as placing emissaries upon the soil, are paltry, mean, and disgraceful artifices, that no genuine, well-bred, HONEST SPORTSMAN, will ever permit; but candidly acknowledge, if the HOUNDS cannot {386} kill her, she ought to ESCAPE. In respect to numbers, less than TWELVE, or more than EIGHTEEN couple ought never to be brought from the kennel to the chase; nor, indeed, seldom are, unless with those who think much less of SPORT, than of personal pride and ostentation.

Mr. Beckford, who is a perfect master of this subject, has so completely investigated, and minutely explained, every particular appertaining to the chase of both HARE and FOX, that as it is absolutely impossible to suggest an idea, or communicate a thought, but what must carry with it the appearance of plagiarism; it will be more candid, (evidently more honest) to introduce occasional passages in his own words, as language more expressive, by which they will be infinitely better understood. He says, "By inclination he was never a hare-hunter; but followed the diversion more for air and exercise than amusement; and if he could have persuaded himself to ride on the turnpike road to the three mile stone, and back again, he never should have thought himself in need of a pack of harriers."

He then apologizes to "his brother HARE-HUNTERS for holding the sport so cheap, not wishing to offend; alluding more relatively to his own particular situation in a country where hare-hunting is so bad, that it is more extraordinary he should {387} have persevered in it so long, than he should have forsaken it then." Adding, "how much he respects hunting in whatever shape it appears; that it is a manly and a wholesome exercise, and seems by nature designed to be the amusement of a Briton." He is of opinion that more than twenty couple of hounds should never be brought into the field; supposing it difficult for a greater number to run well together; and a pack of harriers can never be complete who do not. He thinks the fewer hounds you have, the less you soil the ground, which sometimes proves a hindrance to the chase.

Custom has greatly varied in the practice of HARE-HUNTING during the last thirty years: at that time the hounds left the kennel at day-light, took trail upon being thrown off, and soon went up to their GAME; which having the pleasure to find by their own instinctive sagacity, they pursued with the more determined alacrity: a brace or leash of hares were then killed, and the sport of the day concluded, by the hour it is now the fashion for the company to take the field. As the trail of a hare lays both partially and imperfectly when it gets late in the day, so the difficulty of finding is increased, in proportion to the lateness of the hour at which the hounds are thrown off; hence it is that HARE-FINDERS, so little known at that time, are now become so truly instrumental to the sport of the day.

Although their services are welcome to the eager and expectant sportsman, yet it is on all hands admitted, they are prejudicial to the discipline of hounds; for having such assistance, they become habitually idle, and individually wild: expecting the game to be readily found for them, they become totally indifferent to the task of finding it themselves. Hounds of this description know the hare-finder as well as they know the HUNTSMAN, and will not only, upon sight, set off to meet him, but have eternally their heads thrown up in the air, in expectation of a view HOLLOA!

With all well-managed packs, they are quietly brought up to the place of meeting; and when thrown off, a general silence should prevail, that every hound may be permitted to do his own work. Hounds well bred, and well broke to their business, seldom want assistance. Officious intrusions frequently do more harm than good: nothing requires greater judgment, or nicer observation in speaking to a hound, than to know the critical time when a word is wanting. Young men, like young hounds, are frequently accustomed to babble when newly entered, and, by their frivolous questions or conversation, attract the attention of the hounds, and insure the silent curse of the HUNTSMAN, as well as the contemptuous indifference of every experienced sportsman in the field.

Whenever a hare is turned out of her form, or jumps up before the hounds, a general shout of clamorous exultation too frequently prevails, by which the hare's intentional course is perverted, and she is often headed, or turned into the body of the HOUNDS to a certain death; when, on the contrary, was she permitted to go off with less alarm, and to break view, without being so closely pressed at starting, there is no doubt but much better runs would be more generally obtained. Individual emulation, or individual obstinacy, invariably occasions horsemen in hare-hunting to be too near the hounds, who, being naturally urged by the rattling of the horses, and the exulting zeal of the riders, often very much over-run the scent, and have no alternative but to turn and divide amidst the legs of the horses, so soon as they have lost it; and to this circumstance may be justly attributed many of the long and tedious faults which so frequently occur, and render this kind of chase the less attracting.

Gentlemen who keep HARRIERS vary much in their modes of hunting them; but the true sportsman never deviates from the strict impartiality of the chase. If a hare is found sitting, and the hounds too near at hand, they are immediately drawn off, to prevent her being chopped in her form: the hare is then silently walked up by the individual who previously found her, and she is permitted to go {390} off at her own pace, and her own way. The hounds are then drawn over the spot from whence she started, where taking the scent, they go off in a style of uniformity, constituting what may be fairly termed the consistency of the chase. Others there are who never can, or never will, resist the temptation of giving the hounds a view, and never fail to tell you, both HARE and HOUNDS run the better for it. In addition to this humane method of beginning the chase, every advantage is taken of the poor affrighted animal's distress, amidst all its little instinctive efforts for the preservation of life. The hounds, instead of being permitted to run the soil, and kill the hare by dint of their own persevering labour, are constantly capped from chase to view; and the object of the sport most wantonly and uncharitably destroyed; for nothing less than a miracle can effect its escape.

Those of nicer sensations enjoy the sport, but enjoy it much more mercifully; and would rather see their own hounds occasionally beaten, than, by any unfair or unsportsman-like introduction, kill their hare. These never permit a profusion of vociferous assistance from the huntsman, who is enjoined to an almost silent execution of his own duty, that the hounds may not be prevented (by his noise) from a strict and attentive performance of theirs. If they throw up, upon a dry or greasy fallow, a footpath, a highway, or a turnpike-road, {391} a thousand busy bustling endeavours are to be self-made for a recovery of the scent, before any one effort is permitted to assist in lifting them along; and even then, not till every patient and persevering struggle has failed of success. The sportsman of this description admits of no device, stratagem, or foul play whatever; the HOUNDS must hunt the hare; they must go over every inch of ground she has gone before them; they must hit off their own checks, recover their faults; and, by cold hunting, pick it along, where, in passing through a flock of sheep, the ground has been foiled, and the chase proportionally retarded. Early and extensive casts are unjust, unless upon some unexpected or unavoidable emergency; as the repeated interventions of sheep, or intersections of roads, or fallows in a dry season; when it would be impossible to make the least progress in getting the hounds along without assistance.

When hounds come to a check, not a horse should move, not a voice should be heard: every hound is eagerly employed, exerting all his powers for a recovery of the scent, in which, if not officiously obstructed, they will most probably soon succeed. At such times there is generally, and unluckily, some popinjay in the field, who, unfortunately for himself, never speaks but upon the most improper occasion; rendering, at such moment, the judicious observation of Mr. Beckford truly {392} neat and applicable, that "when in the field, he never desires to hear any other tongue than a HOUND." Whenever assistance to hounds is become unavoidably necessary, and the chase cannot be carried on without, sound judgment, and long experience, are necessary to speedy success. Casts cannot be made by any fixed, certain, or invariable rules, but must, at different times, be differently dependent upon the chase, the soil, the weather, and the kind of country you are hunting in. It may, in one instance, be prudent to try forward first; in another, to try back; as it may be judicious, or necessary, to make a small circular cast at one time, and a much larger at another; and although to one of the field, circumstances may appear, in either instance, to have been nearly the same, yet they have not been so in the "mind's eye" of the HUNTSMAN, (or the person hunting the hounds,) upon whose superior knowledge, or circumspection, the good or ill effect of the experiment must depend.

None, but weak or inexperienced sportsmen, ever presume to obtrude their opinions when hounds are at fault; those who do it, soon find the interference is ill-timed, and that it only excites a contemptuous indifference. Strangers cannot be too cautious and circumspect in the field, if they wish to avoid just reproofs, and not to encounter rebuffs: some there are, whose hard fate it is to become {393} conspicuously ridiculous upon every occasion that can occur, and to such, unfortunately for them, occasions are seldom wanting. During the chase, they are riding into, over, or before, the HOUNDS; and at every check, asking some vexatious, trifling question of the HUNTSMAN; or entering into a frivolous conversation with what seems to them the most vulnerable subject of the company. Officious individuals of this description, whose error too frequently originates in a certain degree of personal pride, and unbounded confidence, should learn to know, that "the post of honour is a private station;" as well as that an old pollard in a painting, might be admirably calculated to form a respectable object in the back-ground, but never intended by the artist to become a principal figure in the front of the picture.

"HARK FORWARD!"

—is a sporting exclamation, well known in the practice of the field, and affords to every distant hearer, authentic information, that the hounds are a-head, and going on with the chase. It sometimes happens, that, in very large and thick coverts, no man or horse existing can be in with the hounds; at which times (particularly in stormy weather) recourse must be had to every means for general accommodation. The best sportsmen are often thrown out for miles, and not unfrequently for the day, by various turns of the CHASE in COVERT, and then breaking up the wind on a contrary side, leaving every listening expectant in an awkward predicament, if not relieved by the friendly communication of "HOIC FORWARD!" from one to another, enabling the whole to continue the sport.

HARRIERS

—are the species of hound appropriated solely to the pursuit of the HARE, and from thence derived their present appellation. The breeding experiments so long made, and the various crosses so repeatedly tried, by the best judges in the kingdom, seem at length to have centered between the old southern and the dwarf fox hound. Mr. Beckford, whose "Thoughts" no sensible man, or judicious sportsman, will presume to dispute, was entirely of this opinion, and proved it by his practice; for he says, "his hounds were a cross of both these kinds, in which it was his endeavour to get as much bone and strength, in as small a compass as possible. It was a difficult undertaking. He bred many years, and an infinity of hounds, before he could get what he wanted, and had at last the pleasure to see them very handsome; small, yet very bony: they ran remarkably well together; ran fast enough; had all the alacrity that could be desired, and would hunt the coldest scent. When they were thus perfect, he did as many others do—he parted with them."

Notwithstanding the criterion of excellence thus laid down, the same sort of hound (as a harrier) is by no means applicable to every soil: the {396} southern hound will be always in possession of THE SWAMPS, as will the beagles of the mountainous and hilly countries. Those who delight in seeing hounds bred and drafted to a certain degree of uniformity, in size, bone, strength, and speed, strictly corresponding with the opinion of Mr. Beckford, will not find it time lost, to take the field with the harriers of his Majesty, kept at Windsor: they are, as they ought to be, the best pack, and the best hunted, this day in the kingdom. See the Frontispiece; where every MAN, HORSE, and HOUND, is individually a portrait.

HART ROYAL

.—A stag hunted by KING or QUEEN, obtaining his perfect liberty by beating the hounds, was formerly called a hart royal; and proclamation was immediately made, in the towns and villages of the neighbourhood where he was lost, that he should not be molested, or his life attempted by any farther pursuit; but that he should continue in a state of unrestrained freedom, with power to return to the FOREST or CHACE from whence he was taken at his OWN FREE WILL. This ceremony is, {397} however, discontinued, and bids fair to be buried in a perpetual oblivion; as two instances have recently occurred worthy recital: one in the neighbourhood of High Wycombe, where the STAG was killed before the hounds, by a rustic, during the heat of the chase, in which the King at the time was personally engaged. And another at Mapledurham, near Reading, where the deer was wantonly shot, as he lay in a willow bank near the Thames, two days after he had beaten the hounds; yet it is publicly known, that no steps were taken to prosecute the offenders, which probably originated in his Majesty's clemency.

HAUNCH and HIP

—of a horse, have been hitherto (but not with strict propriety) used in a similar sense: nice observers might say one begins where the other ends, or that one immediately succeeds the other. The haunch is that part of the hind quarter extending from the point of the hip-bone, down the thigh to the hock; but as it is a part well known, and but little subject to partial disease or accident, it lays claim to no particular description. The term of "putting a horse upon his haunches," implies the making him constantly fix the principal weight of the frame upon his hind quarters, by which practice he bears less upon the bit, and becomes habitually light in hand. Horses hard in mouth, and heavy in hand, frequently undergo the ceremony of being put upon their {398} haunches in the trammels of a RIDING SCHOOL, where, by too severe and inconsiderate exertions, sudden twists, distortions, and strains, are sustained in the HOCKS, which terminate in CURBS and SPAVINS never to be obliterated.

HAW

.—The haw is that cartilaginous part of a horse's eye, plainly perceptible at the inner corner next the forehead, which internally constitutes a circular groove for the easier acceleration of the eye in its orbit. When confined within its natural and proper sphere, it is but just in sight, when taking a front view of the horse; but when it has acquired a preternatural degree of enlargement, it protrudes over part of the orb, partially obstructs the sight, particularly in that direction, and constitutes no small disfiguration of the horse. Ingenuity heretofore suggested the possibility of extirpation with the knife, which operation has been frequently performed, but with too little success to justify a continuance of the practice. It having been found, that when the haw was taken away by a regular process, {399} and by the hand of the most expert OPERATOR, yet the eye, for want of its former support, was observed to become contracted in the socket, and a total deprivation of sight to follow, evidently demonstrating "the REMEDY worse than the DISEASE;" as well as to convince us, it is sometimes more prudent

"—— to bear those ills we have,
Than fly to others that we know not of."

HAY

—is the well-known article of grass, cut in its most luxuriant and nutritious state during the months of June and July; when the succulent parts, tending most to putrefaction, being extracted by the powerful rays of the sun, it acquires (if the season should prove dry, and favourable for the operation) a degree of fragrancy nearly equal to a collection of aromatic herbs. Hay, in this state, is a most attracting sort of ALIMENT to horses of every description, and is so truly grateful to the appetite, that it is often accepted when corn is refused. Of hay there are different kinds; as MEADOW hay, CLOVER hay, and SAINFOIN. The first is called natural grass, as the spontaneous produce of what is termed pasture land: the two latter are deemed artificial, as being cultivated upon arable land, and affording crops of only BIENNIAL and TRIENNIAL duration; when the fertility of which is so far exhausted, as to render a crop of the ensuing year an unprofitable prospect, the land is ploughed up, to undergo its regular routine of cultivation, when crops of this description are renewed, by sowing the seed previously preserved for the purpose.

Fine, rich, short, fragrant meadow hay, has by much the preference with the SPORTING world; as well as with all those who employ horses in light work, and expeditious action: it varies much in its property; not more in respect to the manner in {401} which it is made, than to the soil it is produced from. Those who are anxious for the HEALTH and CONDITION of their horses, are always as judiciously circumspect in the choice of their hay as their corn; experimentally knowing, as much depends upon the excellence of one as the other. Hay produced from rushy land, or mossy moors, is always of inferior quality, and impoverishes the blood of the horses who eat it, in proportion to its own sterility. Those who inconsiderately purchase cheap hay upon the score of economy, will have to repent their want of liberality. Whether it is coarse, and barren of nutritious property, or ill-made, musty, and repugnant to appetite, the effect sooner or later will be much the same; and those who imprudently make the experiment, will soon find, that horses ill-kept, and less fed than nature requires, for the support of the frame, and the supply of the various secretions by the different emunctories, will soon display, in their external appearance, a tendency to disease.

Clover hay is produced in most counties in the kingdom; it is generally sown with BARLEY, sometimes with OATS, and least of all with WHEAT: it constitutes, upon dry ground, a profitable and convenient pasture in the autumn, and affords its general crop the following season. If luxuriant, it is mown twice in the same summer; but the second crop is not considered equal in value to the first. {402} This hay is said, by those who ought to be the best enabled to judge and decide, superior to every other as to its nutritious property: this may be admitted in a certain degree, so far as its increasing the crassamentum of the blood, and proportionally promoting its viscidity; rendering horses who are constantly fed upon it (for instance, farmers horses) fuller in flesh, duller in action, and thicker in the wind, than those who are supported upon food of a lighter description. Although well calculated for slow and heavy draft horses, it is by no means adapted to those of expeditious action; for the blood thus thickened, becoming more languid or tardy in its circulation, would, when propelled through the vessels with great and sudden velocity, in hunting, or journies of speed upon the road, inevitably lay the foundation of different inflammatory disorders.

Sainfoin is rather an article of necessity than choice, and very little known in some parts of England, where nature has been more liberal in her diversity of vegetation: it is principally cultivated in the upland counties, where neither a meadow, stream, or rivulet, is to be seen for a great number of miles in succession. Many very extensive farms in the lower counties west of the metropolis, feel the want of pasture land, not having a single acre of meadow or natural grass in possession. Necessity, the mother of invention, has, however, {403} so amply furnished a variety of substitutes, that their horses, and stock of every kind, seem equal, upon the average, to what is produced in any other part of the kingdom.

HAZARD

—is, beyond a doubt, the most fashionable and fascinating GAME ever yet invented for the expeditious and instantaneous transfer of immense sums from one hand to another. It is a GAME of CHANCE; and, when fairly played, is the FAIREST upon which a stake can possibly be made, from one guinea to a THOUSAND, or to any amount whatever; the winning or losing of which is decided with so much rapidity, that the adventurer can never be more than a few moments in suspense, although he may be many years in REPENTANCE. Hazard is the game of nocturnal celebrity, by which the best estates have been impoverished, and immense property destroyed: it is played with a box and pair of dice, and is of considerable antiquity, as noticed by Shakespeare in Richard the Third, whom he has made to say,

"Slave, I have set my life upon a CAST,
"And I will stand the HAZARD of the DIE."

The person holding the BOX is called the Caster, who having been set as much money by the surrounding company (or any individual) as he proposes to throw for, and the STAKE or STAKES being {405} deposited within a centrical circle upon the table, he then throws the dice from the BOX, and whatever number appears upon the surface is termed "the MAIN;" and so vociferated loudly by a person called the Groom Porter, who stands above the rest, and whose business it is to call the main and chance, furnish fresh dice when demanded, and to receive the money for a box-hand when due. So soon as the main is declared, which, in fact, is the number by which the Caster's opponents must abide for themselves, the Caster throws a second time, and this number is called the chance, being his own chance against the main previously thrown; and so named, because it is the number of the MAIN of the PLAYERS against the chance of the individual who is the Caster, and makes stakes against the whole, or any part of the rest.

The main and chance being proclaimed by the Groom Porter, odds are generally laid between the throws (upon the termination of the event) according to the numbers opposed to each other, and according to the scale by which all bets upon the game are regulated, and strictly observed. The Caster may, or may not, engage in any of these bets, which he very frequently does, as a hedge (or fence) to his own stakes, when the odds are six to four, or TWO to ONE, in his favour: at any rate, he continues to throw the dice in succession, till either the main or chance appears: if the main is {406} first thrown, those who "set the Caster" draw their money; the Caster is then said to have "thrown out," and passes the box to his next neighbour: on the contrary, should he have thrown his own chance first, he is then the winner, and of course not only draws all the money he staked and betted, but continues to HOLD the BOX, and throw a "new main" for any sum he wishes to be set, in which a Caster is never known to be disappointed.

When a Caster has thrown in (that is, has won) three times in succession, it is termed "a BOX HAND," and he then pays half a guinea to the Groom Porter, for the privilege of playing, the use of box and dice, negus, &c. provided for the accommodation of the company. The box continues in the Caster's possession so long as he continues to throw in, (paying an additional half guinea every third time of winning;) but the first time he loses, he resigns the box to the player sitting next to him, unless he requests, and is permitted to renew his own play, which is then called taking "a back hand." There are more minute distinctions, as well as a fixed table of the odds during the play; but they are too long for insertion; and could not be so clearly comprehended by theory, as understood by practice.

HEAD

.—The correct formation of a horse's head is so indispensibly necessary to the striking {407} symmetry and corresponding uniformity of the whole, that its make should never be inadvertently overlooked in a hasty purchase. The head, the crest, the curve of the neck, and the entire of the forehand, are what may be termed the predominant features, or distinguishing traits, which alone seen, hold forth, in general, a tolerably just idea of what may be expected to follow. In the present state of equestrian improvement, the beauty of a horse's head is too well known to require a literary description: nor would the word itself have been introduced, but to remind every class of sportsmen, that those who purchase a horse too thick in the jole, or a head too large for the BODY, must never expect to be complimented upon the beauty of the acquisition.

By the 13th George Third, c. lv. s. 2, No person shall kill, destroy, carry, sell, buy, or have in his possession, any HEATH-FOWL, commonly called black game, between the tenth day of December and the twentieth day of August; nor any GROUSE, commonly called red game, between the tenth day of December and the twelfth day of August; nor any BUSTARD between the first day of March and the first day of September, in any year, upon pain of forfeiting, for the FIRST OFFENCE, a sum not exceeding TWENTY, nor less than ten pounds; and for the SECOND, and every subsequent offence, a sum {409} not exceeding THIRTY, nor less than twenty pounds: One moiety thereof to go to the INFORMER, the other to the poor of the parish.

It is worthy of remark, that if a stag undergoes the operation when his horns are SHED, they never grow again; on the contrary, if it is performed while the horns are in perfection, they will never exfoliate; and it is equally remarkable, that being deprived of only one testicle, the horn will not regenerate on that side, but will continue to grow, and annually shed on the other, where the single testicle has not been taken away. Heaviers are of great strength, and stand a long time before hounds; for {410} which reason the hunting establishment of his Majesty in Windsor Forest is never without a regular succession.

HEELS

.—The heels of a horse, critically speaking, imply only that part of the hoof which is the very reverse of the toe; seated behind, and forming the back of the foot, across the widest end of the frog, extending from one point of the heel to the other. Custom has, however, so far extended both the idea and the expression, that in the present general acceptation of the word, it is admitted to include the feet as high as the fetlock-joint; so that the heels are subject to accidents, inconveniencies, defects, and blemishes, as CRACKS, SCRATCHES, {411} OVERREACHES, GREASE, &c. The heels of a horse, to be good, should be high, (that is, of a proper length from the hair above to the ground below,) firm, and substantial, open on each side the frog, and never should be cut down too low by the destructive instrument of the SHOEING-SMITH; an error in both judgment and practice, to which may be justly attributed the frequent failure in the back sinews; for where the heels are unnaturally reduced, and the tendons in part deprived of their support, they have evidently to encounter a preternatural distension, by which the elasticity is partially destroyed, and some of the fibrous coats consequently ruptured.

This grievance is much easier prevented than remedied; for when once a destruction of parts has {412} been inconsiderately occasioned, a REGENERATION may not be easily obtained. The cruel and invincible practice of applying the hot shoe to the FOOT (by way of fitting it) during the act of shoeing, contributes in no small degree to the contraction of the heel; and when this injury is once sustained, great care and constant attention become necessary to solicit a renovation. Whether it has been occasioned by the fatal operation of the cutting-knife, the fashionable back-stroke friction of the rasp, or the fiery effect of the hot shoe when conveyed from the FORGE to the foot, the direct road to relief is precisely the same: nightly stopping with any applicable composition calculated to mollify the bottom of the hoof, and to promote its expansion, with a plentiful impregnation of sperma-cæti oil daily, are the only sure and certain means by which the heels can be restored to their original and proper formation.

The whole, or any part of these, may originate in various causes; as a short allowance of good and healthy food, or a profusion of bad. Nothing will produce it sooner than hard work with bad keep, and a constant exposure to all weathers, in the severity of the winter season. Musty oats, mouldy hay, and winter straw-yards, are generally the harbingers of this appearance, which in all cases is very easily removed: good stable discipline, in wisping and dressing, regular daily exercise, a few mashes nightly of ground malt and bran, equal parts, followed by a cordial ball every morning, or an antimonial alterative powder nightly in the mash, will soon be found to answer every expectation, and restore the subject to good condition.

HIGHFLYER

—was the name of a late celebrated HORSE, that, taken "for all in all," (as a RACER and a STALLION,) far exceeded any other ever known in this kingdom. He was foaled in 1774; was got by Herod out of Rachel, who was got by Blank; her dam by Regulus, &c. He was purchased of the breeder, when a colt rising two years old, by the late Lord Bolingbroke, and was then thought to be getting too large and unpromising for any capital performances upon the {415} turf. It was, however, observed by the training groom, that he displayed astonishing powers in some of his first trials; and it was upon his suggestion Highflyer was immediately named in the most capital sweepstakes and subscriptions then open; winning all which with the greatest ease, he was at the very zenith of his celebrity as A RACER, when Lord Bolingbroke, disgusted with the villainous deceptions and variegated vicissitudes of THE TURF, as well as declining daily in his health, Highflyer was purchased of his Lordship by Mr. Tattersal, who fixed him as a stallion at a farm of his own near Ely, in Cambridgeshire, where his success soon stamped the spot with the name of Highflyer Hall, which it will most probably ever retain. Here he covered for some years at THIRTY GUINEAS; and from the almost incredible number of mares he was permitted to cover, it was concluded he produced to his owner no less than from fifteen hundred to two thousand pounds a year, for many years in succession. His progeny of winners only exceeded THREE HUNDRED in number, who received, in subscriptions, plates and sweepstakes, above a THOUSAND PRIZES. Amongst the most celebrated of his get were Escape, (who once sold for 1500 guineas,) Euphrosyne, Bashful, Maid of all Work, Plutitia, Sir Pepper, Sir Peter Teazle, Skylark, Skyrocket, Skyscraper, Spadille, Rockingham, Toby, Thalia, Walnut, Old Tat, Vermin, Skypeeper, Grouse, Oberon, Screveton, Diamond, Sparkler, {416} Guildford, Moorcock, and Stickler: of whom several are now stallions in the highest reputation at ten and fifteen guineas each.

HIP-SHOT

.—The DEFECT so termed is an injury frequently sustained in the HIP JOINT, but not always with the same degree of severity. It is a ligamentary twist, or distortion, by which the junction of the bones is materially affected, but not amounting to absolute DISLOCATION; although it may proceed from a variety of causes, in sudden shocks from the different prominences of, or cavities in, an uneven and irregular pavement; BLOWS, STRAINS, or WRENCHES, (in drawing heavy loads,) as well as by SLIDING, or FALLING; yet there is little doubt but it occurs much oftner from carelessness, inattention, and brutality, either by a violent blow from the post of the stable door, in being hastily led in or out, than by any other means whatever. Let what will be the cause, a cure is seldom completely effected; for as the injury is not only deeply, but critically seated, so if the horse, after any medical means have been used, is turned out to obtain strength, a repetition of work generally {417} produces a relapse of the injury originally sustained.

HOLD

—is a term of trifling import, yet, as it appertains to the important act of propagation between the HORSE and the MARE, its emphatic signification cannot be omitted. When a mare has taken the horse, that is, when copulation is completed, a doubt generally arises, whether the MARE will hold; that is, whether she sufficiently retains the male semen to constitute CONCEPTION. The mare being brought to the horse on the ninth day, from the first time of covering, if she again receives the horse, that alone is held a sufficient proof she did not hold before: she is, nevertheless, brought again to the horse at the end of another nine days, and when she has refused twice to take the horse, she is then said to be STINTED, and no doubt entertained of her being in FOAL.

Hoofs are very different in both property and appearance, and a great deal of this depends upon the manner in which they are treated. The well-known and well-founded adage, that "Doctors differ," was never more verified than in the subject before us; previous to the necessary remarks upon which, it will be proper to point out the distinct or opposite texture and property of such hoofs, before we advert to the most applicable mode of treatment for each. The hoofs of some horses are so naturally dry, and so defective in animal moisture, that they gradually contract, become apparently compressed, and narrow at the heel, as well as acquire a degree of brittleness hardly to be believed; in which state splinters are frequently scaling off from the EDGES of the HOOF, {419} at many places where the nails are unavoidably inserted to secure the position of the SHOE, for the preservation of the FOOT.

These are the species of hoof much more susceptible of injury than any other, particularly of SANDCRACKS; defects which, when they happen, very much reduce the value of the horse if offered for sale; not more in respect to the BLEMISH, than the perpetual apprehension and expectation of his becoming irrecoverably LAME. Hoofs of this description should be plentifully impregnated with sperma-cæti oil every night all round the foot; and the bottom should be stopped with a composition of stiff cow-dung, and the skimming of the pot in which fat meat has been boiled, previously preserved, and well incorporated for that purpose. It has been asserted by those who speculate, and propagate the report of fancy for FACT, that "unctuous or greasy applications are prejudicial to the feet," of which indefinite, vague and imperfect expression, the weak and wavering happily avail themselves, and boldly declare, under sanction of the equivocal mutation in meaning, that every thing greasy is injurious to the HOOFS.

It is a degree of justice that so egregious an absurdity should be exposed. Without descending to a minute and scientific analyzation of the hoof in its animated state, to ascertain how far it is, or {420} is not, a POROUS substance, it becomes only necessary to demonstrate its possessing the property of ABSORPTION from external application. That this may be the more clearly comprehended, let it be remembered, if a single drop of SPERMA-CÆTI OIL is left upon a quire of white paper, it will, by its penetrative property, pass through each leaf of the quire, till every particle of its moisture is exhausted, where it terminates in a space little larger than the point of a needle: from whence it is fair to infer, this article, in a state of perfect liquefaction, will insinuate itself into, or go through, any possible substance where a liquid can be supposed to pass: this admitted, upon clear and indisputable proof, it becomes necessary to proceed to its effect upon the dry, hard, contracted, brittle hoof of the HORSE.

If the foot is held up from the litter with the hand, and with the stable-brush well impregnated with oil, so as to be left tolerably wet upon the surface, persevering patience (by holding the foot from the ground a few minutes) will prove, that the oil with which the hoof was so plentifully basted, has nearly DISAPPEARED, although no drop has fallen to the ground. What will the rigid disputant, or cynical Sceptic, oppose to this fact, when asked what is become of the OIL so recently laid on? From the fertile resources of "EXHALATION," "EVAPORATION," or even "running {421} off," he can derive no assistance to support him in the erroneous opinion he has formed; and perhaps an obstinacy, from time and custom become habitual, will not permit him (till his judgment is more matured by experience) to admit, that it is lost to the eye, and taken up by ABSORPTION. This, however, is the fact, and to the incredulous, who are open to conviction, and willing to make the experiment, it will appear, that this treatment of the hoof, and the STOPPING previously mentioned, (if nightly persevered in,) will, in less than THREE SHOEINGS, completely restore and improve the most brittle and battered hoofs in the kingdom. So much cannot be said of unctuous or greasy substances; for, from their confidence, not possessing the property of penetration, they can add none to the EXPANSION of the HOOF; from the dry and preternaturally contracted state of which the defect generally arises; and by the additional growth and distension of the hoof alone can be relieved.

HORSE

—is the name of the most beautiful, the most useful, and the most valuable, animal, this or any other nation has to boast: the majestic extent of his formation, the graceful ease of every motion, the immensity of his strength, the smooth {422} and glossy surface of his skin, the pliability of his temper, and, above every other consideration, his rapidity of action, and general utility, render him highly worthy the care, attention, and pecuniary estimation he is now held in from one extremity of the earth to the other. He is the most spirited and most powerful of all creatures; yet the most generous, docile, grateful and obedient to the purposes of man as an individual, as well as to all the agricultural and COMMERCIAL advantages of society at large. He may be justly termed the great main-spring of PLEASURE to one class, and of PROFIT to the other; without whose aid, the eternal routine of both must come to immediate termination, constituting a CHAOS very far beyond the most fertile imagination to conceive or describe.

The natural history, the form, and general utility, of the horse, is become so perfectly familiar to every eye, that the less will be required upon those points in explanation. The various pleasurable purposes, and useful talks, to which horses are appropriated in this country, has long since demonstrated the consistency of cultivating, by select and judicious propagation, each particular kind of stock, so as to render it individually applicable to the use for which it is intended. The numbers annually produced, and annually destroyed, within the circle of our own isle (even in time of peace) exceed common conception, and of {423} which no computation can be tolerably formed. The long list constantly bred for, and engaged upon, the TURF; the SPORTS of the FIELD; the national establishment of MILITARY CAVALRY; the carriage horses of the opulent, rattling through every street of every city and large town in the kingdom; the thousands employed in AGRICULTURE, as well as all the DRAFT work of the METROPOLIS; in addition to the infinity annexed to MAIL and STAGE COACHES, as well as to the POST WORK, and those useful drudges denominated ROADSTERS, in the possession of every class of people, constitute an aggregate that in contemplation excites the utmost admiration.

The constantly increasing OPULENCE, or the constantly increasing LUXURY, has rendered the demand for horses so very superior to the example of any previous period, that no comparative statement of former and present value can hardly be ascertained. The fashionable rage for expeditious travelling, and of being conveyed at the rate of EIGHT or NINE miles an hour from one part of the kingdom to another, is the absolute furor of the times, and supported at an immense expence by those whose peculiar personal pride prompts them to display the advantages resulting from opulence, and the privileges from ostentation; to the incessant misery and premature destruction of thousands, whose services would be insured for years by a {424} more moderate and HUMANE mode of treatment. The incredible increase of light carriages of every description, has opened such a field for the use of horses of airy form, and easy action, that they are now in eternal request, at more than double, and in many purchases TREBLE, what they were to be obtained for no more than twenty years since.

The different kinds of horses bred for various purposes, pass under the denomination of RUNNING HORSES, HUNTERS, CARRIAGE HORSES, CART HORSES, ROADSTERS, and HACKS. The first are propagated in the racing studs of the most opulent characters, and appropriated entirely to the decision of sporting engagements upon the TURF; many of which, after having displayed their powers in this way, then become HUNTERS of the first class, and are frequently sold at three and four hundred guineas each. Carriage horses, with which the gay and fashionable are now whirled through the western streets of the metropolis with the most incredible velocity, were formerly considered the good, safe, substantial English hunter, and might forty years since have been purchased for thirty or five-and-thirty pounds, which was at that time about the current value: they are not now, however, from the constantly accumulating demand, and incessant destruction, to be procured in a state of youth and purity, at less {425} than nearly three times that sum. Cart horses of great size, strength, and adequate powers, are principally furnished by the midland and northern counties, for the coal and corn trade, as well as the commercial purposes of the city and suburbs, where they command an incredible price: small and inferior sorts are bred in, and dispersed through, almost every other county in the kingdom. Roadsters and HACKS may be supposed to include that great infinity of all sizes, descriptions, and qualifications, with which every road, every common, and every pasture, seem so plentifully to abound.

If superior judgment and circumspection were ever truly necessary in the selection and purchase of a HORSE, they are become doubly so, when the object of pursuit is proportionally difficult of attainment. To direct the eye, to form the judgment, and to check the natural impetuosity of the young and inexperienced purchaser, some few remarks are indispensibly necessary to shield him from the rock of fascination, upon which so many have repentantly foundered. The mind of man should never be more itself, never more adequate to the task of cool deliberation and patient observation, than in the simple examination of a horse for sale. Deception in dealing is so truly systematic, and so truly honorable in the present age, that the mind cannot be too closely fortified for {426} all events: whether the subject is to be sold by AUCTION, or by private contract, the property of a GENTLEMAN, or the offer of a dealer, the ground of self defence should be precisely the same.

It is the fixed and invariable rule with every DEALER, to affect, at first, a perfect indifference respecting the horse he wishes most to get rid of; and he always makes a point of never giving the unequivocal price of any horse till he has been seen out of the stable; during which time of shewing out, he, as well as his emissaries and attendants, are occasionally engaged in watching most attentively every trait of the intentional purchaser's countenance, anxious for a single sign of approbation, by which to regulate the magnitude of his demand; asking five, ten, fifteen, or twenty guineas more than he originally intended, in proportion as he finds the enquirer fascinated with his object of perfection, and disposed to purchase. Before the horse is brought out, it is in vain to entreat the ceremony of "figging" may be dispensed with; it is declared a custom of honor amongst the fraternity, and must be complied with.

This prelude performed, and his stern thrown upon his back like the tail of a squirrel, he is literally driven into action; the WHIP (with which he is privately alarmed in his stall twenty times a day) cannot be permitted to lay dormant even {427} upon the present occasion, particularly when its flaggellating flourish can be displayed to so great an advantage; the irritating severity of the lash, so retentively dreaded, he furiously flies from, and affords an attracting specimen of speed you may look for in vain upon any future occasion. After this curious exhibition of his ACTION, the horse still trembling with a dread of the deadly instrument waving in his sight, it will be proper to make a minute and careful examination of his shape, make, PROBABLE PERFECTION, or possible blemishes and defects, if the horse is permitted by the DEALER to stand quiet, a favor which is not always to be obtained.

This done, place yourself directly opposite to the horse's head at two yards distance, in which position, casting your eyes upon his ears, and dropping them gradually from one point to another, you command, at a single view, the effect of his countenance, the good or bad state of his EYES, the breadth of his breast, the fate of his KNEES, the appearance of SPLENTS, as well as the growth and uniformity of the FEET. Changing your place to a side view, at similar distance, you have there the curve of the CREST, the circumference of the BONE, the depth of the CHEST, the length of the BACK, the strength of the LOINS, the setting on of the TAIL, and the fashionable finish of the hind quarter; without which, individually perfect, {428} he cannot be in possession of the symmetry that is known to constitute a handsome and well-bred horse.

Looking at him behind, it is instantly perceived, whether he stands well upon his legs, and is formed wide, firm and muscular across the GASKINS, or narrow and contracted, bearing what is termed a "bandy-hocked" or "cat-hammed" appearance. The same moment affords opportunity to observe, if BLOOD SPAVINS are perceptible within side, BONE SPAVINS without, or CURBS on the back of the HOCK; as well as SPLENTS upon any one of the legs, and whether he cuts either behind or before. If blood or bone spavin is observed, it is necessary to recollect (however attracting the object may be in other respects) they sooner or later produce LAMENESS to a certainty; and although they are not deemed absolutely incurable, they open a field to the disquietude and anxiety of BLISTERING, firing, &c. with the additional and consolatory ultimatum of a farrier's bill. Splents are by no means so critical, or dangerous, if seated forward upon the shank-bone, and not likely to interfere with, or vibrate in the action of the tendon, passing under the denomination of the "back sinews;" in which case, a good and otherways valuable horse need not be declined for so slight a cause, where no injury is like to be sustained.

Having proceeded thus far in the examination with strict attention, it becomes equally necessary to descend minutely to the FEET, in search of CRACKS, CORNS, THRUSHES, COMPRESSION of the HOOF, NARROW HEELS, or fleshy protuberances of the inner, and consequent projection of the outer sole. The state of the WIND is next the object of enquiry, which is done by making the customary and critical experiment of pinching the GULLET or windpipe with considerable force, nearly close to, and just behind the jaw-bone: should the horse, upon such pressure, force out a sound substantial cough, (which is sometimes repeated,) the safety of the wind is ascertained: on the contrary, should nothing be produced but a faint hollow wheezing, with a palpable heaving of the flanks, the state of the wind may be justly suspected. Should any doubt arise upon the decision, (which sometimes happens with the best and most experienced judges,) let the horse be put into brisk action, and powerful exertion, when the roaring at a distance, the laboured respiration, and the preternatural heaving of the flank, after a brisk gallop of two thirds of a MILE, will determine the state of the wind, without the least chance of being mistaken.

The EYES, that were only superficially noticed as matter of course in the front view, when the horse was first brought out of the stable, now become the necessary objects of minute, patient, and {430} judicious investigation. If they are clear, full and prominent in the orb, reflecting your own figure from the pupil, without any protrusion of the haw from the inner corner, any inflammatory enlargement of the lids, or any acrid weeping from either, there is then every well-founded reason to believe they are not only safe, but GOOD. On the contrary, should there appear a seeming sinking of the orbs, with a perceptible indentation, and a wrinkled contraction above the eyelids, they are very unfavorable symptoms, indicating impending ill, and should not be encountered, but with an expectation of certain loss. A small pig eye should be examined with great caution; they are better avoided, if possible, as their future state is not only to be considered exceedingly doubtful, but they are always objected to, and productive of vexatious rebuffs, when a horse is again to be sold. A cloudy muddiness beneath the outer covering of the eye, or a milky thickening upon the surface, denotes present defect, and probability of future blindness; in all which cases, prudence should prevent such subject from becoming an object of attraction.

The AGE, if asked of a dealer, is declared "rising six" or "rising seven;" for it must be held in remembrance, that their horses are never acknowledged younger than "FIVE," or older than "SIX OFF"; and what is still more extraordinary, in addition {431} to this convenience, they possess the sole PATENT for regeneration, having it always in their power to make a ten years old horse SIX, with the very desirable advantage to a purchaser, that he shall never be more (by the mouth) so long as he lives. This extra effort of ART, or renewal of age, passes under the denomination of "BISHOPING," (which see,) where a description of the operation will be found. The AGE of a HORSE by the mouth is not dissimilar to abstract points in politics with coffee-house politicians, largely talked of, but little understood; which circumstance alone has laid open a perpetual field for this eternal and remorseless imposition: to remedy which, as much as the nature of the case will admit, and that a matter of so much utility may with very little attention be perfectly understood, a PLATE is annexed, and accompanied with such explanatory matter, as will render it easy to every comprehension. See Colt.

Having gone through, with precision, all that can possibly present itself upon the score of examination, in respect to age, shape, make, figure, and action, we arrive at the very ultimatum of enquiry, respecting the WARRANTY of his being perfectly SOUND. What that warranty is, and how far it is to extend, requires a more correct and limited line of certainty than seems at present to be understood. BLEMISHES and DEFECTS are supposed by {432} some not to constitute unsoundness, provided the ACTION of the horse is not impeded by their appearance; whilst, on the contrary, it is as firmly urged by the impartial and disinterested, that no horse ought to be sold as, or WARRANTED "perfectly sound," but in a state of natural and unsullied perfection. This criterion is the more necessary to be ascertained, and laid down by some principle of law, because the numerous litigations in every successive TERM demonstrate, that various opinions prevail, according to the INTEREST, CAPRICE, or PECUNIARY convenience, of individuals concerned; to carry, support and confirm which, even the prostitution of TRUTH and HONOR must become subservient. And this "glorious uncertainty of the law" is so clearly comprehended by the Gentlemen of the Long Robe, that when a HORSE CAUSE is coming on in any of the Courts, an observation immediately follows, that "whoever SWEARS the hardest will obtain it."

To prevent suits of such description, (which sometimes happen between gentlemen of equal honor, and strict integrity,) it is much to be wished, some direct and unequivocal mode of distinction could be legally ascertained, how far a general "warranty of soundness" is to extend, and where the line of perfection or imperfection is to be drawn; as for instance, to establish, by LAW or CUSTOM, some fixed and invariable rules, by which {433} the soundness of a horse might so far be insured between BUYER and SELLER, as to render unnecessary such LAW-SUITS as are invariably supported by a subornation of perjury on one side or the other. Nothing, perhaps, could conduce more to a cause so desirable, or tend more to constitute a criterion of equity between all parties, if once established, and mutually understood; that no horse should be deemed SOUND, and sold with such WARRANTY, but in a state of PERFECTION, entirely free from lameness, blemish, and defect, not only at the time of transfer, but never known to have been otherways: admitting which mode of dealing to form the basis of equity between one man and another, an additional observation naturally presents itself, as a collateral consideration clearly implied, though not particularly expressed; that a horse sold bona fide sound, and admitted on both sides to be so at the time of purchase, should have no right to be returned under any plea whatever; for it is universally known, that any horse so sold, must be as liable to fall lame, become diseased, or even to die, in one hour after DELIVERY, as in any other hour of life. Then where can be the equitable consistency of returning a horse positively SOUND when sold, upon the plea of lameness or disease, when the time of attack has been merely a matter of chance between one and the other?

No juvenile or inexperienced purchaser should be too eager and hasty in his pursuits, or too easily fascinated with a seeming object of GENERAL ATTRACTION. It is exceedingly easy to purchase "in haste, and repent at leisure:" none should be instantly allured by sudden show, and short inspection; too much trial cannot be obtained, nor too much patience persevered in during the examination. The sportsman of prudence, and personal experience, never even speaks upon the price, without previously RIDING the subject in question; this he does in a remote and quiet situation, then in a busy one. In the former, mount, dismount, and mount again; survey and critically examine him in a state of nature, when calm, and at a distance from those he knows to be his persecutors as well in as out of the stable: it is for want of these precautions, that there are so many dupes to artifice, who purchase the dullest jades, without adverting for a moment to the furious effect of WHIP, SPUR, and ginger; the dealer's best friends.

As it is by no means a proof of judgment to purchase hastily, so, having once purchased, it should be an invariable maxim never to part too rashly. Innumerable are the instances where horses have been disposed of in the moments of caprice, and precipitately sold for fifteen, twenty, or thirty pounds, that have afterwards produced an hundred or an hundred and fifty guineas. When a horse of {435} promising appearance, and pleasing action, is rode upon trial, great allowance should be made for the state of his mouth: he may not only have been accustomed to a different bit or BRIDLE, but may probably have been some time ridden by a previous OWNER of very different temper and disposition. One man rides with a tight, another with a slack rein: one is a petulant, refractory, impatient rider, who not unfrequently makes his horse so by his own indiscretion; when, on the contrary, a mild, serene, and philosophic rider (who ruminates upon the imperfections of the animal he bestrides, as well as his own) often enjoys the inexpressible satisfaction of making a convert to his own good usage and sensibility; constituting, by such patient perseverance, that very horse a desirable object of acquisition, even to those who had, upon too slight a foundation, or too short a trial, discarded him as unworthy any service at all.

Experience affords ample demonstration, that the tempers of HORSES are as much diversified as the tempers of those who RIDE or DRIVE them; and it will not be inapplicable for the young to be told, or the OLD to recollect, that a great number of horses are made restive and vicious by ill usage, and then unmercifully whipped, spurred, and beaten for being so; in corroboration of which fact, there are numbers constantly disposed of "to the best bidder," as invincibly restive, at the hammer of a {436} REPOSITORY, that would in a few weeks, by gentle and humane treatment, have been reformed to the best tempers, and most pliable dispositions. Those who have been most attentively accurate in observation and experience, well know, that personal severity to horses for restiveness or starting, very frequently makes them worse, but is seldom found to make them better: it is, therefore, certainly more rational, more humane, and evidently more gratifying, to effect subservience by tenderness and manly perseverance (divested of pusillanimity and fear) than by means of unnatural severity, often tending to render "the remedy worse than the disease."

Horses, when at liberty, and in a state of freedom, although they are exposed to the different degrees of heat and cold, (encountering the utmost severity of the ELEMENTS in opposite seasons,) are well known to be in more constant health, and less subject to morbidity, than when destined to the scanty confines of a STABLE, and brought into USE; the causes of which are too numerous, and too extensive, to come within the limits of a work of this kind. It is, however, to be presumed, very many of the SEVERE, DANGEROUS, and, finally, destructive disorders to which they are so constantly subject, and so perpetually liable, are produced much more by a want of care and attention in those who OWN or superintend them, than to any pre-disposing tendency {437} in the animal to disease. In farther elucidation of which, see "Groom."

The disorders to which horses are perpetually incident, may be reduced to a few distinct heads, as the acute, chronic, dangerous, infectious, and accidental; the major part of those partaking of a joint description, and technical complication. For instance, staggers, flatulent or inflammatory cholic, fevers, pleurisy, inflammation of the lungs, and strangury, may be ranked amongst the acute and dangerous. Glanders and FARCY are admitted to be infectious, and in advanced stages, incurable. The GREASE, SURFEIT, MANGE, ASTHMA, &c. may be termed chronic. Accidents and incidents include colds, coughs, swelled legs, cracked heels, wind-galls, strains, warbles, sitfasts, and a long train of trifles, by far the greater part of which originate in carelessness, inhumanity, and indiscretion. A description of all will be found under their distinct heads; and the means of alleviation and cure must be derived from the most popular practitioners, or the works of those who have written professedly upon the subject of Veterinary Medicine and Disease.

Horses having for so many centuries continued to increase the ease, comfort, pleasure, and happiness, of all descriptions of people, they have at length, by the fertile invention of national financiers, {438} been found equally capable of becoming materially instrumental to the support of Government, in a degree beyond what the utmost effusions of fancy could have formed, as will be seen by the very judicious scale of gradational taxation, accurately copied and annexed. And as there was no other distinct head, where the DUTIES upon CARRIAGES could with propriety be introduced, they are here included also, as no inapplicable addition to requisite information, in which so many are individually concerned.

Duties on Horses.

On Horses and Mules.

Duties on Carriages.

Duties on Carriages with Two Wheels.

Horse dealers shall cause the words "Licenced to deal in Horses," to be painted or written in large and legible Characters, either on a Sign hung out, or on some visible Place in the Front of their House, Gateway, or Stables; and if he shall sell any Horse without fixing such Token, he shall forfeit 10l. to be recovered by Action; Half to the King, and Half to the Informer. 36th George Third, c. xvii.

HORSEMANSHIP

—is the act of riding with ease, grace, and fortitude. It may be taken in two points of view; as those who, self-taught, become proficients equally with those who derive instruction from the SCHOOLS, of which there are many of established celebrity. Doubts, however, have arisen, and opposite opinions have been supported, whether the sportsman who has acquired the art from nature, habit, and practice, is not, in general, a more easy, graceful, expert, and courageous horseman, than the major part of those who have been in the trammels (and riding the great horse) of the most able and eminent professors. As there are but few of these schools, except in the metropolis, and excellent horsemen to be seen in every part of the kingdom, that circumstance {441} alone seems to justify the presumption, that there is much more of NATURE than of art in the acquisition. However unnecessary the instructions of a RIDING MASTER may be in forming the qualifications and graces of a FOXHUNTER, they become indispensibly requisite to the completion of a MILITARY EDUCATION, in which personal dignity, and adequate authority, must be properly and systematically maintained.

Previous to every other consideration in the art of horsemanship, it is necessary to be well acquainted with every minute circumstance, and regular routine, of stable discipline; to know the name and use of every utensil; to comprehend the application of every distinct part of the apparatus with which a horse is caparisoned, and to understand perfectly the property of each kind of bridle, and the effect they are individually calculated to produce. These are conjunctively of such material import to safety, and such palpable proofs of judicious arrangement and solid judgment, that they may, in the aggregate, be considered the very foundation upon which the reputation of a HORSEMAN is to be formed. Preparatory to mounting, particularly for a journey, or the chase, the experienced SPORTSMAN, feeling for the frailties and inadvertencies of human nature, never trusts too much to the hands and eyes of others, when not deprived of the use of his OWN; but prudently condescends to {442} examine, by the glance of an eye, how far the horse, and appendages, are adequate to the purpose in which he is then going to engage.

This being done, he comes gently up to his horse, opposite the shoulder, on the near (that is the left) side: when facing the wither, he takes the reins of the bridle with a tuft of the mane firmly in his left hand, and of about the same length they are held in when mounted. The horse standing still, (which he should always be accustomed to do when mounting,) and not before, the right-hand is employed in supporting the stirrup on that side, for the reception of the left foot; when which is safely inserted, the right-hand is removed from the stirrup to the hinder part of the saddle, where it forms a support or lever to assist in raising the right leg from the ground, and to pass it gradually and steadily over the body of the horse, where it falls readily into contact with the stirrup on that side. When first the reins are taken in hand, due observance should be made of the medium they are to be held in; that is, not tight enough to make the horse uneasy, and to run back, or slack enough to afford him an opportunity to set off before his rider is firmly SEATED.

When mounted, the body should be easily and pliably erect, inclining rather backwards than forwards; the weight entirely resting upon the posteriors, {443} proportionally relieved by the continuation of the thighs, and an equal moderate pressure of both the legs upon the sides of the horse. To preserve which position free from constraint and stiffness, the proper length of the STIRRUPS is a matter most material to be attended to; for unless they are in length adapted to the stature of the RIDER, it will be impracticable for him to keep a firm and graceful seat, particularly with violent, vicious, or restive horses, upon many emergencies. The general error, particularly with inexperienced horsemen, who have never been accustomed to ride in the early part of life, is having their stirrups ridiculously short, by which they injudiciously conceive they insure their own personal safety; though the opposite is the fact, and with a spirited horse they are always in greater danger; for the knees being lifted above the skirt of the saddle, the thighs are rendered useless, the legs are deprived of their necessary assistance, the rider is left without a seat or fulcrum to sustain his position, and rocking first on one side, then swinging on the other, he is left entirely at the mercy of his horse. That this may be the better reconciled to every comprehension, the stirrups, for ease and safety, should be exactly in this state; that the rider sitting upon his horse (either still or in action) should be able to disengage his foot from the stirrup at a single motion, and by keeping his foot in a direct horizontal position, would have the command and power of recovering {444} or catching the stirrup almost instantaneously, with the slightest effort for that purpose.

These remarks, properly attended to, the body will be found easy, firm, and commanding; divested of all those rockings, jerkings, and twistings, sometimes over the horse's head, at others over his tail, displaying the FEATS of an involuntary attitudinarian, seldom seen but in Hyde Park, or the environs of the Metropolis. The left-hand is termed the bridle-hand, and the left elbow must come nearly into gentle contact with the body, which it has always for its support in any sudden jump, start, or stumble, of the horse; in want of which regular bearing (if required) the hand could not be always equally steady, and would of course frequently, but unintentionally, prove a check to the horse. It is impossible to lay down fixed and invariable rules for the precise distance of the left-hand from the breast, or its heighth from the saddle; horses differ so much in their MOUTHS, that the bridle-hand must be used higher or lower, and the reins longer or shorter in proportion. The right-hand (termed, in racing, the whip-hand) should be held in a kind of corresponding uniformity with the left, acting also occasionally in the use of the reins, and the management of the mouth; and this is the more necessary, as every complete HORSEMAN, or perfect SPORTSMAN, can manage the {445} reins (of even a run-away horse) as well with one hand as the other.

The hand should always be firm, but delicately pliable, feelingly alive to every motion of the mouth; for, by giving and taking properly, the horse has better opportunity to display his spirit, and demonstrate the pleasure he receives, in being encouraged to champ upon the bit. As the necessary qualifications which constitute the excellence of horsemanship can never be derived from theory, and are only to be acquired by PRACTICE, it becomes concisely applicable to make such remarks, and inculcate such general instructions, as may be usefully retained in the memory of those, who, not feeling themselves too confident in their own ability, are content to avail themselves of information resulting from an experience of which they are not yet in possession. After all the trouble and expence of breaking horses, by the best and most expert professors in that way, yet there are numbers possess, by nature, and retain by habit and temper, faults and vices, not only unpleasant and inconvenient, but even unsafe and dangerous, to those who ride them. An impetuous, ill-tempered rider, who is always expecting his horse to do more than nature ever intended, will soon make the animal as petulant and refractory as himself: few passionate riders become good and humane horsemen; great patience, serenity, and some philosophy, {446} is required to meet the variegated and unexpected vicissitudes unavoidably to be encountered in the field, as well as upon the road.

A hot, high-spirited horse, and a fiery, petulant rider, constitute a paradoxical, heterogeneous connection; for as they support a perpetual war between them, and neither feels disposed to submit, so they continue to irritate and render each other worse than they were before. A horse, from natural sagacity, soon discovers the mildness and placidity of his rider, proportioning his own obedience and docility accordingly; of which greater proof need not be adduced, than his absolutely following the master or servant from whom he receives good usage, as well as his being left at different doors totally unconfined, in the midst of populous streets, and thronged with carriages, from whence he will not attempt to stir, till removed by the voice or hand to which he belongs. Horsemen of tenderness and reflection are ever attentive to the animal who contributes so much to their own health, happiness, or emolument; and omit no one opportunity, that presents itself, of promoting their ease and comfort in return. If the horse, from natural shyness and timidity, or probably from ill usage in the possession of a former master, is alarmed at the sight or motion of stick or whip, a rider of this description quiets his fears, by letting it gradually decline behind his {447} own thigh near the flank of the horse: the fool, or the madman, brandishes it before his eyes, in confirmation of his own ignorance or insanity.

Horses who are addicted to starting, do it from fear, and not from opposition; the recollection of which should instantly excite a consideration of pity and tenderness in the rider; but it is much to be regretted, so great is the depravity of the human mind, that nine times out of ten, this very fear (the palpable effect of constitutional timidity) is productive of the most severe and unmerited punishment. It is no uncommon thing to see a much greater brute than the animal he bestrides, most unmercifully beating, whipping, and spurring, a poor creature, for possessing a sensation in common with ourselves. If every one of the human species were to be beat, bruised, and crippled, for being justly alarmed at the appearance of danger, or the sight of unnatural and unexpected objects of surprize, our hospitals could never prove sufficiently capacious to receive half the patients that would be daily presented for admission. If caution, and the apprehension of danger, is thus instinctively interwoven with the very frame of MAN, is it not natural that the HORSE (who has likewise the power of seeing, hearing, and feeling) may be equally alarmed at, and afraid of, impending destruction? Will any, but the most incredulous STOIC, presume to argue, or to doubt, that the {448} horse has not the same susceptibility of pain, and the same dread of dissolution, as ourselves? Has he not the same degree of precaution and circumspection in avoiding calamity when it depends upon himself? Has he not the same fear of being crushed to atoms by the weight of any superior power suspended above himself? Has he not the same fear of being drowned? Is he not equally alarmed if even gently led to the brink of an awful precipice, and does he not instantly retreat with horror? Is he not terrified, even to a deprivation of motion, at the sight of fire? Why then can it create surprize, that he should be afraid of, and alarmed at, a high-loaded broad-wheel waggon upon a narrow road, whose ponderous summit seems to threaten his probable and speedy annihilation?

If then it is thus clearly demonstrated, and must be candidly admitted, that the true cause of a horse's STARTING is fear, what magical effect is violence on the part of the rider to produce? Nothing can more forcibly evince the passion, folly, ignorance, and inhumanity, of the lower classes, than the prevalence of this practice. That horses may be made to pass objects of dislike and dread by such means is not to be disputed; it is only presumed that lenity, patience, and mild persuasion, are the most preferable, and by far the most gentleman-like of the two. It is the business of the rider to conquer, and become master of his {449} horse; but violent passion, and coercive measures, need not be resorted to, till the more lenient attempts have failed. Notwithstanding the idea here inculcated, of not violently and suddenly pressing a horse up to a carriage, waggon, or any other object at which he has started, it is necessary he should be made to know he must pass it, which he may be made to do by a modulated tone of the voice, a moderate and judicious use of the rein, and a proper pressure of one or both legs, as well, or better, than by any forcible means whatever.

The use of the LEGS is a very important consideration, not only in the due correction of a HORSE that starts, but in the AIRS taught in the MANEGE; where the horse is supported and helped by the hands and legs in every action required, from whence he is technically said to perform his airs by AIDS from the rider. When a horse, in starting, begins to fly on one side, for the purpose of turning from the object he wishes to avoid, the instantaneous, strong and sudden pressure of the leg on that side counteracts his spring, and, with the joint exertion of the rein and wrist, immediately brings him straight; at which moment, the same use being made of both legs, as was just before made with one, he has no alternative, but to submit to the determined correction, and soon passes the object of dread or dislike, and proceeds in the way he is required. As the legs are of great {450} utility in the PROPER management of a horse, so they are the very reverse, if improperly brought into action. Nothing sooner denotes the inability of a rider, than to see the legs swinging like a pendulum, and alternately beating against the sides of the horse: if he is a spirited horse, and well broke, he conceives himself intentionally excited to brisker action; if, on the contrary, he is a dull and sluggish goer, it only adds to his habitual callosity.

Humanity having been already mentioned as one of the leading qualifications necessary to constitute the character of a perfect HORSEMAN, or true SPORTSMAN, (which are nearly synonimous), it invariably prompts each to insure, upon all occasions, the necessary comforts for his HORSE, before he bestows a single thought upon his own. It has been wisely observed, that the man who rides fast without a motive, never affords himself time for reflection; and that he who is always in a GALLOP, is either a fool or a madman. These remarks probably originated in an observation resulting from experience, and tolerably correct in the application; that those who ride hardest, are generally the most indifferent about the CARE of their HORSES. Those who act prudently, and with a proper attention to their own interest, will occasionally condescend to take a survey of the stable management within, as well as the enjoyment of pleasure without; {451} upon the old and well-founded maxim, that "the master's eye makes the work light;" with the additional advantage of most probably keeping disease at a distance. The same degree of discretion which regulates the conduct of the young and inexperienced SPORTSMAN in one respect, will regulate it in another: having the health and safety of his horse at heart, he will never hurry him for the first hour in the morning, till time and gentle action has enabled him to unload his carcase; he will never make unreasonably long stages upon the ROAD; ride races, or take unnecessary leaps in the FIELD: at the conclusion of the JOURNEY or CHASE, he will see, that whatever he may think necessary to be done, is so, without implicitly relying upon imaginary punctuality, in ordering it to be done by OTHERS. These suggestions, however, apply more to INNS upon the road, and the LIVERY STABLES in the METROPOLIS, than to the private stables, and regular establishments, of gentlemen having servants of reputation, upon whose fidelity they can fix a firm reliance.

HORSE-RACING

—has been a favorite sport with the superior classes for many centuries, but never arrived at any degree of local celebrity till the reign of Charles the Second; who, entering into the spirit of the TURF, and becoming personally present with the full splendor of his court, then laid the foundation of the meetings at Newmarket, which are now become so justly eminent, and where RACING has long since attained the full zenith of perfection. This sport during so many years, had undergone a variety of changes and depressions, according to the temper of the times, the dispositions of the people, and the fluctuation of events; amidst all which, it seems to have been the peculiar province of the great Duke of Cumberland (uncle of his present Majesty) to have become the principal instrument of renovation; having, by incessant exertion, and personal example, raised the spirit of the TURF to a degree of eminence and emulation, the brilliant rays of which will most probably never be totally obscured, till "time itself shall be no more." This, however, was not effected without an immensity of expence, and an incredible succession of LOSSES, to the sharks, Greeks, and black-legs of that time, by whom his Royal Highness was eternally surrounded, and incessantly pillaged; but having, in the greatness of his mind, the military maxim of "persevere and conquer," he was not to be deterred from the object of pursuit, till, having just {453} become possessor of the best STOCK, best BLOOD, and most numerous STUD in the kingdom, beating his opponents "at all points," he suddenly "passed that bourne from whence no traveller returns;" an irreparable loss to the TURF, and universally lamented by the kingdom at large.

This unexpected and severe stroke occasioned a temporary stagnation; and the general gloom, with which all the interested were for some time affected, seemed to threaten a serious suspension, if not a total annihilation; but the STUD being announced for SALE at the GREAT LODGE in Windsor Park, it afforded scope for the most fertile speculations, and those who had lost (by the Duke's death) the most striking and opulent object of their depredations, now found it prudent to form themselves into a family combination and compact, by whose indefatigable industry the sporting part of the public were most shamefully robbed for five-and-twenty years, at all the races of note for fifty miles round London; when finding, in their own phrase, that "the GAME was quite up," their persons were known, and their practices exploded, they disposed of the FAMILY STUD, withdrawing themselves as PRINCIPALS, and acting only as accessories upon private information from the subordinates, upon which the experience of years has proved a handsome subsistence is to be obtained.

{454} These discoveries in almost every direction, roused gentlemen of FORTUNE, HONOR, and INTEGRITY, from the apathy to which they had been inadvertently lulled; and seeing the absolute necessity of a separation from a set of marked unprincipled miscreants, proper means of exclusion were adopted, the RULES of the Jockey Club (which see) were revised and improved; every proper mode being taken to prevent the introduction and election of those, whose characters and property were not known to accord with the principles of the original institution. Here followed another temporary gloom; the deaths of several of the most zealous amateurs and supporters of the turf, in almost immediate succession, caused such a general sterility, that Newmarket was literally in mourning; training-grooms and stable-lads were daily becoming gentlemen at large (or rather wanderers) for want of employment. As casual circumstances frequently effect CONTRASTS, or operate by EXTREMES, so, during the last twelve or fourteen years, RACING has experienced another resurrection; but DEATH, that unrelenting "leveller of all distinctions," has recently deprived us of some of its most experienced devotees, whose STUDS of course are successively coming to the hammer, and indicate at present no certain prospect of increasing popularity. As this subject will be repeatedly treated on, under those heads to which it particularly appertains, it becomes only necessary to introduce {455} the fixed RULES and REGULATIONS, as invariably observed at Newmarket, (which is the standard for the kingdom in general,) by all those who support a character for punctuality and integrity upon the turf.

It is enacted by different Acts of Parliament, That no person whatsoever shall enter, start, or run any HORSE, MARE, or GELDING, for any PLATE, PRIZE, SUM of MONEY, or other thing, unless such horse, mare, or gelding, shall be truly and bona fide the property of, and belonging to, such person so entering, starting, or running the same: nor shall any person enter and start more than one horse, mare, or gelding, for one and the same plate, prize, or sum of money, under the forfeiture of the horse, horses, or value thereof.

Any person that shall enter, start, or run a horse, mare, or gelding, for less value than fifty pounds, forfeits the sum of TWO HUNDRED POUNDS. Every person that shall print, publish, advertise or proclaim any money, or other thing, to be run for, of less value than fifty pounds, forfeits the sum of ONE HUNDRED POUNDS. Every race for any plate, prize, or sum of money, to be begun and ended in one day. Horses may run on Newmarket Heath, in the counties of Cambridge and Suffolk, and Black Hambleton, in the county of {456} York, for less value than fifty pounds, without incurring any penalty.

All and every sum and sums of money paid for entering of any horse, mare, or gelding, to start for any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing, shall go and be paid to the second best horse, mare, or gelding, which shall start or run for such plate, prize, or sum of money, as aforesaid. Provided, that nothing therein contained shall extend, or be construed to extend, to prevent the starting or running any horse, mare, or gelding, for any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing or things issuing out of, or paid for, by the rents, issues, and profits, of any lands, tenements, or hereditaments; or of or by the interest of any sum or sums of money chargeable with the same, or appropriated to that purpose.

Every horse, mare, or gelding, entered to start or run for any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing whatsoever, shall pay the sum of two pounds two shillings. And be it further enacted, That the owner of every horse, mare, or gelding, entered to start or run for any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing, shall, previous to the entering or starting such horse, mare, or gelding, pay the sum of TWO POUNDS TWO SHILLINGS, as the duty for one year, into the hands of the Clerk of the Course, Book-keeper, or other person authorized to make {457} the entry of such horse, mare, or gelding; and if any owner shall, previous to the starting, neglect or refuse to pay the said sum of two pounds two shillings, for such entrance, to the Clerk of the Course, Book-keeper, or other person authorized to make the entry as aforesaid, the owner or owners of every such horse, mare, or gelding, shall forfeit and pay the sum of TWENTY POUNDS.

RULES in RACING.

Horses take their ages from May Day.
1760 yards are a mile.
240 yards are a distance.
Four inches are a hand.
Fourteen pounds are a stone.

When HORSES are matched at CATCH WEIGHTS, each party may appoint any person to ride, without weighing either before or after the race.

Give and take Plates are for horses of fourteen hands high, to carry a stated weight, above or below which more or less is to be carried, allowing seven pounds for every inch.

A Post Match is made by inferring the age of the horses in the articles; and the parties possess the privilege of bringing any horse of that age to the post, without making any previous declaration whatever, of name, colour, or qualifications.

Riders must ride their horses (after running) to the SCALES to weigh; and he that dismounts without so doing, or wants weight when weighed, is deemed a distanced horse.

If a RIDER falls from his horse, and the horse is rode in by a person who is sufficient weight, he will take place the same as if it had not happened, provided he goes back to the place where the other fell.

Horses not entitled to start, without producing a proper certificate of their age, if required, at the time specified in the articles, except where AGED horses are included; and in that case, a junior horse may enter without a certificate, provided he carries the same weight as the aged.

For the BEST of the PLATE, where there are three heats run, the horse is deemed SECOND best who wins ONE.

For the BEST of the HEATS, the horse is second that beats the others twice out of three times, though he does not win a heat.

In all BETS, either bettor may demand STAKES to be made; and on refusal, declare the bet void. A confirmed BET cannot be off but by mutual consent.

If one of the PARTIES is absent on the DAY of RUNNING, a public declaration may be made of the BET upon the Course, accompanied with a demand, whether any person present will make STAKES for the absent party, which proportion not being acceded to, the bet may be declared void.

Bets agreed to be paid or received in town, or at any other particular place, cannot be declared off on the Course.

If a MATCH is made for any particular day, in any meeting at Newmarket, and the parties agree to change the day, all bets must STAND; but if run {460} in a different meeting, the bets made before the alteration are void.

When a person has chosen his horse, the field is what starts against him; but there is no field, if the horse so named has no opponent.

If ODDS are laid, without mentioning the horse before it is over, it must be determined as the bets were at the time of making it.

Bets made in running, are not determined till the PLATE is WON, if that heat is not mentioned at the time of betting.

Where a PLATE is won by two heats, the preference of the horses is determined by the places they are in at the termination of the second heat.

Horses running on the wrong side of a POST, and not turning back to completely recover their ground, are distanced.

Horses drawn between any of the heats, before the plate is WON, are distanced.

Horses are deemed distanced, if their RIDERS cross and jostle, when the ARTICLES do not permit it.

If a horse WINS the first heat, and all others draw, they are not distanced, if he starts no more; but if he starts again by himself, the drawn horses are distanced.

When BETS are made after a heat upon a subsequent event, if the horse so betted upon does not start, the BETS so made are void.

When three horses have EACH won a HEAT, they only must start for a fourth, and the preference between them will be determined by it, there having before been no difference between them.

When the words "play or pay" are included in a BET, it is thus decided: the horse which does not appear, and be ready to start, at the time appointed, is the loser; and the other is the WINNER, although he goes over the Course by himself.

In running heats, if it cannot be decided which is first, the heat is then called a DEAD HEAT, and they may all start again; unless it should happen in the last heat, and then it must be between the two horses which, if either had WON, the race would have been decided; but if between two, that by either winning the race would not have been determined, then it is no heat, and the others may all start again.

Bets made upon horses WINNING any number of PLATES within the year, remain in force till the FIRST DAY of May.

To propose a BET, and say "done" first to it, the person who replies "done" to it, makes it a confirmed bet.

Matches and BETS are void on the decease of either party before they are determined.

NEWMARKET COURSES

The great and leading qualification of a horse bred for the TURF, is the purity of his blood, which can only be insured by the verity of his PEDIGREE, and this, to be authentic, must be signed by the BREEDER, and is in purchase and sale always transferred with the horse. The most distinguishing trait of judgment in racing, is first to ascertain the exact speed of the horse, and then to discover of what precise weight he is master; that he may not be retarded in one, by being overloaded with the other. Attentive experience with the PROFESSORS and AMATEURS for a series of years, has long since fully demonstrated, upon practical proof, (for the trials have been repeatedly made even to the key of the stable-door,) that the celerity is, in certain degrees, to be increased or impeded by the weight the horse has to carry. It will, therefore, be readily conceived, if two horses are tolerably equal in speed, strength, blood, and bone, as well as of the same year, the horse which carries the least weight by only three pounds, must, in the course of FOUR MILES, display the advantage he has over his antagonist; particularly as the longer the race, the more will the horse be affected by the weight he carries; and those who are the best and most experienced judges, hesitate not to affirm, that the addition of seven pounds weight carried by one, where both are thought of equal speed, will, if the ground is run honestly over, make the difference of a DISTANCE (two hundred and forty yards) in the four miles only.

The racing weights most in use for half a century past, have been according to age and qualifications, from about seven stone seven, to nine stone twelve, or ten stone; except in matches with two years old, and yearlings at light or feather weights, and the King's hundreds, for which (till some trifling alterations lately adopted) they carried at six years old TWELVE STONE. There are, however, some NEW CLUBS, lately instituted by NOBLEMEN and GENTLEMEN of the first distinction, who hold their meetings at Bibury and Kingscote, in Gloucestershire, where the weights are advanced beyond former example to twelve or thirteen stone, upon a well-founded principle of exciting emulation in BREEDERS to pay some attention to BONE as well as to BLOOD; a most judicious and salutary improvement, considering the infinity of weeds that are annually drafted and destined to the hammer of a repository, as objects of neither value, utility, or attraction.

CERTIFICATE of AGE.

I hereby certify that my Bay Colt, Hap Hazard, got by Sir Peter Teazle, Dam by Eclipse, was bred by me, and that he was no more than Four Years old last Grass.

ARTICLE of a MATCH.

Sir H. T. Vane's B. Horse Hambletonian, got by King Fergus, Dam by Highflyer, now Six Years, carrying 8st. 3lb. is matched against Mr. Cookson's B. Horse Diamond, by Highflyer, (out of the Dam of Sparkler,) now Five Years old, carrying 8st. over the Beacon Course at Newmarket, on Monday in the next Craven Meeting, for 3000 Guineas, Half forfeit; with a Power reserved to alter the Day and Hour, or either, by consent.

This match was run on Monday, March 25, 1799, and won by Hambletonian, (five to four in his favour at starting.)—See Diamond or Hambletonian.

PRODUCE MATCH

The Produce of Sir T. Gascoigne's Golden Locks, covered by King Fergus, against the Produce of Mr. Fox's Dam of Calomel, covered by Beningbrough, for 200 Guineas each, Half forfeit. Colts to carry 8st. Fillies 7st. 11lb. Last Mile and a Half. No Produce no Forfeit.

Produce Matches, and Produce Sweepstakes, are generally made and entered into during the time such Mares are in Foal.

A POST PRODUCE MATCH

ARTICLE for a SWEEPSTAKES.

We whose Names are hereunto subscribed, do agree to run for a Sweepstakes of 50 Guineas each, over Port Meadow, on the last Day of {468} Oxford Races next ensuing; the Horses to carry the Gold Cup Weights, viz. Four Years old, 7st. 7lb. Five Years old, 8st. 7lb. Six Years old, 9st. and aged, 9st. 4lb. one Four Mile Heat. The Winner of the Gold Cup to carry 7lb. extra. The Subscribers to name their Horses to the Clerk of the Course on or before the first Day of March next; and the Subscription to close on that Day. The Stakes to be paid into the Hands of the Clerk of the Course before starting, or the Subscription to be doubled. Five Subscribers, or no Race.

HUNTERS SWEEPSTAKES.

A Sweepstakes of 10 Guineas each, for Hunters (carrying 12st. one Four Mile Heat, to be rode by Gentlemen) that have never started for Plate, Match, or Sweepstakes, and to be bona fide the Property of Subscribers, and which have been regularly hunted the preceding Season as Hunters, and not merely to have obtained the Name; and that, have never had a Sweat with an Intention to run before the first of May next ensuing. Certificates of their having hunted regularly to be produced (if required) from the Owner or Owners of the Hounds with which they have hunted; and to be named to the Clerk of the Course on or before {469} the first of April next; and the Stakes to be deposited at the same Time, or the Horse not permitted to start.—Six Subscribers, or no Race.

The great variety of hounds with which the country formerly abounded, seem now, by the judicious crosses of succeeding generations, to have been principally reduced to a much more contracted point of view, and center entirely in the denomination of STAG hounds, FOX hounds, HARRIERS, and BEAGLES; each of the four being a degree less in size than the other, with such variations in strength, speed, colour, and tongue, as may have been adopted by the judgment or fancy of the BREEDER. We have been taught, by a maxim of long standing, to believe, "there is no rule without an exception." An author of much celebrity, however, in respect to the breeding of hounds, pays due respect to rule, but does not advert to exception. It is his opinion, "that there are necessary points in the shape of a hound, which ought always to be attended to; for if he be not of a perfect symmetry, he will neither run fast, nor bear much work: he has much to undergo, and should have strength proportioned to it. Let his legs be straight as arrows; his feet round, and not too large; his shoulders back; his breast rather wide than narrow; his chest deep; his back broad; his head small; his neck thin; his tail thick and brushy; if he carry it well, so much the better."

Without animadverting upon the SIZE of any particular kind of hound, as applicable to any particular {471} sort of chase, or to any particular kind of country, but with a view to the aggregate in a general sense, there are, as in all other matters of FANCY, FASHION, or CAPRICE, a variety of opinions. Some there are who profess themselves strenuous advocates for what they term the "busy bustlers," or small hounds, upon a plea, that they are always at work, lose no time, climb hills fast enough for any horse, and get through coverts quicker than any other. Sportsmen of a bolder description are equally strenuous, and perhaps with a greater shew of reason, in the support of large hounds, justly affirming, they will make their way in any country, get better through the dirt than a small one; and that their pursuit can be but little obstructed by whatever fence may present itself in the course of the chase.

Mr. Beckford, whose opinion, and perfect practical knowledge of the subject, has been implicitly bowed to, and acquiesced in, by the best and most experienced judges in the kingdom, has given a decided preference to "hounds of a MIDDLE SIZE;" saying, "he believes all animals of that description are the strongest and best able to bear fatigue;" in corroboration of which he quotes from Somerville, as would have been also done in this place, in confirmation of the same opinion.

———— "But here a mean
Observe, nor the large hound prefer, of size
Gigantic; he in the thick-woven covert
Painfully tugs, or in the thorny brake,
Torn and embarrass'd, bleeds: but if too small,
The pigmy brood in every furrow swims;
Moil'd in clogging clay, panting they lag
Behind inglorious; or else shivering creep,
Benumb'd and faint, beneath the shelt'ring thorn.
For hounds of middle size, active and strong,
Will better answer all thy various ends,
And crown thy pleasing labours with success."

Next to the consideration of SIZE and SYMMETRY (whatever that may be) should follow a corresponding uniformity of the whole. A pack, to be handsome, should vary little or none in height, and have a pleasing affinity to each other in colour: to be good, they should run well together; and the unison of their musical tongues should constitute a perfect harmony, without a single note of discord. It is well known, that it is not always the lot of the most complete and best selected packs to kill in proportion to their seeming excellence; some are very much superior in qualifications to what they may promise to a stranger at first view; for though of various sizes, and picked up in different counties, (as well as from the hammer,) without the least appearance of consanguinity, or one distinguishing trait of attraction, yet they seldom miss their game. Mr. Beckford mentions a pack of this description who killed {473} twenty-nine foxes without intermission; that when they were running, there was a long string of them, and every fault was hit off by an old SOUTHERN HOUND. When sufficient time has been employed in forming a pack of hounds, they can never be considered in a state of excellence or superiority, unless they go as if they were in harness; that is, when they are running breast high, they should run nearly all a breast; or, in other words, when clear of covert, and crossing a country, the body might nearly be covered with a sheet.

Nothing is a greater disgrace to the MASTER, the HUNTSMAN, or the pack, than to see a parcel of straggling tail hounds, labouring in vain; except a leading hound loaded with a leaden necklace, to restrain his speed, and depress the instinctive impulse of his nature to a level with those who are not his equals. This is a truly unsportsman-like stretch of authority, bordering upon cruelty; and would be much more "honored in the breach than the observance." Hounds of either description had better be parted with, than to encounter constantly a mortification so easily to be removed; and both will be the less likely to happen, the more moderate the number taken to the field. The taking out too many hounds is a frequent error in judgment, always productive of trouble, and sometimes to a most vexatious diminution of sport, to the incessant employment of the whipper-in, {474} whose horse is the greatest sufferer upon the occasion.

Hounds differ much in their properties, according to the crosses in blood, and this is plainly perceptible to a nice observer, as well in their endeavours to find, as in the pursuit of their game; for those retaining most of the southern hound in their blood, are always the most constitutionally tardy in action. The north country beagle, (now called harrier,) with a cross of the DWARF FOX HOUND, has produced a direct contrast to the former, and are generally in use in those open countries where horses can lay by the side of them. The delight of the old southern hound is to dwell upon the scent; the extatic eagerness of the latter is to press it before him. When the former come to a fault, and can carry the scent no farther, they stick their noses to the ground as close together as a swarm of bees, making few or no efforts of their own, unless lifted along by the helping hand and encouraging voice of the HUNTSMAN. The exertions of the latter are instantaneous and indefatigable; they make their cast in different directions, without a moment's pause, and every individual pants with emulation to become the happy instrument of recovery: once hit off, the general struggle for pre-eminence constitutes a scene by far too luxurious for the inadequate representation of literary description.

Opposite as these chases are, they are not without their distinct and different votaries: the tempers of some men, and the age or infirmities of others, render their minds as gloomy as the atmosphere of the winter's day in which they HUNT; to these the solemn knell of the SOUTHERN HOUND is so musically mechanical, that it seems to vibrate in unison with the somniferous melancholy of their own sensations. But with those in the health and pride of manhood, who enjoy the obstacles, and surmount the difficulties, of CROSSING a COUNTRY, in direct contrast to the ruminative pleasure of whipping a thistle, or riding a few rings round a barn, fleet hounds will always have the preference. Hounds of this description, it must be candidly confessed, are, however, drawn too fine in their formation, and so critically refined to speed, that the game, whatever it may be, can stand but a little time before them: unless, from stormy weather, or some other accidental cause, much cold hunting should intervene. And this, in the present rage for improvement, is so much the case with HARRIERS in general, that, in the early part of the season, half the hares found are run up to in the first view; and even after Christmas, when they are supposed to get strong; average chases do not exceed from twenty minutes to half an hour; and by the unprecedented speed of hounds, as they are now bred, the fox chase is contracted in proportion.

Although the breeding, entering, feeding, airing, and general management of hounds, is an entire system, dependent upon personal practice, from a strict and attentive attachment to which alone, excellence can be derived; yet, such rules and salutary regulations as stand high in sporting estimation, may be introduced for the information of those, who, in the infancy of initiation, are anxious to improve their judgment, by blending the theory of the closet with the practice of the field. The spring months are the best in which puppies can be produced; they have then the whole summer to expand and grow in. Some circumspection is necessary in the business of propagation, to prevent an unnecessary destruction; attention should be paid to shape, size, colour, disposition, and qualification, of both the dog and bitch intended to breed from; if the perfection of sire or dam are wished, or expected, to be retained, and displayed, in the offspring. The sporting world are enjoined by the best authority, "on no account to breed from one that is not stout, that is not tender nosed, or that is either a babbler or a skirter: it is the judicious cross that makes the pack complete. The faults and imperfections in one breed, may be rectified in another; and if this be properly attended to, no reason can be suggested, why the breeding of hounds may not improve, till improvement can go no further."

Amidst general remarks, it may be remembered, that none but healthy and strong hounds should be bred from: old dogs should never be put to old bitches; and good whelps should never be put to bad walks: stinted in their earliest growth, (by a want of proper nutriment,) the frame becomes impoverished, the loins weak, and they are the less able to encounter that terrible foe, the distemper, whenever it may make its attack. This generally happens from the sixth to the ninth or tenth month, and proves incredibly destructive, which probably may be chiefly owing to the little that is done upon those occasions, by the way of either prevention or cure. Various are the opinions respecting the number of hounds it may be necessary to keep in kennel during the hunting season; and these must be regulated by the kind of country they have to hunt, as one may tire or lame hounds more than another: slippery, marley clay will do the one; the rolling flints of Surrey, Oxfordshire, or Hampshire, never fail to do the other. Those who are prudent, will never take more than from twenty to five-and-twenty couple to the field; to exceed which, would not only be rather unfair, but probably do more harm than GOOD. The number necessary to be taken, is not so material a matter of consideration, as their conjunctive qualifications when there; thirty-five couple of settled, steady, seasoned hounds, will, therefore, admit of hunting three (occasionally four) days a week.

It is a well-founded opinion, that every kennel should have a proper annual supply of young hounds; if this is neglected for two or three seasons, the pack will soon be overloaded with old hounds, and suddenly fall into decay. Industrious, hard-working hounds, seldom continue in full vigour and speed longer than five or six seasons; though there are not wanting instances of deserving favourites having continued the crack hounds of the pack for eight or nine years in succession. A little of this difference may probably proceed from two causes, a variation in constitution, and a contrast in the discipline of the KENNEL; from which Mr. Beckford candidly confesses he never was long absent, without perceiving a difference in their looks at his return. It is also his opinion, that from eight to twelve couple of young hounds, bred annually, would sufficiently supply an establishment not exceeding forty couple; but it is always best to have a reserve of a few couple more than wanted, in case of accidents; since, from the time the draft is made, to the time of hunting, is a long period, and their existence at that age and season very precarious: besides, when they are safe from the distemper, they are not always so from each other; and a summer seldom passes without some losses of that kind. At the same time he hints the absurdity of entering more than are necessary to keep up the pack, as a greater number would only create useless trouble, and more vexation.

No one subject, perhaps, has so nearly exhausted the fertility of human invention, as the infinity of names bestowed upon HOUNDS and HORSES; which have been so numerous and diversified, that a single name can hardly be adopted, which has not been before brought into use. In proof of which, the writer just mentioned has given a list of more than eight hundred appellations, or terms by which hounds may be known: but as the name of each hound should as nearly as possible correspond with the sport, (as well as the most apparent qualification of the individual,) such only are introduced here as are the most musical, and from which a variety for even TWO or THREE PACKS may be selected.

DOGS.

Agent
Aimwell
Amorous
Antic
Anxious
Archer
Ardent
Ardor
Artful
Atlas
Atom
Awful

Bachelor
Bellman
Bluecap
Blueman
Bluster
Boaster
Bouncer
Bragger
Brawler
Brazen
Brilliant
Brusher
Bustler

Captain
Captor
Carver
Caster
Caviller
Challenger
Champion
Charon
Chaser
Chaunter
Chimer
Comforter
Comus
Conqueror
Constant
Coroner
Cottager
Countryman
Coxcomb
Craftsman
Critic
Crowner
Cruiser
Cryer

Damper
Danger
Dabster
Darter
Dasher
Dashwood
Daunter
Dinger
Dreadnought
Driver
Duster

Eager
Earnest
Envious

Factious
{480} Fearnought
Ferryman
Finder
Flagrant
Foamer
Foiler
Foreman
Foremost
Forester

Gainer
Gallant
Galloper
Gamboy
Gazer
Genius
Gimcrack
Giant
Glancer
Glider
Goblin
Growler
Guardian
Guider

Hardy
Harlequin
Harrasser
Headstrong
Hearty
Hector
Heedful
Hopeful
Hotspur
Hurtful

Jerker
Jingler
Jostler
Jovial
Jumper

Lasher
Laster
Leader
Leveller
Lifter
Lightfoot
Listener
Lounger
Lurker
Lusty

Manful
Marksman
Marplot
Match'em
Maxim
Meanwell
Medler
Mender
Mentor
Mercury
Merlin
Merryman
Mighty
Minikin
Monitor
Mounter
Mover
Mungo
Mutinous

Nervous
Nestor
Newsman
Nimrod
Noble
Nonsuch
Noxious

Pageant
Paragon
Partner
Perfect
Petulant
Phœbus
Pilgrim
Pillager
Pilot
Pincher
Playful
Plunder
Prattler
Presto
Prodigal
Prowler
Prophet
Prosper
Prosperous

Racer
Rambler
Rampant
Random
Ranger
Ranter
Rattler
Ravager
Ravisher
Rector
Regent
Render
Restive
Reveller
Rifler
Rigid
Ringwood
Rioter
Rockwood
Router
Rover
Rumour
Rural
Rustic

Sampler
Sampson
Saucebox
Saunter
Scamper
Schemer
Scrambler
Scuffler
Searcher
Sharper
Shifter
Signal
Skirmish
Social
Songster
Spanker
Speedwell
Splendor
Spoiler
{481} Spokesman
Sportsman
Squabbler
Statesman
Steady
Stickler
Stormer
Stranger
Stripling
Striver
Stroker
Strotter
Struggler
Sturdy
Surly

Talisman
Tamer
Tartar
Tattler
Taunter
Teazer
Thrasher
Threatener
Thunderer
Tickler
Tomboy
Torment
Torrent
Touchstone
Tragic
Trampler
Transit
Traveller
Trimbush
Trimmer
Triumph
Trojan
Truant
Trueman
Trusty
Trial
Turbulent
Twinger
Tyrant

Vagabond
Vagrant
Valiant
Valorous
Vaulter
Vaunter
Venture
Vermin
Victor
Vigilant
Villager
Viper
Violent
Voucher

Wanderer
Warrior
Well-bred
Whipster
Whynot
Wilful
Wisdom
Woodman
Worthy
Wrangler
Wrestler

BITCHES.

Active
Actress
Airy
Audible

Baneful
Bashful
Bauble
Beauty
Beldam
Blameless
Blithesome
Blowzey
Bluebell
Bonny
Bonnylass
Boundless
Brimstone
Busy
Bucksome

Captious
Careless
Careful
Cautious
Charmer
Chearful
Comely
Comfort
Crafty
Crazy
Credulous
Croney
Cruel
Curious

Dainty
Daphne
Darling
Dauntless
Dianna
Diligent
Doubtful
Doubtless
Doxy

Easy
Echo
Endless

Fairmaid
Fairplay
Famous
Fancy
Favourite
Fearless
Festive
Fickle
Fidget
Flighty
Flourish
Fretful
Frisky
Frolic
Fury

Gambol
Gamesome
Gamestress
Gaylass
Ghastly
Giddy
{482} Gladsome
Graceful
Graceless
Gracious
Grateful
Guilesome
Guiltless
Guilty

Hasty
Handsome
Harlot
Harmony
Heedless
Helen
Heroine
Hideous
Hostile

Jollity
Joyful
Joyous

Laudable
Lavish
Lawless
Lightning
Lightsome
Lively
Lofty
Lovely
Luckylass

Madcap
Magic
Matchless
Merrylass
Minion
Mischief
Music

Needful
Nimble
Noisy
Notable
Novice

Pastime
Patience
Phœnix
Phrenzy
Placid
Playful
Pleasant
Pliant
Positive
Precious
Prettylass
Priestess
Prudence

Racket
Rally
Rantipole
Rapid
Rapine
Rapture
Rarity
Rattle
Ravish
Reptile
Restless
Rhapsody
Riot
Rival
Rummage
Ruthless

Sappho
Skilful
Specious
Speedy
Spiteful
Spitfire
Sportive
Sprightly
Strumpet
Symphony

Tattle
Telltale
Tempest
Termagant
Terrible
Testy
Thoughtful
Toilsome
Tragedy
Trifle
Trollop
Tuneful

Vengeance
Venomous
Venus
Vicious
Vigilance
Vixen
Vocal
Volatile
Voluble

Wanton
Wasteful
Watchful
Welcome
Whimsey
Wishful

Hounds are constantly liable to those distressing disorders the DISTEMPER and CANINE MADNESS, as well as to that vexatious and troublesome disease called the MANGE. As well with hounds as with horses, prevention, in all cases, is preferable to CURE: unfortunately, there is as yet no mode discovered by which either of the former can be prevented. The distemper, if attended to upon its first appearance, may with as much certainty be counteracted, in the severity of its symptoms, by medical interposition, as the variolus matter is divested of its malignant miasma by the alleviating preparatives previous to inoculation. The only specifics by which a purpose so desirable can be effected, are the preparations of MERCURY blended with small proportions of EMETIC TARTAR, as the judicious practitioner may find applicable to the predominant appearances of the case. It has been observed, and with great reason, that as the universality of the distemper has evidently increased during the last twenty or thirty years, so the more destructive calamity of MADNESS amongst the species has evidently declined.

As it is certain the distemper may be arrested, in the severity of its progress, by timely intervention, so the first symptoms of its appearance cannot be too perfectly explained. It is preceded by a husky dryness in the throat; as if a small bone, or some similar obstruction, was fixed there, from which the animal, by an incessant kind of straining and half cough, seems constantly endeavouring to relieve itself. {484} This is soon followed by a slimy discharge from the nostrils; and an adhesive gummy matter exudes from the eyes: food of every kind is refused; the eyes become sunk and glassy: the carcase, behind the ribs, is invariably contracted, and a stricture is to be observed upon the abdominal muscles, as if bound with a cord. As the disorder becomes more inveterate in its progress, other symptoms ensue; every day demonstrates additional debility and emaciation; eternal strainings to vomit, and those severe and violent, producing nothing more than a mere viscid phlegm or slimy mucus from the glands: a frequent tenesmus, or straining to evacuate by stool, without effect, is also attendant: to this succeeds a distressing weakness of the loins, occasioning a twisting and distortion of the hinder extremities, as if a disjunction of the vertebræ had taken place. If the disorder is not counteracted at or before its CRISIS, spasms and twitchings become perceptible about the head and neck; the discharge from the nose and eyes assume a dry and barky appearance, forming a kind of matted eschar upon the surface; the eyes become more and more sunk, till nearly closed: a ropy slime oozes from each side the jaws, which seem nearly fixed; a drooping dizziness, and frequent disposition to turning round, is commonly seen during this stage; and fits soon follow, which, more or less, continue till, during some one of these paroxysms, DEATH closes the SCENE.

In the earlier stages of the distemper, the well-known powder of Doctor James has been brought into use with success. It may, however, be necessary to premise, that no good effect is to be expected from small and ineffectual doses; they must be large to be efficacious: no relief can be obtained, but by taking off the general stricture, removing the obstructions, promoting the various secretions, and constituting revulsion. When it is so evidently ascertained, that all dogs labouring under the distemper, have both the stomach and intestinal canal disordered, and in a state of extreme irritation, it is natural to advert a little to the filth, dirt, gravel, sand, dry grass, straw, and various other extraneous particles, young DOGS and PUPPIES ravenously swallow with the chance food they happen to pick up: and it is equally worthy attention, that the prelude to visible amendment is generally the discharge of an indurated MASS or PELLET from the ANUS, which, when broken to pieces is found to consist of the before-mentioned articles; and, beyond a doubt, by retarding some secretions, and obstructing others, contributes in no small degree to increase the inveteracy of disease. For explanatory remarks upon CANINE MADNESS and HYDROPHOBIA, see Dogs.

The MANGE, when it has once found its way into a kennel, is a most troublesome, loathsome, and infectious disorder: if it has not been introduced {486} by the latter, it must have originated in an acrimonious and vitiated state of the BLOOD, arising from too long a perseverance in some impoverished or putrified kind of food; a want of proper AIR or EXERCISE; or a culpable deficiency in cleanliness; without all which, health and strength need not long be expected. The mange is a disorder too well known not only in HOUNDS, but every other kind of DOG, to require description; and for the cure of which, AUTHORS, COMPILERS, and EDITORS, of every class, have furnished means in abundance, sulphur vivum, oil of turpentine, gunpowder, ginger, train oil, foot, and a tedious COMBINATION of COMBUSTIBLES, (with various alternatives, in cases of failure,) are recommended to extirpate what may be completely eradicated without half the nastiness or trouble. All that externals can do, may be expected from three plentiful bastings of a very cheap and easily-procured composition, consisting of sulphur vivum, four ounces; white hellebore powder, two ounces; black pepper, very finely powdered, one ounce; sal armoniac, (finely powdered likewise,) half an ounce; oil of tartar, one ounce; and common olive oil, one pint; with which the diseased subject should have every affected part fully and forcibly impregnated with the hand at three different times, three days apart during which process, at the same equal distances of time, three MERCURIAL PURGING BALLS of a proper strength (proportioned to the age, size, and {487} strength, of the dog) should be administered, if a sure and speedy cure is to be expected.

The disorder called the RED MANGE does not appear to be nearly allied to what is so well known by the common appellation of MANGE, but to be a species of disease within itself, seated in the skin, and not always infectious amongst dogs laying together, but almost invariably communicated by a BITCH to her LITTER of WHELPS, particularly if she had it upon her during the time she was in pup. This disorder is most malignant in its effect; the incessant and severe itching, which, from all observation, seems accompanied by a burning heat, and this too increased by the perpetual biting and scratching of the tortured animal, gives such parts of the frame as are severely affected, the appearance of having been scalded by some boiling liquor, with a consequent loss of hair. It is this distinct kind of MANGE that so constantly baffles DOG-DOCTORS and dog-mongers of every description, and reduces them to their ne plus ultra, where the fertility of invention can go no further. It is, perhaps, the most deceptive disorder to which any part of the animal world can become unluckily subject; for when it has (seemingly and repeatedly) submitted to, and been subdued by, some of the combination of combustibles before described, it has as suddenly, as repeatedly, and as unexpectedly, made its reappearance with all its former virulence. Great {488} care, nice attention, and long experience, can discover but one infallible mode of perfect eradication. Let half an ounce of CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE be reduced in a glass mortar to an impalpable powder; to this, by a very small quantity at a time, add two ounces (half a gill) of spirits of wine; and, lastly, one pint of rain or river water, and, with a sponge dipt in the solution, let every part palpably affected be well washed, every third day, till thrice performed; then leave three clear days, and repeat the former ceremony of thrice as before; letting three MERCURIAL PURGING BALLS be given at the equal distances stated in the common mange, and no doubt of cure need be entertained, if the mode prescribed is properly and judiciously attended to.

However opinions may vary upon the manner of FEEDING hounds, as well in respect to time, as the occasional changes in, and property of, the FOOD best adapted to the purpose of nutritious SUPPORT, no opposition whatever can arise to the general inculcation of CLEANLINESS, as indispensibly conducive to the preservation of HEALTH, and consequent exclusion of DISEASE. In the acceptation of the word cleanliness, may be included the true intent and meaning of both internal and external circumspection and attention, as well in PHYSIC, and in FOOD, as in the neat and judicious arrangement of the KENNEL; where the conjunctive force of which is wanting, what a train of disease, misery, and {489} wretchedness, frequently ensues! To avoid all which, at the times and seasons found most proper for their introduction, ANTIMONIAL ALTERATIVES, and MERCURIAL PURGATIVES, should be brought into use. Upon this practice Mr. Beckford has given his opinion in the following words.

"I am not fond of bleeding hounds, unless they want it; though it has long been a custom to physic them twice a year; after they leave off hunting, and before they begin. It is given in hot weather, and at an idle time. It cools their bodies, and, without doubt, is of service to them. If a hound be in want of physic, I prefer giving it in balls. [3] It is more easy to give in this manner the quantity he may want, and you are more certain that he takes it. In many kennels, they also bleed them twice a year, and some people think that it prevents madness. The anointing of hounds, or dressing them, as huntsmen call it, makes them fine in their coats: it may be done twice a year, or oftener, if found necessary."

The necessity of introducing something medicinal for the preservation of health, and prevention of disease, is thus admitted upon the best of all foundations, {490} practical experience; but as medical precision cannot be expected from those who have not made the profession their study, so Mr. Beckford seems to have applied "physic" in a general sense to every kind of MEDICINE, as well to ALTERATIVES as to PURGATIVES; though the term, when used technically, is conceived to imply the latter only. According to this construction, it is to be presumed, Mr. Beckford administered the balls as "physic," when, in fact, they can only be termed antimonial alteratives, calculated to obtund acrimony, and alter the property of the blood. Mercurial purgatives perfectly cleanse the intestinal canal, and correct morbidity at the same time. External applications, called "dressings," are more particularly directed to bodily eruptions, and cutaneous diseases of the skin: in all these, SULPHUR is a principal ingredient, and looked upon as a specific: in fact, its efficacy is too well known to admit of a doubt upon the occasion.

Hounds, as well as HORSES, are rendered subservient instruments to the support of Government, and exigencies of the State. Persons keeping them pay a tax of THIRTY POUNDS per annum.

HUMOURS

.—All chronic disorders in the horse, arising from an impure state of the blood, are with the inferior classes in general denominated "HUMOURS;" as a concise mode of avoiding scientific investigation, or medical ambiguity, and bringing the case immediately home, as they think, to every comprehension. With people of the description alluded to (whether SMITHS, FARRIERS, COACHMEN, or GROOMS) the word humours is conceived so wonderfully comprehensive, that it is by them supposed to convey an infinite idea of every thing, at the very moment it is known, by their superiors and employers, to imply no definite or certain meaning at all. If a horse has swelled legs, they are the effect of "humours." If an inflammation of and defluxion from the eyes, they are equally produced by "humours." Should cracked heels appear (the evident effect of idleness, and want of attention) they too are brought on by "humours." Even thrushes, occasioned in general by equal neglect and {492} want of cleanliness, are also frequently attributed to "humours;" and to sum up the intrinsic value of this professional GEM, even lameness, in a variety of cases, whether behind or before, above or below, is most sapiently, if not SCIENTIFICALLY, attributed to that ne plus ultra of definition, denominated humours.

Thus far upon what HUMOURS are supposed to be; now to what they are. It may readily be conceived by those not professionally informed on the subject, that the BLOOD (which is the very mainspring of existence) must have preserved such kind of equality, consistency, or uniformity, in its component parts, as to constitute a precise standard, necessary to the enjoyment and preservation of HEALTH. This incontrovertible position being admitted beyond all possible ground of controversy, what does it evidently demonstrate? Why, that as much as the BLOOD is enriched above, or impoverished below, that STANDARD, in its property, so in proportion must it approach the kind of disease appertaining to the one extreme or the other. To those whose intellectual rays are open to conviction, not a single line more would be required in explanation; but that the most incredulous, the most obstinate, and the most illiterate, may have equal opportunity of information, let the two different states of the blood, (as just explained,) with their effects, be adverted to. When it has, by a superabundance {493} of food and ease, a neglect of exercise, and a want of the necessary evacuations, acquired a degree of consistence (or thickness) above the criterion already described, it then becomes too heavy and sluggish for its purpose of regular CIRCULATION, and is proportionally inadequate to the task of propelling the perspirative matter to the surface, which being thus compulsively returned upon the blood, adds to its siziness, and promotes its viscidity, jointly tending to such partial stagnation, as soon displays itself in some one of the many disorders to which horses are incident, in the hands of those where prevention is not attended to.

Having taken a survey of the state of the BLOOD, by which swelled legs, grease, foulness, inflammatory tumours, formations of matter in various parts, and one species of farcy, may be produced, it will be necessary to take a short view of it in its contrasted state, when, by a continued series of hard work, with bad keep, a constant supply of unhealthy provender, in musty oats, mouldy hay, or any other article distending the body, without adequate nutriment to the frame, as well as the want of a proper supply, in proportion to the necessary SECRETIONS and EVACUATIONS, will either, or all, tend to diminish the CRASSAMENTUM, or adhesive property of the blood, and in a greater or less degree (according to the cause) reduce it to a serous or weak and watery state, below the standard {494} of mediocrity so clearly explained; when acquiring acrimony in proportion as it has been reduced, the effect seldom rests upon emaciation only, but soon displays itself in some cutaneous eruption, so constantly dependent upon, and appertaining to, an impoverished state of the blood.

This distinction has been introduced, not more to throw some satisfactory light upon the ambiguity of the expression, which it seems so few understand, than to prove the necessity for paying such attention to the general state of a HORSE'S HEALTH and appearance, as may at least be the means of preventing disease, anxiety, trouble, expence, and probably the eventual loss of a useful, or even a valuable, animal, which too often happens for want of a little humane circumspection; when it is then experimentally found REPENTANCE comes too late. As the fertile idea of HUMOURS frequently originates in error, so the error is continued in the medical mode of counteraction; for let the derangement in the animal economy have happened from whichever of the causes described, the system adopted is much the same in all cases, and with all classes, rendering sometimes the remedy worse than the disease. Those, however, who wish to blend instruction with entertainment, deriving advantage from both, will do well to recollect, that whatever DISORDERS (alias humours) originate in plethora, fulness of the frame, and viscidity of the blood, must be subdued {495} by repeated BLEEDINGS, moderate PURGING, regular exercise, a great deal of stable discipline, (wisping, leg-rubbing, &c.) and, if necessary, a concluding course of MILD DIURETICS. Disorders arising from a weak and impoverished state of the blood last described, must be counteracted by an extra addition of nutritive aliment, as mashes of ground malt and bran nightly, as well as the usual supplies of corn by day: an invigorating cordial ball daily should assist the intent; and a course ofANTIMONIAL ALTERATIVES be lastly introduced, to give a new complexion to the property of the blood.

HUNTER

.—A hunter, in its strictest implied signification with the SPORTING WORLD, is a horse or mare of superior description and qualifications, appropriated to no other purpose whatever than the enjoyment of the chase. As it is the highest ambition of every SPORTSMAN to be in possession of a HUNTER, numbers are so called, who are by no means entitled to that distinction. Various opinions are entertained respecting the more minute properties of a horse destined to the particular purposes of the field, and this diversity can only be justified by an allusion to the kind of hounds with whom he is intended to hunt. Horses of an inferior description, {496} cross bred, and without a point of perfection, or the property of speed, may be called HUNTERS with harriers; but prove mere roadsters, when brought into the field with either STAG or FOX. One third of a century since, moderate horses were called hunters; and those about HALF BRED went tolerably well up to most hounds; but during the last twenty years, so great has been the rage for improving their speed, that in the present day, any horse may follow the hounds; but BLOOD HORSES only can go by the side of them.

The horses now denominated HUNTERS, are mostly three parts and full bred; for the great number of blood horses not turning out WINNERS, as well as those not trained for the turf, come of course to the hunting stables, and keep up a constant supply. Under the head HORSE, three distinct kinds are mentioned generally, and the purposes to which they are assigned; but no particular description is made of a HUNTER, whose qualifications are properly reserved for this place. A hunter for constant use with fleet hounds, should be well bred on both sides; not less in age than five years old off; from fifteen hands and an inch, to fifteen three and sixteen hands, but not to exceed it: large and heavy horses, in deep or hilly countries, frequently tire themselves. To be handsome, he should be strong in the frame and formation, short in the joints, firm in his fetlocks, quick in the eye, {497} and agile in action. He should have a light airy head, wide nostrils, prominent lively eye, slight curve in the crest, long in the neck, wide in the breast, deep in the chest, high in the withers, straight in the spine, short in the back, round in the barrel, full in the flank, (the last rib coming well up to the point of the hip-bone,) his loins wide, and rather circular than flat; the summit of the hind-quarters, between the fillets and the tail, should nearly form one section of an oval; the tail should be high, and well set on, in nearly a direct line from the back, and not in a drooping degree below the rump: there should be perceptible strength, uniformity and substance in the thighs, and a prominent muscular swell in the exterior of the gaskins; a great length from the hip-bone to the hock, short from thence to the fetlock, which should be nearly round, and well united; the pasterns rather short than long; fore-legs straight, and upright; hoofs, black, and of a strong firm texture; great courage, good temper, and pliability of disposition.

These are the rules by which thousands will admit a HUNTER should be chosen; and they will also as readily admit, the very great difficulty with which horses of such description are to be obtained. However, as such an accumulation of perfections is so rarely to be found in the same object, the most emulous and judicious will be the more anxious to {498} come as near to such criterion as circumstances will permit; but as it is not to be expected the young, any more than the inexperienced, can retain the minutiæ of a description to which they have been so little accustomed, as well as recollecting the force EXAMPLE is said to have beyond precept, the PORTRAIT of a HUNTER is introduced, who, for all the qualifications already described, was repeatedly in the field (with his Majesty's stag hounds) honoured with the royal approbation. He was got by Eclipse, dam by Blank, and possessed every requisite in the field to render himself an object of universal attraction: after HUNTING two seasons, and COVERING one, he was purchased, and taken to America as A STALLION.

Having explicitly laid down the rules by which a horse should be selected for the purpose particularly expressed, some farther hints become necessary for his general management, if a wish is entertained to preserve him in a state of purity; for it is well known, there cannot be a greater stigma annexed to the character of a professed sportsman, than his having a GOOD horse in bad condition. The next great qualification to SPEED and TEMPER in a hunter, is the property of leaping, both standing and flying; without those (in an enclosed country) his leading perfections are very much reduced in the estimation of the field: on the contrary, if he is in the full and unrestrained possession of these additional, {499} and, indeed, indispensible requisites to complete and confirm his character, a purchaser may always be commanded at any price. One great error is generally prevalent in teaching horses to LEAP, by the young, petulant, and hasty, when first they are brought to the BAR, particularly in and round the Metropolis, where an assistant is frequently seen with a whip to expedite what cannot be proceeded upon with too much kindness and circumspection. Young horses driven to a bar with a whip, and once alarmed, are sometimes prevented from becoming good standing leapers during their existence. Instances are very rare of well-bred horses being bad FLYING LEAPERS, particularly with hounds; few, if any, have ever been seen willing to stay behind when the pack were before them; they of course require no other instructions, than what the experience of the field affords them. When horses are intended for the field, they should be brought and accustomed to the bar, previous to their being put upon their mettle, and flurried with hounds; when there, the bar should never be less than three feet from the ground; if lower, it only induces the horse to attempt it with one foot, as if to walk or scramble over it; and this is a bad habit to acquire: he should never be permitted to make an effort, till taught to rest entirely upon his haunches, and to raise slowly and gradually both his feet before at the same moment.

Nothing can be more contemptibly ridiculous, than the absurd practice of clothing the BAR with bushes of furze; and this is generally introduced, under the plausible pretence of making the horse clear his leap; although it is a fact, that almost every horse is terrified in approaching it; and when compelled to take it, or is rather driven over, it is in a JUMP of fear and agitation; not in a cool, temperate, and steady leap of safety, fit to qualify a HUNTER for the FIELD. A horse can only be made a good standing leaper, by affording him ample time to measure his leap before he attempts it; that is, to observe its height, and take the space necessary for the bend of his knees, the contraction of his legs, and his own altitude to cover the leap with certainty; and this a well-taught horse, of tolerable temper, will generally do, if permitted to adopt his own plan, and use his own exertions: but if unnaturally hurried by the petulance, impatience, or inhumanity, of those about him, failure, injury, and disgrace, frequently ensue. The proper covering for a leaping-bar should either be fern, or clean wheat straw, well secured by a strong packthread, bound transversely and longitudinally in a kind of net-work, (bracing equally every way,) which is not only exceedingly durable, but being composed of articles to which the horse is so accustomed, he naturally approaches it, if gently used, and patiently encouraged, without the least fear or agitation.

The proper stable discipline, and general management, of hunters, are so perfectly understood in the present state of equestrian emulation, and universal improvement, that a few experimental maxims only are required, as mementos to shield the young, inconsiderate, and unwary, from unthinkingly encountering various foundations of vexation, trouble, expence, and disappointment. Those of immense fortunes, and adequate establishments, are not so liable to this aggregate of ills, as those whose more humble and confined possessions restrain them within a much smaller sphere of gratification. To the latter, therefore, it is, such hints of utility are more particularly addressed and submitted, who not having the good fortune to be surrounded with a profusion of subordinates, by whom such offices are generally executed, feel the necessity, and enjoy the happy opportunity, of sometimes personally superintending their own concerns. The great exertions in respect to speed, labour, and durability, of which the well-bred hunter is so evidently capable, are almost beyond belief; and eminently entitle him to every adequate tenderness, care, and attention, that can be possibly bestowed in return. When it is within the compass of the reflecting mind, that an animal of this description is frequently most laboriously engaged for the whole of a dreary winter's day, encountering and surmounting difficulties in succession almost beyond description, (till in many instances nature is nearly {502} exhausted,) no doubt can arise, but the frame must sometimes stand in need of extra assistance upon such occasions.

Of this greater proof need not be adduced, than the deaths of horses which have recently happened, (particularly with the King's stag hounds,) some in the field, and many within a few days after different chases of singular severity; one instance of which is so truly remarkable, that it lays claim to record in the annals of sporting, to prevent its being buried in oblivion. The DEER was turned out at Ascot Heath, and, after making Bagshot Park, crossed the whole of the heath country, to Sandhurst, through Finchamstead Woods, Barkham, Arborfield, Swallowfield, and the intervening country, to Tilehurst, below Reading in Berkshire, where he was taken unhurt after a chase of FOUR HOURS and TWENTY MINUTES; horsemen being thrown out in every part of the country through which they passed: one horse dropt dead in the FIELD; another, after the chase, before he could reach a stable; and seven more within the WEEK: of such speed, and almost unprecedented severity, was this run, that tired horses in great danger were unavoidably left at the different inns in the neighbourhood. A tolerable idea of the powers of an English hunter may, from this description, be formed by those who are not sportsmen, and have consequently a very imperfect conception of the task he has to perform; {503} of which incredulity Mons. Sainbel, professor of the Veterinary College, gave sufficient proof, treating the subject with the utmost indifference, very little short of contempt; declaring, "it was all chimerical, and that no horse could be found to continue a chase of that kind four hours in succession."

That such exertions may be continued till nature itself is totally exhausted, must be admitted beyond a doubt; but that they in general happen to horses by much too slow for the CHASE, and to those in improper condition, is as clearly ascertained. The result of which facts clearly demonstrate the truth of observations previously made, and forcibly inculcate the indispensible necessity of selecting horses properly formed for the purpose; and as forcibly urge the propriety (indeed the safety) of getting them into condition for the field. When taken up from his summer's run at grass (which every perfect hunter is entitled to) he should go through his regular course of physic; the strength and number of doses to be regulated by the accumulated flesh, and general appearance of the horse: if in a fair, good, clean state, not loaded in substance, and perfectly clean in the skin, more than TWO doses may be superfluous; if labouring under a weight of flesh, flabby, and fluctuating under pressure, less than THREE will prove insufficient; which should be preceded by BLEEDING in either, according to the state {504} of the horse. During the operation of physic, the subject should undergo moderate exercise, and great friction in the stable; both which tend to remove and circulate the stagnant fluids, that they may be carried off by the evacuations. Great, regular and patient leg-rubbing is not only absolutely necessary at all times, but more particularly during physic; it braces the solids, and preserves them in a proper state of elasticity; for want of which, they frequently acquire a degree of flaccidity; the legs swell, and, if brought into work too soon, continue in that state, more or less, during the season.

After the chase (during the dressing in the stable) observation should be made whether injury of any kind has been sustained during the day; either by the heat and friction or pressure of the saddle, the loss of a shoe, stubs, treads, over-reaches, bruises, or lameness of any kind; for any of these once discovered, the necessary remedy should be immediately applied; as it not unfrequently happens, that what in the first instance would only prove a slight or trivial grievance, continues to increase in proportion to the delay in discovery. Horses evidently distrest and fatigued with the labour of the day, displaying lassitude, bodily debility, and loss of appetite, should be nicely attended to; a cordial ball becomes more applicable and useful at this time than any other; frequent supplies of water, with the chill off, in moderate quantities, should {505} never be neglected; every horse is invariably thirsty after a hard day; and many will take repeated supplies of water, and plenty of hay, when they will eat no corn; in which case, a good warm mash, of GROUND MALT and BRAN, is an excellent invigorating substitute, and in many of the best managed establishments is never omitted (particularly with tender, delicate, or violent tempered horses) after a long or rainy day, as a preventive to COLD, as well as to DISEASE.

Hunters, after long and severe chases, should not be brought too soon into similar exertions; numbers are crippled, broke down, and irrecoverably ruined, for want of a little precautionary patience: brought into the field too early, with a stiff rigidity in the limbs, and without the wonted pliability in the joints, the spirits, as well as the frame, become affected by a consciousness of the deficiency; and the RIDER, upon making the discovery, moves in little less misery than the HORSE, who, feeling his temporary imperfection, seems in fear of falling at every stroke. A horse is best recovered from the visible effect of over fatigue, by a great deal of patient walking, exercise upon the turf, and equally patient friction in the stable: no horse perceptibly affected in FRAME or SPIRITS, by long days or severe chases, should be brought into exercise GALLOPS, till every degree of stiffness is previously worn away, and obliterated in gentle {506} motion, of which they are the first to make discovery, by a renovation of strength and action. It is in many hunting stables an invariable practice, upon the appearance of LAMENESS, to bleed and follow up that with a dose of physic, exclusive of whatever local applications it may be thought necessary to make to the part affected; and this, it must be acknowledged, is very frequently attended with the most salutary effects: naturally, however, leading the mind of scientific investigation to believe, much of the advantage may be derived from the rest obtained during the course, as from the operation of the medicine.

Hunting is the pursuit of any species of GAME (or vermin) with a collected body of HOUNDS, sportingly termed a PACK; who, bred for, and broke to, the chase, FIND and HUNT the particular sort to {507} which they are appropriated by scent, drag, or trail, till it escapes by the ARTS, WILES, and SAGACITY, with which it is gifted by NATURE; or, being exhausted, falls a victim to the persevering patience, indefatigable exertions, and instinctive impulse, of the HOUNDS. This sport, in its different degrees, is of very great antiquity, and has been enjoyed, through successive centuries, with gradational improvements; but at no former period has it ever approached its present zenith of unparalleled perfection. Some few reigns past, the enjoyment was considered so truly extatic, that it was engrossed entirely by the NOBLES and superior orders, to the entire exclusion of the people at large, who were then so much in a state of vassalage, as to be held unworthy the participation of so rich a gratification, under the most rigid proscription that legislative and feudal LAWS could frame, or unqualified TYRANNY adopt. Not so in the happy melioration of the present age, when every blessing, every privilege, and every comfort of life, is equally enjoyed from the HIGHEST to the lowest, according to the possessions of every individual; under such necessary and indispensible restrictions, as it may have been found, by the Legislature, prudent to adopt, for the preservation of ORDER, and promotion of PUBLIC GOOD.

Nothing can more clearly demonstrate the attracting power, and exhilarating effects, of the {508} CHASE, than the enthusiastic rapture with which it is enjoyed, and the constantly increasing number of its implicit devotees. Cynical opponents will always continue to be generated, inveterately averse to every pleasure, however sublime or select, that is not immediately congenial to their own sensations; and will with avidity declare perpetual war against any gratification, or enjoyment, in which they are not eventually interested, or personally concerned. The bewildered POLITICIAN, who erroneously suspends the balance of power in his own disordered imagination; the PEDANTIC book-worm, who derives self-consequence from his closet; the MISER, who wraps himself up in the solitary consolation of his canvas comforts; and those PRIGS of puppyism (by Shakespeare better denominated "poppinjays") who exist only in their own personal ambition, and the reflection from the silvered glass, naturally decry pleasures, in which, from the innate sterility, and instinctive apathy, of their own souls, they feel no disposition to engage. Lovers of the CHASE, who, for time immemorial, have been better known and distinguished by the appellation of SPORTSMEN, are almost proverbial for their mutual offices of civility and friendship; no class of men enter more into the openness and glowing warmth of unsuspecting society, the genial inspiration of PHILANTHROPY, and the infinite inexpressible extent of unsullied HOSPITALITY.

Hunting, in respect to the enjoyment, as well as the description of each particular kind of CHASE, will be found under their distinct heads of "Hare-Hunting," "Fox-Hunting," and "Stag-Hunting;" leaving nothing for introduction here, but such general remarks, and salutary inculcations, as appertain solely to the systematic concerns of the field. The prudent sportsman is invariably the guardian of his own safety; for, however he may rely upon the attachment and punctuality of an old or faithful servant, he never declines the service of his own faculties, so long as he can derive advantage from their evident utility. He therefore never mounts his horse, however great his haste, however late his hour, without taking a slight (but sufficient) survey of his apparatus: he feels it a duty to himself to observe, and be convinced, that his SADDLE is not fixed in an improper place, but literally in the centre, equally free from the withers as from the hip-bones; that his GIRTHS are not only judiciously tightened, but that the buckles extend on each side above the PAD, as well as that the STIRRUP-LEATHERS are in too good a state to hazard a chance of their breaking; whenever which happens, in the very heat of the CHASE, great danger (if not an accident) certainly ensues.

Thus safely seated, in the full confidence of his own prudent precaution, he never suffers himself, by the persuasions of the weak or inconsiderate, to {510} be diverted from his invariable purpose of proceeding SLOWLY to the place of meeting, or throwing off the HOUNDS; he well knows, not only the manly propriety, but the sporting necessity, of letting a horse unload the carcase before he is brought into brisk action or strong exertion. Upon joining company in the field, he enters into little or no conversation beyond the friendly salutations of the morning; experimentally knowing, the frivolities sported upon such occasions, by the young, the confident, and the inexperienced, are only calculated to excite the silent curses of the HUNTSMAN, and the contempt of the company, by attracting the attention of the HOUNDS. The judicious sportsman, whether the hounds are drawing or RUNNING, is never seen in a place to incur disgrace, by heading the GAME, or obstructing the HOUNDS; it is a business in which he is a proficient, and he is never at a loss in the execution. From an instinctive attachment to the sport, and an implicit observance of custom, he is totally insensible to the less attentive part of the company, but "tremblingly alive" to every tongue of a HOUND. Not a whimper, a challenge, or hit, but vibrates upon his anxious ear; and his whole soul seems absorbed in the eager hope of transmitting the enlivening signal of A VIEW to his distant friends, in equal expectation.

The CHASE thus commenced, he lays as well in with the hounds as the speed of his horse, and the contingencies of the country, will permit; he stands upon no paltry ceremony with, or servile subservience to, local superiors; this alone is the happy spot where all are equal, where personal pride can assume no consequence, dignity can claim no precedence, and an immensity of property is of no avail. Ever attentive to the sport, he ruminates upon no other object than the object of pursuit: his mind is eternally intent upon the GAME, or the leading hound; the latter of which he makes it a point never to lose sight of, unless by COVERT obscured from his view; when, with the advantage of the WIND, (which he is sure to avail himself of,) and that unerring directory the EAR, he is seldom far from the hounds, or ever thrown out. In every chase there are plenty of slow goers behind, who, prompted by ENVY, are never wanting in the vociferous exclamation of, "Hold hard!" without knowing why; and from no other motive, than not being themselves at the head of the hounds. To these clamours he pays not the least attention, if having viewed either the GAME, or the leading hound, and observed the chase going on without interruption; experimentally convinced, those who are the most forward, must best know the state of the SCENT by the check, or breast-high running of the hounds.

As there is so frequently a jealous clamour about being too forward, the zealous sportsman will never condescend to be too far behind. He knows his place, and he keeps it. He is never seen in the body and bustle of the crowd, riding in a direct line with, and pressing upon, the HEELS of the HOUNDS, but parallel with the last two or three couple of the PACK; where his horse is not only enabled to keep his ground with ease, but the rider enjoys the advantage of observing most minutely every winding of the chase, as well as the various struggles, and enchanting emulative efforts, of the LEADING HOUNDS. In this situation he is sure of seeing where they throw up, and knows to a certainty how far they have carried the SCENT; consequently those only who are FORWARD, and know the state of the chase, are properly QUALIFIED to give the signal of "Hold hard!" to those behind; and not, as is too commonly the case, for those behind to transmit the petulant exclamation to those before. The moment hounds are at fault, he invariably keeps a proper distance, that they may not be obstructed in making their casts, or get interspersed amongst the legs of the HORSES. Upon a hit being made, he attends to the hound who made it, and, upon a recovery of the SCENT, goes instantaneously on with the chase; for a loss of ground at so critical a moment, he well knows it is sometimes difficult to regain.

Notwithstanding his enthusiastic attachment to the sport, the safety of his HORSE preponderates over every other consideration; and this inflexible determination is supported by a few invariable rules, which are never broken in upon under any plea, persuasion, or perversion, whatever. No temptation can induce him to deviate from a plan so prudently adopted, and persevered in with such laudable resolution. He is never seen to enter into the spirit of racing during the CHASE, thereby distressing his horse, and wasting the strength that may be found necessary before the conclusion of a long day: he scorns the idea of taking high or large leaps when they are truly unnecessary, merely to attract attention, or display his own VALOUR, well knowing, "the better part of valour is discretion." He regulates the speed of his horse by the nature of the country he is engaged to go over, and is never known to ride hardest in the deepest ground. Experience, and attentive observation, having long before convinced him, that whatever distance may have been unavoidably lost under temporary obstacles, may with less difficulty be recovered when the horse's WIND (as well as his strength) is preserved, till he can go more at his ease. Whatever may have been the fate of the day, and whatever the length of the CHASE, it is no sooner concluded, than the same steady and cool deliberation with which he started in the morning accompanies him home: no rash or juvenile example induces him to {514} reduce the estimation of his HUNTER to the standard of a post-horse; superior to the instability, and impatient impetuosity, of the majority, he neither TROTS with one, or GALLOPS with the other; but, regardless of the distance, humanely walks his horse to the place of his destination, where he sees, or knows, he undergoes the attentive comforts so fully described under the last head.

HUNTSMAN

.—The huntsman is a person whose entire business it is to superintend every department of a hunting establishment, as well as to {515} hunt the hounds. As it is an office of considerable trust and responsibility, so it requires no inconsiderable share of those qualifications which constitute some part of the approach to human perfection. It is indispensibly necessary he should be possessed of a comprehensive mind, a clear head, and humane heart; of affable and easy manners; not prone to peevish petulance, or rude brutality. He should be of consistent sobriety, ready observation, quick conception, great personal fortitude, patience, and activity; have a good constitution, an excellent ear, and a sonorous voice. As, however, it may not be inapplicable to have the necessary qualifications more forcibly depicted from the very words of the best experimental authority extant, the opinion of Mr. Beckford is literally introduced, who says,

"I will endeavour to describe what a good huntsman should be. He should be young, strong, active, bold, and enterprising; fond of the diversion, and indefatigable in the pursuit of it: he should be sensible and good-tempered: he ought also to be sober, exact, civil, and cleanly: he should be a good groom, and an excellent horseman: his voice should be strong and clear; and he should have an eye so quick, as to perceive which of his hounds carries the scent when all are running; and should have so excellent an ear, as always to distinguish the foremost hounds when he does not {516} see them. He should be quiet, patient, and without conceit. Such are the excellencies which constitute a good huntsman. He should not, however, be too fond of displaying them, till necessity calls them forth. He should let his hounds alone, whilst they can hunt; and he should have genius to assist them, when they cannot."

Although the qualifications of a HUNTSMAN, upon the great scale of universality, should be precisely the same, yet there is an infinite contrast in the various points of execution. No distinct difference of light and shade upon the CANVAS, no effect of the ELEMENTS upon the human frame, can be productive of more opposite sensations, than the requisites necessary to form a proper distinction between the modes of hunting HARE or FOX; for the very means calculated for the successful promotion of the one, would in a few minutes prove the evident destruction of the other: from which it is natural to infer, that a huntsman eminently qualified to hunt either, would never be likely to acquire CELEBRITY for hunting both; for as the accustomed spirit, speed, and dashing impetuosity, of the FOX-HUNTER would soon lose a HARE, so the philosophic patience, and constitutional tardiness, of the HARE-HUNTER would never kill a FOX.

Of this, corroborative proof may be adduced in a subsequent passage from the before-mentioned {517} AUTHOR, where he observes, "It may be necessary to unsay, now that I am turned hare-hunter again, many things I have been saying as a fox-hunter; as I hardly know any two things of the same genus (if I may be allowed the expression) that differ so entirely. What I said, in a former letter, about the huntsman and whipper-in, is in the number. As to the huntsman, he should not be young; I should most certainly prefer one, as the French call it, d'une certain age, as he is to be quiet and patient: for patience he should be a very grizzle; and the more quiet he is, the better. He should have infinite perseverance; for a hare should never be given up whilst it is possible to hunt her: she is sure to stop, and therefore may always be recovered. Were it usual to attend to the breed of our huntsmen, as well as to that of our hounds, I know no family that would furnish a better cross than that of the silent gentleman mentioned by the Spectator: a female of his line, crossed with a knowing huntsman, would probably produce a perfect hare-hunter."

The scent of the STAG, the FOX, and the HARE, is so exceedingly different in the duration of each, that it requires a method as proportionally different in the pursuit of either; all which is practically known to huntsmen, who have no alternative, but to render their endeavours applicable to the kind of chase they are destined to pursue. The scent of {518} the FOX is well known to be the most powerful, as well as the most volatile, of any; the scent of the STAG is equally grateful to hounds, but is known to evaporate sooner than the scent of the HARE. In the two first, clamorous exultation upon view, is more customary, and more to be justified, than in the latter. Stag or FOX breaks away with the most undaunted fortitude, seeking safety in a rapidity of flight to even a distant and unknown country; in both which the hounds cannot be too fleet; nor can they be laid on too close to the GAME; both deer and fox run the better for it. Not so with the latter; where a general silence should prevail, and the industrious endeavours of the pack should never be obstructed by the busy tongues of officious obtruders; and upon this well-founded position, if they receive no assistance, they encounter no interruption. Harriers (as well as their huntsman) should never be permitted to hunt FOX: the strong scent which he leaves, the difference of his running, the indescribable eagerness and noise of the pursuit, all contribute to spoil a harrier, and render no service to the huntsman when they return to HARE again. It is a very prevalent error of the present time, to have bred and crossed harriers to too much speed: the hare is but a mere inoffensive, timid animal, and fully entitled to all the little artifices she can avail herself of to shield her from destruction.

When found, she cannot be permitted to go off too silently before the hounds; her own extreme timidity frequently occasions her heading, and the pack are as repeatedly liable to over-run the scent. The huntsman, by not pressing too close upon the hounds himself, will keep the company at a proper distance also; and when they are thus left to a proper and free use of their own faculties, they are but little likely to over-run it much. The author whose judgment and celebrity has been so frequently mentioned, has something so applicable, and so truly just, in every page upon this subject, that it is impossible to resist the temptation of quoting a few occasional passages, where the intentional meaning is so emphatically and sportingly exprest. He not only accords with every systematic principle of the chase, but so constantly strengthens his opinion with the embellishment of applicable anecdote, that it is impossible to peruse his "Thoughts" without both amusement and instruction. He holds it a rule, "that hounds, through the whole chase, should be left almost entirely to themselves, and not be much hallooed: when the hare doubles, they should hunt through those doubles; nor is a hare hunted fairly when hunted otherwise. They should follow her every step she takes, as well over greasy fallows, as through flocks of sheep; nor should they ever be cast, but when nothing can be done without it."

Making every possible allowance for the diversities of the different chases already alluded to, there are leading rules characteristically annexed to the OFFICIAL DEPARTMENT of the HUNTSMAN, from which hardly any possible circumstance can justify a deviation. In addition to the invariable and indispensible duties of the KENNEL, a strict and regular discipline in the stables (so far as his own and the horses of the whippers-in are concerned) should fall under the eye of his inspection; by well knowing the state of which, he best can tell of what work they are capable. And this is the more necessary, because it is impossible for him to relax from his duty in the field: he is the GENERAL OFFICER, having the supreme command, and whom all must obey. Persevere and conquer, should be his motto in the chase. Veni, vidi, vici, at his return. This, however, becomes more applicable to the spirit of the huntsman whose good fortune it is to preside over a fox-hunting establishment, where every energetic nerve of emulative sensibility is so constantly roused into action. How different from the languid enjoyment, and frigid apathy, of what is so admirably adapted to the opposite extremes of youth and age! upon which no two opinions can arise: the best authorities admit the good find of a FOX to be preferable to a bad run with the HARE.

From the moment of throwing off, as well as during every progress of the chase, it is the peculiar {521} province of the HUNTSMAN to be at the HEAD of the HOUNDS; once convinced of the abilities of his subordinates, he has nothing to do with what is going on behind. The place he should endeavour to keep, when circumstances and unavoidable obstacles do not occur to prevent it, is parallel with the leading BODY of the HOUNDS; in which commanding situation he has unobstructed opportunity to observe what hounds carry the scent; and if it fails, to know to a certainty how far they brought it: as well as ample scope for the exertion of his proper authority, to prevent the horsemen pressing too eagerly upon the HOUNDS (at a moment so truly critical) by the emphatic injunction of "Hold hard!" a signal that never can come with so much propriety from any other voice as his own, nor will it be so implicitly obeyed. A huntsman is naturally anxious to obtain blood, not only to support the reputation but the excellence of his hounds: he should, however, avoid killing his game unfairly, by lifting his hounds too much, or taking them from CHASE to view, which is a most cruel, unfeeling, and unsportsman-like practice. If the hounds cannot kill by fair and equitable efforts, the object of pursuit is justly entitled to its escape.

As in hare-hunting it is impossible to press on the hounds too little, so in fox-hunting it is impossible to press them on too much, at least while the scent is good; that failing, much must be left to their {522} own industrious endeavours; those not soon succeeding, the proper casts should be made with judgment, and that without delay. Five minutes lost in hesitation, frequently loses every promised pleasure of the day. It is proverbially asserted, that in a multitude of counsellors there is safety; this is the very moment that proves an exception to the rule; for, amidst the variety of obtruded opinions, a huntsman should think before he ACTS; and once determined, abide by his own stability, regardless of the frivolities with which he is so frequently surrounded. If courage is thought a necessary qualification in a huntsman, philosophic patience, upon many occasions, is much more so; for, whilst he sees a number of experienced sportsmen in the field ready to assist his own judicious exertions, he has the mortification to observe double the number moving in a retrograde direction, doing every thing but the thing they should do; riding directly where they should not; probably heading the game into COVERT, at the very moment they ought to be standing still "as silent as the grave." A proper degree of modesty, blended with a little good sense and reflection, would soon prevent those confident inconsiderates from such glaring and absurd acts of indiscretion. It is a maxim resulting from observation in the chase, that those who do not seem anxious, and take pains, to do good, are, as it were, habitually unfortunate in doing the very reverse, and becoming {523} (perhaps undesignedly) the almost perpetual instruments of mischief; and to this tribe of misnamed sportsmen, a huntsman has in general the most unqualified aversion; convinced that those who mean to render him service, and prolong the sport, know in what particular place they ought to be upon every emergency; and if they are repeatedly elsewhere, to where they should be, he soon knows how to estimate their judgment in the field, and ability in the chase.

The instant a huntsman observes his hounds come to a check, is the moment when his assistance is most wanting; then is the time to enjoin an equal check and silence of the company; every eye and every ear may be anxiously and inquisitively employed, but not the sound of a tongue is necessary upon the occasion. Those who are inclined to babble in a moment of so much doubtful expectation, lay claim to, and generally obtain, a most contemptuous sneer from the HUNTSMAN, and not unfrequently what is called a blessing into the bargain. He should at no time be too ready to avail himself of a HALLOO when hounds are at fault; they are very often deceptive, and occasion disappointment; exclusive of which, after they have been taken from the spot to which they know they brought the scent, they become less strenuous in their endeavours, when they do not recover it elsewhere, even where they were encouraged {524} to expect it. Boys keeping birds, as well as rustics, from sympathetic enjoyment, frequently lead the huntsman from his point. Mr. Beckford is therefore of opinion, that when a doubt arises, it is better for a whipper-in, or one of the company, to ride forward, and inquire; it is only the loss of a little time; whereas if you gallop away to a halloo, and are obliged to return, the hounds become very indifferent, and it is a chance if they make another effort to recover the scent afterwards.

Not the least attention should be paid by a HUNTSMAN to any halloo unless the hounds are at fault; a huntsman taking his hounds from the chase (when running with a good scent) to a halloo, without much more than a common cause, ought to be dismissed as a fool or a madman. Hounds are sometimes hallooed too much, and too frequently permitted to obey it; the consequence is, they are no sooner at fault than they expect it: huntsmen hurt their hounds by availing themselves of such advantage, it makes them indifferent; they are always upon the listen, become more and more slack, particularly in COVERT. So long as hounds can carry on the scent, it must be admitted a very poor and paradoxical practice to take them off; but when, with all their fair and indefatigable exertions, it cannot be recovered, it then becomes a duty to render them every assistance. Cases sometimes occur in opposition to every effort (particularly {525} in covert) where the leading hounds, in running, get a head of the huntsman, and much before the principal body of the pack; in such situation, he must strenuously surmount intervening difficulties, with all possible resolution, and get to them as fast as he can, with what he can collect of the PACK, and leave the remainder to be hallooed forward, and brought along by the whipper-in.

Huntsmen who have too much dash themselves, dash with so much rapidity in drawing from one covert to another, that they frequently leave hounds behind; and the whipper-in (where there is but one, and there ought always to be two) being no less eager than the huntsman to be forward, renders what was an error in the first instance, a confirmed fault in the next. It would be more sportsman-like to get the hounds collected, and bring them away all together; it might sometimes prevent the return of a whipper-in for even a single skirter, more particularly at the conclusion of the day, when hounds are hallooed off for home. Left behind, they become liable to loss as well as accident: when once addicted to skirting, it becomes a growing vice, and is seldom discontinued; they acquire confidence in hunting by themselves, which they never relinquish, and would rather dwell upon their own tongue, than give proper credit to another: in which persevering obstinacy they continue, till the pack, drawn off, and evening coming {526} on, they are left to make their weary way through a dreary country; or, exposed to the inclemency of a winter's night, take up their lodging upon the ground, with the additional chance of being attacked and worried by every dog they see in exploring their way the following morning.

BEGS to make his most grateful Acknowledgements to those Noblemen and Gentlemen, who have continued to honour him with their Patronage during the fourteen years he has been energetically employed in endeavouring to promote a Reform in the former cruel and erroneous System of Farriery. It is the greatest ambition of his life to have seen that endeavour fully accomplished. Since the original Publication of his "Gentleman's Stable Directory," he has exultingly surveyed, not only the Institution, the Erection and the Establishment of the Veterinary College, but the almost incredible increase of Veterinary Surgeons in every Town; and Veterinary Druggists in every Street of the Metropolis. Many of these, with a certain degree of Professional Fertility, not only do him the honour to imitate his long-established Horse Medicines; but others, with a degree of Liberality peculiar to themselves, offer to supply the Public with "cheap and efficacious" Horse Medicines, for even half what Mr. Taplin's GENUINE Ingredients can be obtained at the first Commercial Houses in the City of London. To the judicious and enlightened this Mystery will sufficiently explain itself. Mr. Taplin, so long honoured by the Countenance and Support of the most distinguished and opulent Characters, never indulged a momentary Idea of dispensing Cheap Medicines, because his Principles would never permit him to put his Hand dishonourably into the Pockets of his best Friends; nor would his well-known Attachment to the Animal, allow him to prepare a single Article upon the genuine Property and expected probable Efficacy of which, he is not only ready at all times to pledge his Reputation, but his Existence. The honour of supplying near six hundred Gentlemen, (a List of whom may be seen,) exclusive of his different Agents, preclude the necessity of pestering the Public with perpetual Advertisements; rendering it at the Commencement of every Season, only necessary to communicate respectful Information, that Gentlemen residing in any part of the Kingdom, addressing their Commands to Mr. Taplin, Sloane-Square, London, shall have their Medicines immediately dispatched by whatever Conveyance they may please to appoint.

Mr. Taplin continues to give Advice upon the DEFECTS and DISEASES of HORSES, and to render Assistance in all Cases of difficulty and DANGER, within TEN MILES of the METROPOLIS, upon the most moderate Terms.

	£.	s.	d.
Drawn by one Horse	5	5	0	each
Drawn by Two or more	7	7	0
Taxed Carts	1	4	0

	Miles.	Furlongs.	Yards.
The Beacon Course is	4	1	138
Last three miles of ditto	3	0	45
From the Ditch-in	2	0	97
The last mile and a distance of B. C.	1	1	156
Ancaster Mile	1	0	18
Fox's Course	1	6	55
From the turn of the lands, in	0	5	184
Clermont Course (from the Ditch) to the Duke's Stand	1	5	217
Across the Flat	1	2	44
Rowley Mile	1	0	1
Ditch Mile	0	7	178
Abingdon Mile	0	7	211
Two middle miles of B. C.	1	7	125
Two Years Old Course	0	5	136
Yearling Course	0	2	147
Round Course	3	6	93
Duke's Course	4	0	184
Bunbury's Mile	0	7	208
Dutton's Course	3	0	0

		covered by
Mr. Clifton's Expectation	⎫
Mr. Clifton's Eustatia	⎬	Abba Thulle.
Mr. Clifton's Sister to Gabriel	⎭
Mr. Dawson's Sincerity	⎫
Mr. Dawson's Highflyer Mare,	⎪
out of Sincerity	⎬	Coriander.
Mr. Dawson's Blind Highflyer	⎪
Mare	⎭

	s.	d.
Mild Purging Balls	1	6	each.
Stronger ditto	2	0
Mild Mercurial Purging Balls	2	0
Stronger ditto	2	6
Cordial Rhubarb Purging Balls	2	6
Purging Balls for Worms	2	6
Mild Diuretic Balls for Cracks, Scratches, Surfeit, Hide-bound, or fluctuating Humours	9	0	per doz.
Stronger ditto, for perceptible Foulness, Defects of the Eyes, Swelled Legs, and Grease	12	0
Pectoral Cordial Balls for recent Colds or Coughs, and to be given after severe chases and long journies	12	0
Pectoral Detergent Balls, for Obstinate Coughs, or Asthmatic and Thick Winded Horses	12	0
Fever Balls	1	6	each.
Balls for Looseness or Scouring	1	6
Ditto for the Strangury, or Suppression of Urine	1	6
Ditto for the Flatulent Cholic, or Fret	2	0
Ditto for the Inflammatory Cholic or Gripes	2	0
Blistering Ointment for Lameness, Spavins, Splents, or Curbs	4	0	per pot.
Embrocation for Lameness or Strains	3	6	per bottle.
Alterative Powders, for Cracks, Scratches, Surfeit, Hide-bound, Mange, Grease, or Worms	8	0	per doz.
Camphorated Sperma-cæti Liniment, for Cracks	3	0	per pot.
Saturnine Solvent, for Splents	5	0	per bottle.
An Efficacious Collyrium for all Defects and Defluxions of the Eyes	3	6	per pint.
Mercurial Purging Balls for Dogs	4s. & 6	0	per doz.

Duties on Horses for riding, or drawing Carriages.
No.	At per horse.			Total per Year
	£.	s.	d.	£.	s.	d.
1	2	0	0	2	0	0
2	3	6	0	6	12	0
3	3	12	0	10	16	0
4	3	15	0	15	0	0
5	3	16	0	19	0	0
6	4	0	0	24	0	0
7	4	1	0	28	7	0
8	4	1	0	32	8	0
9	4	1	6	36	13	6
10	4	2	0	41	0	0
11	4	2	0	45	2	0
12	4	2	0	49	4	0
13	4	2	6	53	12	6
14	4	2	6	57	15	0
15	4	2	6	61	17	0
16	4	2	6	66	0	0
17	4	3	0	70	11	0
18	4	3	6	75	3	0
19	4	4	0	79	16	0
20	4	5	0	85	0	0
And so on for any Number.

Duties on other Horses, and on Mules.
No.	At per horse			Total per Year
	£.	s.	d.	£.	s.	d.
1	0	12	6	0	12	6
2				1	5	0
3				1	17	6
4				2	10	0
5				3	2	6
6				3	15	0
7				4	7	6
8				5	0	0
9				5	12	6
10				6	5	0
11				6	17	6
12				7	10	0
13				8	2	6
14				8	15	0
15				9	7	6
16				10	0	0
17				10	12	6
18				11	5	0
19				11	17	6
20				12	10	0
And so on for any Number.

Duties on Carriages with four Wheels, for private Use.
No.	At per Carriage.			Total per Year.
	£.	s.	d.	£.	s.	d.
1	10	0	0	10	0	0
2	11	0	0	22	0	0
3	12	0	0	36	0	0
4	12	10	0	50	0	0
5	13	0	0	65	0	0
6	13	10	0	81	0	0
7	14	0	0	98	0	0
8	14	10	0	116	0	0
9	15	0	0	135	0	0
And so on for any Number.

Duties upon Stage Coaches, and Post Chaises, with four Wheels, at 8l. 8s. 0d. each.
No.
	£.	s.	d.
1	8	8	0
2	16	16	0
3	25	4	0
4	33	12	0
5	42	0	0
6	50	8	0
7	58	16	0
8	67	4	0
9	75	12	0

THE SPORTING DICTIONARY, AND RURAL REPOSITORY OF GENERAL INFORMATION UPON EVERY SUBJECT APPERTAINING TO THE SPORTS OF THE FIELD.

DEDICATION

PREFACE.

A.

Authors

ARTISTS

ABSCESS

ACADEMY

ACCLOYED

ACHE

ACRIMONY

ACTION

ADDER STUNG

ADULTERATION

AGE

AGUE

ÆGYPTIACUM

AIR

AIR

AIRING

ALE

ALOES

ALTERATIVES

ALUM

ALIMENT

AMBLE

AMBURY, or Anbury

AMPHIBIOUS

AMPHITHEATRE

ANATOMY

ANGLING

ANISEEDS

ANTIMONY

ANTLERS

APERIENTS

APERTURE

APOPLEXY

APPUI

APPETITE

AQUATIC

ARABIC GUM

ARSENIC

ARM

ART VETERINARY

ASCARIDES

ASTHMATIC

ASTRINGENTS

ATTACHMENTS

ATTAINT

ATTRACTION

ATTIRE

AVIARY

B.

BABBLER

BABRAHAM

BACK

BACKING

BACK SINEWS

BACK RAKING

BADGER

BALLS

BALSAMICS

BARBS

BARS

BAT FOWLING

BATTLE ROYAL

BAY

BAY

BAY BOLTON

BAY MALTON

BAY TREE

BEAGLES

BEAK

BEAM

BEAT for a Hare

BEDDING

BETTING

BISHOPING

BITCH

BITS

THE
SPORTING DICTIONARY,
AND
RURAL REPOSITORY
OF
GENERAL INFORMATION
UPON EVERY SUBJECT APPERTAINING
TO
THE SPORTS OF THE FIELD.