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

Jardon

—is a term but little used in the present improved state of FARRIERY, and but little known, except to the few remaining practitioners of the old school, who are gradually becoming almost as obsolete as the word itself. A jardon was the name given to any callous enlargement on the outside of either hock, proceeding from blows, or by kicks from other horses; although they more frequently arise from sudden turns or twists in too short a compass, or being too violently thrown upon their haunches in the manege, or elsewhere. In slight affections, they are not always productive of pain or lameness; and if properly attended to upon their first appearance, are sometimes {2} reduced and obliterated without any future ill effect. Powerful repellents, and strengthening embrocations, are the most efficacious applications. Blistering first, and FIRING afterwards, have been the usual practice. It is, however, certain they are, in general, too hastily adopted. Daily fomentations of hot vinegar, followed by a strong embrocation of extract of Saturn, and camphorated spirits, might probably prevent the necessity for either.

JAUNDICE

.—The jaundice is a disorder to which quadrupeds are subject as well as the human species; and notwithstanding the difference in the formation of each, it originates in a similar cause with one as with the other. When HORSES are attacked with it, they are said to have the YELLOWS; which name it also goes by with farmers and country practitioners, when it is observed to make its appearance among what they term "the cow cattle." It proceeds from a partial and imperfect secretion, or temporary obstruction of the gall through the biliary duct, which being compulsively regurgitated, diffuses a tinge of its property through every part of the system, constituting the distinguishing appearance from which the disorder derives its name. When proceeding from this cause, and a proper mode of treatment is adopted in the earliest instance, but little trouble is known to follow, and a certain cure is soon obtained; but should tubercles {3} in, or a schirrosity of, the liver, or an induration of its collateral glandular parts, have proved the cause, more patience, time, and medical perseverance, will be required, before a perfect cure can be expected or obtained.

JAWS Knotted.

—Tumefactions under the jaws of horses, for want of a more technical or {7} scientific definition, gave rise to the sublime term of knotted jaws; which, however, tends to no distinction, or to any particular description; although tumors may be frequently found there of different kinds, produced by, or arising from, many different causes. Temporary tumefactions of the glands may originate in COLD, and sometimes as suddenly disappear upon a perfect recovery from the cause. Inflammatory tumors form these, as upon the attack of the STRANGLES, or from a foulness and viscidity of the blood; in either of which, relief can only be obtained by speedily promoting suppuration. Glandular tumors sometimes form these, become indurated and stationary, never producing pain or inconvenience during the life of the horse. Others, of a much more critical and dangerous description, make their appearance there also, and are the certain prognostic of FARCY GLANDERS. Some professional knowledge, and judicious discrimination, is absolutely necessary, to distinguish between one and the other in the first instance, the better to regulate (if necessary) the mode of treatment in the next. In all simple tumors arising from cold, local circumstances, or temporary inconvenience, hot fomentation daily, with a sponge or flannel dipt in a decoction of aromatic garden herbs, and afterwards kept in a state of equal temperature with a double flannel and hood, will be found to expedite obliteration, by promoting an early and plentiful discharge {8} from the nostrils. All swellings under the jaws which are painful upon pressure, indicate a tendency to suppuration, which cannot be too soon promoted by such stimulative poultices as may be thought most applicable to the purpose.

IMPOSTHUME

.—An imposthume is that kind of inflammatory enlargement, or swelling, which terminates in a formation of matter, produced by an effort of Nature to relieve herself from some offending morbidity under which she labours. Its progress will be found under the head Abscess, with which it is synonymous, and where the danger of attempting repulsion is fully explained.

IMPERFECTIONS

.—The term, so far as it is applied to horses, implies little more than what is to be seen under the different heads of Blemishes and Defects. A horse may be very found, handsome, and valuable, yet he may have imperfections not arising from, or originating in, blemishes; as well as not amounting to what is meant to be conveyed by the idea of defects. Imperfections may be considered as slight drawbacks upon excellence, which, although they do not very considerably reduce the intrinsic value of the horse, yet he would be much better without them; as warmth or violence of temper, when put into action with any other horse in company; shying or starting, either in meeting or passing a carriage; uneasy and restless in mounting {9} or dismounting; aukwardness in the gait of any particular leg, although it may not impede the velocity of action.

INJECTIONS

.—Many medical solutions and lotions are so called; though the word more properly applies only to such compositions as are prepared solely for the purpose of being conveyed by means of an instrument, called a long-necked syringe, (formed of either ivory or pewter,) into such remote cavities, or sinuses, as may be formed by accident, imposthume, or disease, in any part of the body.

INTERFERE

.—A horse was formerly said to interfere, when one fetlock-joint received an injury in action, by a cut or blow from the foot of the other leg. The term, however, is completely out of use; and a horse subject to this defect is now said to cut. See Cutting.

JOCKEY

.—This term, in its particular and most confined signification, implies the person who actually rides a horse for PLATE, MATCH, SUBSCRIPTION, SWEEPSTAKES, or any other PRIZE; but custom and provincial forms have been productive of local deviations. To say in one district, that any man is "a good jockey," means no more, than that he is a good HORSEMAN. In another, to say he is "quite A JOCKEY," is to communicate an idea, {10} that he is very little, if any, better than a swindler, and exceedingly well qualified to jockey any person with whom he has a trading transaction. Horse-dealers, till within the last half century, passed under the regular denomination of jockies in every market town and country fair in the kingdom; from which indefinite description they are now relieved by the kind intention of his Majesty's Ministers, who have since STAMPED them with a badge of professional dignity, and enjoined an annual pecuniary contribution for the distinction.

JOCKEY CLUB

—is a sporting establishment of the higher order, originally instituted, and still held, at Newmarket, composed of noblemen, gentlemen, and the most distinguished sporting characters in the kingdom, who are elected by ballot, for the better exclusion of such as may be thought improper persons to be admitted members of so honorable and eminent a society. The {12} Jockey Club, in their collective capacity, are considered the only supreme court to which any SPORTING APPEAL can be made; and their award or decision is abided by as final, whenever solicited. All transactions within the official departments of the Stewards, the Keeper of the Match Book, the Judge, and every subordinate, is regulated by a system of invariable punctuality, equal to the first offices in the State; in confirmation of which, the following are introduced as well worthy of being known and admired (for the equity of their adoption) in every part of the world.

JOCKEYSHIP

—is a term sometimes used in a metaphorical sense, alluding to the dealings of individuals, where one, by a superior degree of knowledge, cunning, artifice, or chicanery, obtains in a bargain considerable advantage over the other. Its principal signification, however, in its literal meaning, and frequent use, applies more particularly to the peculiar excellence, or personal ability, of JOCKIES, (alias riders,) whose sole avocation it is to train and ride horses for the different PLATES and PRIZES at Newmarket, and various other parts of the kingdom. This has always been held a systematic employment of GREAT TRUST, (but very little responsibility,) requiring considerable bodily strength, much personal fortitude, and cool intrepidity, constitutional taciturnity, and a kind of habitual insensibility in respect to passion, which should be studiously reduced to a degree of professional apathy, never to be roused into action by the occasional irritations of a designing opponent. The great and leading qualifications which constitute the predominant traits of distinguished JOCKEYSHIP, are to acquire a complete knowledge of the prevalent points, speed, temper, {26} mouth, and perfections or defects, of the horse before starting; to ascertain, as well as it can be accomplished, a tolerable idea, whether it will be most in his favor to insure the WHIP-HAND, or decline it; to take the lead, or leave it, and wait upon his adversary; whether to make play, depending upon BLOOD and BOTTOM, or to lay by, and rely upon speed: all these, and a variety of other contingencies dependent upon judgment, as well as a still longer list, which must ever be equally dependent upon the sole effect of CHANCE, (beyond the utmost extent of human efforts to counteract,) seem combined to render jockeyship a very arduous task, and equally precarious means of acquiring universal approbation and celebrity. For as it may be considered an impracticability to become always a WINNER, so, from the occasional discontent and disappointments of dissatisfied employers, a RIDER must frequently have reason to exclaim, (though silently,) "Vain his attempt who strives to please ye all."

JOHN BULL

,—the name of a horse of much celebrity both as a RACER and a STALLION; having been deemed, by the best judges, a horse of the greatest strength, and the most beautiful and corresponding symmetry, ever produced in this kingdom. He was bred by the late Lord Grosvenor; foaled in 1789; got by Fortitude, dam (Xantippe) by Eclipse; her dam (Grecian Princess) {27} by Williams's Forester, &c. &c. Monday, in the Craven Newmarket Meeting, 1792, when three years old, he won the great produce stakes of 200 guineas each, half forfeit, across the flat, 35 subscribers; beating Ormond, Hotspur, Whisky, St. Paul, Lucifer, and three others. At Epsom, in May the same year, he won the Derby Stakes of 50 guineas each, 32 subscribers; beating Speculator, Bustard, Lyricus, St. George, Whisky, and the Duke of Queensbury's colt by Pharasmond. Soon after which, sustaining an injury, he paid 300 guineas forfeit to Lord Foley's Vermin, and became a stallion, 1796, at 20 guineas a mare; covering the first year only a limited number (ten) except those of his owner. He is the sire of Admiral Nelson, Lady Bull, Alfred, Florist, Fortitude, Georgina, Muly Molech, Gazer, and Lady Katherine; and being now at the very zenith of prosperity, promises a progeny of as much celebrity as the best and most esteemed of his cotemporaries.

JOHNNY

—was the first horse of his year, and then esteemed the best in England. He was bred by Lord Clermont, and foaled in 1769; was got by Matchem, dam by Babraham, grand-dam by Partner, great grand-dam by Bloody Buttocks, great, great grand-dam by Greyhound, out of Brocklesby Betty.

JOHNNY

,—a horse of more recent date, and of a different blood, was the property of Mr. Durand, and proved a country plate horse of some celebrity. He was got by King Fergus, dam by Justice, and was foaled in 1794. At three years old he won a fifty pound plate at Alfriston, and two fifties at Egham. The year following he won 50l. at Ascot, beating Ploughator and Dispute. 50l. at Lewes, beating Greyhound and Outcast. 50l. at Canterbury, beating Doubtful, Ploughator, Quietus, and Ratafia. 50l. at Egham, beating Will, King John, Greyhound, Lord Egremont's Bugle, and three others. 50l. at Newmarket, beating Parisot, Sober Robin, Centinel, and High Eagle. In 1799 he won a Handicap Plate at Newmarket, beating Wrangler and Outcast. 50l. at Epsom. 50l. at Winchester. The Petworth Stakes (10 guineas each, seventeen subscribers) at Brighton; beating Bobtail, Lounger, Heart of Oak, Opposition, Speculator, and Wrangler. The Ladies Plate of 60 guineas at Lewes, beating Wrangler, Gohanna, Sparrowhawk, Magic, and Sir F. Poole's Brother to Waxy; and 50l. at Canterbury, beating Mr. Crosoer's Dairy Maid. In the following year, 1800, he started but once, which was at Epsom. It is supposed he sustained some injury, as he was then withdrawn from the turf.

JOINTS

.—The joints of horses are subject to rheumatic pains and affections, in some proportional {29} degree with those of the human species, and require professional judgment to discriminate between what are really so, and what may proceed from other causes. Strict attention, and accurate observation, have clearly ascertained and established the fact, that horses are frequently attacked with, and labour under, a CHRONIC RHEUMATISM, which is as frequently treated like, and mistaken for, a confirmed lameness, erroneously supposed to have originated in a very different cause. The joints, notwithstanding the peculiar strength of their formation, are also liable to, and susceptible of, very serious, alarming and permanent injuries, by short turns, and sudden twists, out of as well as within the stable; and it is readily to be believed, more of these are occasioned by carelessness, inadvertency, and the most shameful inattention of servants, than from any accidental causes whatever.

JOURNEY

.—Journeys are, from various motives, very differently undertaken, and by different degrees of people, according to their various situations, or peculiar avocations, as actuated by the state of their private concerns; whether influenced by a love of pleasure, the pursuit of novelty, prompted by business, or urged by necessity. Amidst which infinity of travellers, there are thousands, particularly in the metropolis, who know nothing of the management of the very valuable and useful companion, upon whose health and {30} safety the pleasure and success of the journey must principally depend. Horses, in general, are so cruelly treated, and so inconsiderately neglected by those who are entire strangers to the attentions they require, and the comforts they stand in need of, that a few general hints cannot be considered inapplicable; at least to such as wish to improve their judgment, and acquire knowledge, from practical experience.

ITCHING

.—Horses are sometimes observed to labor under a severe itching, or internal irritation, which keeps them in a kind of perpetual disquietude; biting such parts as they can get at with the mouth, and rubbing those more remote against such parts of the stall as are most convenient, by which the hair is frequently rubbed off, and the skin excoriated. {35} In cases of this description, the blood does not possess a proper or just equalization of the component parts indispensibly necessary to the standard of health. It mostly arises from a deficiency of crassamentum, or adhesive property of the blood, by which it becomes more or less impoverished, and abounds with a redundancy of SERUM; this, for want of its natural corrector, acquires ACRIMONY, and soon begins to display its mischievous power and tendency to cutaneous morbidity in the way described. Permitted to continue and increase, without salutary counteraction, it extends its progress from a simple itching, in the first instance, to scurfy eruptions, scaly exfoliations, or partial loss of hair; bearing the external appearance of surfeit, degenerating, by degrees, to inveterate MANGE, or confirmed FARCY. To prevent which, the system should be improved, and the circulation enlivened, by an invigoration of the frame: the property of the blood should be enriched by an ADDITION to the QUANTITY, and an ALTERATION in the QUALITY of the food. A great deal of substantial dressing should be adopted in the stable, and regular gentle exercise out; as a collateral aid to which, a course of ANTIMONIAL ALTERATIVE POWDERS should be brought into use, till every symptom of disquietude has disappeared.

JUGGED

—is a professional or technical term with the horse-dealing and stabularian fraternity; {36} and implies a horse's having tumefactions, indurated or inflammatory, under the jaws. But when used in a more serious and emphatic sense among themselves, it is to convey an idea, that the horse said to be jugged, is infected with the GLANDERS.

JUSTICE

—was a horse of considerable note both as a RUNNER and a STALLION: he was bred by the late Lord Grosvenor; was foaled in 1774; got by Herod, out of Curiosity, (who was got by Snap,) her dam by Regulus, and grand-dam by Bartlet's Childers. Without obtaining any distinguished celebrity, he for many years maintained his ground as a stallion above mediocrity, and produced some tolerable racers: amongst the best of which were Æacus, Mentor, Minos, Rhadamanthus, Dedalus, and Midnight.

KEEPERS

—are of different kinds, acting under different appointments, as servants of the Crown, or of individuals. There are FOREST-keepers, PARK-keepers, and GAME-keepers, whose employments are distinct and separate from each other. It {37} is the province of the first to protect and superintend the DEER in any one of his Majesty's forests, to which he is appointed, and to become a principal instrument of enforcing the laws enacted for its preservation, against depredators of every description. Park-keepers are retained in the service of NOBLEMEN and GENTLEMEN who have parks stocked with deer, having the same perquisites and privileges as those employed in the service of the Crown; their employment is principally to superintend, preserve, and regulate the stock, as well as to kill BUCKS, DOES, and FAWNS, according to the season, when required for the table; which can never be done by any PARK-keeper of the Crown, without the receipt of a proper WARRANT previously issued from superior authority for that purpose. Game-keepers are employed in various forests, parks, chases, free-warrens, and manors, the property of the Crown, to furnish a constant supply of game for his Majesty's table and household, under such regulations as prevent the possibility of too great an influx at one time, and too short a supply at another. Every LORD or LADY possessing a manor within any part of the kingdom, has the power of appointing a person, under the denomination of a GAME-keeper, to protect, preserve, or KILL any kind of GAME upon the particular MANOR for which he is appointed; and to execute and enforce all such other manorial rights and privileges within the department, as may be submitted to his {38} delegation; he first conforming to the LEGAL prescription, before he can be confirmed, or qualified to act in the office to which he has been deputed.—See Game-Laws, and Game-Keepers.

KENNEL

—is the place where hounds are kept; upon the judicious construction of which, their health, safety, and preservation, are known greatly to depend. Those who take to, or become possessed of, KENNELS ready built, frequently continue them in the form they fall into their hands; but such as encounter the expence of new erections, cannot do better than take a previous survey of the most approved plans; amongst which the Duke of Bedford's, at Wooburn Abby; the Duke of Richmond's, at Goodwood, in Sussex; and Sir William Rowley's, at Tendring Hall, Suffolk, are supposed, for extent and convenience, to take the lead of most others in the kingdom. Taste and FASHION may go a great way in the external glare of such establishments; but HEALTH and CONVENIENCE should always prove the most predominant considerations. It is universally admitted, by all who have a practical knowledge of this subject, that in large and regularly-hunted packs, two kennels are indispensibly necessary to the success and well-doing of the whole. When there is but one, it can in the winter season be but seldom cleaned; and even then the hounds are in a comfortless state, from the dampness of the situation so {39} long as it remains. Cleanliness is so essentially necessary in every APARTMENT and DEPARTMENT of a kennel, that no continuance of health in the hounds, or excellence in the field, can be expected without it. They are individually innately clean; and will never, if they can avoid it, dung near where they lie. Air, fresh straw, and ample room for the occasional expansion of their weary limbs, are requisite for the invigoration of the frame, and the preservation of health. Hounds confined in a body, are more liable to disease, than the same animal single, and in a state of unrestrained liberty; hence the necessity for counteraction, by every means the most prudent precaution can adopt. Hounds thus subject to, and constantly attacked with disease, and even madness, under the best and most judicious management, must be evidently much more so if surrounded with filth and nastiness.

KENNEL

—is a sporting term for the spot in which a FOX deposits himself after his nocturnal depredations, and to which he retires about the dawn of day: being found by the hounds in drawing covert, he is then said to be unkennelled, and the chase begins. When safe in some burrow, or hole, below the surface, he is then said to lie at EARTH.

KIBES

,—in horses, are the cracks which appear in the HEELS during the severity of the winter season, and are much more the consequence of neglect, or a want of knowledge in the stable discipline, {49} than the effect produced by changes in the weather; which may in general be counteracted by the means in constant practice with those who proceed systematically, and take the same care of their horses, as prudence prompts them to take of themselves. They proceed mostly from being left with wet legs, which, in very COLD or FROSTY weather, occasions such a tightness and rigidity of the skin, that, when brought into sudden and brisk action, it bursts asunder, (in a greater or less degree,) according to the texture of the skin, or the constitutional irritability of the horse. These soon become exceedingly painful; and if the weather should repeatedly vary from short frosts to alternate thaws, and the horse continue in use, the constant insinuation of the sharp particles of small gravel and sand of the dirty roads, is productive of such excruciating sensations, that the subject refuses food, and does not lay down for many days and nights in succession: when even gently compelled to move, he lifts up the limb in so much misery, that it is with the greatest reluctance he brings it again to the ground; on the contrary, keeps it so long suspended, that it is expected he must inevitably fall over in his stall. If worked in this state, he comes out of the stable as if completely crippled; and every day's delay in the attempt at relief, must be a culpable protraction of cure: palliatives (with work) will prove deceptive; rest should be adopted, and cure obtained. This can only be effected by poultices made of {50} LINSEED POWDER, milk, and a little olive oil, applied immediately after comfortable softenings with warm gruel, and a small sponge: an ALTERATIVE POWDER in a mash nightly, and the use of camphorated SPERMA-CÆTI LINIMENT, night and morning, when the poultices are left off, will be found greatly to assist the general intent.

KIDNEYS

.—The horse is always liable to local injuries, as well as permanent disorders, of these parts. Inflammation and ulceration are also produced by different means: some proceed from external causes, as BRUISES and BLOWS; being too heavily laden with burdens, or drawing too heavy weights; both which should be equally attended to, and guarded against. The distinguishing symptoms of diseased KIDNIES, are a palpable weakness of the hind part of the back and loins, a painful sinking of those parts upon pressure, a difficulty of staling, which is generally voided partially in small quantities, and frequently with short groans of internal disquietude: in slight affections, the urine is white, but turbid; in severe cases, very high coloured, as if tinged with blood: there is mostly a heaviness of the eyes, debility of body, a loathing of food, and a tendency to symptomatic fever. From whatever cause an injury may arise, or from whatever state of the body a disease of the parts may proceed, BLEEDING largely is the first step to speedy relief, and the prevention of danger. The {51} quality and quantity of MEDICINE must be regulated by the shades, as well as the duration, of the disorder, according to consequences likely to ensue. Warm glysters of gruel and olive oil occasionally; mashes, made of ground malt and bran, for food; and thin gruel for drink, in which GUM ARABIC should be dissolved, to lubricate the passages, and sheath any asperity with which the parts may be affected. Should the weakness of the loins increase, the difficulty of staling continue, the urine become more thick and fœtid, the strength more reduced, and the frame emaciated, one or both the kidneys may be considered in a state of ulceration, and cure cannot be expected.

KILLING GAME

.—The privilege of KILLING GAME (in any way whatever) is now dependent upon a two-fold qualification; in want of BOTH which, the transgressor renders himself liable to a DOUBLE, and in want of either, to a single penalty; which, divested of technical ambiguity, and the complicated abstrusity of the GAME LAWS in their present extended state, is reduced to the following state of simplification, adapted to every comprehension.

KINDLE

.—A doe rabbit is said to KINDLE when she brings forth her young.

KING FERGUS

,—the name of a horse bred by the late Colonel O'Kelly; he was foaled in 1775; was got by Eclipse, dam (Tuting's Polly) by Black and all Black, grand-dam by Tartar, great grand-dam by Old Starling. He was of {54} great celebrity, and continued for many years a stallion of the first eminence. He was the sire of a great number of good racers, amongst which were those celebrated runners Hambletonian, Overton, Beningbrough, Sir Solomon, Warter, Johnny (Durand's,) Garswood, &c. &c.

KING'S HOUNDS

.—His Majesty's STAG HOUNDS pass under this denomination, as a part of the royal establishment continued in every successive reign without variation. The kennel in which they are kept is situate near the RACE COURSE upon Ascot Heath; at the distance of two short miles from which is Swinley Lodge, the official residence of the Master of the Stag Hounds, an appointment seldom conferred but upon one of the peerage, and is considered an office of honor, with a salary of 2000l. per annum. The presence of the Master of the Stag Hounds in the field is not a matter of necessity, but choice, except when his Majesty hunts, and then his personal attendance is indispensible; his badge of office is a pair of gold dog couples, which hang suspended from a belt on his left side. The HUNTSMAN has a handsome residence at the kennel, with a salary of 125l. a year; to whom there are six assistants, (called YEOMEN PRICKERS,) each having a salary of 104l. with the royal livery richly ornamented, and an annual supply of saddles, bridles, horse-cloths, and the necessary {55} stable appendages; but they find their own horses.

KING'S PLATE

.—Those called King's Plates, are a free gift from his Majesty of 100 guineas each; and it is believed were originally granted as a means of exciting such a degree of emulation, as would probably tend to national advantage, by improving the breed of horses in general; as well as to afford an annual pecuniary advantage (by an additional influx of company) to such CITIES and TOWNS as enjoy the royal favour. Newmarket, as the superior spot of sporting celebrity, is particularly honoured, having two in the first Spring, and one in the first October meetings. {56} King's Plates are also given at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Guildford, Winchester, Ipswich, Burford, Chelmsford, Nottingham, Lewes, Edinburgh, York, Canterbury, Warwick, Lichfield, Richmond, (Yorkshire,) Lincoln, Salisbury, Ayr, Carlisle, and Ascot Heath; the whole of which, except the last, are run for by horses or mares of different ages, carrying such weights as shall be appointed by the Master of the Horse, or whoever he may delegate for that purpose.

KNEE of a HORSE

—is the centrical joint of the leg, where the fore-thigh is united to the shank-bone. Its formation is of such strength, that a LAMENESS, by twist, distortion, or any other injury, is hardly ever sustained in this part, but by the accident of falling; which frequently happens, and, if attended with a blemish, very much reduces the previous value of the horse. Prominencies in a pavement, or rolling stones upon a road, are sometimes the occasion of such misfortunes, even to those who are in general exceedingly sure-footed, and of the most valuable description. Custom has, however, introduced, of late years, such an unprecedented degree of precaution in an examination of the KNEES, that the slightest touch cannot be expected to pass unnoticed amidst so much scrutinizing inspection; and if once appearances are sufficient to justify a doubt, the object immediately sinks in estimation, however superior he may be in {61} other respects and qualifications. This being so great a disadvantage when a horse is to be sold, it evidently points out the absolute necessity of a minute examination before he is bought, as a want of it may produce considerable loss, and serious reflection. Loss of hair upon the knees, when not too severely affected, may sometimes be restored by a daily application of very strong camphorated liniment.

LAIR

—was a term formerly applied to the haunt of outlying deer, and implied the place near which they might probably be found. It is, however, but little known in that sense, and is now used to express the part of a forest, chase, heath, or common, where any particular horse, cow, or other cattle, is accustomed to frequent when turned out, which is then called their LAIR, and where (or in the neighbourhood of it) their owners are generally sure to find them.

LAMENESS in HORSES

—proceeds from a variety of causes, and requires much patient investigation to ascertain, to a certainty, the exact seat of injury; for want of which judicious precaution, mischief frequently follows. Horses are sometimes {62} persecuted, blistered, and fired, for a LAMENESS in one part, which ultimately proves to be in another; and this alone sufficiently points out the absolute necessity of a deliberate discrimination. As lameness proceeds from different causes, so it is of different kinds, and requires various modes of treatment, equally opposite to each other. This cannot be more forcibly elucidated, than by adverting to the difference between a lameness originating in a relaxation of the SINEWS, and a ligamentary injury sustained by a sudden turn, twist, or distortion, of some particular JOINT. These require a very different mode of treatment; and yet it is too much, and too unthinkingly the custom, to treat every kind of lameness in the same way. From either a want of patience in the owner, or a want of prudence in the practitioner, the favourite operation of BLISTERING is thought applicable to every case without exception; and being often resorted to before the inflammation of the part has sufficiently subsided, occasions a permanent enlargement, with a thickening of the integument, and consequent stiffness, rendering the remedy equally injurious with the original defect.

LAMPAS

,—called also LAMPERS, and LAMPARDS, is a spongey elastic enlargement of the roof of a young horse's mouth, just behind the nippers of his upper jaw, which frequently acquires such a luxuriance in growth, as to be equal with, or to exceed, the surface of the teeth, and is supposed to occasion pain to such horses in the mastication of their corn. Different opinions have been entertained, and are still supported, upon this subject; some considering it only a temporary operation of NATURE during the formation of the TEETH, which would contract, and disappear, upon their attaining their full and proper growth; whilst others, less {64} comprehensive in their conceptions, less scientific in their reasoning, and more hasty in their decisions, maintain the necessity of radical extermination, and that too by a process no less severe than the red-hot iron, or burning cautery. The most critical examination of the case (whenever it occurs) does not seem to justify the necessity for, or the cruelty of, such operation: various are the means which may be brought into use for the most perfect completion of the purpose, without resorting to such as bear the traits of former barbarity, when the times were less enlightened, and the system of FARRIERY less improved.

LASSITUDE

,—horses are frequently subject to, which does not amount to palpable pain, or evident indisposition. If a horse, who is usually in high spirits in the stable, as well as out, becomes depressed, dull, heavy, inattentive, and indifferent to food, it may be presumed something is going on in the system not directly consonant to the indications of health. In such cases, the necessary examination should be made without delay, and proper modes of counteraction adopted, to prevent the severity and danger of disease, which sometimes advances with great rapidity, to such a state as would never have happened, if proper attention had been paid to the cause of LASSITUDE upon its earliest appearance.

LAW-SUITS

,—in respect to horses, are become so common, from the frequent deceptions in BUYING and SELLING, (as well without others as with DEALERS,) that not a term passes without various {66} litigations of this description. When the expence and anxiety attendant upon both PLAINTIFF and DEFENDANT, during the time a suit is pending; the uncertainty of its termination, which ultimately depends so much upon the effect of chance in EVIDENCE; the misrepresentation, or misconstruction, of FACTS, are all taken into consideration, it is much to be regretted, that such circumstances cannot be brought to a more friendly and less expensive conclusion. As, however, such propensity to mutual accommodation is not likely to abound amidst the complicated tempers, caprices, and versatilities, of society at large; it becomes the more necessary to avoid, as much as possible, whatever may be eventually productive of so unpleasant and unprofitable an embarkation; particularly when it is constantly seen in COURTS of LAW, to what a wonderful degree of villainy human depravity is extended, for the completion of points in which the parties are individually or collaterally interested; and perhaps in no causes whatever, so much as in those where the soundness or unsoundness of a horse is concerned.

LEAD

.—The EXTRACT of LEAD is a preparation passing almost universally under the denomination of Goulard's Extract, whose properties are acknowledged of great medical utility, and in many cases amount to a specific. See Goulard, where the effects of this article are more particularly explained.

LEAPING

—is a leading perfection in a horse that very much enhances his value as a HUNTER; without which qualification, he is held in no great estimation when shewn in the field. Leaping, in its general signification, extends to the two kinds called flying and standing; a horse perfect in each, with equal temper, and a fair portion of SPEED, is then called a complete or made HUNTER; and if he has a corresponding uniformity of figure, and excellence of action, both his reputation and worth become increased in proportion. There are very few horses of speed and spirit, but what become good FLYING LEAPERS by short practice in the field with hounds, which, indeed, is the only proper place to teach them; but it is not so with STANDING LEAPS which should be taught coolly and calmly at the leaping-bar, with great serenity of temper, patience, {69} and perseverance, by which alone any horse can attain perfection.

LEASH

,—the sporting term in use to imply the number THREE, as exceeding ONE, and not reaching TWO brace; for instance, a brace of hares, a leash of pheasants, and two brace of partridges. A brace of pointers, a leash of greyhounds, and two brace of spaniels. Custom, however, in this, as in most other things, admits of deviation and exception; in proof of which we say, a brace of spaniels, a couple and a half of hounds, and two brace of pointers. A brace of snipes, a couple and a half of woodcocks, and two couple of rabbits. It is therefore confident, and sportsman-like, to say, a LEASH of birds, (partridges,) a leash of pheasants, a leash of hares, or any other article where TWO are termed a BRACE; but improper to call three a LEASH, where two of the kind are called a COUPLE.

LEGS

.—The legs of a horse are, in their length, shape, and construction, so material to graceful and expeditious action, that they become, at the time of purchase, objects of minute inspection: if observed too long, in proportion to the DEPTH of the CHEST, and the LENGTH of the CARCASE, they may be considered a tolerable criterion of constitutional weakness, as few of this description are found equal to a constant repetition of even moderate work. Too straight in the lower part of the leg, with {70} the hoof overhung by the fetlock, is an indication of stiffness and constraint in action; as, on the contrary, those who are exceeding long in the lower joints, and whose pasterns extend the hoof considerably before the leg, with a palpable bend or flexibility in walking, and the heel nearly down to the ground, are mostly horses of speed, (so far as their strength will permit;) but they are in general weak in those parts, and there is always a well-founded fear of their breaking down. The legs and feet are constantly liable to injuries, accidents, and defects, as CRACKS, SPLENTS, THRUSHES, &c. all which are explained under their different heads.

LEGS SWELLED

—originate in various causes; but from none so much as a sizey, viscid state of the BLOOD, a laxity of the SOLIDS, a shameful neglect of stable discipline, or a great deal of work at one time, and no regular exercise at another. That swelled legs arise from different causes, is sufficiently demonstrated by the opposite state of their external appearance in the examination of different subjects; where the legs of one shall be found distended to the utmost possible extent of the skin, with a degree of tenseness from the knee or hock downwards, not submitting to pressure, and without the least cutaneous pliability whatever. These are the kind of swelled legs occasioned by stagnant fluids, originating in the sizey and viscid {71} state of the blood. When they are equally distended, but pliable in the skin, yielding to pressure, and resuming their previous extension, it may be justly concluded, they proceed from a laxity of the solids, and a want of regular exercise without, and manual labour (leg rubbing) within. Proceeding from which ever cause, they are productive of temporary anxiety; and the cause should be removed without delay. Bleeding, with evacuants, and a course of alteratives, will expeditiously eradicate the former; cordial invigorants, malt mashes, moderate exercise out, and regular bodily friction and leg-rubbing within, will soon obliterate the latter.

LESSONS

,—in the language of the MANEGE, are what is received by man, and given to the horse, according to the purposes for which they are designed, or the particular duties they are destined to discharge. Diverted of the practice of the schools, there are lessons which every man has it in his power to inculcate, and which never should be relaxed from, till the horse has attained a degree of perfection in those points, which render him a pattern of obedience, and consequent object of attraction to others, and a valuable acquisition to the owner. The first and principal is, never to let him move a single step forward, till his rider is firmly fixed upon his back, or his driver seated in his carriage; the same rule of standing perfectly still, being as invariably persevered in at the time of {72} dismounting or alighting; by which some degree of safety will be insured; and it will soon become as habitual to the horse, as to those who RIDE or DRIVE him. He should always be accustomed to his own side of the road upon every emergency, which every horse soon knows from habit, and will not, but with reluctance, or upon compulsion, take the wrong, whatever may be the occasion; to a want of which very prudent, and very necessary precaution, may be attributed a majority of the accidents which so frequently happen in and round the Metropolis.

LEVERET

—is the term for a young HARE during her first year, or till FULL GROWN.

LETHARGY

.—The lethargy, or SLEEPING EVIL, as it is called by the lower class of rustics and farriers, is a drowsy kind of stupefaction, to which DRAFT HORSES are more particularly subject than any other; with whom it is considered a kind of prelude to the STAGGERS, which in general soon follow, if the cause is not speedily removed. A horse upon being attacked, closes his eyes, drops his head into the manger, suddenly recovers himself, and as gradually drops again; opens his eyes, as if surprized, picks a little hay, or corn, relapses with it in his mouth; and this is, perhaps, alternately repeated, till fixing his head in one corner of the stall, he seems to be deprived of both ACTION {73} and ANIMATION, standing in a state of perfect insensibility. This prognostication (for in its first stage it can hardly be called a disease) denotes a struggle, in which the whole SYSTEM is affected; but where the struggle is dependent entirely upon the state of the circulation, which is become (from some remote cause) partially defective, and stands in need of such STIMULATIVE assistance, as may prove the means of constituting immediate REVULSION. Instantaneous BLEEDING, followed by much friction upon the body, as well as upon the extremities; warm glysters of gruel, in which a couple of sliced onions have been boiled; and to which a handful of common salt, and a gill of linseed oil, may be added; should be given and repeated in three or four hours. The pectoral cordial balls, impregnated with a drachm of myrrh, assafœtida, and ammoniacum, might be administered with advantage; all which not completing a cure within two or three days, BLISTERING largely behind the ears should not be neglected.

LIGHT in HAND

.—A horse is said to be light in hand, who, bearing properly upon his haunches, (or hind-quarters,) requires little or no assistance from the BIT. Horses of this description are generally well formed in their fore-quarters, with a curved crest, carrying their heads well up, with long necks, high withers, and a commanding forehand. Those with short necks, thick shoulders, {74} dull spirit, slow action, and the withers lower before than the spinal (or rump) bone behind, are always of a contrary description; they bore along, invariably bearing upon the bit, and from that circumstance are said to be heavy in hand.

LIGHT CARCASED

—is a term applied to horses, the shape of whose bodies bear no ill affinity to the form of a GREYHOUND. The carcases of such are flat at the sides, narrow in the chest, and gradually contract in circumference from the GIRTH to the FLANK; where, after a little hard work, they appear so tucked up, it would seem to a stranger that they were emaciated for want of food. Horses of this description possess, in general, a SPIRIT so much beyond their STRENGTH, that, although they never will relinquish their pace, or seem even to tire, till nature is quite exhausted, they debilitate themselves so much by impetuosity, and unnecessary exertion, that, after a single day's hard work upon the road, or a severe chase in the field, they are not fit to be brought into use for a week after. They are always bad feeders; and it is an old maxim with the SPORTING WORLD, "that those who won't eat can't work;" and this remark is literally just; they certainly cannot for any length of time together. Light carcased horses are mostly hot and fiery in their tempers, excellent goers, but troublesome in company; invariably eager to be first; and will sink under persevering speed and fatigue, {75} rather than be exceeded in action and emulation. They are by no means desirable purchases, but to those whose journies are short, and work easy; to such their defects may not be considered of material consequence.

LINSEED

—is a well-known article, and of so much general utility, that the house of a SPORTSMAN (in the country) should never be without it: its properties, either in its state as SEED, or sold in the shops as powdered, become equally applicable to the stable wants of the winter season. A DECOCTION of the seeds, one handful boiled for a quarter of an hour in two quarts of water, and strained, is the best mucilaginous wash for sore or cracked heels during frost or snow that can be brought into use; as well as an excellent article (in such weather) to prevent their appearance. In FEVERS, or an inflammation of the lungs, an INFUSION of the seed made with boiling water (standing covered for an hour) and then strained, being afterwards incorporated with a moderate quantity of honey, will be found useful in allaying the severity of disease.

LIOUORICE ROOT

.—This is an article so much in use with HORSES, (in a pulverized state,) that it is absolutely necessary it should undergo some degree of elucidation; to prevent, if possible, a part of the medical deception, and adulteration, which so universally prevails. Liquorice root is plentifully produced in most countries of Europe, and is in all held in the same degree of estimation for its utility. What is grown in England is preferable to what is brought from abroad; the latter being generally mouldy, and in a perishing state, which it will always soon become, if not kept in a dry place, or buried in sand. It is remarkable for its peculiar property of allaying thirst, particularly as it is the almost only sweet known so to do: it is in constant use as an article of much medicinal efficacy with the human species, both as a most excellent PECTORAL and DETERGENT, as well as to soften acrimonious humors, reduce glandular irritability in colds, and promote expectoration.

LIVER of ANTIMONY

—is a medicine possessing a very powerful and active property; and would not have been introduced in this place, but with a view to prevent some of the MISCHIEFS which would probably happen, from too free a use of so dangerous an article, when in the unrestrained hands of the illiterate, the injudicious, the unthinking, or the inexperienced. It will create some surprise with the considerate, that this preparation, (known also by the name of CROCUS METALLORUM,) from two to six grains of which will operate as a violent emetic with an adult of the human species, should be given in doses of half an ounce each by common farriers to a horse, and that probably three or four times in twenty-four hours; under an impression, that it would, and does operate only by perspiration, or as an alterative; beyond which, probably, their ideas or intentions may not extend. When it is taken into consideration, that the horse does not possess the power of regurgitating by vomit, it then becomes a matter of due deliberation, how far it may be consistent and proper, to permit valuable horses to be drenched with medicines of this description in such immoderate quantities; a very few grains of which will excite such violent operations with one of the human species. Those who administer it {79} as an ALTERATIVE, will, perhaps, prudently conceive, two drachms a day, in doses of a drachm each, full as much as ought to be ventured upon, incorporated with such other articles as the urgency of the case may seem to require.

LIVER

.—The liver in a horse is liable to disease, as obstructions by tubercles, indurated tumefactions, and schirrosity; either of which may be produced by various means, and treated as Jaundice, which SEE.

LOCKS

—are elastic leather pipes, or circular pads, stuffed with does' hair, about the size of a second finger in circumference, and made to buckle just above the fetlock of either leg, as a preventive to cutting with the other. There are others of a different form, made flat, having a padded oval in the center, which are called cutting-boots: the former, however, have the preference, as they occasion less stricture upon the tendons.

LOINS

—are the part of a horse at the extremity of the back immediately preceding the rump and hip bones, situate above the flanks. Beneath the loins internally are seated the KIDNIES, which, as well as the loins, are very susceptible of injury, by carrying improper weights, drawing too heavy loads, particularly up hills, or in short turns; to prevent all which should be humanely attended to. {80} Injuries of this kind, when unfortunately sustained, are very easily ascertained by a little serious attention. The subject will sink and contract himself, if pressed forcibly upon the part with the hand; he will also move in his stall with a kind of curved motion, groaning probably if compelled to move suddenly; likewise in laying down, or in attempting to stale, which he frequently does, but mostly in small quantities. Exclusive of whatever medical means may be adopted, BLEEDING, gum Arabic dissolved in gruel, as common drink, and mucilage of linseed, to sheath the acrimony of the juices in an inflammation of the kidnies, or surrounding parts, will be found admirable collaterals. See Kidnies.

LOOSE-JOINTED

. A horse is said to be LOOSE-JOINTED, when his PASTERNS are so long as to let his HOOF come considerably from under the perpendicular position of the FORE LEG, so that the heel is exceedingly flat, and the hinder part of the FETLOCK joint, by a kind of elastic bend or drop, seems nearly to touch the ground. Horses of the blood kind have frequently this failure in their formation, and is the principal reason why so many of them are seen in common hands of little or no value, as properly appropriate to no particular purpose, or of the least general utility: most of this description have the first defect accompanied by a second, which is a long back, and consequent weakness of the loins; these, in the aggregate, {81} constitute a complete loose-jointed horse; the purchase or possession of which will reflect no predominant RAYS of JUDGMENT upon the owner.

LOOSENESS

—is a laxity of habit, or debility of the intestines, which is constitutional with some horses; but in others is the effect of temporary disease; produced, probably, by an effervescent putrefaction of the excrements too long locked up in the intestinal canal, and at length suddenly and forcibly expelled by an effort of Nature, to relieve herself from the offending cause. This latter is the kind of looseness not to be immediately checked, or restrained, by the aid of aromatic restringents; but rather to be assisted, and promoted, by a free use of warm mashes, and gruel, till the disorder has run itself off, and effected its own cure. Some horses are habitually irritable, and begin to dung loose upon the most trifling occasions: young horses sometimes do so from a stranger's approaching them suddenly after coming from a DEALER'S stable; this must arise from the memory of the whip: others from being put into expeditious action upon the road too soon after their water in a morning. Horses fond of HOUNDS, and eager in the chase, will frequently begin to purge at the place of meeting, and continue so to do half a dozen times within an hour, when the superflux being thrown off, the excrements again become firm, and are evacuated with their usual solidity during the {82} whole of the day. A warm cordial ball before the water, for two or three mornings in succession, is generally all that is necessary to be done upon such occasions.

LUNGS

.—The lungs of a horse are two elastic lobes, consisting of air vessels, blood vessels, lymphatics, nerves, and cellular membranes, possessing conjunctively the properties of contraction and expansion; nearly filling three parts of what is termed the CHEST, and may, without much deviation from the line of professional consistency, be pronounced the very mainspring of existence. It is the good or bad state of the LUNGS upon which the duration of life becomes in a proportional degree dependent; and by the perfect ease of inspiration, and respiration, health, and bodily strength, may in general be ascertained. The lungs are subject to inflammation, obstructions, tubercles, ulceration, and consumption; the cause of one and all originating in COLDS and COUGHS, produced by a sudden collapsion of the pores; when the perspirative matter being repelled, and thrown upon the circulation, the blood becomes sizey, viscid, and diseased; assuming some leading feature of the ills described, which, suffered to continue long without the proper means of counteraction, frequently attain a height too great for the power of medicine to subdue.

LURCHER

.—The dog so called is rough and wirey haired, with ears erect, but dropping a little at the points: they are above the middle size, of a yellowish or sandy red color; and of great speed, courage, and fidelity. They were originally produced from a cross between the SHEPHERD'S DOG and the GREYHOUND, which, from breeding in and in with the latter, has so refined upon the original cross, that very little of the shepherd's dog is retained in its stock, its docility and fidelity excepted. Thus bred, they are neither more or less than bastard greyhounds, retaining most of their perfections, but without their beauty. They are the favorite dogs of inferior or small FARMERS, as they act in the nominal capacity of a SHEEP DOG; but can occasionally trip up the heels of a LEVERET three parts grown. They are also the constant companions of the most professed and notorious POACHERS, being so admirably adapted to the universality of the service required: they equal, if not exceed, any other kind of dog in sagacity; and are easily taught any thing it is possible for an animal of this description to acquire by instruction. Some of them are very little inferior in speed to well-bred greyhounds: HARES they frequently run up to; RABBITS they kill to a certainty, if they are any distance from home: if near a WARREN, the dog invariably runs for the burrow, by doing which, he seldom fails in his attempt to secure his aim. His qualifications go still farther; in nocturnal {84} excursions he becomes a PROFICIENT, and will easily pull down a FALLOW DEER, so soon as the signal is given for pursuit; which done, he will explore his way to his master, and conduct him to the GAME, wherever he may have left it. In poaching, they are individually instrumental to the destruction of hares; for when the wires are fixed at the meuses, and the nets at the gates, they are dispatched, by a single word of command, to scour the FIELD, PADDOCK, or PLANTATION; which, by their running mute, is effected so silently, that a harvest is obtained (according to the stock of the country) with very little fear of detection.

LURCHER

,—the name of a horse of some recent celebrity; he was the property of Mr. Rider; was got by Dungannon, dam by Vertumnus. In 1792, when three years old, he won a 50l. plate at Ascot Heath, beating seven others. At Stockbridge, a subscription of 20 guineas each, (ten subscribers,) beating Hamlet, St. George, and two others. At Winchester, a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, eleven subscribers; and at Lewes, a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, ten subscribers. He was then purchased by Mr. Wilson, in whose possession, 1793, when four years old, he won at Newmarket a sweepstakes of 500 guineas each from the Ditch in, beating Kitt Carr and Ormond. On the Saturday in the same week, he won a sweepstakes of 200 guineas each, half forfeit; beating {85} Lord Clermont's Pipator. Lord Foley's Vermin paid. Second Spring Meeting, he beat Lord Clermont's Speculator, a match across the Flat, 200 guineas each. In 1794, at the Craven Meeting, Newmarket, he won the first class of the Oatlands Stakes, of 50 guineas each, (twenty-one subscribers,) half forfeit, beating thirteen others, with the odds of nine to one against him at starting. For the Main of the Oatlands, First Spring Meeting, he beat Lord Grosvenor's Druid, 200 guineas each, Ditch-in. Second Spring Meeting, he received 150 guineas forfeit from the Duke of Bedford's Teucer; after which he appeared no more upon the turf.

MADNESS

.—This dreadful CANINE malady, with its consequences, when communicated to the human frame, will be found enlarged upon under the head Dog in the first Volume.

MAIN

.—The main is a principal term used in the fashionable and destructive nocturnal game of HAZARD, at which so many immense fortunes have been squandered away, and so very few realized. {86} The person who is the holder of the BOX containing a PAIR of DICE, being set by an individual, or any part of the company, what money he, or they, may propose, and the money staked, (or, as it is technically called, covered,) he, the Caster, (that is, the holder of the box,) shaking the dice, throws them out upon the table: if the surface of both display a number above four, and not over nine, that number is then publicly announced "the MAIN" by the Groom Porter, (who is the officiating attendant upon the company and the game;) but the Caster throwing under four, or over nine, at the first throw, it is then called aloud, "No main;" and the Caster repeats his throw till a number appears between four and ten, whenever which happens, (as for instance, eight,) the Groom Porter instantly vociferates, "Eight is the main, eight;" and it is called the MAIN, because it is the main for the company against the next throw of the Caster, which is called the CHANCE; as being his own against the main previously thrown, and by both which the Caster and the Setters must abide, when main and chance are thrown; though either party may draw their money, upon not approving or fancying the main, provided they declare it before the chance is thrown. The Caster throwing eight or twelve, the very next throw to the main of eight, is said to "nick it," and wins the money. If he throws SEVEN for a MAIN, and immediately follows it with another seven, or an eleven, he {87} nicks again, and wins likewise. Six and twelve are a nick to six; five and nine nick themselves, and win when they follow in succession, as described of eight. If, after throwing the main, the Caster at the next throw produces under four, they are called CRABS; he then loses, and his box-hand is said to be out, and he passes it to his next neighbour; when bets are made round the table according to fancy; some that the "Caster throws in;" others, that "he throws out;" exclusive of the constantly standing business, of SETTING the Caster what money he requires before he throws a main; when which, and the chance, are both thrown, and declared by the Porter, the odds are laid and taken in every part of the room, as opinion may prompt, or judgment dictate. These odds are regulated upon a scale of equity, from which there can be no departure; it being an invariable principle of the game, that any person laying an unfair bet, or deviating from the fixed odds, can never win. Every minute particular of the game cannot be reduced to paper here, or indeed perfectly understood from theory; but a farther elucidation will be found under its proper head, Hazard.

MAIN of COCKS

.—When two parties, whether individuals, or an aggregate composed of gentlemen in one county, agreeing to fight a COCK-MATCH with an individual, or the gentlemen of another, the MATCH invariably consists of an odd {88} number of BATTLES; as twenty-one, thirty-one, or forty-one; which match once made, and the cocks weighed, is then called a MAIN of COCKS: when fought, and finished, the winner of the ODD battle (or more a-head) is the winner of the main. Whenever a MATCH is made between parties of respectability and honour, the following agreement is drawn up, and reciprocally entered into.

MALLENDERS

.—The DEFECT or DISORDER so called, is a large flat scab, or more properly an {91} accumulation of eschars, (more or less inveterate,) seated at the hinder part of the fore-legs, directly behind the knee, just where the back sinews have their insertion at that joint. They are seldom seen with horses who are properly managed, but merely with those of an inferior description, that are little attended to. If discovered, and proper means of counteraction adverted to in their early state, little or no inconvenience ensues; but if suffered by time to become inveterate, with deep-seated cracks, from whence oozes a greasy kind of ichor, with bristly hairs making their way through the hardened scabs upon the surface, they are productive of much trouble before a perfect cure can be obtained. When advanced to this stage, they are not only exceedingly painful in action, but constitute such a stricture upon the part, as to affect the elasticity of the TENDONS; in which state the horse is retarded in progress by the preternatural rigidity of the joint, with the additional danger of stumbling and falling in every effort he makes to avoid it.

MALLOWS

,—as well as MARSH-MALLOWS, are ingredients so useful and efficacious in fomentations, and emollient cataplasms, upon various unexpected emergencies, that the house of a SPORTSMAN in the country should never be without them.

MALT, GROUND

—is an article of the utmost utility when incorporated with an equal quantity of bran, and given in a mash to horses labouring under cough, bodily debility, (from over fatigue,) or {93} disease; it possesses the property of invigoration, is highly nutritive; and, by its attracting fragrancy, horses are induced to take it in small quantities, during the progress of dangerous diseases, when they refuse every other kind of food. Mashes thus made, and given nightly, are useful in promoting CONDITION, as well as a proper vehicle for ALTERATIVE powders, or during the operation of PHYSIC.

MANEGE

.—The MANEGE is a term used in a synonymous sense with equestrian academy, or riding school; implying not only the receptacle itself, but the instructions there to be derived from those who profess to teach the ART of HORSEMANSHIP by riding the great horse. There are many of this description, and of much celebrity, in and round the Metropolis, replete with every convenience for the accommodation of gentlemen, and the breaking of horses; and for ladies also, who have the advantage of riding under cover at all seasons of the year. In every MANEGE a centrical spot is appropriated to the regulating the round or volts, in which is fixed a pillar; and to this horses are occasionally fastened in their first lessons. Other pillars are likewise placed in pairs at the sides of the manege, for the more perfect completion of their volts and airs.

MANE

—is the name by which the long hair is called hanging from the neck of a horse, and extending from the back of his ears to his withers: a handsome full mane adds much to the natural beauty of a well-formed horse, and is of course preserved, not more in respect to ornament, than its utility in mounting, to the ease and agility in which it affords material assistance.

MANGE in HORSES

.—The disorder so called, and with which only horses of the inferior {96} sort are affected, originates in an impoverished state of the blood, occasioned by a want of proper healthy food, and a constant exposure to the elements in the severity of the winter season. When arrived at a certain degree of virulence, it becomes infectious, particularly as the warmer months of summer advance; and of this contagious property no doubt can be entertained; the LAW having provided a remedy, that no such horse shall be suffered to go at large, upon any lair, common, or parochial pasture, where there is a possibility of communicating the infection. The subjects of it are generally in a state of wretched emaciation, bearing the external appearance of leprosy, or partial excoriation: the leading symptoms are a perpetual itching behind the ears, down the mane on each side the neck, and at the insertion of the tail near the rump. These parts, from incessant rubbing to allay the irritation, are soon divested of the hair, to which a dirty kind of scurf appears, bearing upon its surface a malignant oily sort of moisture, which soon degenerates into variegated-coloured scabs, constituting a confirmed mange; which, the longer it is permitted to continue unrestrained in its progress, the more difficult a cure is to be obtained.

MANGE in DOGS

—will be found fully treated on under a continuation of the head Hounds, in page 485 of the first Volume.

MANGER

—is the name by which the trough is called that is fixed in all stables, and from whence a horse eats his corn or mashes; it is usually placed under his rack, from which he receives his hay; and this, in well-managed stables, is not deposited there in large quantities, but in light proportions, and at stated periods. It is an excellent and healthy custom, though, perhaps, not much in practice, to let all MANGERS, in constant use, have a substantial scrubbing with soap, brush, and boiling water, once a month; the absolute necessity for which may be seen by making an occasional observation upon the filthy state of mangers in general, particularly {98} at INNS upon the ROADS, and LIVERY STABLES in the Metropolis.

MARE

—is the well-known feminine of the HORSE, but not held of equal value with the masculine in respect to the gender, which is not only troublesome, but found to be productive of temporary debility at certain seasons of the year. Mares are evidently weaker, and less adequate to severe work, during the time they give proof of a desire to copulate, than at any other; which, perhaps, is the principal reason why GELDINGS are so generally preferred, as far as they can be obtained. Notwithstanding this partiality, MARES are not without their advocates, and have their conveniencies: in cases of LAMENESS, or other occurrences in the long list of casual ills, they, of course, become appropriate to the purpose of PROPAGATION, without much loss being sustained. Those, however, who expect to derive either pleasure, emolument, or a gratification of ambition, from BREEDING, must be a little prudent and circumspect in the shape, make, distinct points, and general symmetry, of the MARE, before they too hastily embark in so critical, and so truly expensive, an undertaking. Although it is a maxim universally admitted, that an equal degree of precaution should be used in respect to the HORSE, it is doubly and trebly necessary with the mare; because strict observation has demonstrated, that nearly, or full two {99} out of every three FOALS, display, in their appearance, more of the DAM than the SIRE: and that there are more FILLIES than COLTS fallen every year, will not admit of a doubt.

MARK!

—a term used by SPORTSMEN, particularly in COVERT SHOOTING, where they are necessarily separated from each other; when one of the party, having sprung a PHEASANT, or flushed a {101} COCK, (at which he either did not get a shot, or missed his aim,) he then vociferates the signal, MARK! in a hope his companion may get a shot, or mark the spot near where he alights, to insure a better chance of his recovery. It is also used in partridge shooting, where hedges or hedge-rows interrupt the sight, or divide the parties.

MARK in the MOUTH

.—The black cavity in the TEETH of a HORSE, by which his age is correctly known till seven years old, is called the mark; when which is obliterated, the age can be no longer precisely ascertained. Dealers adopt a successful mode of deception, by which the young and inexperienced are frequently imposed upon. See Bishoping and Colt.

MARK ANTHONY

,—the name of a horse of some celebrity as a RACER, and equal to any horse of his time: he was bred by Mr. C. Blake, and foaled in 1767: he was got by that known good horse Spectator (who was got by Crab) out of Rachel, (who was got by Blank;) her dam by Regulus, grand-dam by Soreheels. He acquired some reputation as a STALLION, and was the sire of several good runners.

MARSK

—was a horse whose distinguished celebrity arose more from chance than any peculiar merits of his own. He was bred by the then Duke {102} of Cumberland; was foaled in 1750; got by Squirt, (who was got by Bartlet's Childers;) dam by Blacklegs, grand-dam by Fox Cub. Although his blood and racing ability stood fairly admitted, yet, so far from having acquired any reputation as a STALLION, he was permitted to COVER common mares at the Lodge, in Windsor Great Park, for only half-a-guinea, which was the GROOM'S FEE. Precisely at this period (in the year 1763) Spilletta, the dam of Eclipse, having proved barren for two or three years in succession, a new experiment was made, and she was covered by both Shakespeare and Marsk in the same season; when stinted, and some time after perceptibly in foal, it was uncertain who was to be declared the SIRE, till the produce falling to correspond with the last leap from Marsk, he became (from Eclipse's astonishing powers) loaded with honours, publicly acknowledged the sire with an enhanced reputation, and a constantly increasing seraglio; from which time he continued a stallion of the first eminence, and produced a progeny of winners by much too long for introduction under this head. Spilletta afterwards produced Proserpine by Marsk, foaled in 1766; and that well-known horse Garrick, foaled in 1772; both excellent runners.

MARTIN, or MARTERN

,—is an animal inhabiting woods and bushy coverts, rather inferior in size to a domestic cat, but longer in the neck {103} and body, having a head and tail corresponding in make and shape with the FOX, but not so sharp-pointed in the ears. They are nearly as expert in climbing trees, and leaping from one to another, as a squirrel; they breed in the hollows of trees, and produce four, five, and even six, young at a time. They live upon poultry, game, and birds: most probably the casual food of the FOX is taken by the MARTIN also. As, by their great agility in climbing, they become a most destructive enemy to PHEASANTS, so by their SCENT they are frequently the subject of much mortifying disappointment to a field of expectant sportsmen. When found amidst the bushes, the general burst of the finding hounds is as great as when a FOX is unkenneled, and so continues, till, being closely pressed, some friendly tree (probably clothed with ivy) suddenly terminates the deceptive chase.

MARTINGAL

.—The article so named is of two kinds; one of which is termed a HEADSTALL martingal; the other, simply, a martingal: each consists of a long strip of leather, about an inch and a half wide, passing between the fore-legs, with a loop or wide noose at its extremity, through which the hinder girth is to pass, and by which it is secured at that end: at the front of the breast it divides into two equal branches; and having SWIVEL RINGS at the extremity of each, they are slipt on upon the bridoon (or snaffle) rein, and are {104} used to keep down the head of a hard-mouthed or high-staring horse, that he may see the ground upon which he is to move with less danger to the neck of the RIDER. The headstall martingal is of similar construction, except its having a headstall the same as a bridle, to which the divided branches before described are united at the cheek on each side; but this is a hazardous practice, and should only be used with COLTS in breaking; for if a horse once stumbles in action, he is so confined, that his sudden exertion to raise his head, and to recover himself, being counteracted, he almost inevitably comes to the ground.

MASH

—is a name given to a kind of universal PANACEA for horses during a course of PHYSIC, or labouring under COUGH, COLD, or DISEASE. Mashes are differently made, according to the necessity which occasions their being brought into use: some are made with BRAN and HONEY; others with equal parts of OATS and BRAN, with or without honey; but the most fragrant, useful, attracting, and invigorating, is made from GROUND MALT, with such proportion of BRAN as will disunite the glutinous adhesive property of the MALT, and reduce its sweetness enough to prevent a satiety by its clamminess in mastication. Malt mashes (and the liquid pressed from them) horses will generally take in different dangerous disorders, as FEVERS, INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS, STRANGLES, &c. when they {105} will take (spontaneously) no other kind of FOOD or NUTRIMENT. Mashes should be always made of ingredients perfectly SWEET, without the least taint of mustiness, and in pails or vessels free from every possibility of grease; they should also be prepared with water boiling hot, which being once stirred together, may then be covered down till of a proper warmth to be placed in the manger; which should never be of greater heat than new milk from the cow, unless in cases where a FUMIGATION may be required to relax and take off a stricture from the glandular parts, and promote a discharge from the nostrils.

MASTER of the HORSE

—is an office of high honor and great trust, seldom conferred upon any but some distinguished individual of the peerage, in possession of his Majesty's confidence, and honored with his personal approbation. The department of the MASTER of the HORSE is of very considerable magnitude, possessing a greater extent of patronage than almost any other appointment in the GIFT of the Crown. The Master of the Horse is the supreme superintendant of every thing appertaining to the establishment of the King's stables and their contents. It is within his official department to take cognizance of every part of the royal retinue in which HORSES, CARRIAGES, and their requisite attendants, are concerned; as well as personally to attend upon his Majesty {106} whenever they are employed; but more particularly upon all public occasions, and in all PROCESSIONS of STATE. He also appears in personal attendance upon his Majesty in the chase; unless upon some occasions, by the King's permission, or particular desire, that official service is dispensed with. Subordinate to the Master of the Horse in the stable establishment, are the equerries, pages of honor, clerk of the stables, yeomen riders, mews-keepers, coachmen, footmen, grooms, postillions, and helpers, exclusive of saddlers, coach, harness, and bit-makers. The establishment of the ROYAL HUNT is also officially announced in the department of the Master of the Horse; although the patronage and appointments remain of course with the Master of the Stag Hounds.

MASTER of the STAG HOUNDS

. See King's Hounds.

MATCH COCK

.—A cock intended to fight in a MATCH, must not be less in weight than three pounds six ounces, or exceed four pounds eight: if either less than the first, or more than the latter, he cannot be shewn or brought to the SCALE. See Main of Cocks.

MATCH in RACING

—is a BET made between the OWNERS where only two horses are concerned, one of which must become the winner. For explanatory {107} particulars, see Horse Racing. Horses are said to MATCH (for a carriage) when they correspond, and constitute a similitude in height, marks, action, and color. A HUNTING MATCH (generally termed a steeple chase) is made by parties, to ride their own horses across a country to some point agreed on, encountering all difficulties, and taking the LEAPS in stroke: this kind of match is, upon most occasions, run with a few couple of hounds; a person going forward with a DRAG to the spot appointed where the match is to be decided.

MATCHEM

—was a horse the most eminent of his time as a RACER, and for many years was the most esteemed STALLION in the kingdom. He was bred by Mr. Fenwick, foaled in 1748; got by Cade, dam by Partner, grand-dam by Makeless, great grand-dam by Brimmer, &c. &c. He produced an annual succession of winners (many of them excellent runners) too long for enumeration.

MERCURY

—is become an article of so much medical utility with HORSES, as well as with the human species, that it seems entitled to some mention here, being a specific much talked of, but not universally understood. Mercury (alias quicksilver) is an opaque silver-colored mineral fluid, appearing to the eye like melted TIN or LEAD; it {108} is heavier than any other fluid, and does not congeal in the greatest degree of natural cold ever yet known. This mineral is met with in its fluid form in the earth, or extracted by art from certain metallic ores. There are considerable mines of it in Hungary and Spain; but the greatest quantities are brought from the East Indies. The use of mercury was but little known till within the last century; and its more subtle preparations, with their efficacious properties, of a much later date. The ancients looked upon it as a confirmed corrosive poison, though perfectly void of acrimony, taste, and smell. Experiments have been made, and instances proved, of its having been lodged for years in cavities of both bones and fleshy parts, without the least injury, or smallest sensible or perceptible effect. Taken into the human body in its crude and undivided state, it passes through the intestinal canal unchanged, and has not been found to produce the least inconvenience.

MERCURY

—was the name of a horse, that, as a RACER, and afterwards a STALLION, stood very high in sporting estimation. He was bred by the late Colonel O'Kelly; foaled in 1778; was got by Eclipse out of a Tartar mare, who was likewise the dam of Whitenose, Maria, Antiochus, Venus, {111} Jupiter, Adonis, Lilly of the Valley, Volunteer, Bonnyface, and Queen Mab. After having acquired considerable celebrity as a good runner, and proved himself equal to any horse of his time, he became a favourite STALLION in the possession of Lord Egremont, where he has produced a numerous progeny, including a very great number of winners, many of much note; and amongst the rest, the following celebrated horses, some of whom are stallions in high reputation: Calomel, Sublimate, Hippolyta, Mercutio, Old Gold, Precipitate, Quicksilver, Young Mercutio, Felix, Cinnabar, Mother Bunch, Hermes, Pill Box, Silver, Transit, Gohanna, Caustic, Stadholder, Buckingham, &c. &c.

MESHES

—are the vacancies in all kinds of NET-WORK, of which there are various sorts, with their meshes of different dimensions; as the gate-net, flue-net, tunnel-net, drawing-net, casting-net, &c. &c. as adapted to their distinct uses, for taking either FISH or FOWL.

MEUSE

—is the opening at the bottom of quick-set and other hedges, as well as in the bushy underwood of COVERTS, through which HARES take their track, when going to, or coming from, FEED during the night. At these meuses the expert and experienced POACHER fixes his wires (commonly called snares) with so much security, and confidence of success, that he generally insures a tolerable proportion {112} to his own share, according to the stock of the country.

MEWING

—is an old forest term for a STAG'S shedding his horns.

MEWS

—is a receptacle for horses and carriages, appropriated to no other use whatever. The buildings consist of stables and coach-houses only, with conveniencies above for the residence of coachmen and their families. In all the newly-erected squares and streets at the western extremity of the Metropolis, most of the houses are so constructed, that the master and servants have access to the stables by a communication at the back of the dwelling-house, without the inconvenience of passing through the streets.

MOLTEN GREASE

.—This disorder is defined by every writer in succession, a solution of the FAT with which a horse may abound, when brought into sudden and excessive action; that in its state of liquefaction, a great part falls upon the intestines, there becomes in a certain degree incorporated with the contents, and is more or less discharged in an oily state with the excrements. This is proved by long experience to be a well-founded description of both the case and the cause, which very frequently prove fatal, and that in a short time, without the lest relief or alleviation to be {113} obtained from medicine. The leading symptoms are preceded by an agitated trembling, with sudden starts or motions, as if frightened in the stall; this is succeeded by violent fever, with great heat and clamminess of the mouth, a shortness of breath, and difficulty of respiration, beyond description, bearing no ill affinity to the most distinguishing symptoms of a horse labouring under an inflammation of the lungs. The great hope of cure must depend upon plentiful bleeding without delay, and that to be repeated at short intervals, till the blood is divested of its sizey, viscid, and inflammatory appearances. If not soon relieved by such medical interposition as may be thought most applicable to the state he is in, great bodily debility speedily ensues, the frame gradually declines in flesh, and becomes emaciated, the skin adheres to the ribs, the solids begin to relax, the legs to swell; and if the blood and juices are not properly corrected, by a judicious mode of medical management, a general decay may be expelled in glanders, farcy, or some one of the diseases which terminate fatally.

MOON EYES

.—Horses said to have MOON EYES, or to be MOON-BLIND, is one of the relics of former superstition, when certain defects of the eyes were ridiculously supposed to have been influenced for better or worse, by the increasing or declining state of the MOON. Such opinions seem now to be wearing away, and verging upon oblivion, {114} in proportion as the structure of the parts, as well as the remedies to relieve, become more perfectly comprehended by the indefatigable researches of Veterinarian investigation.

MOOR GAME

.—See Grouse, Heath Fowl, and Game.

MORTIFICATION

.—This state, in a PHYSICAL sense, with either MAN or BEAST, is the total cessation of vital heat in any part of the body or extremities, which then becomes, insensible, and is followed by putrefaction. When a mortification arises from some external injury done to the part, it is not preceded by a gangrene, but is produced by an absolute stagnation of the blood and juices, and all the injured parts become insensible and putrid at the same time, without any previous inflammation. A mortification arising from some internal cause, or a deficiency of natural heat, comes on in the same manner, but is more tardy in its progress, although it exhibits similar appearances; but the nature of the disease may be readily discovered. When an external injury is the cause, if an incision is made early in the diseased part, it will be found insensible, and nothing but extravasated blood will be discharged. In all cases of MORTIFICATION, the disease, with its concomitant symptoms, proceeds with a rapidity that sets every medical interposition {115} and exertion at defiance, till DEATH closes the scene.

MOTION

.—A horse is said to be of easy motion, when he has a fine length of forehand, goes off the ground lightly with his head up, gliding his hind-legs under his carcase in action, without the straddling spring for which rough-going horses are so remarkable.

MOUTH

.—The good or bad mouth of a horse depends upon the pliability of his temper, and his obedience to the bit. Some horses (particularly those of violent and refractory dispositions) are so truly insensible to every effort of even the best riders, that hardly any kind of bit can be invented to reduce them to subjection; while, on the contrary, there are those, and even blood horses, of such good temper, and constitutional docility; that they may be regulated instantaneously to any purpose, by the most tender bearing of a common snaffle.

MULE

.—The MULE is that well-known cross-bred animal, generated between an ASS and a MARE. Some are, but very rarely, produced by the HORSE with a SHE ASS; but they are smaller, weaker, and of less utility, consequently not bred with design. The mule has all the good qualities of the ass, without its bad ones; it is as patient, and as permanent {116} under labour; it can bear the most incessant fatigue, with the lead sustenance; is without the instinctive stupidity of the ass, and is equally tractable with the horse. The mule, when well descended, and well fed, is adequate to a variety of services, and will, if taken the same care of when young, nearly reach the size of a moderate horse. Many have measured fifteen hands high and upwards, are exceedingly strong and sure-footed, which qualities render them very valuable in the different parts of Europe where the countries are mountainous, and the roads stony, as they will travel with the greatest ease and security where a horse would be very likely to break his neck. They are likewise exceedingly useful in harness, and will draw immense weights for long journies without displaying the least fatigue.

MUTE

—is a sporting term, applied to a HOUND when he pursues his GAME by the scent, without giving tongue. As some are by much too free, and give tongue too hastily, when in a state of uncertainty, acquiring thereby the degrading denomination of a babbler; so there are others equally tardy in proclaiming the certainty when known. Hounds of each description are considered injurious to the discipline and desirable excellence of the pack, and are generally rejected so soon as their imperfections are known, and too much confirmed for reformation.

MUZZLE

.—Muzzles are made of leather, and are of two sorts; the one called a dressing, the other a setting, muzzle. The first is of the same form as the last, but of different construction, having a few straps crossing each other transversely, and so united as to be about nine inches in depth, and of a shape to cover the nose of the horse so high; to which are annexed two straps; one of {119} which passes up the cheek on each side, and buckles at the top of the head behind the ears; the use of this is to dress such horses in as are disposed to vice with the teeth, as well to prevent the MANGER from injury, as the GROOM from danger. The other is in little use, except in TRAINING STABLES; its form is not unlike the exact shape of a common water-pail, being made of the thickness of substantial leather, having a number of round holes punched in every part of it, for the free admission of air, and is brought into use on those nights preceding a horse's RUNNING engagement on the following day; as well as before taking a SWEAT, or running a TRIAL. It is called a SETTING-MUZZLE, because, when put on, the horse is said "to be set," (that is, to fast;) and the intent is to prevent his consuming the litter, or obtaining more food than what the training-groom has a perfect knowledge of.

NABOB

—was a horse of much temporary note, and considered one of the best country plate horses of his time; he was bred by Mr. Swinburne, and foaled in 1753; was got by Cade, dam by Crab, grand-dam by Childers. Although he was a known good runner, he never as a STALLION produced any racers of much celebrity.

NAG

—is rather a provincial than a general term, and varies a little in its signification, according to the county, or part of the kingdom, in which it is used. In the most common country acceptation, it implies a RIDING horse or ROADSTER, in contra-distinction to a carriage or cart-horse. A "complete nag" may be considered a kind of horse beyond the line of mediocrity, and bordering upon the idea of a moderate hunter. A "smartish nag" is what the opulent farmer rides to market; and a "tightish little tit" is a well-bred galloway of SPEED and ACTION, which, in a state of purity and perfection, are always difficult to be obtained.

NARROW CHESTED

.—A horse is so called, whose breast is so narrow (when standing before him) that the fore-legs gradually extend wider in proportion as the eye accompanies them nearer {121} the ground; so that, in a front view, they bear the form of two legs of a common country washing-stool, where the legs are inserted in the narrow part of the wood at the top, and are four or five inches more in width at the bottom. Horses of this description are invariably weak before; and when put into hard work, or severe exertions, are the very sort of which so many upon the roads are seen in a "CHEST-FOUNDERED" state; which see under that head, where it will be found fully explained.

NARROW HEELS

.—Enlarged upon under "Heels Narrow," which SEE.

NAVEL-GALL

—is an injury sustained upon the centrical part of the back-bone, corresponding with that part below, from whence it originally derived its present denomination. It is always occasioned by the pad of the SADDLE being in itself too wide, (and deficient in stuffing,) letting the iron-work of the tree come into contact with the SPINE; or from the long and constant use of a roller in the stable, till having lost the elasticity of its stuffing, it then becomes sufficiently hard, particularly with too tight buckling, to occasion the injury, which is often productive of much trouble, long vexation, and tedious disappointment. It is a disgrace to the rational part of the world, that cases should occur from neglect, indolence, or inattention, which may, {122} with no more than just and necessary caution, be so easily prevented. A navel-gall, in the first instance, if immediately attended to upon the earliest discovery, (if that be so soon as the injury is sustained, or in its recent state of inflammation,) will mostly submit to mild astringent repellents, repeated at short intervals; and the contents of the inflammatory tumefaction will be absorbed into the circulation. But "as it is the curse of fools to be secure," so an impatient repetition of the cause occasions a constantly increasing addition to the injury, till the renewed HEAT and FRICTION upon the part constitute an eschar, or leather-like substance, upon the surface, which being separated, or coming spontaneously away, displays a foul, if not an INVETERATE ulcer, and requires no small share of Veterinary skill to insure a successful termination.

NEAR-SIDE

.—The near-side of a horse is the LEFT SIDE, and of course the side on which the rider goes to mount. The right-side of the horse is always called the OFF-SIDE; but the right side, or the left side, is never so termed, when speaking of a horse. It is the invariable custom to say, that horse is lame of the "near-leg before;" the other, is evidently defective in the "off-leg behind."

NECK

.—The neck of a horse has been so often enlarged upon under a variety of different heads, that little or nothing is left useful, entertaining, or {123} instructive, to introduce upon the subject. All that can be required, will be found largely explained by referring to "Horse" and "Forehand," where, if it is not already remarked sufficiently, it may be here more forcibly inculcated; that a horse with a short neck, is in general lower before than behind; that he is never easy in action; carries his head low, and lifts his legs with difficulty; is much addicted to tripping, or rather blundering, and with that pleasing perfection (so gratifying to the sensations of his rider) is always in danger of FALLING; in addition to which, it may be observed, that a horse of this formation is neither fleet or handsome.

NEEDLE-WORMS

—are small white worms with a sharp-pointed head, having their seat in the rectum of a horse, from whence they are frequently discharged with the dung, but are difficult to dislodge and extirpate entirely. By their unceasing action, (twirling and twisting in the dung when expelled,) it is natural to conceive, how very much they irritate, disquiet, and distress an animal where they have acquired possession; of this there needs no greater proof, than the excrements frequently and suddenly coming away in a liquified state, as if the horse was under a course of physic. And this is evidently the cause why horses eternally teazed and persecuted with these diminutive enemies, always appear low in flesh, rough in the {124} coat, sunk in the eyes, and depressed in the spirits: eternally labouring under internal disquietude, they derive but little advantage from REST, or nourishment from FOOD. They are sometimes not only reduced, but eradicated, by ANTIMONIALS; but as this is not always to be relied on, MERCURIAL PHYSIC is justified upon the broad basis of experience, as the only infallible mode of extirpation.

NEIGHING

—is an exclamatory sensation (or vociferation) by which the horse evinces either anxiety, suspense, or pleasure; but the passion he feels is expressed with much more force and energy in the two first, than in the latter, which is ejaculated with low and gradual vibrative sounds, too expressive to be mistaken by even the inexperienced naturalist, or least attentive observer. Being separated from a companion with whom he has been accustomed to stand in the same stable, and to accompany each other abroad, his inquiries are loud and incessant upon the road or in the field; and if made upon a RACE COURSE, amidst a thousand horses, they are so completely masters of their own language, that they can instantly distinguish the exclamation of each other from the innumerable NEIGHINGS of all the rest. Finding themselves answered, at whatever distance, they display their eagerness to get together; and as they approach each other, the pleasure becomes perceptible in the way before described, {125} and by the experienced sportsman so perfectly understood.

NETS

—are the well-known articles constructed of thread, packthread, and small cord, made of every sort and size, for the various purposes of taking fish, fowl, and game of every denomination; from the GUDGEON to the SALMON, from the SPARROW to the WILD DUCK, and from the RABBIT to the RED DEER: all are destined to bow obedience to human ingenuity. Nets are to be obtained from the makers, of almost every possible description, under a variety of names, according to the distinct use for which each is employed. Of these there are the minnow-net, the casting-net, the landing-net, the draw-net, the drag-net, the bat-folding-net, the tunnel-net, the flue-net, the clap-net, the fowling-net, with a long list of inferiors; the insertion of which here is not likely to prove of the least general utility; each being practically known to those of the different SPORTING or poaching classes with whom they are principally in use.

NEWMARKET

—is the name of a small town, about sixty miles from the Metropolis, and ten from Cambridge. In itself it lays claim to little attention, but is rendered of much celebrity by the beautiful country by which it is surrounded, and the periodical RACING MEETINGS there established; constituting a kind of carnival to the SPORTING {126} WORLD, that, to be properly conceived, must be seen; and to be enjoyed, must be understood. During the whole of each meeting it is a complete MART of BUSINESS in the midst of dissipation, forming a scene of profit and loss, pleasure and anxiety, exultation and despondency, beyond the power of the most fertile pen to depict. Nothing, perhaps, can more nearly equal the general confusion, the various passions, and variegated countenances, (as agitated by the pecuniary sensations of each,) than the contortions of disquietude, and gesticulations of mental misery, upon the Exchange, when some sudden political shock produces a dreadful and unexpected fall in the price of stocks.

NICKING

—was formerly considered an OPERATION of much MAGNITUDE, and not without its proportion of danger; and then performed only by such as were considered eminent in the PRACTICE, and expert in the ART. It is now, however, a matter of so little consequence, that anatomical knowledge is not thought at all necessary to the execution; it being a well-known fact, that almost every DEALER (or even his principal servant) is an operator from one extremity of the kingdom {129} to the other. The intent of NICKING is to prevent (by a counteracting power) a horse from depressing his TAIL, and flicking it between his hind quarters; giving him all the appearance of perpetual fear, and constitutional dejection. A horse of this description is held in very trifling estimation, and purchasers are not readily to be found till this operation has been gone through, and the good or bad set of the TAIL ascertained, upon the ornamental part of which, both the figure and proportional value of the subject greatly depend.

NIDE

—is the term sportingly applied to the offspring or produce of the COCK and HEN PHEASANT, so long as they continue to clutch or brood together, before they separate, and are able to provide for themselves. To be technically correct, it is usual to say, a nide of PHEASANTS; a covey of PARTRIDGES; a clutch of CHICKENS; a setting of GULLS; and a brood of DUCKS.

NIPPERS

.—The four teeth in the front of a horse's mouth (two above and two below) are so denominated: these are the teeth which expel their predecessors (called colt's teeth) when a colt is two years old off, and rising three. See Colt.

NIPPERS

.—The smaller sized PINCERS of the shoeing-smith are so called.

NITRE

—is an article in too much general use to stand in need of minute description. Its medical properties are of the most universal kind, with respect to the diseases of horses; but it is, on account of its being easily obtained, (for little money,) frequently {135} introduced with the greatest indiscretion. Nitre is an useful assistant in most inflammatory disorders, as it is both of a diuretic and cooling property; it is consequently to be recommended in FEVERS, INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS, swelled legs, and other defects or diseases, where an additional discharge of urine, or an attenuation of the blood, is to be promoted. Its well-known good qualities have rendered it the more subject to an almost perpetual perversion of the excellent properties it so clearly contains; for, although it never should be given in large quantities without some proper corrector, yet the invincible propensity of COACHMEN and GROOMS to become Veterinarians, renders them completely miserable, unless they can be constantly displaying some specimen of their art; to which nothing can possibly become more happily appropriate, than the profuse administration of NITRE; as it affords a frequent opportunity of preying upon the pecuniary sensations of the master, by means which it is unnecessary to introduce.

NOSEBAND

—is that part of a military bridle, headstall, martingal, or hunting rein-halter, which passing below the under jaw, and round the nose above the nostrils, assists in keeping the other parts of either in their proper position.

NOSTRILS

.—The nostrils of a horse are generally a tolerable criterion of his wind, as well as his {136} blood. A horse having a wide and well-extended nostril, may be supposed to possess a free and easy expansion of the LUNGS: this cannot be more perfectly comprehended, than by adverting occasionally to the shape of horses who RACE, and are thorough BRED; where the form and expansion of the nostrils will be found more than one third the size of such horses as are of common lineage, and inferior description.

OATS

—are the well-known farinaceous grain which is the principal food and support of horses in constant work. After various experiments by NATURALISTS, and the most celebrated AGRICULTURISTS, they are found to convey a greater portion of nutriment to the frame, and invigoration to the system, at less expence, than any other kind of food whatever. The advantages of obtaining the heaviest in weight, the brightest in colour, and the sweetest in hand, are too self-evident to require a single line in elucidation. Oats newly housed, and newly threshed, should be avoided, if possible: not having acquired their proper firmness by TIME, they are more disposed to fermentation when mixed with the {137} juices in the stomach, and then propel the contents of the intestines in a state little short of liquefaction, by their own laxative property. When, from any temporary scarcity, or local consumption, old OATS cannot be procured, and necessity compels the use of new, a few beans may be added; these, by their restringent and nutritious property, will check the effect of the new oats, and prevent the debilitating laxity just described.

OBERON

—is a horse of some recent celebrity: he was bred by Mr. Hutchinson, and foaled in 1790; he was got by Highflyer, dam (Queen Mab) by Eclipse, out of a Tartar mare. In 1793, when three years old, he won the GOLD CUP at Doncaster, value 100 guineas; beating Cayenne, Ninety-three, Skypeeper, Restless, Flora, and Chigwell. The same day he won the Doncaster Stakes of 10 guineas each, thirteen subscribers; beating Huby, Restless, and Yarico. In 1794 he won at York, a subscription of 25 guineas each, seven subscribers; beating Yarico, Huby, and Tantararara. In the same week he won the great SUBSCRIPTION PURSE of 277l. 10s. 0d. beating Patriot, Yarico, Young Diomed, Rosalie, Camphire, and Champion. At Malton he was beat in a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, by Lord Fitzwilliam's Evelina, a three-year old by Highflyer, who carried but 5st. 10lb. to whom he ran second: the odds were very high in his favour at starting; and whether {138} he sustained an injury is not publicly known, but he was then withdrawn from the turf.

OFF-SIDE

.—The right-side of a HORSE, if you stand parallel with him, and look the same way, is the OFF-SIDE; as the left is the NEAR-SIDE. When speaking of any part of a horse, it is not usual, in sporting terms, to use the words right or left; but to say the near-shoulder; the off-eye; the near-leg BEFORE, or the off-leg behind.

ONION

—is an article which would not have found its way here, but in consequence of its great utility upon a certain emergency, which entitles its property to be more universally known. No trifling occurrence can possibly occasion more temporary mortification to a SPORTSMAN, than to see his horse labouring under the STRANGURY (or suppression of urine) after the long stage of a journey, or the severity of a chase. In such cases, the first FARRIER is generally called in, who proceeding upon the "KILL or CURE" system of former times, prepares a potion of the most powerful urinary stimulants, plentifully besprinkled with SPIRITS of TURPENTINE, oil of juniper, and other equally mild and efficacious ingredients, frequently laying the foundation of inflammation; when an onion being peeled, and a small clove or two of the inside properly insinuated within the SHEATH, may nineteen times out of twenty be expected to produce the desired {139} effect, without the interposition of any medicine whatever.

OPENING the HEELS

.—The ceremony of opening a horse's heels is sometimes necessary, when they are become contracted by so constantly standing upon the dry litter, and hot dung of stables, in the Metropolis; a circumstance which occurs much less in the country, where the defect is but little known. Although there can be no doubt of a hoof's contracting in a great degree by the means already mentioned, it must be more so, where the hoofs are not OILED or STOPPED for weeks, or, probably, months together. It is, however, a matter of doubt, whether the back-handed stroke of the smith's rasp in SHOEING, is not a more constant or frequent cause of the narrowness of the heels than any other. Let it arise from whatever cause, the remedy with them is always ready; "OPEN THE HEELS;" or, in other words, cut away; first with the BUTTRESS, and then with the drawing-knife, till little or nothing is left to cut: when the basis of bearing is taken away, the heel is let down to the ground, the TENDONS are put upon the STRETCH, the horse, being divested of his natural support, hobbles like a cripple, and there is no remedy, but to wait with patience for a perfect regeneration of parts so wantonly destroyed.

OPODELDOC

—is an article of external use in STRAINS, BRUISES, and other complaints, as well with the human species as with the brute creation. It is prepared by dissolving three ounces of Spanish soap, and one ounce of CAMPHIRE, in a pint of SPIRIT of ROSEMARY. Others dissolve the soap and camphire in rectified spirits of wine, adding OIL of ORIGANUM, and other essential oils. Its excellent properties are universally admitted in its various applications to the human frame; but doubts naturally arise how far it may contribute any great portion of EFFICACY to HORSES, or to any other animal, where the soap again coagulates, and constitutes so matted a mass upon the surface, that it is only with persevering difficulty the hair can be disunited even at the second application.

ORIGANUM, OIL of

,—is a well-known essential oil, extracted from the plant whose name it bears: it is an admirable collateral corroborant, when incorporated with judicious proportions of such other medicines as are proper for STRAINS, or a relaxed state of the TENDONS. If used in too great quantities, or added to heterogeneous articles, it disunites itself almost immediately; and, instead of executing the office of a gentle STIMULANT, penetrating the pores, assumes the power of the milder class of CAUSTICS, occasioning an eschar upon the part impregnated, terminating with a loss of hair.

OROONOKO

—was one of the most celebrated horses of his time: he was bred by the late Lord Portmore; was got by Crab out of Miss Slamerkin; foaled in 1743; and was own brother to Othello, the famous Black and all Black.

OTHELLO

—was the first name of that justly celebrated HORSE, so firmly fixed in the memory of every old SPORTSMAN of the present generation, by the more distinguished appellation of Black and all Black. He was bred by the late Lord Portmore; was got by Crab out of Miss Slamerkin, who was got by True Blue. He was foaled in 1745, and was esteemed the first racer of his time, producing afterwards, as a STALLION, some very famous runners.

OTTER

.—This is called an amphibious animal, living (to a certain degree and length of time) with as much seeming ease in the water, as he does upon land. It is, however, well ascertained, that he cannot exist long under the water, without occasionally reaching the surface for necessary respiration. The favourite and principal food of the otter is fish, of which he consumes, or rather destroys, a very considerable quantity in the neighbourhood of wherever he fixes his residence. This is formed under ground, in the bank of river or lake, and constructed with so much precaution, circumspection, and sagacity, that not without great difficulty can it be discovered. Although {142} fish, in the genial months of summer, are known to be his pleasurable pursuit, and chief subsistence, yet, in the severe and frosty season, he is not without his alternatives, and will then condescend to make a repast upon some one or other of the smaller animals with which the fox indulges himself at all seasons of the year.

OTTER-HUNTING

,—a sport at present so little pursued, was formerly in constant practice, and is said to have been then in great estimation: it is, however, to be presumed, it was in less enlightened times, and long before the different chases of STAG, FOX, and HARE, held forth a speedy prospect of their present perfection. Hounds were then kept and trained for the purpose; and as some proof of the stupidity of the sport, or the somniferous dispositions of those who pursued (or enjoyed) it, an account of the CHASE, if worthy to be termed so, is here literally transcribed from Mr. Daniels' recent publication.

OVER-DONE

.—A horse is said to be over-done, when both his FRAME and SPIRITS are so exhausted with fatigue and excessive labour, that he sinks down in his stall almost immediately after {144} reaching the stable; where he extends himself at every extremity, giving evident proof of the struggles nature has to encounter, by the bodily disquietude under which he continues distressed for many hours, and sometimes DAYS, before he becomes perfectly recovered. When a horse is reduced to this state, by a too long continuance at slow or steady work, no doubt of recovery need be entertained with a few days nursing; but if it has been occasioned by a continued and persevering speed with hounds, and a long journey home, danger may be apprehended: instances are infinite, where internal inflammations have arisen, by which existence has soon been destroyed.

OVER-REACH

.—An over-reach is such injury (either cut or bruise) as is frequently sustained in the heel of a horse's FORE-FOOT, by one of the SHOES BEHIND; and this happens during brisk action, in either TROT or GALLOP, where the ground is unexpectedly deep and deceptive: or when a horse is thick in the shoulders, and slow in action before, the hind-quarters are thrown in faster than the fore-legs can get out of the way, by which inactive, or sluggish tardiness, the accident is occasioned much oftener than by any other means.

ORMOND

,—a horse of much recent racing celebrity, bred by Mr. Wentworth in the north of England, was foaled in the year 1789; got by King Fergus; dam (Miss Cornforth) by Matchem; grand-dam by Sampson; and great grand-dam by Regulus. In the Craven Meeting at Newmarket, 1792, he ran second to John Bull for the great produce stakes of 200 guineas each, across the flat, half forfeit, thirty-five subscribers; beating {146} Hotspur, Whiskey, St. Paul, Lucifer, Guildford, and others. The same year, at York, he walked over for a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, five subscribers. In 1793, at York, he won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, fourteen subscribers. In 1794, at York, he won a fifty pound plate, added to a subscription purse of 227l. 10s. 0d. four miles, beating five others. In 1795, he won, at York, a subscription of 25 guineas each, eight subscribers. The next day but two he won the great subscription purse, value 277l. 10s. 0d. beating Chariot, Constant, and Screveton. After which he appeared but twice on the turf, becoming a STALLION at five guineas each mare, and five shillings the groom.

OVERTON

,—another son of King Fergus, dam by Herod, grand-dam by Snip, great grand-dam own sister to Regulus, was bred by Mr. Hutchinson, and foaled in 1788. At York, in 1792, he won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, half forfeit, twelve subscribers. The same week he won a fifty-pound plate, added to a subscription purse, beating Rosalind, Storm, Halbert, and two others. The next day he beat Halbert a match four miles, for 300 guineas, giving him a stone. At Doncaster he won the GOLD CUP of 100 guineas value; beating Huby, Rosalind, Smoaker, Gentleman, and Colchis. At York, 1794, he beat Halbert two miles for 200 guineas. After which he {147} was taken out of training, and became a STALLION at Skipton, near York, at TEN GUINEAS a mare. He is the sire of those famous horses Cockfighter and Rolla, bidding fair to become of more considerable celebrity.

PACE

—is an expression to signify the motion, or progressive action, of a horse, as well as one of the human species. When speaking of a man's pace, it is usual to say, he walks, he runs, or he goes a good pace; which becomes applicable to either, meaning, that he is an expeditious WALKER, a fleet RUNNER, or perhaps both. A horse has a great variety of PACES, as a walk, trot, amble, canter, gallop, rating-gallop, and at speed; some of which many horses have in great perfection, and are exceedingly deficient in others; as for instance, a horse shall be a most excellent TROTTER, who happens to be a shuffling, execrable WALKER; he shall be a gay, airy, light figure in a CANTER, and wonderfully deceptive in speed. Good GALLOPERS are very frequently bad TROTTERS; and perfection is very difficult to obtain.

PAD

—is a common rustic term for a GALLOWAY, or small horse.

PADDOCK

,—in earlier times, signified a PADDOCK enclosed with a wall or paling of an immense height, a mile in length, and a quarter of a mile broad, in which DEER were coursed with GREYHOUNDS, in the same manner as HARES are coursed at present, but with numerous variations in respect to the coursing rules now in use, These paddocks, from their great extent, were seldom seen, but in the ROYAL PARKS, or upon the demesnes of the most opulent and distinguished subjects. The sport itself has been a long time discontinued, and is most probably buried in oblivion; the word paddock applying, in the present time, only to a small enclosure of pasture, having a pale to protect it; or to a small tract of land, surrounding, or appertaining to, a rural mansion, where a few brace of FALLOW deer may be kept, but not of magnitude sufficient to acquire the appellation of a PARK.

PALATE

.—The entire roof of the horse's mouth, amongst FARRIERS and SMITHS, is generally distinguished by the simple unmeaning appellation of PALATE; the ridges crossing which are called the BARS: these, when they become too luxuriant and fleshy just behind the nippers, (the upper front teeth,) are then said to constitute a defect called the LAMPAS, which are reduced by repeated scarifications with a lancet, or extirpated by means of a red-hot iron, called the ACTUAL CAUTERY. (See Lampas.) In all cases of emergency, particularly {150} upon inflammatory disorders, coming suddenly on in the night, when circumstances may render BLEEDING in the neck a matter of inconvenience, the operation may be instantly and expeditiously performed by lancet, bistoury, fleam, or even a common pen-knife, by passing either three or four times moderately across the bars, when the blood will be observed to flow most plentifully, and by being swallowed, is admitted by most of those who have attended to EFFECTS, to have been almost invariably attended with immediate advantage, particularly in the cholic, or a suppression of urine.

PALSY

—is a disorder, or rather a species of disorder, so nearly allied to the various degrees of staggers, apoplexy, or deprivation of sense, that the best Veterinary writers do not seem to have laid down any fixed rule, or unerring diagnostic, by which the discriminating shades, or predominant traits, of each are to be precisely ascertained. As the causes may be different of either, so the disorder may be more or less violent, according to the gradational excess of the cause. One attack of the species may arise from a too great and sensible flux of the blood to the brain, producing a severe and rapid inflammation: this, of course, might be introduced by extra exertions of continued speed, or in drawing loads of unreasonable weight; as well as from cruel and inhuman blows about the head; and from the two latter it is, that most of these disquietudes {151} certainly proceed. Where the whole frame is affected, it is then natural to conclude the BRAIN is more particularly the SEAT of DISEASE, and that the whole system is from thence universally affected; but where the attack is partial, affecting only one limb and extremity, or any single part of the frame, it has then more the appearance of spasmodic affection, acting solely upon the muscles of the precise spot so far as they extend; and in the latter case, lay more readily open to a chance of relief by topical application, than where the entire frame and system is affected.

PARK

,—in its plain construction, is an extensive tract of ground, or country, enclosed with WALL or PALING, well variegated with WOOD and WATER, for the support of cattle, and preservation of VENISON and GAME. It becomes a park by the privilege of prescription, or by the King's grant. There are many parks in possession of the Crown, (as well as of opulent individuals,) of which Windsor Great Park is the largest in the kingdom. It is upon record, that the Park of Woodstock was the first in England, formed and enclosed about the year 1124, and bounded by a stone wall seven miles in circumference. The example was followed by Henry Earl of Warwick; after which park-making became a common practice in different parts of the country.

PARTNER

.—There were five famous horses of this name in succession, from Old Partner, in 1718, to Little Partner, in 1745. The first was called Croft's; the second, Moore's; the third, Grisewood's; the fourth, Bright's; and the last, Pearson's. Old Partner was got by Jigg, out of a sister to Mixbury; he was a most excellent runner, and produced an astonishing progeny of winners; from whom his blood is ramified through most of the studs in the kingdom. He was sire of Sedbury, Tartar, Cato, Traveller, Badger, Grisewood's Partner, Little John, Larkin's Looby, Duke of Bolton's Little John, Barforth, the Witherington Mare, Vane's Little Partner, Parker's Lady Thigh, Grisewood's Lady Thigh, Lodge's Roan Mare, &c. &c.

PARTRIDGES

—are those well known timid, harmless, inoffensive branches of the feathered creation, the beautiful variegations of whose plumage, and the nutritive property of whose flesh, have entitled them to the distinguished appellation of GAME, and the honour of parliamentary protection. They begin to pair off from the fragmental remains of COVIES, about the last week in February, and through the month of March; make their nests upon the ground, in hedges, and the banks of hedge-rows principally; though they are sometimes found in fields of CLOVER, but very rarely in standing CORN. The hen usually deposits {154} from fifteen to twenty eggs, and produces mostly a bird from every egg she lays. They hatch about the second or third week in June. The young in the aggregate are called COVIES, and they are known to run almost as soon as they are hatched. Although they are sometimes reduced by VERMIN, or unexpected torrents of rain, yet from SIX to EIGHT BRACE are generally brought up to fly with the old ones. They are included in every Act of Parliament for the preservation of the game; and the penalty for killing a partridge by any unqualified person, is FIVE POUNDS: if such unqualified person kills a partridge, without having taken out an ANNUAL CERTIFICATE from the Clerk of the Peace for the county in which he resides, (or where such partridge may have been killed,) he is then liable to a farther penalty of twenty pounds; making a forfeiture of TWENTY-FIVE POUNDS in the whole.

PASTERN

.—The pastern of a horse is the distance between the fetlock and the coronet, which terminates at the junction of hair and hoof. The pastern should be short, strong, and uniform; when long, it is proportionally weak; and the nearer the fetlock is to the ground, the more liable such horse is to be let down in the back sinews, and become lame.

PATTEN-SHOE

—was a shoe formerly used with lame horses; but from the palpable absurdity of its adoption, seems now to be nearly banished from modern practice. This shoe was constructed with a ring, circular, or nearly oval, at the bottom, {157} which being fixed upon the SOUND foot, its intentional use was to compel the horse in all injuries to stand upon the lame leg, that a contraction of the muscular parts might be prevented. Happily such ridiculous and ill-founded notions are gliding into oblivion.

PATTERN-SHOE

—is a shoe formed upon rational principles, and of a scientific construction, for transmission to any part of the world, as a PATTERN by which the ART of SHOEING may be universally improved, and reduced to one general standard of purity and perfection.

PEDIGREE

.—The pedigree (or genealogical descent) of a horse is in the present day so fabricated by hearsay, or framed by fiction, that nothing less than a well-authenticated certificate, under the hand of the BREEDER, can with propriety be received as an indisputable proof of the PURITY of his BLOOD: and this is the more evidently necessary to a SPORTSMAN, lest he should be induced (relying upon his deceptive pedigree) to enter into a racing engagement, and that too, perhaps, for a sum of much magnitude; the whole of which, with the additional training expences, might be lost for want of that very blood he has been villainously taught to believe he has got in possession. To such an enthusiastic pitch has the desire of pedigree attained, under the fashionable sporting phrenzy of the time, that a {158} horse is absolutely considered of neither value or utility, unless his pedigree is properly attested, and he is known to "carry the catalogue of his endowments by his side." The DEALERS (as well as others) are so well aware of this partiality for blood and pedigree, that every common roadster has the report of his get ready prepared, and no purchaser need be without it. Upon the subject of authenticated pedigrees, for near a century past, Mr. Weatherby's Stud Book is, beyond a doubt, the first publication extant.

PHEASANT

.—The pheasant is not only the most beautiful bird in plumage of any bred in this kingdom, but the first in estimation; not more for the sport it affords in the field, than its delicious attraction {159} for the table. They are about one fourth less in size than common poultry, lay nearly the same number of eggs, and bring up their young in the same manner. They principally frequent the WOODS and hedge-rows, are seldom found in the fields, and then but very rarely far from covert: when upon WING, they are so exceedingly slow in flight, that he must be an exceeding bad marksman who does not HIT his BIRD. The pheasant is included in every successive Act for the preservation of the game; and although they are less liable than HARES and PARTRIDGES to the destructive depredations of the POACHERS, they suffer considerably by FOXES, MARTERNS, POLE-CATS, and other vermin.

PHÆNOMENON

—was one of the most celebrated sons of Herod, both as a RACER and a STALLION. He was bred by Sir J. Kaye, and foaled in 1780; was got by Herod, dam (Frenzy) by Eclipse, grand-dam by Engineer, out of Lass of the Mill, who was got by Traveller. His performances upon the turf so strictly corresponded with his name, that the infinity of mares brought to him in the first seasons of his covering, afforded him an opportunity of adding to his reputation in a degree almost beyond former example. He covered in Yorkshire at 10 guineas a mare, and in 1791 produced the following winners: Lord A. Hamilton's Chesnut Colt, who won two fifties; Freeholder, who won 100 guineas at York, and a 50 at Stockton; Mongrel, who won 25 guineas at Lewes; Pigeon, who won 200 guineas at York, 50 at Manchester, 50 at Wakefield, 50 at Boroughbridge, and 50 at Northallerton; Roman, 140 guineas at York; Rosalind, 700 guineas, and 300 guineas, at York, 300 guineas at Doncaster, and 50l. at New Malton; and Stride, 600 guineas at York.

PHYSIC

—is a term sometimes given (particularly in the country) to every kind of MEDICINE that can be administered to either MAN or HORSE: the more polished and general acceptation confines it solely to the operation of PURGING, in which sense alone it can be properly understood. It is but a few years (since the appearance of "The Gentleman's Stable Directory,") that the general necessity for, and palpable utility of, occasionally PHYSICING HORSES, became almost universally admitted. Its salutary effects stand, however, upon too firm a basis to be again shaken by the obtrusion of speculative opinions: there are but few, if any, remaining, who will presume to arraign or challenge the consistency of annually cleansing full thirty yards of the intestinal canal, replete with INTERSTICES, and appropriated to little other purpose than the excretion of filth.

PICKER

.—A horse-picker is a small iron instrument, so truly convenient upon many emergencies, that a prudent traveller, or experienced sportsman, is hardly ever seen without one annexed to the handle of a knife which he carries in his pocket: its use is to extract stones, pebbles, or flints, from the bottom of the foot, when they are picked up in hunting, or upon the road. They are sometimes so firmly fixed between the inner edge of the SHOE and the FROG, that nothing but very violent force with a hammer can remove them; in such cases, horses are sometimes led a considerable distance to some dwelling-house, before the stone can be extracted; and the foot is probably bruised, or sustains a serious injury, for what {164} might be obtained at a trifling expence, and carried with little inconvenience.

PIGEONS

—are the well-known domestic birds, of which there are only TWO sorts entitled to attention here, as affording equally nutritious support for the frame, but neither calculated to excite sport in the field, or emulative attraction in their destruction. The two different kinds are distinguished under the denomination of WILD and TAME; the former are bred in COTES and DOVE-HOUSES, (such as are seen at the rustic mansions of the great, and at large farms in open countries;) the latter in less numbers upon a smaller scale, and in receptacles of smaller construction, affixed to out-offices, barns, stables, or upon a pedestal; in either of which situations, they have their provision mostly before them. The WILD or dove-house pigeons, as they are called, breed only once a year generally; though there are many in the same flock who produce a second, or what is termed a harvest or autumn flight. Those called TAME pigeons, who are still more domesticated, have a greater degree of fecundity, and continue to breed a pair every month or five weeks during the year, except the three most severe and dreary months of winter.

PIGEON-SHOOTING

—is a sport principally resorted to at that season of the year when guns are laying dormant, and game of every other kind is, by the privilege of Parliament, permitted to enjoy its rest. Pigeon-shooting is a match between two individuals, or any fixed number on each side, and is decided by one, or the other, killing the greatest NUMBER of PIGEONS within an equal number of shots. The match made, and the place agreed on where it is to be decided, the dove-house pigeons are provided in proportion to the parties who stand engaged to shoot; of which there are generally four, five, or six, on each side; and as every individual feels disposed to shoot at least five or six times, less than eight or ten dozen are hardly ever procured for the occasion.

PILOT

.—There have been three horses of this name; two of which were excellent racers, and esteemed equal, as plate horses, to any of their time. The first was bred by Sir Charles Bunbury; foaled in 1762; got by Snap, dam by Cade, grand-dam by Crab, out of Lord Portmore's Abigail. The second was bred by Sir H. Harpur; foaled in 1770; got by Dainty Davy, dam by Blanck, grand-dam (Dizzy) by the famous and original Driver. The third was bred by the late Counsellor Lade; foaled in 1782, and got by the above, dam by Marske, grand-dam by Regulus. The two last won a great number of fifty-pound plates annually for several years in succession, and afterwards proved very excellent country stallions.

PLAY or PAY

,—a description of BET so made. Whether the subject of such bet be MAN or HORSE; the object a race, or a boxing match; either party being present at the time and place appointed, ready to perform their part of the engagement previously entered into; the other not appearing, or appearing, and then and there refusing to enter into {168} the contest, upon the event of which the article or bet was originally formed, can lay no claim whatever to the stakes deposited; and the holder stands justified in handing such stakes over to the WINNER, having sufficient evidence in justification on his own part, to prove that it was bona fide a "PLAY or PAY" bet.

PLAY or PAY

,—the name of a horse of much recent and racing celebrity, the property of Mr. Durand. He was bred by Mr. Parker, and got by Ulysses out of Tiffany's dam. In 1794, at three years old, (in the name of Mars,) he won 50l. at Epsom, beating six others. At Stockbridge, a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, nine subscribers. At Winchester he walked over the Course for a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, eight subscribers. In 1795, when four years old, he beat Mr. Turner's Tim Tartlet, two miles for 200 guineas. The next day he beat Mr. Cauty's Alderman, two miles for 50 guineas. He won also 50l. at Guildford; a sweepstakes of 15 guineas each at Stockbridge, seven subscribers: the next day a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, six subscribers. At Winchester, a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, eight subscribers. At Egham he walked over for a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, five subscribers. The next day he won a 50l. plate, beating Pandolpho and Serpent. In 1796, when five years old, he won the Craven stakes, of 10 guineas each, at Newmarket, beating {169} eleven others. 50l. at Ascot Heath. In 1797, then six years old, he won 50l. at Epsom, beating five others. 50l. at Lewes, beating Gohanna and Keren-happuch. 50l. at Abingdon, beating Keren-happuch, Paroquet, and Roland. In consequence of having been so hard run for FOUR years in succession, he started SEVEN times in 1798 without once winning. In 1799, he won 50l. at Epsom, beating Yeoman and Midnight. 50l. at Guildford, beating Mr. Lade's David, and two others; and 50l. at Egham, beating Lord G. Cavendish's horse by Jupiter; after which he was purchased by Mr. Dashwood, in whose possession, at nine years old, in 1800, he beat Mr. Whaley's Post Boy, four miles over Ascot, for 100 guineas, and walked over at Egham for a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, three subscribers: after which he appeared no more on the turf.

PLEURISY

—is a disorder in the horse so nearly allied to an INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS, that probably the most judicious and experienced Veterinarian would not, without much difficulty, be enabled to distinguish between one and the other. The predominant symptoms are sudden and violent: he first becomes heavy, dull, and oppressed; soon shews great difficulty of respiration, pants exceedingly; is distressed with an almost incessant painful endeavour to cough: the mouth continues, from the commencement of the attack, hot, parched, and {170} dry: at this time he is exceedingly restless, frequently laying down, and as suddenly rising; but as the disorder advances, he stands in his stall so overwhelmned with fever, pain, and bodily oppression, that he displays no wish or desire to vary his position, but stands fixed in one posture, resigned to his fate. As the disease approaches nearer its crisis, a slimy saliva appears in the mouth, and a ropy viscid discharge from the nostrils. This being one of the disorders so rapid in its progress, and so destructive in its effects, as sometimes to set all efforts to relieve at defiance, every necessary means of counteraction should be most expeditiously adopted upon the first discovery of the attack.

PLUMAGE

.—The feathers upon every kind of fowl, wild or tame, is so termed: if speckled, or interspersed with different streaks, or opposite lights and shades, it is then called variegated plumage. If a GAME COCK is bred perfectly WHITE, he is called a SMOCK.

POACHERS

—are those determined destructive nocturnal depredators, by whom the game is so shamefully reduced in opposition to all LAW, and defiance of all ORDER, from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. This head cannot be better elucidated, than by transcribing literally, from the recent work of a writer of much celebrity, his judicious remarks upon the subject.

POINT

.—A horse standing in his stall, or elsewhere, with one fore-leg at some distance before the other, is always concluded, by the most experienced, to have sustained some irreparable injury either in the SHOULDER, or the ligamentary junction of the COFFIN and CORONARY bones, concealed in the box (or cavity) of the hoof. This is in a considerable degree to be relied on; but there are many instances in which a horse accustoms himself to awkward positions, and they become habitual: some stand with either the near or the off fore-leg eternally before the other, and are as perfectly sound as any horses in the kingdom. To say, therefore, from a horse's manner of standing, that he is lame, would be as absurd as to say any man could not be either a good dancer, or fencer, because {179} he stood, when disengaged from both, in a careless, lounging, ungraceful attitude.

POINT

—is the position of a POINTER, when standing seemingly fixed and immoveable at the game before him; at the moment of observing which, particularly with young or unsteady dogs, the natural ejaculatory caution of "To ho!" "Have a care!" transpires; not more as an injunction of steadiness to the dog standing, but as a communicative mode of enjoining the attention of every dog in the field to the first who has obtained the point.

POINTER

.—The pointer is that species of dog well known to contribute more to the contemplative pleasures and pursuits of a sportsman, than any other in the canine catalogue. This peculiar breed, on account of their universality and general utility, have been so incredibly crossed, re-crossed, bred in, and bred out, to gratify the various opinions, (as prompted by fancy, caprice, or speculation,) that they are now to be found of all sizes, and all qualifications; from the slow, short-headed, heavy-shouldered remains of the original Spanish pointer, (who will tire in half a day's work,) to the cross of in and in with a FOX HOUND, of which none are ever known to tire; many of them having speed enough to catch a leveret three parts grown, when they jump up before them. {180} Pointers, forty or fifty years since, were hardly ever seen but entirely white, or variegated with liver-coloured spots; except the then Duke of Kingston's black and white, which were considered superior to every breed in the kingdom, and sold for most extravagant sums after his death. They are now, from the constantly increasing attachment to field sports, to be seen of every description, from pure white, and a flea-bitten blue or grey, to a universal liver-colour, and a perfect black. In a choice of pointers for general use, that is for every species of GAME, the extremes in size, as well as in speed, are better avoided, and the line of mediocrity adhered to: overgrown, heavy dogs, soon get weary in the hot and early part of the season: the smaller sort have also their inconveniencies in hunting in very high turnips, heath, broom-fields, &c.

POLE-CAT

.—The pole-cat is a species of vermin, partaking, in some degree, of the figure and propensities of the MARTIN and the FERRET; or rather between both. It is smaller than the one, and considerably larger than the other; is an inhabitant of the bushy coverts in the neighbourhood of lonely farm-houses; to the POULTRY, EGGS, and DOVE-HOUSES, of which they are constant and destructive enemies. The effluvia, or rather stench, arising from their bodies is so truly offensive, that it has long since laid the foundation of the well-known proverbial expression of "stinking like a POLE-CAT."

POLL-EVIL

,—in its first stage, is a tumefaction formed upon the poll of a horse immediately behind the ears, and is, in general, occasioned by a blow, bruise, or, perhaps, sometimes by the heavy weight and constant pressure of old harsh, stubborn harness-halters; as it is a kind of casual defect, or misfortune, with which only draught-horses are known to be much affected. Upon its discovery, when in an early state, repulsion may be attempted by mild restringents, as a few minutes patient fomentation with HOT VINEGAR and a sponge, followed by a slight application of CAMPHORATED SPIRITS; not evidently submitting to which at a third or fourth repetition, but continuing to increase, and display symptoms of impending maturation, those appearances must be immediately encouraged {186} by proper means, and every attempt at repulsion instantly discontinued. Hot fomentations with gruel, immediately succeeded by emollient poultices of linseed powder, milk, and a small quantity of turpentine well incorporated; or bread, milk, and white lily root, bruised to a paste, and applied of a proper warmth, are the best modes of expediting suppuration; when which takes place, no small share of Veterinary knowledge, and professional punctuality, is requisite to obtain a sound and perfect cure.

POMONA

.—There have been three well-bred mares of this name: the first bred by Lord Clermont, foaled in 1769, got by Squirrel, dam by Young Cade, grand-dam by Rib, out of Grisewood's Lady Thigh. The second was bred by the late Duke of Cumberland, foaled in 1775, got by Herod, dam by Snap, grand-dam by Regulus. This mare was the dam of several runners, including Nina, Spear, Gardener, and Halbert. The third was bred by Mr. O'Kelly, foaled in 1783, got by Vertumnus out of Helen, (who was got by South,) the dam of Paris, Saturn, Lady Thigh, Troy, Golden Apple, &c.

POST MATCH

—is a term in RACING, where it is only necessary to insert the age of the HORSES in the Articles, and to run any horse of that age, {187} without declaring what horse, till he appears at the post.

POT8OO'S

,—the name of a horse whose performances as a RACER, and progeny as a STALLION, will transmit his celebrity to succeeding generations in various directions: he was bred by the late Lord Abingdon, foaled in 1773, and got by Eclipse out of Sportsmistress, the dam of Lexicon, Jocundo, Roscius, Siddons, Peg Woffington, Sir Thomas, and Sulky. This horse was so named to gratify a little pique against the late Colonel O'Kelly, in allusion to the place of his nativity, ironically called the Land of Potatoes. Upon the turf he proved himself equal to any horse of his time: as a STALLION, few, if any, have stood in higher estimation. Exclusive of an infinity of annual winners, who have ran as COLTS and FILLIES for large stakes, but without a name, he is the SIRE of Parsley, Smack, Telescope, Turnip-top, Asparagus, Coriander, Flea, Misseltoe, Tiny, Alderman, Gumcistus, Cayenne, Chigwell, Golden Rod, Triptolemus, Cynthius, Druid, Emma, Guy, Lady, Lilliput, Polyanthus, Vesper, and Waxy. Aurora, Capsicum, Sister to Druid, Doricles, Edwin, Kidney, Mealy, Vixen, and Warwick. Doubtful, Faunus, Lambourn, Brother to Lilliput, Oliver, Molly Maybush, Rowland, Thereabouts, Golden Dab, and Yorkshire Bite. Dutchess of Limbs, Outcast, Schedoni, Trip-it, Dr. O'Liffey, Scrub, Snuff-box, {188} Worthy, Champion, Crazy Jane, Canterbury, Lampedo, and Trifle.

PRECIPITATE

,—a horse of much recent celebrity, whose name was truly applicable to his descent. He was bred by Lord Egremont, foaled in 1787, got by Mercury, (a son of Eclipse,) dam by Herod, grand-dam (Maiden) by Matchem, out of Mr. Pratt's Old Squirt mare. In the first Spring Meeting at Newmarket 1790, when three years old, he won the first class of the Prince's Stakes of 100 guineas each, beating Thunderbolt, Chanticleer, and Sir Pepper; four having paid forfeit. In the same week he won the Bolton Stakes of 50 guineas each, beating Dragon, Chambooè, and Palafox; seven paying forfeit. Second Spring Meeting, he won the third class of the Prince's Stakes of 100 guineas each, beating Thunderbolt; seven paying forfeit. In the same week he received 100 guineas forfeit from Lord Grosvenor's Rhadamanthus. In 1792 he won 50l. at Guildford, beating Doge, Thunderbolt, Seringapatam, and Stout. The next day 50l. at the same place, beating Cardock and Griffin. The King's 100 guineas at Lewes, beating Skyscraper at three heats, the first being deemed a dead heat; after which he became a stallion in his Lordship's stud at 12 guineas a mare. He is the sire of Jonquille, Petworth, Matrannee, Rosalba, Chesnut Colt out of Bobtail, Chesnut Colt out of Rosemary, Humbug, Lazarus, Raginer, {189} Apollo, Gulliver, Tag, Louisa, Tipstaff, and many others now in training.

PREVENTION

—is in itself a matter of so much magnitude, that it should ever be predominant in the mind of the sportsman and the man of pleasure. Prudence, PATIENCE, and PHILOSOPHY, when properly exerted, are frequently preventives to disease, mental mortification, trouble, expence, and consequent compunction. It is an established and incontrovertible maxim, that PREVENTION is preferable to CURE; under the influence of which impression (if properly attended to) a very great number of those occurrences, accidents, and dangerous diseases, which so constantly happen, might certainly be avoided; as, upon strict investigation, the far greater part may be found to originate in carelessness, neglect, indolence, or inhumanity. Riding or driving horses immoderate and unreasonable journies, without stopping upon the ROAD; riding hunters hardest in the DEEPEST ground, and taking very strong unnecessary leaps in the field; placing horses in a cold stable without immediate attention, when in a high state of perspiration; are amongst the many foundations of disease and disquietude which may be prevented, and are well worthy retention in the memory of those who wish to see their horses in health and good condition.

PRICKED

.—A horse is said to be pricked, when, in SHOEING, any one of the nails is accidentally or injudiciously driven too near the membranes with which the box of the hoof is lined: this may happen with the most expert operator by a sudden inversion of the point when in its seeming proper direction. A tenderness and halting is also very frequently occasioned by the nails passing close to, and pressing upon, the internal parts, which, by tight clinching, constitutes so great a compression, that pain (particularly in action) inevitably ensues; in which case instantly taking off the shoe, well oiling the hoof, replacing the shoe with more care and less force, will prove it a mere temporary inconvenience.

PRICKET

.—The male produce of the BUCK and DOE (fallow deer) is so called at two years old, when he begins to put forth his head.

PRICKING

—is the unsportsmanlike act of tracking a HARE by the points of her feet, upon the paths and highways, when the hounds are at fault: it is a common practice, and can only be justified where hares are exceedingly scarce, and difficult to be found, with packs very small in number, or deficient in effect; but it is a custom too mean and {192} degrading to be permitted with hounds of eminence, who must kill their game with a reputation untainted, or not kill at all.

PROBE

—is a silver instrument used by SURGEONS and VETERINARIANS, in sounding the depth of cavities, sinusses, fistulas, and wounds: they are, upon unexpected emergencies, so very frequently useful in the country-house, or remote residence of a sportsman, that it should never be without this, and some other trifling instruments of little expence; exclusive of lint, tow, ointments, tinctures, and a few other cordial and diuretic medicines, for which there is sometimes a sudden and unexpected occasion.

PULSE

.—In all dangerous and inflammatory diseases of horses, much information may be derived from the state of the PULSE; in addition to the observations to be made upon the difficulty of respiration, the heaving of the flank, the heat of the mouth, and the state of the eyes. It seems, by the nicest observations, that the pulsations in a healthy horse seldom exceed from forty to forty-five in a minute; exceeding which in any material degree, there is then reason to believe, inflammatory heat is predominant in the frame, and that fever is rapidly advancing in proportion to the increased velocity of the blood. Farriers in general, either from a want of attention, or want of judgment, are {193} most culpably deficient in this part of their professional examination; upon a competent proficiency in which, must solely depend the CONSISTENCY, or impropriety, of repeated bleedings, in all cases of high and increasing inflammations, where REPETITIONS are absolutely indispensible for the preservation of life.

PURGING

—is an operation with horses, upon the propriety, consistency, danger, and utility of which, various opinions have been opposed to each other for half a century past; these, after the public experience of the last fourteen years, seem to have centered in an acknowledged preponderation of its occasional use; and that without its frequent salutary introduction, certain diseases are neither to be prevented or cured. The absolute necessity for sometimes PURGING, is not only now universally admitted, but the practice as generally adopted; the first step to a successful termination of which operation is, to adapt (by every possible degree of precaution) the strength of the physic to the size, state, and constitution of the HORSE, as well as an eye to the particular cause for which the purgation is become necessary. Proper attention paid to these leading circumstances, and due care observed during its process, no apprehensions of danger need be at all entertained.

PURITY

—was a mare of distinguished celebrity originally, but rendered much more so, as the dam of the famous horse Rockingham, whose performances will be found under that head. Purity was bred by Mr. Pratt; foaled in 1774, and got by Matchem out of the old Squirt mare. She was the dam of Rockingham, Archibald, Fitzwilliam, and a filly by Highflyer; as well as others by Florizel, Magnet, Paymaster, and Saltram. Her dam {196} (the old Squirt mare) produced many racers of the first class: Virgin, Miracle, Dido, Conundrum, Ranthos, Enigma, Riddle, Miss Tims, Pumpkin, Maiden, Rasselas, Purity, and three others; having continued to breed from 1755 to 1774; during which period of nineteen years, she produced the fifteen colts and fillies here described.

PURSIVENESS

—is a disorder, or degree of disease, with a difficulty of respiration, beyond the effect of a common cold and cough, but falling short of the malady denominated BROKEN WIND. Pursiveness in a horse bears no ill affinity to the asthmatic complaints of the human species. Although there have been refined distinctions adopted, and definitions attempted, between the symptoms of a cold and the disorder called pursiveness in a horse, yet one is very little more or less than an inveterate stage of the other. The blood having, from some particular cause, become sizey, has consequently passed through the finer vessels with a languor far inferior to the purposes of health; hence obstructions are first formed; and these continuing to increase, tubercles follow. The parts necessary to a free and easy respiration being thus affected, it becomes laborious and oppressive in a proportional degree with the increasing viscidity of the blood, and the length of time it has been permitted to continue in its progress without restraint. The finer vascular ramifications of the lungs being thus {197} partially closed, imperfect respiration ensues; producing those whistling wheezings with which ASTHMATIC horses are observed to be distressed, particularly in brisk action, until it progressively terminates in broken wind, which it will inevitably do, unless the proper means of alleviation and cure are earnestly adopted. Frequent bleedings, pectoral detergents, intervening attenuants, and mercurial purging balls, (administered with patient and punctual perseverance,) are the only medical aids from which permanent relief must be expected, or can be obtained.

QUAILS

—are small birds, found, at certain seasons, in corn fields and stubbles, as well as in the standing crops of backward clover: they partake, in a certain degree, of the game species, as spaniels (that are well bred) instantly feather, and pointers gradually draw to a doubtful POINT, upon winding them, and STAND FIRM if near to the bird. Quails are considered birds of passage, as they are only to be seen in the centrical parts of the kingdom during the four warmest months of the year. They get up {198} before the dog with great reluctance, running till almost weary before they rise. When upon wing, a very moderate shot will bring them down. In those counties where they are found in greater plenty than in some others, they are caught alive, by means of what is termed a QUAIL-CALL and NETS; and sometimes in such numbers, as to be seen at the shops of the London poulterers in cages exhibited for sale.

QUALIFICATION

—is both a sporting and parliamentary term for the privilege of killing game, in HUNTING, COURSING, SHOOTING, or by any mode which the qualified party may chuse to adopt; provided it is not repugnant to such other Acts as are still in force for the prevention of POACHING, and those nocturnal depredations by which the game is annually so daringly reduced. This qualification (or exemption from the penalties of former Acts during different reigns) till of very late years, consisted in the full and unrestrained possession of one hundred pounds per annum, issuing from FREEHOLD LAND, or estate, and producing that clear annual sum when every other expence was paid: or, the possession of a LEASEHOLD estate of one hundred and fifty pounds per annum, in right of self or wife, for the term of ninety-nine years, or any term beyond that period. In addition to which, it is enacted by an Act of the Legislature during the present reign of George the {199} Third, That every person in Great Britain who shall use any dog, gun, net, or other engine, for the taking or destruction of GAME, shall take out an annual certificate, from the Clerk of the Peace for the county in which he resides, and shall pay for such certificate the sum of THREE POUNDS THREE SHILLINGS, with one shilling to the clerk for his trouble in making it out. See Game, and Game Laws.

QUALIFICATIONS

—appertain, in a particular degree, to the subject of RACING upon the TURF, and is used in a certain signification. Plates of 50l. are given at numerous places of sport, to be run for on certain conditions; some by COLTS and FILLIES of three years old; some four years old; others five and six; and, lastly, for HORSES of all AGES and QUALIFICATIONS. The precise meaning of which is, that a horse equal in AGE to one or more of his competitors, may be very superior in qualifications; in which case it becomes necessary and equitable to bring their abilities more upon an equality, by so encreasing the weight which one is to carry above the standard of the other, that there may be left very little probability of deciding upon the certainty of superiority in SPEED, when the impartial and judicious adjustment of weight is so properly fixed, as to leave an equal hope and expectation of winning the PRIZE for which they are to start. To render such mode {200} the less liable to objection, it is mostly the custom to say in the advertisements, a winner of one plate in the present year to carry 3lb. the winner of two, 5lb. and of three, or more, 7lb. extra.

QUARTER (False.)

—The DEFECT so called in the hoof of a HORSE, is the renovated part of what has been by some accident previously destroyed; and this effort of nature being inadequate, in its regeneration, to the original formation, the quarter of the heel, in its growth, acquires a kind of spongy puffiness or elasticity, accompanied by a CLEFT or CRACK, which prevents a perfect and undivided union with that part of the hoof uninjured, constituting a tender weakness, as well as a permanent blemish, not to be obliterated during the life of the horse. Notwithstanding which, much depends upon the management during the time the original injury remains in its infant state. A wanton destruction of parts, by the too hasty and injudicious interposition of CAUSTICS and CUTTING KNIVES, frequently does more mischief in twelve hours, than Nature, with all her powerful endeavours, can repair in as many months. When by these, or other means, a false quarter cannot be avoided, it should be occasionally attended to during the progress of its growth: the uneven prominencies should, when becoming luxuriant and irregular, be kept down by gentle erasions with {201} the RASP, and the surface, the cleft, and surrounding part, be plentifully moistened with FRIAR'S BALSAM, TINCTURE of MYRRH, or some such applicable substitute, as may give it a gradational hardening, and effectually reduce the irritability of the parts affected. To relieve the ill-effect of this inconvenience to a certain degree, a BAR-SHOE may be so carefully constructed, as to shield the tender and weaker part of the hoof from PRESSURE; and this can only be done by forming the shoe of such thickness, as to admit of its taking its bearing equally from the sound parts of the hoof, about an inch or two on each side the seat of injury, with strength sufficient to prevent a chance of its indentation upon the tender part intended to be protected.

QUARTERS

.—The fore and hind parts of a horse are frequently so called; for instance, such a horse is beautifully formed in his FORE QUARTERS, but he is exceedingly ill made behind; and some are well proportioned in the gascoins, the hip, the rump, and hocks, but are ill formed and low before. The FORE QUARTERS include the head, neck, breast, withers, and fore legs, to the girths; the HIND QUARTERS comprehend the hips, thighs, hams, hocks, and hind legs.

QUEST

.—Hounds (beagles or harriers) are said to QUEST, when they first give tongue after {202} coming upon trail. Spaniels are said to quest also, when they give tongue in covert, upon coming up to the foot and scent of partridge, pheasant, hare, or cock.

OUICKSILVER

—is an article of almost incredible medical utility; a full and explanatory description of which will be found under the head Mercury.

QUITTOR

.—The serious injury so denominated, is, in its origin, a painful and inflammatory formation of matter (arising from various causes) at the precise junction of the HAIR with the upper part of the HOOF: this, from the peculiar construction of the parts, particularly if injudiciously conduced, soon degenerates into a virulent, ill-conditioned ULCER, dangerous in its progress, and uncertain in its termination. Treads, blows, and bruises, EXTERNALLY, and a lodgment of gravel, or other extraneous substance, having insinuated itself INTERNALLY, from the bottom of the foot, and working upwards, are principally the means by which such misfortune is too frequently and unluckily produced. The practice too prevalent with FARRIERS (newly termed veterinarians) is to proceed with all possible fire and fury to a speedy and unrelenting destruction of parts: the introduction of a large portion of CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE is adopted to "bring away the core;" or {203} BLUE VITRIOL, reduced to powder, and mixed with the OIL also, is used for the same: these frequently proving the REMEDY to be worse than the DISEASE, the knife is called in aid, and, by daily use, (after the patience of the owner is nearly exhausted, and his purse equally operated upon with the horse,) the subject becomes calculated for little more or less than the COLLAR MAKER, to whom such patients are in general ultimately consigned: unless they fall into the hands of judicious practitioners; who, knowing the properties of medicine, and the useful interposition of art, can patiently condescend to complete with the SYRINGE, what the less qualified can never perform with the KNIFE.

QUITTOR-BONE

—is a protrusive enlargement upon some part of the CORONET of a HORSE, originating in a ligamentary distortion, fibrous rupture, or internal injury; which continuing to encrease in size to the utmost distention of the integument, it then gradually acquires a certain degree of callosity, and lastly, OSSIFICATION, from whence is derived its present denomination. Custom has established the alternatives of BLISTERING or FIRING, and they not unfrequently succeed each other. A little reflection will, however, determine whether it is not sometimes better

RABBIT

—is the well-known animal, bearing some similitude to the HARE in its formation, but no proportional excellence as a luxury for the table. Rabbits are of two kinds, the wild, and domestic; the latter of which are bred in hutches exceedingly tame, and in a sporting view lay claim to no consideration. The wild rabbits are much inferior in size, and many shades lighter in the colour of their fur, than the hare, to whom they have a natural and an invincible aversion; which, in fact, seems to be mutual, as they are but rarely found in the purlieus of each other. The rabbit, in its wild and uncultivated state, (not part of, or appertaining to a warren,) is thought of but very little intrinsic value, and is killed or taken as a matter of public right, by individuals of every class who happen to find them; not being included in the late acts of parliament for the PRESERVATION of the GAME; although they are mentioned as conies in some of the former records, which, though unrepealed, are seldom resorted to for legal information. Rabbits in a WARREN are supposed the most prolific and profitable animal of any that contributes to human subsistence: these warrens are common in many parts of the kingdom, but more particularly in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, {205} Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire, by the three last of which counties the Metropolis is supplied for its almost infinite consumption. The scent of a rabbit is exceedingly faint in comparison with the HARE, FOX, or FALLOW DEER; they, however, by jumping up suddenly, frequently lead hounds a little astray, but cannot stand long before them.

RACE HORSE

—Is the kind of horse bred solely for the TURF, and whose blood must be properly authenticated to have descended in a STATE of PURITY from one generation to another, without the least contamination by any accidental or intentional cross whatever. Horses of this description are not entirely selected, as others in general are, by the make, shape, strength, and bone, but in a great degree by the estimation of the blood from which they have descended; and from which circumstance alone is derived their claim to the appellation of BLOOD HORSES, which they properly continue to retain, and are alone entitled to. We are furnished with the most indubitable assurances, that the Arabs are (if possible) more tenacious, precise, and correct, in the pedigree, or genealogical descent, of their superior and unmixed breed, than the sporting breeders of this country; and that the PEDIGREES of each peculiar and distinguished BLOOD has been for CENTURIES transmitted from generation to generation, with the same authenticated accuracy, as is now the regular practice with every racing stud in the kingdom. The emulative impulse of the English sportsman to attain perfection, most probably suggested the idea of introducing the celebrated BLOOD of Arabia, that judicious experimental crosses might be made with the best of our own.

RACING

,—in its most common and comprehensive signification, might be supposed to imply racing in general between either MEN or HORSES; it is, however, in fashionable acceptation, applied principally to the latter, which is a most noble, exhilarating and fascinating enjoyment, to all classes of people, in all parts of the kingdom, during the summer season, when every other field sport is buried in a temporary oblivion, and every species of GAME, HOUNDS, and HUNTERS, are legally at REST. Racing, in itself, is a harmless privileged pleasure, so immediately congenial to the disposition of the people of this country, that each revolving year seems to produce its increasing attraction. From the great alacrity with which it is followed, the rapture with which it is enjoyed, and the genial season at which it takes place, it should {212} seem to have been instituted under the peculiar dispensation of Providence; where the annual meeting of old and long-parted friends, in every distinct district in succession, "makes the heart glad;" and where MIRTH seems to have taken possession of every face, from the PRINCE to the peasant, who one and all dispel sorrow, and set care at defiance. In full confirmation of this unexaggerated representation, a SUBSCRIPTION is locally raised in various CITIES, TOWNS, and districts, amongst the NOBILITY, GENTRY, and independent inhabitants, to constitute and encourage so rational and happy a scene, in which the poor industrious rustic may innocently partake, and cheerfully enjoy one day of rest from his labour.

RACK

.—The railed convenience constructed above the MANGER in a stable for the reception of the HAY is so called. It should be so formed, as to have alternate openings at the bottom, for the dust and seeds to pass through: and although it is become a practice exceedingly prevalent, to have the rack on one side, instead of the center of the stall, there is no good or rational plea can be advanced in justification of such innovation: on the contrary, it compulsively accustoms the horse to stand with his hind-quarters mostly on one side of the stall, by which his bedding is constantly and inevitably deranged almost as soon as it is set fair.

RAILS LAND

,—are birds of passage, of a simply beautiful variegated plumage, in size about midway between a whole snipe and a PARTRIDGE, partaking, in an equal degree of formation, between {214} both, in respect to the shape of the body, head, and beak, which are in a direct line of mediocrity between the two. They are found singly in different parts of England (but very thinly scattered) in the months of July, August, and September, in the standing CORN and CLOVER, but principally in the latter, where, when found, they are prejudicial to pointers, by their incessantly running, while the dog continues drawing (in a kind of walking pursuit) till patience being quite exhausted, the dog is induced to play the SPANIEL, and make a springing effort before they can be forced to take wing; when once upon which, it must be a very indifferent shot who does not bring them down. Though a very scarce bird in the centrical parts of the kingdom, (being much more plentiful in counties upon the coast,) they are exceedingly numerous in Ireland, and particularly near the capital; there they are called CORN-CREAKS, found in every standing grass-field during the months of May and June, where corn-creak shooting is in almost equal practice with PARTRIDGE or SNIPE shooting in this country.

RAKING

—is the old and ridiculous (or rather unnatural) custom of oiling the hand, and introducing it at the SPHINCTER of the ANUS, to extract the indurated dung, when the horse labours under severe inflammatory cholic, arising from previous constipation. The only reason adduced to justify {215} the practice is, its being one means of obtaining immediate relief; and if that relief could be readily obtained to a certainty, the adoption could not with propriety be so totally condemned. The fact is, that this custom, like many others in the old code of VETERINARY LAW, is only a powerful shield for the protection of indolence; for one glyster would do more in liquifying and bringing away the hardened fæces, than back-raking (as it is called) would effect in an hour: but one makes the show of business, which is what the lower class of SMITHS and FARRIERS prefer in general, to the most useful and expeditious execution.

RANGER

.—This is an office of trust, appertaining to the LAWS of a FOREST, where there are generally two, as principal and deputy ranger; to the latter of whom the executive department more materially extends: it is his peculiar province to take occasional cognizance of all matters within the limits (or what are termed purlieus) of the forest, and to make presentation of all offences and offenders at the proper courts when held. This is also an office of honor, greatly superior to KEEPERS, BAILIFFS, and other subordinates.

RATTLING in the Head

.—When a horse is heard to rattle in the head, it denotes obstructions, and affords ample proof that a cold has {216} been recently caught, or the glandular secretions impeded. Such rattlings being loud and frequent, (or rather incessant,) with large indurated tumefactions underneath the jaw, accompanied by a slimy, viscid, fœtid, discoloured discharge from the nostrils, danger should be instantly guarded against, as Farcy or Glanders will most probably ensue.

RAT-TAIL

.—A horse having a long dock, and little or no hair upon it, is said to be rat-tailed. There are not wanting a certain description of sporting speculators, who go a little farther in their definition, adding, most sapiently, that "a rat-tail horse is always a good one."

RAT-TAILS

—is a disgusting kind of defect, or disease, which is seldom known to affect any horses, but those of a coarse and gummy constitution: to this internal grossness, and omission in not properly cleansing within, as well as the effect of filth and nastiness without, may be attributed the origin and progress of this very unsightly and vexatious disorder. Rat-tails are parallel lines, running longitudinally from just below the hock, on the outside, to the pastern joint, bearing no dissimilar appearance to the tail of the animal just mentioned, from whence the name is derived. From the acrimonious ichor by which they are fed, the parts become excoriated, and bear a {217} different complexion, according to their recent and more advanced state. Various and variegated are the remedies prescribed for their obliteration, of which numbers are without judgment, and probably as many without thought. The expeditious cure depends in no small degree upon the virulence it has acquired by the length of its duration. Frequent fomentations of warm gelatinous gruel, with a soft sponge, to soften the regidity of the scabby surface, seems the most rational mode that can possibly be adopted: this ceremony may be followed when the parts are completely dry, with a plentiful impregnation of strong mercurial ointment, repeated as often as the mild or inveterate state of the case may render necessary: gently detergent repellants, or slightly corroding stimulants, may be required, if the disorder is of long standing; at any rate, internal correctors should go hand in hand with external applications.

REARING

—is the most dangerous vice of all a restive horse retains in the catalogue of his untoward qualifications: it is generally termed REARING an END, and when carried to the extreme, is hazardous beyond description; as it is hardly possible for the best horseman existing to keep his seat, when a horse repeatedly assumes that unnatural position. Recent instances have occurred directly opposite in their consequences; one in {218} which the RIDER was killed; in the other, the horse. In such an alarming and critical predicament, the most probable means of safety is, to gradually loosen the reins, and, by bearing the weight of the body close to the neck of the horse, endeavour to accelerate his preponderation.

RECHASING

—is a sporting term, but little known, and never used, except in the official language of a forest and its environs. Rechasing is the discovery and driving home of outlying deer, and other beasts, to the district from whence they had strayed.

RECHEAT

—is a recall of the hounds with the horn.

REGULUS

,—the name of a horse whose performances upon the turf, and celebrity as a STALLION, were never exceeded in this kingdom. He was bred by Lord Chedworth, and foaled in 1739. He was got by the Godolphin Arabian; his dam by the Bald Galloway, grand-dam by Snake, out of Old Wilkes, a daughter of Old Hautboy. Regulus won seven ROYAL plates in one year, and never was beat. He afterwards covered in the north, and was the sire of Adolphus, Trajan, the dam of Eclipse, the grand-dam of Highflyer, and many other capital horses and mares; through whose veins his blood has been transmitted in direct {219} and oblique lines to every stud of eminence in the kingdom. Since which there have been three of the same name in succession. The first bred by Mr. Basset, foaled in 1750, got by Regulus, dam by Whitefoot, grand-dam by Hip. The second bred by Mr. Salt, foaled in 1764, got by Regulus, dam by Regulus, (bred in and in,) grand-dam by Partner. The last was foaled in 1788, got by Young Morwick, dam by Turk, grand-dam by Young Cade.

REINS

—are the parts of a bridle which are affixed to the eyes of the bit, or bits, on each side a horse's mouth, pass up the horse's neck, and are united at the reverse end, where the junction of both are held in the hand of the rider. A snaffle-bridle, and a hard-and-sharp, have each of them two reins; a Pelham and a Weymouth have each four.

REINS

.—The reins of a horse are the parts where the kidnies are seated; and the word is generally used in a synonymous sense with loins. When a disorder arises, or a defect is observed, in these parts, it may be supposed to have originated in some short and sudden turn in a narrow stall; carrying too heavy a weight, or drawing too large a load. Whenever such injury is sustained, a difficulty of staling, partial dribblings, or the {220} urine very high-coloured, and tinged with blood, will soon point out the seat of the complaint.

REINS Pillar

.—Those affixed to the centrical pillars of a RIDING SCHOOL are so called; as are those likewise, by which the horse is kept confined ready for his rider, when saddled, bridled, and turned round in his stall.

RELAY

.—A relay of HORSES is a supply of fresh ones fixed at some particular spot, to exchange either upon a journey, or during the chase. A relay of HOUNDS more particularly applies to hunting excursions, where a part of the pack is alternately detached to a certain place of destination, that, by a relay of both HORSES and HOUNDS, the sport may be continued daily, without intermission, during the week.

REPOSITORIES

—are placed in the metropolis, where horses are received for PUBLIC or PRIVATE sale, and where they are regularly bought and sold by AUCTION, on certain days in every week. This is an accommodation of so much convenience and utility to those who have occasion either to BUY or to SELL suddenly, that the succession of horses is incessant, and the PROPRIETORS never feel a want of public patronage. The three long-established repositories are Tattersal's, near Hyde Park Corner; Aldridge's, in St. {221} Martin's Lane; and Langhorn's, (called the City Repository,) in Barbican. The days of sale at the first are Mondays and Thursdays; at the second, on Wednesdays; and at the latter, on Fridays. Tattersal's is the principal receptacle for horses in high estimation, as running horses, stallions, brood mares, hunters, and the superior kind of hacknies. Carriages and HARNESS may be deposited here for sale by auction, or private contract; as may also HOUNDS, POINTERS, SPANIELS, GREYHOUNDS, or any sporting stock whatever.

RESTIVE

.—A horse is said to be RESTIVE, not merely because he is obstinate and untractable, {224} but because there is a tendency to vice; or he is constitutionally inclined to add mischief to ill-temper. Horses of this disposition are sometimes incorrigible, and are never broken of so dangerous and (frequently) destructive a quality. When young horses first begin to display appearances of RESTIVENESS, in not passing particular objects or places, turning round, running back, or rearing an end, lenient means, and gentle patient methods, are certainly the best and most proper expedients, by which alone many are brought to immediate subjection. On the contrary, a too hasty, violent and imprudent proceeding, has often made that a lasting and invincible, which would only have proved a trifling and temporary inconvenience. Should all gentle and persuasive means fail of the desired effect, and no signs of obedience be produced, more powerful measures should be had recourse to, till the point of victory can be obtained; but they should on no consideration whatever, be tinctured with CRUELTY or INHUMANITY, for they are almost invariably productive of an inveterate spirit of opposition to restraint, which can never be subdued.

RETAIN

—is a term applicable only to the act of propagation between a HORSE and MARE: when the mare is stinted, and will receive the horse no more, she is then said to retain, (the masculine {225} semen,) and considered safe in respect to conception, and the future production of a foal.

RHEUMATISM

.—That horses are afflicted with pains similar to those of the human species, is long since established beyond all power of controversy and contradiction. Dr. Darwin fixes its seat in the tendinous coats of the muscles, and attributes the pain to inspissated mucus left upon their surface; acting in the motion of the limbs as some extraneous substance, exciting extreme irritability and symptomatic inflammation. Horses are not only constantly liable to, but frequently attacked with, this disorder, which is more or less violent in different subjects, according to the state they happen to be in at the time of attack; and in some degree the cause by which it was occasioned. Professional judgment, deliberate examination, and nice discrimination, are all truly necessary to distinguish and decide upon this disorder. It is no uncommon thing for hasty and rash practitioners to look at such cases superficially, to embrocate, blister, and even fire, horses for a LAMENESS, when the cause of such defect has originated in the local pain described. Some horses are so much and so severely affected, as to be almost or quite unable to move, unless forced from their position; others, after standing in their stalls for two or three days, will suddenly fall, as if totally exhausted, and lay in extreme pain, with their legs {226} extended to the utmost, take their food as they lay, and never attempt to rise, till compelled so to do by force and powerful assistance; in which state some horses remain for a month or six weeks before they are perfectly relieved, when they become repossessed of all their faculties, and are never known to experience a relapse. Repeated bleedings, strong spirituous stimulative embrocations, great and constant frictions, (after hot aromatic fomentations,) upon the parts affected, covering the extremities with flannel rollers, and giving cordial invigorants internally twice a day, are the only rational and scientific means of obtaining certain and expeditious alleviation and cure.

RIBS

.—The ribs of a horse are too well known to require description; it being only applicable to observe, that the conformation of the carcase in a material degree constitutes one feature of the complexion requisite to the standard of beauty. A horse should have a round barrel (or body) to be handsome; if he is flat in the ribs, he is then said to be flat carcased, is generally tucked up, high in the hip-bones, hollow in the flank, and commonly a bad feeder, particularly after a little hard work, which prevents his being held very high in estimation.

RIDGES

.—The transverse wrinkles (or bars) across the roof of a horse's mouth are so called. {227} In all matters of emergency, accidents, or sudden indisposition, when a farrier cannot be expeditiously obtained, or a fleam procured, an incision across the fourth or fifth ridge with even a common penknife, will always prove a very convenient extemporaneous substitute for a more plentiful evacuation.

RIDING-SCHOOL

—is a convenient receptacle, with every accommodation for riding in the winter season, and where the young of both sexes are taught to ride by proper masters. Of these there are many in the Metropolis of much celebrity; among the most eminent are Captain Carter's, near Grosvernor Square; Mr. Cowling's, Moorfields; Mr. Jones's, Royal Circus; Mr. Astley's Amphitheatre, Westminster Bridge; Mr. Hall's, Piccadilly; and Mr. Davis's, in Edgware Road; at most of which horses are completely broke and bitted for purposes of every denomination.

RIG

.—A horse is so called upon whom the operation of CASTRATION has been ill performed; by leaving one of the TESTES, or so much of the EPIDIDYMIS, behind, as enables him to become exceedingly teazing and troublesome to mares, either in the field or stable. There have been instances of COLTS having been cut by ignorant and illiterate operators, who, by letting one of {228} the testes recede during the process, it has remained, and the horse then retains the power of propagating; many such having been known to get FOALS.

RING-BONE

—is an ossified enlargement upon the pastern, originating in a ligamentary twist, and consequent protrusion, at the junction of the pastern with the coronary-bone; it forms a callous substance soon after the injury, and ossifies in a very short time. Some horses do moderate work without much seeming inconvenience; others become lame, and frequently continue so, in opposition to every endeavour at alleviation or cure. A ring-bone seldom submits to either the strongest REPELLENTS, SOLVENTS, or BLISTERING. The best method to avoid disappointment in waiting the effect of either, is to FIRE the part in the form of a star, so soon as the protrusion (or prominence) is at first perceived.

ROAN

.—A horse is called a roan in colour, when his coat seems to be formed of the mixed combination of sorrel and white hairs in nearly an equal proportion. Horses of this description are, in general, of no great attraction, although they may prove equal in execution with others of every colour: the prevalence of opinion, however, is, that they are weaker in constitution, less likely to work, and more subject to disease.

ROCKINGHAM

.—This horse, now in so much estimation as a STALLION, proved himself, by his performances, to be one of the best bred and best bottomed of any this kingdom ever produced. He was bred in the north, by Mr. Pratt, foaled in 1781; and got by Highflyer, out of Purity, who was got by Matchem, out of Mr. Pratt's old Squirt mare. In 1784, when three years old, he won a sweepstakes at Nottingham of 50 guineas each, 3 subscribers. In 1785, when Mr. Wentworth's, he won a match for 500 guineas over the Beacon Course at Newmarket. The same meeting he won the Jockey Club Plate, beating five others: he also beat his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales's Hardwicke, 9 stone each, over the Beacon, 300 guineas. He was then purchased by the Prince, and beat Clay-hall Marsk, a match, Beacon Course, for 500 guineas, giving him 5 lb. in weight. In 1786, he won a 50l. Plate at Newmarket, beating Delpini, Clay-hall, and George. He won the subscription of 50 guineas each, (6 subscribers,) at Ascot Heath, and a 50l. Plate. At the sale of his Royal Highness's stud he was bought by Mr. Bullock. He then won the King's Hundred at Litchfield; 70 guineas at Newmarket, and 60 guineas also; beating four others; as well as 70 guineas, beating the well known Drone, and several others. In 1787, he won 525 guineas, (the great subscription of 50 guineas each, half forfeit,) beating Fox, Delpini, Marplot, Drone, Oberon, and {230} Pilot; receiving forfeit from Mr. O'Kelly's Dungannon, and six others. He also won a 50l. the King's two Plates; the renewed 140 guineas, 70 guineas, 60 guineas, and 70 guineas, all at Newmarket; the King's Plate at Guildford, the King's Plate at Winchester, the King's Plate at Nottingham, the King's Plate and the Town Plate at York.

ROUSE

,—a term in STAG HUNTING: when an out-lying deer is found by the hounds in covert, he is said to be ROUSED. When a deer is carted, and carried to any particular spot for sport, and there liberated, he is then said to be TURNED OUT. For instance, we draw the COVERTS, and ROUSE a deer. We try for and unkennel a FOX; or we take trail, and START A HARE.

ROWEL

.—The small circular star, with sharp points, moving upon a pivot at the heel of the spur, is so called, and which the horse, in breaking, is taught to obey.

ROWEL in a Horse

,—is a well-known operation, resorted to upon every possible occasion by common farriers, as "a salve for every SORE;" where they have neither judgment to guide or discretion to direct them. It is performed by making an incision through the skin, large enough to admit the point of a finger, which is then insinuated all round the orifice between the skin and the flesh, as far as the extent of the finger can conveniently reach. A thin round piece of leather being previously provided, about the size of a crown-piece, having a large hole in the middle, is covered over with a thin pledget of fine tow, nicely bound round the marginal part; but the hole in the centre is left open: it is then dipped into a melted composition of digestive ointment, and a moderate proportion {234} of turpentine, and is insinuated into the wound. The operation being thus completed, the inflammation soon commences, and swelling ensues; this is followed at first by a discharge of yellowish serum or lymph, which in three or four days is converted into a thick substantial white matter, when the rowel is said to work.

RULES in Buying

—will be found very largely explained under the head, Horse.

RUNNING HORSES

.—See Horse Racing, Newmarket, Jockey Club, King's Plate, and Racing.

RUNNING THRUSH

.—The defect so called, is a varicous state of the centrical cleft of the frog, from whence oozes a fœtid corrosive ichor, which continues to putrify and destroy the whole, in proportion to the length of time it is neglected. In many instances, where the frog seems hard and sound upon the surface, the confined acrid cause is corroding underneath, and frequently breaks out on either side; when which is the case, the hard and horny part must be superficially removed, so that the proper applications may come into immediate contact with the parts below: for so long as the diseased and disunited parts remain at top, so long is there harbour for the insinuation and retention of gravel, dirt, sand, or any other extraneous substance; and while this is permitted to continue, a regeneration of the parts destroyed cannot be expected. The leading steps to cure, are to keep the diseased frog remarkably clean, by washings with {236} warm water and a sponge, after each time of the horse's being used, or taken to exercise. When dry, equal proportions of TINCTURE of MYRRH and FRIAR'S BALSAM (previously incorporated) should be poured upon the part, so as to admit of its reaching equally every remote interstice where the corroding cause may have penetrated; this will obtund the acrimonious property of the morbid ichor, and promote a speedy restoration of whatever may have been destroyed. Solutions of Roman vitriol, and other escharotics, are favourite applications with the lower orders; who either do not know, or will not give themselves time to consider, that their invariable effect is to contract the parts to such a degree of internal rigidity, and external horny hardness, that the frog is absolutely annihilated, the bars of the foot destroyed, the heel narrowed; the bottom of the hoof, when held up, has much the resemblance of a vacuum, of burnt appearance, as if the contents had been intentionally scooped out by gradational degrees of cauterization.

RUT

.—The DEER of both descriptions (red and fallow) are said to go to RUT, at the particular season of VENERY and COPULATION.

RUTTING TIME

—commences the latter end of August, and continues to the first and second week in October; during which both the STAG and BUCK assume a degree of courageous boldness in {237} approaching man, that they never display at any other time of the year. At this season their necks swell; they range from one place to another incessantly, in seeming search of some object to attack; the voice of the stag is loud and alarming, to those who have not been accustomed to hear it. When opposed, they are so exceedingly strong and ferocious, that no common force can stand against them: they attack an individual in RUTTING TIME with a certainty of success. Some few years since, the LOCKSMITH who inspected the gate locks of Windsor Great Park weekly, was pursued by a stag, and when within a few yards of him, most luckily escaped by climbing a small tree, where he was kept in jeopardy near twenty-four hours, till the next day the stag made a retreat upon the accidental approach of the keepers. A short time after which, a girl, about fourteen years of age, passing through Hackwood Park, near Basingstoke, in Hampshire, (and having on a red cloak,) was attacked by one, the oldest inhabitant of the district, who literally not only perforated her body with his ANTLERS in almost every part, but extended his fury so much to her apparel, that the melancholy spot was covered with rags; and the corpse so maimed and disfigured, that it retained but little of the appearance of a human frame.

SADDLE

—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.

SADDLE-BACKED

.—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.

SADDLE-GALLED

.—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 {240} 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.

SALLENDERS

—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.

SALTRAM

,—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 {241} (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.

SANDCRACK

—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 {242} 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.

SCAB

.—The disorder in horses so called, is the species of mange become inveterately dry and scabby by its long duration.

SCENT

—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.

SCHIRROUS

.—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.

SCIATICA

—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.

SCOURING

.—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.

SCRATCHES

—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 {253} 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.

SCUT

.—The tail of either HARE or RABBIT is so called.

SEAMS

—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.

SEAT

,—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, {254} 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.

SETONS

—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."

SETTING DOG

—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 {256} 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.

SETTER

,—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.

SETTER-TO

—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.

SHANK-BONE

,—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."

SHAPE and MAKE

.—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, {259} 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.

SHARK

—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 {260} done with no other motive than to render him a private STALLION for the mares of those only who subscribed to the aggregate.

SHOEING of HORSES

,—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 {261} 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.

SHOEING SMITH

.—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 {271} 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.

SHOOTING

—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 {275} 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.

SHOULDER-LAMENESS

,—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 {290} 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.

SIDE-SADDLE

.—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 {293} 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.

SIGNS of DISEASE

—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 {294} 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.

SINEWS

—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, {299} 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, {300} that not one in twenty (if severely injured) ever after proves of any permanent utility.

SIR PETER TEAZLE

,—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 {301} won 80 guineas at Newmarket, the Oaks stakes of 50 guineas each (31 subscribers) at Epsom, 50l. at Lewes, and 50l. at Reading.

SIR SOLOMON

,—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 {307} 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.

SITFAST

.—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, {308} almost as soon, and with as little difficulty, as the most trifling and superficial laceration.

SKITTISH

.—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.

SKYSCRAPER

,—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 {309} 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.

SLOT

.—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.

SMITHFIELD

—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, {312} 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.

SNAFFLE

.—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.

SNAP

,—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 {313} 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.

SNIPES

—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 {314} 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.

SNORTING

.—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.

SOILING

,—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 {315} 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.

SOLE

.—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 {319} 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.

SORREL

—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.

SOUNDNESS

,—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 {321} 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.

SPANIEL

—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 {323} 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.

SPARRING

—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 {326} 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.

SPAVIN-BLOOD

—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, {327} 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.

SPAVIN-BONE

.—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.

SPAYED BITCH

,—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 {328} few days, (if performed by a judicious practitioner,) without farther trouble or inconvenience.

SPEED

—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, {329} 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.

SPLENT

—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 {336} 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.

SPORTSMAN

—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.

SPRAIN or STRAIN

,—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.

SPUR

—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.

STABLE

.—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 {343} 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.

STAG, or RED DEER.

—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 {346} 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.

STAG

,—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.

STAG-EVIL

—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 {352} 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.

STAGGERS

.—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.

STAG-HUNTING

—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, {355} 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.

STALING

—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 {367} 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.

STALL

.—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 {368} 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.

STALLION

—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, {369} 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.

STANDARD

—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 {371} 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.

STAR

—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.

STARING of the COAT

.—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.

STARTING

,—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 {373} 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.

STERN

.—The tail of the HOUND, or GREYHOUND, is sportingly so called.

STEW

—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.

STIFLE

.—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 {375} 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.

STIRRUP

—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 {376} support of the knees, and the strength of the arms and shoulders, that the horse is held to his stroke.

STONE

.—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.

STOAT

.—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.

STRAIN

.—See Sprain.

STRANGLES

—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.

STRANGURY

—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 {380} 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.

STRING-HALT

.—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.

STUBBED

.—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.

STUD

—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. {382} 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.

STUD-BOOK

—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.

STUMBLING

—is so great an imperfection in a horse, that it affects his intrinsic worth, in proportion {383} 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.

SURBATING

—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 {384} horse in such situation is now said to be foot-foundered, who was formerly said to be surbated.

SURFEIT

.—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.

SWAINMOTE

—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.

SWEAT

—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, {387} 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."

SWEATING for the TURF

—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 {388} 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.

SWEATING of JOCKIES

—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 {391} 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.

SWELLED LEGS

.—See Legs Swelled, Humours, and Grease.

SWELLING in the Sheath or Groin

,—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; {392} 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.

SWAN

.—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."

TAIL

.—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, {394} 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.

TARTAR

—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 EMETIC

—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 {395} 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.

TEAL

—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.

TEETH

—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.

TENDONS

—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, {400} 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.

TERMS in SPORTING

—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, {401} 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.

TERRIER

.—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, {403} 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.

THRUSHES

—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.

TIRING

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.

TOBY

—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.

TOILS

.—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.

TONGUE

.—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.

TRACK

—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.

TRAIL, or TRAILING

,—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, {408} and only partially exhaled, is a matter that has never yet been satisfactorily ascertained. See Scent.

TRAIN SCENTS

,—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.

TRAINING

.—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 {410} 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.

TRAMMELS

—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.

TRAMEL-NET

—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.

TRAVELLER

—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.

TREAD

—is an injury sustained by one foot upon the other. See Over-reach.

TRESPASS

,—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.

TRIAL

.—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 {417} 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.

TRIPPING

. 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.

TROTTING

—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 {419} 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.

TRUMPATOR

,—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 {423} 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.

TUMOURS

—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." {426}

TUNNEL-NET

—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.

TURF

.—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 {427} 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!

TUSHES

.—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.

TURNING-OUT

—is of two kinds; one called a summer's, the other, a winter's run; a description {431} of which, with their expected and probable effects, will be found under the heads Grass and Soiling.

VENOMOUS BITES

—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 {432} 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.

VENERY, BEASTS of

,—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.

VERDERER

—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.

VERMIN

—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.

VERT

—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.

VERTUMNUS

—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 {435} 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.

VETERINARY COLLEGE

.—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.

VICE

.—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 {447} 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.

VIPER, BITE of

.—See Venomous Bites.

VISCIDITY of the BLOOD

—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 {449} 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.

VIVES

—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 {450} 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.

VIXEN

.—A bitch fox, or a female cub, is so called.

VOLUNTEER

—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. {451} 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.

VOMITING

—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.

ULCER

.—An ulcer is a wound, which, from long standing, and injudicious treatment, is become virulent and inveterate; having acquired a rigid callosity at the edges, and a discoloured, foul, unhealthy slough in the middle. These conjunctive appearances never submit to mere superficial digestive applications, but must be subdued by superficial scarification, and the milder class of corrosives and escharotics.

UNGUENTS

—are ointments, of which there are many different kinds. Blistering ointment, for lameness in the back sinews, splents, spavins, and curbs. Digestive ointment, strong and mild, for dressing wounds in their different stages, and after maturation. Elder ointment, to allay the pain of {456} inflammatory swellings, particularly when proceeding from the stings or bites of animals or venomous insects: and camphorated sperma-cæti ointment, for cracks in the heels of horses during the severity of the winter season.

UMBLES

—are the eatable part of a deer's entrails, which being a perquisite of office, afford a treat to the keeper and his friends.

URINE

—is that well known excrementitious fluid secreted or separated by the kidnies from the blood; the evacuation of which is sometimes partially obstructed, or totally suppressed, by different injuries sustained, or diseases particularly affecting the kidnies, the bladder, or some of the parts appropriated to the secretion and discharge of urine. Internal inflammation, or a paralytic affection of the kidnies, as well as external violence there; spasmodic stricture upon the neck or sphincter of the bladder; calculous concretions, originating in the kidnies, and afterwards descending the ureters, occasions sometimes a most painful suppression of urine: having obtained a seat in the bladder, they then lay the foundation of stone; and many well-authenticated instances are extant, where stones of considerable weight have been extracted from the bladders of different horses after their death.

WALK

—is the slowest of a horse's natural paces, upon the safety, excellence and ease of which, much of his worth depends. Good walkers are always in request, and will (if gentle and good tempered) never fail of finding purchasers, even among the aged and infirm. There are numbers to be seen daily, who are admirable goers in the fast paces, that cannot walk at all; but instances are very rare, of a horse who is a good walker, not having a gift of his other paces in proportion.

WALNUT

,—the name of a horse of much racing reputation. He was bred by the present Duke of Hamilton, foaled in 1786; got by Highflyer, out of Maiden, (who was got by Matchem,) own sister to Pumpkin. In 1790, then four years old, Walnut started at York, and won a subscription of 25 guineas each, seven subscribers. The same week he won the great subscription of 295l. beating those excellent runners, Telescope, Enchanter, Toby, Tickle Toby, and Camilla. At Doncaster he walked over for the Doncaster Stakes of 10 guineas each, six subscribers, with 20 guineas added by the Corporation; and the next day won the 100l. plate, beating Harold and Telescope. In 1791, he again won the great subscription at York, beating the Prince of Wales's Creeper, and Telescope. {459} At Doncaster he again won the Doncaster Stakes of 10 guineas each, with 20 guineas added by the Corporation.

WARBLE

—is a small hard tumour, produced upon the side or the back of a horse, by the heat and friction of an ill-fitted saddle. It is sometimes occasioned by the pad of the saddle's becoming exceedingly hard, {460} and inelastic, from its long and constant absorption of perspirative matter; to prevent which, the pads of saddles should be occasionally inspected, beat with a stick, and the stuffing restored to its elasticity, by the use of a proper awl, or point of a packing-needle. Upon their first appearance, if they are attended to before the injury is repeated, they never fail of submitting to a plentiful bathing of hot vinegar, followed by a gentle friction with camphorated spirits, if twice or thrice repeated; but if they are neglected in the first instance, and the same saddle (or harness) persevered in without alteration, the surface will become an eschar, and ultimately a sitfast, (which see,) and then can only be removed by instrumental extirpation.

WARRANTY

—is the personal assurance the purchaser of a horse receives from the seller, at the moment of terminating the bargain, if such purchase absolutely takes place, that the horse in question is no more than a certain number of years old, (as the case may be;) that he is perfectly free from every kind of vice, blemish, and defect; that he is completely sound, "wind and limb"; or, in other words, that he is in a state of perfection. Much professional jargon has transpired during the last half of a century in the courts of legal litigation upon this subject: and a great law authority who presided once (rather inadvertently, it is supposed) {461} presumed to declare in open court, "that paying 20l. for a horse, was a price sufficient to have the SOUNDNESS implied by the sum paid, and that he should consider the warranty to extend to full three months from the day of purchase." Whether this assertion was merely a lapse of the tongue, or a temporary deviation from sagacity and discretion, is not now worthy disquisition; as it must certainly be admitted to have been one of the most absurd, unequitable and ridiculous opinions ever promulgated in a court of judicial investigation.

WARREN

,—the name applied to a privileged place, by prescription or grant from the King, in which to keep beasts or fowls of WARREN. These in ancient records were said to be the hare, the coney, the pheasant, and the partridge; but the word now principally applies to any particular district, or tract of land, set aside entirely for, and appropriated to, the breeding and preservation of rabbits as private property. These become a most valuable and profitable stock; paying a much greater annual rent than can be expected from a light and sandy soil, under any other mode of cultivation. There is a distinction between a WARREN and FREE WARREN, (which see.) The franchise next in degree to a park, is a free warren, and appertains chiefly to the privilege of killing game within its boundaries. A warren, in its general signification, extends no farther than a peculiar spot, of much magnitude for the infinitely numerous production of conies, with which the neighbouring inhabitants, and the markets of the Metropolis, are supplied; and these invariably pass under the denomination of rabbit warrens.

WARTER

—is the name of a horse of much celebrity, whose performances upon the turf rendered him of constantly increasing value, and insured him a succession of different owners. He was bred by Mr. G. Crompton, foaled in 1794; got by King Fergus, dam by Highflyer. In the York spring meeting, when three years old, he won a sweepstakes of 20 guineas, six subscribers, beating Dapple, and Telegraph. At Doncaster, in September, he won the following extraordinary race, well worthy a place in the cabinet of every sportsman in the kingdom.

WARTS

—are spongy excrescences, sometimes appearing upon different parts of the body, and in great numbers: they are exceedingly difficult of instrumental extirpation; for, from their being critically seated, profuse bleeding might probably follow. This mode of operation becomes the less necessary, because a moistening of the surface once in three days, with butter of Antimony, will effect certain obliteration, without the least inconvenience, even upon the eye-lids, which are of equal or superior irritability with any other part of the body.

WASP

.—See "Venomous Bites."

WATERING

.—Upon the proper and confident mode of watering a horse, his health in some degree (but more particularly his condition) principally depends. During a journey in the summer, as well as in a stable in the winter, some attention is necessary to both the quality and quantity of water a horse is permitted to indulge in. There are fixed rules with systematic sportsmen, from which there is never the slighted deviation, but when circumstances may compulsively occasion a temporary variation: the most important of these are, never to let a horse drink cold water when he is hot; or to give him pump or well water, when river or rain water can be obtained. The difference of effect between the two may (particularly in the winter months) be immediately observed by those who {466} chuse to make the experiment: hard spring water is frequently known, from its chilling frigidity, to occasion severe and dangerous fits of the cholic; and when it has not that effect, it never fails to check the circulation; producing such an instantaneous collapsion of the pores, that the coat, though fine a few minutes before, becomes as rough and staring, as if the horse had been exposed to the inclemency of the winter season. Horses kept for the sports of the field, and in a state of condition superior to those employed on more common occasions, are usually watered with a pail in the stable; but this should never be done till hay has been previously placed in the rack; and the act of watering should be instantly followed by the usual ceremony of substantial dressing, wisping, and brushing over, to prevent either of the two inconveniencies before described. The old and ridiculous custom of taking a horse to a pond, that he may have a gallop "to warm the water in his belly," seems to be nearly abolished with the more enlightened part of the world; and although the practice is persevered in upon the turf, it is to be observed, that those horses are restricted in quantity; and that they are walked for some time after drinking, previous to what is termed their watering gallop.

WATTLES

—are the gills hanging from below the under beak of a cock: these are taken from a stag (young game cock) at the same time with his {467} comb, so soon as they are sufficiently grown for the operation, which is performed before they are turned down to a master walk. The little finger is insinuated into the throat of the cock, when which is properly distended, the wattles are cut off close all round with the scissars; and, lastly, the comb; the whole being slightly washed with a little weak salt and water.

WAXY

—is a horse of recent reputation upon the turf, whose performances promise to render him a stallion high in estimation. He was bred by Sir F. Poole; foaled in 1790; got by Pot8o's out of Maria, a daughter of Herod. In 1793, when three years old, he won the Derby Stakes (at Epsom) of 50 guineas each, half forfeit, (50 subscribers,) beating twelve; the remainder paying forfeit. The odds twelve to one against him at starting. At Lewes he won a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, (nine subscribers,) carrying 7lb. extra. At Abingdon he won a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, 5 subscribers. In 1794, he won the Jockey Club Plate at Newmarket; the King's 100 guineas at Ipswich; a 50l. plate, and 60 guineas, at Lewes. In 1795, the King's Plate at Salisbury. In 1796, the King's Plate at Guildford; a subscription of 10 guineas each, (13 subscribers,) at Lewes; and the King's Plate at Salisbury. In 1797, he broke down in running for the gold cup at Oxford. The following season he was announced as a stallion at 10 guineas {468} a mare, and half a guinea the groom, at Lewes, in Sussex. Two of his produce, each three years old, were brought to the Post last year, 1802; one called Miss Newland, who won two 50l. plates at Canterbury; and Shock, who won 100 guineas at Brighton, and 50 guineas at Newmarket.

WEANING

—is the act of separating a colt or filly from its dam, that it may no longer derive support from suction, but be compelled to collect its own subsistence from such proper articles of aliment as present themselves according to the season of the year, at which such weaning may be found convenient to take place. This must always become dependent upon circumstances, in respect to the kind of country in which the colt is produced, as well as the purpose for which he is bred, and the late or early part of the season in which he was foaled. A foal produced at the latter end of April, or the beginning of May, will better bear weaning in the early part of October, than a foal dropt in June will in two months after; and this is readily accounted for by the great length of summer the former enjoys in respect to growth, strength, and expansion, over the latter. Where the foal, from having fallen late in the year, or any other cause, is observed to be weak in body and constitution, or stinted in growth, great advantage may be obtained by letting him run in an unrestrained state with the dam during the remainder of the winter.

WEASEL

.—The weasel, though little seen in the environs of towns, is an animal very well known in most parts of the country: it varies in no great degree from the stoat, either in shape, make, or propensity. Its favourite alimentary enjoyment seems the destruction of eggs by suction; although it pursues and destroys poultry and game with equal avidity. By some instinctive impulse of scent or sagacity, the weasel is enabled to follow a hare, which it pursues with a kind of energetic phrensy; and whenever the hare unsuspectingly squats, if this inveterate enemy happens to get up, it immediately makes a spring, seizes the hare near the poll, and {470} never quits its hold till the animal (though running in a state of distraction, and with the most piteous cries) is deprived of existence. The weasel may justly rank in the list of venomous animals, for its bite is almost universally fatal: a hare, rabbit, or any other object, bit by the weasel, is never known to recover, but continues in a lingering state till death.

WEIGHT for AGE.

—In racing advertisements, propositions of different kinds appear, in respect to the weights which are to be carried by the horses who are a year younger or a year older than each other. Such announcements vary, in some degree, between the weights of one place of sport and another; but as the GOLD CUP weights at Oxford are considered a fair criterion of equity, they are here introduced in explanation.

WEIGHT for INCHES

.—When a plate is advertised to be run for by horses "to carry weight for inches," it is then called a Give and Take Plate, which see.

WEIGHT to the SCALE

.—Bringing the proper weight to the scale immediately after each heat, is in racing a very important consideration. Whatever weight by the conditions, in either plate, match, sweepstakes, or subscription, a horse is appointed to carry, the rider or jockey must have ascertained before the Stewards, or Clerk of the Course, by the scales and weights publicly affixed to the starting-post of every race ground for that purpose. So soon as each and every heat is ended, such rider or jockey is to ride his horse up to the scales, there to be weighed in immediate succession; and any rider or jockey neglecting so to do, dismounting before he reaches the scale, or not bringing his full weight when there, the horse in either case is deemed equally distanced, and can start no more for that plate or prize, whatever may be its denomination.

WENS

—are enlargements which may appear upon any of the soft or fleshy parts of a horse's body, and are technically termed encysted tumours; but divided into different kinds, which are thus distinguished. One, upon separation, is found to contain a substance somewhat similar to boiled rice, curds, or a bread poultice; a second, a glutinous adhesive coagulum, nearly resembling honey when not in a state of absolute fluidity; a third, in which the substance has every appearance of suet in its progress from the butcher's to the tallow chandlers; {473} and a fourth, with the contents a little like half-melted grease. The only mode of extirpation (where it can with safety be ventured upon) is by the knife; but if, in performing the operation, every part of the cyst or bag is not completely removed, it will always be liable to enlarge again, and render abortive all that may have been done before. Whenever the tumour is so extirpated, the wound is to be dressed in the usual way, and a favourable incarnation and union of parts will soon be obtained.

WHEEZING

—is that seeming difficulty of respiration through the nostrils of a horse, which is by some attributed to a wrong cause; suspecting it to be a contraction or narrowness between the bones and cartilages of the nose. This, to a more nice or accurate observer, does not appear to be the case; on the contrary, attentively investigated, it appears there is very little, if any, doubt to be entertained of its being a defect in the natural inflation of the lungs. Admitting this, it is then a gradational relative to the asthmatic and thick-winded tribe, where some of the finer vessels are obstructed, become impervious, or tubercles formed. In the latter, cure cannot be expected; alleviation may be obtained by a patient perseverance in mild mercurial alteratives; and in all the different shades of these affections of the lungs, originating in plethora and a viscid sizy state of the blood, frequently unloading {474} the vessels of their contents by bleeding, attenuating the blood by antimonials, and enlivening the circulation by pectoral cordial detergents, are the only means upon which an expectation of permanent relief can be entertained.

WHIM PLATE

,—in the language of the TURF, is where the horses who run carry weight for age, and weight for inches.

WHIP

.—Sporting whips are of two kinds; one of which, having a handle with a hook, and a long thong, is called a hunting-whip; being useful in assisting to manage the hounds. A light straight single-stem whip, is called a jockey whip, being the sort used on the turf.

WHIP

—is the name of a horse of some reputation as a racer, but was withdrawn from the turf, and announced as a stallion, at five years old. He was bred by Mr. Durand; foaled in 1794; got by Saltram, dam by King Herod, and was the favourite for the Derby in 1797, and expected to win it easy, had he been well enough to have started. He was tried to have so much speed, as to be able to give many colts of the same year from twenty to thirty pounds. The first time he started, he won a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, the New Mile at Ascot, beating three others; and afterwards a 50l. plate for three year olds at Reading. In {475} 1798 he won 50l. at Ascot Heath. In running for the gold cup at Oxford, against Diamond, Stickler, Johnny, and Oatlands, he ran out of the Course, when supposed to be winning to a certainty. At Brighton he won a 50l. plate, beating Combatant, who had the day before won a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, (17 subscribers,) beating seven others. At Canterbury he won a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, (five subscribers,) which was the last time he started; having since been advertised to cover at five guineas a mare, and five shillings the groom.

WHIPPER-IN

—is an assistant subordinate to the huntsman in every hunting establishment, which, if upon a well-regulated scale of any magnitude, is never considered complete with less than two. One of these has a shade of superiority, and is called the first; the other, the second, whipper-in. The first, upon all and every occasion, is considered as a second huntsman, empowered to act with his authority upon every emergency, and at all times during temporary separation in the chase, or unavoidable absence. Notwithstanding this delegation of power, it is his duty to remain strictly obedient to the huntsman, and to execute all his injunctions with the most cheerful alacrity; and however largely he may be qualified in other respects, it is impossible he can ever become a good whipper-in, if he is in possession of a bad temper. It is absolutely indispensible that he should be a natural {476} philosopher in respect to patience and self-denial, as it is so peculiarly his province to act an inferior part, unless when circumstances occur to bring him more forward upon the canvass; the moment which cease, he must contentedly retire again from the front, to his former station in the background of the picture.

WHELPS

.—The produce of hounds during their first months are termed whelps; the young of other sporting dogs are in general called puppies. Those who are intent upon forming a hunting establishment, will, in laying the foundation, recollect, that hounds are very frequently to be purchased for considerably less money than they can be bred. The pack once obtained, breeding then becomes {481} indispensibly necessary for the proper support of the stock, and the acquisition of superior excellence; by possessing the annual convenience of entering young, and rejecting old, till the body become perfectly complete. The business of breeding is considered so very material to the sporting reputation of the establishment, that, by amateurs and professed sportsmen, it is conducted with a systematic circumspection, and most judicious discrimination. Uniformity in size, shape, make, colour, speed, and constitution, are leading perfections, which should never be lost sight of. Mr. Beckford, who seems to have understood the chase much better than any writer that has ever promulgated an opinion upon the subject, has laid down some precautionary rules, from which the emulous and the prudent will seldom deviate.

WHISKEY

,—the name of a most excellent runner, whose recent performances on the turf laid the foundation of his present celebrity as a stallion of much promised reputation. He was bred by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales; foaled in 1780, and got by Saltram out of Calash, (who was got by Herod;) her dam (Teresa) by Matchem. In 1792, when three years old, in the July Meeting at Newmarket, he won a sweepstakes of 200 guineas, eight subscribers; and 50l. at Bedford. First October Meeting, a post sweepstakes of 1000 guineas each, three subscribers. The next day a subscription of 200 guineas each, eleven subscribers. Second October Meeting, a subscription of 20 guineas each, six subscribers. In the Houghton Meeting, he beat Sir F. Standish's Sir John across the flat, staking 150 to 100 guineas. In 1793 (then Mr. Durand's) he won the Jockey Stakes of 100 guineas each, half forfeit, twelve subscribers. The next Meeting he beat Halbert a match over the Beacon for 200 guineas. At Winchester he walked over the Course for a 50l. plate; and won {483} a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, six subscribers. He was then withdrawn from the turf, and announced as a stallion at five guineas a mare, and half a guinea the groom. Two of his get started at only two years, and were both winners. In 1799, Clarissa appeared, and at two years old won 150 guineas, and 120 guineas, at Brighton. Pamela, three years old, 50l. at Brocket Hall; 200 guineas at Epsom; and 50l. at Ipswich. In 1800, two others appeared, each two years old, both winners at Newmarket. In 1801, Eleanor started, and won 250 guineas, 700 guineas, and 200 guineas, at Newmarket; and the Derby and Oaks Stakes, both at Epsom, amounting to 1475 guineas. Julia won the July Stakes, 40 guineas, and 450 guineas, at Newmarket; and Whiskerandos won three prizes at Newmarket, Brighton, and Egham. In 1802, Whirligig won seven prizes; Julia, six; Eleanor, three; Gig, two; and Orlando, 100 guineas, at Newmarket. Under the increasing merits of which progeny, his price as a stallion is advanced to double the original sum; standing announced to cover for 10 guineas a mare the present season, 1803, at Great Barton, near Bury St. Edmund's.

WHITE-FOOTED HORSE

—is always considered an indication of future weakness in the feet; such horses, in general, having hoofs which become soon brittle and battered; or an outer sole so thin at the bottom, that it compulsively submits to the propulsive force of the membranous mass within, {484} and soon forms a preternatural prominence upon the surface, rendering the foot not only weak, but exceedingly difficult to shoe, without pressing upon the part requiring to be protected.

WHITE HOUND

.—A hound perfectly white is hardly ever bred up for the chase; not more on account of their being considered weaker in constitution than hounds of a variegated description, than their contributing less to the uniformity of the pack. The hounds in the highest estimation to constitute beauty, are brown, liver-coloured, or yellow pied; either of those having a proportional participation with the white, and of these the most are now bred. There are, however, some instances, where hounds entirely of a black, or sandy tan, are admitted, and prove the crack or leading hound of the pack.

WIDGEON

—is a species of wild fowl, inferior in size to the wild duck, but considerably larger than the teal. They afford little or no sport to the gunner, being but rarely found, except in the utmost severity of the winter, and then only in certain particular fens and marshes in some few different parts of the kingdom. Those with which the markets of the Metropolis are supplied, are caught in the same manner as wild-ducks. See Decoy.

WILD BOAR

.—This animal was formerly a native of Britain, and held in such high estimation, {485} that those convicted of killing or maiming them in the time of William the Conqueror, were punished with the loss of their eyes. Charles the First procured wild boars from the continent, and had them turned down in the New Forest to promote the breed; but they were entirely destroyed in the civil wars that ensued. Hunting the wild boar is considered a magnanimous sport with the grandees of those countries in which they abound; but it partakes in no degree of comparison with the exhilarating sport, and enlivening scenes, displayed in the different kinds of chase in our own country. Wild boars are sought after, and tried for, in the largest and thickest woods and coverts, (having angular and cross rides cut through them for the purpose of the chase,) in the same way by which stags are roused, or foxes unkenneled, in this country. The dogs used for the sport, are slow and heavy, much more like a cross between a mastiff and a wire-haired lurcher, than any species of the hound kind. When the boar is once roused, more by the incessant noise and clamour of the multitude than any peculiar property of the dogs, he goes moderately off, not much alarmed at, or seemingly afraid of, the exultations of his pursuers. During the chase (if it is worthy to be termed so) he frequently turns round to face the dogs, and offers to attack them; again proceeds; again turns; and they for a while keep each other at bay: the same ceremony is renewed, till at length the boar becomes completely tired, refusing to go any farther. {486} The serious conflict then begins in earnest. His defence being strong, and wonderfully powerful, before, the dogs (particularly the young ones) endeavour to attack him behind, in which attempt some lives are frequently lost; but during the struggle, the hunters get up, and put a period to his existence with their spears.

WILD DUCK

.—See Decoy.

WILD-GOOSE CHASE

,—is neither more or less than a metaphorical allusion to the uncertainty of its termination. This originated in a kind of chase (more properly match) formerly decided in the following way. Two horses having started at the place appointed, continued to race by the side of each other, till one having obtained the lead, was entitled to proceed in whatever direction the rider pleased, (either by shortening or prolonging the distance to the winning spot previously agreed on,) according to the qualifications of his horse. This kind of chase so frequently terminated in tired or spoiled horses, without a decision, that it was long since changed to a train scent, (that is, a drag across the country;) better known by the denomination of a steeple chase.

WIND BROKEN

.—The disorder or malady so called, is (with the most experienced) discovered by a quick and irregular heaving of the flanks, accompanied by a great and palpable difficulty of respiration {487} after brisk exertion. The usual mode of examination with dealers, is to try the perfect or imperfect state of the wind, by a cough compulsively excited: this is effected by forcibly pressing the gullet, just below the under jaw, at the junction of the head with the neck; from which pressure, if a strong, clear, healthy cough immediately proceeds, the wind may be considered sound, and naturally good; but, on the contrary, should it prove a wheezing husky attempt to cough, terminating with a kind of distant moan, or groan, the horse is asthmatic, and unsound, if not completely broken-winded; in which state most horses may be discovered, from the noise they make in their difficulty of respiration during either a sharp trot or moderate canter; from which they have acquired the common appellation of roarers, which is understood to imply a certainty of Broken Wind; which see.