—is the well-known mechanical construction
formed for the mutual accommodation
and safety of both the HORSE and the
RIDER. Although
historical records prove them to have been
in use with the ancients, there is no demonstrative
reason to believe they were established in England
till the reign of Henry the
Seventh, when they
were adopted under a compulsory law, that the
nobility should not ride without them. Saddles
are of different sorts, according to the distinct services
for which they are designed; and, in fact,
are so universally known, not only in the aggregate,
but in all their component parts, that any elucidation
upon so common a subject; must be evidently
superfluous and unnecessary.
.—A horse is so termed,
when the RUMP-BONE rises so high behind, in conformity
with the WITHERS before, that a hollow (or
rather a complete curve) is formed in the middle,
as a natural receptacle for the Saddle. Horses of
this description are mostly, in action, easy and
pleasant to the rider; but they are invariably weaker
in the loins than those of an opposite description.
{239}
.—This is an injury frequently
sustained by horses either in the FIELD with
HOUNDS, or in JOURNIES
upon the ROAD; and can
only happen by the inattention, neglect, or penury,
of the OWNER, in not affording occasional precaution
and inspection to the state of the pad, as well
as to the first and safe FITTING of the
SADDLE. It
cannot but be known to the most superficial observer,
that the padding of every saddle becomes
progressively harder, in proportion to the perspirative
matter it absorbs; and, in direct proportion
with the hardness it acquires, the greater is the
chance of its being injurious to the parts with
which it comes into constant contact, and with a
burning heat, produced by a long and repeated
friction. Injuries of this kind, although originating
in the same cause, vary a little in their effects:
with one but slightly affected, a WARBLE may be
produced; this happens on the side, and if attended
to upon its first appearance, is easily obliterated
by applications of vinegar, or other mild repellents;
but unattended to, and a frequent repetition
of the cause being permitted to take place, they
soon become SITFASTS, and can only be got rid of
by instrumental extirpation. Where any part of
the saddle-tree (in the centrical cleft between the
saddle-pads) is inconsiderately suffered to come
into contact with the wither, or vertebræ of the
back, and so continues in friction and pressure,
during a CHASE or JOURNEY,
certain mischief inevitably
ensues: in the first a swelling, formation
of matter, and FISTULA, may be the consequence;
in the latter, an excoriation, followed by a tedious
wound, or ulcer, may take place. Circumstances
which so constantly occur (and that so often, from
an unthinking stupidity in those who ultimately
suffer by trouble and vexation in the event) are
only brought to recollection, for the interested
inculcation of those, who, inexperienced at present,
will be taught, by time and prudence, that
PREVENTION is at all seasons preferable to
CURE, as
it will be the means of shielding the body from
trouble, and the mind from repentance.
—are at the bend of the hock
(or hough) behind, exactly what the MALLENDERS
are at the back of the knee; for which the modes
of treatment and means of cure are precisely the
same. See Mallenders.
,—the name of a horse who acquired
considerable celebrity by his performances upon
the TURF, since which he has stood as a
STALLION
in a proportional degree of estimation. He was
foaled in 1780; got by Eclipse, dam (Virago) by
Snap grand-dam by Regulus, out of a sister to
Black and all Black. He was sire of his Royal
Highness the Prince of Wales's St. David, the
Duke of York's Laurustina, and the Duke of
Bedford's Sprightly, Lord Grosvenor's Brown Filly
(out of Sting,) who won five prizes in 1790, at
two years old, amounting to 1100 guineas; Caroline,
and Tiffany; Queen of Sheba, (who won 900
guineas, at Newmarket, in 1792;) Rose, Spankaway,
Sweeper, and the Prince of Wales's Whiskey,
who won in the same year 1000 guineas, 2000
guineas, the 1400 guineas, 100 guineas, and 100
guineas, at Newmarket, and 50l. at Bedford;
Royalist, General, Henrietta, Clytus,
Coal Merchant,
Tear-Coat, Peeping Tom, Septem, Coiner,
Whip, and Oscar; exclusive of many Colts and
Fillies, who were winners at Newmarket, and elsewhere,
but never were named.
—is a crack or cleft in the
HOOF of
a HORSE, which originates in
a preternatural brittleness,
brought on by standing too constantly upon hot
dry litter, without stopping to the bottom, or a proper
and occasional oiling of the hoof, to keep it in
a healthy state. It generally runs in a straight line
downwards; and when it extends from the junction
of hair and hoof to the bottom, with the bloody
lymph oozing from the membranous mass at the
top, it then becomes a serious concern, affording
no expectation of speedy consolation. There is,
in fact, but one direct mode of cure, which is to
reduce the projecting and ragged edges to a level,
with the finest side of the rasp. Then with the
fine edge of a small firing-iron, of moderate heat,
run two lines parallel to each other on each side
the crack longitudinally; this done, draw two in
the same manner transversely above, and the same
below the centrical part of the cleft, by which
it will be enclosed in a small square of double
lines, calculated to restore the union which has
been destroyed. A little compound tincture of
myrrh, or friar's balsam, should be poured into
the crack so soon as it is observed, particularly if
blood should be perceived to transude from the
opening. In slight cases, horses may be continued
in moderate use; but where they bear the complexion
previously described, turning out to grass
in a pasture moist, but not wet, and that for a length
of time, is the only foundation upon which the
expectation of permanent cure can be entertained.
.—The disorder in horses so called, is
the species of mange become inveterately dry and
scabby by its long duration.
—is the leading principle from which
the great and inexpressible enjoyment of all FIELD SPORTS
is derived. It is the sublime and inexplicable
mystery upon which so many have contemplated,
without being enabled to define. That every
information may be collected upon a subject so
rich, and so desirable of attainment to the SPORTING WORLD,
a rotational but concise review shall be
introduced from those who have given their thoughts
in print to the public.
{243}
We are told by one, that "Scent is an effluvium
continually arising from the corpuscles that issue
out of all bodies; and being impregnated with
the peculiar state and quality of the blood and
juices of that particular animal from which they
flow, occasions the vast variety of smells or scents
cognizable by the olfactory nerves, or organs of
smelling." This writer proceeds in confirmation
thus: "Hence the reason why one person differs
from another in scent, and why a dog will trace the
footsteps of his master for a hundred miles together,
following him into any house, church, or
other building, though surrounded by ten thousand:
and when the faithful animal has thus diligently
sought out and recognized his master, he
is seldom willing even to trust the evidence of his
own eyes, until, with erected crest, he has taken
a few cordial sniffs, to convince himself he is right.
Hence also we perceive how a pack of hounds are
enabled to pursue HARE,
FOX, STAG, or any other
animal they are trained to hunt, across the scent,
and amidst the society of others of the same species,
without being diverted from the pursuit of that
self same animal they had first on foot; and hence
too we discover how it is possible for birds and
beasts of prey to be directed to their food at such
vast distances; for these corpuscles issuing from
putrid bodies, and floating in the air, are carried
by the wind to different quarters; where striking
the olfactory nerves of whatever animals they meet
in their way, immediately conduct them to the
spot: and it is by this means the small-pox, measles,
putrid fevers, and all epidemic complaints,
are communicated, and the plague and pestilence
conveyed from one place to another.
"It matters not how much the effluvia may be
gone off, so as enough remains to irritate the olfactory
organ: for whether it be bird or beast,
they try the scent in all directions, till at length
they discover that which is stronger and stronger,
in proportion as they proceed; and this Nature
has taught them to know is the direct and obvious
road to their prey, and prevents them from
following a contrary course, which is naturally
weaker and weaker, and what in hunting is called
heel. This observation is confirmed by the encreasing
eagerness we perceive in all animals, the
nearer they approach the object of pursuit; as we
see hounds and spaniels in HUNTING and
SHOOTING,
are the most earnest, in proportion as the
scent is recent, and they draw nearer to the GAME.
The same thing amongst quadrupeds, whether wild
or domestic, directs the male to the female that
is in season for love; and hence we see the DOG,
the BOAR, the
BULL, and the STALLION,
when turned loose, apply their nostrils to the ambient air,
and proceed accordingly. By the same medium the
vermin which infest our dwellings know how to
direct their operations; whether to undermine
walls, eat through solid boards, cross rivers, or
climb spouts; which shows how much stronger the
faculty of smelling is possessed by the brute than
the HUMAN species; wisely ordained by
Nature,
to enable them to seek their food, and propagate
their species; but for which they would often
perish, or have long since become extinct."
Somervile, seemingly anxious to explore this
hidden source of instinct, conceives the SCENT (divested
of the dignity of blank verse) to arise from
the peculiar property of the blood; which, when
the game is on foot, is so encreased in its circulation,
that the "ferous particles" are propelled
through the skin in perspiration, and
"Leaves a long-steaming trail behind; which, by
The cooler air condens'd, remains, unless
By some rude storm dispers'd, or rarefy'd
By the meridian sun's intenser heat:
To every shrub the warm effluvia cling,
Hang on the grass, impregnate earth and skies.
With nostrils opening wide, o'er hill, o'er dale,
The vig'rous hounds pursue, with ev'ry breath,
Inhale the grateful steam, quick pleasures sting
Their tingling nerves, while their thanks repay,
And in triumphant melody confess
The titillating joy. Thus on the air
Depends the hunter's hopes."
Mr. Beckford, equally energetic
in his endeavours
to discover and ascertain the origin and
property of SCENT, very modestly confesses his
state of uncertainty, in a few lines preparatory to
his remarks made in a letter to his friend, where
he observes, "As you ask me my opinion of SCENT,
I think I had better give it you before we begin
upon the subject of HUNTING. I must, at the same
time, take the liberty of telling you, that you have
puzzled me exceedingly; for scent is, I believe,
what we SPORTSMEN know least about.
Somervile,
the only one I know of who has thrown
any light upon the subject of HUNTING, says, I
think, but little about scent; I send you his words:
I shall afterwards add a few of my own." Adverting
then to the conclusion of the above quotation,
he most judiciously proceeds:
"I cannot agree with Mr. Somervile, in thinking
that SCENT depends on the
AIR only; it depends
also on the soil. Without doubt, the best scent
is that which is occasioned by the effluvia, as he
calls it, or particles of scent, which are constantly
perspiring from GAME as it runs,
and are strongest
and most favourable to the hound, when kept by
the gravity of the air to the height of his breast:
for then it neither is above his reach, nor is it
necessary he should stoop for it. At such times
scent is said to lie breast high. Experience tells
us, that difference of soil occasions difference of
SCENT; and on the richness and moderate moistness
of the soil does it also depend, I think, as
well as on the AIR. At the time leaves begin to
fall, and before they are rotted, we know that the
scent lies ill in covert. This alone would be a
sufficient proof, that scent does not depend on
the air only. A difference of scent is also occasioned
by a difference of motion; the faster the
game goes, the less scent it leaves. When game
has been ridden after, and hurried on by imprudent
sportsmen, the scent is less favourable to
hounds; one reason of which may be, that the
particles of scent are then more dissipated. But
if the game should have been run by a dog not
belonging to the pack, seldom will any scent remain.
"I believe it is very difficult to ascertain what
SCENT exactly is: I have known it alter very often
in the same day. I believe, however, that it
depends chiefly on two things; the condition the
ground is in, and the temperature of the air; both
of which, I apprehend, should be moist, without
being wet: when both are in this condition, the
scent is then perfect; and vice versa, when the
ground is hard, and the air dry, there seldom will
be any scent. It scarce ever lies with a north or
an east wind; a southerly wind, without rain, and
a westerly wind, that is not rough, are the most
favourable. Storms in the air are great enemies
to scent, and seldom fail to take it entirely away.
A fine sun-shiny day is not often a good hunting
day; but what the French call jour des dames, warm
without sun, is generally a perfect one: there are
not many such in a whole season. In some fogs,
I have known the scent lie high; in others, not
at all; depending, I believe, on the quarter the
WIND is then in. I have known it lie very high
in a mist, when not too wet; but if the wet should
hang on the boughs and bushes, it will fall upon
the scent, and deaden it. When the dogs roll, the
scent, I have frequently observed, seldom lies; for
what reason, I know not; but, with permission, if they
smell strong when first they come out of the kennel,
the proverb is in their favour; and that smell
is a prognostic of good luck.
"When cobwebs hang on the bushes, there
is seldom much scent. During a white frost,
the scent lies high; as it also does when the frost
is quite gone: at the time of its going off, scent
never lies: it is a critical minute for hounds, in
which their game is frequently lost. In a great
dew, the scent is the same. In heathy countries,
where the game brushes as it goes along, scent seldom
fails. Where the ground carries, the scent
is bad, for a very evident reason, which hare-hunters,
who pursue their game over greasy fallows,
and through dirty roads, have great reason to
complain of. A wet night frequently produces
good chases, as then the game neither like to run
the COVERT, nor the
ROADS. It has been often
remarked, that scent lies best in the richest soils;
and countries which are favourable to horses, are
seldom so to hounds. I have also observed, that
in some particular places, let the temperature of
the air be as it may, scent never lies."
Amidst the various opinions upon the origin
and property of scent, the most opposite join
issue upon the simple question of doubt; whether
the particles of effluvia which constitute what is
termed scent, and by which hounds are excited
to follow the game, are proper identical parts
of the animal's body emitted in exhalations of
respiration from the lungs, or by the transpiration
of perspirative matter through the skin. This, perhaps,
is of too abstruse a depth for the utmost
extent of human wisdom to explore with success.
The opinion of Somervile seems founded upon
the very basis of experimental observation, bettered
by the sound judgment, and practical remarks,
upon the promoting, or retarding, effects
of both the atmosphere and soil; to which one
circumstance alone seems to convey additional
rays of elucidation. It must be recollected by
every sportsman, who has occasionally taken the
field with HARRIERS, that, although they have picked
the trail for a mile, into the very stubble,
fallow, or covert, where the hare is sitting in her
form; although they are trying round her in every
direction, and even within a very few yards;
there is then no more palpable perceptible scent,
than when they trailed at half a mile from her form;
and when she lays close, it is evident the dog, or
dogs, derive no additional advantage from being
nearer to her, (in respect to finding,) unless by
stealing away, or jumping up, she gets into motion,
when the scent is then afloat, and continued
as already described.
Whether this enquiry will ever be traced to the
source of certainty, is almost immaterial; it is a
large field for the speculation of philosophy, and
well worthy investigation. From a contemplative
review of the operations of nature, it is evidently
demonstrated, that there is a secret instinctive principle
infused into the whole race of animals, whereby
they are impulsively propelled to the propagation
of their species, the preservation of their offspring,
or an implicit pursuit of their propensities;
so that no one shall become too numerous and destructive
for the existence of another upon whom
they prey, or with which they live in a perpetual
state of warfare. It is likewise to be remarked,
that the greater likeness we discover in the form of
the animal creation, the more we perceive their
friendly disposition to each other; because the scent
of their bodies afford a pleasing gratification to the
sensitive faculty, without exciting the appetite; if
it was not for which all-wise dispensation of a superior
and invisible Power, the same species would
devour each other, and the purposes of the creation
would be annihilated by the operation of its
own works.
.—The substance or enlargement
so called, is an accumulation of obstructed or extravasated
lymph, becoming more and more indurated
by its stagnant retention. All tumours of this description,
either in MAN or beast, should be attended
to in their infancy; when warm stimulants, and
powerful repellents, may be expected to have a
proper effect, previous to their having acquired
induration; after which no hope of obliteration
can be indulged, but by instrumental extirpation.
From the reflection naturally arising upon which,
will appear the prudent necessity of paying early
attention to swellings and enlargements of every
description; that nature may be assisted in her own
efforts, and her indications promoted without delay.
Those tumours which are hard, and seemingly
insensible, not feeling pain upon pressure, are of
the indurated and schirrous kind; all swellings, and
enlargements, in which there is palpable heat, constant
pain, and a shrinking from the touch, denote
SUPPURATION, which should be promoted by means
of FOMENTATIONS and POULTICES applicable to the
purpose; for where there is a well encouraged formation
of matter, and a good discharge, there is
seldom any disappointment in the expectation of a
speedy cure.
{252}
—is a species of RHEUMATISM attacking
a horse in one or both hind quarters, which
is sometimes so severe, as to render him nearly or
quite immoveable in his stall. It will be found
enlarged on under the head Rheumatism, where
the means of relief are properly pointed out.
.—A horse is said to have a scouring,
when the body labours under a continued
LOOSENESS, similar to a course of purgation, without
any perceptible cause. Some, called fluey
carcased horses, are liable to this disorder from a
variety of trifling causes, explained more largely
under the head Looseness, which see.
—are cracks in the heels of horses,
which are originally produced by the changes of
weather, and their being left with wet heels in the
winter season. These, when long neglected, assume
a degree of virulence, and, from small, and almost
imperceptible cracks, become clefts with ragged
edges, acquiring, by degrees, a kind of fungous
callosity. From these a fœtid oily ichor is discharged,
attended with an inflamed tension of the
fetlock-joints, and so much constant pain, that the
horse is unwilling to move in his stall, unless compelled
so to do; and when a leg is lifted from the
ground, he suspends it for some time, in a seeming
state of misery, from the fear of putting it again
to the ground. The cure consists solely in daily
fomentations of warm, well-boiled, gelatinous
gruel, with a sponge; followed by linseed poultices;
dressings of digestive ointment; a few DIURETIC BALLS,
given three days apart; and, lastly,
a course of ALTERATIVE POWDERS, to obtund and
correct the acrimony in the blood. If they have
been permitted, by neglect and inattention, to
reach their most inveterate state, displaying prominent
fungous warts, or small tetters, mild escharotics,
or instrumental scarifications, must be brought
into use; without one or both of which, an early
or certain cure will not be obtained.
.—The tail of either HARE or RABBIT is so
called.
—was a term formerly in use to signify
the re-union of divided parts in the hoof of a
horse, as a cured SANDCRACK; or the cleft at the
junction of a FALSE QUARTER, with the uninjured
part of the foot.
,—the position on horseback. A person
once mounted, and sitting at his ease, free from
every seeming constraint, with his body pliably
erect, his thighs and knees adhering closely to the
skirts of the saddle, an easy freedom in his legs,
and a personal motion corresponding with the action
of the horse, is said to have a GOOD SEAT.
Those who are always changing their position,
throwing about their arms, swinging their legs,
looking every way but the right, with stirrups too
long, too short, or probably one shorter than the
other, are horsemen of a very different description,
having a very bad seat, or rather no seat at all.
—are artificial drains (or minor kind
of rowels) in horses, corresponding in effect with
the issues inserted in the arms or thighs of the human
species. They are generally made upon the
cheek, or under the jaws of a horse, for some defect
in, or inflammation of the eyes. A writer of
much celebrity admits "their utility to be very
great, because they facilitate the discharge of matter
from abscesses, without the necessity of admitting
much air; the influence of which upon an ulcer,
produces pain and symptomatic fever." Another
observes, that, "when tumours are taken in time,
whether on the POLL,
WITHERS, or BACK,
not having been injudiciously retarded by common farriers,
(whose management in this case is always worse than
the DISEASE,) they may be carried off, and brought
to heal by the discharge from SETONS, without any
of the usual butchery, or cauterization, or the least
blemish or loss of parts. Farriers (he continues)
are always very much disposed to proceed with the
knife, before the matter of the
TUMOUR is fully
concocted, by which error they treble the difficulty,
protract the period of cure, and probably leave an
indurated enlargement, which is never effaced."
{255}
The operation is in itself exceedingly simple,
and is thus performed: the practitioner being provided
with a seton needle, of a size and length proper
for the tumour to be discussed, and having
armed it with a sufficient number of cotton threads,
in proportion to the effect required, and dipped in
digestive ointment warm, the needle is to be introduced
(if possible) at the upper part of the swelling,
and the point conducted through the whole,
and brought out at the bottom, as a depending orifice
is of considerable advantage in assisting the discharge.
The seton having been passed through the
ABSCESS or TUMOUR,
is then separated from the
needle, and the two ends tied together: or if the
length will not admit of that, a knot may be formed,
or a wooden button may be affixed to each end,
by which it may be occasionally pulled up or down,
as when the two ends are tied together, it may be
moved in a circle. When the swelling is perfectly
reduced, and the offending matter entirely run off,
the seton may be withdrawn, and the orifice will
soon unite, and form a cicatrix, without any farther
application.
—is perhaps, in respect to natural
formation and effect, the most beautiful and
attracting of the canine species: there is an elegance
of figure, an uniformity of shape, make, and speed;
a pleasing variegation in colour, (being generally
yellow, or brown pied;) an inexpressibly anxious
solicitation of notice, and an aspect of affability
and anticipating gratitude, beyond the power of the
PENCIL to depict, or the
PEN to describe. The sporting
business of the SETTING-DOG (commonly called
the English setter) is precisely the same with the
POINTER, but with this difference, that, admitting
their olfactory sensations to be equally exquisite,
and that ONE can discover and receive the particles
of SCENT (alias the effluvia of the game) as readily,
and at an equal distance, with the OTHER, the difference
of the sport, in which they are separately
engaged, renders it necessary that one should do
upon his legs, what the other does by prostration
upon the ground; and they are neither more or less
than the effect of education; for as in the sport of
SHOOTING (with the pointer) the
GAME is expected
to rise, so in drawing (with a setting-dog and net)
the BIRDS are required to lie.
Naturalists seem to have assumed a greater degree
of latitude in respect to the
CANINE SPECIES, than in
any other part of the creation, where they have
been less at a loss. Great musical teachers inculcate
strongly, one forcible precept upon the minds
and memories of their PUPILS, which is,
"when they happen to err in execution, never to stop; because
it will inevitably serve to convince the auditors,
such are inadequate to the task they have undertaken;
when by keeping on, not one in fifty
may know an accidental mis-movement has taken
place." Just so it seems to have been with speculative
delineators of the CANINE RACE; where the
pedigree could not be ascertained, the peculiar kind
of any distinct class appears to have been accidentally
forgotten. It does not seem that the origin of the
POINTER is any where described, or by any writer
attempted; but by the most respected authority we
have, from whence information, instruction, and
entertainment, can and may be derived, we are
told, "the HOUND, the
SETTING-DOG, and the
TERRIER,
are only one and the same race of DOGS;
for it has been remarked, that the same birth has produced
setting-dogs, terriers, and hounds, though
the hound bitch has only had access to one of the
three dogs." The true state of the case is precisely
this, that although Nature, in her outlines, has furnished
the canine race with powerful instinctive
properties, by which their propensities, their pleasures,
their dislikes, and attachments, may be disclosed;
and notwithstanding it must be admitted, their
olfactory sensations are refined in an extreme degree
beyond the human species; yet much depends
upon the means, mode and manner of education.
This has been demonstrated a few years since beyond
all manner of controversy, when a gamekeeper
absolutely brought a full-grown PIG to hunt
and point to the BIRDS;
and procured a considerable
emolument from displaying repeated proofs of
his ingenuity, patience, and perseverance.
{258}
,—in the game of HAZARD,
is the person
who sets the CASTER; or,
in other words, the player, who makes stakes with the person holding
the box and dice, who, if he THROWS IN, draws
the money; on the contrary, if he throws out, the
setter is the winner.
—is a term in cocking. The setter-to
is the person who in a cock-pit receives the
cock (going to fight) from the feeder, and hands
him upon the SOD during the battle, according to
the laws of the pit, and the conditions of the
match. See Cocking,
Cock-pit, and Main of
Cocks.
,—in a horse, is the bone extending
from the knee to the fetlock-joint. This
bone should be uniform, firm and compact, well
proportioned to the length of the fore-arm above,
and the pastern below; if too long for either, or
both, the symmetry is totally lost; and hence a general
objection to horses whose legs are too long for
the CARCASE, which is a defect readily observed;
and indifferent judges are always prepared to say,
such a horse has "too much day-light under him."
.—The "shape and make"
of horses offered for sale, is such an eternal echo,
whether at the public hammer, or by private contract,
from one end of the kingdom to the other,
that it is natural to conceive, no sporting subject
can be more completely understood; but as there
are eternally younger branches coming forward,
and monied noviciates paying for practical experience
in the art of DEALING, such extensive rules
are introduced, to inculcate the absolute necessity
for circumspection in BUYING, under the head
Horse, that not a single line of utility can be added
upon the subject.
—was the most capital horse of his
time; bred by Mr. Pigott, foaled in 1771, got
by Marsk, dam by Snap, out of the dam of
Warwickshire Wag. This horse was proved, next to
Childers and Eclipse,
to have been possessed of
more speed than any horse ever bred or produced
in the kingdom. He beat all his cotemporaries at
every distance, (long or short,) clearly demonstrating
his superiority, whether they run for speed, or
run for bottom. His distinct winnings are too remote
from the present time to enumerate individually,
but they amounted in the aggregate to a GOLD CUP
value 123 guineas, eleven hogsheads of claret,
and the astonishing sum of 20,000 guineas, in
plates, matches, sweepstakes, forfeits, and bets.
When no horse in England could be found to start
against him, he was taken to America as a STALLION,
although it was publicly affirmed, 10,000
guineas were offered for him before his departure;
admitting which to be the fact, it could have been
done with no other motive than to render him a
private STALLION for the mares of those
only who subscribed to the aggregate.
,—which for time immemorial
remained in its almost original state, has
for the last fourteen years become an object of importance
and general investigation. What for a
century before was never thought worthy a moment's
consideration, but by those whose professional
province it was to FORM the
SHOES, and set them
on, is at length found worthy the fashionable and
condescending inspection of NOBLEMEN,
GENTLEMEN,
the polished groom, and the illiterate stable-boy.
This change is well known to have originated
in the publication of "Taplin's Stable Directory"
1789; which, from its unprecedented popularity,
passed through TWELVE editions in the short
space of four years. To the appearance of this
work, upon a subject so long neglected, are the
public indebted for the much-wanted veterinarian
improvement which has since taken place; as well
as for the constantly increasing influx of veterinary
writers, who, speculating upon the success of
the original reformer, have obtruded upon the
world such an infinity of imitations, and such a
profusion of what they have thought improvements,
that the discerning part of the public (plainly perceiving
the deceptive imbecility of such attempts)
rendered them abortive; a multiplicity of books
having been announced upon veterinary subjects
within the last seven years, which have been immediately
buried in oblivion, without a sale sufficient
to pay even for the paper upon which the works
were printed.
The rage for an improvement in the system of
farriery which Taplin's books had induced, extended
to almost every part of the kingdom, and
necessitous adventurers became vulcanian speculators
in every direction. Various new, important and
infallible plans of SHOEING were
hypothetically introduced
amongst the infant crop of newly-sown
veterinarians; one avowed himself an advocate for
long shoes; another, for short shoes; a third, for
high shoes; a fourth, for low shoes, and thin heels;
a fifth, for half shoes; and a still more sagacious
groupe of THEORETICIANS, for no shoes at all!!!
To the great credit of the nation, and the strenuous
endeavours of investigating individuals, this
fashionable thirst of folly, this infatuating furor,
seems now in a great degree to have subsided, and
affords reason to believe, as well as to hope, the
veterinary mania has (at least in this respect) attained
its CRISIS; and that the only rational, safe,
and judicious mode now in general use, will be no
more attacked by the wild and chimerical speculations
of those, whose want of professional skill and
scientific information must ever render their schemes
abortive.
{262}
That gentlemen will dedicate part of their time
to examine the internal structure of the foot, the
anatomical formation and junction of the bones,
muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilages, and membranes,
is not to be expected; but that they will,
upon the principle of self-defence, be careful to
understand enough of the EXTERIOR,
to check occasionally
the rude hand of the injudicious or inconsiderate
operator, is readily to be believed.
The operative act of shoeing, in its general sense,
as appertaining to the making of the shoe, the
insertion of the nails, and the external finish of
the foot, are too well known, and publicly performed,
to require the most trifling description.
Although one general data, or fixed rule, is laid
down, by which all good and sound-footed horses
should be shod without an exception, (proportioning
the form, size, substance and weight of the
shoe to the use of the horse,) yet there are occasional
deviations, which cannot consistently be
avoided, but must be prudently submitted to, when
diseases of the foot, or injuries to the hoof, render
them truly necessary. Hoofs, it is well known,
are not all alike, nor are the same hoofs always in
the same state; some are preserved so by unremitting
care, and strict attention; others are permitted
to get into decay, and to become diseased by a
want of both. The OPERATIVE FARRIER has his
different distinctions and denominations for the various
kinds of hoof which come under his hand;
as the sound, strong, firm, black hoof, which is
generally perfect, and seldom either defective or
diseased; the rough and brittle hoof, which is
mostly wide and weak, requiring nightly stopping
at the bottom, and oiling round the top; the long,
flat and shelly hoof, which runs all to toe, and leaves
nothing at the heel; the crooked or rather horny
hoof, which, from a defect in radical moisture,
grows into a wrinkled rigidity, that almost sets
both the RASP and
BUTTERIS at defiance. There
are also others so thin, wide, and expanded above,
and the outer sole so prominent on each side the
frog below, that such are called fleshy-footed,
and require a shoe of peculiar formation, as well
as much extra care in setting it on. Some hoofs
are so contracted with heat, and narrowed at the
heel, (particularly if the frogs are wasted by thrush
and corrosion,) that when turned, the vacuum
bears the appearance of intentional excavation.
Under this accumulation of considerations,
some conditional variations must be admitted,
from the fixed and proper rules to be laid down,
although the fundamental principle should still be
the same; and, notwithstanding the superfluous
and destructive freedom of the drawing-knife and
butteris, are frequently, and with great justice,
condemned; yet they must sometimes be brought
into moderate use: but those who render them
subservient to the purposes required, should invariably
retain it in memory, that more may be
injudiciously destroyed in five minutes, than can
possibly be restored in TEN months. The entire
ART of
SHOEING may be reduced to a very concise
description, and consists in paring the foot
(when it is necessary) with judgment, tenderness,
and safety; to form the shoe with good, substantial,
sound, Swedish iron, of a shape and make
hereafter to be described; in selecting nails of a proper
size, length, or strength, equally adapted to
the shape of the foot, and the weight of the shoe;
and, lastly, to the very critical task of driving
them properly, clinching them firmly, and finishing
the foot neatly.
The act itself being thus publicly seen in practice,
and generally comprehended, it becomes
only necessary (amidst the variety of speculative
opinions lately obtruded upon public notice) to
introduce such comparative reasoning, and practical
proof, of the superior excellence and rational
propriety of the execution, as may enable every
reader to take an impartial survey of the different
modes recommended, in doing which, he is then
at liberty to adopt which ever he may be induced
to think approaches the nearest to perfection.
Amidst the great variety of attracting novelties
which issued from the press, after the publication
of Taplin's Pattern Shoes, was "a concave
shoe," most zealously recommended by the
PROFESSOR of a public institution, since deceased;
who, had he lived only a few weeks longer,
would have received the most unequivocal proofs
of the fallacy of the theory, when put into competition
with the UNERRING criterion of
PRACTICE:
but happily for him, and luckily for his great and
opulent friends, (who were daily and shamefully
forsaking him,) he died just in time to save his reputation.
Suffice it, therefore, in delicacy to his
error, as well as to his memory, only to observe,
that the SHOE passing under that denomination
(having a smooth or flat inside to cover the foot,
and a concave surface, to come in contact with
the ground or pavement) was the very reverse of
what it should be, and only calculated to render
tender, if not cripple, any horse, if obstinately
persevered in; as will be candidly admitted by
every reader of rationality, when the representation
of the FOOT, the form of the
SHOE, and the
setting on of that shoe, are taken into distinct and
separate consideration.
To face Page 265. Vol. 2ᵈ. DEMONSTRATIVE SHOEING.
That this may be done with a more comprehensive
and general effect, divested of SCIENTIFIC
disquisition, or ANATOMICAL ambiguity, a
Plate
is annexed; which, with very little explanatory
matter, will afford the most perfect and satisfactory
elucidation. A is the representation of a
sound, firm, well-formed HOOF,
in a slate of unembellished
nature: here is evidently no devastation
required—no paring off at the heel—no slicing
off from the sole—no cutting-knife at the toe; nor
does it, with an eye of the strictest judgment and
circumspection, seem to claim or solicit from the
art of man, any other assistance, than protection
against the injury it must inevitably sustain from
harder bodies, when brought into use by constant
collision. That this fair and candid investigation
may be the less liable to miscontruction, and that
cynical misrepresentation, or envious opposition,
may not (even in the weakest minds) warp the
effect of truth, let it be observed, that the circular
line marked 1 is the line of articulation, or, in
other words, the distinct line of separation; around
which is the wall or crust of the
HOOF, (in itself
insensible,) where the bearing only should be,
and where the figure 5 of E will be found accurately
formed for its reception.
That part of the foot extending from the line
of separation on one side, to the corresponding
line of separation on the other, having the FROG
in the center, and marked 2 on each side, is called
the outer sole, covering a membranous mass, or
substance, called the inner sole, which is of exquisite
sensibility, requiring PROTECTION without
pressure upon the external part; which it will be
seen (by referring to the Plate) is sufficiently
afforded by the concave formation at Fig. 6 of letter
E, which, upon the accurate inspection of the
best informed and most experienced investigators,
must be admitted a shoe of the first perfection
for the promotion of every good, and the prevention
of every ill.
Having thus produced both foot and shoe, as
unsullied representations of NATURE and
ART, and
adapted the make of one to the formation of the
other, with a consistency no man of common comprehension
will presume to dispute, we proceed to
an impartial examination of the letter B, which
represents the mode of SHOEING adopted, and
some time persevered in, at a place of veterinary
celebrity, upon the discontinuance of the very
short-lived concave shoe.
As it is a remark of long standing, that the
exterior strikes first, so we shall find here, that,
upon a superficial survey of the letter B, there is
a neatness in the execution, that seems to excite
attention, and command respect; but when it is
critically examined with the eye of precision, and
its deficiencies pointed out, it then loses all power
of permanent attraction, and will advance no
well-founded claim to approbation or imitation.
Admitting (as it is presumed no opposition whatever
arises to the fact) that the wall of the FOOT
represented by Fig. 1, should have its bearing
upon the properly-adapted part of the shoe, ascertained
by referring to Fig. 5 of E, and continued
home to the extreme point of the heel accurately
terminated by the Fig. 7 of C; let us see what
would be the inevitable consequence of having
the shoes an inch and a half too short at each
heel, as represented by Fig. 3 of B, where NATURE,
REASON,
OBSERVATION, and
EXPERIENCE,
concentrate their whole force to demonstrate the
consistency, the safety, in fact, the indispensible
necessity, of its being continued to Fig. 4 of B,
as is already explained by previous reference to
Fig. 7 of C.
Convinced, therefore, beyond the shadow of
doubt, (as every reader may by another reference
to No. 1,) that the wall of the HOOF
holds forth its own proof, that the shoe should be continued
home to the extreme point of the heel, or that it
requires no shoe at all; and this alternative being
first understood, and then acceded to, by every
comprehension, it will be equally clear, that as
much as art falls short in the support which
NATURE
requires, proportional must the injury be,
by the inevitable indentation; invariably productive
of bruises, and tenderness upon the edge of
the sole, thereby laying the foundation of preternatural
stricture, corns, callosities, and other ills,
which would be more perfectly understood by an
examination of any such subject, after a shoe one
third too short had been eight or ten days in constant
wear.
By way of concluding observations upon the
Plate, and its purpose, it becomes only necessary
to remark, that the letter C is the hoof of a
large saddle or carriage horse, well covered for
the pavement of the METROPOLIS, or travelling
upon the turnpike-road. That the letter B is a
perfect model of good shoeing for HUNTER or
HACKNEY,
provided the heel of the shoe was continued
to Fig. 4, instead of terminating at 3. That
Fig. 8 is called the web of the SHOE,
which is, in fact, no more than the whole breadth of the
iron, and may be widened, or narrowed, entirely
by the judgment of the SMITH, or the discretion
of the OWNER. That Fig. 9 is the cavity
called the groove, or fullering, to receive the
heads of the nails, above which (in SHOEING of
EXCELLENCE, and superiority) they should never
constitute a prominence; and that the letter D is
no more than a back view of the short shoe,
for some time so powerfully recommended,
which has already most deservedly fallen into disrepute.
Having considered it necessary to introduce
such minute references as will sufficiently demonstrate
the difference between good shoeing and bad,
it remains only to add a single deficiency of
SHOEING SMITHS
in general, who, from indolence, inattention,
or inability, entirely lose sight of, or
never form at all, the proper line of distinction between
the bearing of Fig. 5 for the crust (or wall)
Fig. 1; and the protection afforded the outer sole,
Fig. 2, by the internal concave example in Fig. 6.
Considering this remissness in the operator, and
shoeing too short at the heels, to constitute the prevalent
and principal errors requiring rectification,
it is anxiously to be hoped, that those whose minds
are open to conviction, will contribute their assistance
to inculcate the necessity of adopting one
invariable standard as a leading step to general
reformation.
.—The shoeing smith,
more frequently known by the denomination of
BLACKSMITH or FARRIER,
is, unluckily for those
who profess it, a business of much greater bodily
labour than professional emolument; hence it is,
that few, except the very lowest classes of society,
can ever be prevailed upon to engage in it. Here
then has always been the deficiency so much
complained of, and so universally known, with
all the practitioners of the old school, acting as
SMITHS and FARRIERS,
whether in town or country;
and it is much to be regretted, that their
original want of education, the means of instruction,
and their total ignorance of the properties
of MEDICINE, should have hitherto secluded them
from every chance of mental improvement, and
personal emulation. If we advert to their manners,
we find them in direct uniformity with their intellectual
capacity: rude by nature, they become cunning
by art; unfortunately untaught, it is their
greatest pride to become proportionally untractable,
and know so little themselves, they confidently affect
to believe but little is known by others: shielded
by which ideal sagacity, they obstinately persist
in an opinion of their own, in opposition to every
other, or individually determine to abide by no rational
opinion at all.
When a candid comparison is made between their
dangerous and laborious employment and their disproportioned
emoluments, it must be admitted by
every mind of liberality, they are the worst paid
for their drudgery of any set of men in the universe.
Hence arises that sterile apathy in the business,
which is so much the subject of general indignation
and universal contempt; and is the only
well-founded reason, why there are so few men of
education, or intellectual ability, to be found amidst
the daily increasing number who profess the practice.
Custom, too, has excluded them from any
respectable weight in the scale of society; thereby
rendering the obstacles to worldly elevation too numerous,
and too uncertain, for even the most laudable
and spirited emulation to encounter, with even
a distant probability of success. These considerations
readily reconcile it to reason, why (upon the
most moderate calculation, taking the kingdom in
general from one extremity to another) there are
not more than one in every hundred, who exists by
the practice of SHOEING and
FARRIERY, that can
speak with precision upon the property of the
MEDICINE
he prescribes; or elucidate, with propriety,
the probable process, or ultimate effect, of the
OPERATION he recommends.
In such predicament, probably anxious to do
good, without the personal power to
EFFECT it, they
may be impartially considered "men more sinned
against than sinning;" and, in many instances,
much more entitled to the commiseration of the
enlightened, than the contemptuous indifference
they so frequently receive. Happily, however, for
the vocation itself, much more happily for the
community at large, improvement in the PRACTICE
of FARRIERY has at length
become an object of national
consideration; and the institution has been repeatedly
honored with PARLIAMENTARY CONTRIBUTIONS;
under which predictive ray of reformation,
part of the present generation may probably not
only derive future advantage, but live to see the
former system rescued from the ignorance and barbarity
by which it has been for so many centuries disgraced.
The great hazard arising from the practice
of the injudicious or ill informed, is their possessing
an unrestrained power of plunging into a bold and
inconsiderate use of the most dangerous medicines,
the present operation and ultimate effect of which
they so little understand, and are so absolutely unable
to explain.
It is no uncommon thing to hear of bleeding,
rowelling, purging, glystering,
and blistering, nearly
all taking place (with the same subject) within
the space of twenty-four hours; and could a thousandth
part of the poor unfortunate animals so
rashly annihilated, but rise, and recite, the load of
medical combustibles and contrarieties by which
they were destined to their long and last sleep,
what a complicated history of the MATERIA MEDICA
would be brought to light, and what a
scene of professional knowledge displayed, to form
the basis of REFORMATION, with that long list
of sublime disquisitionists, who, waving the disgraceful
appellations of smith and farrier, are becoming
VETERINARY SURGEONS in almost every remote
corner of the kingdom! One great and almost
invincible error amongst the veterinarian fraternity
(of whom there are many juveniles now to be seen)
is their superficial survey, and hasty decision, in
cases of the utmost magnitude; anticipating the
prognostics, without even descending to examine the
predominant symptoms of DISEASE. Passionately
fond of affecting infallibility, they rashly promise
more than they find themselves able to perform;
and thus by their own weakness, voluntarily exposed,
are frequently compelled to retract to-morrow,
what they have most inconsiderately asserted to-day;
thereby overwhelming themselves with a load of
professional disgrace, from which there seems no
sanguine prospect of speedy extrication.
Smiths and FARRIERS
in general, being unfortunately
ignorant in the peculiar property of each
particular medicine, is not a greater misfortune,
than their being absolute strangers to the medicines
themselves, thereby becoming the standing dupes of
adulteration. The warehouses and shops of inferior
druggists, it is well known by men of experience,
are by no means remarkable for professional
purity; in some obscure corner of which is generally
a reservoir of rubbish, admirably adapted to
the prise and practice of FARRIERS,
with whom a custom so laudable has been established for time
immemorial, and from the palpable pecuniary effects
upon both parties is not likely to be abolished.
—is become a sport of so much
pleasure and universality, that the legislature has
found it expedient to extract an annual contribution
of THREE GUINEAS from every individual who enjoys
it. In fact, it is so perfectly congenial to the
dispositions of the people, and so truly conducive
to the greatest blessing in life, HEALTH, that it
should seem its votaries have annually increased in
proportion to the conditional restraints of parliamentary
prohibition. Shooting, in its most extensive
signification, may be supposed to imply the
act of shooting with a fowling-piece, at any object
in general, without a specific determination; but,
narrowed into a less diffuse, and more expressive
compass, it is then reduced to the more particular
points thus defined. Pheasant shooting,
PARTRIDGE
shooting, GROUSE shooting,
COCK shooting,
RABBIT shooting, SNIPE
shooting, DUCK, WILD FOWL,
&c. These are pleasures varying a little in the difference
of pursuit and enjoyment, but have, according
to the season, their various degrees of attraction.
Pheasant shooting begins (under certain
penalties and restrictions, if killed before or after
the days mentioned) on the first of October in every
year, and ends on the first of February following.
Partridge shooting begins on the first of September,
and extends to the first of February next ensuing.
The season (under similar restrictions, but heavier
penalties) for killing HEATH-FOWL, or black game,
commences on the 20th of August, and terminates on
the 10th of December; and for grouse, or red game,
on the 12th of August, and ends on the 10th of
December. Woodcocks and Snipes being birds of
passage, and not included in any act for the preservation
of game, the time for killing is unlimited;
being entirely dependent upon the season, the country
they appear in, and the flights as they arrive.
Pheasant shooting may be considered the most
laborious, and least entertaining, of the whole,
unless in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hampshire, and
some other counties, where the large tracts of lofty
woodlands, and corresponding underwood, contribute
so materially to their annual increase and
preservation. This sport is mostly pursued with
the small springing spaniel, whose eager tongue, the
moment he touches scent of the foot, or winds the
bird, gives "early note of earnest preparation."
Pointers of great strength, and high courage, hunted
with a bell, are frequently instrumental to good
sport, and great success; but they must be fast
goers, and once knowing their business, not readily
disposed to stop, or draw slowly; if so, the bird
will frequently rise in the highest part of the covert,
or at such a distance, that an open shot will but
seldom be obtained, particularly in a country thin
of game. Those who wish to preserve well-bred
and well-broke pointers in a state of unsullied excellence,
will not accustom them to covert hunting,
but invariably use their spaniels in one of the sports
for which they were so evidently intended.
Partridge shooting is, to a contemplative
mind, of a much more entertaining description;
for the objects of pursuit being found in the open
fields, every part of the sport is seen and enjoyed.
Partridges are not in equal abundance every year,
but depend in a great degree upon the state of the
weather during the time of laying the eggs, as well
as the time of HATCHING; which is almost invariably
between the middle and the end of June.
When the months of May and
June are dry, birds
are in general exceedingly numerous, and proportionally
strong upon wing by the commencement of
the SHOOTING SEASON; but when heavy and dreadful
rains fall, as they frequently do during the
HAY HARVEST,
the destruction is incredible. Such continued
rains not only chill the eggs during incubation,
but drown numbers of the young almost so
soon as they are out of their shells. Wet seasons
also are destructive to ANTS, upon which, and their
eggs, young partridges and pheasants principally
subsist. Partridges so soon as the corn is cut down,
and they are in a great degree deprived of the shelter
and protection under which they were bred,
display a most wonderful timidity and dread of
danger; to which the whole covey are induced by
the unceasing anxiety of the HEN for the safety of
her young.
Thus incessantly alive to perpetual fear, they
change their situation repeatedly in the course of the
day; as well to insure security from all probable
danger, as to supply the calls of nature. In the first
part of the shooting season, while the stubbles of
WHEAT and BARLEY are fresh, and not rendered too
bare, or too much beaten by cattle, they are to be
found in either one or the other, both late at night,
and early in the morning: after feeding in which,
(if not disturbed by the approach of those in pursuit
of them,) by a signal from the hen, they rise
gently, as it were, in a cluster, and glide or skim
along with as little flutter as possible to the nearest
turnips, standing clover, rushy moors, or grassy
low coverts, in some of which, during the middle
of the day, they are always to be found; and not
unfrequently near a watry ditch, or running stream;
as it is at this time, and only once a day, they take
this part of their sustenance: but as there are many
hilly countries in which water is but rarely to be
found, it is natural to conclude, their wants in this
respect may be amply supplied by the morning dewdrops
with which vegetation so plentifully abounds.
The dogs peculiarly appropriate to and used in
this sport, are principally POINTERS, at least with
those who rank as SPORTSMEN, and have too high
a respect for its character to degrade the order; and
it is never pursued with greater consistency, or enjoyed
with greater ecstasy, (or more success,) than
when too many guns, or too many dogs, are not seen
in the field together. Any number above two of
the former, and two brace of the latter, in one
company, evidently denote much more of poaching
rapacity, and an intentional annihilation of GAME,
than of SPORTING equity.
Double-barrelled guns
partake a little of the same impression, being
admirably calculated to promote the very scarcity
so much and so constantly complained of. The
art of SHOOTING FLYING, in which numbers are so
exceedingly expert, and which, in fact, may be so
easily attained, is not, in general, acquired with
that facility by young sportsmen, which might naturally
be expected. This is entirely owing to the
timidity, volatility, anxiety, and impatience, of the
mind, at the very critical moment when all should
be quiet and calm within; but at the impressive crisis,
when the point takes place, and the animal is fixed
seemingly immoveable, under an instinctive impulse,
which instantaneously excites in the human
frame a most aweful sensation, (the heart palpitating
with HOPE, FEAR,
and SUSPENSE,) the birds
rise, and with so much noisy rapidity, that the
mind and body being equally agitated, no particular
bird is singled for the AIM, at the instant of
pulling the trigger, and the whole escape.
There is no pursuit, game, or amusement, in
which a proficiency is to be obtained, can require
a nicer eye, a steadier hand, a cooler head, or a
more philosophic patience, than the SPORT before us.
Sportsmen of experience waste neither their time
nor their labour; they well know, according to the
description not long since given, where to find
the game, according to the time of the day; and are
seldom seen hunting their dogs in unlikely places.
They cover the ground slowly and deliberately,
that none should remain unbeaten, or birds be left
behind: when a dog stands (or makes his point)
the master should for a moment stand still also;
the general stillness settles the dog more firmly to
his point, and the birds are more likely to lie. If
the gunner hurries up, (as many frequently do,) it
hurries the dog also, and not only makes him impatient,
but the game probably gets up out of shot;
or, what is equally productive of mortification, he
himself gets up to the point so flurried, and out of
breath, that he finds it impracticable to take regular
aim; and when he fancies he does, the bodily
tremor he is in renders the shot ineffectual. To
become a steady and good shot, some few short
rules are unavoidably necessary, the principal
of which is cool deliberation: those of too warm,
hasty and impetuous a disposition, should retain in
memory a single line from the immortal bard;
"Wisely and slow;
they STUMBLE who run
fast."
When the dog has enjoyed his point sufficiently,
whether the birds are walked up, or rise spontaneously,
the gun should never be raised to the
shoulder till the whole covey are patiently surveyed,
and the very bird fixed upon, at which the
aim is intended to be taken; this once done, and
the eye not removed from the devoted victim till
the instrument of death is brought to bear, the
sight once caught, and the motion with the trigger
made in the critical and corresponding twinkling,
success in most instances must eventually ensue. It
may not be inapplicable to remark, that the progress
to perfection is greatly retarded, amongst the
juvenile branches of SPORTING SOCIETY
(when shooting in company) by invariably and emulatively
(but very inconsiderately and imprudently) endeavouring
to obtain the FIRST shot: the error being
mutual, so is the disappointment; probably both,
or all, miss; to which nothing ensues but a vacant
stare of mortification, not to add disgrace: but if
a bird happens to fall, it is productive of clamour,
and general jealousy: it is claimed by all: and
personal acidities, from such trifling circumstances,
have sometimes arisen about a paltry partridge,
that have continued during the lives of the parties.
The prudent and patient who shoot in company,
will be circumspect in every motion; they will not
take aim at the first bird which happens to rise, (to
be confused by those who are rising,) or fix upon
a bird on the left hand when a companion is on that
side, and the bird going off directly across him.
The right hand man and the left should take invariably
birds on their own distinct sides; but when
they go off in a direct line, circumstances and proceedings
must be regulated accordingly.
Grouse shooting differs but little from the preceding,
excepting its being more laborious, and
taking place in the hotter months, and in the more
hilly or mountainous countries. This species of
game is not universally dispersed, like the partridge,
over the face of the kingdom, but a native
inhabitant of some particular district in wild,
remote, or peculiar situations. They were some
few years since to be plentifully seen in many parts
of Wales, and in the
New Forest of Hampshire;
but they are now very much reduced, and
rarely to be found; at least not in sufficient numbers
to render it a sport worth pursuing. In the
northern counties bordering upon the Tweed, and
in various parts of Scotland, they are so numerous,
that many of the most opulent and eager sportsmen
make very long and expensive journies, to
satiate themselves, and weary their dogs, with
an unrestrained and unlimited profusion of sport.
The grouse is larger than the partridge, and, when
full grown, weighs from twenty to two-and-twenty
ounces. The plumage is variegated, and beautifully
composed of black, red, and white; the tail
being similar to that of the partridge, but a little
larger when extended in flight.
The GROUSE perseveringly adhere to those mountains
and moors which are covered with heath, seldom
or ever descending into the lower grounds.
They fly in packs, consisting of four or five brace;
and indulge upon intervening tracts of soft mossy
ground, particularly in the hotter months of the
year. The cackling noise of the cock may be
heard at a considerable distance; and when once the
dog makes his point, he is commonly the first bird
upon wing. Upon the POINTER'S being first observed
to stand, it is instantly necessary to keep the
eye forward; for if the birds are perceived to
erect their heads, and run, it is considered an infallible
sign they will not lie well during that day;
in which case there is no alternative, but to head
the dog, and, if possible, keep pace with them, so
as to be within shot when they rise; if which advantage
is not taken, many a long and laborious
day may be undertaken without the consolation of
a single bird. As the time for this sport commences
in the sultry season, and generally in parts
of the country remote from expeditious means of
conveyance, they do not very frequently reach
the Metropolis; at least in such a recent state as to
be perfectly attracting: they are (particularly if not
killed remarkably clean) very soon disposed to putridity;
and if required or intended to be sent to
any great distance, they should be drawn as soon
as convenient after they are shot, and the vacuum
filled up with fine heath or herbage for the
journey.
Cock (or Woodcock)
SHOOTING is of a different
and most entertaining description, when and
wherever a plenty for the sport can be found. The
woodcock is a bird of passage, and found frequently
in a greater or less degree about the second,
third, or last week of October. Their annual arrival
in this country is more or less protracted by
the uncertainty of the wind and weather at that
particular season; the east and north-east winds
(with a foggy heavy atmosphere) bring them over
in the greatest plenty. Upon their first arrival,
they have the appearance of being nearly exhausted,
and drop under the nearest offered protection to
the sea-shore; high trees, hedge-rows, small copses,
heath, tufts of bushes and brambles, are equally
acceptable. After rest, and such refreshment as
the situations where they fall afford, they separate,
and almost singly explore their way into the country
more in-land, and fall in such woods, coverts,
copses, or shaws, as are most applicably attracting
or convenient to the length of their flight; varying
the situation in future according to the accommodation
they find, or the country they are in. No
one part of the coast is more remarkable for their
arrival in immense flights than another; Wales,
Sussex, Norfolk, and to the extreme points of the
north of Scotland, are, at different periods, supplied
with equal plenty: in all or either of which,
eight or ten brace (immediately after a flight arrives)
have been killed out of one covert in a morning
by a single gun.
The dogs used for this sport are the small
COCKING SPANIEL; though they are frequently
found by pointers, who make their point upon
winding the bird, but not quite so staunch as to
the more confirmed species; of which game the
cock in a certain degree seems to partake. The
woodcock, when flushed, rises heavily from the
ground; and in an open glade, is so easily brought
down, that even a moderate shot must be ashamed
to miss; but when sprung in a lofty oaken or
beechen wood, he is obliged to tower almost perpendicular
above their tops, before he can attain
sufficient height to take his flight in a horizontal direction;
and this kind of vermicular flight he makes
with such rapidity, (turning and twisting to avoid
the trees,) that it is almost impossible to seize a moment
for shooting with any tolerable prospect of
success. As partridge shooting requires an almost
systematic silence for the production of sport, so
cock shooting admits of the reverse: for the greater
the noise, the greater probability of success.
Well-bred spaniels immediately quest so soon as
they come upon haunt, as well as the moment a
cock unexpectedly springs; this is the distinguishing
trait of their utility, as it gives timely notice
to every one of the party, and each individual
has sufficient opportunity to be upon the watch.
Those who enter into the true spirit of this
sport, and where cocks are likely to be found, seldom
set out for a complete day's adventure, without
being previously provided with a MARKER excellently
qualified for the purpose in which he is
engaged. And an assistant of this description becomes
the more necessary, as a cock will very frequently
suffer himself to be found, and shot at,
four or five times in the same covert; and when
absolutely driven out, will sink beyond the outer
fence, and gliding a short distance almost close to
the ground, will drop in some adjoining ditch.
Woodcocks are seen in this country till about
the first, and sometimes the second, week in
March: this, however, depends entirely upon
the openness or severity of the season: if the winter
has been accompanied with long and sharp
frosts, they suddenly disappear within a few hours,
(as by a kind of magical mystery,) and none to be
found, with occasionally (and that but seldom) an
exception of a disconsolate individual at or near
some warm or sheltered SPRING which has not
frozen. They are fullest of flesh during the months
of December and January
to the middle of
February, from which time, as the spring sun
gets warmer, they decline in weight to the time
of their departure.
Snipe shooting is a sport the best calculated
to try the persevering fag and bottom of a
SPORTSMAN
of any yet recounted; if he is not possessed
of all the fortitude, patience, and indefatigable
exertion of a WATER SPANIEL,
he had better never
be induced to make the embarkation, at least with
any sanguine expectation of success. To wet,
dirt, and difficulty, he must be habitually inured:
in body he must be invulnerable; with a constitution
impregnable to the united attacks of morbidity,
and a mind most perfectly at ease. Thus
armed at all points for land or water, moor or
mire, swamps or bogs,
SNIPE SHOOTING (where they
are to be found in plenty) is a most excellent diversion;
and some spots, particularly in a heath
country, intersected by moors, swamps, and bogs,
(as a celebrated scope called Eel Moor, near
Hartford Bridge, upon the western road,) the
sport is so incessant, that those who visit the place
in open hazy weather, may shoot so often in succession,
as to have frequent occasions in the same
day to wait till the barrel cools. Snipes are of
two kinds, one being full double the size of the
other, and is called a WHOLE SNIPE; the smaller is
called a jack, and of course somewhat more difficult
to kill. Both sorts are found upon the same
ground, and sometimes close to each other. They
are birds of passage, and vary but little with the
flights of WOODCOCKS
in the time of their arrival,
which is generally about the first plentiful rains
in Autumn. They are said to breed mostly in the
low and swampiest parts of Germany and
Switzerland;
although it is certain numbers do not
return with the greater bodies in the spring, but remain
here during the summer, and breed in the
marshes and fens, where their nests are often found
in the month of June with four and five eggs in
each. Pointers only are made use of in this sport;
and it is rather remarkable, that, notwithstanding this
species of bird is so diminutive in proportion to
the game that a dog is constantly accustomed to,
he stands equally staunch to even the jack, (the
least of the two) as to either PHEASANT,
HARE, or
PARTRIDGE. Snipes, the moment they are upon
wing, fly against the wind, encountering which,
they go off in such a twisting and twirling direction,
that they are then a very difficult object to
aim at; but by waiting with patience till they take
their intended line, the shot may be made with a
much greater probability of success. They cannot
be said to be in season before November, or after
February; for killed at any other time of the
year, they mostly appear with a branny scurf upon
their bodies, as if diseased, or in a state of emaciation.
These are the different kinds of shooting only
which comprize the pleasure of the gentleman
sportsman, and in which the better kind of sporting
dogs (POINTERS,
SPANIELS, and
SETTERS) are
used. Shooting of wild-fowl, rabbits, &c. are
principally the amusement of those who are not
particular in their objects of pursuit; but equally
prepared for whatever may come in their way,
from a PHEASANT to a tom-tit,
or from a SOLAN GOOSE to a dab-chick.
The scientific and systematic
rules of shooting in the field are so generally
known, and universally comprehended, in respect
to the length of the gun, the mode of charging,
the distance for firing, and some other trifling minutia,
dependent upon contingencies, that a single
line must be unnecessary in elucidation; except a
salutary hint to the young and inexperienced,
never to let others do for them with the gun, what
they can do for themselves. It should be the particular
province of the person who shoots, to charge
his own gun, and to be punctually precise in drawing
the charge at his return: a retrospective survey
of the most melancholy and shocking accidents
which the last few years have produced, will demonstrate
to any humane and reflecting mind, the
danger of letting either GUN or
PISTOL remain
loaded in a dwelling-house, where, by the single
inadvertency alone, any individual of the family
is perpetually liable to instantaneous destruction.
,—in a horse, is
a defect in the scapularian muscles, or at the ligamentary
junction of the fore thigh-bone with the
concave point of the shoulder blade, upon which
many, and some opposite opinions have been obstinately
maintained: and there are not wanting at
the present moment, those who affect to believe,
and presume to affirm, "there is no such thing as
a shoulder lameness in any horse." The absurdity
of this ridiculous and contemptible assertion, can
only be equalled by the unparalleled ignorance and
illiteracy of those who make it: strangers to the
anatomical structure of parts, they are inadequate
to the comprehension of their uses, and the purposes
to which they become intentionally appropriate.
In direct confutation of such futile opinion,
it is most indisputably ascertained, that injuries
are frequently sustained in the shoulders,
from which incurable lameness often ensues. Such
accidents and misfortunes happen to horses in different
ways: some by unforeseen circumstances,
which no human prudence can prevent; others
(equal, if not superior in number) by carelessness,
inhumanity, inattention, or neglect. Lameness
in the shoulder may be occasioned by the horse's
being too suddenly stopped and turned upon uneven
ground; sliding, stumbling, or flipping down,
in a distorted position of either fore leg; turning
too rapidly in a narrow stall, or too quick, sudden
and short into a stable. That all which may be
the better understood, by those who are anxious
for information, and open to conviction, it is necessary,
for the accommodation of every comprehension,
to observe, that the blade or shoulder-bone
not being fixed to the body by articulation,
but by apposition adhering to the ribs, and firmly
fastened thereto by corresponding muscles above and
below, the animal, in undergoing any of the casualties
before recited, sustains the injury described;
in which the tendons or coats of those muscles
are strained and relaxed; and as the extension
has been more or less violent, so will the
case be more or less dangerous and perplexing.
{291}
Cases constantly occur, where, by a slip, a cavity
in the road or pavement, a rolling-stone, or
any other cause, the leg of a horse is unavoidably
thrown into a distorted and unnatural position,
from whence ills ensue; the ligamentary junction,
and muscular support, may be singly or conjunctively
injured, in proportion to the magnitude
of the cause by which the accident was sustained.
In most occurrences of this description, some difficulty
arises in the endeavour to discover the precise
seat of injury, which is not, by the most
judicious and observant investigator, always to be
decisively ascertained: amidst such doubts, strict
examination should be made to discriminate with
certainty between a LAMENESS in the
SHOULDER,
and a defect in the foot; and this investigation
is the more indispensibly necessary to be made,
because, in strict verification of the ancient adage,
"Doctors differ," instances are numerous, where
one practitioner vehemently affirms the lameness to
be in one part, and his veterinarian opponent as
violently pronounces it to be in another. There
is, however, one kind of clue, if properly attended
to, which will generally lead to a ready distinction
between a lameness in the foot and an injury
in the shoulder; by getting twenty yards before
the horse, so as to face him, and having him brought
forward with increased action, fixing the eye at
the foot, and bringing it gradually up to the chest,
the imbecile effort at the point of the
SHOULDER
attended with pain, and the consequent bow or
drop of the head, (as if going to fall,) will evidently
demonstrate whether the seat of injury is
there. On the contrary, in most lamenesses of the
FOOT, the subject makes an attempt rather to hop,
or to touch the earth lightly with the joint affected,
than to give it equal support with the rest upon
the ground: a horse lame in the foot, displays it
most, the more he is ridden or driven; but a horse
who has received an injury in the shoulder, demonstrates
it less and less, the more he gets into
a perspiration.
.—The saddle upon which women
ride is so called. The injuries horses sustain
by the use of these saddles, when not properly attended
to, exceed conception. It is well known
by those who are much in public, and make their
occasional observations as they ride, that most of
the women about the Metropolis (who, it may be
presumed, are taught in the schools) ride exceedingly
ill, and to a spectator, most mortifyingly ungraceful;
or, in words more expressive and explanatory,
they bear near their whole weight
upon the swivel-clog stirrup of the
SADDLE, and
little or none upon the back of the horse. The
evident effect of this is, that the saddle, which
should preserve a due and consistent equilibrium,
compulsively preponderates with the weight of the
injudicious RIDER, and has a constant
bearing friction
upon the WITHER on the off side, from whence
originates inflammation, bruise, tumor, formation
of matter, and not infrequently FISTULA, as a
finishing consolation to the concern. When a
comparison is made between the equestrian ability
of the FINE LADIES in the environs of London,
and the bounce-about self-taught damsels of the
country, the former sink extremely in comparative
estimation. The best and most certain means of
insuring safety with a saddle of this description, is
to have a hollow on the inside the pad which comes
in contact with the off side the wither, so formed,
as to admit of no bearing on that side at all.
This is readily accomplished, by ordering a vacuum
of the size of an inverted tea-cup, with
elastic quilting to surround the edge, which taking
a regular, equal and circular bearing, so completely
protects the wither, that it is impossible an injury
can be sustained.
—are various in horses,
as influenced by the different sensations originating
in the peculiar disorder of which they are the
prognostics. One leading sign of internal pain or
disquietude in a horse is, the refusal of his
FOOD,
a drooping of the head, a dulness of the eyes, a
general bodily lassitude, and a seeming dislike to
action. These are evident signs of indisposition,
and should always prove an immediate stimulus
to necessary examination, which cannot be made
too soon, as many horses are totally lost for
want of proper attention at the commencement of
disease. Those just mentioned, are not considered
symptoms of severity, or such as hold forth
indications of SPEEDY DANGER; but they are of
consequence to justify such early counteraction,
as the nature of each particular case may render
a matter of prudence and precaution. Much information
may be collected from the state of the
pulse, the warmth or coldness of the ears, the
parching heat, clammy viscidity, or fleshy smell
of the mouth, the heaving of the flank, the
white or inflamed state of the eye-lids, and the
glassy appearance of the eyes themselves; all which
appertain to cold, fever, pleurisy, inflammation of
the lungs, or affections of the liver. A horse's being
in excruciating pain, looking back to his flank
incessantly on either one side or the other, laying,
or rather dropping, down suddenly, extending
his extremities to the utmost, groaning at the
same time, then raising his head as he lays, and
pointing the nose to his flank, rolling over in
his stall, and hastily rising, are all symptoms of
cholic, and of that kind termed inflammatory,
occasioned by indurated excrements in the intestinal
canal, which, if not properly and expeditiously
removed, produce MORTIFICATION,
and, of course, death.
{295}
If the body is greatly distended, having the
same symptoms, it is then called the flatulent
cholic, and proceeds from the confined collection
and retention of wind; to the immediate relief of
which, flank and belly rubbing by two good strong
men (one on each side) will greatly contribute.
Constantly striding, and endeavouring to stale
without success, denotes defect in the sphincter or
neck of the bladder: discharging the urine by
dribblings, in small quantities, and often, may be
considered some injury sustained in the KIDNIES,
particularly if the urine is in any degree tinged
with blood. Glandular tumefactions under the
jaws, with a soreness of the throat, if the horse
is young, may be supposed an attack of the strangles;
if an aged horse, who is known to have had
that disorder, GLANDERS may probably ensue. A
dry parched tongue, wrinkled at the sides with
constant heat, is a palpable proof of fever; a raw
and fleshy smell from the same, confirms it: a putrid
fœtid smell from the nostrils, attended with a
slimy discharge, equally glutinous and offensive,
denotes a consumption of the lungs. A horse
constantly dejected, with a gradually declining appetite,
and inattention to those about him, bearing
his head constantly to his right side, may be
suspected of an inflammation of, or a tumefaction
in, the LIVER, affording an additional and strongly
corroborating symptom, if there is a palpable
yellowness upon the original white of the eyes.
This latter is also a distinguishing trait of jaundice.
Horses, when first attacked with fever, or an inflammation
of the lungs, are observed to have alternate
fits of shivering for the first two or three
hours. Although a horse's coat may be rough and
hollow from a cold stable, neglect, and ill looking
after, it is sometimes a proof that all is not right
within. If a horse is observed to strike his foot
petulantly, and repeatedly, against his belly,
threatenings of CHOLIC may be apprehended: but
if at the same time he frisks his tail, and draws
it in close to his quarters, irritation in the rectum
is the cause; and the pain in the body, and itching
at the anus, are produced by WORMS. In addition
to the signs of disease, a few words may
be applicable upon the signs of health; and although
the horse's VIGOUR,
STRENGTH, and SPIRITS,
will, upon nearly all occasions, unerringly demonstrate
this, yet some few shades of instruction and
precaution may be acquired from a little attention
to the secretions of, and discharges from, the
body.
A HORSE or
MARE in high health, seldom varies
much in the colors or quantities of what are termed
the excrementitious discharges from the body; as
they are in general a tolerable criterion of the real
state it is in. The dung from a horse in good condition
for work, free from a viscid or diseased affection
of the blood, and the various disorders and
humours dependent thereupon, will be mostly observed
of a pale yellow, moderately united in firm
bright globules, rather brittle than adhesive, with
a shining slippery surface, but perfectly free from a
glutinous viscid slime. If the dung is hard, black, and
offensive, when it falls, the body is overloaded, the
habit is costive, and it has been too long retained;
if covered with the gluey slime before described, it
is a sufficient proof of internal foulness, and most
probably of impending disease. When a horse is labouring
under a dangerous disease, some occasional
assisting information may be derived from the URINE
as it falls, and much more if caught, and set by to
subside. If it comes away limpid and colourless,
remaining in that state after being set by, it is not
considered a symptom of a very favourable complexion;
but if it comes away red, or of a turbid
yellow, with an oily skin upon its surface, and afterwards
deposits a kind of brickdust sediment, with
a kind of strong or terebinthinate effluvia, it may
be considered a good sign, and is very frequently
the harbinger of a speedy recovery.
If, during the progress and various changes of
disease, it should assume different appearances,
first of the healthy, and then the opposite aspect,
the case is doubtful, and danger may be apprehended;
as it affords sufficient demonstration, there
is a powerful struggle in the system, and the morbid
miasma is not subdued. The best state of a horse's
urine, when in HEALTH and
CONDITION, is of a yellowish
tinge, moderate consistence, a strong smell,
rather grateful than offensive, and a penetrating
property: these, in the aggregate, may be concluded
indications of spirits, strength, and vigour;
the reverse, (in any serious degree,) slight symptoms
of disquietude, or impending disease. After all
the inculcations that can possibly be introduced
under this head, the most judicious and experienced
practitioner will sometimes find it extremely difficult
to distinguish, with certainty, between one internal
disease and another; having nothing to assist
him in the discovery but his own judgment, and
the most predominant symptoms at the moment,
many of which are common to other diseases. Notwithstanding
these uncertainties, and the doubts
which may arise between one and the other, it is
the duty of every Veterinarian to acquire as perfect
a knowledge as possible of DIAGNOSTICS;
for although
his incessant inquiries may not render him
an infallible guide in every case without exception,
it will afford him the gratification of a distinguished
superiority over those who have neglected to avail
themselves of the same advantages.
—is the fashionable and common term
for the tendinous coat of the muscles extending
from the back of a horse's knee to the fetlock joint,
when which is in any degree elongated by strain,
twist, or any other accident, the horse is then said
to be broken down in the BACK SINEWS. The
sinews or tendons are liable at all times to violent
spasmodic contractions (see Cramp) not only in
any one of the extremities, but throughout the
whole body; the immediate and remote causes of
which are hitherto undiscovered, and will most
probably remain so, in respect to certainty; although
there are not wanting speculators of mental
fertility, who attribute them to various causes,
without having, perhaps, in the whole number,
fixed upon the right. One class of these suppose,
convulsive contractions of the tendons are occasioned
by surfeits, or the want of proper evacuation;
another, from too plentiful and repeated bleedings,
too violent purgings, or too hard labour; assigning
for a reason, "that these fill the hollowness of the
SINEWS with cold windy vapours, which are the
only great causes of convulsions." Where they
occur from accidental causes, and casual injuries,
as in wounds, perforations, or instrumental incisions,
the origin is obvious, and in a certain degree
points out the immediate road to local relief. When
a tendon has been in part divided, or only punctured,
a succession of painful and most alarming
symptoms invariably ensue, and relief can only be
obtained by early application to the best opinion,
and most experienced judgment, that can be produced;
with the very slender and mortifying consolation,
that not one in twenty (if severely injured)
ever after proves of any permanent utility.
,—the name of the most
celebrated STALLION at present in the kingdom;
his blood, performances, and progeny, being
reckoned inferior to none, and superior to most of
those who have ever appeared upon the turf. He
was foaled in 1784; bred by the Earl of
Derby,
got by Highflyer, dam (Papillon) by Snap, grand-dam
by Regulus, who was got by the Godolphin Arabian.
At three and four years old he was the
best of his time, beating every opponent, and winning
stakes to a great amount. The second day of
the Craven Meeting at Newmarket in 1789, when
four years old, he won a subscription of 50 guineas
each; beating Meteor, Pegasus, and Gunpowder;
and received forfeit from Bustler, Rockingham,
Poker, Patrick, Schoolboy, Harlot, and three others.
In the first October meeting of the same year, he
broke down, when running against Cardock, Driver,
Schoolboy, and Gunpowder, with the odds in
his favour; immediately after which he was announced
as a stallion for the ensuing year at 10
guineas a mare, and half a guinea the groom. In
1794 his get began to appear. A bay filly of Mr.
Clifton's won 120 guineas at Catterick, and 140
guineas at Knutsford. Another of Mr. Tarleton's
won 100 guineas at Preston, and 40l. 10s. at
Nottingham; and the afterwards celebrated Hermione
won 80 guineas at Newmarket, the Oaks
stakes of 50 guineas each (31 subscribers) at Epsom,
50l. at Lewes, and 50l. at Reading.
In 1795, nine winners appeared, amongst whom
Hermione (then Mr. Durand's) won 100 guineas
at Epsom; the gold cup, 40 guineas, and 100 guineas
at Oxford; 45 guineas at Egham, and the Queen's
100 guineas at Chelmsford.
In 1796 twelve winners started. Ambrosio (three
years old) won 150 guineas, and 50l. at York;
275 guineas at the same place; and the St. Leger
stakes of 25 guineas each (15 subscribers) at Doncaster.
Brass won 300 guineas, and 50 guineas, at
Newmarket. A brown colt of Sir F. Standish's
won 200 guineas, and the Prince's stakes of 500
guineas, at the same. Hermione won the two King's
plates at Newmarket, and 50l. at Guildford. Parisot
won the Oaks stakes at Epsom, 50 guineas
each, 42 subscribers.
In 1797 his reputation as a stallion continued
increasing; eleven of his produce obtained 33
stakes, plates, &c. Ambrosio won the first class of
the Oatland stakes of 50 guineas each, (12 subscribers,)
beating Stickler, Gabriel, Play or Pay,
Frederick, Trumpeter, Parrot, and Cannons; 100
guineas, and 200 guineas, at Newmarket. Hermione
won the third class of the Oatlands, 50 guineas
each, (12 subscribers,) beating five others; and the
King's plate at Newmarket, and 50l. at Epsom; the
King's plate, and 60 guineas, at Lewes; and the
King's 100 guineas at Canterbury and at Warwick.
Honest John, 100 guineas at York, and 100 guineas
at Richmond. Petrina won three fifties at Newcastle,
Knutsford, and Northampton. Shepherd,
two fifties at Durham. Stamford (3 years old)
200 guineas, and 150 guineas, at Newmarket, 200
guineas at Epsom, 280 guineas at Stamford, and
the gold cup at Doncaster. Welshman won 100
guineas at Chester, 50l. and 50 guineas, at Knutsford,
and a sweepstakes at Tarporley.
In 1798, Ambrosio won eight stakes and plates,
amounting to 1625 guineas. Black George won 180
guineas, and 150 guineas, at Chester, 45 guineas
at Newcastle, and 50l. at Knutsford. Demon, 100
guineas at Chester, and 60 guineas at Tarporley.
Honest John, 200 guineas at York, and 134l. at
Richmond. Pentacrue, 50l. at Dumfries, and 50l.
at Ayr. Petrina, the gold cup at Chesterfield, and
the King's 100 guineas at Lincoln. Sir Harry
(three years old) the Derby stakes at Epsom, 50
guineas each, 37 subscribers. Stamford, 233l. 15s.
and the Ladies' Plate at York; the gold cup, and
100l. at Doncaster.
In 1799 seventeen started, who were the winners
of 37 subscriptions, sweepstakes, and plates.
Ambrosio won 50l. at Newmarket, 225l. at York,
and 200 guineas at Doncaster. Archduke (three
years old) won 400 guineas at Newmarket, and the
Derby stakes, 50 guineas each, 33 subscribers, at
Epsom. Black George, 50 guineas at Newcastle,
and 70 guineas at Litchfield. Expectation (three
years old) 100 guineas and a handicap plate at Newmarket.
Fanny, 140 guineas at Doncaster. Knowsley,
60 guineas at Catterick; 120 guineas, and the stand
plate, at York. Lady Jane, 25 guineas at Preston,
two fifties at Cardiff, 50l. at Hereford, and 50l. at
Abingdon. Parisot, 800 guineas at Newmarket.
Petrina, 50l. at Warwick, and 50l. at Shrewsbury.
Polyphemus, 50l. at Shawbury, and 50l. at Northampton.
Princess, 50l. at Epsom, 50l. at Brighton,
and 50l. at Reading. Push-forward, 50l. at Penrith,
and 50l. at Carlisle. Roxana, 100 guineas at
Catterick, 300 guineas, and 100 guineas, at York,
and 80 guineas at Beverley. Sir Harry, the Claret
stakes of 1100 guineas at Newmarket. Stamford,
the King's 100 guineas and the Ladies' Plate
at York.
His constantly increasing reputation as a stallion
produced an annual increase of winners. In 1800
fifteen of his get started, and were the winners of
thirty-nine sweepstakes, subscriptions, matches, and
plates; the principal of which were, Agonistes,
(three years old) 140 guineas at York, 220 guineas
at Newcastle, the produce stakes of 100 guineas
each at Preston, and 160 guineas at Malton. Expectation
(then four years old) won ten prizes,
150 guineas, 35 guineas, 32½ guineas, and 25
guineas, at Newmarket; 50 guineas, and the Jockey
Club Plate, at the same; the Pavilion stakes of 25
guineas each (6 subscribers) at Brighton; 200
guineas, and 60 guineas, at Lewes, and the Gold
Cup at Oxford. Fanny, the great produce sweepstakes
of 100 guineas each at York, (22 subscribers;)
seven she beat, and fourteen paid half forfeit,
so that she won 1400 guineas in less than eight
minutes. Knowsley (the Prince of Wales's) won
the King's 100 guineas at Guildford, Winchester,
Lewes, and Litchfield, with 80 guineas also at
Lewes. Robin Red-breast, 50l. at Bridgenorth, 50l.
at Newcastle, 50l. at Nantwich, the King's 100
guineas at Warwick, and 50l. at Litchfield. Sir
Harry, 200 guineas, and 550 guineas. Sir Solomon
made a very conspicuous figure, as will be
seen under that distinct head.
In 1801 and 1802 he seems to have attained, in
his progeny, the very summit of all possible celebrity:
during the former there appeared fifteen of
his produce, who were the winners of 44 sweepstakes,
subscriptions, and plates, of which the
most eminent were Agonistes, who won 100 guineas
at Newcastle, the King's Plate, 216l. 5s. and the
Ladies Plate, at York; the Gold Cup, of 170
guineas value, at Richmond; 120 guineas at Malton,
and the King's 100 guineas at Carlisle. Haphazard,
90 guineas at Catterick, 50l. at Preston,
60l. at Knutsford, 50l. at Pontefract, 100l. at
Doncaster, and 50l. at Carlisle. Lancaster, 50
guineas at York, two fifties and 100 guineas at
Morpeth. Lucan, 100 guineas at Newmarket.
Sir Harry, 400 guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket,
235 guineas at Ascot, and the King's
Plate at Winchester. Telegraph, 100 guineas, and
50l. at Newmarket, and 45 guineas at Bibury.
In the last year, 1802, sixteen of his get were the
winners of 41 prizes; of which Agonistes won
1000 guineas at Newcastle. Attainment, 50l. at
Newcastle, and 45l. at Nantwich. Duxbury, 250
guineas, and 100 guineas, at Newmarket. Haphazard,
50 guineas at Catterick, 250 guineas, and
268l. 15s. at York, 92l. at Richmond, the Doncaster
stakes of 10 guineas each (13 subscribers)
with 20 guineas added by the Corporation of Doncaster,
and the King's Plate of 100 guineas at Carlisle.
Lancaster, 50l. at Middleham, 50l. at Manchester,
150 guineas at York, 50l. and 50 guineas
at Preston. Lethe, 1000 guineas, and 50l. at
York, 1000 guineas at Edinburgh, and 100l. at
Montrose. Lucan, 50l. at Newmarket, 130 guineas
at Bibury, 50l. at Oxford, 50l. at Bedford,
and 50l. at Newmarket. Pipylin, 150 guineas at
Newmarket, and 65l. 15s. at Nottingham. Ransom,
50l. at Stamford, and 50l. at Canterbury.
Robin Red-Breast, 100 guineas at Newmarket. Sir
Simon, 50 guineas, and 25 guineas, at Goodwood:
and Wilkes, 50 guineas at Newmarket.
Thus the united blood of Herod, Blank, Snap,
and Regulus, are proved equal, if not superior, to
every other junction or cross ever introduced.
Sir Peter Teazle
is now only nine years old, in high
health, and just announced to cover the present
season (1803) forty-five mares at Knowsley, near
Prescot, Lancashire, at FIFTEEN GUINEAS each
mare, and fifteen shillings the groom.
,—the name of a horse of
much recent racing reputation: he was got by
Sir Peter Teazle,
dam (Matron) by Florizel, who
was got by Herod. Sir Solomon was bred by Earl
Fitzwilliam, foaled in 1796, and started for six
different three year old stakes, (in the name of
Tankersley,) always running in a capital form, and
in a good place, but without winning once in that
year. He was then purchased by Mr. Johnson,
and started 1800 for the King's Plate at Nottingham
(with his new name) which he won easy, beating
Welter, Honeycomb, and Coniac; and the next day
a 50l. plate. At York he won the King's hundred,
beating Applegarth, and Honeycomb. In 1801, he
won five times out of the six stakes and plates he
started for. He won the Stand Plate at York,
beating those famous horses Chance, Cockboat, and
Timothy; the King's Plate at Newcastle, with the
gold cup and 130 guineas at the same; the gold cup
at Nottingham, and 500 guineas at Doncaster. In
1802 he won the gold cup, value 100 guineas, and
60 guineas in specie, at Newcastle. A subscription
of 25 guineas each, nine subscribers, and
268l. 15s. at York, (beating the famous Cockfighter,)
50l. and 70 guineas, at Lincoln. He was
since purchased by Mr. Lumley Saville, and is announced
to cover the present season, 1803, (10 guineas
a mare, and 10s. 6d. the groom,) at Rufford,
in Nottinghamshire.
.—A sitfast is an eschar upon the side
of a horse, which having been originally a warble,
from the pressure and friction of the girth-buckle,
(indiscreetly permitted to come upon, or near to,
the edge of the pad,) is, by a repetition of the injury,
converted into a sitfast; or, in terms of easier
comprehension, a circular or oblong space of the
integument, so completely cauterized by the repeated
heat and friction, that it bears all the appearance of
a piece of burnt leather inserted upon the spot.
When, by carelessness and neglect, it has acquired
the state now described, there is but one mode of
cure, which is instrumental extirpation. The edge
being raised so as to admit of being taken hold of
by either FORCEPS, or common
PINCERS, it may be
separated from the substance to which it adheres, by
any common operator, and healed in a few days,
almost as soon, and with as little difficulty, as the
most trifling and superficial laceration.
.—A horse is said to be SKITTISH,
who is considerably above himself both in spirit and
condition; displaying much more of pleasure in exercise,
and the enjoyment of air and conditional
freedom, (from the narrow confines of a stable,)
than the least tendency to habitual vice. A skittish
horse will jump two or three feet at the flight of a
sparrow, or dance a saraband upon the rumbling
approach of a carriage: he is (unless weary with
work) always alive with gaiety and motion, without
the least intentional injury to those who ride or
drive him. There are those who confound the
terms, and consider a SKITTISH
and a STARTING
horse one and the same thing; but they are in the
eye of accuracy by no means synonymous.
,—the name of a horse of much
present celebrity: he was bred by the late Duke of
Bedford, and got by Highflyer
out of Everlasting.
In the Craven Meeting, at Newmarket, 1789,
when two years old, he received forfeit from three
for a sweepstakes of 200 guineas each across the
flat. The same Meeting he beat Mr. Fox's Maid
of all Work across the flat for 500 guineas. The
second Spring Meeting (then three years old) he
won the Prince's Stakes of 100 guineas each, eight
subscribers; the Derby Stakes at Epsom, 50 guineas
each, thirty subscribers. At the same place he
received 70 guineas compromise from the Earl of
Egremont's Tag. In the first October Meeting he
received 250 guineas forfeit from Mr. Ladbroke's
Magpie, two middle miles of Beacon Course, for
500 guineas, half forfeit. In the second October
Meeting he won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each,
from the Ditch-in, nine subscribers. The next day
he won the 50l. Plate for three year olds, beating
nine others. The same week he received 122½
guineas forfeit in a Post Match with Lord Derby.
In the Houghton Meeting he received 130 guineas
compromise from Mr. Fox's Sister to Lethe, 300
guineas, half forfeit. The same week he received
130 guineas compromise from Mr. Fox's Braggadocio,
across the flat, for 300 guineas, half forfeit.
In 1790, at the first Spring Meeting, he won
the Jockey Stakes of 100 guineas each, (half forfeit,)
fourteen subscribers, of which nine paid forfeit.
In the same week for the Claret Stakes of
200 guineas each, half forfeit, he received from
his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales's Sujah ul
Dowlah, his Royal Highness the Prince's Deir Sing,
Duke of Orleans's Jericho, Lord Egremont's Calomel,
and Sir C. Bunbury's Glaucus. In the first
October Meeting he received 100 guineas forfeit
from Montezuma. In the same Meeting he won
half a subscription of 30 guineas each, (seven
subscribers,) beating the famous Escape, then the
property of his Royal Highness the Prince of
Wales.
In the first Spring Meeting of 1791, he won the
renewed 1400 guineas, a subscription of 200 guineas
each, half forfeit; beating Pipator; fourteen having
paid forfeit. In the second Spring Meeting he
received 150 guineas forfeit of four, for a sweepstakes
of 300 guineas each, over the Beacon. The
first Spring Meeting, 1792, he won the King's
Plate at Newmarket, beating those famous horses
Coriander, Gustavus, and Toby, with the odds ten
to one against him at starting. At Stockbridge he
won 50l. beating Thalia. He won the King's Plate
at Winchester; walked over for a sweepstakes of
10 guineas each, five subscribers, at Bedford; won
the King's Hundred in the first October Meeting at
Newmarket, beating Skylark; and in the second a
subscription of 60 guineas, beating Skylark and
Espersykes, with the odds against him at starting.
In 1793 he started but twice, and was beat each
time by the celebrated Coriander. In 1794, on
the first day of the first Spring Meeting at Newmarket,
he won a 50l. plate, beating Serpent and
No Pretender; about which time the Duke of
Bedford beginning to reduce his racing establishment,
Skyscraper appeared no more on the turf.
He has hitherto covered at Woburn Abbey, in
Bedfordshire; but is now announced for the ensuing
season, 1803, at Tytherton, near Chippenham,
Wilts, at TEN GUINEAS a mare, and half a
guinea the groom.
.—The impression of a deer's foot upon
the earth, so as to be perceptible, is then called
a slot; and when, in consequence of storms, rain,
sleet, or extreme drought, the hounds cannot carry
on the scent, the huntsman and his assistants have
no alternative, but to avail themselves of every
possible clue and information from the SLOT, to
prevent the disgrace of the HOUNDS
being beat, and the deer lost.
—is the name of a most celebrated
spot in the Metropolis, from which a SPORTSMAN
is not likely to derive either pleasure or emolument;
unless it is in the purchase of diseased or
emaciated subjects for his HOUNDS. To those in
remote parts of the kingdom, it may not be inapplicable
to be informed, that Smithfield is the great
CATTLE MARKET for the consumption of the infinite
body of inhabitants in the cities of London, Westminster,
their suburbs, and the environs for some
miles round. The principal days are Monday
and Friday in every week; on which some hundreds
of OXEN, in a state of perfection for slaughter,
and thousands of SHEEP and
LAMBS, are constantly
transferred to supply the immense demand.
The afternoons of those days are principally appropriated
to the purchase and sale of aged, crippled,
and worn-out horses; the greater part of whom are
only fit to receive sentence from the INSPECTOR,
previous to their being delivered to the nacker, (or
slaughterman,) unless it is some few, with still remaining
strength enough to drag the carts of the industrious
about the inferior streets, with a supply
of vegetables in the summer, and potatoes in the
winter, for the accommodation of the lower classes
of society.
.—The simplest and plainest
BRIDLE-BIT
is so called: it consists of only a single mouthpiece,
having a joint in the middle, with a cheek
of different lengths at each extremity, and an eye annexed
to receive the reins; when which are added,
it is then called a SNAFFLE
(or single-reined) BRIDLE.
When snaffle-bits are made very large in the mouth
for breaking colts or fillies, they are then called
MOUTHING-BITS.
,—the name of a horse, as a STALLION,
formerly held in high estimation: he was bred by
the late Earl of
Sandwich; foaled in 1750; got
by Snip; dam by Fox, grand-dam by Bay Bolton;
from which the blood of both sire and dam may be
traced to most of the Barbs and Turks ever brought
to this country. There were also three others of
this name, distinguished by different appellations;
as Lord Chedworth's Snap; Wildman's Snap;
and Latham's Snap. The first was got by Old
Snap; his dam by Dormouse, grand-dam by Mixbury.
The second by Old Snap; dam by Regulus,
grand-dam by Bartlet's Childers; going on both
sides directly into Arabian blood. The third by
Snap, dam by Cade, grand-dam by Old Partner.
—are well known to the sporting world
in winter shooting, and are of two sorts; one nearly
as large again as the other, though precisely the
same in shape, make, feather, and formation.
They frequent the same places, subsist on the same
food, and are frequently found near to each other.
The larger is called a whole snipe; the smaller, a
Jack; the latter of which is not very easily killed,
at least by an indifferent shot; of which some proof
was recently given by a gentleman of Easthampstead,
in Windsor Forest, who very warmly entertained
his friend with a description of "a Jack
snipe he had found upon the heath, which had afforded
him sport for six weeks; and he did not at
all doubt but he would serve him for sport during
the season, if he was not taken off by a frost; and
what was still more convenient, he always knew
where to find him within a hundred yards of the
same place." They are birds of passage, supposed
to breed principally in the lower lands of Switzerland
and Germany, though some (particularly the
Jacks) remain and breed in the fens and marshy
swamps of this country, where their nests with
eggs and young are frequently found. They arrive
here sooner or later in the Autumn, regulated in
respect to time by the wind and weather, but never
appear till after the first rains; and leave this country
in the spring, so soon as the warmer sun begins
to absorb or exhale the moisture from the earth,
and denote the approach of Summer.—See Shooting.
.—is a cartilaginous propulsion of
sound from the nostrils of a horse, which he avails
himself of at different times, to signify sensations
seemingly opposite to each other. Upon being led
from the light, through a gloomy passage, to a still
more gloomy stable, he is frequently observed to
SNORT either from fear or surprize; meeting or
coming suddenly upon a new, strange or unnatural
object, he snorts from absolute dread of injury;
taken into a stable or out-house smelling musty,
from foul dung and confined air, he snorts with dislike,
and enters with reluctance: but snorting in the
field at exercise, or in the CHASE with
HOUNDS,
may each be considered a proof of pleasurable
gratification.
,—in the more confined signification,
applies merely to the supplying a horse with grass,
clover, tares, lucern, fain-foin, or rye, cut green,
and brought to the stable for his daily consumption;
but in a more general acceptation it extends to the
act of turning him out in a plentiful pasture, and in
the genial season, when and where he may enjoy all
the advantages of which the frame is susceptible.
It cannot but be known, that liberty, so dear to us,
and to every part of the creation, must be equally
so to the horse: to have his limbs free from restraint,
to expand his frame, and roll upon the earth, to
snort and snuff the ambient air, and to have his
coat cleansed and purified by the dew of heaven, is
to the horse a state of nature, and a life of luxury.
Thus free and uncontrouled, although they are
equally subject to, yet they are seldom known to be
afflicted with pain or disease, in any degree equal to
those who are confined within the limits of a small
and offensive stable.
To constitute occasional revulsion, to correct
acrimony in the blood, to purify the juices, to invigorate
the frame, and reanimate the system, it is
absolutely necessary the horse should have his annual
run of six weeks or two months in a luxuriant
pasture, and at a proper season of the year, if either
his frame or health is thought worthy protection.
In the Metropolis, and in large towns, where the
environs are entirely appropriated to HAY FARMERS
and COW-KEEPERS, no such convenience can probably
be obtained for any pecuniary consideration
whatever; in which predicament the only alternative
to be adopted, is to supply them with green
food daily, and this is termed SOILING in the
STABLE.
Even this process, simple as it is, requires
some previous precaution. The article with which
the Metropolis, and other cities and large towns,
are supplied, are mostly tares, (in some countries
called vetches;) though clover is at some-times, and
in some places, to be procured; but whether one,
or the other, it is absolutely necessary the supplies
should be fresh, and, if possible, never more than
thirty or six-and-thirty hours off the scythe; from
which time (particularly if laid in a heap) they begin
to heat exceedingly fast; and when once the
juices are exhaled, become tough, turn black, and
rapidly approach putrefaction.
This, however, must be admitted a very inferior
substitute for natural pasture; as repeated experiments,
and constant observation, hesitate not to
pronounce the NATIVE
(in its nutritive and exhilarating
property) superior to every artificial grass
hitherto introduced. The quantities of the latter
grown in various parts of the kingdom (and in some
it cannot be avoided) is immense; but no doubt
need be entertained of the nutritious superiority of
the native meadow grass, whether green or dry, if
it is cleanly cultivated, and well got in. It is very
much the custom in and about London, to send
horses to what are called the SALT MARSHES
in Essex, from whence some arrive in tolerable condition;
but where, from their contiguity to town, or other
causes, the land is overstocked, and the summer
dry, they come up in a state of wretched emaciation,
as if passing in mournful procession to some neighbouring
dog kennel. Those marshes, at a proper
distance from town, where they are free from offensive
filth, and the pasture plentiful, are remarkable
for their peculiar property of attenuation, in altering
the property of the blood, promoting the secretions,
purifying the system, and invigorating
the frame. They are well known to act as perfectly
as the most powerful antimonial or mercurial alterative,
in obliterating the remains of cutaneous
disease; and this is readily accounted for by their
first effects, which is for many days equal to a state
of medical purgation; to which, however, the subject
soon becomes superior in health, strength, and
an accumulation of flesh; demonstrating the process
to have been a very salutary interposition.
Those who wish their horses to avail themselves
of every advantage to be derived from SOILING, will
certainly retain it in memory, that TWO months in
the prime and early part of the season, will be preferable
to THREE at the latter end: a dry summer,
short pasture, and the infinity of flies, and other insects,
constitute a very sensible drawback upon the
privilege of liberty, as well as upon the restoration
of FLESH, and the renovation of
STRENGTH. Horses
in a plethoric state, with a cough, full of blood, or
the relics of disease about them, will most likely
come up in a much worse state than when turned out.
Horses of this description should undergo bleeding,
and proper evacuations, previous to their being set
at liberty; as the nocturnal collapsion of the porous
system might probably repel the perspirative matter
upon the overloaded vessels, and thereby render the
remedy (in turning out) worse than the disease.
What is termed a winter's run, although attended
with promised advantages in some respects, is not
without the chance of loss, anxiety, vexation, and
expence, in others: frozen limbs, and an empty
carcase, are not calculated much for the promotion
of flesh, strength, or purity of condition. A horse,
by such, is in possession of his shivering liberty, perhaps
in some contracted spot, wretchedly despondent
over the effluvia of his own excrements, 'tis
true; but how far that may compensate for the
want of shelter, food, care, and attention, in the
most severe, dreadful and dreary season of the year,
must be left entirely to the decision of those whose
pecuniary sensations may prompt them to make the
experiment.
.—The external part of a horse's foot so
called is at the bottom, and situate between the frog
in the center, and the wall or bearing which totally
surrounds the outside. This will be the more perfectly
understood by referring to Fig. 2. of the letter
A in the Plate of "Demonstrative Shoeing,"
where the SOLE, the
WALL, and the FROG,
being accurately represented, will collaterally explain
themselves in the following description. The outer
sole (as it is called in contra-distinction to the inner,
which is its membranous lining) is a sound and
horny substance; but not so very firm and impenetrable
in its texture, as the hoof, by which it is
surrounded, and is evidently intended as a protection
to the inferior structure of the foot. The sole,
to assist generally in constituting what is considered
a well-formed and substantial foot, should be thick,
strong, and inclining much more to a hollow, than
the least appearance of prominence; for when a shoe
is well set, no bearing whatever should be sustained
by the sole, but the whole must positively rest upon
the crust or wall of the hoof, which may be seen in
the line of articulation accurately represented upon
the Plate; where, on the inside of the circle, will be
observed the sole, Fig. 2. on the outer, the wall
or crust, Fig. 1. When the bottom of the foot
has what is termed a crowned sole, with a prominence
similar to the convex side of an oyster shell,
and the sole projecting above the circular wall of the
hoof, the horse is tender, sometimes halts, and is
tardy in progress: such horses are said to be fleshy-footed,
and require great care and attention in shoeing;
and unless the shoe is properly arched or hollowed
within, to take off every chance of pressure
from the prominent sole, pain and subsequent lameness
must inevitably ensue.
{320}
—is the colour by which certain
horses are distinguished, and might, without any
degree of inconsistency, be termed a red chesnut:
they are a colour nearly between a bright bay and
a yellow chesnut, giving and taking a tinge or shade
either way, having invariably manes and tails red
or white. When tolerably well bred, of handsome
shape, make, and symmetry, with full silver mane
and tail, they are majestic, commanding figures,
and are, in general, secured as cavalry chargers
for field officers, when they are to be obtained of
size and strength for the purpose.
,—in a horse, is of such extensive
meaning, and infinite importance to the sporting
world, to dealers in horses, and to individual
purchasers, that it is exceedingly necessary some
criterion should be fixed by which its present undefined
meaning should be more properly and more
equitably understood; for want of which, more litigation
is carried into the Courts at Westminster
for the emolument and amusement of the Gentlemen
of the Long-robe, than any other subject whatever,
the constantly increasing evil of crim. con.
excepted. The general custom between BUYER and
SELLER is precisely this; the horse is sold with or
without certain conditions in respect to SOUNDNESS,
and this is done by what is called a WARRANTY on
the part of the seller thus: "He is warranted perfectly
sound, free from vice or blemish, and quiet
to ride, or draw," as either or both the latter
may happen to be. A horse sold without a warranty,
and taken as he is, is then purchased (and
the purchase abided by) with all faults, and cannot
be returned under any plea whatever, unless he
can be proved to have been glandered at the time
of purchase, in which state no horse can be legally
sold.
In the strict and equitable sense of the word, a
horse, to be perfectly sound, should be completely
perfect: he should have no obstruction to sight, no
impediment to action, but be in an acknowledged
slate of natural purity; neither diseased, lame, blind,
or broken-winded: he should not only be free from
impediment at the time of sale, but bona fide never
known to have been otherwise. Some there are
who support a different opinion, and conceive (or
pretend so to do) that a horse may be sold warranted
perfectly sound, after he has recovered from a palpable
lameness: those should recollect, that such
horse is always liable to a relapse, or repetition of
the injury; and whoever becomes so obstinate as
to defend an action brought under such circumstance,
will certainly feel the mortification of having
a VERDICT pronounced
against him, so soon as sufficient
evidence has proved such horse to have been
lame at any time whatever previous to the purchase.
Some years since, a late Lord Chief Justice of the
Court of King's Bench laid it down as a rule, and
promulgated the opinion, from the bench during a
trial then pending, that TWENTY POUNDS was a good
and sufficient price for a SOUND HORSE; and whether
a warranty was or was not given, was totally immaterial:
that sum implied a warranty, not only for
the horse's soundness at the time of his being then
sold, but that he should continue so for at least three
months afterwards; a declaration so truly ridiculous
in itself, and so void of every principle of equity,
that any man, to make it now, would lay indisputable
claim to the appellation of FOOL or
MADMAN.
—is the name of a dog of which there
are different kinds; and even these have been so
repeatedly crossed, that, unless it is in the possession
of sportsmen who have been careful in preserving
the purity of the breed perfectly free from
casual contamination, the well-bred genuine cocking
Spaniel is difficult to obtain. There are four distinct
kinds of dog passing under this denomination;
the large water Spaniel, and a smaller of the
same sort. Of land Spaniels there are two kinds
also; the one larger than the other, much stronger
in the bone, but with curly waves in the hair; and
the small yellow pied springing Spaniel, (used in
pheasant and cock shooting,) whose hair is rather
long, soft, and delicately pliable, with ears of
the same description, reaching, when extended, beyond
the point of the nose. The two kinds first
mentioned are chiefly confined to the purposes of
wild fowl shooting, in moors, marshes, and the
neighbourhood of rivers; where ducks, wigeons,
teal, coots, moor-hens, dab-chicks, and snipes,
are to be found; to all which they are particularly
appropriate; not more for their indefatigable industry
in finding the game, than for their surmounting
every obstacle to recover it, and bring it to
hand when killed. They are also of most wonderful
sagacity, fidelity, and observation; their olfactory
sensations almost exceed belief, by which
alone they are taught the most incredible performances.
Sticks, gloves, handkerchiefs, coin, or
any other article left some miles behind by the
owner upon the road, or any remote spot, (totally
unknown to them,) they will retrace to any distance
upon a signal being given with the hand, and never
relinquish the search till they bring it safe to their
master.
The large springing Spaniel, and small Cocker,
although they vary in size, differ but little in their
qualifications, except that the former is rather
slower in action; neither catching the scent of the
game so suddenly as the latter, or seeming to enjoy
it with the same extatic enthusiasm when found.
The small cocking Spaniel has also the advantage
of getting through the low bushy covert with much
less difficulty than the larger Spaniel, and does not
tire so soon, whatever may have been the length and
labour of the day. Spaniels of each description are
frequently used as finders in COURSING
with GREYHOUNDS,
and are indefatigable in their exertions:
from the time they are thrown off in pursuit of
game, the tail is in a perpetual motion, (called
feathering,) by the increasing vibration of which,
an experienced sportsman well knows when he gets
nearer the object of attraction. The nearer he approaches
it, the more violent he becomes in his endeavours
to succeed; tremulative whimpers escape
him as a matter of doubt; but the moment that
doubt's dispelled, his clamorous raptures break
forth in full confirmation of the gratification he receives.
And this proclamation may be so firmly
relied on, (though in the midst of the thickest
covert,) that the happy owner may exultingly boast
he is in the possession of one faithful domestic who
never tells a lie.
As it is the impulsive principle of this animal to
give the most outrageous proof of joy upon finding,
or coming upon the foot or haunt of game, so it is
his determined disposition never to relax in his perseverance
till he brings it to view. It is therefore
necessary for all young and inexperienced sportsmen,
who take the field with Spaniels, not to be too
tardy in their own motions, but to let their agility
keep pace with the incessant activity of their
canine companions, without which they may expect
to cover many a weary mile without a successful
shot. Spaniels, when broke for the field, should
never be taken out more than one young dog at a
time, and that in company with one or more old
and seasoned dogs, to whom they will mostly attend
in every action, and the sooner acquire the
necessary knowledge of the business they are engaged
in. If young dogs are taken out alone, and
in too great number, their great eagerness, and
emulative opposition, frequently occasions them
(particularly in covert, where they are safe from
correction) to hunt or chase one thing for want of
finding another; and in the event of not being corrected
when necessary, to become uncertain babblers,
and never to be relied upon. The judicious and
experienced sportsman will never be seen to hunt
Spaniels with Pointers
either in or out of covert;
for, although it can do little or no injury to the
former, it may very materially warp the integrity,
if not totally destroy the principles of the latter.
—is a ceremony practised with
game cocks during the time they are in feeding
(alias training) to fight in any MAIN or
MATCH, for
which they stand engaged. When COCKS are brought
up from their walks, and placed in their pens, some
are, of course, too full in flesh; others, as much
deficient: in the judgment of equalizing these different
degrees, (by reducing the weight of one, and
increasing the substance of the other,) does the art of
cock-feeding entirely depend. On every second or
third day, during the time they are preparing for the
match, each cock has a sparring with an opponent
of nearly equal weight with himself; and this sham
fight continues a longer or shorter time, according
to the flesh, weight, and wind, of each cock so exercised,
in proportion to the superflux of substance
he is required to lose. For the occasion, and that
they may not injure each other, they are equally
shielded with mufflers upon the parts where their
spurs have been sawed off; and that they may be
the better inured to labour, and prepared for difficulty,
the ceremony takes place upon a truss or two
of straw loosely scattered, that, having no firm hold
for their feet, they have less power to oppose each
other. Cocks too full of flesh, and foggy, that
require a great deal of sweating to bring them down
to their proper match weight, are sometimes permitted
to continue the controversy till nearly exhausted.
—is a preternatural distension
of the vein which runs down the inside of a
horse's hock, forming a soft and elastic (or puffy)
enlargement, commonly occasioning weakness, if
not lameness, of the joint. They are in general produced
by sudden twists or strains, in short turns
with loads, either in riding or drawing; and not
unfrequently by too rapid turning in narrow stalls.
The cure is frequently attempted by strong spirituous
saturnine repellents, or powerful restringents,
with a compress and bandage firmly fixed upon the
part: these methods, however, seldom afford more
than temporary relief. The former mode of operating,
by incision, and instrumental extirpation,
is in present practice entirely laid aside; a repetition
BLISTER, or slightly
FIRING, being the only
means relied on to ensure certain obliteration.
.—The defect so called, is an
enlargement on the outside of the hock, originating
in a gristly or cartilaginous protrusion, which increases
gradually to a callosity, and ultimately to a
perfect ossification as hard as the bone itself. In its
early state, but little limping or impediment to
action is observed; but as it advances in progress,
the lameness becomes proportionally perceptible.
A bone-spavin is never known to submit to liquid
applications, or solvents of any description; repeated
BLISTERINGS, and substantial
FIRING, seem
the only means by which the enlargement and its
painful irritability can be reduced.
,—is a bitch upon whom an
operation has been performed, by which she is deprived
the power of generating a farther progeny.
An incision being made in the flank, midway between
the hip-bone and the belly, the ovaries are
extracted through the orifice, and separated from
the parts to which they were united: these being
returned, the wound is stitched up, and heals in a
few days, (if performed by a judicious practitioner,)
without farther trouble or inconvenience.
—is sportingly applicable to HORSE,
HOUND, or GREYHOUND;
and upon this depends
(in a great degree) the estimation in which they are
held. It is customary to say, such a horse has
great action, or he is in possession of the gift of
going. This is, however, considered applicable
only to excellent TROTTERS and hacknies upon the
road. Speed is always used in a superior sense,
and intended to convey an idea of the greatest rapidity
of which the animal is capable, and which
enhances his value in proportion to his qualifications.
In the art of TRAINING for the
TURF, there
are ambiguities of such magnitude, that it is averred
by those who have made the practical part their
study, that one training-groom (from judgment,
experience, and observation) shall bring a horse to
the post full half a distance better than another, although
their speed was considered equal when placed
under the racing management of their different superintendants.
This is admitted so much, and so
truly, an incontrovertible fact, that TRAINING-GROOMS
have their lights and shades of reputation
and celebrity, in an equal degree with the most
eminent artists in the universe. Jockies also are
admitted to possess their different degrees of excellence,
and to so very great and discriminating a
nicety, that when MATCHES are lost by some lengths,
and for large sums, offers are frequently made to
run the match over again for the same money, or
to double the STAKES, provided the
WINNING JOCKEY
is permitted to ride the losing horse. Thus speed
is not always the same, but is evidently dependent
upon contingencies, which the utmost human circumspection
cannot always either foresee or prevent.
The increase of speed with RACE HORSES in
this country, is very readily admitted to have been
great during the last fifty years; and this is impartially
attributed to the introduction of, and judicious
crosses from, the Arabian blood with the
best bred mares of our own: although the effect of
these experiments were held in great doubt for some
years, but are now universally acknowledged to
have exceeded the utmost expectation, and cannot
be supposed to extend much farther.
There are two modes of trial for SPEED, according
to the present reformed mode of English racing:
the one is to run a mile, which is termed running
for SPEED; the other, of going off at
SCORE, and
absolutely racing the whole four miles, which is
called running for speed and bottom. Flying Childers,
whose speed was almost proverbial, went one third
of a mile in twenty seconds. Firetail and Pumpkin
ran a mile in a few seconds more than a minute and
a half. Childers ran the distance of four miles in
six minutes and forty-eight seconds, carrying nine
stone, two pounds; he made a leap of thirty feet
upon level ground; and he covered a space of
twenty-five feet at every stroke when racing. It
was formerly known that any horse who could run
four miles in eight minutes, would prove a WINNER
of PLATES: this is, however, very materially refined,
by judicious crosses in blood, or improvements
in training; as Bay Malton ran four miles
over York in seven minutes, forty-three seconds
and a half. Eclipse ran the same distance over
York in eight minutes with twelve stone, though
going only at his rate, without any inducement to
speed.
The means by which the wonderful velocity of
the greyhound can be ascertained are but few:
there are, however, well authenticated instances
upon record; and as they are again quoted in Mr. Daniels
"Rural Sports," are entitled to credibility.
In February, 1800, a hare was darted before
a brace of greyhounds in Lincolnshire, and upon
the distance being measured from her form to
where she was killed, it proved upwards of four
miles in a direct line; but there having been several
turns, as well as some oblique running, during the
course, it must have increased the length considerably:
this ground was run over in the space of
twelve minutes; and the hare fell dead before the
greyhounds touched her; which serves to demonstrate
the speed and strength of the former. It is
known that horses are more distrest (if they keep
up) in a moderate COURSE than in a long
CHASE;
of which an instance lately occurred in the neighbourhood
of Bottisham, in Cambridgeshire, from
whence the hare being started, took away for the
Six Mile Bottom; and although two-and-twenty
horses went off with the greyhounds, only one
could make a gallop at the conclusion of the course.
The hare (who had reached within fifty yards of
the covert) dropped dead before the greyhounds;
and they were so exhausted, that it was found necessary
to bleed them to promote their recovery.
A few years since a hare was suddenly started at
Finchingfield, in Essex, when the brace of greyhounds
running at her came into contact with so
much velocity, that both were killed on the spot.
At Offham, in Sussex, a brace of greyhounds
coursed a hare over the edge of a chalk-pit, and
following themselves, were all found dead at the
bottom. The high spirit, persevering speed, and
invincible ardour, of the greyhound, not being
universally known, (at least to those who have
either few or no opportunities to partake of the
sport,) it may not be inapplicable to introduce a
singular circumstance which occurred in 1792. As
Lord Egremont's game-keeper was leading a brace
of greyhounds coupled together, a hare accidentally
crossing the road, the dogs instantly broke from
their conductor, and gave chase, fastened as they
were to each other: the pursuit afforded an uncommon
and no less entertaining sight to several spectators.
When the hare was turned, she had a manifest
advantage, and embarrassed the dogs exceedingly
in changing their direction; notwithstanding
which, she was at length killed at Pikeless Gate,
after a course of between three and four miles. In
1796 a similar occurrence took place in Scotland,
where a brace of greyhounds, in couples, killed a
hare after a course of a mile with intervening obstructions.
Endeavours having been made to acquire some
degree of information upon the subject of comparative
speed between a greyhound and a RACE-HORSE of
superior powers and celebrity, it was at length
brought to a decision by absolute matter of chance.
It having been previously submitted to the opinion
of an experienced sportsman, which would prove to
possess the greater portion of speed for a mile, or
for a longer or shorter distance, he returned for answer,
that, upon a flat, he had no doubt but a first
rate horse would prove superior to the greyhound;
unless in a hilly country, where he conceived a good
greyhound would have the advantage. The information
not to be acquired by any direct mode, was
brought to trial by an incident which occurred upon
the Course of Doncaster in 1800, and was precisely
thus.
{333}
A match was to have been run between a horse
and a mare for one hundred guineas. At the time
appointed, the former not appearing, the mare
started alone, to insure the STAKES; when, after
having ran little more than a mile, a greyhound
bitch (to the great admiration and entertainment of
the company) took to her from the side of the
Course, and continued racing with her the other
three miles, keeping her regular line nearly head
and head, which produced a most excellent match;
for when they reached the DISTANCE POST, five to
four was betted upon the greyhound; when they
came abreast of the stand, it was even betting; and
the mare won by only a head.
The speed of the fleetest and highest bred FOX HOUNDS,
was brought to public proof in the well-known
match made between Mr. Meynell and
Mr. Barry, for 500 guineas a side, and decided
over Newmarket in the month of September of the
year in which it was run. The hounds of Mr.
Barry's (called Bluecap and Wanton) were put in
training on the first of August with the famous
Will. Crane. Their food consisted only of oatmeal,
milk, and sheep's trotters. The ground was
fixed on at the time of making the match; and upon
the thirtieth of September the drag was taken from
the Rubbing-house at Newmarket Town end, to
the Rubbing-house at the starting-post of the Beacon
Course: the four hounds were then laid on the
scent: at the conclusion, Mr. Barry's Bluecap came
in first; Wanton (very close to Bluecap) second.
Mr. Meynell's Richmond was beat more than a
hundred yards; and the bitch never ran in at all.
The length of the drag was between eight and ten
miles; the time it was crossed in was some seconds
over eight minutes. Some tolerable idea, in this
instance, may be formed of the SPEED, when there
were SIXTY horses started fairly with the hounds,
and only twelve were up. Cooper, Mr. Barry's
huntsman, was the first; but the mare that carried
him was rode blind in the exertion. Will. Crane,
who rode Rib, (a King's Plate horse,) was the last
of the twelve who came up. The current odds at
starting were seven to four in favour of Mr. Meynell,
whose hounds were reported to have been fed
upon legs of mutton during the time they were in
training.
Merkin, a famous bitch, bred by
Colonel Thornton,
was considered far superior in speed to
any fox-hound of her time: she was challenged to
run any hound of her year five miles over Newmarket,
giving 220 yards, for 10,000 guineas; or
to give Madcap 100 yards, and run the same distance
for 5000. She ran a trial of four miles, and
crossed the ground in seven minutes and half a second.
Merkin was sold, in 1795, for four hogsheads
of claret, and the seller to have two couple
of her whelps.
{335}
Madcap, at two years old, challenged all England
for 500 guineas. Lounger, brother to Madcap,
did the same at four years old: the challenge was
accepted, and a bet made to run Mr. Meynell's
Pillager for 200 guineas. The parties were also
allowed by Colonel Thornton to start any other
hound of Mr. Meynell's, and Lounger was to beat
both; but, upon his being seen at Tattersal's by
many of the best judges, his bone, shape, and
make, were thought so superior to any opponent
that could be brought against him, Colonel Thornton
consented to accept a pair of gold dog-couples as
a forfeit to the bet.
—is the term given to an ossified prominence
when it appears upon the shank-bone of a
horse's fore-leg: they are frequently seen upon the
legs of young horses, and are sometimes known to
disappear without any application whatever. If
they do not make their appearance during the
fourth or fifth year, they are seldom seen after that
time, unless occasioned by blow, bruise, or accident.
They are very rarely productive of lameness
or inconvenience, unless they curve towards
the back sinews, and vibrate in action. Various
are the means too hastily and too rashly brought
into use for their extirpation, and many times without
the least necessity; for when they are not attended
with pain or inconvenience, it must be more
prudent to let them remain in a state of dormant
inactivity, than rouse them into painful action. If
some mode must be inevitably adopted, a spirituous
saturnine solvent is the most safe and efficacious application.
—is the appellation, for time immemorial,
annexed to any man whose partiality
to the SPORTS of the
FIELD are universally known:
they are evidently marked out for him by the dispensing
and benign hand of Providence, for the
promotion of health, and the gratification of pleasure,
of which, enjoyed with moderation and rationality,
he is never ashamed. The name of
SPORTSMAN has ever been considered
concisely characteristic
of strict honour, true courage, unbounded
hospitality, and the most unsullied integrity.
However the character may have been
broken in upon by time, or mutilated by the innovations
of fashion, caprice, or folly, the original
stock was derived solely from the blood of the true
old English country Esquire; who, uncontaminated
by the curse of insatiate ambition, is only
happy himself in the happiness of his domestic dependents,
the corresponding smiles of his tenants
who surround his mansion, and an hospitable association
with his numerous friends.
His HOUNDS are kept from an instinctive attachment
to the sport itself, as well as to perpetuate the
respectable and exhilarating establishment of his
ancestors, (hitherto transmitted to their posterity
without a stain,) and not from the least desire of
having his name blazoned through every part of
the county in which he resides, for keeping what he
has neither PROPERTY to
SUPPORT, or spirit to enjoy.
Personally frugal, (amidst the most spirited
hospitality,) he never suffers his mind to be disquieted
by the pecuniary applications of people in
trade: having a soul superior to the idea of living
beyond his income, and running in debt, it is an
invariable maxim, never to let his tradesmen be a
single quarter in arrear. The guardian of his own
honour, he never affords a chance of its becoming
degraded by the officious and unprincipled pride of
a subordinate, under the appellation of STEWARD;
or to be disgraced, or prostituted, by the barefaced,
unqualified denial of a menial bedaubed with
lace and variegated finery, under the denomination
of a footman.
Innately philanthropic, the true, well-bred, liberal-minded
SPORTSMAN is always equally easy of
access to friends, neighbours, tenants, and even to
necessitous parochial solicitants; and never countenances
false consequence amongst his domestics in
one department, or impertinent pride in another:
by a persevering adherence to which system, his
rustic mansion seems the summit of all worldly happiness
and earthly gratification: not a dependent
but eyes him with the warmest sensations of gratitude;
not a servant within, or a labourer without,
but looks awefully up to him as their best friend.
The pleasures of the field he extensively and judiciously
engages in with all the fervency of a well-informed
and experienced sportsman; but by no
means with all the unqualified enthusiasm, and
fashionable furor, of an indiscreet and determined
devotee. Capable of distinguishing between the
use and abuse of what is so evidently and benignantly
placed before him, as an excitement to exhilarating
action, bodily invigoration, and general health; he
enters into all its spirit, avails himself of all its import;
not more as a personal gratification (in respect
to sport) than a mental perusal of one of Nature's
many instructive volumes, displaying to the ruminative
and expansive comprehension, the applicable
and coinciding speed of the HORSE; the instinctive
impulse, invincible ardour, and corresponding perseverance
of the HOUND; the various shifts and
evasions of the GAME; and lastly, the firm and
manly fortitude of those who join and surround him
in the CHASE. These are the distinguishing traits
by which the true and generous sportsman may be
known: and it must be freely admitted, that so
congenial are the feelings, so sympathetic the liberality,
and so uniform the hospitality of SPORTSMEN
in the scale of universality, that no friendships
are better founded, none more disinterested, few
more permanent, and none more sincere.
{339}
,—is a preternatural
extension, and forcible elongation, of the tendons,
beyond the power of immediately recovering their
previous elasticity; or a sudden twist of some particular
joint, by which the ligamentary junction sustains
an injury, and produces lameness. Whenever
they happen in the hip, stifle, round-bone, or
shoulder, they then become serious considerations;
the injured parts being seated too deep for the effect
of external applications. In such cases it is seldom
of use to lose time, and encounter disappointment,
by persevering stimulants; time and rest constitute
the best foundation for permanent relief. Horses
having encountered such accidents, should be
turned out in a still and quiet pasture, where they
may be free from alarm and disturbance; and this
should be adopted before any stiffness is brought
upon the joint, by too long standing in one position;
which they mostly do, when confined in a
stable as invalids. When at unrestrained liberty, it
is natural to conclude, he adapts the gentleness of
his motion to the state of his case, and exerts himself
no more than a proper respect to his own safety
may render secure. It is a self-evident fact, that a
restoration of elasticity or strength of the part, is
more likely to be obtained by rest, and the efforts
of nature, than any superficial or topical applications
that can be made.
{340}
Strains (or LAMENESS)
in the shoulder require
nice investigation to discriminate between such as
arise from accident, rheumatic affection, or chest-foundering.
It is remarked, that when a horse has
sustained a severe injury in the shoulder, by wrench,
slip, twist, short turn, or any other accident, the
pain prevents him from bringing the leg on that
side forward, in a parallel line, or in an equal degree
with the other; which being sound, is much
more firmly set to the ground, with an evident intent
to save from pain the side that is lame. When
a horse in this situation stands still, the leg of the
lame shoulder is almost invariably placed before the
other; and if he is trotted in hand, he generally
brings forward the leg of the shoulder affected with
a kind of circular sweep, and not in a direct line:
if any attempt is made to turn him short on the
lame side, he instantly dreads it, and becomes almost
repugnant to the exertion: when compelled
to make it, he will almost sink on the lame side,
to support himself entirely on the sound one.
Bleeding should in such accidents immediately
precede every other consideration; it unloads the
vessels, prevents local stagnation, and sometimes a
general stiffness of the quarter in which the injury
has been sustained. Where either the season of the
year prevents, or an opportunity to turn out cannot
be obtained, the only alternative, hot fomentations,
and stimulative embrocations, must be
adopted. In strains of the hip, the horse in general
draws his leg after him with a painful reluctance;
and if impelled to a trot, is observed to drop upon
his heel. If the injury is in the stifle, by treading
on the toe, his motion is a kind of hop with the
side affected. Strains of the hock are easily discovered,
by a sort of limping twist in that joint at
every motion of the leg. Lamenesses of the hip,
stifle, and hock, are more likely to be assisted by
external applications, judiciously prescribed, than
those which are more deeply seated.
The ligamentary junction of the pastern joints
are sometimes greatly weakened by incessant work
and little rest; in unerring proof of which, they
frequently make sudden drops, as if falling to the
ground. The knees of many are affected in the
same way, and overhang the shank-bone and fetlock-joint;
the moment a tendency to which is
perceived, any horse should be turned out to enjoy
the rest he is so individually entitled to, for want of
which salutary and humane attention, very many
good and useful horses have been completely ruined
and destroyed. There is no part of a horse more
liable to strains, than the back sinews of the forelegs;
they are materially concerned in every description
of labour, and are always in proportional
danger. Whenever these happen, there is no difficulty
in making the discovery; there is an evident
enlargement, with inflammatory tension; and if one
leg only is affected, it is generally placed before the
other, and rather upon the toe. In slight cases of
this kind, fomentations of hot vinegar, and
strengthening embrocations, assisted by rest, may
produce a restoration; but, in general practice,
without blistering, firing, or both, a permanent
cure is seldom obtained.
—is the well-known weapon with which
the heel of the horseman is armed to enforce his authority;
and which the well-broke horse will always
instantly obey.
.—Stables are the receptacles for horses
in general, and are of very different descriptions;
not only in respect to the various sorts of horses for
which they are intended, but the improved mode
of construction, and the numerous conveniencies
they are now made to contain. As horses were
never in such high estimation, or of such intrinsic
worth, as at the present moment, so never was so
much money expended upon their preservation.
There can be no doubt, but the health and condition
of valuable horses, may depend much upon
the situation and structure of the stable; and although
every person will appropriate the size of
the stable, and the number of stalls, to their own
wants, yet there are certain judicious rules, and
desirable conveniencies, which should admit of no
deviation. Whether a stable consists of two stalls,
four, or six, it may be rendered equally uniform,
and confidently replete with every thing that can
possibly be required.
It is an established opinion, that a building of
BRICK (lined or not lined with deal) is preferable to
STONE for the purpose; the former being dry, and
always in the same state: the latter is influenced, or
acted upon, by the changes of weather; and in a
hazy atmosphere, generally damp; and in constant
(or continued) rains, the walls are frequently
streaming with water. This, however, depends
much upon the aspect to which they are erected; a
circumstance not always sufficiently attended to,
till it is found too late to repent. Stables are paved
with bricks, clinkers, flints, pebbles,
or stone, as
may best correspond with the conveniences of the
country in which they are erected, and where, perhaps,
some of those articles are difficult to obtain.
Stalls should never be less than six feet wide; nor
the stable less than nine feet high: eight feet in the
clear should be allowed from the heels of the horse
to the wall behind him; and iron hay-racks are preferable
to wood, as the latter (wherever spirited
horses stand) are always in want of repair. No
stables can be called good, unless they have proper
rooms annexed for the reception of SADDLES,
BRIDLES,
HORSE CLOTHS, and every article necessary to
the proper support of such an establishment; each
of those become more perishable amidst the nocturnal
steam of the horses than by daily use.
Experience has demonstrated the advantages of
general cleanliness, temperate air, (according to
the season,) and regular exercise: to the want of
these, in part, or all, may be attributed the ills at
INNS and
LIVERY STABLES, as well as the fashionable
increase of Veterinarians. Upon entering the
stables of these public receptacles, (particularly if
the door has been a few minutes closed,) the olfactory
sensations are instantly assailed by such a profusion
of volatile effluvia, as to extract moisture
from the eyes, in opposition to every endeavour
made to restrain it. Here stand rows of poor
patient animals, absolutely fumigated with the
perspirative transpiration of their own bodies,
broiling with heat, and panting with thirst, in a
degree beyond the temperature of a common hot-house,
in the severity of the winter season. Each
horse is observed to stand upon a load of litter
(clean at top, and rotten underneath) very little
inferior to a common cucumber-bed in heigth, with
all the advantages of equal warmth from the dung
below!
In this unexaggerated state stand hundreds within
the environs of the Metropolis; their owners the
complete dupes of ignorance, indiscretion, and imposition;
the animals themselves in a constant
state of languid perspiration, and bodily debility:
deprived the comforts of pure air, and regular exercise,
they become dull, sluggish, and stupid, as if
conscious of, and depressed with, their almost perpetual
imprisonment. All this erroneous mode of
treatment instantly affects the eye of experimental
observation. The carcase seems an incongruous
accumulation, evidently full, and unnaturally overloaded,
for want of gentle motion, and general
friction; the legs become swelled, stiff, and tumefied;
and, sooner or later, terminates in cracks,
scratches, grease, or some more vexatious disorder.
The hoofs, by being constantly fixed in a certain
degree of heat, begin to contrast, and get narrow
at the heels, holding forth the pleasing promise of
hoof-bound lameness. The eyes, from a constant
watry discharge, give proof of habitual weakness;
the lassitude of the body, the heat of the mouth,
the general gloom, and every corresponding circumstance,
seems to display a frame the reverse of those
whose health is preserved, and condition promoted,
by a system of discipline opposite in practice, and
different in effect. See Groom.
—The
STAG and
HIND are the male and female
of this tribe, as the
BUCK and DOE
are of the fallow deer. The latter
are mostly the natives of parks, and bred for domestic
purposes, producing venison for the table;
the former are the majestic inhabitants of those extensive
and sequestered tracts called FORESTS and
CHACES, where they are preserved as more peculiarly
appropriated to the pleasures of the chase,
in which even his Majesty, with his hunting retinue,
condescends to engage. The STAG, individually
surveyed, is one of the grandest and most
stately figures in the animal creation; his very appearance
instantly exciting attention and admiration.
Naturally disposed to solitude, he never obtrudes
upon the haunt of man, but revels in the
remote and obscure shades of abstrusity. When
caught sight of amidst the umbrageous stillness of
his abode, the grandeur, lofty look, and commanding
aspect, of his first survey, cannot be encountered
without the most aweful and impressive
sensations. With ample power to oppose, he has
pliability to submit, and, after a few moments interview,
deliberately retires to his protecting covert,
seemingly more surprized than alarmed at the
sight of the HUMAN SPECIES.
In the dignity of his deportment he stands unrivalled,
and may, with allegorical propriety, be considered
the hereditary MONARCH of the
WOODS, as every
other animal is observed to give way upon his approach.
In his peaceable and undisturbed retirement,
he is perfectly tranquil and inoffensive, displaying
no antipathy or opposition to those who
come not in hostility to him. His form is the most
sublime and beautiful that can possibly be conceived;
the elegance of his figure, the commanding
effect of his stature, the flexibility of his frame, the
elasticity of his limbs, the velocity of his motion,
and the proportional immensity of his strength, in
addition to the impression made upon the mind by
the magnific grandeur of the antlers, branching from
his brow, all seem uniformly calculated to render
him an object of the most serious and pleasing attraction.
The RED DEER, formerly so plentiful to be found
in different remote parts of England, the Highlands
of Scotland, and the Lake of Killarney, in
Ireland, are greatly reduced, and but very rarely
to be found in a wild and unpreserved state in either.
This must of course be attributed to the more advantageous
distribution and cultivation of land, and
the improved state of every country. Stags, or
HINDS, were then found singly, and hunted
or pursued by those who happened to find them; but now
in the Forest of Windsor, and the New Forest in
Hampshire, where they are bred and protected for
the ROYAL CHASE, they assemble together; and upon
Ascot Heath, near Swinley Lodge, (the official residence
of the Master of his Majesty's Stag Hounds,)
may be seen the largest herd in the King's dominions.
The colour of both STAG and HIND is a dingy red,
with darker tints about the eyes and mouth: down
the upper part of the neck, and over the points of
the shoulders, is a shade of dark brown, bordering
upon black: the countenance is commandingly expressive;
the eye beautifully brilliant, even to
poetic celebrity; and his senses of smelling and
hearing equal to any animal of this country. When
in the least alarmed, his position is the most majestic;
he raises his head to the highest pitch, erects
his ears, swells his neck, extends his nostrils, and
snuffs the air, as if in curious and impatient investigation
of the cause by which it was occasioned.
Let this be what it may, he never takes to sudden
flight, without first measuring, by his eye and
ear, the magnitude of the danger, and proceeds accordingly.
If dogs are not of the party, men,
cattle, or carriages, seem to give him little or no
concern; for, after turning twice or thrice, to take
a repeated survey with a kind of confused admiration,
he moves off very deliberately, without any
alarming sensation.
The season for copulation with the deer tribe
(see "Rutting Time") begins at the latter end of
August and beginning of September, and terminates
in the beginning or middle of October; depending,
in that respect, a little upon the state of
the season, and the ages of the different head of
deer; those of two and three years old being backwarder,
of course extending the time beyond those
who are older. From the moment of conception
with the hind, to the time of parturition, is nearly
nine lunar months; as they produce in the last week
in May, or one of the two first in
June. Immediately
after impregnation, she separates herself
from the STAG; no intercourse takes place; even
common association ceases; and nothing during the
period of gestation ensues, but mutual and marked
indifference. The hind is seldom or ever known
to produce more than one, (which is called a CALF:)
this she deposits in the most remote, sequestered,
and best sheltered spot to be procured, for the purpose
of secretion from its numerous enemies,
amongst whom there is none more determined or
malicious than the masculine occasion of its
existence, even the sire himself. Mysterious as
this may appear, it is an unexaggerated fact; and
the dam, perfectly conscious of the stag's unnatural
propensity, is more industrious to conceal the calf's
retreat from him, than the aggregate of its other
enemies.
The CALF, when once it is of strength sufficient
to accompany its dam, never leaves her side during
the first summer; and the ensuing winter, none but
the HINDS, and males under a year old,
remain together; the annual separation between the STAGS
and HINDS invariably taking place as before described.
During the months of infancy, the courage
of the dam, in defence of her offspring, is
equal to any maternal affection of our own species;
she opposes every force, encounters every enemy,
exposes herself to every danger, and hazards her
own life to insure the safety of her young. The
hind has but little protection upon the score of
self-preservation, nature having left her without
horns, those useful and ornamental weapons with
which the stag is so powerfully armed. The first
year the male has no horns; the second they are
straight, and single; the third, they shew two
branches; the fourth, three; the fifth, four; and the
sixth, five; when the stag is reckoned complete,
and at his full growth: notwithstanding this, the
antlers continue to increase till there are six or
seven on each side; and though the age of the deer
is mostly ascertained by the number, yet it is not
always certain, but is more nicely to be depended
on from the thickness and size of the trunk or
body by which they are sustained.
These horns, enormous as they appear, are shed
annually, which happens in the latter end of
February,
or during the month of March; of which
there is a most perfect regeneration before the commencement
of the RUTTING TIME, when they fight
for the hind with the most determined and incredible
ferocity. After the season of rutting, the
stags having been found too weak to stand long before
the hounds, the operation of castration was
adopted; and the stag thus deprived of the means
of propagation, (by the loss of the testes,) feeling
no stimulative propensity to copulate, is never debilitated,
but always ready for the field, and affords
runs of great duration. Thus operated upon, they
are then called HEAVIERS; and it is a remarkable
fact, that if a stag is castrated while his horns (alias
antlers) are in a state of perfection, they will never
exfoliate: on the contrary, if the operation is performed
when the head is bare, the horns will never
return.
,—the sporting term for a young GAME COCK
during his second year. For the whole of the
first year, he is called a chicken; from which time
to the completion of the second, he is a STAG; and
from thence forward, a COCK. In regular matches
and mains for considerable sums of money, very
few are brought to Pit before they are of that age;
unless it is made, and so agreed on both sides, in
which case it is called a stag main, or main of
stags. See Cocking, Game Cock,
and Cock-pit Royal.
—is a disorder of the most distressing
kind, to which horses of the draught kind are
more particularly subject: it partakes of the paralytic
stroke and spasmodic affection, coming on
suddenly, without the least previous indication of
approaching disease. The muscles become so instantaneously
contracted, that the head is raised to
its utmost heigth, the jaws are fixed, the neck stiff
and immoveable, the eyes are turned upwards,
leaving only the whites to be seen; the palpitations
of the heart are exceedingly violent, and the laborious
heavings of the flank incessant. This disorder,
difficult as it is in its cause to define, is always more
or less dangerous, in proportion to the mildness or
severity of the attack. If it proceeds from a profuse
flux of blood to the BRAIN, in consequence of
too great and powerful exertions, plentiful bleeding,
and nervous stimulants, will be the most expeditious
and likely means to relieve.
When its symptoms are so exceedingly severe and
alarming, that the jaws are locked, and no medicines
can be administered by the MOUTH, recourse
must be had to collateral aids. Strong hot fomentations,
with a decoction from the most fragrant
aromatic garden herbs, under the jaws, behind the
ears, and both sides the throat, followed by fumigations
from myrrh, ammoniacum, and assafœtida,
grossly powdered, and sprinkled upon a hot iron,
or fire-shovel, held below the nostrils; glysters of
gruel, in which valerian root has been boiled, and
assafœtida dissolved, with an addition of liquid laudanum
and olive oil to each, and repeatedly frequently;
are the only means, properly persevered in,
that can afford any hope or expectation of success.
These exertions are in general too much trouble for
the lower order of the Veterinary tribe, who fly to
their favourite and contemptible introduction of a
ROWEL, many hours before which can become productive
in its effect, death closes the scene, and
relieves the subject from its accumulated misery.
.—This is likewise a disorder of
the head, to which horses of the same description
are constantly liable, bearing in many respects no
distant affinity to the former; for although it cannot
be deemed the very same disease, yet, as it is
known to derive its origin from the same cause, it
is evidently entitled to rank in the same class.
Bracken, who speaks of it with more scientific and
professional precision than any writer before or
since, assimilates it to the apoplexy and epilepsy of
the human frame, and enters into an anatomical
disquisition of many pages to justify his opinion.
He most judiciously attributes it to its proper and
only cause, a plethoric state of the body; and that
by the preternatural distension of all the vessels,
the blood is more forcibly propelled upon the
brain, from whence inflammation (in a greater or
less degree) consequently ensues; making the following
remark, to which every experienced practitioner
will yield his unqualified approbation.
"That where one creature dies of a distempered
brain from the loss of too much blood, there are
twenty lives lost for want of taking away a sufficient
quantity." In direct conformity with the opinion
of Bracken upon the subject of
REPLETION, may
be quoted a plain and true, but less scientific remark
of Captain Burdon, in his Pocket Farrier;
who, for want of more polished terms, and technical
phraseology, thus expresses himself: "Don't
let your horse stand too long without exercise; it
fills his belly too full of meat, and his veins too full
of blood; and from hence the staggers, and many
other distempers, proceed."
Admitting the affinity between the DISEASES, as
lethargy, or sleeping-evil, falling-evil, or convulsions,
frenzy and madness, stag-evil, or staggers,
all practitioners consider them individually a species
of APOPLEXY, originating in nearly the same cause,
and to be relieved only by the same means. Under
which conjunctive authority, plentiful bleedings,
repeated stimulative glysters, and internally, assafœtida,
camphor, valerian, castor, and such other
ingredients as powerfully act upon the nervous
system, constitute the whole that can with consistency
be introduced in all cases of a similar description.
—is one of the most rapturous
and enchanting pursuits within the privilege
or power of the human frame and mind to enjoy.
As HUNTING, in its general sense,
is known to comprise
an imaginary view of different kinds under
that concise term, so various remarks will be found
upon each, under the heads of Chase,
Fox-Hunting,
Harriers, and Hunting;
rendering unnecessary
the introduction of new, or repetition of
former matter, more than what may strictly appertain
to the distinct sport now before us.
Opposite opinions have always been entertained
by the advocates for each particular kind of chase,
as may have proved most applicable and convenient
to their situation, occasions, residence, and time of
life. That every description of HUNTING has its
proportional attraction to its distinct and different
votaries is well known; but the constant struggle
for superiority in vindication of their respective
sports, has ever been between those who hunt FOX
and those who hunt STAG; each being equally violent
in defence of the cause his private or personal
reasons prompt him to espouse. Mr. Daniel, in
his "Rural Sports," when animadverting upon
the STAG, makes the following remarks: "At the
present day, as an object of chase to the sportsman,
the stag requires but cursory mention: those, indeed,
who are fond of pomp and parade in hunting,
will not accede to this opinion; but the only mode
in which this chase can recommend itself to the real
sportsman, is, when the deer is looked for, and
found, like other game which hounds pursue. At
present very few hounds, except those of the royal
establishment, are kept exclusively for this amusement;
and were the King once to see a fox well
found, and killed handsomely, he would, in all,
probability, give a decided preference in favour
of fox-hounds; for what a marked difference is there
between conveying, in a covered cart, an animal,
nearly as big as the horse that draws it, to a particular
spot, where he is liberated, and cheerly riding
to the covert side with all the ecstacy of hope and
expectation!"
After quoting a few lines of beautiful imagery
from the poetic sublime of Somervile, descriptive
of throwing off, the drag, the unkenneling, and
breaking covert with fox-hounds, he proceeds
thus: "The most impassioned stag-hunter must
confess, that no part of his chase admits of such
description. The only variety he can fairly expect,
depends upon the wind and the temper of the deer,
who, by being either sulky, or not in condition
to maintain a contest with the hounds, (to whom he
leaves a burning scent, that gives them no trouble
in the pursuit,) shortens or extends his gallop; but
there is none of the enthusiasm of hunting, which
the sportsman feels, when he is following an animal,
upon whose own exertions of speed and craftiness
his life is staked; and where no stoppages, but the
checks arising from the two sources above mentioned,
intervene."
Without the most distant intent of endeavouring
to depreciate the noble, exhilarating, delightful,
and universally admitted excellence of FOX-HUNTING,
(of which, by the bye, no adequate description
can issue from the pen,) such few remarks may
be made, as will display the sport of STAG-HUNTING
in a different point of view to that in which the
writer just mentioned has been pleased to place the
picture; and probably rescue it from any little
stigma of disgrace, or inferiority, which his promulgated
opinion may have stamped upon the canvass.
There is positively no instance in which the philosophic
decision of Sir Roger de Coverley ("much
may be said on both sides") could have been more
strictly applicable, or more truly verified, than upon
the present occasion. The candid, judicious and experienced
sportsman will readily admit, that each retains
its attractions too powerful to resist, as well as
some inconveniencies impossible to remove: these,
however, are reconcileable to the modification of
those whose motives induce them to engage in either.
Previous to the recital of a chase with the
STAG-HOUNDS,
a few preparatory and comparative remarks
are due to the observations already quoted
from the justly popular work of Mr. Daniel.
That there are but "few establishments" of the kind
is certainly true, and for a most substantial reason;
if they were numerous, the question would instantly
present itself, from whence are they to be supplied
with GAME? The idea of "the
King's giving the
preference to FOX-HUNTING, if he had once seen a
fox well found, and killed handsomely," is an entire
new thought; and affords immediate mental reference
to the degradation of MAJESTIC DIGNITY,
should it ever be found making its dreary way
through the bushy brambles of a BEECHEN WOOD
two or three miles in length, following the chase
by the reverberating sounds of distant holloas! but
without the sight or sound of a single hound. This
is a constantly occurring trait in FOX-HUNTING,
constituting no small drawback on its boasted perfection.
Whichever kind of chase is pursued, the ultimatum
of enjoyment is much the same; horses,
hounds, air, exercise, health, society, and exhilaration,
constitute the aggregate: and TIME, which,
to the opulent and independent, seems of trifling
value, is to the scientific inquisitant, or professional
practitioner, neither more nor less than a LIFE ESTATE,
no part of which should be wasted or
squandered away. The former class, in general,
are industriously engaged in killing time: the latter,
who know and feel its worth, are as constantly employed
in its preservation. The loss of time in the
enjoyment of the two chases, is nearly or full half
between the one and the other: this is a circumstance,
however, not likely to attract the serious
attention of the gentleman who has thus attacked
the "pomp and parade" of hunting the
STAG; for as
a clerical character, he had, of course, all the week
upon his hands, being particularly engaged only on
A SUNDAY. To one of this description, who has
most of his time to kill, and very little to employ,
a long and dreary day through the gloomy coverts
of a dirty country, without a single challenge, or
one consolatory chop of drag, must prove a scene
of the most enchanting enjoyment; and in the very
zenith of exultation, it must be acknowledged by
professed and energetic FOX-HUNTERS,
that riding thirty or forty miles in wet and dirt, (replete with
alternate hope, suspense, and expectation,) to enjoy
the supreme happiness of repeated disappointments,
terminating with a blank day, is equal, if not superior,
to a STAG HUNT of even the first description.
Stag hounds are very rarely kept, and the sport
but little known in many parts of the kingdom:
those of the most celebrity are the Royal Establishment
upon Ascot Heath, in Windsor Forest, (see
"King's Hounds;") the Earl of Derby's, near the
Downs, in Surrey; and the Subscription Pack near
Enfield Chace. The greatest inducement to hunt
with either of which, is, the invariable certainty of
sport, that first object of desirable attainment, not
to be insured with hounds of a different description;
the great gratification of going away with the pack,
and covering a scope of country, without perpetual
interruption from frequent intervening coverts,
where checks, faults, delays, and a repetition of
wood riding, so often ensue. Stag-hunting, indifferently
as it is spoken of by some, is too severe and
arduous for others to pursue: laborious as it is to
the HORSE, it is in many cases not less
so to the RIDER:
difficulties occur which require great exertions
in one, and fortitude in the other, to surmount,
and none but those can lay at all by the side
of the hounds.
Rapturously transporting as is the moment of
meeting and throwing off with fox hounds, no less
so is the awefully impressive prelude to turning out
the deer. The scene is affectingly grand, far beyond
the descriptive power of the pen, and can only
be seen, to be perfectly understood. Unless an outlying
deer is drawn for, and found in the neighbouring
woods, as is sometimes the case, a STAG,
HIND,
or HEAVIER, is carted from the paddocks
of his Majesty
at Swinley Lodge, (where they are previously
and properly fed for the chase,) and brought at a
certain hour, (ten o'clock in the morning,) to the
place appointed, of which the surrounding neighbourhood
have been sufficiently informed. At the
distance of a quarter or half a mile from the covered
convenience containing the deer, are the hounds,
surrounded by the Huntsman and his assistants, (called
Yeoman-Prickers,) in scarlet and gold; a part
of these having French horns, and upon which they
must be good performers.
In a very short time after the expiration of the
hour agreed on, his Majesty is seen to approach,
attended by the Master of the
Horse, and Equerries
in waiting; it being the official duty of the Master
of the Stag-Hounds to be with them,
and ready to receive his Majesty when he arrives. So soon
as his Majesty resigns his hack, and is remounted
for the chase, the Huntsman receives an injunctive
signal from the Master of the Hounds to liberate the
deer. The moment which is obeyed, the usual law,
amounting to ten minutes, (more or less,) is allowed
for his going way: during this interval the sonorous
strains of the HORNS, the musical melodious
echo of the HOUNDS, the mutual gratulations of so
distinguished an assemblage, and the condescending
kindness and affability of the Sovereign to the loyal
subjects who love and surround him, is a repast
too rich, a treat too luxurious, for the side of a fox-hunting
covert to be brought into the least successful
similitude.
The anxious crisis thus arrived, and every bosom
glowing with emulative inspiration, a single aspiration
of acquiescence, and a removal of the horse
who heads the leading hound, give a loose to the
body of the PACK;
and superlatively happy he who
can lay the nearest to them. Upon the DEER'S going
off from the cart, two of the YEOMAN-PRICKERS start
likewise, in such parallel directions to the right and
left, as not to lose sight of the line he takes so long
as they can keep him in view; by which means they
get five or six miles forward to assist in stopping the
hounds at any particular point where they happen
to run up to them: and if it was not for this prudent
and necessary precaution, half or two thirds of the
horsemen would never see the hounds again in the
course of the day.
The joyous burst, and determined velocity of
every hound, followed by upwards of a hundred
horsemen, all in action at a single view; the spot
embellished, or rather variegated, with carriages
containing ladies, who come to enjoy the ceremony
of turning out; and the emulative exertions of
HORSES,
HOUNDS, and MEN;
afford a blaze of sporting
brilliancy beyond the power of the utmost mental
fertility to describe. At this moment of rapturous
exultation only it is, that the kind of horse indispensibly
necessary for this particular chase can be ascertained;
for out of a hundred and twenty, thirty,
forty, or a hundred and fifty horsemen, seven or
eight only shall lay any where near, or within a
hundred yards of the hounds; for the longer the
burst, the more the slow-going horses tail; so that
when the hounds are stopt upon the heath, or in an
open country, by the few who are up, lines of horsemen
are seen behind, more than a mile in length,
getting forward in a variety of directions, bearing
no inapplicable affinity to various teams of wild
ducks crossing from one country to another. These
horses, to whom it is all labour, are so distrest even
with the first burst, that if the hounds break away,
and the deer crosses the country, they are seldom to
be seen at the end of a second. This is a most palpable
and incontrovertible demonstration, that any
horse may follow, but none, except THOROUGHBRED
horses, can go with the hounds.
During the time the chase is suspended, and the
hounds are at bay, (which is till the King gets up,)
the exhilarating sound of the horns before them, and
the clamorous impatience of the hounds to proceed,
constitute a scene so truly rich and ecstatic, that the
tear of excessive joy and grateful sensibility may be
frequently observed in almost every eye. After
this relief of a few minutes to both HOUNDS and
HORSES, in which they collect their wind,
and become proportionally refreshed, the hounds are permitted
to break away, which they do with a redoubled
ardour, as if it had absolutely increased by
their recent restraint. The same scene of racing
and tailing continues during every burst to the termination
of the chase, the longer which is, the more
the field of horsemen become reduced; while the
blood horses only move in perfect unison, and, at
their common rating stroke, lay with ease by the side
of the HOUNDS; and this is the reason why,
in long runs, so many are completely thrown out, and left
to explore their way in different parts of the country
through which the chase has passed. One material
difference is known to exist between this kind
of sport and every other; the utmost fortitude and
indefatigable exertions are here made to save: in all
the rest, the summit of happiness, the sole gratification
of local ambition, is to kill: so that, at any
rate, STAG-HUNTING has the plea of
HUMANITY in its
favor; in proof of which, the hounds are never
known to run from chase to view, but every individual
is feelingly alive to the danger of the DEER,
who have so largely and laboriously contributed to
the completion of his own most ardent happiness:
a secret inspiration operates upon every latent spring
of human sensibility; and no difficulty at the moment
seems too great to surmount, for the preservation
of a life in which every spectator feels himself
most impressively concerned. This final burst
of a chase is most dreadfully severe, particularly if
the last mile or two is run in view; when which is
the case, the deer exerts all his utmost and remaining
power to take the soil, if water is within his reach:
this he sometimes does with the hounds so close to
his haunches, that it is impossible to prevent their
plunging with him into the stream. In such predicament,
if it is found impracticable to draw off the
body of the hounds, to insure his safety,
the Yeoman Prickers,
and others, are frequently seen
above their middles in water, (uncertain of its
depth,) to preserve the life of the DEER,
at the hazard of their own. This may be considered, by the recluse
and callous Cynic, a degree of valour beyond
discretion; but the debt of humanity, like the Hibernian
Major's word in the Comedy, is "a DEBT
of HONOUR, and must be paid."
The most moderate chases with the stag extend
from an hour and a half to two hours; though from
three to four hours is by no means uncommon in
the course of the season. Horses too deficient in
speed, too heavy in formation, too full in flesh, or
foul in condition, frequently fall martyrs to a want
of judgment or prudence in their RIDERS during the
chase: every man ought to know when his horse is
dangerously distressed, and of course should bow
implicit obedience to the occasion: there are times
when self-denial would add lustre to the brow of a
MONARCH; and it never can be displayed with a
more humane effect, than when in the defence and
preservation of so useful an animal; who, being
deprived the privilege of free agency, is not possessed
of the power to protect himself: under the influence
of which consideration, there is not a SPORTSMAN
of EXPERIENCE or
HUMANITY existing, who
would not philosophically retire with patience from
the field, to save the life of a faithful persevering
companion, than to see him sink (never more to
rise) a victim to inadvertency, folly, or indiscretion.
In a severe chase of more than four hours, recited
in the former part of the Work, (where the stag
was taken at Tilehurst, near Reading, in Berkshire,)
one horse dropped dead in the field, another
died before he could reach a stable, and seven more
in the course of a week. The concluding ceremony
of the chase is the preservation of the deer, the baying
of the hounds, and the melodious concert of
the horns; after which the former are drawn off,
and the stag, hind, or heavier, is deposited in a
place of safety, from whence he is taken the following
day, in a convenient vehicle constructed for the
purpose.
The regular hunting days with the STAG hounds
of his Majesty, are Tuesdays and Saturdays, from
Holyrood Day (Sept. 25) to the first Saturday in
May; except in Christmas and Easter Weeks, in
each of which they hunt three times. The two grand
or most public days, are Holyrood Day and
Easter Monday, when the field is uncommonly
numerous; particularly if the weather favourably
corresponds with the occasion.
—is the evacuation of urine by either
horse or mare, which is at some times partially obstructed,
and at others totally suppressed. The secretion
of urine may be retarded from a variety of
causes; such as injuries sustained in the spine, particularly
in the LOINS, near which the kidnies are
seated; and these, from their irritability, are also
easily susceptible of disease, by which the discharge
may be affected. The urine, with a horse or mare
in a healthy state, should flow in a moderate stream,
of a transparent colour, midway between a brown
and red; not inclining to a milky, foul consistence,
or tending to a tinge of blood. The evacuation
should take place with ease, perfectly free from laborious
groanings, and equally so from partial
dribblings, or periodical trifling stoppings, which
always denote a something imperfect in the secretion,
or some obstruction in the urinary passages.
Staling, when the urine is strongly impregnated
with appearance of blood, should be early attended
to, as it is mostly occasioned by some serious injury
to the kidnies, or elsewhere. It is very frequently
brought on by hard, long and immoderate riding,
or drawing; and may be the effect of a rupture of
some blood-vessel, the seat of which it may be impossible
to ascertain: if it should be a discharge of
nearly pure blood, and that in any considerable
quantity, great danger may be apprehended.
Bleeding (to constitute revulsion) is a preliminary
step to every degree of hope, followed by small
quantities of nitre in powder, blended with equal
parts of gum Arabic in the same state. Gelatinous
fluids, as oatmeal gruel, or malt sweet-wort, with
nursing, rest, and small doses of
LIQUID LAUDANUM,
are the only means to be pursued.
.—The partitions into which a stable is
divided are denominated STALLS; and the space allotted
to each horse is called a stall. These, in
stables constructed with judgment, and erected with
a necessary respect to health and convenience,
should never be less than nine or ten feet high,
and six feet wide: the heighth will contribute much
to the equal temperature of the air; and the width
will contribute to the comfort of the horse in an occasional
extension of his extremities, as well as prevent
many of those injuries sustained in too suddenly
turning in narrow and confined stalls, particularly
in the common livery stables of the Metropolis.
In many large equestrian and hunting establishments
there are single stalls (called loose
boxes) of such dimensions as are adapted to the accommodation
of horses either sick or lame, where
they are then at liberty to expand at full length, and
enabled to roll at their ease: these are of great utility,
and few sportsmen continue long without them.
—is the appellation given to a perfect
horse, not mutilated by the operation of castration,
but preserved in a state of nature, for the purpose
of propagation. Stallions should be of great
strength, according to the distinct breed they are
intended to promote, of correct shape, uniform
make, and corresponding symmetry; free from
every kind of hereditary taint; good eyes, long
forehand, short back, round barrel, wide chest,
straight legs, free from splents before, and spavins
behind. Although it is a difficult task to obtain
perfection, some little circumspection may be necessary,
in coming as near to it as circumstances
and situation will permit. Experimental observation
has produced demonstration, that stallions
really blind, or with eyes defective, have produced
colts of similar description; such defects not appearing
in their first two or three years, nor, indeed,
till they have been worked, and the powers brought
into action. Instances are never wanting of the
great number annually disposed to breed, who as
annually repent for want of these prudent precautions.
Not only the above points, but the temper
and disposition of a stallion should be also attended
to: vicious and restive horses should be
equally avoided; those imperfections are very frequently
transmitted from sire to son, and continued
to posterity.
Stallions of the racing kind were never known to
have covered at so high a price as in the memory of
the present generation. Marsk, after the appearance
of that prodigy Eclipse, covered a certain
number of mares at 100 guineas each; and none now
of the first celebrity, cover at less than ten, fifteen,
or twenty. Those in the highest sporting estimation,
and announced for the present season, 1803,
are Alexander, at 10 guineas; Ambrosio, 10 guineas;
Beningbrough, 10 guineas; Buzzard, 10
guineas; Coriander, 10 guineas; Dungannon, 10
guineas; and Sir Harry, at five. Hambletonian,
10 guineas; and Patriot, at five. Volunteer, at 10
guineas; and Shuttle, at five. Pegasus, Precipitate,
and Sir Solomon, at 10 guineas each. Stamford,
Idris, Meteor, and Mr. Teazle, at five. Sir Peter
Teazle, 15 guineas; Young Eclipse, 20 guineas;
Whisky, Worthy, and Waxy, at 10 guineas; Trumpator,
eight guineas; Oscar, at six. Grouse, Gouty,
Fidget, Totteridge, Don Quixote, and Old Tat, at
five guineas; and Petworth, Stickler, Warter, Gamenut,
Moorcock, (brother to Grouse,) and Zachariah,
at three.
The following famous stallions died at or about
the dates annexed to their names. Old Fox,
in 1738, aged 23 years. Old Partner, 1747, aged
29. The Godolphin Arabian, 1753, 29. Old
Cade, 1756. The Bolton Starling, 1757.
Snip, the same year. Young Cade, 1764. Old Marsk,
July 1779. King Herod, May 12, 1780. Matchem,
February 21, 1781. Imperator, 1786. Morwick
Ball, January 4, 1787, aged 25 years. Eclipse,
February 26, 1789, in his 26th year. Goldfinder,
in 1789. Fortitude, the same year. Conductor, in
1790. Phlegon, the same year. Faggergill, 1791;
and Florizel, the same year. Fortunio, Jupiter,
and Soldier, all died in 1802.
—is the name of an instrument by
which the exact heighth of a horse is taken (to the
eighth of an inch) when engaged to carry weight
for inches, or entered to run for a
GIVE and TAKE
PLATE. The standard is about six feet six inches
high, and so constructed with a line and pendulum,
in the centre of a circle, that no mismeasurement,
by fraud or imposition, can take place. The
standard is one straight square piece of oak or mahogany,
and divided, from the top to the bottom,
in figured spaces of four inches each; every space
of which is termed a HAND; so that a horse of fifteen
hands is precisely five feet high. From the standard
branches horizontally a projecting arm, of about
twenty inches, or two feet in length, which sliding
upwards or downwards, is raised higher, or sunk
lower, with the hand, till it rests easily upon the
extreme point of the wither; when, by looking at
the proper suspension of the pendulum and the
figures at the same time, the heighth of the horse is
instantly ascertained.
—is the white centrical spot in the forehead
of a horse, directly between, and rather above,
the eyes. These are considered great natural ornaments
in bays, chestnuts, browns, and blacks; inducing
DEALERS to remedy the deficiencies of nature
by the obtrusion of art. This is effected by
scraping off the hair carefully with a razor, from
the part where the intended star is to appear, when,
by wetting the surface with oil of vitriol, an eschar
will soon appear, when which exfoliates, it is followed
by a growth of hair of the colour required.
{372}
.—This external appearance
in a horse, so strikingly denotes him out
of condition, or diseased, that it never escapes the
eye of the most superficial observer. It is originally
occasioned by a sudden collapsion of the porous
system, from an exposure to cold chilling rains,
after having been previously heated; a change from
a warm stable to one less comfortable, and a consequent
viscidity of the blood; or from a low, impoverished,
and acrimonious state of the circulation.
See Hidebound, Surfeit,
and Mange.
,—in horses, is an imperfection,
if it becomes habitual, that is of the most dangerous
description. It is exceedingly different from
a horse skittish, wanton, and playful only, for
which the rider is always prepared; and if a good
horseman, it is generally as pleasing to one as to
the other. But when a horse is eternally in fear,
and alarmed at every object unlike himself, he not
only sometimes snorts and stops suddenly in the
midst of a rapid career of either trot or gallop,
but, by an instantaneous spring of five or six feet,
brings the rider over his head, or dismounts him on
one side or the other. It is not at all matter of
surprise, that most of the young horses brought
from the country, should at first be alarmed at the
infinite variety and velocity of carriages, as well as
with other strange and unaccountable objects, to
which they must have been entirely unaccustomed
before they reached the environs of the Metropolis.
Horses of this description, (good-tempered, and
not viciously inclined,) are never known to be long
so disposed, provided they are treated tenderly,
and encouraged mildly to pass the object by which
they have been so suddenly, accidentally, and perhaps
unnecessarily, alarmed; but when the fools
who ride them permit passion and inhumanity to predominate
over reason, obstinacy on one side often
begets opposition on the other, and accident or
death frequently ensues; in confirmation of which,
the following fact may be applicably introduced,
as a check to the impetuosity of those heroes on
horseback, with which every road, and every country,
so plentifully abound.
Some few years since, a medical practitioner, of
much celebrity in the town of Putney, not many
miles from London, being suddenly called from
home upon a professional occasion, happened to
meet a broad wheel waggon upon the turnpike
road, at which the horse being greatly terrified, immediately
started, and sprung to a considerable
distance, producing, in fact, no small degree of
alarm and passionate mortification in the rider; who
most inconsiderately adopted the usual mode of attempting
to obtain by violence, what might have
been probably acquired in an equal space of time
with patience and philosophy. Not affording time to
recollect that the horse had his sensations of joy,
fear, surprise, and dread of danger, in an equal
degree with himself, he immediately proceeded to
the use of whip and spur, till the horse approached
the waggon, which the poor complying animal no
sooner did, in obedience to his master, than a sudden
gust of wind passing under the tilt, raised it in
such a manner just in the face of the horse, that so
strange and aweful a renewal of the first alarm repeated
the start, and with such violence, that the
rider was dismounted, and the wheels going over
his body, he lost his life upon the spot. A retention
of this transaction in the memory of every
juvenile or inexperienced reader, may, perhaps,
prove an applicable preventive to unmanly passion
at the very moment of its intentional exertion.
.—The tail of the HOUND, or GREYHOUND,
is sportingly so called.
—is a small reservoir of water, to which
fish are brought from larger receptacles where they
are bred or caught, and there deposited for the
daily use of the family, the supply being constantly
kept up in proportion to the domestic consumption.
.—The part of a horse called the stifle,
is the projecting point of the hind-quarter, which
comes forward under the flank towards the belly,
forming an angular joint from the round bone
above to the hock below. Injuries are not often
sustained at this junction; and when they are, it is
much oftener by neglect, a blow, or inadvertence,
than by unavoidable accident. Lameness in this
part can receive no assistance from bandage; fomentation,
embrocation, and rest, are the only
means that can be adopted to obtain relief; for
when a lameness in the stifle is severe, or of long
standing, a perfect cure is seldom obtained.
—is the well-known polished iron
convenience suspended from each side of the saddle;
of a proper shape, make, and size, to receive and
support the foot, for the joint promotion of ease
and safety. Upon the length of the leather strap
(called stirrup-leather) entirely depends the graceful
position of the rider, and his command of the
horse; if which is too short, he is in danger, upon
any start or sudden exertion of the horse, of being
thrown over his head: if they are too long, he is in
an equally aukward predicament; for having then
no assisting support, but the internal part of the
knees, they must, if the horse is a rough goer, be
soon in a state of laceration. The proper length of
the stirrup-leathers, for either field or road, is so
as to be able, when sitting firm upon the saddle, to
disengage the foot from the stirrup with one action
of drawing back, and to receive it again with the
reverse. In racing, the stirrups are required a degree
shorter; as it is by the joint and corresponding
support of the knees, and the strength of the arms
and shoulders, that the horse is held to his stroke.
.—This is a sporting term upon the
TURF, and used in matches, plates,
and sweepstakes,
to denote or imply what weight each horse is to
carry; that is, so many STONE, so many
POUNDS.
Every stone is fourteen pounds, and this is called
"horseman's weight," in contra-distinction to a
common stone, of eight pounds, by which meat,
and other articles in trade, are sold.
.—The stoat is a most mischievous little
animal, very much resembling the weasel, and at a
small distance, when running, not to be readily
distinguished from each other. They abound near
large farms surrounded with corn-ricks and faggot-piles,
under each of which they ensure to a certainty
never-failing protection. This diminutive
pest, though but from two to three inches in
heighth, (ten inches long, the tail half the length of
its body, disgustingly hairy, and pointed with
black, the edges of the ears and the toes both of a
cream-coloured white,) is a most indefatigable, determined,
and destructive enemy to GAME in all its
forms, and POULTRY in all its branches.
{377}
—is a disorder to which young
horses in general are always liable, and few or none
escape, any more than children escape the small-pox,
hooping-cough, or measles. It first displays
itself in a heaviness of the head, a dulness of the
eyes, a reluctance to action, a heat in the mouth,
and a gradually declining appetite: this is followed
by a swelling in the concavity beneath the under
jaw, which being centrical, is sometimes surrounded
by two or three tumefactions of smaller formation.
These, in their progress to maturation, are frequently
slow, and require patient perseverance in
external application; for in all cases of suppuration,
NATURE may be led,
but will never be driven.
During the time the matter is forming, and progressively
getting into a state of concoction, an internal
soreness of the throat correspondingly comes on,
and is followed by an almost or total refusal of
food. When it is ascertained that STRANGLES is the
true face of the disorder, care must be taken to
avoid bleeding, and every kind of medical evacuants,
which would tend to embarrass Nature in her
own efforts, and protract the crisis of disease; upon
which the very safety of the horse, and his expeditious
cure, entirely depend.
The strangles is a disorder standing in much
greater need of nursing, and constant stable attendance,
than the least medical interposition: the
system requires to be kept up by art, and every
nutritious attention in proportion as the appetite
has been observed to decline. In its earliest stage,
no attempt whatever should be made at repulsion,
(by external astringents, or any spirituous application
whatever;) on the contrary, hot emollient fomentations
to the part, (with two sponges dipt in
the decoction alternately for a quarter of an hour
daily,) followed directly with stimulative poultices
of a proper heat, repeated and patient offers of gruel
and sweet-wort, mixed a little warm in a pail perfectly
clean, and free from grease. Small quantities
of mash (prepared of ground malt and bran,
equal parts) should, at proper intervals, be placed
in the manger: these and the gruel being constantly
refused, the case will then require the additional
adoption of a pectoral cordial ball, to be dissolved
in a pint of gruel, and mildly insinuated about a
third part with the horn at each time, till the whole
is got down; and this should be repeated three times
in every twenty-four hours, till the tumor is broke,
and the crisis arrives; when which is observed, if
the aperture is too small, it may be a little enlarged
with the point of any instrument, that the matter
may the more easily run off. To promote this, the
poultice, covering a pledget of digestive ointment,
should be continued for two or three days, when a
cure is soon effected. Two or three doses of physic,
or a course of alteratives, is always necessary after
this disease.
{379}
—is a temporary suppression of
urine in horses, brought on more by the indiscretion
of their riders or drivers, than any morbid affection,
or constitutional defect in the horse. It
may proceed from a spasmodic stricture upon the
sphincter, or the neck of the bladder, occasioned
by a too long retention of urine; in continuing an
immoderate length of time on the road, or in the
field, during which the distrest animal has no opportunity
to stale; as well as from a slight inflammation,
or tendency to tumefaction, in the kidnies;
likewise from calculous concretions in the bladder,
jaggy particles of which may irritate, and painfully
plug up the urinary passages. Some horses feel
great pain when labouring under the suppression,
which, when judiciously managed, seldom proves
more than a temporary inconvenience. Instantaneous
bleeding will sometimes, by unloading the
vessels, take off the stricture, and produce instantaneous
effect. If the horse is perpetually straining
to stale, evacuating only a few drops, or partial
dribblings, two or three cloves of a separated onion,
or divided garlic, may be insinuated, and left
within each side of the sheath; in addition to which,
a large sponge, dipt in very warm water, and repeatedly
applied to the neighbouring parts, will assist;
those local applications proving salutary and
expeditious substitutes for the more tedious process
of medicine internally administered. In cases of
long continuance, and increasing emergency, more
commanding means must be adopted; of which
DIURETIC BALLS, with a drachm of camphire, and a
few grains of opium incorporated with each, and periodically
repeated, will be found to answer the
most sanguine expectation.
.—This defect in a horse is a
kind of spasmodic jerk, or sudden twitching of one
or other of the hind-legs in action, and has been,
in different opinions, attributed to various causes,
and probably by none to the right; as there is no
one disorder, disease, defect, or imperfection, to
which the horse is liable, upon the origin, progress,
or cure of which so little has been introduced. It
is conjecturally said by some "to be brought on
by sudden colds, after severe riding or hard labour,
particularly by washing a horse when hot with cold
water; a practice too common, and erroneously ridiculous;
and that it may also be produced by
blows or bruises near the hock." All this may
be well upon the score of speculative amusement,
but it forms no feature of scientific disquisition.
The string-halt, from its appearance, must palpably
originate in a previous distortion of some part of
the ligamentary junction; or a preternatural contraction,
(or partial rupture,) of its muscular appendages;
in either or both of which, no regular
road to relief can be adverted to without a much
greater probability of repentant trouble and mortifying
disappointment.
{381}
.—A horse is said to have sustained
this injury, when in hunting amongst the stumps
of newly cut coverts and underwood, he is punctured,
cut, or bruised, in any part of the foot,
coronet, or fetlock, by some of the infinity of stubs
with which newly cut copses so plentifully abound.
When accidents of this kind happen, the applications
must depend entirely upon the magnitude of
the injury received. In all slight cases, amounting
to little more than simple laceration, Friar's balsam,
tincture of myrrh, or even common vinegar, may
soon close the mouths of the vessels, harden the surface,
and effect a cure. Where swelling and inflammation
ensue, poultices must follow; and
WOUNDS must of course be treated as such.
Although misfortunes may frequently occur, and cannot,
even by the most circumspect, be always
avoided, yet it is certain, more horses are stubbed
by the folly and indiscretion of those who ride
them, than by any casual or inevitable occurrences
of the chase.
—is a term applicable to three distinct
meanings, and is so used in its different significations.
A stud, in its more extended acceptation,
applies to an aggregate collection of horses, without
giving priority to any particular sort; as the person
having a great number of horses, is said to have a
very large stud; but the term, in its divided and
sub-divided state, proves more extensively comprehensive.
One is in possession of a very expensive
RACING STUD; another has a numerous
STUD of
HUNTERS; and a third, still more opulent, or still
more fashionable, shall have a BREEDING STUD, to
produce an annual supply for the two preceding.
The management of each individually, is now so
perfectly understood, by those perpetually engaged
in the practice, that no information can be derived
from literary or theoretic inculcation.
—is the hereditary deposit of
PEDIGREE,
transmitted from one generation to another,
and punctually preserved by the proprietor of
every RACING STUD of eminence in the kingdom;
in which may be retraced the exact lineal descent of
each HORSE and MARE,
from the earliest time in which
racing blood began to bear a promise of estimation.
From a most industrious and elaborate accumulative
collection of these, Mr. Weatherby has given to the
public, a full, clear, explanatory and well-authenticated
pedigree of between four and five thousand
of the best bred horses who have raced and covered
in England, Scotland, and Ireland. This publication
bears the title of "Weatherby's General
Stud-Book;" and must, to every sportsman of taste
and literature, prove a most useful and entertaining
volume.
—is so great an imperfection in
a horse, that it affects his intrinsic worth, in proportion
to the readiness with which it is perceived.
Horses having short forehands, large heads, and
thick shoulders, are the most subject to this defect
of any other formation: those low at the point of
the withers, (which is called being lower before than
behind,) in addition to the deficiencies already mentioned,
are the worst of stumblers; the whole forming
such a combination of bad points, as not to leave
one enlivening hope of reformation. A horse addicted
to stumbling, occasions so many dreadful sensations
to the rider, that he may almost as well encounter
so many shocks of electricity. Those who
unluckily get into possession of such, cannot separate
too soon. The old sportsman never rides a
stumbler more than once, which he thinks once too
often.
—is a term getting into disuse,
and with the last of the old school of farriery will in
a few years be buried in total oblivion: this it well
deserves to be, as a word without either meaning or
derivation. Insignificant as it sounds, it has been,
till within a very few years, used to signify a hoof so
battered, bruised, and worn, with bad shoeing, bad
shoes, and sometimes with no shoes at all, that the
horse, having hardly any feet to stand upon, was
then said to be surbated; which, in more explanatory
and comprehensive language, is neither more
or less than the sole of the foot so completely destroyed,
(by the means before-mentioned,) that a
horse in such situation is now said to be foot-foundered,
who was formerly said to be surbated.
.—In respect to the disease in horses
so called, it seems, with most veterinary writers of
the preceding and present time, to be an almost indefinite
or undefined term. It is not only differently
described, but attributed to various causes; without
the superfluous investigation of which, it is only
necessary to observe, that it is the effect of acrimonious
morbidity in the blood, possessing gradational
shades of progress, in a corresponding degree
with what is denominated scurvy in the frame of the
human species. In the first stage of what is professionally
deemed SURFEIT, the horse's coat partially
stares, and is in some parts nearly erect: under the
raised parts is perceived a kind of blue dusty hue,
which, not counteracted by medical means, or an
increase of good healthy provender, soon degenerates
to a palpable scurf; this continuing to extend
itself over the surface, so hardens by time, that each
becomes a pustule or eschar, which afterwards exfoliating,
leaves alternate appearances of the bare
skin and hair, somewhat similar to an advanced stage
of the mange, to which species of disease it is, in
fact, no very distant relation. Its progress to inveteracy
is not the same in all subjects, as it will
continue its ravages with fixed scales, or dry barky
scabs, in some, but will emit a sharp serous ichor
from others.
{385}
This discharge is generally of such a sharp and
acrid property, that the violent itching it occasions,
keeps the poor object in a state of incessant misery;
for when the disorder is far advanced, the time is so
constantly appropriated to the indispensible office of
rubbing, (for the attainment of temporary relief,)
that very little is afforded to the purpose of subsistence,
should pasture be furnished in plenty;
which, with such unfortunate and unprofitable subjects,
is very rarely the case. The first step to cure,
is to alter and enrich the property of the blood, by
altering the aliment to a more nutritious and invigorating
kind than it was before. In a week or ten
days, when the frame is in a perceptible degree improved,
a first bleeding may take place, followed
by such antimonial alteratives, as may be found best
adapted to the complexion of the case. Many instances
there are, where, from long standing, and
great malignancy, mercurial solutions, or vitriolic
lotions, become so indispensibly necessary, that a
cure cannot be perfectly insured without. When
the system is in a certain degree restored, and visibly
rising superior to the depredating effects of disease,
bleeding may be repeated, and antimonial powders
in mashes nightly administered, till indications of
certain recovery appear, when a course of mild
mercurial physic should be proceeded upon, that
no doubt of obliteration may be entertained.
{386}
—is a peculiar court, appertaining
solely to the LAWS of a forest,
and held three
times within the year. In this court the Verderers
preside in the official capacity of Judges; for
although the Warden, or his deputy, may take their
seats in the court, they have no judicial authority
there. The court of Swainmote may enquire of
offences, receive informations, and proceed to conviction;
but judgment is not within the limits of
this court; their province extends no farther than
to hear and convict; judgment cannot be given but
from the judgment-seat, where the Justice in
Eyre
presides as chief officer; and all associated with him,
are called Justices of the Forest. This court being
a Court of Record,
can fine and imprison for offences
within the forest; and therefore if the judgment
is conceived erroneous, the record may be removed
by writ of error into the Court of King's
Bench.
—is the transpiration of perspirative
matter through the skin by the effect of an increased
circulation of the blood. This, in a moderate degree,
is so conducive to the promotion of HEALTH,
that those horses who regularly enjoy exercise to a
proper state of perspiration, occasionally, and at
proper times, are always in the highest condition;
provided they are taken care of in proportion to the
exercise each has had, or the work he has undergone.
By the appearance of a horse in a high perspiration,
immediate judgment may be formed of
the property of his blood; and in a collateral degree,
of the state of his health; for when a horse in good
condition is under a profuse perspiration, the sweat
is so congenially incorporated with the coat, (particularly
if the horse is well bred,) that the hair lays
so uniformly one way, that if the sun happens to
shine, it seems a covering of satin: on the contrary,
when a horse, after equal (or, in fact, much less)
exertion, bears a greasy kind of perspiration upon
the surface, with the coat turning in different directions,
bearing a gross matted appearance, and of a
faint fœtid effluvia, the blood is in an improper
state, and the horse in very bad condition. Sweating
a horse in the stable, by the administration of
medicine, is a practice, the propriety of which has
not hitherto been clearly ascertained; at least not
perfectly demonstrated upon the true principles of
science, uncontaminated by the obtrusive aid of deceptive
speculation. See "Tartar Emetic."
—is a sporting
ceremony with training-grooms, to which, in their
opinion, no small probable consequence is attached;
as is fully confirmed by the invariable punctuality
with which it is performed. The two reasons assigned
for the necessity of this operation, is to preserve
the WIND in its proper state of purity,
and to prevent
a superfluous and improper accumulation of FLESH.
Horses in training are (in strict conformity with
this intent) sweated at certain periods, or intervals,
of six, seven or eight days each; which are brought
nearer to, or delayed farther from each other, by
the increasing or reduced state of the subject so to
be sweated. The ceremony is performed in the
morning, soon after the dawn of day, under the ancient
superstitious opinion, that the AIR is then more
pure than at any other part of the twenty-four hours;
and with those whose department it is to execute the
office, as much imaginary consequence appertains
to it, as to making up the most important national
dispatches at the principal office of Administration.
The horse intended to be sweated, is previously
loaded with a profusion of sheets, quarter-pieces,
and horse-cloths; the number and weight judiciously
proportioned to the quantity of perspirative
matter it is intended he should lose: when all which
is completely fixed in the stable, he is then brought
to the exercise ground, with a light or feather weight
upon his back, where, after having been walked
time sufficient to afford ample opportunities of unloading
the carcase by excrementitious evacuation,
he is permitted to start for a sweat of two, three,
four or five miles, according to his age, his strength,
his state of flesh, and the kind of race (in respect to
distance) he is in training for; as well as the sort of
course he is intended to run over. It is a most judicious
and confirmed rule in sweating, that the
horse is to begin at a very slow rate, and so continue
till he has covered half the ground he is to go,
when he should have his speed moderately increased
during the third quarter, so that his fourth should
be at a degree of speed very little short of his rate
in racing.
Having ran his ground, and pulled up, he is
walked in hand for a few minutes, to give time (in
the language of the turf) for the sweat to come out,
which, when the cloths are taken off, follows in copious
streams that the animal seems to enjoy. At
this moment two assistants are ready with each a thin
wooden instrument, called a scraper, made of oak
or ash, in shape resembling half the blade of a mowing
scythe, (narrowed at the ends for the convenience
of the hands,) with which they scrape the
sweat from the neck, back, sides, belly, and quarters,
so long as the least moisture is observed to appear;
the moment which ceases, the scrapers are exchanged
for wisps of soft straw, or separated hay-bands,
'till the body, and every part, is perfectly
clean and refreshed. He is then furnished with dry
sheets, hood, &c. brought to the ground for the
purpose; when being led home to the stable, he is
supplied with the necessary quantity of soft water, a
little warm, previous to undergoing a regular and
complete dressing, with greater nicety, than in the
open air: when this is systematically gone through,
he has a farther moderate supply of water, which is
most commonly (though there are occasional deviations)
followed by a warm and comfortable mash;
upon depositing which in the manger, and setting the
stable fair, the door is closed for a double period of
the usual hours for going to stable when a horse has
not been sweated; and although he undergoes the
afternoon and evening routine of being fed, set fair,
&c. he is neither stripped, or goes to exercise, any
more on that day.
—is a ceremony
which every JOCKEY is under the necessity of going
through when engaged to ride, and the horse is to
carry less than his own natural weight. For the reduction
of weight, jockies are obliged to encounter
great inconveniencies, particularly when they have
much to lose, and a very short time to lose it in.
The means of reducing themselves to the weight
required are various, and depend upon the greater
or lesser quantity they wish to lose in a given time,
and have to waste themselves accordingly. If they
have but two or three pounds to lose, they will waste
that in a single day's abstinence, and a morning and
evening's walking: should four or five pounds be
required, a gentle laxative, followed by two or
three days extra walking, with an additional waistcoat
or two, will generally carry the point: if more
is necessary to be lost, it is sometimes a hazardous
reduction, and great exertions are made to effect it:
additional purgation, continued abstinence, increased
perspiration, and almost perpetual exercise, all
which, if persevered in to an extreme, tend to undermine
the natural stamen by which the frame is
supported, and absolutely saps the constitution. Instances
have been numerous, where JOCKIES have
undertaken to waste fourteen or sixteen pounds
against the day of running; which having been at
no great distance, they have, in addition to the
evacuations already described, submitted their bodies
to the debilitating FUMES of a hot-bed; and what
is still more extraordinary, to be immersed in the
stench and steam of a
DUNGHILL to effect their purpose,
which so completely relaxed the solids, and
deranged the system of the natural economy, that
consumption followed, and DEATH
soon closed the scene.
.—See Legs Swelled,
Humours, and Grease.
,—of a
horse externally in good health, and without any
predominant symptoms of pain or disquietude, is
sometimes of little consequence; denoting no more
than a general plethora, or distension of the vessels,
which immediate bleeding, followed by gentle friction,
and moderate evacuants, may be expected to
remove: but if it makes its appearance at the crisis
of any inflammatory disorder, of either liver, lungs,
or kidnies, it may be considered a very unfavourable
prognostic, and the worst is yet to come;
though the writer has seen many cases of extreme
danger, where the patients have recovered by persevering
in the medical means which were previously
known to be right.
.—The swan, as the most majestic and
distinguished of all water fowl, is honoured with
royal protection: those who disturb their nests, destroy
their eggs, or injure, wound, or cripple the
swans, are liable to imprisonment for twelve months,
and a fine at the pleasure of the King. The corporate
body of the City of London, as CONSERVATORS
of the River Thames, have an annual aquatic
excursion to Staines, (which is the western extremity
of their boundaries,) in the most pleasant and
most plentiful season of the year, with colours flying,
music playing, and all the appropriate parapharnalia
of the first and most opulent city in the
universe. All the swans upon the Thames, within
their district, are under the protection of the Conservators;
and this display of civic grandeur is perpetuated
from one generation to another, by the
appellation of "Swan-hopping day."
{393}
T. — TAIL — TARTAR — TARTAR EMETIC — TEAL — TEETH — TENDONS — TERMS in SPORTING — TERRIER — THRUSHES — TIRING — TOBY — TOILS — TONGUE — TRACK — TRAIL, or TRAILING — TRAIN SCENTS — TRAINING — TRAMMELS — TRAMEL-NET — TRAVELLER — TREAD — TRESPASS — TRIAL — TRIPPING — TROTTING — TRUMPATOR — TUMOURS — TUNNEL-NET — TURF — TUSHES — TURNING-OUT
.—Upon the uniform shape and setting on
of a horse's tail, his good or ill appearance greatly
depends. When the spine is continued in a curvilinear
direction beyond the rump, and the basis of
the tail is formed too low in the quarters, the horse
is termed "goose-rumped;" and no nicking, or
setting, will ever give him the figure of a handsome
horse behind. It has been a long-standing maxim,
that "a good horse can't be of a bad colour;" and
there may probably be some who think a good
horse can't have a bad tail; but a little experience,
in buying and selling, will convince them, that the
difference between the two will be little less than
ten or fifteen pounds in a horse of no more than fifty
pounds value. Great losses are sometimes sustained
for want of a little circumspection at the moment of
making a purchase; and this may sometimes proceed
from the horse's having some peculiar points
of attraction, in the fascinating survey of which the
defects are totally absorbed; hence arises the pecuniary
deficiency when the subject becomes again to
be sold, particularly if to a more prudent and less
hasty purchaser. The old sportsman, when going
to buy, looks at the horse as if it was really his own,
and he was going to sell; in doing which, he estimates
his saleable value with an eye of greater accuracy,
makes a tolerably fair calculation what he
ought with consistency to bid, that he may sustain
no great loss, should he have future occasion to sell.
—was an excellent racer, and the
most celebrated stallion of his time. He was bred
by Mr. Leedes, foaled in 1743; was got by Partner,
out of Meliora, who was got by Fox, out of
Milkmaid. Tartar was sire of the famous King
Herod, Beaufremont, Miner, and Colonel O'Kelly's
mare the dam of Maria, Antiochus, Venus, Jupiter,
Mercury, Volunteer, &c. &c.
Tartar, called Wildman's Tartar, was a horse
of some note likewise; he was bred by Sir J.
Moore, foaled in 1758, and got by the above, out
of Miss Meredith, who was got by Cade out of the
little Hartley Mare.
—is one of the most powerful,
and, in respect to horses, one of the most
prostituted medicines in the whole MATERIA MEDICA:
its name here is only introduced, and its properties
described, that the SPORTING WORLD,
as well as individuals,
may be sufficiently guarded against its
dangerous effects, if injudiciously administered, or
secretly brought into use, by practitioners of little
knowledge, and less celebrity, who, knowing no
more of its preparation than its name, know less of
its effects than its preparation. With farriers or veterinarians
of this description, it is become a favourite
medicine upon so many occasions, that it
stands entitled to a fair, candid, and unequivocal
investigation. Emetic tartar, when administered
to the human frame, with a design of producing the
forcible effect of a strong emetic, has never, by
professional men, of the most learned, distinguished,
and experienced ability, exceeded six or seven; and
in truly critical cases of dangerous emergency, eight
grains may have been given. Ten grains have been
known to operate so violently as to excite convulsions;
twelve, to occasion DEATH.
Amidst such incontrovertible facts, it naturally
becomes a serious consideration, that men, knowing
nothing of the property of medicine, should
have the unrestrained privilege and permission of
bringing into use articles of so much dangerous
magnitude, not only without knowing their basis,
preparation, and peculiar properties, but without
the power of prognosticating their probable effects.
It is a circumstance worthy the attention of those
possessing a number of horses for either business or
pleasure, (who must consequently have some occasionally
labouring under disease,) how far it may be
safe, proper, consistent, or discreet, to give a horse
half an ounce of TARTAR EMETIC
at one dose, which,
according to the above ascertained facts, will, if
divided accurately into equal proportions, (and the
experiments made,) take away the lives of twenty
men. Those who have ignorantly adopted this
practice, as ignorantly and obstinately assert the
impossibility of its doing any harm; without either
not possessing the knowledge, or not giving themselves
time to recollect, that if seven or eight grains
will distress and exhaust the human frame, by every
kind of violent and sensible evacuation, to the appearance
of, and in some cases to actual death;
what must be the internally destructive ravages of
twenty (or thirty) times that quantity, thrown into
the frame of an animal, who, not having, like the
human species, power to regurgitate, or throw off
the offending consequence by vomit, has no alternative,
but to stand a comparative barrel of combustibles,
ready to burst with the effervescent conflagration
raised within, and which must, in a variety
of cases, be evidently productive of certain
death. But such practitioners have no character to
support, no reputation to lose; and they likewise
well know, that dead horses, any more than dead
men, tell no tales.
—is a well-known wild fowl, much
esteemed for the table. A teal is of the form, shape,
and make of the wild duck and widgeon, but a degree
smaller than the latter, which is equally so
from the former.
{397}
—are the arrangement of small bones
in the mouth of a horse, for the particular purpose
of mastication; and by which the AGE also
may be ascertained. (See Colt.) The teeth are
of a much harder texture than any other bones in
the body, which seems to have been necessary for
the execution of the office they are assigned by Nature.
A horse come to maturity, is in possession of
forty teeth, (including the tushes,) which are thus
distinguished: four-and-twenty of these are called
grinders, and situate on the sides of the upper and
lower jaws above the tushes, and are of no use in
discovering the age. With respect to the other sixteen,
twelve of them are called colt's teeth till upwards
of two years old, (when they begin to shed;)
and the remaining four are denominated tushes;
but they never make the least appearance till rising,
or full five years old. The twelve colt's teeth are
six in front above, and the same below; four of
these (that is, two above, and two below) exfoliate
annually, beginning at the middle two, and
continue shedding the neighbouring two in succession
for the next two years, till they are succeeded
by the entire new set in front, when the horse is five
years old.
These new teeth, upon their appearance, are
distinguished by different appellations: the first
four are called nippers; the next, middle teeth;
and the last, corner teeth. The four nippers are
the centrical four, (that is, two above, and two
below:) these he sheds when about two years and a
half old, varying a little in the time, according as
he may have been an early or a backward colt.
The middle teeth, as they are called, one on each
side the nippers above and below, exfoliate, and
are followed by others about the same time the following
year, when the colt is three and a half,
(called, rising four:) in this state the teeth continue
till the decline of the following year, when the
corner teeth are shed likewise, and it is then said,
he has lost all his colt's teeth: when the successors
to the corner teeth are full shelled on both sides,
the horse has then completed his fifth year. It is a
practice with DEALERS in general, so soon as they
have purchased a four year old in a country fair, to
immediately wrench out the corner teeth with a key,
or some other convenient instrument, that its successor
may have the credit of spontaneous appearance,
upon which the horse is sold to an inexperienced
purchaser as a FIVE YEAR OLD, though, in
reality, no more than four.
The horse having completed his fifth year, will
have a black cavity in every tooth above and below:
but the inner edge of the five year old tooth at the
corners, is not completely grown up till the last
half of the sixth year, as may be seen by a reference
to the Plate, Fig. 3; "Rising Six." When the
horse is about four or five months beyond his sixth
year, which is called six off, the black mark in the
centrical teeth fill up by degrees; those standing
next, fill up next in the same way; and in faint
succession one pair to the other, till, at the seventh
year, (when the horse is said to be aged,) the mark
is fairly retained in only the corner teeth, which
continues to decline during the year, and is generally
obliterated by the time the horse is eight years
old. The tushes begin to appear about four, or
between that and the fifth year; they display themselves
one above and one below, on each side, at a
little distance from the corner teeth, without having
been preceded by any colt's teeth in that spot since
they were foaled. After a horse is eight years old,
his age can only be guessed at by the length, and
worn edges, of his teeth; which may always be
nearly ascertained by any person a little accustomed
to the examination.
—are the elastic covering of the
muscles, composed of an infinity of fibres, which,
in their aggregate, form a substance of great
strength, and appropriate contraction and elongation,
for all the purposes of expansion and flexibility.
The tendons in a horse most liable to injury
and accident, are those passing down the shank-bone
of the fore-legs, from nearly the back of the knee,
to their seat of insertion at the fetlock joint, which
are in general known by the name of the back sinews.
These, and the accidents to which they are liable,
have been so fully treated on under the heads of
Lameness and Sprains,
that enlarging here would
only prove a repetition superfluous and unnecessary.
A wounded or punctured tendon, by
thorn, stub, stable-prong, or with any other instrument,
is always attended with excruciating pain,
and violent inflammation, producing the most dangerous
symptoms. In such cases it has been too
much the practice to have immediate recourse to
turpentine, and other spirituous applications, which
is only adding fuel to the FIRE,
and rendering the
remedy worse than the DISEASE.
Warm, mild fomentations,
emollient poultices, gentle digestives
upon lint covered with tow, and recourse to the
most judicious and experienced practitioner to be
obtained, constitute the only sound basis upon
which even hope of recovery can be entertained; as
most cases of the kind, if serious and severe, have
a very unfavourable termination; those few subjects
who seem completely restored, being ever after
incapable of any work of consequence, ranking
only as invalids.
—are, in general, the
same through every part of the kingdom; except
some few provincial deviations in distant districts,
remote from the centrical parts near the Metropolis.
When going out with hounds in the morning, and
reaching the place of meeting, we throw off (or cast
off) the hounds; we rouse a deer, unkennel a fox,
or start a hare. When a hound challenges who
can be relied upon, he has taken scent of a deer,
drag of a fox, or trail of a hare. If a hound
quests (that is, gives tongue) without a cause, he is
said to babble. After finding, if the scent lies well,
and the hounds run together, the scent is said to be
breast-high. When, during the chase, the hounds
(in consequence of bad, dry, or stormy weather)
are often at fault, and the huntsman is under the
necessity of adverting to whatever advantages and
assistance he can obtain, he has, perhaps, no other
alternative, than to avail himself of the track of
whatever GAME he has in pursuit; in either of
which chases, he slots a deer, he foots a fox, or he
pricks a hare.
It was formerly the custom to say a kennel of
hounds; of beagles a pack: it is now more usual to
call them indiscriminately a kennel of hounds,
when in the kennel; but all are equally called a
pack in the field. Of greyhounds, pointers, and
spaniels, when speaking of numbers, it is right to
say a brace, (for two;) a leash of greyhounds, a
brace and half of pointers and spaniels, (for three;)
and two brace of either, for four. When a deer,
during the chase, gets into the water, he is then
said to take soil: when so hard run, and so much
distrest, that he turns round, and faces the hounds,
he is then said to stand at bay. The head of the
fox, when killed, is called the front, (in some
parts, the scalp;) his feet, pads; and his tail, the
brush; which is the distinguishing trait of honour
for the day, that every fearless foxhunter rides for.
When the game leaves covert, it is said to have
gone away: when, in the heighth of the chase, the
game makes a short turn to the right or left, and
the hounds come to a fault, by having over-run the
scent, the game is then said to have headed: if that
is returned in a parallel line with the original chase,
it is called a double; and if it is brought again directly
into the old track, it is called running the
soil.
Hounds at the commencement of a season, after
so long a confinement and restraint, are inclined to
chase every thing they see, or scent from a pig to a
polecat, in all which cases they are said to run riot.
Hounds draw for a fox; they try for a hare. When
greyhounds are removed from one country to another,
they travel with collars; hounds in couples.
In shooting terms, we say, a brace of hares, a leash
of pheasants, and two brace of partridges; a brace
of snipes, a couple and half of woodcocks, and
two couple of rabbits.
.—The terrier may naturally be concluded
to have derived his name from the avidity
with which he takes the earth; particularly when
in pursuit of his own game, which is vermin of
every kind, without distinction. To the fox,
badger, polecat, weasel, rat, and even the poor
domestic cat, the terrier is a most implacable
enemy. For the purposes of BADGER BAITING, they
have, by the lower classes, been crossed, and bred
in and in with the bull-dog, which has enlarged the
produce of those crosses, and increased the natural
ferocity, as a greater stimulus to that particular
sport now so fashionable with the sons of the
cleaver, since the practice of BULL-BAITING has
been so happily upon the decline. The genuine
and lesser breed of terrier is employed in a business,
to which, by his size, his fortitude, persevering
strength, and invincible ardour, he seems more peculiarly
adapted, and may be most truly said "to
labour cheerfully in his vocation." This is, in his
subordinate attendance upon the chase, where, like
distinguished personages in a procession, though
last, he is not the least in consequence.
Terriers of even the best blood are now bred of
all colours; red, black, (with tan faces, flanks,
feet, and legs;) brindled sandy; some few, brown
pied, white pied, and pure white; as well as one
sort of each colour, rough and wire-haired; the
others, soft and smooth; and, what is rather extraordinary,
the latter not much deficient in courage
with the former; but the rough breed must be acknowledged
the most severe and invincible biter of
the two. Since fox-hunting is so deservedly and
universally popular in every county where it can
be enjoyed, these faithful little animals have become
so exceedingly fashionable, that few stables
of the independent are seen without them. Four
and five guineas is no great price for a handsome,
well-bred terrier; and a very short time since, seven
puppies were sold at the Running-horse livery-stables,
in Piccadilly, for one-and-twenty guineas;
and these, at this time, is as true a breed of the
small sort as any in England.
With every established pack of fox-hounds
there is seldom to be seen less than a brace of terriers;
and, for the best of reasons, one is generally
larger and stronger than the other; in a small earth,
where one cannot enter, the other may. With the
hounds, in endeavouring to find, as well as during
the chase, their exertions are incessant and indefatigable;
and although the fleet pack shall be carrying
the scent breast high at the top of their speed, these
instinctive devotees to the sport are seldom far behind
them. When a fox is run to earth, it is the
province of the terrier to follow, and lay at him;
as, by the baying of one at the other, the ear will
soon be informed, whether the fox lays deep, or
near the surface; and those who are employed in
digging him out, will be enabled and encouraged
to proceed accordingly. In fidelity, sagacity,
courage, as well as the most incredible endurance
of fatigue and hunger, they are inferior to no one
particular tribe of the canine species.
{405}
—are defects in the centrical part
of the frogs, which having, by neglect, been permitted
to get into a rotten and decayed state, they
ooze from the middle a most offensive acrid ichor;
and this, unless it is properly cleansed and counteracted,
will continue to corrode the parts underneath,
till the foundation of the frog is totally destroyed.
It has been, and still is, too much the
practice with the ignorant and illiterate, to oppose
the efforts of Nature, instead of rendering her judicious
and necessary assistance. Vitriolic solutions,
VERDIGREASE, and ALUM,
are the favourite
infallibles with the common farrier, the coachman,
and the groom; but to those of more comprehensive
minds, and complying dispositions, perfect
cleansings, with sponge and water, followed by simple
white wine vinegar, and compound tincture of
myrrh, will be found sufficient, if properly persevered in.
is so bad a quality in any horse, in
fact, a circumstance so little likely to occur, that,
when it does happen, (unless by some improper,
cruel, or immoderate riding,) indisposition, or latent
internal defect, may be naturally looked to as
the particular cause. In all cases of this kind,
bleeding, a cordial ball, a malt mash, and a little
nursing, seem the only means most likely to promote
a speedy restoration of strength and spirits.
{406}
—was a horse of much recent celebrity as
a RACER, and has since covered as a
STALLION in
some estimation. He was bred by Mr. Bullock;
was got by Highflyer, dam by Matchem. In 1789,
when three years old, he won 100 guineas at Newmarket,
200 guineas at Epsom, and 1100 guineas
at York, beating six others. In 1790, he beat
Euphrosyne across the flat at Newmarket for 500
guineas. The next Meeting he beat Sir W. Aston's
Marcia, the same Course, 200 guineas. In 1791,
he did not start. In 1792, Craven Meeting, Newmarket,
he again beat Euphrosyne the two year old
course, 200 guineas. The next day but one, he
won the great Oatlands Stakes of 100 guineas, fifty-six
subscribers, half forfeit; beating Coriander,
Asparagus, Eager, Precipitate, Stride,
Highlander,
Buzzard, Rhadamanthus, Vermin, Turnip-Top,
and nine others. The next Meeting he received
75 guineas forfeit from Alderman, and 50 guineas
from Exciseman; at the expiration of which season
he was withdrawn from the turf, and advertized as
a stallion, to cover racing mares gratis, and others
at two guineas, and half a crown.
.—Park nets, of great strength and magnitude,
are so called. They are used in taking
deer alive, for removal from one park to another;
or from his Majesty's parks to the hunting paddocks
at Swinley Lodge, in Windsor Forest, for
the purposes of the chase.
{407}
.—The tongue of a horse is sometimes
lacerated by the bit of the bridle being too narrow
in the mouth-piece; as also by the frequent petulant
jerks of the rider. These, which are slight in the
first instance, are occasionally repeated, till they become
perfect cadaverous ulcers, with a slough (similar
to a sitfast) in the middle of each. In cases of
this description, the tongue should be held on one
side, while the part is daily touched with a strong
solution of borax in water, till the slough is fallen off;
when it may be soon cured with equal parts of honey
and tincture of myrrh, well incorporated with each other.
—is the term used to imply the footmark
of either man or beast; but, in the language
of the field, it admits of some deviations. We
track a man, a horse, an ox, or an ass; we slot a
deer; we foot a fox; and we prick a hare.
,—appertains solely to
HARE HUNTING; by which, in general, the hare is
found and started from her form. Soon after hounds
are thrown off, some one or more are quickly observed
to give tongue; this the old and best hounds
immediately attend to, and instantly join, which is
called taking trail: but whether such trail arises
from perspirative particles adhering to the line of
her works during the night from her feet only, or
whether it is produced from the lungs by transpiration,
and only partially exhaled, is a matter that
has never yet been satisfactorily ascertained. See
Scent.
When it was the custom formerly to take the
field so soon as the horsemen could see to ride, trail
was the sure and certain means by which the hare
was found: in a few minutes after the hounds were
thrown off, a general clamour of trail ensued, and
the inexpressible gratification of seeing all the clue
of her night-work unravelled to a view, was sport
much superior to a bad chase. Trail is of much
less import now, when harriers (at least, in the centrical
part of the kingdom) are seldom known to
take the field before ten or eleven o'clock in the
day, when the very slight and partial remains of
trail can be but of small avail: the sole reliance now
principally depends upon drawing over the ground
most likely, according to the season, with the chance
of having a hare found sitting, or the greater probability
of her jumping up before them. The paltry
custom of field money for hares found sitting, has
very considerably warped the judgment from the
sporting-like practice of finding the hare by trailing
up to her; for the huntsman and whipper-in having
caught the pecuniary infection, are poking and prying
in every bush, in a hope and eager expectation
of obtaining a few shillings, instead of attending to
their hounds.
{409}
,—formerly so called, but
now more frequently termed drags, are means by
which young hounds may be first entered with old
hounds; a body of hounds exercised upon heaths or
commons, soon after dawn of day in the summer
season: or bets may be decided upon the speed of
either HOUNDS or HORSES,
by means of such drag or
train scent. They are of different kinds, and very
few hounds will refuse to hunt them: when the scent
lies well, the wind is still, and the atmosphere free
from variation by storms or rain, they will carry
it breast high. The skin of hare or fox, newly killed;
a slice of bacon, and a red herring firmly
united; or either, plentifully impregnated with oil
of aniseed; will lead hounds in full cry across any
country over which the drag is directed.
.—The process of training horses
for the TURF was formerly plain, simple, open, and
free from mystery or ambiguity. Circumstances,
however, are so altered, and fashions have so changed,
that a training-stable exceeds in secrecy the inmost
recesses of his Majesty's Councils, upon which
the prosperity and peace of so great a nation entirely
depend. A training-stable is, in the opinion of
those who conduct them, the very summit of earthly
dignity and imaginary consequence. The "insolence
of office," so emphatically alluded to by our
immortal bard, cannot with justice be better applied
than to this immaculate mart of integrity, this delectable
haven of sublime and unsullied perfection.
Those noblemen and gentlemen whose opulence and
liberality command respect, are entitled to insure
it; but it is frequently and publicly seen upon the
common race course, that they are gratefully treated
by their own pampered and subordinate harpies,
with the most consummate confidence, and upon
many occasions (if their own judgments are opposed,
or opinions thwarted) with the most contemptuous indifference.
Thus it is even with the great and independent,
who have no sooner relinquished their
horses to the superintendance of others, than they
have resigned their free agency also; and it becomes
almost a crime to offer an opinion, or to ask a question:
the etiquette of professional secresy must by
no means be assailed; and it is only as matter of favour,
that a man can get a sight of his own horse,
or obtain authentic information of the real state of
his condition: if the owner (unless he is of the family)
presumes to obtrude a question, he will not
be so likely to receive an unequivocal answer, as
one of the most deminutive stable-boys.
The morality and aggregate of virtues so peculiarly
appertaining to the profession, being placed
in the back-ground of the picture; admitting in
this, as in all others, that there are men of strict honor,
and unsullied integrity, who do not deviate
from the path of rectitude in private transactions;
yet the broad road of temptation is a dangerous
track, and very few there are who are able to withstand
it. It is a long-standing maxim, that "those who
play at bowls must expect rubs:" so those who make
the embarkation, must abide the consequence.
Certain it is, that the business (or rather art) of
TRAINING, was never before brought to its present
pitch of perfection; but the expence is (with the
collaterals attendant upon it) so enormous, that nothing
but an immensity of wealth can stand against
it. Training has of late years undergone many
changes, and much refinement; but in none more
than the early age at which COLTS
and FILLIES are
brought to the post. Very far within the knowledge
of the present generation, no colt was ever
taken in hand till he was three years old to be made
quiet for breaking; and he was never thought capable
of being brought to the post for a racing contest,
previous to some part of his fifth year. On the
contrary, many are now taken in hand at eighteen
months old; some few run a short match before
they have attained the second year; more run when
rising three: and plates, subscriptions, and sweepstakes,
are common for three year olds from one
extremity of the kingdom to the other.
This constantly increasing and invincible thirst
for racing popularity, by which so many of the
finest horses are crippled before they come to their
prime, has constituted such a sterility, or drawback,
upon the usual supplies for the chase, that the value
of even common hunting horses has increased beyond
all former example. The present system of
training is considered so truly scientific, that one
general jealousy is known to prevail amongst its
professors of every denomination: the same secresy
which pervades one establishment, is, by the spirit
of emulation, (or infection,) communicated to every
other; and the hour that stimulates one stable lad
to action, regulates the rest in every training-stable
through the kingdom. The serjeant or corporal's
guard in the best disciplined military garrison of his
Majesty's dominions, cannot be more precise, more
critically exact to time, than the training lads are
to stable hours. At the first dawn of day, every
somniferous sensation is shaken off, and each is in
his stable by the time he has day-light sufficient to
brush over his horse: this done, and the quantity
of corn he is allowed consumed, the ceremony of
exercise is proceeded upon, where his walking,
galloping before and after water, take place, in time
and distance, according to the age, state of flesh,
and his condition; all which are nicely attended to,
and his work proceeded upon in proportion. At
his return, the dressings, leg rubbing, and every
minute part of stable discipline, is regulated to a
degree of admiration; when which is completed,
the feeding over, and the stable set fair, silence
prevails; the door is closed, and firmly secured;
the horse being left free from every thing that can
possibly afford disturbance; and this as much before
six in the morning, as it can be accomplished according
to the season of the year. A short ceremony
of the same kind takes place about three
hours after. Twelve at
NOON, regular brushing
over, feeding, and setting all fair, again take place;
being then once more close locked till FOUR,
when the first ceremony of the morning, air, exercise,
and water, are again repeated; the regular routine
succeeds in the stable, which is closed as near to the
hour of six as possible. When the perpetual prompter
announces the hour of eight, it is the signal for
racking up: this neatly and expeditiously performed,
an early hour of rest is the invariable rule, that all
parties may be the better enabled to enter upon the
business of the morning.
Such is the diurnal ceremony of training; varying
the length and speed of the morning gallops by
the flesh, wind, substance and condition of the
horse; with such intervening Sweats (which see)
as circumstances may justify, or render necessary;
in all which, training grooms of the best judgment,
and most industrious observation, are liable to err.
Horses are seen to train on, others to train off; or,
in plainer terms, some horses have great speed at
three and four years old, who never make a display
of any after; and many have made no promise in
the first or second year of their running, who afterwards
became most capital racers. As a recent
instance of this, reference may be made to "Sir
Solomon," which see. No small degree of penetration
is necessary to ascertain when a horse is
trained the nearest to the utmost point of his
SPEED;
most horses are over trained, and are, of course,
the likeliest to be beaten, or lamed, whenever they
are brought into competition with a powerful opponent;
who, by having been less trained, is more
above his work; or, in other words, better adapted
to difficulty, and a severe struggle for victory,
should it happen to ensue.
—are a collection of side and cross-lines,
having leather loops at the ends, with which
horses are trammelled for the operations of nicking,
docking, cropping, &c.
—is a long and large net for
taking birds by night with lights; a practice occasionally
enjoyed by the lower class of rustics on a
winter evening.
—has been a name of so much
celebrity upon the TURF, that it cannot with propriety
be omitted. Old Traveller was a winner of
a great many plates, and afterwards proved himself
a stallion of much estimation: he was the sire of
Squirrel, Dainty Davy, the dam of Morwick Ball,
&c. &c. He was bred by Mr. Osbaldeston,
foaled in 1735, got by Partner, dam by Almanzor,
who was got by Darley's Arabian.
{415}
Young Traveller was bred by Mr. Coatsworth,
foaled in 1746, got by Old Traveller,
dam by Bartlet's Childers. The last Traveller was
bred by Mr. Hutchinson, foaled in 1785, and got
by Highflyer, dam by Henricus, who was got by
Black and all Black. In 1789, when four years old,
he beat a son of Orpheus over New Malton, one mile
and a half, for 100 guineas. Two days after, he
won a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each over Malton,
beating four others. The next day he won a 50l.
Plate, beating three others. At York he won the
Stand Plate of 50l. beating Cavendish, Spangle,
and a son of Orpheus. In the August York Meeting
he won the City Plate of 50l. added to a subscription
purse, beating Gustavus, and six others.
He was then purchased by His Royal Highness the
Prince of Wales; and in the Houghton Meeting at
Newmarket, beat the Duke of Bedford's Grey
Diomed over the Beacon Course for 500 guineas.
In 1790, Craven Meeting, Newmarket, he
walked over the Duke's Course for a subscription of
50 guineas each, eight Subscribers, half forfeit.
Second Spring Meeting, he beat Lord Grosvenor's
Meteor, over the Beacon Course, 500 guineas.
Newmarket first Spring Meeting, 1791, he received
400 guineas forfeit from Meteor, with whom he was
matched for 1000 guineas over the Beacon. After
which he was travelled long journies to the North,
where meeting the most celebrated horses fresh upon
their own training-ground, he was repeatedly beat,
but ran handsome. In 1792, first Spring Meeting,
he received 100 guineas forfeit from Cavendish, and
was withdrawn from the turf.
—is an injury sustained by one foot
upon the other. See Over-reach.
,—in its sporting signification, appertains
only to such trespasses as may be committed
in the pursuit of, or the attempt to, kill game.
It has been decided by law, and is upon record,
that a person, though qualified, cannot come upon
another man's ground to kill game, without being
liable to an action of trespass for so doing: and an
unqualified person for trespassing, shall pay full
costs: but if he is legally qualified to kill game,
and the damage shall be found under 40s. he shall
in such case pay no more COSTS than damages.
.—It is a common and prudent custom
with those engaged upon the turf, to ascertain as near
as possible, some tolerable idea of the probable future
speed of their COLTS and
FILLIES, before they put
themselves to the expence of general training, or
too confidently presume to become SUBSCRIBERS to
large stakes, without at least a promising prospect
of adequate qualifications. To acquire information
so absolutely necessary for the regulation of
future proceedings, there is only one sure and certain
criterion (admitting of no alternative) upon
which reliance can be made to avoid deception.
This is to obtain a confidential trial against some
horse whose superiority upon the turf is established,
and who has given ample and repeated proofs of his
powers in public. Such trial obtained, a proper
opinion may then be formed, how far it will be
prudent and profitable to continue the horse so
tried in training, or discontinue the intent of his
appearance altogether.
Trials between horses of superior qualifications,
preparatory to their being engaged in matches or
stakes of magnitude, are always considered matters
of great consideration, and for which the most serious
preparations are made. Upon the issue of such
trials, engagements are sometimes entered into, upon
the termination of which, many thousands eventually
depend. It is therefore matter of indispensible
necessity, they should not only be run with
the most energetic opposition, but that the superiority
in speed should be fully and clearly ascertained.
Trials of this description are always conduced
with the utmost secresy; for the better preservation
of which, they generally take place at the
very dawn of day, so soon as the lads can see to
ride with safety; and these trials are considered of
so much consequence at Newmarket, that if any
feeder, rider, groom, stable-lad, or any other person
concerned, is known to discover the result, or
shall be detected in watching trials himself, or procuring
other persons so to do, he is dismissed the
service of his master with every stigma of disgrace,
and rendered incapable of being again employed by
a Member of the Jockey Club in any capacity
whatever. See Jockey Club.
. A horse who goes near to the
ground, is always subject to tripping against every
little prominence or projection that happens to lie
in his way. Many well-bred horses, exceedingly
dull and indolent in a walk, overcome with ease all
those trifling impediments, when put into a more
enlivening and emulative action. This imperfection
always displays itself most in slow paces, which
is one predominant reason why a DEALER is invariably
anxious to let his horse, when shewn out, be
seen in a trot or a gallop. Horses excellent in their
fast paces, are sometimes bad walkers; but instances
are very rare, where a good walker is deficient in
superior qualifications. It is a remark justified
by long and attentive observation, that most thorough-bred
horses are sluggish stumbling walkers;
they are therefore almost proverbially considered
dull and dangerous roadsters.
—is one of the natural paces of a
horse, which, in respect to speed, is wonderfully to
be improved by constant practice; and it being a
favourite pace with almost every horse of common
description for the purposes of the road, they are observed
to enjoy it, in proportion as they excel their
companions or opponents, seemingly conscious of
their own improvements. The qualifying points for
a good trotter, are by no means precisely the same
as those requisite to form a speedy and successful
racer: the action in trotting greatly depends upon
the bend of the knee, and the pliability of the joint
above, and the joint below: racing is regulated by
the geometrical expansion of the limbs, more materially
dependent upon the shoulder, which is the
perceptible fulcrum from whence the velocity of the
animal is known to proceed.
Although trotting is admitted one of the natural
paces of a horse, yet it will admit of great improvement,
by the persevering exertions of art. It is a
long-standing remark, that "a butcher always rides
a trotter;" and why is it? because they invariably
make them so: they in general ride them no other
pace: they all know they have the credit of "making
trotters," and they are incessantly alive to the
preservation of their professional reputation. That
horses may be taught, by time and patience, to exceed
their original trotting, two or three miles an
hour, is as certain, as that blood horses exceed
their former speed a full distance in four miles by
training. It is within the memory of many, that
fourteen miles within an hour was thought excellent
trotting, and fifteen was considered a wonderful
performance, all which is long since buried in oblivion,
by the almost incredible exploits of the last
few years.
Famous trotters have undoubtedly been produced
from different parts of the kingdom; but
Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Norfolk, are
said to have exceeded all others in their proportion;
and this may probably with justice be attributed to
those famous trotting stallions, "Old Shields,"
"Useful Cub," and "Hue and Cry," who principally
covered that scope of country. The celebrated
trotter Archer was descended from Old Shields; he
was a remarkably strong horse, master of fifteen
stone, and the fastest trotting horse of his time; but
was cruelly destroyed, by being inhumanly matched
to trot upon the road sixteen miles within the hour
in the midst of a very severe frost: the poor persevering
animal performed it in less than fifty five
minutes; but the violent concussions sustained by
the body, and the battering upon the feet by the
dreadfully hard state of the road, produced symptoms
which soon put a period to his existence.
A brown mare, the last proprietor of whom was
Mr. Bishop, trotted upon the Epsom road, sixteen
miles in fifty-eight minutes and a half, carrying
twelve stone; and it was then said to have been the
first time that distance had ever been trotted within
the hour. In 1791, being eighteen years old, she
trotted on the Essex road, sixteen miles in fifty-eight
minutes and some seconds, beating a famous
trotter of Mr. Green's for fifty pounds; and it was
the opinion of the sporting parties concerned, that
she would have trotted thirty miles within two
hours; a distance which was actually trotted in two
hours and ten minutes, by the celebrated chesnut
mare of Mr. Ogden's. A grey mare, called the
Locksmith's, trotted seventy-two miles in six hours.
In 1793, a grey mare, of Mr. Crocket's, trotted
one hundred miles in twelve hours, and had twenty
minutes to spare. A five year old, son of young
Pretender, (who was got by Hue and Cry,)
trotted in Lincolnshire, sixteen miles in fifty-nine
minutes, carrying fifteen stone.
In April, 1792, a bay gelding, called Spider,
and an old chesnut gelding, called Cartwright,
near thirty years old, trotted thirty-two miles in two
hours between Stilton and Cambridge. Spider
trotted the first twenty-four miles in one hour
twenty-eight minutes and a half, and the old horse
the remainder. It was supposed they could have
trotted thirty-four miles within the time agreed on.
In 1797, Mr. Dyson made a bet of 100 guineas with
Mr. Fagg, that he would produce a mare which
should trot upon the road between Cambridge and
Huntingdon seventeen miles within the hour: the
experiment was made on the 7th of August in that
year, and the mare lost by one minute and four seconds
only. On the 13th of June, 1799, a trotting
match was decided over Sunbury Common,
between Mr. Dixon's brown gelding and Mr.
Bishop's grey gelding, carrying twelve stone each,
which was won by the former, having trotted the
eight miles in twenty-seven minutes and ten seconds.
Extraordinary as these performances have been, no
less entitled to recital, is a bet made by Mr. Stevens,
which was decided on the 5th of October,
1796, that he would produce a pair of horses, his
own property, that should trot in a tandem from
Windsor to Hampton Court, a distance of sixteen
miles, within the hour: notwithstanding the cross
country road, and great number of turnings, they
performed it with ease in fifty-seven minutes and
thirteen seconds.
,—the name of a horse whose
performances on the turf insured him infinite opportunities
of acquiring additional celebrity as a
STALLION, which he has now supported for twelve
years, and is announced for the present season,
1803, at Clermont Lodge, near Brandon, Norfolk,
at eight guineas each mare, and half a guinea
the groom. Trumpator was bred by Lord Clermont,
foaled in 1782; got by Conductor, out of
Brunette, who was got by Squirrel. The first of
his get started in 1790, at two years old, and were
both winners, under the names of Black Deuce, and
Young Peggy. In 1791, Trumpetta appeared at
only two years old, and won 200 guineas, and
100 guineas, at Newmarket; and Young Peggy, then
three years old, won seven stakes and matches at
Newmarket. In 1792, Trumpetta, then three years
old, won five prizes at Newmarket. Rally, only
two years old, won 100 guineas and 50l. at the same
place. This year appeared also Gipsey, Misenus,
and a chesnut colt, the winners of six stakes at Newmarket.
In 1793, nine of his get started, who
were the winners of twenty plates, matches and
sweepstakes. In 1794, Aimator, Paynator, Repeator,
and four others, were the winners of twenty-one
prizes, when his reputation as a stallion became
firmly established.
In 1795 appeared ten winners of twenty-two
prizes, amongst whom were Ploughator, Oateater,
and Trumpeter; the first and last of which were then
only two years old. In 1796, thirteen of his produce
started, and were the winners of thirty-eight
plates, matches, and sweepstakes. Of these, Aimator
won 500 guineas, 400 guineas, and 100 guineas,
at Newmarket. Didelot, the Prince's stakes, 100
guineas, six subscribers; and the Derby stakes of
50 guineas each, half forfeit, when eleven started;
the rest paid. Hornpipe won five times at Newmarket,
Epsom, Brighton, and Lewes. Paynator
won 50l. 100 guineas, the first class and main of
the Oatlands Stakes at Newmarket. Repeator, seven
plates, matches, and stakes, at Newmarket,
Ipswich, Brighton, and Lewes. Spinetta won 200
guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket. Spoliator
won the King's Plate at Ipswich; 50l., 200 guineas,
and 100 guineas, at Newmarket. True Blue, 80
guineas at Epsom, and 50l. at Ludlow. Trumpeter,
three fifties, and 100 guineas, at Newmarket.
In 1797, ten of his get started, and were winners
of sixteen prizes. In 1798, fifteen appeared,
and were the winners of twenty-nine. In 1799,
eighteen of his get started, and were winners of
thirty three; amongst whom Chippenham, then three
years old, won 400 guineas, and 300 guineas, at
Newmarket. Sorcerer, three years old, 100 guineas
at Newmarket. Spoliator won six stakes and
matches, all at Newmarket! and Trumpeter won
three at Newmarket, and one at Lewes. In 1800,
nine started, who were the winners of twenty-five.
Sorcerer, then four years old, won 100 guineas,
150 guineas, 50l., 200 guineas, and the October
Oatlands, at Newmarket, and the King's Plate at
Ipswich. Thais, only two years old, won 400
guineas at Brighton, 60 guineas at Egham, and
100 guineas at Newmarket; and Tuneful, only three
years old, won twice at Newmarket, and twice at
Canterbury. In 1801 he seemed to have attained
the zenith of celebrity; thirteen of his produce
were the winners of forty-three plates, matches,
and sweepstakes. Sorcerer won six at Newmarket,
50l. at Oxford, the King's Plate at Burford, and
70 guineas at Lewes. Chippenham won six at
Newmarket, and 50l. at Shrewsbury. Penelope
only three years old, won five at Newmarket, and
the King's Plate at Ipswich. Rebel won 90 guineas
at Bibury, two fifties at the same place, and the
Petworth Stakes at Brighton. In 1802, twelve
were the winners of forty-one prizes of different
descriptions, of which Edgar won nine; Orange
Flower, eight; Chippenham, five; Rebel, four;
Pacificator, three; and the remainder two each;
under which repetition of success, through so great
a variety of channels, the blood of his progeny bids
fair to stand in no unfavourable degree of estimation.
—are preternatural enlargements in
any part of the body or extremities of a horse, occasioned
by external injuries, or arising from internal
causes, requiring different modes of treatment,
according to appearances, or the means by
which they have been produced. Swellings proceeding
from blows, bruises, and other accidents,
are, in general, merely temporary, and submit to
such cool repellents, and mild astringents, as are
usually applied upon such occasions; but not submitting
in a few days, a formation of matter may be
suspected, and should expeditiously be promoted;
for which purpose, fomentations, poultices, and
patience, are the only aids required. See "Abcess,"
and "Strangles."
—is a net for the taking of partridges
by night, and principally in use with
poachers only for that purpose. This net is never
less than fifteen feet in length, and about twenty
inches deep; and is made with two wings; so that
when they are extended, and fixed to the ground by
the stakes prepared for the business, the net forms
an angle, with the tunnel or flue in the middle.
The covey of birds having been watched at the
time of calling together in the evening, and known
to be in the field, when the proper hour arrives,
(which is seldom before eleven or twelve at night,)
the net being previously and properly adjusted, a
horse is employed in the process, led in hand by
the principal of the firm, who has so nice an ear to
the chuckle of the partridges in running, that he is
very seldom foiled in his intent of securing the
whole in his net; and it is by this wholesale mode
of destruction, that even the most plentiful districts
are sometimes suddenly cleared.
.—The turf, when used in a sporting
sense, is intended to imply whatever appertains
solely to the pleasure of HORSE-RACING, without
any collateral signification whatever; custom having
established three concise terms, by which the
distinct sports may be fully comprehended, and the
intentional meaning perfectly understood. The
"SOD" is known to be fully expressive of cocking;
the "FIELD," of hunting;
and the "TURF," of
racing; these being the admitted technical terms of
the sporting world, to which none else make the
least pretensions. The emulative and inspiring pleasures
of the turf, like the ecstatic enjoyment of the
chase, are too great in their temptation and attractions
for the spirited part of mankind to resist. Replete
as it is with that great variety which tends to
diffuse a genial glow of conscious gratification in
every countenance, bespeaking a sense of inexpressible
happiness in those who engage in it as spectators
only, how much is it to be regretted, that the
speed and spirited endeavours of the most beautiful
animal in the creation should be prostituted to the
worst of purposes!
It can require no trumpet of fame to establish a
fact so universally known, that the TURF, with the
nocturnal amusement of hazard, (which invariably
follows it,) have, in conjunction, destroyed (or
rather alienated) more PROPERTY, in the last fifty
years, than all the hurricanes within the same given
time, from one extremity of the kingdom to the
other. Numbers there are at this moment in
existence, who formerly possessed their numerous
studs, their landed estates, their magnificent mansions,
with all the comforts, all the elegant gratifications
of life, some of whom are to be found in
prisons; others pining in obscurity, severely
wounded, even in spirit, by the barbed arrow of
adversity; and a third part (by far the most numerous)
living upon the liberality and hospitality of
their kind and commiserating friends. But that so
deep and desponding a shade may not cast too great
a gloom over the picture for want of contrast, let the
eye turn to an imaginary view of those likewise living,
who, during the last thirty years of the fifty already
alluded to, have risen from the very lowest classes of
society, to a degree of opulence beyond every moderate
conception; when a few moments of retrospection
may serve to convince the ruminative observer,
that, however largely the ARTS and
SCIENCES may
be admitted to have improved, they bear no proportion
to the pecuniary improvements of the arts
either upon the turf or at the gaming table. No
man of unsullied honour, and strict integrity, can
become successful, for any length of time, amidst
a horde of determined depredators; experience having
fully proved, that the most princely fortune
cannot sustain itself against the stratagems of such
villainous combinations.
The TURF, in respect to its pleasures,
pursued with prudence, and entered into with moderation, by those
whose immense property will admit of its support,
is certainly one of the most noble, exhilarating,
and amusing gratifications in the long catalogue of
human enjoyments; but, unfortunately, there is
the same insatiate infection in ambition as in wealth,
and neither one, more than the other, are ever to be
satisfied. From this inordinate thirst of fame, this
furor of fashion, this excess of inconsideracy, has
recently arisen RACING STUDS of such rapacious
enormity, that they have reduced to a degraded
state of necessity, many of the most opulent and
most dignified individuals in his Majesty's dominions;
to whom it must prove, upon the downy
pillow of repentant reflection, a most mortifying
retrospection, that, notwithstanding the thousands
upon thousands ingulphed within the vortex of the
TURF, there has been hardly an instance in which
they have been enabled to become the guardians of
their own honour, the protectors of their own property,
or barely thought worthy of being entrusted
with the secrets of their own stables; for the subordinates
in a training establishment have their cards
to play as well as their superiors; and having skill
enough, in the language of Tony Lumpkin in the
comedy, "to manage their own affairs by the rule
of thumb," they do not omit to recollect the ancient
axiom, that self-preservation is the first or most
predominant law in nature.
The noblemen and gentlemen of the Jockey
Club at Newmarket, have adopted every means,
that superior wisdom could possibly devise, to restrain
villainy, and reward integrity: but so long
as human depravity shall have power to retain a
seat within the heart; so long as the secret betting
emoluments of the subordinates may be more increased
by deceptively opposing, than by promoting
the interest of their EMPLOYERS; so long as a pail
of water, a nauseating ball, or half a peck of corn,
can be privately administered in the night, or a
horse rode on the wrong side of the post by day;
no man existing (however dignified his station,
however benevolent his heart, however expanded
his mind, and liberal his hand) must expect to see
the TURF rise from its late public and well-known
degradation, to a state of the so-much-wished-for
perfection.
.—The teeth so called in a horse, are
the two above, and the two below, standing single
behind the corner teeth of both the upper and the
under jaw: these seldom make their appearance till
the horse is four years old off, and attain their full
growth at six. If these are examined when the
horse is of that age, the inside will be found flat,
with two grooves or channels running down to the
gum; but when the horse is a few years older, those
two are reduced to one; and soon after he has
reached his twelfth year, even that is obliterated,
leaving no other remaining certainty respecting age
by the mouth. External appearances are, however,
so numerous, by which a tolerable opinion may be
formed, that good judges are seldom at a loss to
decide with some degree of precision.
—is of two kinds; one called
a summer's, the other, a winter's run; a description
of which, with their expected and probable effects,
will be found under the heads Grass
and Soiling.
V. — VENOMOUS BITES — VENERY, BEASTS of — VERDERER — VERMIN — VERT — VERTUMNUS — VETERINARY COLLEGE — VICE — VIPER, BITE of — VISCIDITY of the BLOOD — VIVES — VIXEN — VOLUNTEER — VOMITING
—are sometimes sustained
by horses and dogs; and become the more
perplexing, in consequence of not knowing from
whence the injury proceeds. Vipers, slow-worms,
efts, horse-stingers, hornets, and wasps, seem to be
nearly the whole tribe from which bites (or stings)
of this description are received. The effect of either
is much the same, as to inflammation, pain,
and tension; but that the symptoms are not equally
severe, being gradational in their degrees of violence,
according to the individual by which the
wound is inflicted. Of these the viper is by much
the worst; for the vesicle in which the poisonous
particles are contained, being seated upon the gum
close to the insertion of the tooth, in the very act
of biting, the vesicle is broken, and the venomous
fluid at the same moment communicated to the
wound. This is followed by excruciating pain, increasing
inflammation, and various violent symptoms,
in either man or beast. By way of immediate
relief, bleeding is first premised, to unload the
vessels, and take off the increasing stricture from
the part: this, followed by an early application of
the oil of vipers, is said to be infallible. Repeated
experiments have proved the finest olive oil to be
equally efficacious. The others, however painful
at first, soon submit to repeated bathings with the
strongest white wine vinegar, or a weak solution of
sugar of lead.
,—are little heard or
spoken of, but in the code of FOREST LAWS originally
framed for the preservation of vert and
venison. Beasts of venery (alias, beasts of forest)
are the hart, hare, hind, boar, and wolf.
—is a judicial officer of the King's
Forest, elected (under his Majesty's writ) by a majority
of votes in a convened county court of the
shire in which the forest is; and there sworn before
the sheriff, to keep and maintain the assizes and
laws of the forest; and also to review, receive, and
enrol, all the attachments and presentments of all
manner of trespasses of the forest in respect to vert
and venison.
The official department of a Verderer bears great
similitude to that of a coroner, and in this particular
respect; that as a coroner, upon the notice of a
sudden or accidental death, (if attended with circumstances
to render the inquisition necessary,) is to
take a personal view of the body, and to make inquiry,
upon the joint oaths of twelve men, how
and by what means the person came by his or her
death, and who and what was the occasion thereof;
so it is the official duty of the Verderer to look after
and view the beasts of the forest; for any of those
being found hurt, wounded, or slain, upon notice
given to the Verderer, he is to take a view of the
same, and to cause a jury of twelve men to be
summoned from the surrounding district, that an
inquisition may be made to discover (if possible)
how and by whom the said beast was hurt, wounded,
or killed. The office of the Verderer at the Court
of Attachments, is to sit there to see, hear and
examine the attachments of the forest, both in vert
and in venison, and to receive the same of the subordinate
officers, or those who may attend to present
them there, and then to enter them into their
own rolls. See Forest Laws.
—is a term of very extensive signification,
including a long list of noxious animals,
some of which contribute largely to the sports of
the field. The principal vermin of this country
consist of the fox, the badger, the martern, the
pole-cat, the weasel, the stoat, the rat, and the
mouse; of which a description of all the former
will be found under their distinct heads.
{434}
—is a term in the Forest Laws, meant to
include every plant growing within a forest or its
purlieus, bearing a green leaf, and of sufficient
magnitude to hide or cover a deer beneath its
branches; but it must be understood to signify such
plants as are either trees, woods, bushes, or underwood;
not descending to inferior shrubs, passing
under the denomination of plants, but affording
no cover. By vert is therefore implied those trees
of growth and size sufficient to be entitled conjunctively
to the appellation of covert; as well underwood,
as great woods; and overt-vert is all
sorts of high trees, as nether-vert includes every
kind of underwood.
—was a horse of some racing
celebrity; and there is reason to believe he would
have been held in equal estimation with his cotemporaries
as a stallion, if he had enjoyed the run of
fashion in his favour. He was bred by the late
Colonel O'Kelly; foaled in 1775; got by
Eclipse, dam by Sweeper, out of an old Tartar
mare, the dam of Mercury and Volunteer. Vertumnus
got many tolerable runners as country plate
horses; but his merits as a stallion were never
known, till a circumstance occurred at a period of
life when it was generally considered too late to
bring his powers experimentally into action. Baronet
was got by Vertumnus, dam by Snap, out of an own
sister to Nabob. He was foaled in 1785; bred by Sir
W. Vavasour, and by him sold to his Royal Highness
the Prince of Wales, who brought him forward
from obscurity, at six years old, to start at Ascot
Heath for the great Oatlands Stakes of 100 guineas
each, half forfeit, two miles, forty-one subscribers,
for which nineteen started, (forming one of the
richest and most striking spectacles ever seen upon
the turf,) and was won by Baronet; beating Express,
Chanticleer, Escape, Coriander,
Toby, Skylark,
Precipitate, Minos, Pipator, Euphrosyne,
Competitor, Microscope, Crazy,
Turnip-Top, Buzzard,
Lambinos, and Vermin, who were concluded
the best horses in the kingdom. The sums betted
were immense, which were sported in the following
proportions. Three to one against Vermin; seven
to one against Precipitate; eight to one against
Buzzard; nine to one against Chanticleer; twenty
to one against Baronet; and one hundred to three
against Express, who was second. Vermin, who
was then the best three year old in the kingdom,
and carried only five stone, three pounds, was
universally expected to win easy; but the diminutive
juvenile who rode him, was so hemmed
in, and completely surrounded, by the rest at
starting, that those horses keeping their strokes,
and going well together, (or what is sportingly
termed all in a hustle,) they never afforded him
the least chance of extrication.
{436}
.—The Veterinary
College is a national establishment for the general
improvement of farriery, situate at Camden
Town, in the parish of St. Pancras, at the northern
extremity of the Metropolis; and derived its origin
and institution from the following circumstance. In
January, 1789, issued from the press, a Treatise
upon Farriery, in an octavo volume, under the
title of "The Gentleman's Stable Directory," by
the present Writer; the popularity of which occasioned
it to pass through seven editions in the first
twelve months, which number has since been
exactly doubled. In the course of the work, it
was repeatedly regretted, that, amidst the infinity
of improvements for which the English were so remarkable,
the system of farriery should still remain
in its original state of barbarism. In a few months
after which, advertisements appeared in the different
prints, under sanction of the "Odiham Agriculture Society,"
proposing a public subscription
for sending a certain number of lads annually to
France to study farriery, (now called the veterinary
science.) The Author of the Stable Directory,
who was then preparing his second volume for the
press, availed himself of the opportunity to congratulate
the promoters of so laudable an undertaking;
at the same time obliquely observing, he
was concerned to see France was to have the reputation
of doing that for us, which we could not do
for ourselves.
{437}
Whether it was from the force of this admonition,
or the effect of chance, is not material; the
scene within a period of two or three months was
totally changed. With a grant from Parliament,
aided by public contributions, and private subscriptions,
the College was erected, and instituted
in February; and their propositions, rules, and
regulations, published April the 8th, 1791: the
principal purport of which were as follows. The
establishment to consist of a President, ten Vice-Presidents,
twenty Directors, Treasurer, Professor,
and Secretary. The Society and School to be
called the Veterinary College, London. The
President, Vice-Presidents, ten of the Directors,
and the Treasurer, to be chosen every year by
ballot. The President, Vice-Presidents, and Directors,
to form the Council, in which shall be
lodged the whole executive power of the College;
subject to the controul of the members (that is, the
annual or perpetual subscribers) at large, at four
quarterly meetings. The Council to meet the first
Tuesday in every month; from which Council a
Committee was to be elected, and called the Permanent
Committee, who were to meet the remaining
Tuesdays in each month: this Committee were to
act with the authority of the Council, but subject
to its controul.
After various regulations respecting meetings of
council, committees, and members, it proceeded
to state the annual election of a Medical Experimental
Committee, and a Committee of Transaction.
The former to meet occasionally, for the
purpose of suggesting and trying experiments, with
a view to throw additional light on the animal œconomy,
and to discover the effects of medicines upon
different animals, to be procured for that particular
purpose; and this Committee, from time to time,
were to make reports of their proceedings to the
Council. The Committee of Transaction to be
charged with the selection, compilation and arrangement
of the matter for the annual volume of
transactions, and the preparation of a prefatory
discourse. This annual volume was promised to
each subscriber gratis, in page the eighth of their
original Prospectus, dated 1791; but how many
volumes have appeared in the twelve years is not
publicly known.
Of the SCHOOL,
there shall be a Professor of
Veterinary Medicine, who is to continue superintendant
of the whole. The Professor to be elected
at a general meeting, and to have the sole arrangement
and direction of the studies and occupations
of the pupils of the school, of their matter and order,
of the distribution of his lectures, of the number
and nature of the subjects required for dissection.
He shall likewise judge of the kind and
quality of the forage to be used in the infirmary;
of the regulation of the cattle therein, and of the
remedies to be employed. The Professor to have
a yearly income, or salary, to increase proportionally
with the revenue of the College; but not
to exceed a certain sum per annum. There shall be
a Clerk to assist the Professor in keeping his books,
and to follow his directions in entering and registering
all the concerns of the school, infirmary, laboratory,
and forge.
Rules respecting the
PUPILS were these: Any
person desirous of becoming a resident pupil, must
be able to read and write well. The preference
shall be given to such youths as shall have received
the elements of a good education, and more especially
to those who have some knowledge of surgery
and pharmacy. Such candidate not being under
the age of fifteen years, nor more than twenty-two,
must apply to the Secretary, and deliver a paper,
containing his name, age, and place of abode; and
the Secretary shall refer the same to the next meeting
of the Council or Permanent Committee. The
resident pupils to be appointed by the Council, and
to be taken as much as possible from different
counties, for the better and more expeditious dissemination
of the art. Each perpetual member
(that is, a subscriber of not less than twenty guineas)
to have the privilege of sending a pupil to attend
a complete course of study. A library shall
be annexed to the College, comprehending all such
works as may contribute to enlarge and improve
the veterinary science.
The studies for the pupils were divided into eight
courses; after having regularly and diligently gone
through all which practically, as well as theoretically,
they were then to undergo a public examination
in the theory and practice of every branch of
the veterinary art; and those considered as perfectly
qualified, were to receive a certificate, signed
by the Professor, and confirmed by the Council.
It was concluded at the publication of these original
propositions, that the term for completing the
education would not exceed three years, provided
the pupils were equally capable, assiduous, and
well-inclined. An INFIRMARY was to be opened
for the reception of diseased animals belonging to
the members of the College, at a fixed sum for their
livery or subsistence, during the time they remained
under cure. The annual subscription was originally
not less than two guineas; and not less than twenty
at one payment to become a perpetual member.
These, however, may probably, amidst the many
improvements made, have undergone various alterations.
It was at first supposed, from the great prospect
of general utility, and universal accommodation,
that the establishment would soon have been enabled
to support itself upon the basis of public contribution
and private subscriptions: this, however, did
not prove to be the case; for in the month of April,
1795, precisely four years after its institution, a
petition was presented to the House of Commons,
praying pecuniary assistance for its support; which,
from a consideration of its promised advantages,
was soon unanimously complied with, and a large
sum voted to its service. This was followed by an
additional parliamentary grant of 1520l. in June
1797, since which it has also received farther national
assistance. Whether the number of annual
subscribers declining, or the aggregate not being
adequate to the unavoidable expenditure of the establishment,
and occasioned pecuniary deficiencies,
it is not necessary to ascertain; evident it is, the
establishment has been productive of one great and
substantial service to the country, not more in respect
to the general reformation and improvement
of farriery, than in affording to the military cavalry
scientific practitioners, of which they so very
palpably stood in need.
Notwithstanding the advantages already resulting
to the public at large, time alone can demonstrate
what emoluments will be derived by the numerous
individuals who were encouraged, by specious appearances,
to embark in the undertaking: one thing
seems at present incontrovertibly certain, that of
those who have entered into the profession, the
greater part did so with an intention (since confirmed)
of becoming MASTERS immediately upon
obtaining a certificate, and quitting the College;
and hence it is we have a veterinary surgeon in
every street and lane of the Metropolis, with as
great a scarcity of expert journeymen as before the
institution took place. Experience and attentive
observation must have convinced every enlightened,
humane, and liberal sportsman, that the shoeing-smith
has a life of labour and drudgery, for which
he is the least paid, and the worst looked upon, of
any tradesman in the numerous catalogue of those
who have a subsistence to obtain by the sweat of the
brow.
That the science of shoeing, and system of farriery,
has seldom or ever been undertaken or practised
in this kingdom, but by men of the lowest
order, and without the advantage of education,
must be candidly and clearly admitted; the reason
must be equally striking, and can stand in little or
no need of elucidation. Are there any attractions
(as they are now paid or compensated) beyond
drudgery, degradation, and impending indigence?
Incessant labour during the early part of life, and
inevitable poverty in old age, have, for century
upon century, been the hard-earned lot of nineteen
out of every twenty shoeing-smiths from one extremity
of the kingdom to the other. Can it be expected
that those of much mental brilliancy, or
manual dexterity, will prostitute both, and descend
to so dangerous, so laborious, and so degrading
an occupation, without even a chance of adequate
compensation? These, it is to be presumed, are
very fairly inferred reasons why the practice has
always remained in a state of uncultivated sterility;
from which even now it appears not to be permanently
rescued; for, exclusive of the palpable inconveniencies,
and discouraging prospects, already
described, which, to a man of spirit and emulation,
are sufficiently disgusting, when he adverts to the
inferior rank he is in future destined to hold in the
scale of society, he becomes conscious of his own
insignificance; and, whatever education he may
possess, or whatever knowledge he may have attained,
he feels but little probability of being held
in a degree of public estimation superior to the
parochial scavenger or nightman.
Whether the refinement of a college education
may give a more sublime complexion of respectability
to the practice, and divest it of the distinguished
appellation of "horse-doctor," with its collateral
indignities, time alone must ascertain; it
becoming here applicable only to consider the state
and condition of those who have hitherto voluntarily
placed their children to so laborious, so hazardous,
and so unprofitable an employment. The poor
most probably feel equal parental affection with
the RICH,
and would consequently venture as far to
prevent their offspring from embarking in a service
of danger: thus, then, it evidently is, the eyes of
the most indigent, and the most illiterate, are equally
open, and require not to be told, that the trade is a
trade of constant labour, some danger, and little
profit: they, of course, reject it with contempt;
and it has been very weakly supplied even from the
confines of a cottage, or the walls of a workhouse.
If there can possibly remain "a doubt to hang a
loop upon," let a moment's reflection solve the
question, whether it can with consistency be conceived,
that any man, in moderate circumstances,
who had given his son a tolerable education, and
had merely a few hundreds to give him, at the hour
of his own dissolution, would ever, for one hour,
indulge the idea or intent of placing him to a
blacksmith? According to the principles and facts
already laid down, it is to be presumed, that a
circumstance so truly paradoxical and heterogeneous,
has not often occurred, and, from present appearances,
is not likely to be often repeated.
It is certainly a matter of general good, "most
devoutly to be wished," that the present exertions
to promote an improvement in the veterinary
science may be ultimately successful, and that it
may also tend rapidly to remove the paltry stigma
of disgrace hitherto annexed to the practice; but to
do this, more stimulative means must be attempted,
than those already adopted, which have held out
nothing but a flattering glare of emulation, without
the least prospect of additional reward. There
needs no "ghost from the grave" to demonstrate
an incontrovertible fact, that the more the mind becomes
expanded by the sublunary rays of intellectual
refinement, the less it is disposed to encounter
the subservience of drudgery, and the mortifying
sensations of partial indifference and public contempt;
from the influence of which impressive contemplation,
it becomes conclusive, that very few,
if any, who become proficients (at the College or
elsewhere) in the study of PHYSIC,
ANATOMY, and
the peculiar property of medicine, will ever condescend
to blend those qualifications so industriously
acquired with the act of shoeing, but consider themselves
in a degree superior to the leathern apron,
the vulcanian sledge, the massy anvil, and such inferior
offices annexed to the operative department,
as will, in all human probability, continue it in the
same state of predestined subordination.
However repugnant it may prove to the wishes
and laudable endeavours of those patriotic, opulent,
and distinguished characters, the President,
Vice-Presidents, and Directors, as well as the great
body of original subscribers to the establishment
and support of the Veterinary College; it now seems
unequivocally to appear, that one mode must be
ultimately adopted, to produce the so much-desired
stamp of success. When the practice of the
VETERINARY SURGEON
(or equestrian physician) and
operative farrier (or shoeing-smith) become as distinct
as the dignified diploma, and the pharmaceutic
drudge; when the different pursuits necessary to
the attainment of adequate scientific knowledge,
are completed by the parties whose abilities are
adapted to the departments they are intended to
fill; and when both are much more amply rewarded
than at present for their professional assistance;
then, and not till then, will the practice become an
object of sufficient attraction to men of genius, and
intellectual capacity, capable of rendering its improvement
matter of national utility; and general
gratification to the inhabitants of a country where
it has so long continued a subject of almost indelible
disgrace.
.—The imperfections so called in a horse,
are the distinguishing traits of an innate bad temper,
or a habit mischievously inclined: these are very
different from the little airs of skittishness, and
proofs of playful spirit, which are displayed by
many horses, when brought from confinement to
enjoy the comforts and healthy advantages of air
and exercise; or others who afford the same indications
of pleasure during the ceremony of dressing in
the stable. Horses naturally vicious and untractable,
seldom keep that propensity long concealed;
it generally begins to appear early, and in most
cases, with colts, even before they are taken in
hand to break. This tendency in some is soon obliterated
by gentle treatment, and frequent attentions
of tenderness; but with others it continues invincible,
and occasionally shews itself during the
whole period of their existence. Some are constantly
disposed to kick or bite in the stable, who
have no one imperfection without; on the contrary,
others, who are most incorrigibly restive and unruly
without, shall be incredibly calm and quiet within.
Opinions opposite to each other have always
prevailed upon the treatment necessary and proper
with horses of this description. That authority
must be enforced, fortitude exerted, patience persevered
in, and submission obtained, are all positions
too firmly admitted, and acquiesced in, to admit
of contrariety; but experience has fully demonstrated,
that great points are sometimes effected by
the salutary interposition of equanimity and moderation,
that never could be accomplished by the
frequently destructive gusts of inconsiderate passion
and unmanly violence. If a horse, disposed to be
restive, is addicted to running backwards, the best
and only remedy is to continue backing him (if
there is room for the experiment) till he becomes
completely averse to his own undertaking; or procuring
a person to come suddenly upon him behind,
during his retrograde motion, with a complete
flagellation from a cart or hunting whip, which
seldom or ever fails to set such a one running from
the effect of fear, and to produce a complete eradication.
Horses rearing up on end, so as to stand nearly
perpendicular upon their hind legs, is the most
dangerous of any description, even to the most judicious,
expert, and experienced horseman; who
has, in such aukward predicament, (particularly
when a horse most viciously repeats it,) no alternative,
but to slacken his reins, and lean his body
close to the neck, the better to expedite so critical
a preponderation. Horses inclined to run away,
from an impetuosity of temper, and an eagerness to
get forward, frequently alarm their riders, if they
are exceedingly irritable upon the score of timidity,
or terrified upon the principle of inexperience; but
sportsmen mostly prefer horses who require the
curb, to those who want a spur, well knowing the
utility of moderately dropping the hand, and indulging
the loose occasionally; as a dead pull at a
hard-mouthed run-away horse, is the sure means of
making him endeavour to continue his career the
longer.
—is that state
in which the blood is frequently known, when, by
a collapsion of the pores, (from some of those
causes which produce colds, coughs, and inflammatory
diseases,) it acquires a preternatural consistence
from the external repulsion of the perspirative
matter, which, thrown upon the circulation,
constitutes a siziness of the blood: this, by its retention,
becomes so viscid and adhesive, (or tough,)
that, when it has been drawn off by bleeding, and
set by two or three hours to cool, it is with difficulty
separated upon the surface, even with the
sharpest penknife. Horses having their blood in a
state too sizy and viscid for the perfect purposes of
secretion and health, soon display it in some way
or other: a heaviness of the head, a dulness of the
eyes, a lassitude of the body, a husky tendency to
cough, a rough harshness in the coat, a swelling of
the legs, or cracks in the heels, (particularly if it
happens in the winter season,) are some of the indications
by which it may be readily known, and
should be speedily counteracted. Unloading the
vessels, by twice bleeding, about ten days apart,
attenuating the crassamentum of the blood by mild
diuretics, and altering its property by a short course
of alterative powders, will prove all that is necessary
to promote and ensure condition.
—is a disorder so similar to the strangles,
that the leading symptoms (at the commencement
of the attack) are nearly the same; with this difference
only, that in the strangles the tumefactions
are centrically situate in the concavity of the under
jaw, just below the gullet; and in the vives, the
swellings are seated at the roots of the ears, descending
more or less towards the neck. These differ in
different subjects, as in some they do not suppurate;
but by warmth, and emollient unguents, applied
twice or thrice a day, are absorbed into the circulation,
and are then to be taken out of the habit by
a gentle course of mercurial physic; but where the
swelling and inflammation are evidently too great
for repulsion and absorption, suppuration must be
promoted by the means described, and the case
treated as will be found under the head Strangles.
.—A bitch fox, or a female cub, is so called.
—was a racer in high estimation,
and has long been a stallion of much repute. He
was bred by the late Colonel O'Kelly, foaled
in 1780; got by Eclipse, dam by Tartar; and is
own brother to Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Adonis,
and Queen Mab. He is the sire of many capital
racers, the most remarkable of which are the following.
In 1791, Portia, (the Duke of Bedford's,)
then three years old, won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas
each, six subscribers; 250 guineas forfeit from
five; both at Newmarket; the Oaks Stakes of
50 guineas each, thirty-eight subscribers, at Epsom;
and 200 guineas at Newmarket. Recruit, three
years old, won two fifties at Penrith. In 1792,
five of his get appeared with increasing reputation.
Nerissa, (Duke of Bedford's,) two years old, won
200 guineas at Newmarket. Scanderbeg, (Mr.
Fox's,) only two years old, won 200 guineas, 130
guineas, 100 guineas, 75 guineas, 100 guineas,
and 200 guineas, all at Newmarket. Hop-planter,
three years old, won 50l. at Epsom, 50l. at Guildford,
and 50l. at Stockbridge. Recruit won 50l. at
Stamford, 50l. at Grantham, 50l. at Worcester,
50l. at Penrith: and Fetters, (two years old,) 50
guineas at Newmarket.
In 1793 appeared Cælia, (Duke of Bedford's,)
who at three years won the Filly Stakes of 300 guineas,
1500 guineas, 50l. and 50 guineas, at Newmarket;
and the Oaks Stakes, of 50 guineas each,
thirty-seven subscribers, at Epsom. Nerissa won
400 guineas, 600 guineas, 250 guineas, and 100
guineas, at Newmarket. Scanderbeg won 800 guineas,
and 200 guineas, at Newmarket. Hillisberg
won 200 guineas at Newmarket. Hop-planter won
90 guineas, 180 guineas, and 50l. at Canterbury.
Hybla, 175 guineas at Litchfield. Isaline, 100
guineas; and Brimstone, 50l. both at Newmarket.
In 1794, the brother to Portia, then two years old,
won 135 guineas, 360 guineas, and the July Stakes
of 490 guineas, at Newmarket. Cockade won 100
guineas, and 100 guineas, at Newmarket. Jessica,
200 guineas at Ascot, and 50l. at Newmarket.
Cælia, the Fortescue Stakes of 90 guineas at Newmarket.
Stirling, 100 guineas at Ascot, and the
Magna Charta Stakes at Egham.
The merits of Volunteer, as a stallion, now became
so perceptible, that ten of his produce, in
1795, were repeatedly brought to the post: a three
year old of Mr. G. Bowes's won 50 guineas, 50
guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket. Bonny
Kate, two years old, 100 guineas also. Miller, 25
guineas at Epsom, 50l. and 20 guineas at Lambourn.
Hop-planter, 50l. at Newmarket, and the
King's 100 guineas at Guildford. Stirling won
50l. and the Jockey Club Plate, at Newmarket;
75 guineas at Epsom; and the King's Plate at Ipswich.
A colt of Mr. O'Kelly's, 50l. at Epsom, and
50l. at Northampton. Spread Eagle, 450 guineas,
and 500 guineas, at Newmarket; and the Derby
Stakes of 50 guineas each, 45 subscribers, at
Epsom.
In 1796, Miss Whip, at three years old, won
50l. at Ascot; 60 guineas, and 100 guineas, at Canterbury;
200 guineas, 100 guineas, and 100 guineas,
at Newmarket. Pepper-pot, the same age,
won 25 guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket;
76l. 5s. 0d. at Nottingham; 125 guineas, and 200
guineas, at Litchfield. Pleader, 50l. at Preston,
50l. at York, 50l. at Richmond, and the cup at
Northallerton. Miller, 50 guineas at Newmarket,
100 guineas, and 25 guineas, at Ascot, and 50l. at
Enfield. Hum, 100 guineas at Lambourn, and
25 guineas at Wantage. Spread Eagle, 450 guineas
at York. Recruit, 50 guineas, 50 guineas,
and 40 guineas, at Newmarket: and Stirling, 400
guineas, and 400 guineas, at Newmarket, and the
King's 100l. at Burford.
In 1797, a three year old of Lord Sackville's
won 50 guineas, 50 guineas, and 50 guineas, at
Newmarket, and 40 guineas at Lewes. Miss Whip,
100 guineas at Newmarket, 50l. at Ayr, and two
50's at Dumfries. Stirling, 300 guineas, 500 guineas,
and 400 guineas; and Pepper-pot, the Claret
Stakes of 600 guineas, at Newmarket.
In 1798, Commodore won 50l. and 50 guineas, at
Newmarket. Ironsides, 50l. and 100 guineas, at
Haverfordwest. Magic, (Lord Sackville's,) the
Petworth Stakes of 170 guineas at Brighton,
(beating Wrangler, Johnny, Bennington, Montezuma,
and Play or Pay;) 120 guineas at Lewes; the
King's Plate and 50l. at Canterbury. Split Pigeon,
800 guineas; and Spread Eagle, the King's 100
guineas; both at Newmarket.
In 1799, a three year old bay colt of Sir F.
Standish's won 85 guineas, 400 guineas, and 1800
guineas, at Newmarket. Split Pigeon, 50l. at Winchester,
50l. at Blandford, and 50l. at Taunton.
Rosalind, 50l. and 100 guineas, at Dumfries.
Magic, 240 guineas at Litchfield, and 50l. at Leicester.
Jemmy, 50l. at Ascot, and 30 guineas at
Abingdon. Commodore and Provisional, each 50
guineas at Newmarket.
In 1800, Brighton won 50l. at Lambourn. Eagle,
400 guineas at York. Rosalind, 1500 guineas,
and 300 guineas, at Ayr. Triumvir, 300 guineas,
and 250 guineas, at Newmarket: and Volonté, the
bowl at Salisbury.
In 1801, the brother to Recruit won 40 guineas
at Epsom; 50 guineas, and 20 guineas, at Newmarket.
Brighton, 50l. at Winchester, 50l. at
Blandford, and 50l. at Reading. Eagle, the Craven
Stakes of 110 guineas, and 200 guineas, at
Newmarket. Gaoler, 120 guineas at Stamford,
and 50 guineas at Newmarket: and Triumvir, 110
guineas at Canterbury; 15 guineas, and 25 guineas,
at Newmarket.
In 1802, Brighton won 50l. and 25 guineas, at
Ascot. Conscript, 50l. at Ayr. Eagle, 150 guineas,
at Newmarket. Fusileer, 50l. at Kingscote;
and Gaoler, 600 guineas, 100 guineas, 100 guineas,
and 42½ guineas, at Newmarket.
Volunteer, though now twenty-three years old, is
in good health, and covers at Cannons, near Edgware,
in Middlesex, at 10 guineas the mare, and
half a guinea the groom.
{455}
—is often a favourable relief to
the human frame, which advantage the horse does
not posses, in consequence of the peculiar construction
of the gullet. It therefore becomes a matter
of serious consideration, how far it may be proper
or prudent to administer to a horse, medicines
whose properties tend to excite a stimulus, and induce
the stomach to a regurgitation by vomit; an
operation which it is impossible can take place. See
Tartar Emetic.