/ :"JJ. o. ■ ,7.of?.av »rf Z---^ A- ^-' y TUFTS UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES 3 9090 014 543 751 Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University 200 Westboro Road Nortti Grafton, MA 01536 1^* ^Ss'"'" THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. BY JOHN MILLS, AUTHOR OF "THE OLD ENGLISH GENTLEMAN"." — "THE STAGE COACH; OR, THE ROAD OF LIFE:" — "THE ENGLISH FIRESIDE," &C. EDINBURGH: AVILLAM TAIT, 107, PRINCFS STREET, MDCCCXLV. T-5 1^!^ EDINBURGH : Printed by William Tait, 107, Prince's Street. TO BRITISH SPORTSMEN, THIS WORK IS INSCRIBED. AND, THAT THEIR MANLf RECREATIONS MAY EVER REMAIN AMONG THE BEST AND PROUDEST OF THEIR NATIONAL DISTINCTIONS, IS THE SINCERE AND HEARTFELT WISH OP THEIR HUMBLE SERVANT, JOHN MILLS. Id August, 1845. viii PREFACE. Desirous, however, as I am to acknow- ledge, and pay my tribute of thanks for, the assistance received, I am equally anxious that it be understood that this volume, un- like the generality of sporting works, is 7iot a compilation, nor composed of piratical extracts. Without arrogating to myself more than I feel to be my due, I believe I may justly claim the merit of originality in all except a very few of the matters treated of. Wherever I have made use of the in- formation of others, I have given the source whence it has been derived ; and the entire borrowing does not amount to one tenth of the volume. Here and there, may be found a diversity between my opinion and the views of some distinguished authors who have preceded me. This has not been occasioned by the wish to vaunt my own humble skill ; but by the results of my experience having, occasionally, dif- fered from theirs. From the time my memory cannot date, "field sports" have been the study, the thought, the occupation of my life. I have PREFACE. ix sought for information, wherever and whenever it w^as to be obtained ; and never yet permitted an opportunity to pass, of testing, at the earliest period, the rules laid down for the guidance of the sports- man. It shall therefore be no matter of surprise, that I have discovered discre- pancies, in several instances, between pre- vious theories and positive experience. On those important subjects to the Sportsman, — the Hunter and his condition, Hounds, Hunting, Shooting, and the Break- ing and management of the Pointer, &c. I have given information that has not before appeared in print ; information founded on my own practical knowledge. In treating on common ills, I have not attempted to enter into the mysteries of the veterinary art ; thinking it better to refer to eminent professors for the preventives and cures for those diseases to which horses and dogs are subject. It has been my object to render this work one of instruction, and of refereiice, as to every subject connected with our national X PREFACE. sports. In the belief that the task has been completed in accordance with the design, I submit the work, with all humility, to the favourable consideration of those whom I am proud to call my fellow- sportsmen. CONTENTS, BOOK L — THE HUNTER. CHAPTER I. On the Breeding and Condition of Hunters Mare ; Choice of, . Stallion ; Choice of, . Colt ; Diet for. Weaning ; Time for, Weaning ; Treatment after, Broken in ; When to be, Three years old ; Treatment when. Condition ; Bringing him into. Grass ; Coming from. Work ; Preparations for bringing him into, Sweating ; Proper mode of. Medicine; Alterative, . Exercise and gallops. Page 1 3 4 5 ib. 6 7 8 10 13 16 17 18 21 CHAPTER II. Condition of Hunters — continued, . 24 Stable, what it should be, . . . 25 Horse ; Treatment of, previous to going to hounds, .... 29 Treatment upon return home, . . 31 Exhaustion ; Remedy for, . . 34 xii CONTENTS. CHAPTER III. Page Condition of Hunters — continued^ . , 37 System to be observed when hunting ceases, 44 CHAPTER IV. Condition of Hunters — contmued^ . . 50 Feet ; Care and attention to, . . 51 Hoof; of what form it should be, . . 53 Soundness ; never to be regained when once the feet are diseased, . . ib. Foot-lameness; the principal causes of, . 56 Evil eftects of bad shoeing, . . bQ Foot-lameness ; no preventing it in very many cases, . . . . .58 Shoes ; Different kinds of, . . 60 Frog ; Fallacious reasoning of Professor Cole- • man regarding, . . . .61 Shoeing ; the best plan for, . . 64 Over-reach, An incident of, the cause and effect, . . . . . Qb CHAPTER V. Condition of Hunters — continued^ . . QQ Treatment of feet after severe work, . ib. Stopping them, . . . .67 Pumiced feet, .... 68 Thrush ; The preventive and remedy for, 69 Corns ; the general causes of, . . 71 Fever in the feet ; what produced by, . 73 Sandcrack ; its causes and remedies, . 74 Exti-act from Goodwin on the diseases of the feet, ..... 76 CONTENTS. xiii CHAPTER VI. Page Condition OF Hunters — concluded^ . 77 Common injuries to the legs and feet, . 78 Thorns and stubs, ... 79 Sore backs, Palliatives for, washes, and detergent ointments, . . . .80 Sit-fast, .... 81 Disease in the wind of horses. The various de- grees of, . . . . .81 Cold ; test of inflammatory action, . 82 Roaring ; an irremediable disease, . . 83 Chronic cough, .... 84 Roaring, The cause of, in a colt, • . .84 Remedy for incipient roaring, , . 86 Blindness, The cause of, . . . ib. Cataract, . . . . 87 Examination of the Eyes, Great care should be taken in, . . . . .88 Eye, Unfavourable Symptoms of, . 89 Eye, Principal causes of Inflammation in, and means to be adopted in Reducing, . 90 Curbs, The Cause of, . . . 91 Curbs, The Remedies for, . . .92 Splents, The Treatment for, ... 93 Spavin, . . . . . ib. /^ Bog-spavin, .... 94 Thorough-pin, . . . .95 Windgalls, .... ib. Strangles, . . . . . ib. Kidneys, Inflammation in, . . 96 CHAPTER VII. Age of Horses, .... 100 Running-rein Fraud, ... ib. Extraordinary instance of a Horse lasting, 101 Age ; how to be discovered, . . 102 xiv CONTENTS. Page Age, general signs of, . . .103 Age, not to be ascertained by the Mouth after Five years, . . . , 104 BOOK IL — ON HUNTING AND HOUNDS. CHAPTER VIII. Hunting and Hounds, . . . 107 Hunting, The past and the present style of, 108 Foxhound, The breeding of, . . Ill Hounds, The points of Symmetry in . ib. Hunting, in the remotest period of our history, 312 Talbot, the original stock, . . 114 Southern hound, . . . .115 Foxhounds of the present day, . 116 Bitches with Litters, Management of . 117 Whelps ; Common diseases to which they are subject, . . . . ib. Feeding them, . . . .118 General treatment, ... ib. Hounds, The Size and Stamp of, . . 119 CHAPTER IX. Kennel, and Kennel Management, . . 120 Kennel, general requisites of, . , J 21 Kennel ; the Duke of Rutland's, . .122 The Duke of Richmond's, . . 123 The Duke of Bedford's, . . . ib. Kennel Management, . . . 125 Feeding, . . . . .126 The Duke of Beaufort's Kennel, . 127 CONTENTS. XV Page Washing Hounds, . . .128 Discipline in the Kennel, . . 129 Diseases, Preventives of, . . . ib. Meal ; Oat and Barley, . . 1 30 Huntsman's Duties in the Kennel, . ib. Bleeding Dogs, . . . 131 CHAPTER X. Duty of a Master of Foxhounds — The Hunts- man, AND Whipper-in, . . .133 Master of Foxhounds ; his Duties, . 135 Huntsman; his Duties in the Field, . 142 Lifting Hounds ; unsportsmanlike practice of, 145 Whipper-in, Duties of, . . 153 CHAPTER XL Hints upon Riding Straight to Hounds. — The Staghound, Harrier, and Beagle, . 157 Anecdote concerning the Policy of getting well away with Hounds, . . . 158 Position to be Selected, . . .161 Riding timidly; danger in, . . 162 Riding with Judgment, . . .163 Horse, a previous Knowledge of, indispensable, 166 Stag-hunting, . . . , 167 Stag-hounds, Devon and Somerset, . ib. Beagle, the best for Hare-hunting, . 168 Harriers, . . . . .170 Beagles, His Royal Highness Prince Albert's, Lord Winterton's, and the Rev. Mr. Honey- wood's, . . . . 172 X7l CONTENTS. BOOK TIL— SHOOTING, CHAPTER XII. Shooting, barrel-boring Ma- Detonating System, London Gunmakers, Westley Richards' guns, Lancaster''s Guns, and his chine, Purdey's Guns, Egg's Guns, Blissett's Guns, Messrs. Moore, John Manton, Nock, Smith and Wilkinson's Guns, Gun, The choice of, Barrels, Length of. Locks, The springs of, . Trigger, Regulation of. Nipple, . Cock, or Striker, Vent-hole, Ram-rod, Sight, Elevation, . Page 175 176 ib. ib. 177 ib. ib. 178 ib. 179 ib. 181 182 183 184 186 ib. ib. 187 CHAPTER XIII. Further Observations on the Choice of Guns, 190 Duck Guns, . . . .191 Lancaster's and Long's Side Primer, . 193 Metal ; The weight of, . . . ib. Stanchion, or Punt Gun, . . ib. Hawker's plan of firing a pair of barrels, 196 CONTENTS. xvu Page Pigeon Gun, .... 198 The " Grip," . . . 199 Lock, of what it consists, . . . 200 Mechanical Names for the remaining principal parts of a gun, . . . 201 CHAPTER XIV. Loading a Gun, Powder and Shot, Cartridges, Wadding, &c. ... 203 Loading ; The proper method. ib. Powder, . . . 204 Curtis and Harvey's, , 205 Recoil ; The cause of. , , . 206 Shot ; The selection of, , 207 Varying the size. , , . 208 Small SJiot ; Advantages of using. 209 Charge ; The quantity to depend on the wav in which the gun shoots ) • . 210 Shot ; Patent Drop, 212 Shot; Mould, . • . 213 Cartridge ; Eley's, , ib. Wadding ; Patent, • • . 214 Wadding ; Punched, • 216 CHAPTER XV. Cleaning a Gun ; the Barrels and Locks. — Shot-pouch, Shot-belt, Powder Flask, Nipple Probe, &c. Cleaning, Lock ; Cleaning of, taking it to pieces, putting it together. Shot-belt, Pouch, Flasks ; Egg's and Sykes's, Nipple Probe, • • 217 • ib. ^ ^ 220 ^ . 221 . 222 ^ . 225 ^ ^ ib. . . 226 ^ ^ 227 xviii CONTENTS. CHAPTER XVI. Page Shooting, .... 228 Lesson the first, , . . ib. Loading, .... 229 Carrying the gun, . . . 230 Aim ; both eyes open the best mode of getting it, 233 Level ; The necessity of, . ^ 235 Ways of obtaining your level, . . 236 Slow and Quick Shooting, . . ib. CHAPTER XVIL SnooTiNa — continued^ . . . 242 Hints on holding the gun, . . 243 Double Shots, . . . .249 Game ; Beating for, . . . 250 Conduct upon finding and killing, . 253 Long shots, . . . . 256 CHAPTER XVIIL rRiDGE, Grouse, Pheasant, Cock, AND Snipe SHOOTING, . 257 Partridges ; the wildness of, ib. Poaching, . . 258 Sporting ; the time for, 259 Manner to be observed in shooting. . 262 Birds ; the occasional shyness of, 263 Grouse shooting, . 264 Pheasant shooting, 265 Cock shooting. . 268 Snipe shooting, . 270 Spaniels ; the best for. . ^ . 272 Dress for snipe-shooting. 273 CONTENTS. XIX CHAPTER XIX. Black Game shooting on the borders of Devon AND Somerset. — Wild-fowl shootino, and Deer-stalking, . Black game shooting, Wild-fowl shooting on shore and afloat, Time ; the best for. Tide ; the ground ebb the best, Deer-stalking, .... Deer ; three kinds of. Vulnerable points in. Bullets and shot to be used. Page 274 ib. 276 279 281 283 284 ib. 285 BOOK IV.— GAME, SPORTING DOGS, &c. CHAPTER XX. a list, alphabetically arranged, of game, wild- fowl, and birds generally pursued by the sportsman ; their names as given by Bewick, &;c. ; with a few hints concern- ing THE MODE OF SHOOTING THEM, . 289 Bittern; The, .... ib. Black Cock ; The, .... 290 Brent Goose, .... ib. Bustard, ..... 291 Capercailzie, .... ib. Coot, . . . . . ib. Curlew, ..... 292 Dotterel, . ... 293 J>ucks, . . . . . ib. Eider Duck, .... 294 Gannet, Gan, Soland, or Solan goose, . ib. XX CONTENTS. age Garganey, . . . ib. Godwit, . , . , • ib. Golden-eye, 295 Goose, .... • ib. Grebes, 296 Greenshanked Godwit, • ib. Grouse, ib. Guernsey or French partridge. » 297 Hare ; two kinds of. ib. Jacksnipe, Judcock, or Jetcock, • ib. Knot, . . . .. 298 Landrail, Daker Hen, or Corncrake, • ib. Lapwing, Bastard Plover, or Pee Wit, ib. Mallard; The, ^ ■ 299 Morillon, ib. Partridge, .... • ib. Pheasant, ib. Pigeons, • ib. Pintail Duck, Sea Pheasant, Cracker, oi •Winter Duck, , ib. Plover, 300 Quail, .... . ib. Kabbit, 801 Redshank, Red-legged Horseman, Poo] Snipe, or Sand Cock, 801 Ringdove, Cushat, or Wood Pigeon, • ib. Ruff and Reeve, ib. Scaup Duck, or Spoonbill Duck, • 802 Scoter, Black Duck, or Black Diver, ib. Sheldrake, or Burrough Duck, • ib. Snipe, .... ib. Stag, .... • 803 Stockdove, ib. Swan, .... • ib. Teal, .... ib. Velvet Duck, Double Scoter, or Great Black Duck, , 803 Water Crake, Water Rail, Skitty, or Spotted Gallinule, , 304 Water Hen, or Moor Hen, . ib. CONTENTS, xxi Page Water Rail, Bilcock, or Velvet Runner, 804 Widgeon, . . • • ^b. Woodcock, . . . . ib. Woodpigeon, ... ib. CHAPTER XXI. Pointers, Setters, Spaniels, and Retrievers, — Their Breeding, Breaking, and Manage- ment, .... 805 Pointer ; The, . . . . ib. Fast and Slow Dogs ; Comparative merits of, ib. Puppies ; Breeding, . . . 806 Dogs ; Breaking, . . . 807 Deception practised in, . . . 8J2 Clieck-collars, puzzles, &c. . . 815 Pointers and Setters ; what they should be, ib. Size, Colour, and general points, . 816 Symmetry, . . . .817 Breaking ; Manner to be observed in, 818 Setter ; origin of the stock, . . 822 Breaking of the Setter, . . ib. Spaniels, ..... 823 Retrievers, - . . . ib. CHAPTER XXII. How to administer Medicine to Dogs. — Common Diseases, Preventives, and Treatment, 324 How to administer medicine to Dogs, . ib. Distemper ; symptoms and cure, . . 326 Worms, ' . , . . 329 Swelled Seats, .... 380 Ears ; Torn, .... ib. Strains ; Cure for, . . . ib. Swelling from bleeding, . . ib. Joints ; Bruises in, ... ib. XXll CONTENTS. Wounds ; Green, Poisoned ; When a dog is, Kidneys ; Distemper in the. When a dog looks heavy and sleepy in weather, Teeth ; Canker in the, Mange, Cure for. Hydrophobia ; Preventives for. Wounds, Feet ; Sore, Fleas, , Feet ; Stripped, Ears ; Canker in, Complaints ; Bilious, Purges, Wounds; Old, Fits and Staggers, Canker; External Canker; Internal, Eyes ; Fihns over the, Rheumatism in Dogs, To make a dog fine in his skin, , For a Hovering in the Lights of Dog&, To cure the Red Taint or Mange, Mange, if from Repletion, if from Weakness or poor living, To destroy Worms, cold Page 331 ib. ib. ib. ib. ib. 332 ib. ib. 333 ib. ib. 334 ib. ib. ib. 335 ib. 336 336 337 ib. ib. ib. 338 339 CHAPTER XXIII. PRESERVATTON AND REARING OF GaME. — DESTROY- ING Vermin, «Ssc. . ► . 339 Preservation of Game, . . . . ib. Inconvenience of Game being too thick, . 340 Quietude necessary, ... ib. Mischief of often disturbing the Game, . ib. Gaps and Creeps should be stopped, . 341 The common Gin much used by Poachers, ib. When evidently set for Game, . 342 CONTENTS. xxiii Page 842 343 ib. ib. U tility of Dog-spears, against Poachers, The Spears should be numbered, To keep Pheasants at home, To know whether Coverts are entered, . Partridge's Nests cut out of the grass, Rearing Pheasants and Partridges under Domestic Hens^ . . . ib. The purchasing of Eggs, for rearing, . ib. Bantams better than the common Hens, . 845 Keeping the Hen in a Coop, . . ib. The Hen and brood should be allowed to ransfe 346 Proper construction of the Coop, . ib. Pheasants and Partridges reared near a house, ib. Courage of Partridges so reared, . 347 Food for the young birds, . . ib. Ants' Eggs, the best, . . ib. Maggots, a good substitute, . . ib. Artificial Ants' Eggs, . . ib. Pheasants more difficult to rear than Part- ridges, ..... 348 The Gapes^ and how to cure them, . ib. Proper position for the Coop, . . 349 Destruction of Vermin, importance of, . ib. Birds of Pre}^, how to be destroyed, . ib. Gins, for Polecats, Weazels, Cats, &c. 350 How to set these gins, . . . ib. Hutch-traps, advantage of, in one respect, ib. But gins preferable, . . .351 CHAPTER XXIV. Greyhounds, their Breeding and Training. — Coursing, and the Laws of Coursing, 351 Symmetry of a Greyhound, . . ib. Good Feeding indispensable, . . ib. Importance of a good Sire and Dam^ . 352 Old Dams objectionable, . , . ib. Late Puppies seldom good, . . ib. xxiv CONTENTS. Page More than one bitch sliould be warded, 353 Cleanliness, Food, and Exercise necessary, ib. Improper Modes of Exercise, . . 354 Fast Work necessary, to obtain condition, ib. Food of Greyhounds, . . . 355 The Distemper in Greyhounds, . . ib. Coursing. — To find hares readily, . ib. Best country for Coursing, . .356 When a Hare is found, . . ib. Ground to be given her at the Start, . 357 If more than a brace of Greyhounds in the field, .... ib. Care necessary in riding a course, . . ib. Lifting Greyhounds, when proper, . ib. The Laws of Coursing, . . . 358 General Rules recommended, . . 363 Local Rules, . . . . . 364 CHAPTER XXV. Terms used in Sporting, . . . 367 BOOK v. — FISHING. CHAPTER XXVL Trout Fishing, . . . . 377 Knowledge of Flies, the first requisite, . 378 Ability to tie them, also necessary, . ib. Important General Rule as to Flies, . 379 Flies in general use in each month, . 379, 380 Flies change their hues, . • . 381 Whipping with an Artificial Fly, . ib. CONTENTS. XXV Page Plying a Trout until he is tired, . . 382 Evening the best time for fishing, . ib. Dress for Trout Fishing, . . .383 The Fisher should screen himself, . ib. Proper Position of the Fisher, . . ib. Best Period for Trout Fishing, . 384 Spinning a Minnow : Walton'*s mode, . ib. Improvement on Walton's method, . 385 Tackle^ Proper, . . . . ib. When the water is clouded and thick, . 386 CHAPTER XXVIl. Pike, Perch, and other Fishing. — Rods, Lines, Hooks, &c. .... 386 Pike Fishing, . . . . ib. Trolling for Pike, the best sport, . 387 The author's plan for taking Pike, . ib. Perch Fishing, ... 388 Bait for Perch, and how to fix it, 388, 389 Time of day, and oi year, for Perch Fishing,^ 390 Other Fishes.— General Rules, . 390, 391 Fishing Rods ; wood for, and making, . 391 Length, weight, joints, &5C., of Rods, . 393 Lines, ..... 394 Hooks, ..... 395 Hooks, to whip on, . . . . ib. CHAPTER XXVIIL An Abridgment of the Game Laws now in force, ..... 396 A List of the London Gunmakers for 1845, 411 Index, ..... 415 LIST OF PLATES. SUBJECTS. 1. PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHOR, To facG title page. HUNTING. 2. THE FIND, ..... 105 3. HIE OVER ! . . . . 157 SHOOTING. 4. TOHO ! . . . . . 173 5. REFRESHING THE INWARD MAN, . . 228 COURSING. 6. THE WRENCH, .... 357 FISHING. 7. A PROFESSOR OF THE " GENTLE ART," . 375 8. TROUT, ..... 377 9. PIKE, CARP, AND PERCH, . . . 386 10. A SCENE ON THE EXE, . . . 396 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBEARY. BOOK FIRST. THE HUNTER. THE HUNTER. CHAPTER L ON THE BREEDING AND CONDITION OF HUNTERS. To all who take delight in the manly and invigorating recreations of the field, so generally indulged in by Englishmen of every grade in some way or other, there is no auxiliary so essential as the Horse. We are indebted to this noble, generous, and gallant animal, for the chief of our national sports ; and with him, therefore, I have first to deal. I must here remark, that although I have had some experience in training my own horses for a few " public events," that circumstance would not justify my attempting to enter into the mysteries 2 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. of bringing one to the post for the two thousand guineas stakes, the Derby, or the St. Leger; albeit, the variation between getting a hunter of the present day, and a racehorse, into first-rate condition, is so very slight that it may be regarded as nearly a distinction without a difference. Drawing the latter finer, and giving him more quick work than the former, is about the only distinction in the mode of treatment applicable to them. Gentlemen, however, who breed, buy, and run racehorses, as a matter of course, either keep private trainers, or they patronize the public stables ; and while such stables are to be found as Scott's, Dawson's, Forth's, and others, I think, upon referring to the past, that the chances of success are almost wholly with these exclusives, and that owners had far better put trust and confidence in their experience and judgment than in any system or knowledge of their own. Con- ceiving, therefore, that it would be occupying space unnecessarily to enlarge upon the economy of the racing stable, I shall at once come to the first link of my intentions, by opening upon the breeding and condition of the Hunter. That we can have porridge without salt, is quite certain ; but that we cannot have porridge without meal, is equally positive. In other words, we may ON THE BREEDING OF HUNTERS. 3 possess a horse scarcely worthy to be classed as one, and yet he never could have proved a disgrace to his kith and kindred, unless it had been through the agency of the mare. It is obvious, therefore, that as a first cause we should consider the stock and origin of the animal we desire to produce. I am of opinion that good things generally spring from good, although occasionally the reverse is the result. This, however, is the exception to the rule ; and by no means are we to be guided by exceptions. To get good wheat, the farmer sows good seed ; and sometimes his expectations are doomed to bitter disappointment in the reap- ing. Nevertheless when seed-time comes again, he adheres to the practice of sowing the best seed he can obtain. Now, to have a fair and gener- ally successful result in breeding a colt designed to go straight to hounds, I say, get a well-bred, large, and roomy mare, with a constitution as sound as a nut. If her legs and feet have not prematurely failed, it matters not although there be, in the phraseology of grooms, " a screw loose " in these particulars. But in the event of their having gone, from a flaw or weakness in her frame, do not attempt to incur the expense and infinite pains of letting her be a brood mare. I am also no advocate for breeding from worn-out, aged mares. The chances are that a half-con- 4 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. ceived, pigmy, miserable wretch is dropped ; to be poorly nursed, and, when brought up, to be worth nothing, and sold for less. The mother should be ripe, not rotten. The same rule will apply to the stallion, regarding his constitution. Many, and, indeed, most of our superior stallions, tell tales in the legs : but they are the effects of hard work and severe training, and in no way are objections to the breeder allowing him to become a sire. By way of choice, I should prefer a horse whose legs had never given way ; but if they had done so from racing only, I should not think for a moment of rejecting him on account of his legs. Had he thrown out, however, a splent, curb, ringbone, or spavin, I would avoid him for my stock, let his performances have been ever so good. Be it remembered, at the same time, that the perfor- mances of the stallion are famous borrowed light for the progeny; and that, notwithstanding his shape may be the perfection of symmetry, and his capacities beyond a question, yet if he has not proved what he can do, there can be no inheritance of a noble name ; and without it, high prices for colts cannot be expected. It is now a somewhat stale phrase, that *'the best part of a horse goes in at the mouth." This, without a question, is the truth ; and a mare in foal, and particularly after she has dropped her ON THE BREEDING OF HUNTERS. 5 foal, should enjoy a good and generous diet. Care should be taken that the colt be dropped early ; and the dam be liberally fed on bran mashes mixed with corn, carrots, and good old hay ; and, above all things, be kept warm and comfortable. It is asserted by some, that if she prove a good nurse, the colt will not require corn till he be weaned. With this I decidedly disagree. My belief, founded on my experience, is, that as soon as the colt can digest a broken oat, he should be no strano-er to its flavour ; and the more corn he can be induced to eat, by giving him it a little and often, the finer and nobler animal he will become. When weaned, which should be early in and not later than the middle of September, the colt should have a head-collar put on, which will allow of his being handled a little from time to time; and thus, by degrees, learning to be docile and good-tempered in regard to the duties required of him. I need scarcely say that now, being bereft of the tenderness of his nurse, he should have the greatest attention paid to his feeling as little the want of her as possible. His allowance of good sweet hay should be full, and never less than half a peck of oats per diem ; while, never allowing him to be sensible to cold, is, if possible, of greater importance. Every six weeks or two months at most, his toes should be rasped 6 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. down, and his heels opened. In the spring, about the first week in April, he should have a couple of gentle doses of physic. After the effects of the medicine are got over, and the weather becomes sufficiently mild, turn him out into good sweet grass for the summer, where there is water and shade. If there be not sufficient from the trees in the vicinity, a shed should be erected to screen him from the heat ; as there is nothing more tantalizing and conducive to the spoiling of his temper than exposure to a baking sun and his irritating enemies, the buzzing and stinging uni- versal family of the flies. There should be, too, an easy shelving place for him at which he may get his water at all times; and I would here advise, from having lost a truly valuable colt in neglecting the precaution, that, if there is a pro- bability of his getting into danger when going to slake his thirst, you should, by hurdles, bars, fagots, or any similar preventatives, render injury to him impossible. The same care should be taken as previous to his being turned out, in rasping his toes and opening his heels. It is unfortunately more general with breeders than exceptional with them, to leave their colts out, as long as the weather remains open ; which frequently happens to continue so until late in November. This is a very great mistake ; as, after Michaelmas, ON THE BREEDING OF HUNTERS. 7 there is little nutriment in the grass, and it is sour and unwholesome. Not later, therefore, than the second week in September, house him again in his comfortable straw-yard ; and stint him not in the best of corn and the sweetest of hay. Deal both with no sparing hand ; and, if you ever thought of the aphorism of " the best part of a horse going into his mouth," remember it at this season. When two years old, he should enter the first circles and be broken in ; but not backed. Let bim have, as a preliminary, a gentle course of physic ; and, previous to trusting him to the hands of the breaker, (if your head-groom be not competent,) be sure that this worthy possesses patience, and a good temper ; or let your antici- pations pave the way of the realization of your disappointment. Early in the following June, as a general rule, the colt should be cut ; although this must depend upon circumstances and the judgment of the breeder. Should his growth appear to be such that he is likely to become an ungainly animal, with a large body and weak legs; or, if there is not a convenient paddock, box, and straw-yard, to keep him from the evils of early excess ; the first year for castration is to be preferred : but, generally speaking, the second is the period for that important operation. Upon recovery, he should be turned out for the re- 8 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. mainder of the summer. When taken up again, he should, as before, have a couple of doses of physic, and be kept warm and well ; occasionally having a large bran mash and a few carrots. Now comes the important epoch in the promising colt's existence. At the dawn of spring, let him have another prescription in a mild form ; and, when the sickening effects are wxll got over, and his spirits regained, he should have the pigskin girthed across him, be backed, and taught his paces by a light weight, who possesses a light hand, and one who well understands his business. The colt is now three years old; and henceforth industry must hold the ribands of his fate. To let him be idle at this age, is to injure him. Exercise will develop his muscles, improve his form, strengthen his sinews, and greatly tend to make him grow. He is now to be considered a horse, and in every respect should be treated as such ; except in his work, which, until he has completed his fifth year, should be gentle and moderate. I have no hesitation in saying that there are more horses spoiled between three and six than there are between six and twenty years of age. It is the early work that ruins and kills the best horses bred ; and our great two-year old and three-year old stakes greatly occasion this wholesale destruc- tion to the forced and unnatural powers of the ON THE BREEDING OF HUNTERS. 9 animal professedly to be encouraged by these prizes. But it is not because a horse is not " up to the mark," to use the graphic language of the stable, until he is ^Ye years old, that he is not ready for the market. On the contrary, a three- year old, bred as he always may be, brought up, broken, and trained as he always can be, wath common luck against accidents and misfortunes, will invariably find a buyer at a price averaging from one to two hundred pounds. Considering this, and the great dearth of hunters of the super- lative order, it is quite marvellous that farmers should pay so little regard to the description of mares they breed from, and should be so reluctant to take them to first rate stallions. " Penny wise and pound foolish" appears to be the rule by which they are governed in this particular; and in doling out a poor fee for a leap from some un- known, provincial horse, they little think how much is lost by the niggardly investment. My advice is. In the breeding of a hunter, get a well- shaped mare, with a sound constitution ; stint her to a popular stallion (he can scarcely have become popular unless he merited the distinction) of a similar stamp ; keep the colt well and warm ; pay attention to his general health and to his feet until he is three years old ; then begin to put him into gentle work : and it is " a horse to a hayseed" 10 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. that you will have a hunter to repay you amply for every oat that he has swallowed and for every minute's attention that he has occupied. Having now bred our horse, we will go into the particulars of the means and appliances of bring- ing him into that most indispensable state for the accomplishing of quick and heavy work, " fine condition." It is generally admitted that an in- ferior horse in good condition can beat a superior one in bad ; and it requires neither the aid of a philosopher nor a conjurer to prove the soundness of the aphorism. Such alterations have I seen, — and, if I may be allowed to venture upon the dangerous brink of egotism, produced, — in horses between very bad condition and very good, that the best acquainted with them could not even have recognised them. Upon one occasion I bought a mare at Tattersall's for fifteen guineas ; a friend who was with me ridiculed my purchasing " such a brute" as he called it ; and if outward appearances justified the character bestowed upon my bargain, I must confess there was no reason for complaint, and no slander committed. Such, however, was the improvement in her crestless neck, shoulders, thighs and gaskins, from good old oats, beans, white peas, and hay, proper altera- tives, exercise, and work ; that, within seven months from the day of my buying " the brute," ON THE BREEDING OF HUNTERS. ] 1 I sold her to my friend for one hundred and fifty pounds, without his being conscious of her being "the brute" that he had laughed at my buying. Keeping this information from him, I inquired some time afterwards, how he liked the mare. " She carries me better," replied he, " than any horse in my stable; and I wouldn't take five hundred pounds for her." If ever a man was made breathless with astonishment, my friend was so, at my now telling him that the object of his unqualified praise was the miserable wretch he had seen me purchase at Tattersall's for fifteen guineas, not twelve months before. I am now writing for the times we live in ; and although there may be a few with prejudices and antiquated notions, who may dispute the grounds of innovation and modern improvement, I will allege nothing without having a " wherefore" for every " why." It must be remembered that the hunter of the present day has to perform very different kind of work from what he had fifty years ago. " Then," as one of the old school said to me, "they w^ere minutes finding, and hours killing; but now it's hours finding, and minutes killing." In former days, a fox was drawn for as soon as it was light, and occasionally a little be- fore ; and the heavy slow-hounds, (as I am told, for I have not, from personal experience, the 12 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. slightest idea of what took place so long before I went black-berrying,) then in vogue, pulled him down by degrees. I have heard it asserted, that even reynard was then a slow coach, and of the heavy-drag order, compared with "the varmint" of the modern time ; but of that, I must say, I ever felt sceptical ; although the reason given was, that a fox, so early in the morning, was gorged, and, his duck being undigested, he could not run so fast as at the present fa^shionable hour of eleven or one, when he is whipped or unkenneled from the gorse. However this may be with regard to foxes, it is quite certain that hounds go faster now than they did in days gone by ; and therefore horses, to liA^e with them, must go faster also. It is the pace now, that is regarded by the fox-hunter of the nineteenth century ; but whether the improve- ment in the speed affords more sport than the obsolete slow and sure hunting of old, is to my mind very questionable. As to this, however, it is worse than useless to enter upon any discussion ; as, whatever argument might be used against the flying system, that system would continue in spite of all that might be said or written; for "the pace we go" is the very spirit of the age in which we live. I will suppose the horse desired to be put into good condition is at grass, w^here I trust we shall ON THE BREEDING OF HUNTERS. 13 never find him again ; but, in order to have him in as unfavourable a state as possible, we w^ill imagine him in a pasture as fat as a prize ox at Smithfield in the middle of July. This of course must be got off him, and quite another description of flesh put on, by the end of October, when he will be required to go, I hope, straight to hounds. Physic and sweating, at as little expense to his legs as possible, are the only proper means of taking it off: while good old oats, beans, hay, alterative balls, exercise and work, judiciously administered, are the only legitimate ones of put- ting it on. I will now submit the system I think the best to adopt in these successive cases. When the horse is taken up, (which should not be a day later than the third week in July ; as after this, the nights, or rather the mornings at daybreak, become cold and very likely to give his coat a check,) and housed, he should be kept as cool as possible. As this can hardly be, if there are many horses in the stable, it is better to put him into a loose box, house, or shed, by himself; where, by leaving the window or door open, by placing a bar or two instead of the latter, the temperature can be maintained as low as may be wished. As there is no time for delay, (for it should be re- membered that the hunter is required now to be in as racing condition as a filly for the Oaks, and 14 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. that the former, under the circumstances I have mentioned, has scarcely as many weeks for train- ing as the latter has months,) .-the sooner he has his first dose of physic, the better. Frequently preparations are made for this, by giving him bran mashes : but as his bowels are quite sufficiently relaxed by the grass he has been eating, there is no necessity for any such preliminary. As a rule, a mild dose, — for sudden and violent purging is exceedingly injurious at all times, — should be given ; not exceeding five drachms of aloes. But this may frequently depend upon the knowledge of the constitution of a horse ; some being capable of bearing severer doses than others. Strong physic, however, I greatly disapprove of; and, w^ith judicious management, there is no necessity for giving it. When the horse is in physic, he should have all the warm water that he will drink ; and be walked out at intervals of an hour, three times during the day : but he should not be backed except by a weight not exceeding the specific gravity of a fly. Let him be led on a level piece of turf, of such a length as not to be required to be turned abruptly too often. Under the influence of the medicine, he will feel sick and faint; and therefore, to hood and clothe him, is but to add to his nausea and languor. He should be taken out without a rug on ; and, if he declines ON THE BREEDING OF HUNTERS. ]5 the warm water, permitted to drink at any pond or exposed stream that he may meet. A bucket from a well just dipped, would injure him : but a draught to which air and light can get, at this season of the year, will never chill him nor in any way prove prejudicial. By the time he is ready for the second dose, which should be a full week after the setting of the first, a little more preparation and care is necessary. He will now have had hard meat, and his bowels will have lost the opening effects from the grass. Give him, therefore, a couple of large loose bran mashes for two days in succession ; which will relax them, like the grass ; and thus the same quantity of physic will, in the form of a second dose, operate as lively as the first. He should now be hooded, and have a warm body- cloth on ; and, having become reconciled to the change of temperature, from the open air to con- finement, the window or door may be closed, or partly so, if the box, shed, or stall be considered likely to become too warm of a sudden. As regards giving him warm water and exercise while the physic is operating, the same rule will apply for the second dose as for the first. At the end of a week after the setting of the second dose, give him three loose mashes; and add half a drachm of aloes to the third and last dose, as it 16 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. will take more to open his bowels now that he has had hard meat, and a predisposition to costive- ness invariably exists from the effects of the physic already taken. It is a mistaken notion with grooms generally, that the ball ought to lie in the horse for a day, otherwise it will not operate so beneficially. This, however, is one of those common errors which are fallen into from precedent, without the slightest inquiry as to the reason. It must be self-evident that the object of giving the aloes being to clear the intestines from foulness, the sooner the office is performed the better ; as the horse recovers from the sickness in a few hours, instead of needlessly being subjected to it for a much longer period. Exercise, there- fore, on the day the physic is given, and as much warm water as he will drink, are the means of speedily getting rid of the deleterious effects. The horse has now had his last dose of physic, preparatory to bringing him into work; for, although he must have exercise from the day he is stabled, yet there should be nothing like work until we have got some steel in him. His condi- tion must now proceed by degrees; for if any body's ardent temperament lead him to suppose that this state is to be arrived at at a bound, he will be lamentably mistaken. The horse should now have eight pounds of hay per day, and five ON THE BREEDING OF HUNTERS. 17 feeds of corn. It has been said, by some of my sporting friends, that my allowance of hay is short ; but I think a larger quantity unnecessary, and likelv to increase the carcass and be detri- mental to the horse's wind. Upon the lapse of a fortnight after he has had his last dose, during which space of time he should be v/alked and trotted in his hood and clothes for three hours in the course of the day, he must begin to do some work; for without this little progress can be made. But it should be remembered, that he is not yet in condition to do what is termed good work. Mild and gentle means are to be resorted to ; not violence. Instead of brushing gallops, let him be well and heavily clothed, and seduced into gentle sweats, often repeated. These can be got without hazard to his feet or his legs, and with no distress to his yet foggy and imperfect wind. As his condition improves, — and it will daily, with care and management, — so should his work be increased ; and he should now be kept out of his stable for four hours in the day. Alterative medicine must now be used ; as it is quite impos- sible to get a horse into blooming condition with- out the use of it, exclusive of physic ; that is to say, in such condition as to be in full strength and vigour of body, to dry as readily after a sweat as breath leaves the surface of a diamond, and to c 18 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. look little less bright than a diamond when dry. There are different kinds of these alterative medicines : but antimony forms the principal, as an operative upon the skin ; and nitre as diuretical, in provoking a free action of the kidneys. These medicines, when a horse is in work, should be combined : as they will check that tendency to excitement of the general habit, which invariably accompanies a change from rest to work ; purify the blood, without the least violence to the system, and give vigour and tone to the constitution. Nitre is extremely cooling : but it should be remem- bered, by those who are fond of giving this medicine in large quantities, that it is of a debilitating nature. I would also have it borne in mind, that antimony, producing insensible perspiration, opens the pores of the skin ; and therefore precautions should be taken, for not exposing the horse to wet or cold when under its influence. The follow- ing ball I have given to my horses, as an altera- tive; and, although other combinations may be found equally good, I do not think one can be mixed to surpass it. Nitrate of potash, 4 ounces. ^tliiop's mineral, 3 do. Camphor, 1 do. Balsam of sulphur, 1 do. Cinnabar of antimony, 1 do. To be made into ten balls. ON THE BREEDING OF HUNTERS. 19 ^thiop's mineral is objected to by some, from containing so large a proportion of calomel ; but if the horse be kept, as I have said before, from the cold and wet, no danger from giving calomel is to be apprehended. Should, however, this still be feared, from prejudice or other causes, the mineral can be omitted, and the same quantity of antimony be mixed instead, with a couple of ounces of balsam of sulphur. To greedy feeders and horses of full gross habit, one ball may be administered every week or ten days ; and to all horses, when in ivork^ a course of alteratives, in accordance with their constitutions and the effects they have upon them, should be given every six weeks or two months at farthest. This system will render unneces- sary the frequent use of strong purgatives, which at all times are to be dispensed wdth, except in cases of disease; for it should be remembered that the intestines of a horse are very delicate, and extremely sensitive to any thing of an irri- tating nature. When a horse becomes so foul that a mild alterative will not produce the desired effect, and it is inconvenient to put him into physic, a stronger one may be tried ; and I know of no better than the emetic tartar. It is quicker and more powerful than the antimony: but caution must be observed that no mischief 20 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. ensue from its stimulating properties. As a rule, however, in the hands of grooms of the common run, I should advise the use of the common anti- mony ; administering an ounce per diem for eight days in succession : and if a little resin be added occasionally, it v\^ill lead to the expeditious effect of the antimony. In the event of a course of either of these alteratives not producing the wished for result, the foulness of habit must be such that other preparations are necessary ; and it is useless to delay or tamper longer with the disease : for, a disease it amounts to, when these fail ; and a judicious course of medicine is proved to be neces- sary. In this case, — for there is a distinction with a very material difference between physicking for condition and physicking for disease, — I recom- mend the immediate assistance of the best veteri- nary surgeon within reach ; as neither my theory nor practice in the mysteries of the V. S. warrant my entering into the secrets of this most useful profession. I will now take the opportunity of saying, that, for all diseases and complaints, of whatever kind, except colds, slight attacks of in- flammation (I say slight attacks of inflammation, for all diseases in horses are of an inflammatory nature,) and accidental causes of lameness, I advise the immediate attendance of the most capable veterinary surgeon that can be procured. As ON THE BREEDING OF HUNTERS. 21 well might a man attempt to bleed, blister, and physic himself, for hidden and unknown causes of indisposition, as his horse, and with equal chances of committing mistakes. But to return to the succession of ordeals which are to lead us to the object of our pains, — unex- ceptionable condition. As I have said in a preced- ing page, he must be put into work as soon as the third and last dose has set. Plenty of slow work must be given, and a gentle sweat every four days. To effect this, hood and clothe him pretty heavily ; and let him be ridden by a lad on the turf, when soft and springy, or on a fallow. The latter I like better than the former; as it uses him to the necessity of getting lightly over dirt. The exertion, too, of scrambling through such ground, brings the moisture out of his skin, without an unnecessary strain upon his thews and sinews in quick exercise. Not but that I like him to have " a brushing gallop" now and then, and when Jit to take it : but he is not fit until he has been gently sweated in his clothes; and then, when he is, he should be stripped naked. Nothing can be more absurd than making a horse undergo the exertion of a gallop in his clothes ; more parti- cularly when his condition is such as to make that a labour which, when approaching to ripeness, he would accomplish with ease. There can be no 22 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. wish to distress him, when "up to the mavk;" much less should there be any cause to do so, when far under it. I have scarcely known whether to laugh at the absurdity, or to expostulate with the cruelty, when seeing a horse, as yet but in the rudiments of condition, heavily clothed and hooded, and being hustled along, by the application of the heels of an overgrown booby. Doubtless this is one way of making him feel faint ; but, for the life of me, I cannot see how it can increase his bodily vigour and spirits. For the purpose of sweating, there is no occasion for any thing like speed. Indeed, when a horse is in such a state as to require a succession of sweats for the purpose of bri7igmg him into condition, it is quite clear that he is not prepared for the gallop ; much less is he fit to carry hood, rugs, and body-clothes when taking it. Many grooms, however, have great objections to let the breeze fan the coats of their horses ; in the fear of chilling them, and retarding that shot-silk hue which it is their pride to see glisten on them. This is an error ; as a horse's skin is refreshed, like our own, by exposure to the air, and a healthy action is occasioned by it. Nothing, too, enlivens a horse, accustomed to be clothed from his ears to his hocks, more than stripping him of them. He feels the removal of these encumbrances to his freedom of limb and ON THE BREEDING OF HUNTERS. 23 action very refreshing. I need scarcely say that the weather should be consulted before thus " peel- ing him" for his gallop; and that, when stripped, he should "go" without delay. After his sweats, — and the hunter cannot be got into good form by November, unless attention be paid to these grand assistants to good condition, — let the weather prove never so warm, he should be taken to a place of shelter, where there is no exposure to a current of air, and there be stripped of his wet clothes and scraped. When getting dry, put a fresh hood and clothes on, and let him be walked quietly for half an hour ; when he will be fit to dress. The blunt curry-comb and the wisp are the only implements that are to be applied in dressing him, and plenty of elbow cjrease, I should here remark, that, from the day of his being taken from grass until now, nothing like a brush must have been put upon him ; unless from some extra- ordinary desire to see his coat stare and stand on end, "like quills upon the fretful porcupine." Let him have his water with just the cold taken off, and be shut up without being disturbed for three or four hours. 24 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. CHAPTER II. THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS CONTINUED.— THE STABLE. —TREATMENT WHEN DISTRESSED, &c. &c. I HAVE now stated all that I consider to be essential for putting a hunter into as good form as he can be in the time given between taking him from grass in July and mounting him at the covert side in November ; for, as it will be hereafter seen, I deny the possibility of getting a hunter into the condition that the modern style of his work demands in the space of time mentioned, any more than it would be to prepare a horse for the St. Leger in the same period. But of this in its place. I will now therefore proceed to submit what, in my opinion, are the best means for not only keeping him in the state arrived at, but also for improving it. I am not an architect or builder, except in raising castles in the air, an occupation so general that it can be no wonder that stones from the clouds should occasionally fall ; and I therefore shall not treat, now nor hereafter, at very great length, concerning what a stable ought to be in its proportions, or the material of which it should be composed : but I must be allowed to say, that ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 25 unless a stable, be it large or small, be warm, dry, and well ventilated, it is impossible either to get a horse into good condition or to keep him in it. There is a vast deal of difference between keeping all the foul air in, leaving no vent for the fetid to escape, and maintaining a cold, contracting temperature. A horse should feel as comfortable in his stall as an Englishman by his fireside ; and no one will question whether the latter can do so unless he is warm and cozy. I have heard men say, " Clothe your horses well ; but keep your stable cool." Now I should like to know how they would feel, wrapped up in pilot jackets and mackintoshes, sitting in a cool chamber with an empty grate, in the months of frosty winter. It should be remembered, that the horse is originally a native of a warm country ; and while he improves in a warm one, he always degenerates in cold regions. There is no better proof of this than the performances of the imported blood from England, in the United States of America. In the Southern States — and there may be found the very best of our blood — the climate is most con- genial to the existence of the horse ; and even in the Northern States, where the winter is sharp and severe, the atmosphere is dry and bracing, and fog and damp are scarcely known. Here we find, especially in the former, the powers of 26 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. endurance in the horse far greater than with us. The speed, too, for the distance that they run when racing, which I believe is always four-mile heats, is truly astonishing ; and I venture to assert, taking the reports of their performances in the sporting chronicles to be correct, that there is not a horse in the united kingdom able to compete with many in America, fairly handicapped, in a race over a flat for four miles, let alone heats of the like distance. This can onlv be owinor to a natural improvement in the horse, from the climate approximating to his native air ; for it would be ridiculous for any body to allege that the manage- ment there is better than with us, when it is well known the better their system in this particular, as in all others observed by the republicans, the more faithful the copy from ours. As a proof of degenerating in. cold climates, I have only to refer to the little shaggy ponies in the Welch mountains and the Highlands of Scotland. To resume, however, my remarks respecting the stable. Whatever may be thought, whatever may be said upon the philosophy of keeping horses in a cold stable (and a great deal has been,) I can positively declare, that so far from having expe- rienced any ill effects from a hot stable, I never had a hunter in my life, and never saw 07ie, come out of a cold stable in good condition, or any thing ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 27 like it. And I will further say, that I have known horses, which no care or exertions of their grooms could get to look or be well in a cold stable in the winter, on their being changed to a warm one, become in good condition in a very short space of time, without any other alteration in their management, either generally or parti- cularly. I have made som.ething akin to an analogy between a man and a horse ; and a writer of undoubted experience, the late Mr. Apperley, says, " there is a striking one between a horse and a man, as far as their condition is con- cerned. Each enters on his training with physic, and concludes it with severe work : each is at his best when least reduced by sweats : each is cap- able of doubling his ordinary powers. The skin of the horse is also his complexion ; and it is not until the prize-fighter strips in the ring that his good or bad condition is ascertained. Nothing- can exceed the beauty and lustre of some horses' skins when in what is called 'blooming condition :' on the other hand, nothing can be more unsightly, or even appalling, than the death-like appearance of the staring coat of a half-starved dog horse awaiting his fate in the kennel-orchard on a cold winter's day." I wish it to be well observed, that although I hold it as absolutely indispensable, for bringing 28 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. and keeping hunters in condition, that their stables should be kept hot, yet I know it is equally important that there be a vent for the foul air to escape. Without this the eyes and the lungs of the horse will suffer, not from the heat, but from the impure and fetid atmosphere. I have gone into many stables so unwholesome from want of a pipe, or some mode of ventilation, that my eyes have smarted, and I have felt all but suffocated. This is not the description of heat that I recommend to be kept up ; but, on the contrary, I advise the getting rid of all such stenching impurity. In order to keep the stable warm, healthy, and comfortable, keep your door and windows closed ; have every gap, broken or cracked panes, chink, and crevice stopped; let there be an escape, over the heads of the horses, for the foul air; and there will be sufficient of fresh admitted from the ingress and egress neces- sary at feeding, dressing, and removing the wet litter, besides that which will find admittance through the key-hole and secret places. As near as possible, the temperature should be kept up to 63° ; and as horses are hc^^'^.t safe when breathing contaminated air, it is nece .sary, and by no means difficult, to have a good circulation of fresh air, and, at the same time, to maintain about the above degree of heat. ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 29 It is scarcely necessary for me to say, that foul litter suffered to remain in the stable is extremely prejudicial, and that cleanliness throughout is of the greatest importa :e for health ; without which, of course, there can be no good condition. Having said all that I consider necessary about the stable, (for if the stalls be an inch or two wider than the common run, or the roof more lofty, or the mangers a little higher, or the racks a little lower, I deem these improvements and innovations in our modern edifices of so trifling importance, that I shall not farther notice them,) I will proceed with the treatment of the horse previous to his going to hounds. In consequence of the pace that hounds now go, which amounts to racing, an empty stomach is necessary; or why is the muzzle put on the race-horse ? But hunters are not to be fed alike ; and judgment must be used even with the same horse when his work varies. For instance, if he has to go a long distance to cover, say twelve or fifteen miles in a morning, he should have more hay overnight than if he had only a third of that journey. Nothing is so likely to make horses in high condition scour, as a change in their food and water : therefore, if the distance does not exceed fifteen miles to meet hounds, it is better that the horse be jogged there gently on the morning of so THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. his hunting than that he should sleep out. I will here remark, that an easy slow trot is far more pleasant and less wearisome than a fast walk, when the horse is either at exercise or travelling. If, however, he must be stabled out, and has proved, by precedent, that he is affected by the change, he should be watered before he leave home, and have only a few swallows where he sleeps. As to whether water should be given on the morning of hunting, that must also depend upon his constitution. If he is what is termed "washy," id est, scours and throws his meat off on the road, I recommend his having not a drop. But if he holds his food well in him, and is not called on, as the probabilities are that he will not be, until half past ten or eleven o'clock, he may have, and it will be of benefit to him, eight or ten "go-downs," as the grooms call them, at five or six ; but not later. This quantity of water is always given to the race-horse on the morning that he runs his race ; and it is all absorbed by the time he is taken to the post. I have heard and have read of suppositions that the more certain horses scoured on the road to cover, the better their style of carrying their riders. All that I have to say in answer is, that this 7na7^ be so ; but they must be animals out of the common run, and considered as rare exceptions to the rule. ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. Si It must be obvious that the less cause for weak- ness the better, more especially when on the eve of hard and fast work ; and as there is nothing- more debilitating than relaxed bowels, the greater care taken in preventing their becoming so the better. I have known it recommended that a hunter should be sweated and galloped on the day before hunting. To that I decidedly object. We do not find the race-horse thus treated on the day preceding his running; and, as I stated at the commencement of my observations on the condi- tion of hunters, the treatment of the one is, and should be, very like that of the other. It is too late to take any thing out of the horse at this time ; although he should have gentle exercise of a couple of hours or so, and be refreshed by " sobs " of morning air, on the previous day. We shall now, having got our horse in form to meet hounds, rifle our bag of odds and ends, leased and gathered for the purpose of learning the measures to be adopted upon his return home. I shall suppose that the sport has been good, and that, in the long and fast run, the noble horse, who would strain himself to the last gasp, has lived well with hounds from end to end. Nature is exhausted, and he is beaten. Where is now his flashing eye and up-reared crest, his dis- 32 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. tended nostrils and quivering nerves? Does he fret and champ his bit with feverish expectation, and paw the earth with outstretched limbs? Are his full-blooded veins swollen in his skin like fibres upon a vine leaf? No. His eyes are dull and heavy, and he droops his head between his knees, and drags his weary length along, with tucked-up belly, and without a spark of fire remaining. It must be clear that a horse thus beaten and distressed is not in a state to be further wearied by unnecessary fidgeting in a long dressing, and making him " Come over" twenty times in his stall. The sooner he is made as comfortable as his fatigue will admit of, the better ; and the mora ready the means that are applied to produce this, the more advantageous must they of necessity be. It will save trouble brushing the rough dirt off with a birch broom, previously to taking him into his stall. This is but the work of a few seconds ; and it can be done, if there be no shed at hand, even at the stable door. Then bid the horse enter with a welcome ; ungirth his saddle, but do not remove it for som.e minutes; throw a cloth over him, and let him suck up half a pail of warm gruel. Then wash his legs, feet, belly, sheath, thighs, and every undei' part of him, with Jiot water. Nothing is more grateful to the horse than this, after severe work ; as, indeed, his master ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 3.3 may have experienced, after a hard day's snipe shooting on a cold frosty day, in a wet moor or bog. Then rub him well with a large sponge and two or three dry flannels, and swathe his limbs up to the knees and hocks with bandages. He should then be rubbed down, and his head and ears got dry ; but there is no occasion to stand over him until every part of his body is so, as this may occupy a longer space of time than should elapse previous to his having his corn, and enjoying that refreshment from repose which his fatigued state demands. He then should be turned into a loose box, with straw littered well up to his belly ; and a feed of corn should be given to him, — but not a large one, as his appetite will not likely be keen, and he will only blow, upon a large quantity. His groom should visit him again in about a couple of hours, take off his bandages, hand-rub and wisp his legs, put on fresh bandages, lightly brush his head and body, wisp and rub him with cloths until he be perfectly dry, should there be still patches of moisture about him, and put on fresh rugs. Three parts of a pail, or indeed a full one, will do him no harm if he likes it, of luke-warm water. A large warm mash with a feed of oats in it, and a handful of hay thrown into his rack, will render him as comfortable as his rider stretched upon a sofa, slippered and robed, before a blazing D 34 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. yule log, looking, with a smile upon his longing lips, at the bee's-wing floating in his glass of good old ruby bright ; the reigning silence broken only by the sharp crack of the walnuts which his gay- hearted, pretty wife is industriously peeling and preparing as a zest to the wine. God bless both her and him ! for she loves him for his deeds of gallant daring, like a true English Sportsman's wife; and he loves her, that she doth listen to them. Before quitting this important division upon the treatment of the hunter, I will add what I think the best means to adopt when he returns home in 2b particularly exhausted state; when his appetite entirely fails, and he is over anxious for nothing but his water ; no quantity of which would slake the fever and inflammation burning within. In addition to this greediness for water, — for it does not follow, that because he is desirous for potations deep, he is in a condition to require more than ordinary care, — his pulse will be found quick and unequal, and a noise will be heard with his respiration. The inside of his eyelids may also be found to be inflamed ; and, if so, a gallon of blood should be let from him without delay. But I am strongly opposed to the letting of blood, except when the symptoms of inflammation are such as to leave no doubt upon the expediency of ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 35 the measure. Great debility must necessarily ensue, if a vein be opened : as it is from exhaustion that the fever arises ; and taking blood must, in the end, and for a time, increase the debility. Good judgment, therefore, should be exercised previously to using the fleam ; and it is by no means to be applied unless the case is clearly one of emergency. Generally speaking, strong stimu- lants must be administered w^ithout bleeding. An ounce of salt of hartshorn (carbonate of ammonia) will be found a capital pectoral ball; and two ounces of nitre in three parts of a pail of tepid water should be given him. Let him have a large loose cold mash with no corn in it, and as much gruel as he likes to drink. No treatment can be more grateful to him than this: but should he still appear to sink, repeat the pectoral ball, and give him a pint of hot spiced ale, and throw open the door and window of his box. Remember that he cannot be kept too cool^ under such circum- stances. If the quick action of the heart do not now abate, administer a clyster of warm gruel; draw some more blood, and blister him sharply behind the elbows. And then, in the event of his life flickering out, I think all has been done within the power of man to save it. I cannot but repeat, however, the great neces- sity for the exercise of discretion in the use of the 36 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. fleam, when a horse is, as the grooms call it, "over-marked." For his relief, in ninety-nine cases out of every hundred, strong stimulants are required; and unless there be indubitable symp- toms of dangerous inflammation, which can be known by the increased action of the heart and arteries, and by examining the inside of the eyelid, blood must not be let. It was formerly, and it is now, a too general practice to resort to bleeding, when horses evince more than an ordinary degree of distress ; and many persons imagine that, as an inflammatory action must attend it, stimulants are improper. This, however, is quite a mistaken notion. Expiring nature wants assistance in the regaining of her strength ; and the reducing or repellant system must only be resorted to when the pressure upon the lungs, from the greatly in- creased action of the heart and arteries, is such as to render such a course indispensable. Before concluding this chapter, I must say, that although I strongly recommed the use of cordials, when the animal functions have been so hurried that the fatigue amounts to exhaustion, it is far from wise to give them upon every trifling occasion. I have know^n, when a horse has refused his feed, that his groom has imme- diately given him a cordial ball ; whereas an alterative one, or perhaps none, was wanted. ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 37 This frequent and needless stimulating of the stomach is not unlike the injudicious application of drams of ardent spirits to the human body. Medicinally, and upon occasions, a swallow of good brandy is of the very greatest benefit : but, let a man make it a rule to have recourse to the mingling "of rebellious liquors with his blood" whenever he feels a little wearied and "off his feed," and he will quickly discover how detri- mental to his constitution is the abuse, instead of the use, of stimulants. CHAPTER HI. THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS CONTINUED. THE SYSTEM TO BE OBSERVED WHEN HUNTING CEASES. — OB JEC- TIONS TO BEINQ TURNED OUT AT GRASS, &c. &c. I HAVE now arrived at that stage which leaves me, for the conclusion of my observations upon the Hunter, to state the most approved method to be observed with him at the termination of the hunting; season. As every body knows, who ever kept a stud of "flyers," his horses are in far finer condition on the last day of the Meet, than they were in on the first. The long course of hard meat 38 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. that they have had, the care taken of their health, exercise, work, and general economy; have, collectively and respectively, combined to render them so. They are now strong in work, and high in flesh ; which is the state of perfection that a hunter should be in. It would of course be truly desirable, and an infinity of pains and trouble would be saved, if this condition, which has cost so much labour and time, could be main- tained as it is, until the succeeding season : but this, it is needless to say, is impossible. All things must have rest ; and to the universal decree acting throughout nature, from the flower to the oak, from the worm to man, there are times appointed for inaction and repose. How often have I heard the owner of a horse say, in reply to an observation that he looked somewhat stale on his legs, " Yes, he does : but when the season 's over, I shall give him a sum- mer's run at grass; and then he'll come up all fresh again." Thou sapient Nimrod ! Hence to thy library, and refer to Johnson's Dictionary for the two monosyllables run and Q^est, and let the difl'erence of their signification be well grafted in thy memory. Give him a summer's rest, by every plea that humanity and a proper estimation of your horse's value can suggest : but do not think for a moment of extending your well-meant, but ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 39 ill-timed and ill-judged kindness, in mistaking for this rest a run at grass. To a hunter, whose legs must feel the effects of his season, it is obvious that he cannot improve them by use or further labour. On the contrary, the less he is obliged or permitted to wear them, the more likely are they to become free from the injuries they have received. Now, if he is turned out at grass for this season designed for his re- pose, I think that it will not be difficult to show that he will be deprived of at least nine-tenths intended for his especial benefit. In the first place, when he feeds, which, as the horse is a greedy animal, will occupy by far the greater number of his hours, he is compelled, from the position he must put himself into, to throw the entire weight of his body into his fore legs, and strain and stretch upon them, the whole time that he is feeding. This great stress upon them must of course prove prejudicial, and is one of the evils desired to be avoided. It can scarcely have escaped the notice of the most casual observer, too, how ceaseless is the pawing and stamping of the horse throughout the heat of a long and sultry summer's day. Goaded and stung by multitudes of flies, he seeks the shade of the most inviting tree, and there he continues in perpetual motion ; first stamping one foot and then the other upon 40 , THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. the hard and unyielding earth. In addition to the injury that he must derive from this uninter- mitting action, caused by ceaseless torments, he frequently, from freak or fear, gallops as fast as he can go, and leaps over hurdles, bars, and ditches that may chance to be in his course. Then there is the hunt, either to catch or to drive him back to the enclosure again ; all of which comes strictly under the head of "a summer's run." The evening and morning dews are de- cidedly favourable to the feet of horses ; but whatever advantages are to be derived from them can be had in a more favourable method, taking the whole of the circumstances into consideration ; which I shall arrive at, in the order of my arrangement. If the likelihood of the legs and feet of the hunter being in no way improved by his being turned out at grass were the only objection to the system, it might be answered, perhaps, by saying that they are sure to be knocked about, bruised, and be full of contusions, bangs, and blows ; and therefore they are not to be considered in com- parison with the benefit that his constitution will receive. I maintain, however, that his constitu- tion, instead of being benefited, will also be materially injured. A great many of the diseases in horses are caused by plethora ; and when they ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 41 can gorge themselves with grass, which they always do, there is no more likely cause for diseases of various kinds than an uncontrolled power of swallowing as much as they think proper. It was formerly supposed that spring grass acted as a purgative ; but I believe the march of intellect has rendered this error completely obsolete ; and that, when horses are subjected to the pains and penalties of a summer's run at grass, they, as a preliminary, are well prepared with physic; it being positively certain, that if they go out foul, they will come up still more so. At grass, horses invariably become full in flesh and heavy in the barrel. This is not only from the great quantity of juicy food they devour, but also from the sudden stop to the evacuations, by sweating and other means that are resorted to when in work. Extremes are proverbially admitted to be bad; and it must be obvious that very great ones are resorted to, between keeping an animal eight months in the year in a hot stable, and in an almost equal temperature, and exposing him, during the other four months, to the varying heat of noontide, and the chilling influence of the nights. The arterial system must be both increased and checked; and thus inflammation often attacks those organs which are most sensitive to such mischievous exposure to the great opposites of 42 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. heat and cold. I have heard grooms speak of their horses having: " ofrass couo^hs : " I should like to have it explained to me, how the grass could occasion the cough. The fact is, it is incipient inflammation of the lungs ; which frequently ends in broken wind, produced by the extremes of temperature. And thus we find horses generally begin to cough w^hen they are first housed from grass. The load of bad flesh that a hunter acquires in this state, has as an indispensable to his being brought into condition again, to be taken off by physic and sweating, at the eMravaga7it ex'pense of his legs. And I defy any treatment within human ingenuity to put him into the condition between taking him from grass in the middle or by the 20th of July and the 1st of November, that he was in when he took his last gallop at the flnish of the preceding season. As I have said before, or I ought to have said, time it must take, notwithstanding all the care and good treatment that can be adopted, to bring a hunter into blooming condition. It is useless to think otherwise ; and we have but to refer to the race-horse, to know the correctness of the allegation. With trainers, this is so indis- putable, that it is never attempted ; and, were it proposed to take a horse from grass to their stables, to be brought into running condition ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 43 within three months or fourteen weeks, they would laugh (civilly in their sleeves,) at the futile instructions. Then, as the hunter's condition should be quite as perfect, and but little different, how is it practicable to bring him to the covert side in that hi^ 2 oz. Solution of subacetate of lead, commonly called / Goulard's extract, . . . .^ it . ? -.^- ....*; 3 oz. When sit-fast, which is a callous ulcer, takes place, the knife, not unfrequently, is indispensable. This is a dangerous implement in unskilful hands, and therefore had better be left to the direction of the V. S. in all cases where it is required. The disease in the wind of horses, commonly called " roaring," is classed under many different heads. We hear of whistling, wheezing, piping, high-blowing, and grunting ; which are the various degrees of the complaint. In " Percivall's Lectures," this subject is ably and scientifically treated; and although, for my purpose, it is not necessary that I should enter into the particulars with so much care, yet as the disease is very common with horses, I shall give it more than ordinary consideration. The causes are mostly inflammation, acute or chronic, in the tracheal tube itself. Severe colds, or inflammation of the lungs, which produce mu<;h membranous inflammation, are doubtless the most common causes of roaring ; and therefore should G 82 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. be guarded against as much as possible. The constitutions of liorses vary like those of ourselves, and some are more sensitive to cold and chills and the changes of temperature than others. Such animals should be exposed as little as possible to any violent weather, or sudden change of tempe- rature. "A simple cold," says Mr. Hinds, "consists in slight inflammation of the membrane that lines the nose, windpipe, &c. ; as we find, in all other inflammatory disorders, variations in the symptoms occur, according to the previous constitution, and its previous condition. For example : If two equal animals be exposed to a chilly night air, that horse w^hich had performed a journey pre- viously to turning out, would catch a cold for certain — the other most probably would escape : but, if both had performed the same journey, and one of them laboured under the constitutional defect of adhesion of the pleura, he w^ould acquire the more malignant cold, known as inflammation of the lungs ; his less unhappy mate, a simple cold. In proportion that the attack may be more severe, the symptoms increase; as does the danger. Passing the hand down the windpipe at the epiglottis, the animal will shrink; he will soon evince difficulty of swallowing, and refuse his food ; inflammation has begun." ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. S3 As in that insidious disease consumption with us, there is no cure for confirmed roaring. Quacks, at various times, have sprung up like mushrooms, and impudently and ignorantly sent forth some lauded panacea to cure the evil with magical effect. Like all emanations from vulgar ignorance, however, these cures have vanished before practical inquiry, and are now never heard of. There is an operation called "bronchotomy ;" which consists of opening the larynx, and cutting out the band or lymph which crosses the windpipe: but the result is so uncertain, that, for a long period, it has been discontinued, and very properly so. Turning out hunters in the summer is another, and one of the principal predisposing causes of this irremediable disease. This is also Mr. Percivall's opinion ; and a higher authority upon this parti- cular complaint cannot be referred to. He says, that " two undomesticated horses out of three ^ under five years old, that are taken from cold situations, and kept in warm stables, and fed upon the ordinary ration of provender, will receive catarrh. But even domesticated horses that are advanced in years, and that have been accustomed to such changes, do not always escape, unless some precautionary measures be taken ; for, hunters taken up from grass in August or September, unless due attention be paid to the temperature 84 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. of the stable, and their clothing and regimen, are often the subjects of catarrhal attacks." Chronic cough is often the remains of a partially cured cold, though no cough may have attended it in its first stage; and chronic cough generally ends in roaring. When a colt comes up a roarer, it is generally the result of the termination of the strangles. The catarrhal afiection that accompanies strangles now and then, continues long after the wound in the throat has closed up ; leaves the laryngeal membrane thickened, and perhaps ulcerated ; and thus lays the foundation of this disease. Extraneous substances lodged in the cavities leading to the trachea may occasion roaring. Barriere gives a case dependent on the lodgment of a piece of riband within one of the nasal fossae; and Godine another, brought on by a displaced molar tooth. These, of course, were accidental obstructions ; but the main causes are to be looked for in an extravasation, partial or extensive, of coagulable lymph, which, becoming organized, forms a permanent obstruction. When it is extensively spread over the larynx, it produces ivheezing : when it constringes the rimaglottis, a whistling sound is the consequence, of the kind often heard in our own respirations under catarrh, or in the ordinary respirations of some asthmatic personSa ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 85 In handling the throats of many old horses the larynx is often found in such a hardened state that it is almost impossible to "cough" them. This ossification of the laryngeal cartilages is not an uncommon cause of roaring : and a similar state of the cartilages of the trachea is productive of it also. A very common cause of roaring is a band of lymph stretched across the tracheal tube ; or an internal ring, of the same matter. These obstructions are sometimes so considerable that the least exertion excites pipi7ig or roaring. In general cases, however, roaring is produced only when forcible inspirations and respirations are made. It is produced by the one as readily as by the other. Mechanical obstructions to free respiration may eventually be productive of roaring. The custom of tightly reining in our carriage horses produces it very often ; and Mr. Sewell thinks that using tight throat-lashes, or neck-straps, ma}^ lead to it. In corroboration of which opinion it may be recollected, that horsemen have a very general belief, that crib-biting ends in roaring, in thick wind, or broken wind. May not the tight collar- strap also tend to the first of these affections ? In Russia, where it is the custom to drive horses with their heads curved into their breasts 86 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. by cruelly sharp bits, there are more horses afflicted with roaring, taking the numbers that are used into calculation, than in any other part of the world. The temperature there is, of course, to be taken into consideration ; and may, in con- sequence of the intense coldness, have much to do with the disease. I cannot however but think the impediment to free respiration, caused by this mode of arching their throats so unnaturally, has greatly to do with the predisposition. The treatment must be regulated by circum- stances; but, in the early stages, an attempt should be made to remove the causes. Then, the attempt will often succeed. If active inflammation be going on, bleed and blister ; and if tumefaction of the neighbouring parts have occasioned it, try to reduce them. Elevate the head as much as may be. Mr. Sewell recommends a seton in the vicinity of the obstruction ; which I think highly beneficial. Still, as 1 have before said, when roaring is confirmed, there is no cure whatever for the disease. In all cases when horses go blind, except the eye be knocked or torn out by an accident, inflam- mation, occasioned by external injury or internal disease, is the proximate cause. "The many diseases," says Mr. Percivall, "to which the eye of the domestic horse is obnoxious, ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 87 compared in number to the many set down by ophthalmic writers to the organ in man, are cer- tainly very few; yet there is one among them that has proved in all ages of veterinary surgery so pestilential, and that, even at the present day, so obstinately pursues its end in spite of all remedial measures, that this of itself is a sufficient reason for us to become well acquainted with the anatomy and physiology of the eye, and to pay more than ordinary attention to it in a state of disease." The writer here is alludino- to " cataract." Now, there is nothing that will remove cataract but a surgical operation ; and as the natural lens must be destroyed in removing it, art cannot supply the deficiency. In short, it has been tried and conclusively found to be impracticable : and will therefore, it is to be hoped, for the sake of humanity, never be attempted again. Mr. Percivall, in speaking of this disease, adds, that "cataract being almost invariably a sequel of inflammatory action, and various other parts being at the same time likewise the seat of disease, it is rarely unaccompanied with morbid alterations in other textures : in fact, it too often happens that there is a total disorganization of the whole globe. Unless, therefore, we can perform miracles as well as operations, and restore all these altered 88 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. parts to their pristine condition, we bad better never tbink of handling a cataract knife." In purchasing a horse, great care should be taken in examining the eyes. " In these inspec- tions," observes the above authority, " v^e should not depart satisfied with barely looking into the organ: we ought to compare one eye with the other; mark the prominence of the membrmia nictitans ; the transparency and convexity of the cornea; the pellucidity of the aqueous humour; the colour and brilliancy of the iris ; the colour, figure, and size of the pupil ; the magnitude, black- ness, and prominence of the corpora nigra; and last, but not least of all, repeatedly mark the activity with which the pupil alters its dimensions, on suddenly emitting light to the eye." It is scarcely necessary to say that, for so scientific an examination of this organ, a man must be truly eminent in the veterinary art. But still with a little care sufficient may be learned to know good eyes from bad, and those that may have a tendency to become so. I had a superbly shaped filly by The Colonel quite blind with the near eye, and nearly so with the right ; and yet it would have taken a tolerable judge to have discovered the defects ; so perfect did both her eyes appear at even more than a ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 89 careless glance. The malady, unfortunately for me, was constitutional in its origin, although local in the consequences. The following are unfavourable symptoms of the eye, and give note of the coming of this terrible disease : — " A sunken or gloomy aspect of the eye altogefher, compared with the other ; prominence of the memhrana nictitans ; a watery state of the eye; dimness of the cornea, particularly around its margin; dulness or discoloration of the iris; coT'pora nigra yellowish or spotty ; pupil smaller than the other ; perhaps hazy or milky, or contain- ing a minute white speck in its centre, which is incipient cataract." I have said already, that this chief cause of blindness in horses has its origin in inflammation. Like many other diseases in horses, as in ourselves, this may be hereditary; and I strongly advise never to breed by any stallion or from any mare that has lost an eye, except a hnoivn (not asserted only,) accident has occasioned the loss. Horses that are seldom stabled, not kept on high food, and their vascular system never excited with fast work, like cart horses, are seldom afflicted with cataract ; perhaps I might say never ; for I have not heard of a case, except it was consti- tutional. The artificial state in which horses are kept ; 90 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. the hot, and sometimes ill ventilated stable; the over exertion and excited state of their vascular sys- tem; want of condition for the fast w^ork that they are put to ; taking them from a cold tempera- ture, and placing them suddenly in a warm one ; are the leading and principal causes of inflamma- tion which, in the sequel, produce cataract. It is truly unfortunate, and is almost conducive to despair, when we see inflammation has seized the eye of a horse ; for although there are many remedies applicable to the disease, yet few, very few, experience teaches us, will produce a cure. Except the inflammation be caused by an external injury, the chances are twenty to one that, in the end, the horse will go blind. The effects, for a time, frequently yield to the treatment ; but they will generally return, disappear, and return again ; and so on, until total blindness take place. This, however, must not deter us from an attempt to combat with the disease. Active physic should be given immediately. Bleed copiously; and let every means be adopted to reduce the insidious inflammation. A seton in the cheek, or a rowel in the jav.% is a safe issue for its escape ; and a few drops of laudanum in the eye will allay the irritation. Fomentations with hot water, too, should be constantly applied. When this course has been strictly observed, and ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 9] the eye is lost notwithstanding, the consolation will be left, that all has been done within the power of man to save it. Not the least among the diseases to which horse-flesh is heir, may be ranked the troublesome one of curbs. Hunters are more subject to them than horses of another kind ; curbs being for the most part created by violent exertion of the hind legs, in carrying weight, at a rapid pace, through deep ground ; and also from the effects of leaping. A curb is an enlargement at the back of the hock, about three or four inches below the point of the hock. It is either a strain in the ring-like ligament which binds the tendons down in their place, or in the sheath of the tendons ; oftener of the ligament than the sheath. Any sudden action of the limb, of more than usual violence, may pro- duce it ; and therefore hor&os are found to throw out curbs after a hardly contested race, an extra- ordinary leap, a severe gallop over heavy ground, or a sudden check in the gallop. \ oung horses are particularly liable to them, and those that are cow-hocked ; as in the latter the annular ligament must be continually on the stretch, to confine the tendon. Being produced by inflammation, the cause must be removed previously to getting rid of the effect ; 92 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. and this, it is needless to say, is the visible swell- ing, varying in size, v^hich is called the curb. Formerly it was a general practice to apply repellent lotions. Equal portions of wine, water, and vinegar afford an excellent application, as a lotion of this kind. But, generally speaking, I think it an unnecessary preliminary. Cold mashes, a gentle dose of physic, alteratives, and a mild blister, repeated as often as circumstances will admit, until the swelling disappears and the horse goes sound, are the certain and most speedy measures to be taken. Sometimes in very severe cases, the iron may be necessary: but it never should be used until the repeated blistering has been tried. There are few complaints in which absolute and long continued rest is more requisite than in a curb. An injury like this leaves the parts very materially weakened ; and, if the horse be soon put to work again, the lameness will frequently return. No horse that has had curbs should be put even to ordinary work in less than a month after the apparent cure ; and even then he should very gradually resume his former habits. Splents are harmless enough, when properly treated at an early stage ; but if neglected, and the horse is in the habit of striking or catching them in his action, they will prove extremely ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 93 difficult to be got rid of, without the application of the absolute cautery. A sj)le7it is a callous substance, or an insensible swelling, which adheres to the shank bone, and, when it grows big, spoils the shape of the leg. When throwing it out, a horse frequently becomes lame ; but that state of the bone which causes the lameness seldom continues long, nor does it produce permanent lameness. The treatment formerly was to bruise and puncture the affected part, and then to rub some blistering ointment into it. But, like many other antiquated notions and errors of the old school in farriery, that mode of treatment is never followed in the present age ; the blister alone being the usual remedy. Lame- ness from a splent may sometimes be removed by rolling a bandage of linen, wet with goulard or saturnine lotion, round the leg, and keeping it constantly wet. SATURNINE LOTION. Superacetate of lead, 1 oz. Vinegar, 4 oz. "Water, 1 pint. A spavin is a bony excrescene, or crust as hard as a bone, that grows on the inside of the hough. Tliis is often not very observable : but it occasions a peculiar kind of lameness, which cannot be mistaken ; that is, a quick catching up of the leg, especially in trotting. The lameness diminishes, 94, THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. and sometimes appears to go off, with exercise : but, after resting some time, the horse becomes very stiff and lame. The only remedy for this disease is firing, and blistering immediately after- wards ; the blister alone being insufficient. But in cases where the lameness has been consider- able, and after a certain time, these will be found inadequate for a cure. The horse may then be deemed permanently lame. A great deal of useless torture has been prac- tised in the attempt to eradicate this disease. It may be taken for granted, however, that, after an effective firing and good charges of the blistering ointment, all that can be done has been done ; and further torture inflicted is wanton cruelty. Bocj sfavin is a milder form of the disease. Like the one above described, it is a swelling on the inside of the hock, rather towards the fore part ; the large vein, which is so conspicuous on the inside of the leg, passing over it. It depends upon a distention or rupture of the membranes which form the synovial cavity, or bursa mucosa^ through which the great flexor tendon passes. The swelling is soft and yielding to the pressure of the finger ; but rises again as soon as the pres- sure is removed. Sometimes there is a swelling on the outside of the hock also ; and in that case, the fluid, or synovia, which it contains may be ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 95 forced from one to the other. It is generally pro- duced by hard work, or violent exertion for a short period. It often exists, however, in a slight degree, without occasioning any inconvenience ; and then it is better to leave it alone : but should it create lameness and stiffness of the joint, severe corrosive blistering will generally remove the cause ; and if not-, the iron must be applied, as a last resource. Thorough-jnn is very like Beg or blood spavin in effect, and may be treated in precisely a similar way. Many old hunters have this disease in the hock. If it does not interfere with their work, it is better to leave it alone. Windfalls are soft, yielding, flatulent tumours, full of corrupt fluid or synovia, which come upon each side of the fetlock joints. Why they should have been originally called ivindgalls, I cannot say; except, from a false supposition that they were inflated with air, instead of being filled with matter. They seldom appear in legs formed of the best materials ; and lameness is but seldom the result from them. Blistering, firing, and rest, are the means of cure; but where no incon- venience is felt these are better dispensed with. To keep the legs bandaged is advisable. Strangles is the only innate disease to which the horse is subjected. Every one, more or less, 96 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. is afflicted with it, at an early stage of his existence, generally speaking. The treatment of it is very simple. As the essence of the disease consists in the formation and suppuration of the tumour under the jaw, the principal, or almost the sole attention should be directed to the hastening of these processes. A few cooling medicines, as nitre, emetic tartar, and, perhaps, digitalis, should be given, according to the severity of the attack. The part where the strangles appear may, if the tumour does not suppurate so quickly as may be desired, be actively blistered : but this is not generally requisite. Bran mashes, very loose and cold, cut grass, and tares, should be liberally supplied ; which will keep the bowels gently open. In cases of great debility, not unfrequently the consequence of this disease, a small quantity of tonic medicine, a camomile and gentian with ginger, in doses of a couple of drachms, may be administered. If there be much fever, and evident affection of the chest, — which should carefully be distinguished from the oppres- sion and choking occasioned by the pressure of the tumour, — it will be proper to bleed. Previous to leaving the treatment of the common injuries and diseases to which the horse is sub- jected, I shall state the means to be adopted when the kidneys are seized with inflammation. This ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 97 is a very common disorder; and is frequently caused by riding or driving a horse immoderately, by straining the loins : but they may become inflamed in consequence of peritonseal inflamma- tion of the bowels. The symptoms of the disorder are, a constant desire to make water ; and the small quantity only which is discharged being dark coloured or bloody. There is great stifi'ness of the hind parts, generally more observable in one leg than in the other. The horse often stands straddling or wide, as if endeavouring to make water ; evincing painful and inefi^ectual efibrts. This appearance often leads the groom to think that it is a stoppage, and that a diuretic is necessary : but the fact is, that the coloured or bloody urine is so stim^ulating, or acrimonious, that the bladder contracts violently in order to force out the smallest quantity that gets into it. This disorder may, like most others, happen in various degrees ; but still the treatment is the same. It sometimes occurs, however, that the urine becomes foul and stimulating, from high feeding. In this case the bladder will contract upon a small quantity of urine ; and the urine may be rather high coloured, like beer, or turbid, like whey ; and the horse may strain a little in voiding it: but this is very diff'erent from those distressing symptoms which attend inflammation H 98 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. of the kidneys; and it is unaccompanied with loss of appetite, or any degree of fever, which is always present in inflammation of the kidneys. When the urine becomes thus stimulating, some cold mashes and an infusion of linseed is a good drink for a horse. Grass, vetches, nitre, and, indeed, any thing of such a relaxing and cooling influence, may be administered with a beneficial effect. But when there is confirmed inflammation, it is necessary to let blood freely, without delay ; and to open the bowels with a clyster of warm water and a strong dose of castor oil. The loins should also be rubbed well with some warm em- brocation, such as hartshorn and oil, with a little oil of turpentine ; and a afresh sheep-skin, the flesh side under, should be placed across them. The same regimen should be observed in this as in the milder form of the disease. Nitre, 4 dr. Carbonate of soda, 1 do. Or Chalk, 2 do. Mixed for one dose. This powder, given twice a-day for two or three successive days, and keeping the horse chiefly on cold sloppy mashes when his urine is only thick and turbid, and there is a slight difficulty in voiding it, will be found eflScacious. ON THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS. 99 Powdered resin, 2 dr. Levigated antimony, 2 do. Chalk, 2 do. Nitre, 2 do. Mixed for one dose. This is a more powerful dose ; and may be given as frequently as the former, in cases of much difficulty in voiding the urine, and w^here there is no necessity for the more active measures before stated. I am inimical to the fleam, except in cases where there can be no doubt as to the efficacy of its use. If these powders appear to disagree with the stomach, they should be discontinued; and the cordial diuretic will, in all probability, act as a rectifier. CORDIAL DIURETIC BALL. Hard soap, 4 dr. Turpentine, 4 do. Ginger, 1 do. Opium, ^ do. With powdered caraways enough to form the ball. Diuretics should not be given so as to operate upon the horse in work ; as he may want to stale, and, being prevented from so doing, great mischief may arise. From neglecting this precaution, and from their frequent and immoderate use, the kidneys are often materially injured, as well as the bladder. I have now given, as far as I think is requisite 100 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. for the instruction and assistance of the sports- man, all the principal subjects connected with The Hunter. In the simplest language that I could use, and in the most comprehensive form that I could devise, I have (with the assistance of the authorities referred to) treated the various mat- ters under consideration, in their respective places ; and, from the hour of his birth to his sinking in the vale of honourable years, I trust, and believe, not a detail of importance has been allowed to escape my research and observation. CHAPTER VII. THE AGE OF HORSES. If there were no Tisible effects by which the age of horses could be ascertained with certainty, it is quite clear that there could be no such prizes as " produce stakes." The notorious frauds lately attempted in the Running-rein, Bloodstone, and other cases, prove beyond a doubt what men would say and swear to in such matters. We should continually have three-year-old horses winning as two-year-old, and four-year-old horses as three-year-old. These " wretched frauds," as they were properly termed by the judge in the THE AGE OF HORSES. 101 Orlando trial, would be but little short of an every- day occurrence. By the way, I should much like to witness the expression of certain visages, if, by some talismanic power, the age of a few living horses could be learned. There can be no reason- able doubt whatever, that mmiy stakes have been carried off by horses far more advanced in the vale of years than the qualification admitted. This description of swindling has met with its success as well as its defeat ; and although, from recent discoveries, public suspicion is awakened, I have no hesitation in saying, that both results will take place again. The horse, if humanely treated, will live to a great age. The best time of his life, provided he has not been rattled and over-weighted in his infancy, is from ^nq to ten years old ; although there are many instances of horses being as good as ever, to a much later period of life. I possessed a horse which I rode when a child, so small and puny that a servant had to hold me on the pig-skin ; and I rode this same animal fifty-four miles in eight hours, when I was twenty-six years of age ; a lapse of time, between the two events, of twenty years: the horse being then in his twenty 'ninth year. This is an extraordinary instance of a horse lasting ; but many of my friends remember "George, the old chestnut." 102 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. The age of a horse may be discovered by certain marks in the front teeth of his under jaw, until he is eight years old, about which period they are generally worn out. Between the second and third year, a colt begins to change his sucking or colt's teeth, as they are termed, for permanent teeth, which are larger, and of a different form and colour. The sucking teeth are small and of a delicate white. When a colt is three years old, or between the second and third year, he changes his two front teeth above and below. Between the third and fourth year, the two next are changed; and between the fourth and fifth year, the two next or corner teeth are changed. About the end of the fourth year, or a little later, the tushes appear. Mares have seldom any tushes. At ^Ye years old the horse has a full mouth of permanent or horse teeth, and the corner teeth are those by which the age is ascertained after that period. They have a remarkable hollow^ or shell- like appearance when they first come up ; but by the time the horse has completed his fifth year, they have acquired some size, and look more like the other teeth. There is a cavity on their upper surface, at this period, of a dark or black colour. At six years old the cavity is much diminished, and at seven it is still less. At eight it has dis- appeared ; or, if it remains, it resembles the eye of THE AGE OF HORSES. ]03 a bean. The tushes at five years old have two concavities withinside, converging upwards, and terminating in the point of the tooth. At six, one of these concavities is lost ; that is the one next the grinder. At seven, the other is diminished, but not quite gone. At eight, it is generally gone, but not always. After this age, the tush gets more round and blunt. These are the changes by which the horse's age is determined ; but they are subject to variations, and there is no certain method of ascertaining the age of a horse after sm\ The length of the teeth is no criterion whatever ; nor can the countenance be depended on, until the horse becomes old and gray. The general signs of age, unconnected with the teeth, are easily distinguishable. The head grows lean and fine; the hollow over the eyes sinks deeper ; the cheeks become lank ; the gums and soft palate pale and shrunk ; gray hairs make their appearance in various places, more particularly over the eyes and about the face. The neck becomes thin and fine ; the withers get sharp, and give an appearance of increased length and obliquity to the shoulder. The back sinks ; the quarters assume a more blood-like turn, and seem to lengthen. Tumours of all kinds, spavins, splents, windgalls, &c. become in part or wholly absorbed. The legs feel sinewy and free from ]04 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. pufF, though they may evince instability and weakness. It is not often that we meet with horses with these effects of time and long servi- tude. Horses are generally Avorn out long before they appear. I have heard some excellent judges doubt whether the state of the mouth be an infallible test of the age of a horse, at any period of his life after two years old. It is well known that the mouths of horses vary in appearance. Some have them fuller than others at the same period of life ; and the teeth of horses differ greatly in their nature. Treatment, too, has much to do with the appearance of the mouth. A horse kept on hard meat for a considerable period, and one kept on soft or green food, will exhibit a very material difference in the teeth. The former will be more worn, and have an older effect than the latter. These remarks apply to horses called "aged." The ao^e of a horse can be ascertained to the greatest nicety by his mouth, until he has com- pleted his fifth year. After this period I would not take upon myself to say, that an error might not very easily be committed. But between two, three, and four years old, the capacity must be worse than ordinary, with a little practical know- ledge, that could not decide the age of a horse. -^#A-a»^^,; THE SPOETSMAN'S LIBRAE!. BOOK SECOND. ON HUNTING AND HOUNDS. ON HUNTING AND HOUNDS. CHAPTER VIII. A SLIGHT COMMENTARY ON HUNTING AND HOUNDS. Men who go to the covert-side, " trimmed like younkers prancing to their loves," for the sole purpose of riding and showing themselves, know little about hounds, and care less. So as their patience is not wearied with a long Ji7id, and the pace is quick when " the varmint" is unkenneled or whipped from the gorse, they take little farther in- terest in the pack " that make the welkin answer them." Now, although a few of the Goths sneer at the elegant and neat appointments of the gentleman, as he presses toe in stirrup, and looks as particularly dressed, and his toilet made with as much care, as if he were about to enter a drawing- room, I could never join in the expression of contempt for such adornment of the person. We have heard innumerable anecdotes related of the roughness of our sporting ancestors ; not in refe- 108 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. rence to the peculiarities of their wardrohes alone, but also to the want of refinement in their phrase- ology. But no such roughnesses in the present day are regarded as indications of gentle blood. Nimrod relates the following anecdote of one of the old school. " The late Mr. Forrester of Willy Hall, in Shropshire, who hunted that country for many years, gave his coverts, when far advanced in life, to a pack of fox-hounds set up in his neighbourhood by some farmers. Having ridden out one day to see them, he was asked how he liked them ? ' Very much, indeed,' replied the veteran : ' there was not one d — d fellow in a white-topped boot among them.' " This may be all very well, as an incentive to a smile ; but I have no hesitation in saying, that "the white tops" of the age we live in could, without the most trifling exertion, show the dark- brown and mahogany ones their heels. Men ride both bolder and better than in those days when the fox was disturbed in picking his early break- fast off a nice young rabbit, and before the lark had shaken the dew-drops from her wings. And this is easily to be understood. The pace, no one disputes, is very much increased ; and horses, to live well with hounds, must be equal to it : for it is one thing to be with them, and quite another to be after them. A father, ambitious that his hopeful heir should occupy the woolsack, and who ON HUNTING AND HOUNDS. 109 once indulged in the fond hope that the present chancellor was airing it for the future head of the family, remarked, shaking his sage head, " My son follows the law ; but I fear that he will never overtake it." To be mounted upon a thorough- bred flyer in the condition in which a horse is brought to the post, and to ride him at racing pace " o'er hill and dale, o'er moor and mead," taking every thing that it may please Heaven to send, without a moment to weigh the probabi- lity of breaking one's neck at any yawner or rasper that chance may present, — requires both holder and better riding than jogging after a gorged fox, with the slow hounds of former times, when it occupied '* hours" to kill him. I am not going to enter upon the subject as to which method afforded the most sport, being not sufficiently grizzled with age to judge by experience of those times of old ; but I wish to show, that my white- topped brothers in the field have not become the milk-and-water, effeminate things, unworthy of the name of sportsmen, which the sneers of gen- tlemen of the old school might occasionally lead the uninitiated to suppose them to be. These gentlemen of antiquated notions are apt to curl their upper lips at the revolution effected in hunt- ing:. But whether their riding to covert at sun- rise, wearing down their fox by noon, drinking three bottles per man, and becoming oblivious of 110 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. their sinful commissions and omissions as the earliest cock mounted his perch to sleep, was more desirable than Young England's rules, too well known to need description, I shall leave as a matter for the nice consideration of speculators. I can see no objection whatever to the refined taste evinced in " the pomp and circumstance " attending the chase ; and I greatly admire a well- equipped sportsman. In my humble opinion, there should be as much care bestowed upon his appointments as upon those of a soldier going on duty. But, if I am an advocate for attention being bestowed upon his outward man, I am far from being a backer of that dandy he-haw nonde- script, who rides to covert in his gingerly bit of pink, booted and spurred, knowing and caring no more about hounds and hunting than a man- milliner. This kind of watering-place lion, who patronizes the hunt that he may, in riding in and out, attract the admiring gaze of " the gals," derives no more pleasure from fox-hunting than a monkey does from blistering his jaws with hot chestnuts. He professes to be an ardent admirer of the sport, for "fashion sake;" but in reality feels no more delight, as the gallant hound opens on the drag, than if he howled from a tin-kettle being tied to his tail ; and, perchance, not quite so much ; for, this description of sport, he might possibly understand. ON HUNTING AND HOUNDS. m It is not for such mock sportsmen that the Sportsman's Library is intended. For them it will have no interest. It is for the assistance of the real sportsman, as a book of reference, and the instruction of the zealous tyro in sporting matters, that these pages are designed. I may, therefore, be allowed, for the benefit of the latter, to enter into such minutiae regarding the subjects coming under our notice, as I may consider necessary for his information. As in the case of the hunter, I shall commence with the breeding of the Fox-hound. Although the stag-hound, harrier, and beagle, will be noticed in turn ; yet, in this particular, the same rules apply. It will be needless, therefore, to repeat them. The same observations apply to the breeding of the hound as to the breeding of the horse. Great care should be taken that there be no con- stitutional defects in the stock from which the progeny is to be derived. An old dog should not be put to an old bitch ; and all are to be re- jected whose points of symmetry are not good, and whose characters are, that they are rioters, babblers, and skirters. The points of a hound are, — head small in proportion to his frame; neck thin, chest deep, legs very straight : his feet should be round, not large ; his breast wide, back broad, shoulders back, 1J2 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. elbows in, and quarters deep. The muzzle should be long; but I dislike what may be called a pointed nose. Nowhere does the fox -hound arrive at such perfection as in England. The climate is most congenial to his nature ; and when taken to either more southern or more northern latitudes, he degenerates, and quickly loses the qualities he possesses in this country. Somerville says. In thee alone, fair land of liberty, Is bred the perfect hound, in scent and speed As yet unrivall'd ; while, in other climes. Their virtue fails,-— a weak degenerate race. In the remotest period of our history, hunting is mentioned as the principal diversion of our forefathers ; and it forms a somewhat singular exception to the laws of mutability, which appear to govern all things beneath the moon, that, notwithstanding the changes of laws, customs, usages, religion, governments, habits, occupations, and of every thing of every kind connected with the inhabitants of Great Britain, there is no time when the ardour for the chase abated. Instead of slackening, it seems to have descended with increased vigour to the present day. Dio Nicseus, in speaking of the inhabitants of the northern parts of this island, says, that they were a fierce and barbarous people, who tilled no ON HUNTING AND HOUNDS. 113 ground, but lived upon the food they obtained by hunting, and by pillage of the southern districts. After the expulsion of the Danes, and during the restoration of the Saxon monarchy, the sports of the field still maintained their ground. Edward the Confessor, who was more suited for the cloister than the throne, would join in no secular amuse- ment but the chase. This, however, he took great delight in, and "loved to follow a pack of swift hounds in pursuit of game," says William of Malmsbury, "and to cheer them with his voice." William the Conqueror, and his two sons who succeeded him, were greatly devoted to the chase ; and increased the restrictions concerning the killing of game. The right of hunting in the royal forests was confined to the king and his favourites. To render these coverts more exten- sive, and to make new ones, whole villages were depopulated. King John, the lying dastard, was particularly attached to the sports of the field, and was seldom without a falcon on his wrist. By way of pay- ment, in lieu of money, he used to receive horses, hounds, and hawks, for the renewal of grants, fines, and forfeitures, belonging to the crown. Edward III. took so much delight in hunting, that even at the time he was engaged in war with I 114 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. France, and resident in that country, he had with him sixty couple of stag-hounds, and as many for hunting the hare ; and every day he amused him- self with hunting or hawking. James I. preferred the amusement of hunting to hawking or shooting. It is said of this monarch, that he divided his time between his standish, his bottle, and his hunting. The last had his fair weather ; the two former, his dull and cloudy. I might quote innumerable passages in the poetical and prose writings of the last three centuries, proving that this favourite pastime has lost nothing of its relish, but, on the contrary, is more generally practised. To return, however, to the subjects of more immediate interest and importance. The Talbot is stated to be, and there is no doubt whatever of the truth of the assertion, the original stock from which every kind of hound has been bred. This majestic animal, — now be- coming extinct, and as regards his pristine beauty and noble powers of strength and endurance, I believe, quite so, — was used by the ancient Britons in the pursuit of the larger kinds of game, with which the country at one time abounded. But these becoming scarce as civilization pro- gressed, and the plough becoming an implement more in vogue than the spear and cross-bow, ON HUNTING AND HOUNDS. 115 it was necessary to get fleeter dogs to run down the game in wide, open districts, which took the place of dense woods and forests. The talbot was therefore crossed with lighter dogs, for the purpose of increasing his speed. And thus it is, that, in a long succession of years, and by the greatest skill, care, and management, we have hounds adapted, in size, pace, and power, to every description of game that we pursue. It must consist with the memory of many now living, that hounds of the present day are a very different kind of animal from what hounds were, not longer ago than a quarter of a century. Then, a larger, heavier, and slower hound was in use, with dew-lapped jowl, and long pendulous ears. This was what was called the southern breed; which, in fact, approached nearer to the original stock of the talbot ; and, although by no means fast, this hound possessed exquisite sense of smelling, and his crv was melodious in the extreme. Although quick enough for our ances- tors, who knew nothing of railroads, and were content to travel in heavy drags by easy stages, the southern breed was discovered to be not fast enough for the increasing pace of the age. And so, by degrees, the breed was crossed, till at length the stamp of hound was obtained which now leads us like skimming clouds before a gale, and 116 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. scarcely gives time for echo to throw back tlie challenge of his tongue. By the many it is supposed that the animal we call a fox-hound is designed by nature to hunt foxes exclusively ; but this is a popular error. The hound, from his own natural instinct, (and this applies to every kind,) will run any thing with scent that will flee before him. It is from tuition alone — by being entered at and blooded to a particular description of game, cheered to pursue it, rated and flogged when he hunts any other, that the hound acquires the qualities which belong to the class for which he is designed. No one yet saw a puppy, in his first rudiments of education, but what would hunt rabbit, hare, fox, or any thing that he might chance to find ; or, the sooner iJiat he is strung up on the first convenient branch, the better : for it is easy to stop him when in error ; but it is quite impossible to instil the dash and spirit of hunting into him, by any artificial means. I like to see a wild puppy, ready to tear his eyes out through the gorse, at the first glance of the scent of a coney. I then know that there is the right stuff in him ; and if the steel wants temper- ing a little, time, patience, and perseverance will effect the desired object. But, if I see a tame- looking, timid wretch, slinking about the outskirts of a covert, and taking no notice whatever of hares ON HUNTING AND HOUNDS. 117 or rabbits that may bolt under his nose ; ray mind is made up at once, that there is no cure for him but the halter. February and March are the best months for breeding; as late puppies seldom thrive. After the bitches become big with young, they should be no more hunted; nor, indeed, permitted to remain longer in the kennel. The mothers must be kept well, on a liberal supply of flesh, meal, and milk ; or do not expect the litter to thrive. The puppies should not be weaned until they are well capable of taking care of themselves; and when they are so, some purging medicine should be given them twice or thrice during the first week, on alternate days, and plenty of whey on the inter- mediate day. Should a bitch have a small litter, and another can take her puppies without dis- tressing her own, it will enable the former to be in work again quickly. She should, however, be well physicked first, and her dugs should be rubbed twice a-day, for a week, with brandy and water ; or with brine, which I have found efficacious in drying up the milk. Whelps are liable to the distemper ; the common disease to which all dogs are more or less subject. This very frequently makes great havock among them, at their walks; and therefore a greater number should be bred than are wanted to keep 118 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. up the complement of the pack. Besides, those who breed the greatest number of young hounds, are sure to have the most perfect packs ; as such a course affords the best choice in drafting them. Young hounds should be fed twice a-day, as they seldom take kindly to the kennel-meat at first ; and the old ones are certain to prevent their getting their fair allowance, even should they feel inclined to take it, if they are not fed separately. When they answer to their names, and are on terms of intimacy with the huntsman, they should be taken out, a few at a time, with their atten- dants on foot ; as they are awkward at first, and will not like to follow a horse. At their entrance, they cannot be encouraged too much. It is quite time enough to begin to rate and chastise, when they love a scent and know the difference between right and wrong. Steady old hounds should be taken out with the young ones, as instructors; and but small coverts and furze brakes be drawn, as the extensive ones will give trouble in getting them out again, and the object at first is to teach them obedience to the halloo. When their appe- tites are sufficiently whetted to enjoy a scent, and they run improper game, they should be stopped and brought back ; and while a hound obeys the rate, he must never taste the thong. Too many old hounds should not be kept. Those that have ON HUNTING AND HOUNDS. 119 hunted five or six seasons should he drafted, to make room for younger and more capahle ones. At the same time, if it were not for the expense of the arrangement, no young hounds should he taken into the pack the first season. When the season is over, the hest of " the greens" are to he taken into the pack ; and the old v\^orn-out hounds drafted from it. With regard to the size of the hound, I like neither a large hound nor a small one ; (I am speaking of those designed for fox-hunting :) hut, so long as his shape may he good, size is a secondary consideration. A level pack — that is, uniformity of size — has a much handsomer appearance than one composed of direct opposites. As hounds too should run together, like a hody with many heads, it is scarcely possible that they can do so, if their shape and size vary to a very great extent. I have seen, however, some excellent sport with hounds not remarkable for uniformity of size ; and yet their running was sufficiently even to pull down their fox in superlative style. A pack, considered in a collective body, go fast in propor- tion to the excellence of their noses, and the head they carry. The pack that can run a given dis- tance in the shortest time may be said to go fastest ; though the hounds taken separately might be con- siderably inferior to others, in point of swiftness. 120 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. CHAPTER IX. THE KENNEL. — KENNEL MANAGEMENT, &c. The condition, health, and preservation, of the hound depends as much upon his kennel, as those of the horse depend upon his stable. As in the case of the latter, the ornamental construction signifies nothing ; but dryness, fresh air, and, above every thing, cleanliness, are of vital impor- tance. So indispensable is the latter virtue, that no continuance of condition in hounds, and, con- sequently, excellence in the field, can be had without it. Hounds are by nature hateful of filth ; and, as if aware of its baneful effects, will never dung near where they lie. Hounds, like all other animals confined in numbers together, are more liable to diseases than the same animal in a state of unrestrained liberty. Frequently, under the best and most judicious management, they are attacked by various complaints ; and therefore it behoves all whose duty it is to attend to " the house at home, " to lose sight of no pre- ventive of the assault of disease. It is quite cjear that, unless the kennel is so constructed that it can be kept dry, free from THE KENNEL. 121 damp, well ventilated, and a good supply of water be furnished, no attention of the feeder or kennels-man is sufficient to keep the hounds healthy. Perhaps in England there are not two kennels alike, either in architectural design or the space occupied by them. To say therefore, from any precedent, what the form or dimensions of a ken- nel should be, is not in my power ; but this I can say, that the kennel should be constructed with a view to the health of its inmates, and in accor- dance with the number of hounds designed to be maintained. Those who become possessed of kennels, generally keep them in the form in which they fall into their hands : but such as erect new ones should be particular in selecting a proper site, as regards the dryness of the soil, the facili- ties for obtaining plenty of good water, and protec- tion from cold, cutting winds, and exposure to the heat of the sun at noontide. Under the lee of a thick, sheltering wood, or at the base of a hill, frequently may be found nice shady and protected spots for building a kennel. In large and regularly hunted packs, two kennels are indispensable for the well-being of the whole. When there is only one, it can but sel- dom be cleaned in winter ; and the hounds are in a comfortless state from dampness so long as it 122 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. remains so. In saying that the size of the kennel should be in accordance with the number of hounds designed to be maintained, I was refer- ring, with all charitable intent, to the outlay : for a kennel, for the preservation of the health and condition of hounds, can scarcely be too large. I have seen one that might be deemed unnecessarily, not injuriously so, out of the many that I have visited ; and I remarked at the time, seeing that every pail of water used had to be pumped from a well some thirty or forty yards from the outside, that if there had been less expenditure in bricks, flags, and mortar, and greater in obtaining an easier and more generous supply of the limpid element, a decided improvement would have been effected. The best constructed kennel, taking it in every point of view, that I have seen, is that belonging to His Grace the Duke of Rutland, at Belvoir castle ; although there are others upon a grander scale. The superb edifice of the Duke of Rich- mond at Goodwood, cost no less a sum than thirteen thousand pounds, in its erection. His Grace was his own architect and builder; and the magnificent design, and the perfection of its arrangements, show how capable he was of accom- plishing liis task. The distribution of the building is in ^ye com- THE KENNEL. 123 partments : two of them thirty-six feet by fifteen; and three more, thirty by fifteen. In each of these are openings at the top, for the admission of external air when necessary; and stoves, to qualify the air w^hen too cold. There are supplies of water, and drains into a tank of great depth below, full of rain water ; from the surface of which, to the rise of the earth, is eleven feet : so that no unpleasantness arises from stench; and the whole can be occasionally cleared off by drains to more dependent depths and dung pits, where it becomes contributory to the purposes of agri- culture. Round the whole pavement, ^Ye feet wide, airing yards, places for breeding, and other conveniences make a part of each wing. To produce a uniformity of elegance, neatness, and perfection, the huntsman and whipper-in have each a parlour, kitchen, and sleeping-room, ap- propriated to their own particular purposes. The Duke of Bedford's is an immense establish- ment, upon a scale of too great an extent for particular description ; as it includes tennis court, riding house, &c. &c. In one stone-fronted building of two hundred and sixty-six feet in length, there are stalls for thirty-six hunters, and eleven loose boxes for sick or lame horses. The kennel is in length four hundred and five feet ; having the boiling house in the centre, with feed- 124 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. ing rooms adjoining, and a granary behind. On the right of the centre are apartments for two kennel-keepers, two long lodging-rooms for the hunting hounds; with flues running along the wall, to preserve an equal temperature in the severity of the winter season ; spacious courts to each, furnished with a fountain in the middle, for the hounds to drink at ; and water cocks fixed at proper distances, to cleanse the pavement when it may be required. Adjoining to these, are seven hospitals for sick and lame hounds, with yards to each. On the left, are divisions for litter, straw, and stores of any kind ; with eleven apartments for bitches and puppies, and yards to each. There are, also, eleven of a similar description, for bitches in pup ; and a large division for bitches at heat. In the front, is a reservoir of water which supplies the fountains and different cocks in the several yards within. Behind the whole, is a large airing ground, flesh-house, and all requisite conveniences. The huntsman's dwelling is a handsome building adjoining. The number of hunting hounds kept in the kennel, is usually from sixty to seventy couples. Without, however, holding up these costly and superb establishments as the standard to be followed, I have merely borrowed a description of them, to show the perfection that can be arrived THE KENNEL. 125 at, when money is no object, and the design is from the experienced eye of genuine sportsmen. The essentials in a kennel, for the health and con- dition of hounds, may be recapitulated shortly in these words : cleanliness, warmth, ventilation, dryness, good water, and sufficient room for the number of hounds to be maintained. Next to the structure of the kennel, the manage- ment of hounds when there, becomes a matter of great consideration. Whatever the means and appliances may be, unless the feeder can be trusted for faithfully performing his particular duties, they will be of little avail. He should be indefatigably industrious, punctual in his attendance, humane, sober, and proud of having his hounds in a state always fit for the inspection of his employer. I think, as in the case of a groom with his horses, unless there be a pride felt in getting and keeping the animals that the feeder has under his care into praiseworthy condition, there is little chance of his doing his duty with credit. In a very great degree the health and preservation of the hounds depend upon the constant attention of the feeder. Their organs of smell, or, at least, the exquisite parts of the sense, depend upon their condition ; and unless their noses be kept free from the con- taminating, foul, and unwholesome stench of a badly kept kennel, no excellence can be expected 126 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. ill the field. Tlie absolute necessity, therefore, for the very nicest care in keeping the kennel sweet and clean, cannot be too strongly impressed upon the mind of the feeder. Unless he evinces a disposition strictly to observe this rule, he is not at all fitted for his office. Two persons should always be in attendance at feeding time ; and these should be the huntsman and the feeder; as hounds require to be fed in accordance with their state of flesh and condition. Some, too, are more voracious than others, and will require twice the quantity that is sufficient for the less greedy, to look and work well upon. It is the huntsman who should discriminate between these opposite descriptions; in want of which attention, the pack will never be of equal appearance. When any of the hounds are seen to be low in flesh, and poor feeders ; or when, as very often will be the case, they are observed to be kept under by the old and master hounds, they should be drafted, and permitted to feed without restraint by themselves. Boiling the flesh, mixing the meal, getting it ready by the time fixed by the huntsman, should, of course, never be neglected. Mr. Beckford states, that his feeder, who was a good one, and of much experience, mixed equal quantities of oat- meal and barley-meal; boiled the oat-meal for THE KENNEL. 127 half an hour ; and then added the barley-meal, without boiling it; and mixed both together. His reason given for boiling one and not the other was, that boiling made the oat-meal thick, and the barley-meal thin ; and that, when he fed the hounds with the latter only, he, in consequence, never put it into the copper, but mixed it up with the scalding liquor in a proper tub, or hogshead, kept for the purpose. Besides the mere keeping the kennel in a fit and proper state, and preparing the food, the feeder has other duties to perform ; although it is one of the huntsman's to render him assistance. After the hounds return from hunting, their feet should be examined, to see if they have received injuries from thorns or flints ; in which case they should be fomented with hot water with some bran in it ; and afterwards with cold vinegar and water, or water with some salt and alum in it. In some kennels, there are tepid baths, in which the hounds have a dip after their return from their work. In the Duke of Beaufort's kennel, there is one. The tepid bath greatly tends to the comfort and refreshment of the hounds, provided there are means to have the lodging-room warm for their reception afterwards : otherwise it is far better to let them roll and lie in plenty of clean straw, without having the bath. 1«)8 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. It formerly was a custom, to shut hounds up, after their return to the kennel, for two or three hours, previously to feeding them. Such a prac- tice, however, has become quite obsolete : and well it may be ; for a greater absurdity was never practised. As I remarked in the case of the hunter, when his work is done, the sooner the animal is rendered comfortable, and is left in quiet to repose, the better ; and this cannot be effected until he be fed. The meat should be ready for feeding by the hounds' return ; and it should be given to them immediately, or as soon as they have passed the examination of their feet, and had (if they are to have it) their warm bath. I am as great an advocate for the use of warm water in the kennel, as I am for its application in the stable. Washing hounds I am quite certain is the readiest method of recovering them from fatigue, and getting rid of stiffness and other ills to which their fast work render them liable ; but, if they must be turned into a cold, damp lodging- house afterwards, washing is much better omitted. When their appetite is satiated, they can enjoy their rest undisturbed ; and the sooner they are enabled to do so, the better will it be for them. Mr. Beckford is of opinion that hounds poorer than the rest should be fed again ; and, if they are off their appetites, they cannot be fed too often. THE KENNEL. 129 Those hounds which become too fat, should be drafted off, and not permitted to fill themselves. All hounds, more particularly young ones, should often be called over in kennel ; which renders their names familiar to them, and teaches them that excellent quality, obedience. This lesson should be given at the time that they are best prepared to receive it ; and that is at the hour of feeding. To keep the kennel as free from filth as possible, hounds should be let into the airing ground after feeding ; in order that they may empty themselves, and that an unnecessary accumulation in the kennel may be prevented. To prevent mange, morbidity of the blood, and cutaneous diseases attendant upon this state, only a small measure of substantial food should be given during the hot months, when hounds do not work, compared to what is necessary in the seve- rity of the hunting season. Flesh must be given with a sparing hand ; or the mange will, in all probability, make its appearance. Plenty of vegetables, boiled in the meat copper, once a-week, is a general practice in the majority of kennels ; and very conducive to the health of hounds. A pound or two of sulphur is, also, occasionally added ; and that is a fine preventive of the diseases of the blood in the summer season. There are different opinions concerning the best K 130 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY* and most economical food for the maintenance of hounds, and the method of preparing it. Perhaps the causes of this variation may be discovered in the particular experience, whim, caprice, or judg- ment of the parties concerned : but the principal articles upon which hounds subsist are oat-meal and barley-meal, horse-flesh, greaves, raspings, and paunches. There can be no doubt, after fair trial, that the two meals act much more profitably and advantageously in a mixed state, of nearly equal proportions, than when either is given alone; and there cannot be a question about the impro- priety of boiling the barley-meal. This should be scalded only, in the liquor; while the oat-meal should be boiled in it. When the huntsman returns in a state similar to that of his hounds, weary, fatigued, and flat, with the steel of his strength and courage spent, it is not to be supposed that he is in a condition, physically or mentally, to take upon himself the active duties in the kennel ; but he should see that they be strictly performed. He is responsible to his master for their fulfilment ; and there should be no deputy overseer between him and the feeder. In kennel management, too, the eye of the master will be found of very great assistance in keeping the arrangements in a proper state. In- THE KENNEL. 121 deed, unless servants, however well disposed they may be, find that they are censured in their neglect, and praised on being found attentive, the per- formance of their duties, perhaps imperceptibly to themselves, Tvill become slovenly, and but little pride will be felt even in their proper fulfilment. The most humble as well as the highest occupa- tions in life have their tributaries to ambition : and frequently a kind word of approval or a smile of satisfaction, from a prized master, is an ample reward to a worthy servant, for more than ordinary exertions. I shall conclude this chapter with a few direc- tions how TO BLEED A DOG. A dog may be conveniently bled by the jugular or neck vein, with a fleam, or with a common lancet: but the latter is much to be preferred. A ligature being put round the lower part of the neck, and the head being held up, the vein will swell and protrude itself on each side of the wind- pipe, about once inch from it. It v/ill, however, be necessary to cut the hair away previously, if very thick ; after which the puncture can be easily made with a lancet, the operator leaning over the dog. Nothing is necessary to stop the bleeding, but to remove the ligature ; nor is any pin, plaster, 132 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. or bandage for the orifice, requisite. When cir- cumstances render it necessary to let blood imme- diately, and a regular operator is not present ; or when the amateur is called upon to bleed his own dog suddenly, as in the field when the means of venesection by the neck are not at hand ; an ear may be punctured, or an incision made on the inner side of the flap of it ; choosing, if possible, the course of a vein for the puncture : but avoid passing the instrument through the ear. In despe- rate cases, the tail may be cut ; but when this is done, it is better to cut off a small piece merely, than to make an incision ; for when this is inju- diciously done, the whole tail may mortify. The quantity of blood drawn must be regulated by the size of the dog. From a very small one two ounces, or less, may be sufficient ; from a middling-sized dog three or four ounces ; and from a large dog, five, six, seven, or eight ounces ; ac- cording to the size and strength of the patient, and the nature of the disease he labours under. DUTY OF A MASTER OF FOX-HOUNDS. 133 CHAPTER X. THE DUTY OF A MASTER OF FOX-HOUNDS. — THE HUNTSMAN, AND WHIPPER-IN. I CAN by no exertion of my imaginative powers, fancy the expression of the features of many an M. F. H. whom I have chanced to meet with in my sporting rambles, as he glances at the heading of this chapter. " The duty of a Master of fox-hounds !" I think I hear him repeat. " Egad! but it may be briefly and readily summed up;" and, while speaking, he ex- tracts a well-filled purse (provided that he has not been a wearer of his blushing honour for many sea- sons,) and empties its contents, to the last shilling, upon the table before him. " There," continues he, " that's the duty ; and about the only duty, indis- pensable for my performance ; and so long as I continue to shell out liberally, there will be little fault found with my mastership." There is great reason to believe the supposition to be entertained by innumerable worthy and honest folk, that the Master of Hounds is, figura- tively speaking, a common joint, or a joint in common, which every body has a right, not only to 134 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. cut up on all occasions, but to come at again whenever an excuse presents itself. If the local race fund is in want of replenishment, the Master is about the first victim singled out for a subscrip- tion to head the list. Should the select committee of the visiting society find their funds fall short, to him a deputation is appointed, to solicit his proverbially generous aid. Should Scroggins lose his donkey, his cow, or his pig ; or should Mrs. Scroggins feel that some coals and blankets might materially add to the comfort of her family, now on the eve of an increase; the Master is the resource. And then the quantity of poultry that is victimized by predatory foxes, the Master being applied to for ample reparation ! Great Jupiter .knows the countless fi am s that have to be answered for, in this great item of the sins and transgressions of frail and erring humanity ! How often is the solitary chick or duckling magnified into the loss and sweeping abstraction of entire broods ! Fre- quently, indeed, is the abstraction of the tough old turkey, whose age has left her the bereaved moLher of scores of fatted victims sacrificed at the shrine of Christmas, represented as the loss of the best and largest in the flock ! The duck, too, found dead and crumbling into dust (the poor thing died of the cramp, in addition to an irritating attack of the pip) is of course a martyr to Reynard's errors DUTY OF A MASTER OF FOX-HOUNDS. 135 and want of respect for the laws and rights of property. And thus it is, framing the occasion in accordance with the demand, that the Master of Hounds is appealed to, in every shape, form, and manner. He must be a gentleman without experience of the manifold annoyances that are part and parcel of the distinction, who lays the flattering unction to his vanity that its drawbacks are few. In addition to his being considered a public bucket for every body within the ring-fence of his country to dip into, there are other little matters connected with the honour, not without their influence on the debit side of the account. However, to the point of considering " the duties of a Master of Fox- hounds." In the flrst place, he should be popular. Now, this per se is often a very diflicult and very expen- sive attribute to possess. The man whose study it is to please the many, has a task of no easy description ; and yet, unless a Master can accom- plish it, he can neither expect a subscription sufficient to meet his expenses, preservation of foxes, nor any thing like an extent of country, I should here state, that I am alluding particularly to the Master of "a subscription pack;'" for it must be obvious that if a gentleman hunts his own hounds, without receiving subscriptions, he is npt ]36 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. open to the same difficulties, and is not so depen- dent upon his powers of pleasing every body. At the same time, he who possesses the enviable distinc- tion of beino' " the head of the hunt," is far from being independent of his capacities of applying what the Yankees call " soft sawder ;" for there are no pains, penalties, or inflictions for setting gins ; and landowners and farmers are not compelled to permit twenty, or five-and-twenty, couples of hounds to draw a covert in their possession, because a fox may be supposed to be ensconced within its precincts ; neither are they obliged, by any written or unwritten law, to allow a hundred or two of horses to gallop over their land, and to break down their gates, rails, and fences. At the same time, if the proper means be adopted, such is the love and spirit for the chase, that ninety- nine out of every hundred will gladly consent to the hunting over their lands, and reck little or nothing oft\iefai7' injuries that may be occasioned. And now we shall see what these means and appliances are. In the foremost rank, stands civility and general courtesy to the field. That is one of the chief rules to be observed by a Master, if his object be to show and enjoy good sport. We have heard many curious stories related of Masters of the old school, provocative of mirth, more from their want of refinement than their wit, and DUTY OF A MASTER OF FOX-HOUNDS. 1S7 from roughness of bearing towards any body and every body : but the days for uncouth manners and hard language have passed; and that is an affront now, which formerly would have been received as a good joke. Not a great many years since, it w^as the settled opinion, that if a man was a fox-hunter he necessarily must be a swearing, drinking, reckless fellow: but "we change and others change;" and thus it is that the world be- comes newly fashioned. I remember beino- out with a well-known Master, of the sort I am speaking of, when, as was his custom, he lost his temper on his hounds losinor their fox. Anathemas, maledictions, and oaths flew around upon every man, thing, and circumstance within hailing distance. The hunts- man, unhappy wight, got more than his usual share ; and, after being damned to a pretty con- siderable extent, he said, with a rueful countenance, "What am I to do, sir?" "Damn ye !" returned his irate master, scratch- ing his left ear, as if in want of a plea of justifica- tion; '' \y\\y Aoxii JQ damn me again f' I would not mention the name of my friend for the contents of the best mine in all Peru ; but because I abstain from doing so, I trust the authenticity of what I am about to add will not be questioned. Although very wealthy, he pro- 138 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. fesses to be the Master of a subscription pack : but I know that he does not receive sufficient to pay for the meal which his hounds consume ; and when I was with him on the day I am alluding to, I saw a fine large dog fox suspended by the neck to the branch of a tree in one of the best coverts that he draws. It may be said, " Then why does he not throw up the hounds?" The answer is, that he would as soon throw up his life. My conviction is, that this state of affairs arises in consequence of giving his tongue license, and offending those on whose aid and good-nature so much depends. He says that "it is a want of spirit ;" and that he does not " meet with support, on account of the bad breed in the country." If this be so, the spot must be an isolated one ; for throughout old England, the land of stout hearts and well-strung thews and sinews, the love of hounds seems to be as innate as the love of roast beef and plum-pudding ; and who will deny that the latter is an innate affection ? To discountenance unfair riding in the field, and unnecessarily injuring fences, is a duty that a Master owes to the farmer; and if recompense should be given for damage which may be unavoid- ably occasioned, it should be done with a good grace, and a spirit of liberality, but not of extravagance. It cannot be expected that farmers will pre- DUTY OF A MASTER OF FOX-HOUNDS. 139 serve foxes, if they are to be seriously injured by them. Occasionally, perhaps often would be better, to pay a visit to the kennel, will be of very great advantage. And first, being well acquainted with the duties to be observed there, the Master should permit no neglect to pass unnoticed or uncensured. To observe a quiet demeanour in the field is one of his passive accomplishments ; for if he be noisy, the example renders the field so : and nothing is more likely to prevent good sport, by rendering the hounds disobedient to the hunts- man, making them divide, and overrun their fox, than a set of bawling, hallooing fellows shout- ing from all quarters of the compass. If the Master interfere with the huntsman's office, others will think that they have a right to do so. In addition to this, a huntsman, if he be worthy of his office, ought not to be interfered with in the field. It is his business to know the proper method to be adopted in hunting hounds ; and if he be not acquainted with it, he is not fitted for the duty that he undertakes. Advice is, for the most part, a boon most ungraciously accepted ; and, considering that it so often comes in the shape of a reproof, the wonder need not set us all " a-gape." It has seldom fallen to my lot to hear a suggestion given to a huntsman in the field, but 140 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. that either he was fully aware of the fact, or that it was a palpable error, to follow which would be to commit himself. If a servant does not please his master, let him be told so, and the why and wherefore, when the blood is cool. Hear what he has to say in defence, and be impartial in your judgment ; not obstinate in your own conceit. In fixing the meets, there should be no favour shown to suit a 'party ^ so as to create jealousy. This part of the duty of a Master should be done with even-handed impartiality ; and for the 'pur- pose ; not for the gratification of a whim, caprice, nor even the convenience of any particular member of the hunt. I have frequently heard the remark, " Oh yes ! the fixture is made there, just to suit so and so's convenience :" but this feeling is more fre- quently expressed when the management of hounds is confided to a committee. Then it is that the want of the concentration of power is found, and a division of opinion leading to the very essence of bad rule and confusion. Rare, indeed, is it that hounds are even rendered a degree better than a positive disgrace to the duties required of them, when there is a committee for their government. To return, however, to the Master, with whom I have nearly arrived at a halt. The leader in the establishment, towards whom the humblest DUTY OF THE HUNTSMAN. 141 menial connected with it should look, with sub- mission to his suggestions, in the full confidence that they are right, should be a thorough sports- man. If he be not that, his distinction will sit uneasily upon him ; and, far from being conducive to his pleasure, it will frequently be a worrying cause of annoyance, and his management a task of irksome labour. I must here observe, nevertheless, that if a gentleman be fitted for the office ; and study, observation, and experience will render him so ; there is no appointment, perhaps, more gratifying than the mastership of a crack pack of fox-hounds, with an extensive country well-preserved, and ample funds to meet the expenses. The qualities to be desired in a Huntsman may be described in a very few words ; at the same time, it will be my particular duty to enlarge upon their details in successive order. He should be possessed of a good, robust constitution, iron nerves with the toughness of wire, activity of body, quickness of apprehension, a ringing, musical voice, and a good ear. In my observations on kennel management, I stated what is requisite to be done in his capacity there (the superintendence of the whole, and his responsibility for the proper general course to be observed on every occasion;) and, therefore, I 142 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. shall confine myself to those things that he ought to do, and to those things that he ought not to do, in the field. Although it is a received maxim that it is safer to take time by the forelock, and to be a few minutes before is often the means of success ; yet, at the place fixed as the meet, the huntsman should never be a second in anticipation of the hour named. He may be as punctual as he can be : but it is better to be rather behind time than before it. Previouslv to his leavino- the kennel, it should be decided what course he is to take, and the coverts that he is to draw in succession. Some countries, or, to be particular, parts of the country assigned as the limits of the hunt, may require more hounds than other localities, from the variation of the size and thickness of the coverts. A huntsman should consider this, pre- viously to his going into the kennel to draft hounds ; and also the number of young hounds he may venture to draft with older ones. The larger the coverts to be drawn, the greater number of old steady hounds will be required ; for the difficulties that must necessarily present themselves should be reduced as much as possible, by having but a few young hounds in the pack. It should be remembered, however, that unless the young hounds be hunted frequently, they cannot become profi- DUTY OF THE HUNTSMAN. 143 cient in the art of pulling down a fox, any more than a child can be taught to spell without an opportunity being given of learning the alphabet. In drawing the coverts, if it be practicable, the huntsman should commence wuth that which is farthest down the wind ; and so draw up the wind, from covert to covert, until he finds. When this work is being performed, he should cheer his hounds : but there is no necessity for making a very great noise ; as, perchance, a halloo may not be heard when of the very greatest consequence. It is not at all unusual for huntsmen, when their hounds are drawing or are at fault, to make so much din themselves as to be capable of hearing nothing else. This is a great and often a fatal error; and it cannot be too strongly impressed upon the minds of huntsmen that hallooing cannot kill a fox, and may be the indirect means of losing him. Upon leaving the covert, the same objection does not arise. A huntsman may then, if such be the bent of his inclination, stretch his lungs, and make the regions far and near ring to the very echo. Let him blow his horn like a Triton, and cry "Forard!" to the tail hounds, provided the fox be found, as long and as loudly as he pleases. There is one good quality that I have observed in these noisy gentlemen: their tendency to "kick up a row" generally proceeds from an exuberance H4 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. of animal spirits and heartiness ; and when they possess this spur to action, " activity" is sure to be one of their redeeming virtues. A slow hunts- man is a sad damper to hounds ; and unless they have a high, burning scent, and require no assis- tance in killing their fox, it is, in the graphic language of a modern philosopher. " a horse to a hay-seed" that they lose him. Without a ques- tion, activity is the first indispensable requisite in a huntsman. The want of it no judgment can compensate ; for very frequently hounds require to be helped : and as they should at all times be keipt forivard, it is quite impossible that this can be effected by a slow huntsman, who invariably is himself behind. He should be ready to proffer aid to hounds the moment they are at fault. A huntsman, occasionally, will be thrown out of his reckoning : but this will be a rare occurrence, provided he possess a perfect knowledge of the country. Such a knowledge will be a very great help to him ; and if he does not possess it, from want of a sufficiently long acquaintanceship, very great allowance ought to be made. A huntsman's place is to be close to his hounds ; and unless he possesses nerve to ride straight, and is well mounted, it is quite impossible that he should be at his post, in a fast and long run, save by an accidental " nick in." One, therefore, DUTY OF THE HUNTSMAN. 145 naturally timid, or whose fire is expended by age, should be shelved ; but the latter, at least, must not be left to draw his pocket blank, when this measure becomes expedient. One of the most common faults in huntsmen is, the undue haste with which they make their casts the instant hounds are at fault. Time should always be allowed the hounds to make their own cast ; and very frequently, if this be given, they will hit off the scent themselves. Instead of this, hounds are rattled away, the very moment they come to a check ; a wide cast is made ; and, per- haps, at last they are brought back to the very spot whence they were taken, to try at last what they can accomplish by their own sagacity. No- thinof can be more inconsiderate than this ; for the scent, which might have assisted them before, may now be evaporated. However, judicious casts are of the very greatest importance, when hounds are at fault : but there should be no undue hurry in making them. " Let them alone," I heard one of the best sportsmen living remark, "is the first rule in a good huntsman's category." I am no advocate for lifting hounds. It is an unsportsmanlike practice. There are some, how- ever, whose object is to kill as soon as possible, and in any form, so long as it is not " a chop. '* 146 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. These slaughterers may, cap in hand, spur hard, and ride down the fox, and boast of the unfair and ignoble death : but a sportsman would scorn such a proceeding. He wishes to see the fox fairly found, (not shaken from a bag ; ) fairly run, and fairly killed ; and then the " whoo-whoop !" thrills his nerves and makes his blood leap through his veins with pleasure. To all rules, however, there are exceptions ; and lifting hounds is not always improper. Hounds will naturally tire on a cold scent, when stopped by a flock of sheep or other impediments of a similar character; and, when they are no longer able to get forward, will often try to run the heel. It is useless to allow them to pick a cold scent through sheep. The fox is not adapting his pace to theirs; l3ut is running miles, while they are running, perhaps, scarcely as many furlongs. He may thus gain a distance which cannot be retrieved ; and, there- fore, to lift hounds through such difficulties, is not only justifiable, but part of the duty of a judicious huntsman. It behoves him always to encourage hounds to hunt when they cannot run; and to prevent their unnecessarily losing time by hunting too much when they might run. Still, there should be no unwarrantable hurry, preventing hounds making their own cast, when they come to a check. DUTY OF THE HUNTSMAN. 147 To a beaten fox, hounds may be lifted; for when Reynard has shot his bolt, and his steel is entirely spent, it is impossible for him to show further sport. He may, by some artful man- ceuvre, by creeping into an earth, or gaining the top of a thick hedgerow, and lying up there, or by some such ways and means, escape the jaws of his pursuers, and disappoint their greedy stomachs of the well-earned morsel : but although it is a duty that a fox owes himself, to prolong his life to the longest span within his power, yet hounds require blood ; and, to be disappointed when tired with a long run, and after having fairly entitled themselves to it, is prejudicial to their courage. When a cast is made, it should be perfect and complete one w^ay before the huntsman tries another. Time is consumed by going back- wards and forwards : the scent is getting cold by the delay, and the difficulty of hitting it off thereby increased. On making a forward cast which is ineffectual, the huntsman should return as fast as he can to try another. Some come slowly back ; not thinking, in all probability, that the fox may then be running many miles ahead, and that every second at check is increasing the space be- tween him and the hounds. On bad scenting days, it is more especially 148 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. necessary that the huntsman should be near his hounds, to help them forward. Foxes will run the roads, when they are dry and hard, in large coverts ; and if hounds be at fault, they should not be turned too soon, nor until the huntsman is certain that the fox has not gone on. In a country where there are strong earths, a fox that know^s the country, and tries any of them, seldom fails to try the rest. A huntsman may take advantage of this : they are certain casts, and may help him to get nearer to his fox. Wide casts are not killing ones, with a tired fox and tired hounds. Let the hounds be never so long in recovering the fox, they should do it, and hunt him out foot by foot. Where foxes are plentiful, care must be taken that hounds do not run the heel ; for it not un- frequently happens, that hounds hunt the w^rong way of the scent better than they can the right, when one is up the wind and the other is down. When a fox is " tally'd" away, the huntsman should get forward with the bunch of hounds that he may have with him : the others will soon join them, when their tongues announce that they are on the scent. Let him, however, lift the tail hounds, and get them forward as fast as possible ; for it is the very glory of sport to see the whole pack settle to their fox, at the burst, like a flock DUTY OF THE HUNTSMAN. 149 of pigeons skimming the air in one solid and com- pact body. When hounds are picking along a cold scent, on unsoiled ground, they should be let alone : but when they are at fault with such a scent, the cast should be made slowly and cautiously. With a good scent, a quick cast may be made ; and with a cold one, slow and sure is the rule to be observed. If hounds, however, are making a good and regu- lar cast, trying for the scent as they go, not a word should be spoken to them : it cannot do any good; for all that can be required of them is being per- formed, and any interference may probably make them over-run the scent. When hounds are at check, the huntsman should keep an eye to the tail hounds: they are least likely to over-run the scent ; and he may see by them how far they brought it.. In most packs there are some hounds that will show the point of the fox, and, if attended to, will direct his cast. When such hounds follow unwillingly, the hunts- man may be certain that the rest of the pack are running without a scent. Huntsmen that are well adapted for the peculiar countries that they have been used to, often find themselves at a loss in new ones; particularly when casts are to be made. In large and open enclo- sures, wide casts are invariably necessary: but in 150 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. a woodland and enclosed country, they should be more confined. A huntsman always likes to have the whole of his hounds turned after him when he makes a cast : but it is a common error, which has permitted many a fox to escape. The more that hounds spread at fault, the better ; so long as they are in sight or hearing. Many a skirting hound has hit off the scent, which an obstinate huntsman has endeavoured to prevent, by casting the wrong way. It has been alleged by an eminent authority upon hunting, that " the heading a fox back at first, if the covert be not a large one, is oftentimes of service to hounds ; as he will not stop, and cannot go off" unseen." I must think that the chances of cJiopping him, upon his being headed back, never entered the thoughts of this scribe. No, no. When the fox breaks, let us hope no imprudent, because too hasty, " tally-ho" will head him back again. Let him get well away, and the hounds get well settled to him. All hounds, good, bad, and indifierent, go fast enough with a good scent. It is to get them for- ward with a cold one, and to keep them pretty close to their fox, that test the capacities of the huntsman. In truth, with a high burning scent there is no hunting required. Hounds must go ; DUTY OF THE HUNTSMAN. 151 and all that is to be done is, to keep close to them until they run to earth or pull the fox down. When hounds flag, from a long day and frequent changes, it is necessary that the huntsman should animate them as much as he can. He must press them forward and keep them on ; for it is not likely, in this case, that they should over-run the scent. At these times the whole work is done by a few hounds ; and the huntsman should keep close to them, to cheer and assist them in trouble and difficulty. The many chances that are against hounds in fox-hunting (such as the changing of foxes, their being coursed by curs, long checks, cold hunting on tainted ground, the dying away of the scent, an unruly field riding over it, rattling too close behind hounds up the lanes and roads, and thus driving them on to over-run the scent ; for high- spirited hounds will seldom stop when horses are galloping close to their sterns,) render it imperative to keep them as near to the fox as possible. If this be done, difficulties may easily be conquered : but, when the distance is great, they frequently become insuperable. If hounds in covert have a brace or more foxes afoot, and are divided into separate companies, the huntsman had better take away with the first 152 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. fox that breaks. The ground will soon become tainted, and no good can be done by remaining there. When a fox has been headed back on one side of a covert, and a huntsman knows that there is not any body on the other side to view him ; the first fault that his hounds come to, let him cast that way, lest the fox should have broken covert ; and, if he has not, the huntsman may still recover him. I may now observe, by way of a finish to my remarks on the duties appertaining to the office of a huntsman, that on no account whatever is he to draft a tender-footed or lame hound. A hound not in a fit state to run, cannot be of much service to the pack ; and taking him out may occasion him a long confinement afterwards. The Whipper-in, although a step below the dignity of a huntsman, is of as much, if not more^ importance in hunting a pack of fox-hounds than the huntsman himself He should not only be as fully capable of hunting them ; but his apprehen- sion should be as quick and his judgment as good. Upon him depends the discipline and steadiness of the pack ; as the huntsman should seldom rate and never flog : and, unless hounds are steady and obedient, I would as soon see as many yapping pug dogs thrown into a covert. DUTY OF THE WHIPPER-IN. 153 Various, indeed, are the ways that a whipper-in may give a proof of his genius. He may stop the tail hounds, and get them forward ; he can clap to an earth that may be known to be open, to which the fox may be pointing. He may keep him off his foil, and frequently assist the hounds most materially ; provided he has the powers of discri- minating between that which will assist and that which will hurt them. Previously to making the attempt to stop hounds, the whipper-in should get well to their heads, and, as this is generally very fast work, he ought to be well mounted, in order to be able to accomplish it satisfactorily. I remember seeing, upon one occasion, a pack flying up the wind, running heel, while the first and second whips were endeavouring m vain to get to their heads ; and for more than a mile this race continued. At last the whips stopped them ; but not in time ; for the scent, — beaten as the fox was, to within a handful of seconds of his death, — had become so cold that the hounds could not hunt him an inch. The Master searched his vocabulary for expressive terms, and swore many a round oath at his servants : but the fault centred in his ill-conditioned screws ; not in his servants. Rating behind, when hounds are to be stopped, is of no use. They will not mind it ; and, in my ]54 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. opinion, it frequently increases, instead of check- ing their speed. When a hound is to be punished, he should first have the whip, and then be rated ; as he will naturally avoid the thong, upon receiving intimation that his fault has not escaped notice. Young hounds must be kept in very great sub- jection. Nothing can be done with them unless they fear punishment ; and, when deserving, it is the duty of the whipper-in to administer it with justice, but not with barbarity. I have heard of periodical floggings being given in the kennel, for no committed faults whatever : but I trust the report of such shameful cruelty is mere fabrication. A whipper-in sometimes will rate young hounds before they commit the offence, seeing that they are about to do so. This may and will prevent their rioting, or whatever fault it may be, on this particular occasion : but they will be just as ready to begin, the next opportunity. It is better to let them quite alone until he sees what they would be at, and then deal out the discipline in accordance with the degree of the offence. Whether a riotous young hound runs little or much, is of small consequence : it is the blood only that signifies ; which in every kind of riot should carefully be prevented. If a hound obeys the rate, he must not be DUTY OF THE WHIPPER-IN. ] 55 touched with the thong : but if not, he sliould be taken up immediately and flogged severely. I abhor cruelty : but, even for the sake of humanity, a hound should be hit hard ; as it prevents chastise- ments being often required. There are hounds, like some men — I was going to add " women," but politeness forbids — and children, more riotous than others, and requiring severer measures for their subjection. Such hounds should be taken out by themselves, on the days they do not hunt, and properly drilled. If this method will not make them steady, no other can ; and the rope is the only alternative left : but, in nineteen times out of twenty, it is a trial between the whipper-in and the refractory dog ; and I would back the for- mer, at ten to one, if he be firm and patient. A whipper-in should never put the pack into confusion, and run the imminent risk of ridinoj over some of them, by galloping into the midst of hounds, for the purpose of administering punish- ment. He should wait his opportunity to single out the hound, and then flog and rate him. It is one of his principal duties, to lift the tail hounds ; and in this a good and efficient servant is of the very greatest use in fox-hunting. He must occa- sionally, too, get forward himself, when the hunts- man is not with the hounds ; and now it is that his capability for hunting them will have an oppor- 156 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. timitj of developing itself. No excuse, except that a dense fog prevails, or liounds run into dark- ness, is admissible, for his not bringing every hound home. A Master may sometimes be in- formed that his whipper-in thought a lost hound was forward, when he was left behind, or that he got off unseen ; and such like excuses may be offered. But the reply to one and all is, " You have no business to think; you should know whether all your hounds are forward or not ; and, as to getting away unseen, what are your eyes and ears for?" " Forward " is a good and necessary halloo from the tongue of the whipper-in ; but it should not be so continually in his mouth as it generally is. It is his natural desire, as well as the principal part of his duty, to get hounds forward ; but he should neve7' use this halloo until a foof he found. Observing this, the hounds will always fly to it. In getting hounds out of covert, or into it, other halloos may be used ; such as, " Get away," or " Get to him," &c. Hounds never have the same affection for the whipper-in as they have for the huntsman ; the former being the stern minister of punishment : but it is necessary that they should be well ac- quainted with him in a more friendly position; and therefore he should be admitted into the kennel ' inp DUTY OF THE WHIPPER-IN. 157 daily, for an exchange of civilities. Huntsmen, frequently, are jealous of the whipper-in ; they look upon him as a successor, and therefore do not readily give him admittance there. How- ever, this is for the ]\[ aster to have an eye to. I have been speaking of the whipper-in ; not thinkino: it worth while to notice the second, should there be two in the establishment. He is, gene- rally speaking, as ignorant of the duties of a whipper-in, as a recruit, fresh caught, is of those of a soldier. All that I shall observe concerning his duties, is, that he must neither cheer nor rate a hound, but when quite certain of the correctness of the measure ; and never get forward, as long as a sinde hound remains behind. CHAPTER XI. A FEW HINTS UPON THE METHOD OF RIDING STRAIGHT TO HOUNDS. — THE STAG-HOUND, HARRIER, AND BEAGLE. In submitting these few hints upon the most approved method of riding to hounds, I am not going to make a futile attempt to teach the art of 158 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. equestrianism; for it would, be as impossible, through the medium of written instructions, to teach a man how to ride as how to swim. A few suggestions, however, may not be without use, and I hope will be received in the spirit in which I give them. There are few novices who have not experienced a misadventure similar to that which I am about to relate; although it may not have been, like mine, at their dehut. \ It was not, strictly speaking, the first time of my being at the covert side ; but it was on that adventurous and momentous morn when, ere the first cock threw his challenge on the breeze, to warn the owl to her hollow in the cankered oak, and to rouse the dozy rook from his perch on the towering elm, — I stood in my maiden " bit of pink," dressed from top to toe in all that becomes a fox-hunter. It was very cold ; and yet never did my blood feel warmer than now, as I wafted a vow, (before a looking-glass that com.passed every barley-corn of my form and figure,) in a breathless mutter, to do such deeds this day that the oldest in the field should yield, in judgment, the palm to me ; and the most daring, the laurel and the brush. Be it rem_embered, however, that the razor, laid on the table at hand, had not yet had its edge blunted by my beard. RIDING TO HOUNDS. 159 Arrived at the furze brake, and just as the hounds were thrown into it, I fancied that my girths were somewhat slack : and I dismounted to get a pull at them. At this moment, a fox broke. The "tally-ho," came clear and ringing from the first whipper-in, stationed at the further end of the covert. " For'ard, for'ard!" hallooed the huntsman ; and every hound flying to the cheer, away they went, w^ith their heads up and sterns down, as fleet as swallows skimming through the air. My horse, young and ardent like myself, fretted to join the chase ; and, to show his impatience, began to plunge and to rear. This retarded my movements ; and, to convince him that I was equally impatient at any thing that tended to detain me, I gave him a stroke with my whip " Now then, young gentleman," shouted a gallant old colonel, the character from whom I drew, as faithfully as I could, to the life, my " Old English Gentleman ; " " Now then," repeated he, sweeping past me, "you'll never see any more of them, if ye don't come along." The struggle now became furious between me and my hunter. I tried with desperation to throw myself into the saddle ; but the continued plunging of the horse prevented my accomplishing it : and his rearing, as may be supposed, was in 160 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. no degree aba-ted by my angrily jerking him by the bridle and applying the whip vigorously. At length I managed to scramble upon his back ; but not a horseman was in sight; not a sound was to be heard. I stretched my eyes and strained my ears in vain, to catch intelligence of the course that I was to take. The country being wide enclo- sures of pasture, I could not even learn by the tracks, except for a very short distance where the land was soft, where the hunt had passed. In the belief, however, that the fox was pointing to a large covert, in the direction that he had taken at the burst, I lifted hard towards it ; hoping that I should " nick in." On my road thither, I espied four labourers at work in a fallow field. " Have you seen the hounds?" inquired I. "Yes, zur," replied they simultaneously. " Which way did they go?" — " That way, zur," replied the quar- tette, stretching out their dexter arms in pre- cisely the four opposite corners of the compass. Dispirited and miserable at my untoward luck, I turned the head of my horse towards home; and if I wept on my road thither, it was known to myself only. Well ! this was an early lesson, the fruits of which lasted without the remotest chance of being forgotten, to " get well away " with hounds, and to be prepared at all points pre- RIDING TO HOUNDS. Kjx viously to hounds being thrown ofl*. If girths are to be tightened, stirrups shortened, curb- chains slackened, or, in short, if any alteration is to be made in any thing connected with yourself or your horse, it should be done in time, and plenty of it to spare. Every body, who knows the least about fox- hunting, is aware how essential it is to get well away with hounds at the burst. If there be any thing like a distance to be made up at the begin- ning, to get close to hounds, — and what sport is there in being out of sight and out of hearing of them? — remember that it must be done greatly at the expense of your horse. He has not got, what is called, his "second wind;" and if pressed at first, he may be run to a stand-still, particularly if not in first-rate condition : and it must greatly tend to take the steel out of him, in any case ; which may be found sadly detrimental in a fast and long run. In order, therefore, to get a good start, you should place yourself in such a position, by the covert side, as to be able to get away with hounds, let the fox break at ichat point he may. Occasionally such a position is selected, as that, if the fox breaks at a particular spot or corner, you m^ayhead the whole field at the burst; but nothing can be more likely to throw you out than this, as you think, very cunning manceuvre. You should M 162 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. be careful not to take a too forward place, talk loudly, nor imprudently "Tally" the fox, before he gets clear of the covert, so as to head him back. Any such proceeding evinces a superlative " green- ness" in your character as a sportsman. Recollect, that if a fox runs up tlie w^ind when found, and afterwards turns, he seldom, if ever, turns again. This may be of use to you, in getting away with him ; particularly if by any accident you have been left in the rear and have to lift hard. There is a vast deal of difference, between riding desperately across country, without any judgment at all, and riding boldly with. I have seen some horses beaten by the former kind of riding, long before the latter mode has even taken a sob of distress out of others ; and it is needless to say which has lived to the finish. A timid rider, I can scarcely imagine capable of really enjoying the sport of fox-hunting. His fears must, necessarily, be so constantly awakened, that they cannot but drown the pleasurable and healthy excitement of this, as Sheridan Knowles calls it, " ecstasy of motion ; " and I am quite assured that a nervous horseman is far more likely to get into difficulties and to meet with accidents, than one who faces obstructions reasonably to be met. I have heard of men " riding at every thing RIDING TO HOUNDS. IQ-J that it might please Heaven to send ; " and so I have of people "throwing themselves from the apex of the Monument ; " but I am happy to say that these maniacs were no acquaintances of mine. Courage and recklessness are acknowledged to be as dissimilar as the elements of fire and water. Now, he who would ride with safety and pleasure to himself, and to the admiration of observers, will endeavour to distinguish between riding as if life, limb, and horse-flesh were of no value, and creeping about the lanes and roads, craning over turnip hurdles, and enacting the part which any venerable lady of three-score and ten might per- form equally well, w^ith the aid of a pair of spec- tacles. Let him feel his stirrups, fortify his heart, and ride like a gentleman and a sportsman. To ride over a gate, when you can easily throw it back upon its hinges, or to take any totally unnecessary leap, is any thing but to show your judgment. Remember " the race is not always to the swift ; " and that, in a long run, it is next to a certainty that you will have as much leaping as the most rapacious can desire. If you " take liberties " with your horse, he will not last as long as you may require him ; and, although you may look well in the " first flight," and for a time, yet, when those who nursed their nags give you the " go-by," later in the day, and at the time when 164 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. the geiiuine sportsman shows in front, you will feel, — in the explicit language of an eminent stable-boy, — "as if you had been split up the back, and all the pride and conceit taken out of you." In getting over heavy ground, you should en- deavour to ease your horse as much as possible. Let your eyes be on the look-out for a headland, ridge, or road, on which you can make better play; and tighten your reins, while the trouble lasts. The lost distance must be made good on a better course. When a horse is " blown," turn his head from any thing like a leap of magnitude. It is quite impossible that he can take it with any degree of safety ; and the attempt is a foolish risk of some deplorable result. After having cleared a fence, or barrier of any kind, into an enclosure, look instantly for the best place for your next leap ; and, having fixed upon it, keep your horse as straight as an arrow towards the spot, and nevc7' swerve. A great deal depends upon your keeping the head of your horse in a direct line with his quarters, in taking a leap ; for, if you pull him either to the near or to the off side, the chances are greatly in favour of his sending you to bite the ground in company with himself. RIDING TO HOUNDS. 165 I have seen many unseated at their leaps, from checking their horses at the moment of taking them. At this jmicture, you should keep a steady hand, but by no means a slack rein. The curb, however, should not be felt ; and the horse must have his head given hira. All this can be managed without riding with loose reins ; as keeping a horse together often prevents his " knuckling," upon landing from his spring. In " tailing hounds," you must be careful not to get unnecessarily close to their sterns. In that case, you may ride over them, particularly when they come to a sudden check ; and it is impossible to know, even when the scent is a burning one, when this may not happen. When a horse has " shot his bolt" in hunting, punishment is of no avail. In a race, the spur and whip have often landed a winner, by half a head, who, without them, would have been a loser by a much greater distance. But in hunting, there are no such precise limits fixed for the horse to exert his noble powers of speed and strength in ; and victory is never the question of a nose or a neck. If, therefore, your horse evinces symptoms of being run to a stand-still, either from the killing pace, the condition of the ground, or, what is worse still, his own want of condition ; pull him up, and reserve him for a future day. He might, 166 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. perhaps, be urged to do a little more : but it would be the act of a butcher to force him ; and the cruel deed would be followed, in all probability, by either his death, destruction, or being unfitted to go to hounds again that season, except in the knacker's cart. Previously to making the attempt "to ride straight to hounds," you should be well acquainted with your horse. This can only be gained by having seen him go in good form, or by proviiig by degrees that he possesses the capacities of so doing. To purchase, however, a horse, that you know nothing whatever about, because he may be de- scribed as *' a perfect hunter," and to mount him with the resolve to test his merits to the claim at once, is a truly break-neck proceeding. A friend of mine purchased " a perfect hunter" at Tattersall's; and, taking the warranty to be as true as the sun, determined to try him a bat with the Royal Buck- hounds. Within ten minutes of the commence- ment of the run, mv friend's rioht thioh was frac- tured in two places, although one of the best riders in England. The horse swerved at a com- mon hurdle, and fell upon him. In speaking hitherto of hounds and of hunting, I have confined myself exclusively to what belongs to the pursuit of the Fox ; that there might be no confusion or misconception as to this chief of STAG-HUNTING. 167 our national sports. But I shall now, that there may be no void in my original design, to notice every description of legitimate sport, — proceed to lateral branches. If it were my province to carp at any description of sport, I should begin to find fault with and satirize Stafj-hunting. However, I shall not dwell upon such sport as the uncarting of a half-tamed brute, to be '* run into" in a turnpike road, re- carted, taken home, and reserved for another simi- lar bit of " a cockney spree." Others may see grand sport in the arrangement. I never could ; and, except the stag-hunting I have witnessed with the Devon and Somerset staij-hounds, where the antlered monarch of the wild is uproused from his lair in his native woods, I would as soon see a fatted calf worried to death by bull-dogs, as such a libel upon " sport." Stag-hunting, with the exception I have men- tioned, scarcely deserves to be ranked under the head of the chase, any more than shaking down a miserable wretch of a bagged fox merits the title of fox-hunting. There is no huntincj in either in- stance. The unhappy wretches are brought cap- tives to the spots appointed for the beginning of their martyrdom ; and are then run into, killed, or lost, as the twenty chances to one against the latter event coming off may be directed by the Fates. 168 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. The hound that is now in vogue for this pur- pose is very little different in breed from the fox- hound. The last original pack of stag-hounds in this country, — such, at least, as were used by our ancestors, — hunted the wild red deer on the extensive moors in Devonshire, Cornwall, and Somersetshire, about a quarter of a century since. These were sold to go into Germany, from the want of spirit to keep them up; and now the same kind is used that may be seen in the royal kennel : a cross between the old Eiiglish southern hound and the fleeter fox -hound, grafted upon the blood-hound. Such is the perfection to which practical breeding is reduced, that a breeder, by judicious crosses, can either enlarge or diminish the stature and strength of his pack, in the course of three or four generations. The Beagle is the smallest of the dogs of the chase which go under the general denomination of hound. For the beade I entertain the very greatest admiration. In my opinion, he is the very description of hound for chasing the hare ; and no other, save the gaze-hound (corrupted into gray-hound,) who trusts alone to his speed for a few seconds, is fitted in size, pace, and strength, for hunting this timid but fleet animal. 2'he Harrier, so called, is generally too fleet, too big, and too strong, for allowing the hare to show \ THE BEAGLE.— THE HARRIER. 169 sufficient sport. He is too near the stamp of a fox-hound ; and is more than a fair match for puss, although occasionally a hare may be found to afford a run little less strong than a good dog fox. This, however, is of rare occurrence ; and the hare is generally either killed or lost in a few minutes, when a pack of modern harriers ring their tongues at her scut. Indeed, from the crosses that have been made, to get this hound speedy, lie is now quite equal, and very often superior, to the fox-hound, in pace. Originally he was generated in a double cross between the small beagle, the southern hound, and the dwarf fox-hound. Now, however, he approaches far nearer to the hound bred exclusively, and designed by size and powers, for hunting the fox. There are, however, various harriers produced by crosses in breeding, dictated by knowledge and experience, and depending on the kind of country they hunt in, and the wish or fancy of the owner of the pack ; all of which are a great alteration in the blood. If the object be, — as for the most part it is now, in every description of sport, to kill quickly, the harrier is the hound capable of bringing about this result in less than one third the time that the little beagle is in effecting it ; and this I imagine is the cause of the beagle being superseded by the harrier, and now so little used in the chase. 170 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. The harrier has neither the dash nor the spirit of the fox-hound : he cannot face the furze brake like him: and there are situations where he is too weak ; being ill suited for low, swampy, and marshy lands. The southern hound seems to be best calculated for such localities. For large, open countries, where hares will run remarkably strong and straight like foxes, harriers will show good sport : but they are ill adapted for close woodlands ; being both too fleet for the purpose, and too sensitive in getting through strong fences. On no account should harriers be permitted to hunt foxes; although it is by no means an uncommon practice to let them do so, in the event of "the varmint" jumping up by accident. The high scent that a fox leaves, his direct running, and the completely different style of hunting, is productive altogether of a very great injury and disservice to harriers. To return, however, to the beagle. Ladies, and gentlemen frosted by time, are the only " exclu- sives" allowed by the code of strict propriety to ride after beagles. Men of strength, health, and sound sails to hold the wind, should stretch their best legs foremost, and run on foot after the merry pack. It will add years to life, and drive away every tendency to disease, ills, and aches, from the toe to the head. I do not mean, how- THE BEAGLE. 171 ever, that disorders are to lodge in the caput, and thus only make a change in the locality : a clear ejectment will be effected. Beagles, to be very choice, can scarcely be bred too small. The standard of perfection is con- sidered to be from ten to eleven inches ; and the latter should be the mawimum height. Although far inferior in point of speed to the harrier, the sense of smelling is equally, if not more, exquisite in the beagle. In pursuing the hare, too, he exer- cises indefatigable vigilance, energy, and perseve- rance. Every winding and double is traced by him with a degree of exactness which must be seen to be enjoyed and justly estimated ; and his cry "loads the trembling air" with unequalled music. Nothing can be more melodious and beautiful than to hear the pigmy pack open at a hare ; and if slow, comparatively speaking, in running her, should the scent be good, she stands but little chance of escape from them in the end. Their slowness, however, in these fast times, is the principal reason of their being almost totally discontinued in packs ; and of their being seldom to be met with now, beyond a few couples, used in some of the counties in England, to ensure a find in coursing, or to drive rabbits from large and thick coverts. The only packs of Beagles that I know of, are 172 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. those belonging to His Royal Highness Prince Albert, Lord Winterton, and the Rev. Mr. Honey- wood. I was informed that the Prince offered a large sum for the pack belonging to Mr. Honey- wood ; but that it was respectfully declined. Greater perfection could not be arrived at, than in that beautiful pack of pigmies. Not one exceeds ten inches ; and they are as level as a pack of cards ; the colour, throughout, being pure white. It is quite beyond credence the number of hares they kill in the course of a season. When running with a good scent, they might be imagined to belong to the fairy Queen ; so small, fast, and handsome are they. THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. BOOK THIRD. SHOOTING. SHOOTING. CHAPTER XII. THE DETONATING SYSTEM. — GUNMAKERS. — AND THE CHOICE OF A GUN. Now that flint guns are eMinct, it would be useless for me to dwell for one moment on a com- parison between tbe merits of the detonating system and the antiquated " tinder-box," which experience, that best of judges, has consigned to oblivion. If not in every way inferior to the percussion gun, it is quite conclusive of the question, that the flint has been abandoned, from the balance being so much in favour of the detonating: to this, therefore, I shall exclusively refer. In speaking of the mechanical parts of a gun, I shall confine myself to that which should be familiar to the sportsman ; and not weary him with details, perfectly useless except to the gun- 176 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. maker ; for it is not to be supposed that sports- men generally take greater interest in the boring of barrels or the fabricating of locks, than in the stitching of their saddles and bridles. So the work be done, and done well, the hew is a matter of little moment. In the first instance, I must direct the atten- tion of the i;yro to the choice of a gun for general purposes. This is a matter of the very greatest importance ; as, although good shots may be made with a bad piece, it is to be expected that many must be spoiled by it. It is not my pur- pose to jmf any particular maker of guns : but I think it a duty to mention the names of those whom I have found to be as good as, if not better than, any other makers coming under my notice. The London makers have a knack of turninor up their noses at Westley Richards, and talk about his guns being " Birmingham manufacture." It is quite true that they are so, and he professes them to be no more. I should like to know if the London tribe, in saying that their guns are London manufacture, tell the like truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I have shot with Westley Richards' guns for a consider- able period ; and I consider that there is no maker of the day superior to him. Lancaster, also, ranks deservedly high. For a season, I shot GUNMAKERS. ] 77 with one of his side-primers; and, although an ingenious invention, I do not like it, nor indeed any of the improvements, so called, s-o well as the cock and nipple. Lancaster's machine for the finish of barrel- boring is perfection, and could emanate only from an exceedingly clever man. It is some time since I saw it ; and when I did so, it was quite as a stranger : but he took great pains to explain to me the properties belonging to the invention ; and I was quite satisfied that his assertion of his capability of making any given number of guns to shoot alike was perfectly correct. During the reign of the immortal Joe Manton, Mr. Lan- caster was known only as a barrel-finisher ; and, as his work did not comprise the engraving and browning, many of the trade took the credit of his skill. If there are makers equal to Lancaster, I am quite certain that there is not one entitled to rank before him. Purdey also turns out as fine work as any living maker. I will not make any envious distinctions, while giving a short list of eminent gunmakers whose fowling- pieces I have formerly possessed, or now have : but the best gun that I ever put to my shoulder was made by Purdey. I had a gun made by John Egg, son of the eminent D. Egg ; and that was a very good one. I have now mentioned the N 378 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. names of the distinguished makers whose guns I can recommend, from a long acquaintance and constant trials of their excellence. It must be remembered, however, that these a7'tists make a sensible impression on fifty guineas, for a speci- men of their handicraft ; a sum which a youncj sportsman may not always be willing to part withal. I shall therefore mention the name of another maker, whom I know to be good, and whose habit at present (I say at present ; for I have no doubt that the time is not far distant when there will be an ascendant price) is to charge twenty less, for a liighly-finished and good gun. This is John Blissett of High Holborn ; than whom a better judge of what should be, from the nose of the barrel to the heel plate, I do not think exists. I gave him thirty guineas for -one of his best double guns, in case, and every thing complete ; and I do no more than common justice in saying, that it was as good as a man could wish to pull the trigger of. In a subsequent page of this volume, an alpha- betical list of the London gunmakers will be found : but I must say that, in addition to those already named, there are many others of equally deserved celebrity ; such as Messrs. Moore, John Manton, a son of the celebrated Joe, Nock, Smith, Wilkinson, &c. In selecting the few particularly CHOICE OF A GUN. 179 mentioned, I have confined myself to those, as I have before said, whose guns I have shot with, and can therefore answer for. It is one of the common errors with young sportsmen, to like crooked stocks and light guns ; than which nothing can be more prejudicial. In speaking of the weight and gauge, I am alluding to a double-barrelled detonating gun for the general purposes of shooting, and not for particular or exceptional ones. The length of a stock must depend upon the length of arm or reach ; as one man can bring a gun readily and with ease to his shoulder, which another could not get there. In choosing a gun, therefore, as much care should be taken in having the stock fitted to the shoulder as in adapting the sleeve of a coat to the length of the arm ; but, in all cases, the stock should be as straight as pos- sibly can be managed with ; as a crooked one keeps the nose of the gun downwards, and thus throws under the object. When a stock well- adapted to the shoulder is found, it should be kept as a pattern for any other that may be re- quired : or its dimensions should be registered. The barrels should be at least thirty or thirty- one inches in length ; and I think the latter most desirable, as it is a very great fallacy to imagine that short barrels shoot as well as long ones. I ]80 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. remember a friend telling me that he possessed an old flint gun, and wishing to apply it to covert shooting only, he had the barrels cut shorter, and found it to throw the shot better than in its former state. Similar experiments have been tried with the like success : but this was in consequence of the barrels being improperly bored, for a long calibre ; and therefore the length, instead of being a very great assistance, was a serious impediment. Unless the bore be in proportion to the length, such must be the result. The barrels should be fourteen gauge ; a smaller one not permitting the charge to ignite before a portion of it is driven from the barrel. It is generally supposed that the quicker the explosion, the greater the force that must accom- pany it. This is a mistake ; as has been proved beyond a question by experiments, and as I flatter myself I shall have little difllculty in showing. It is obvious that the force is derived from the powder ; and if, as has been clearly shown by the machine invented by Mr. Wilkinson of Pall Mall, the detonating fire may pass through an entire charge of fine powder without igniting more than one half, the force must be materially lessened by too rapid an ignition. In this particular, ignition by the flint possessed an advantage, by giving time for the powder to burn ; and there can be no CHOICE OF A GUN. igl doubt that the force of the flint srims was much greater in proportion than that of our detonating ones. Inventions have been rife, to obtain a quicker and more direct ignition ; whereas we clearly require one to retard it. Mr. Wilkinson invented what he was pleased to call " a counter- parabolic breeching," in order to obtain the desired end. I read his pamphlet, explanatory of its merits, with attention ; and I considered it ema- nating from a man not only ingenious, but whose ingenuity might very likely be turned to consider- able advantage. I have had no opportunity of trying this high-flown " counter-parabolic breech- ing," as it was christened : but I cannot help thinking that the retarding, or counter action, would be very likely to give a man's shoulder an unpleasant kick. A light gun is by no means adapted for the detonating power. The recoil is so much greater than with a flint, that additional metal is necessary to withstand it ; and the wear and tear is so much increased by the force applied, that, unless there be sufiicient substance, the gun will quickly be worn out. About seven and a half pounds should be the minimum, and eight and a half pounds the maximum weight of a gun. I proceed to give a few instructions concerning the choice of the locks. About the first thing that a man does 182 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. when a gun is placed in his hands for inspection, is to try the springs of the locks ; and I have little hesitation in saying that, although not an infallible test of its general merits, any person who has had a first-rate gun in his possession may invariably know, by the feel of the locks, whether it be a genuine and highly-finished production. These, when the cock is brought gradually up, should glide with the touch and have an easy and smooth action. If there be a harsh, grating, and unplea- sant feel, there is not the work that there should be in a good lock. I am not partial to the mainspring being unnecessarily strong ; but I would rather have it too strong than too weak ; and a nice sharp click, when the scear catches the tumbler, is music to my ear. The regulation of the trigger is a matter of the very greatest importance ; although it so often escapes the attention of even experienced sportsmen. If it goes too hard to the pull, the nose or muzzle of the gun becomes lowered by the action, and the charge is thrown under the object ; and if it be too light and tender, there is danger of the gun going off before you intend that it should. Filing the notch, where the scear catches the tumbler, either deeper or the reverse, will easily remedy the defect : but it requires a nice hand to perform the operation. CHOICE OF A GUN. 183 As in the case of the stocks to your guns, all your triggers should be alike ; that is, should pull an equal weight. Nothing is so likely to throw a sportsman far out of his reckoning as a great variation in the pull of his triggers. Purdey's best double guns average about four pounds : but the near trigger is set a trifle under this ; as the right-hand trisraer, beino^ farther off, will bear a greater pressure, although not an apparent one to the finger. This makes the two pull equally. It is a good plan to have a hook with a spring, called a trigger steelyard; as it may bo always known by this when, from wear and tear, a trigger pulls more or less than it should do. The Nipple is a very small, but a very impor- tant article in the gun. It formerly used to be placed perpendicularly : but it i& now the rule to slope the nipples; and, although not quite so convenient, in placing on the caps, the present practice is safer, in the event of an accident occurring, by either a particle of the copper flying from the cock, or by the cock being blown back and the nipple out. The eye is not then so im- mediately in contact. The hole in the nipple is frequently supposed to be scarcely capable of being too small; and I have heard a few, who have even grown gray in the service, express a belief that much safety depends upon the nipple IS^ I'HE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. being contracted. All things when worn out should be cast aside ; and nipples form no ex- ception to the rule : but the danger of blowing the cock back, from a large hole in the nipple, may always be prevented by having a strong and good mainspring. Some nipples are formed on the outside like a screw, for the purpose of better securing the caps : but this collects dirt and rust ; and it is far better to have them perfectly plain ; for, if the caps fit well, as they should do, they will keep on quite as well as if the nipples were grooved. The Cock, or striker, should, when upon the nipple, cover it so completely that none of the copper from the exploded cap can escape from its grasp. Many an eye has been lost, in consequence of the neglect of this ; although since the universal use of the stout copper caps, which yield to the blow in four equal divisions, few accidents are now heard of. But, when those wretched thin "French caps" were so often used, and the d-etonating system less in vogue, accidents of this kind were very frequent. As an instance of the danger attending the use of thin, cheap, copper caps, I shall relate what befel a gentleman residing in the north of Devon- shire, as told me by himself His eldest son had just returned from shooting, bringing his gun into CHOICE OF A GUN. 185 the house, loaded. The father, who had a great objection to this unsafe proceeding, took the gun from his son's hands, for the purpose of draw- ing the shot and firing off the powder. At the time of taking the gun, it was on the half-cock. Previously to inserting the rod into the left-hand barrel, the gentleman put both the cocks upon the nipples. While in the act of drawing the wadding of the near barrel, the right-hand one exploded, shattering the trigger finger into atoms ; and the charge grazing his forehead. Now, the only way to account for such an accident is this ; for my friend is an old and experienced sportsman, and cannot be mistaken as to the position in which he had placed the cocks : The striker was not fairly down upon the head of the cap ; but had lodged upon the side of it, from not being properly placed on, or not fitting, the nipple. A jar or a slip caused the cock to descend, when the butt was placed upon the ground ; and the cap, being " a French one," was too thin to bear the slight concussion. If it had been a strong, thick cap, there could have been no such lamentable result. Many protections have been invented, to save the eye from the flying particles of the cap : but none are so effectual as a sloping nipple, with a strong, thick copper cap, and a deep concave- headed cock to cover it. 186 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. A Vent-hole should be in every detonator; otherwise, the gun is sure to recoil most painfully when it has been shot with ten or a dozen times ; although T cailnot deny that it may shoot some- what stronger without one. The Ram-rod should be thick. Not only is strength thereby gained in this indispensable ac- companiment, the accidental splintering of which has very frequently occasioned the loss of a good day's sport : but the loading is rendered more easy. The common worm at the end is much better than the one made like a screw; as the latter soon becomes useless from wear. The Sight should be very small. If one be made unnecessarily large, it is worse than useless, by its being an impediment to the eye. Except for those in the rudiments of sporting, taking deliberate aim at unsuspecting sparrows, the sight is of little advantage ; and will be quickly uncared for, when the novice has acquired the art of bringing his gun to bear quickly upon the object. I have seen sights little less than horse-beans; and, when my attention has been drawn to them, I have wished that the maker had an incurable carbuncle of the same size upon his nose, decreed to last as long as his mortal span might be extended. Colonel Hawker, in his " Instructions to Young Sportsmen," dips into the mechanical CHOICE OF A GUN. 187 particulars of gim-making much farther than I intend to go; as he boldly asserts that "he gave the immortal Joe Manton a few capital wrinkles, if he was not the inventor of copper caps." I am not disposed to enter the lists with the gallant Colonel; although I am vain enough to believe that I should do so under considerable advantage : as he evinces, in his retorts upon his critics and plagiarists, a want of stoutness of hide ; whereas I defy the heaviest cudgel that ever thwacked the untanned quarters of an ass. However, trusting to his generosity that he will not dub me " one who compiles for so much a sheet, and who knows something less than nothing about ' field and flood,'" I shall insert a few lines of his great work, — which I really think should have been entitled " The Gunmaker's Preceptor," instead of "Instructions to Young Sportsmen," — upon the Elevation of a gun. The Colonel observes, " As a proof of my original argument in favour of Joe Manton's elevation, my readers need only observe how universal it has now become with every gunmaker in, and even out of, the kingdom. It would be therefore a waste of time to reprint my former arguments in support of it, particularly as I may substitute, in place of them, something new on the subject. " By further discoveries, I have pretty well 188 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. proved that all of us sportsmen, the ivhole trade, and even Joe himself, have been somewhat in the dark about the precise degree for this elevation ; and this is perhaps the reason why many quacks have fancied that short guns will kill the farthest. They talk nonsense : but still the short guns have often shown off best in the field. Why is it ? be- cause the gunmakers regulate the elevations to shoot well to the bull's eye ; whereas they ought to shoot above the bull's eye; and the longer the GUN, THE HIGHER MUST BE THE ELEVATION ! Let this be placarded as a golden rule for every sports- man and every gunmaker in the kingdom. Let me state a proof of this. I ordered a gun some time ago, fourteen gauge and two feet ten barrels ; and selected Charles Lancaster as indisputably one of the best makers (I should give offence per- haps if I said the best maker) now in London. This gun shot beautifully ; but no better than my two feet eight barrels ! ' Now then, sir,' said many in the trade, ' won't you be convinced that your extra two inches are superfluous?' At first I began to, what is vulgarly called, ' draw in my horns:' but I soon discovered what was the matter. A two feet ten gun, with the rifle no more elevated than a two feet eight gun, invari- ably puts the body of the charge under the mark, at all distances beyond about thirty-five CHOICE OF A GUN. 189 yards. I therefore had this gun botched up, for mere experiment, with more elevation ; and then there was not a detonator in my possession that stood any chance with it. This was merely giving enough elevation, supposing the object to be within point-blank range, and stationary or going straight on. But, when we consider that all objects above forty yards are so far beyond point-blank range, that, if the gun is not kept well up, the shot will fall from its own gravity ; that a long snap-shot is always at a rising, and not at a straight-forward- going bird ; and that, if a good shot misses through being nervous, it is almost always because his left hand drops as he flinches ; we should rarely err, by somewhat over-e\QYa>tmg our guns. I never per- haps should have proved this, but with experi- ments with large coast-guns; which as I before observed, like large telescopes, bring things to light ; and, by means of being fired, sometimes, on water as smooth as a looking-glass, give a decided evidence of all the effects that are produced in gunnery. With regard to elevation in 'proportion to length, the late General Shrapnell frequently observed to m.e what has here been said ; and so has the Baron de Berenger, who showed me a very clever scale on elevations : and therefore it would not be fair in me to publish one ; as, by so doing, I should more or less have to copy the 190 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. sketches of the Baron. Enough of this dry subject : so now let the gunmakers, and many sportsmen, recollect, that up to the latest period there has still been something for them to learn ! How contemptible therefore is it for any man to fancy his works perfection ! Now, I dare say the gun- makers will tell you they knew all this before ! If so, then, why have they not profited by it ?" CHAPTER XHI. FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE CHOICE OF GUNS. THE LOCKS, &c, &c. Hitherto I have been speaking of a gun for the general purposes of shooting : but there are particular descriptions of sport for which other kinds of guns are better suited or are absolutely necessary. For shooting exclusively in covert, shorter barrels than I have mentioned will be far more handy and convenient ; and, as a long shot will very rarely be required, the not throwing the lead to a great distance is of minor consideration. I think, for this object, barrels twenty-eight or twenty-nine inches are of sufficient length ; and CHOICE OF A GUN. 191 the weight of the gun need not exceed seven or seven and a half pounds. A Duck cjun, — I am not alluding to the stanchion or punt gun, — can, without a douht, be obtained from Westley Richards better than from any- other living maker. The London makers are not capable of turning out a heavy piece, of fifteen or seventeen pounds weight. They can manage one of much less weight, say under fourteen pounds ; but even in this their gun is frequently more pleasing to the eye than useful in the rough work for which it is destined. A duck gun can scarcely be too plain. Fancy work about it is as ridiculous as the placing a gold band round a " sou'-wester " would be. The stock should be substantial ; and the rule that I have before referred to, about its being straight, does not apply to this description of gun. It should curve materially ; as this not only lessens the recoil, but, in holding out so great a weight, it is impossible to drop the head with the same facility as in bringing a light piece to the shoulder. The butt should be very broad. This tends to save the shoulder from contusion ; and a heel- plate is quite unnecessary, as it is sure to become unsightly from rust, immediately upon being used. Instead of the looking-glass polish which may occasionally be seen on the stocks of the metro- 192 THE SPORTSIMAN'S LIBRARY. politan makers, paint, and a little varnish over it, will be found more attractive in appearance, after the gun has been a few times in use, and a pre- servative against the cracking influence of the salt water. It is a good plan to have the grasp, or as the gunmakers call it, " the grip,'' whipped with waxed-end, like the handle of a cricket bat ; which is also an assistance in lessening the jar ; and nothing that will tend to do this should be lost sight of. The length of the barrels to be used without a rest must depend in a great degree upon the kind of gun used : but whether a thick short barrel be used, which is more easy to manage, or one of greater length, a great weight, and even equal weight of metal is necessary ; for nothing will efficiently check the recoil of a duck gun but metal. The short thick gun cannot kill so far as the long one ; but the latter, when carried to an extreme, is very inconvenient in bringing to the shoulder, although a better aim may be obtained by it when there. As in most things, the happy medium is the best to be observed, for all purposes ; and barrels from forty-four to forty-eight inches, I am of opinion, are better than those that are either shorter or much longer. I am speaking of a gun to be used without a rest ; for, with a rest, CHOICE OF A GUN. 193 the barrels can scarcely be too long, if the bore be in proportion. I have known Lancaster's and Long's side- primer strongly recommended for duck guns, in preference to the cap. I have not tried either for mine : but the common percussion having pleased me mucli better for my fowling-piece, than Lan- caster's primer did, I have the same cock and nipple to my duck gun as to others, and I have found no reason to wish for an improvement. The object of a duck gun is to kill at long dis- tances, by carrying double the charge required for a piece of common size, closely and with effect. The weight of the metal, the calibre, and length of the barrels, enable us to accomplish this, by using large shot with the same advantage with which Nos. 6 and 7 may be fired from an ordinary gun ; and thus an object may be killed at a much greater distance, and, in the case of a flock of birds, many of them may be brought down. With regard to the weight of the duck gun, it must depend on the charge designed for it to carry. If intended to carry three ounces of lead with effect, it should not be less than twelve pounds, and need not exceed fourteen : to carry four or five ounces, its weight should not be less than eighteen, nor exceed twenty pounds. The Stanchion^ or Punt gun, designed to be fired o 194 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. into fiocks of wild-fowl, from a swivel, should be from seven to nine feet in length of barrel ; seventy to eighty pounds in weight; and the calibre, from an inch and a quarter to an inch and a half bore, in proportion to the length and weight just named. It is needless to say that, for the immensely heavy charge fired from a stanchion, it should be substantial in every way, more especially in the forging of the barrel. Unless the boat to be used be a large double- handed punt, which will safely float a gun of one hundred and ten or one hundred and twenty pounds weight, the ignition must be through the medium of the common flint ; for the recoil is so great from the detonator, that a stanchion of eighty or ninety pounds will not bear it. When the detonator is used, the side-primer is deemed the best ; but as I never fired a stanchion except by the flint, I cannot answer for the assertion, from any experience of my own. Colonel Hawker, to whom may be yielded the first step on the ladder of this branch of our sports, has treated wdld-fowl shooting, generally and particularly, at such a length that there is nothing left for me or for any body to add. Any thing that I could suggest would of necessity, from his perfect skill and long-tried experience, be but a repetition of what he has already published. As CHOICE OF A GUN. I95 I have not found the pleasure that many of my acquaintance have, in the labour and chilling miseries of paddling a punt in shore, in " night's murky darkness," towards the ooze where the watchful flock may be feeding, to blaze among them, trusting to the fickle goddess for many or few, I am not capable of saying so much from my own knowledge upon this subject, as one expressly professing to teach *'the young idea how to shoot," might be supposed capable of doing. It is not my province to carp at the taste of my fellow sportsmen, however different it may be from my own ; and I mention the cause of my inability to teach duck shooting, merely by way of justifying myself in referring to the much superior skill and greater experience of another. In his excellent work on guns and shooting. Co- lonel Hawker occupies a very large space with the pursuit of wild-fowl. Indeed, this seems to be the corner-stone in his superstructure. I shall there- fore, while on this subject, quote two or three of his pages, as the w^ant of the information they contain might cause a void in my own. The Colonel, while on the subject of the stanchion, says, that " As guns to carry a pound of shot at a time are now to be constantly seen on almost every part of the coast, as well as in most of the feu countries, the very few men who formerly had 196 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. them, are now surrounded by rivals ; and therefore, in order still to keep the lead, some of them have had recourse to using guns that carry from one pound and a half to two pounds of shot. The recoil, however, from these guns is so tremendous, that most of the men who used them have met with some accident or other, and are therefore giving them up. The desideratum then is to accomplish this, with no more recoil, or risk of accidents, than there is with other guns ; and thus to have an advantage over the host of ordinary gunners. " The plan that I have adopted is as follows : — " A pair of barrels, put together so as to fire two circles, each one partly eclipsed with the other ; the one ignited hj percussion, and the other by ^ flint ; by which means the trifling difference of the tivo separate modes of ignition makes such an immense difference in the recoil, as to reduce it to a mere nothing in comparison. The proper way to do this, is to put the barrels together, so that the cylinders are parallel to each other ; by which of course they become far apart at the muzzles. The eclipsed part of the circles, when the two barrels are fired together, puts into the paper at least a fourth more shot than any one barrel could be made to do; and the enorynous weight of metal not only gives additional strength to the double dis- CHOICE OF A GUN. 197 charge, but also to eitJier barrel when you fire them separately^ which of course you have the option of doing ; and therefore you are never obliged to discharge an extra pound of shot in waste, as with the huge sinole guns before alluded to. Moreover, the gun, on my plan, cuts two united lanes through the birds, instead of w^asting half the shot in the water and in the air; which is the case when the charge is contained in one large circle. In short, this plan, as it were, forms a kind of oval, to suit the shape of the object ; and thus, at the moment that one part of the birds are being killed by the detonator, the others are just conveniently opening their wings for the flint barrel, though they have not time to rise; because I have here eased the recoil^ and got the barrels together so as to do the business 'point blank. " The mode of easing the recoil is by means of a long loop, worked on, between and under the barrels ; and the swivel-pin going through a slider^ on which rests the whole iveight of the gun. The space within this loop, (about eight inches,) with the exception of an inch and five-eighths that is taken up by the slider, is filled with a spiral spring, which has a play of rather more than two inches ; (and if it had four or five inches of play, I should think it would be all the better.) Con- 198 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. sequentlj, before any jar can take place, to in^ terrupt the point blank deliver^/ of the charge, the shot has left the gun ; which is afterwards brought forward again, by the reaction of the spring. The loop should be made of horse-nail stubs, and forged on to the barrels. Mine is not so ; there- fore if this part fails, the fault lies with the late Mr. Fullerd, and not with me. Suppose this ivas to give way, — which would be almost impossible, if done as it should be, — then you have a ring in the stock, (all of which, except a moveable butt, is of cannon metal,) with a reserve rope that takes up the recoil immediately. " No plan that I had ever before seen was worthy of being compared to this ; and in every possible way I have tried both the gun and punt." A Pigeon gun, or one used for the express purpose of trap shooting, should have a large gauge ; as the larger the bore and charge, the wider the circle of the shot. I never was, and never shall be, a " trap shot ;" for I see no sport in slaughtering in so tame and spiritless a manner. However, as some of my readers may require a gun of this description, I shall not pass it over without a few words upon the choice of it. As a matter of course, the loider the circle of shot, the weaker the blow of the charge ; and as a pigeon, to fall within bounds, is a bird well known to CHOICE OF A GUN. 199 require to be hit hard, the calibre must not be so large as to scatter the shot in too wide a circle. As the means of avoiding the two extremes in this branch of shooting, I think twelve gauge the best. Particular attention should be paid to the stock of a pigeon gun. It is scarcely possible to err in having the stock as straight as can be managed with ; the majority of birds missed from a trap being so in consequence of shooting under them ; and nothing is so likely to occasion this as a crooked stock. As a man is very likely to be nervous when exhibiting before an assemblage, backing his skill and betting against it, I advise him to be more than ordinarily particular in the pull of his trigger. As his finger may not feel quite under his control, when he may most require it, I think the trigger had better be set a trifle heavier than those he may be in the habit of pulling. At any rate, it should not be the gravity of a hair lighter. The grasp or "grip" in this gun, as, indeed, in all others, except those heavy metal pieces used in duck shooting, should be cut away as much as possible, consistently with the strength absolutely necessary; as this gives a pleasant hold. The same rule applies with regard to the balance of the gun : but as greater nicety is required in pigeon 200 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. shooting than in the field, it may be well to draw particular attention to this essential regulation: for, if the gun be in the smallest degree top-heavy, it is certain to shoot under ; and a pigeon hit on the rump seldom counts in the number killed. In proportion to the weight of the gun, the maker must adapt the lead ; so that on holding it across and flat on the hand in balancing it, the shooter may find a sufficient equilibrium to cause the gun to rest steadily there. In my humble opinion it is not possible to have guns, of every description, too plain. The work in every part, from the muzzle of the barrels to the heel-plate, should be good, sound, and highly finished ; but scroll-guards, silver mountings, and such-like fanciful, foreign gingerbread, and useless accompaniments, are unworthy of the English sportsman's use. The locks of all guns should, like the works of all watches designed to keep time and be of service, be strong and well finished ; and as the proof m^ust be rather in the wear than in the examination of them, I shall merely say, — to avoid disappointment, go to a respectable maker, whom you can trust for turning out work creditably to himself and satisfactorily to you. A lock consists of a " Mainspring" by which the tumbler is worked with the cock : the '\Scear,'' CHOICE OF A GUN. 201 which catches the tumbler for half or whole cock, and which, being pushed up by the trigger, lets the striker down upon the nipple : the " Tumhler^' which is the centre-piece of the lock, moving with the striker : " Tumhler-screw, the screw which fastens on the cock: the '' Scearsping^' which presses the scear and holds it in the notches of the tumbler for either half or whole cock : " Chain or Swivel,'' which is a little catch suspended from the neck of the tumbler to receive the end of the mainspring : " Hammerspring'' on which the hammer is moved ; and " Hammer -bridle ^ the part in which the tail of the hammer works: (I need scarcely say, that I am alluding to the lock of a flint gun as well as a detonator, inasmuch as I have mentioned that for single stanchions of seventy or eighty pounds, the flint is better adapted than the detonator :) " Bridler consisting of a polished piece of steel, which caps the tumbler, and afterwards receives the scear-screw : " Jaivs,'' the lips of the cock which hold the flint : Side- nail, the screw that fastens on the lock. The mechanical names for the remaining prin- cipal parts of a gun are : " False-breecliing,'' where the ends of the breechings hook in, before the barrels can be laid in the stock ; " Bolts,'' the pieces of steel which fasten the barrels into the stock; ''Chamber," the principal tube in the breech- 202 THE SPOHTSMAN'S LIBRARY. ing; '' Ante-chamher,''' the smaller tube leading from the breeching to the touch-hole; ''Break- off, " the part where the breeching hooks into the false breech ; " Lock-plate,'' is the plate to which the lock is attached ; " Loops,'' are the eyes to the barrel which receive the bolts that fasten in the stock ; " Guard," the bow which protects the triggers ; " Nipple," that which holds the percus- sion cap, and on which it is exploded by the cock ; " Heel-plate," the plate with which the butt is tipped ; " Cup," the concave at the top of improved breechings ; " Rib," the strip on which the ram- rod slides ; " Pipes," loops in the barrel to receive the ramrod ; " Sight," the dot of gold or silver on the nose of the barrel ; " Top-piece," groove or elevation, along which is directed the aim ; "Felice," part between cock and pan on which the solid cock is received ; " Trigger-plate," the plate in which the triggers work ; " Trigger- springs" the springs which keep the triggers always against the scear; " Worm," the screw at the end of the ramrod ; " Cap," the covering for the worm. These are the proper titles for the principal parts of a gun. To a sportsman they should all be familiar. LOADING A GUN. 203 CHAPTER XIV. LOADING A GUN.— POWDER AND SHOT.— CARTRIDGES. — WADDING, &c. One of the best shots that I ever saw in the field used equal measures of powder and shot, shooting with an ounce and a quarter of the latter. I invariably charge with this weight of lead, but use a somewhat less measure of powder. I am now speaking of the common detonating fowling-piece. Before putting in the powder, the cocks should be put down upon the nipples ; other- wise the powder vv411, in ramming it, be forced out of them. The gun should not be held too perpen- dicularly, but at an angle of about 45°; and in forcing down the wadding, it should not be done with a jerk, or unnecessary violence, as the ram- rod is likely to be splintered by such a proceeding. The caps should be put on last. This ensures safety, when your hand must of necessity be im- mediately over the charge ; but your head never need, and never should be, I have known some who, if years and constant practice were sufficiently instrnctive, ought to have known better, squib a little powder out of their barrels, and snap off a couple of caps, 204 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. previously to charging the gun for use. No absolute injury can be ascribed to the blazing off a little powder, unless it may tend to make your young dogs wild at the commencement, and startle perhaps your unsuspecting neighbours : but wasting your caps, without any powder, drives the detonating gas into the barrels, which creates rust ; for, when the gun is loaded, the flash of the detonating powder never enters the barrel at all. Snapping the cocks upon the nipples, without caps, will, most likely, give your gunmaker a job, by breaking the striker or the nipple. In putting your gun aside loaded, you should take the caps off; not only on account of the danger in leaving them on, which is a sufficient reason in itself, if the gun be left in a situation where it is possible to be trifled with, but the springs must be either left straining at half cock, or the cocks let down ; and then there is a very great likelihood of the powder in the nipples becoming jammed into a paste. The place where a gun is kept, should be entirely free from damp : but more especially so when the gun is loaded ; and then, with fresh caps, there is no danger of a miss-fire. Except for large punt guns, the powder should be very fine grained; and it cannot be too dry. It should be 7iew^ too; for with age it loses POWDER AND SHOT. 205 strength ; and unless it be powerful, it will not be effective in a long shot. " When but an idle boy," I lost a capital day's shooting, entirely through using old powder ; and my grievous loss made a lasting effect on my memory. When the proper stuff, gunpowder is concocted of pure ingredients, properly proportioned, and well mingled ; and when possessing these qualities, and kept dry, the fault, in the greatest number of instances, if fault there be, 'Hies behind the trigger'' To heat a couple of plates, and, first of all taking care that no small cinder is attached to them, which might explode the whole, to shake the powder from one to the other, is both a good and safe method of drying it. I have heard of baking it in ovens, and such like "skying" modes: but gunpowder is not a slow-burning material, and must not be treated as such, if accidents are to be avoided. To preserve the strength of powder, after being dried, it should be well corked from the air, in canisters. There may be powder as good ; but I am quite certain that there is none better, for sporting purposes, than that made by Messrs. Curtis and Harvey, at Hounslow. I have shot with it for a long time, and I believe nothing can be an improvement upon it. 206 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. Doubtful as the assertion may seem, the size of grain of the powder should be proportioned to the size of the gun, and the range for which it is required, as the wadding must be to the calibre. Small or fine grained powder shoots weak beyond a distance of fifty or sixty yards, and signally fails in large guns ; especially on salt water, or in damp weather. If a punt gun be charged with fine powder, and left for one night, the probability is that it would hang fire in the morning. Coarse cannon powder is the best for duck guns: but, in using it, care must be taken to regulate your charge by iveigJit ; as the grains are so large that a common flask top would contain as much vacuum as powder, and therefore you might have not more than half the quantity required. For an unusually long range, and a large heavy gun, there is no powder so good as the coarse, un- glazed, cannon powder : but for a light, common fowling-piece, it should be fine ; and if unglazed, so much the better : for it is never so strong or so quick, when this unnecessary process has been gone through ; and I believe it not in the smallest degree more impervious to damp. When a gun recoils violently, it is in conse- quence of the weight of shot being more than the calibre and metal of the gun will allow. The powder has nothing whatever to do with it. If, POWDER AND SHOT. 207 therefore, you find your piece recoil forcibly, when clean and in order, (and most guns will give your shoulder intelligence of neglect,) you should reduce your weight of lead. There is nothing more likely to render a man nervous, and put him out of con- fidence, than the dread of a severe blow, upon the pulling of his trigger. This anticipation is far from being agreeable ; and it is next to impossible to shoot with comfort, if you expect your nose to be knocked into your eye, a finger or two lacerated to the bone with the trigger, and your shoulder bruised from a deep black to the diversity of colours in the rainbow. It is by no means unusual to see a man choose the size of the shot in correspondence with the size of the game or bird that he is going to shoot at ; when it ought to depend rather on the gauge of the gun ; for it is not the particular size of the pellet, but the velocity with which it is driven, that does the business. There can be no objection to the use of large shot in certain kinds of shooting ; and a hare, a rabbit, or a duck, will take a severer blow than a partridge; but for every kmd of shooting, when you may wish to be prepared for a pheasant down to a John Snipe, No. 6 will fill your bag, and give you more success than any changeable plan you may adopt. 208 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. To give an instance of what varying the size of your shot may do, I shall relate a laughable occurrence that befel a young friend of mine, not forty-eight hours previously to my recording it in this page. There were a few ducks reported to have dropped within a short distance from his home. Charging his best double barrel with No. 4 he sallied forth, bent upon their destruction. In crossing a moor towards the narrow stream in which report stated the ducks were to be found, a couple of snipes flapped from the rush. Bang, bang ! roared his piece ; but the fleet-pinioned birds threw back a triumphant " scape,'' and winged away, long after every pellet of No. 4 had spent its force in the air. Assigning the mag- nitude of the pellets as the cause of his missing, and in the belief that he should find more of the puzzling and quick-winged snipes, he loaded with dust shot. Scarcely, however, had he put caps upon his nipples, when a fine mallard rose within easy range. At the broadside poured into him, he merely increased the speed of his departure. Now, supposing there to be no fault behind the trigger. No. 6 would have brought down all three of these birds ; whereas by charging with shot for a particular purpose, which the Fates decreed to be frustrated, the whole of them escaped. If large shot be used with a small gun, it will POWDER AND SHOT. 209 fly wide and scatter irregularly. The calibre being ill adapted for the shot, the charge cannot leave the barrel in a body; and a small object may easily escape, or be so slightly wounded from a single pellet, that the bag is none the heavier ; for, as I have before said, the execution does not depend upon the size of the shot, but on the velocity with which it is thrown. The advantages of using small shot are many. In the first place, the circle of the charge must be thicker; for the pellets become increased in number as the scale of their size is decreased. To one ounce of No. 4, for instance, there are one hundred and seventy-seven pellets ; while, to a similar weight of No. 6, the regidatioii standard, there are two hundred and eighty. It must be perfectly obvious, too, that the chances of at least hitting your game are greater, from the density of the circle, than if it were full of voids and blanks. The shot, also, lies more close and com- pact; and will, in ninety-nine instances out of every hundred, hit an object in the same manner at the same range ; whereas, if disproportioned to the calibre of the gun, it will not do so tivice in the same given number of times. While on the subject of shot, I may mention that it is quite possible to use too small. Dust shot, for example, is too small, except for butter- 210 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. flies ; No. 9 being sufficiently small for any thing besides. Large shot, from guns of a large gauge, will kill game cleanly at distances that it would be absurd to attempt with the same shot from small and contracted calibres. At the latter end of the season, therefore, when by an accident only you can expect to get near your birds, it is a good rule to use a large and long single gun, and load with No. 3 or No. 4. I do not mean to deny that large shot from a small gun may not occasionally bring down your game, at a range which shot of a less size would have failed in reaching with effect : but it will be far from conducive to filling the bag; and many fair and easy shots will be missed, in the unequal and scattered circle that such a mode of charging must of necessity make. I have said, that I generally shoot with an ounce and a quarter of shot, but that my measure of powder is somewhat less. I also stated, that a capital sportsman of my acquaintance used equal measures of powder and shot. I do not, however, mean to allege that either of these modes is a precedent from which there should be no devia- tion. On the contrary, the quantity of powder and shot for shooting in the field, should depend on the way in which a gun throws the charge, as well as the weight of metal. For instance, if a gun be a POWDER AND SHOT. 211 dose shooting gun, it will bear less shot and more powder than a piece with a tendency to scatter the charge. I have a gun by Egg, that drives the shot for forty-five yards little less closely than an ounce and quarter bullet would fly. With this piece, in order to distend the circle, I use a bumper of powder from the top of my flask ; and thus the measure is rather, but very little, more than that of my lead. If I were in the habit, as many are, of loading with an ounce and a half of shot, I should reduce it, instead of increasing the quantity of my powder. But as I think the ounce and quarter as little as ought to be used in ani^ gun, I am obliged to add to my powder instead of reducing my shot. In order to know to a certainty how a gun carries, experiments should be made at varying distances, at sheets of paper. You can then regulate your charge in accordance with the proved necessity of so doing ; and you will discover that, although guns may be equal in gauge, length of barrel, and weight of metal, it does not follow that they will shoot alike. I believe, as I have said before, that Lancaster can make any given number to shoot alike. I am not, however, speaking of any particular maker, or kind of guns ; but of the generality of them. By far the greater number of even accomplished 212 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. and experienced sportsmen do not pay sufficient attention to the loading of their guns. If they would only reflect, that however good and direct the aim, in many instances the game, to their astonishment, escapes, they would be induced to remove the true cause of their discomfiture, by regulating the charge to the capacity of their guns. The rule should be, 7iot to take for granted what a gun ought to have from its calibre, length, and weight ; but it should be tested, and then the proper charge never deviated from. Unglazed shot is to be recommended as well as unglazed powder, although on a different account. A gun will not become foul nearly so soon when the shot is unglazed. And as this process is quite useless, except to give a brighter and cleaner appearance to the pellets, the sooner it is discoun- tenanced the better. The following is a list of the number of pellets to AN OUNCE of PATENT DROP SHOT. AA 40 A 50 BB 58 B 75 1 82 2 112 3 135 4 m 6 218 6 280 7 841 8 600 9 984 10 1726 POWDER AND SHOT. 213 MOULD SHOT. LG 5l|SSG 15 MG 9 SSSG 17 SG 11 I In shooting wild-fowl with the common duck gun, the best shot to use is A ; for generally they are so wary that it is quite impossible to get a fair cut at them; and as they will fly a long distance even when stricken mortally, there is nothing like this stinging pellet to bring them down. For the stanchion of seventy or eighty pound barrel, that will throw a pound of shot and burn two ounces of powder, No. 1. is the most effective size, and will rake the flock in a sweeping circle. After many experiments and repeated failures, Eley's cartridge has become a truly useful invention for the sportsman. At one time there was so much uncertainty with regard to the way in which it would reach the object, that it became quite out of use ; as there was just as great a likelihood, and rather more, of its " balling " to the end, as of its dispersing the shot. This difficulty, how- ever, which threatened destruction to the specu- lation, has been surmounted ; and now these cartridges, for game late in the season, and for wild-fowl shooting in the day-time, or, indeed, for all long shots, are exceedingly valuable. I do 214 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. not recommend the use of the cartridge for general shooting. It carries miicli too closely for a bird witliin a short range : and the chances are, that it will cither knock the game to pieces, or miss the object altogether, at any distance under forty yards. The " Blue" cartridge is the best for ordinary purposes, and the " lied" for extraordinary. If it be too large for the gun, roll it hard ; and if a shade too small, ram a wadding over it. Wad- ding on tlie powder will drive the cartridge with much greater force, and is by far the best plan to adopt. There are several kinds of wadding dubbed with the title of " patent," and many of them very good. Westley Richards, Purdey, Lancaster, and others, have sent forth their respective "wrinkles ;" and all have found their patrons. The wadding from tlie makers I have named is anointed with a mercurial preparation, w^hich keeps the gun much cleaner, and more free from lead, than wadding cut with the common punch out of paste- board. Metallic wadding is becoming obsolete, and very properly ; for to many barrels they have proved extremely injurious; and they never keep the powder air-tight, nor the gun so clean as an clastic substance. Greater force is required, in ramming down the CARTRIDGES. 215 8hot, than the powder, with the same stiff and tight wadding. This is easily accounted for by the air finding vent from the nipples, notwith- standing the cocks being down upon them ; which it cannot do, when the powder is rammed in. It is quite necessary that the powder should have a tight and flat wadding over it : but there is no reason that the shot should have great resistance to its escape. Indeed, so long as it lies firm and compactly, and there is no vacuum between it and the powder, the object of the wadding is attained. A hole in the centre of the wadding intended for the shot, or indentures round the edge, will permit the air to escape, obviate the risk of breaking your ramrod, and facilitate the operation of loading. I do not advise using different wadding for the powder and shot ; as keeping them separate would give trouble, and the respective waddings might by mistake be placed in wrong positions. I merely suggest how the resistance may be over- come. I have known different colours for the wadding recommended. This certainly would prevent mistakes : but different pockets w^ould be required to contain them ; and I think a little patience and gentle force will suit better than two kinds of wadding. However, if a tyro cannot refrain from splintering his ramrod extravagantly 216 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. often, he had much better try the pierced or in- dented wadding for his shot. If you cut your own wadding, it should be done from pasteboard for a fourteen gauge; and the larger the calibre, the thicker the board should be. For a sixteen bore, I think common card the best ; although, as it is very thin, it should fit the barrel tightly ; more especially in a double gun, as the charge in one barrel has to encounter the effect of the explosion of the other. It is a safe method to ram the charge in one barrel afresh^ after reloading the other barrel which you have let off. By this you will avoid the very great danger of having a vacuum between the powder and shot, caused by the explosion of the discharged barrel ; and also the annoyance of losing the whole or part of the shot, from the displacement of the wadding covering it. You should be particular in having the punch suited to the calibre of your barrels. If either too large or too small, it will give you much unnecessary trouble. If too small, you can rectify the punch, by grinding it down a little : for all punches taper to the edge, and can easily be made to cut larger. CLEANING A GUN. 217 CHAPTER XV. CLEANING A GUN; THE BARRELS AND LOCKS. — SHOT- POUCH ; SHOT-BELT ; POWDER FLASK ; NIPPLE PROBE, &c. Nothing tends so much to preserve a gun as keeping the barrels, locks, and every part of it, clean, and entirely free from rust. In using your gun, too, there is a great comfort when it is in perfect order; which cannot be enjoyed if the barrels are leaded, the lock-springs harsh and squeaking, and the outside sprinkled with rust. The cleaning, in the very best possible manner, is a very simple operation ; so simple that to many it must appear needless to occupy with it the smallest space in this volume. But some may find a reference to the proper method not altogether unprofitable ; and I therefore shall not pass it over as a subject worthless of note. The barrels should, in the first instance, be washed with cold water; as the foulness occa- sioned by the powder is more readily removed by cold than by hot water. If hot water be used when the gun is extremely dirty, the heat is likely to make the dirt adhere to the barrel. After the cold water has been applied, hot should 218 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. be used in a similar manner ; and either tow or rag will do equally well for the purpose. I have known tow objected to, on account of the danger that may occur in leaving any of it in the chamber: but, like many other " may-be's," I never thought this one worthy of a thought. If it should be considered too much trouble to apply both cold and hot water, then hot is to be preferred; for, although it may not more effec- tually clean the barrels, yet for efficiently drying them, which is of the greatest importance, it will be found decidedly preferable to cold water. As washing only will not remove the lead, after having used the cleaning rod well with the cloth, or tow, or the spunge, which is always to be found in every well appointed gun-case, place the wire brush on, in lieu of the softer material, and, in dean hot water, draw the rod up and down vigor- ously. This, in a very few seconds, will remove every particle of the cloying lead. There is no fear of the brash injuring the barrels. Brass, of which it is, or ought to be, composed, is softer than iron ; and, therefore, there is no possibility of injury from the friction. When the barrels are clean and wiped dry, an oiled rag should be passed down them. But there should be nothing like a large quantity of oil left in the interior, as it will create foulness, and. CLEANING A GUN. 219 probably, be forced into the nipples, upon loading, and occasion a miss-fire. On the outside of the barrels, oil should be rubbed ; and a little on the lock-plates, cocks, guard, heel-plate, and even over the stock, will do good, and make the piece look fresh and " in con- dition." Some guns absolutely require cleaning oftener than others ; and those of the smallest gauge will be found to lead and become foul much sooner than those of a large calibre. To say, therefore, how often a gun should be cleaned, is impossible ; but, as a rule from which there should be no deviation whatever, the gun should never be allowed to become very foul. It has been said, and I am aware of no objection to the allegation, that not more than twenty rounds should be fired from any barrel without the process of cleaning ; and I think even if half the number have been blazed out of it, there will be no harm in driving a pint or two of water through it, previously to its being again used. If a gun has been put aside after two or three shots have been fired from it, there is no necessity for washing out the barrels; but they may be wiped out with dry tow or cloth. At the same time it should be remembered, that if there be any thing like an accumulation of dirt, it will be forced 220 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. into the breechings by this dry process; and, therefore, it will only do when the gun has not been used sufficiently often to render it leaded or foul. When tow is used it must be applied sparingly, and not in a large thick knot. Should a wedge of dry tow, from carelessness, stick fast in the barrel, do not begin to haul and tug to no eifect : but pour a little oil into the barrel, or some hot water ; and either will speedily free the rod. A lock never requires to be taken to pieces, except when, from wear or accident, it has become damaged. For the purposes of cleaning, the works can be got at without dissecting them; and to wipe well every part with dry cloths and a little brush, and apply good sweet oil to the tumbler and scear, with a general touch over the springs, is all that is requisite. A sportsman, however, — more particularly if he be going where it is impossible to obtain the assistance of a gunsmith, — should not only be supplied with extra springs to his locks, and extra nipples, and tools whereby he can make the necessary repairs; but he should be capable of doing the job himself: and then he need neither dread an accident occurring, nor be dependent on others for remedying it. I need not enter into the way in which a nipple CLEANING A GUN. 221 is to be replaced. The common nipple-wrench, which is in every gun-case, is of itself sufficiently explanatory. But the replacement of springs is a very different affair, and requires a little skill and management. I shall, therefore, enter into the details with some degree of particularity. To take off a mainsidring, 1. Put the scear to full-cock. 2. Cramp the mainspring. (I have remarked, that a sportsman should be supplied with tools necessary for the repairs of his locks ; and a spring-cramp is an indispensable, al- though not a usual, accompaniment to the case.) 3. Let down the cock, and the mainspring will drop off. To put the mainspring on again. 1. Hook the end of the mainspring on the swivel. 2. Move it up, and into its position on the lock-plate. 3. Unscrew the cramp, and the mainspring will be replaced for action. To take to pieces the small works of a lock. 1. (Having taken off the mainspring,) unscrew and take off the scear. This must be done by half-cocking, and then pressing the fore-part of the 222 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. lock against your breast, by putting the ball of the thumb against the back part of the cock; and, with this, pushing the cock forward, while you squeeze together the scear and scear-spring, with the forefinger and thumb, for the facility of tak- ing out the scear-screw. 2. Undo the two screws, and take off the bridle. 8. Unscrew and take out the scear-spring. 4. Unscrew and take ofT the cock ; which will come from the tumbler, by being gently tapped inwards with the handle of your turnscrew. 5. Take out the tumbler. To put them together, 1. Put in the tumbler and screw on the cock. 2. Screw on the scear-spring. 3. Set on the bridle with the two upper screws. 4. Put in the scear ; to clear a passage for the screw of which, you must observe the same pres- sure of the forefinger and thumb on the scear and scear-spring, and the pushing of the cock forward, as before directed for taking off the scear. The reason for this pressure being required to put in the scear, is, to get the hole in the scear opposite the hole in the bridle, so as to admit the scear-screw to pass freely. That which most fre- CLEANING A GUN. 223 quently puzzles people, is, that tliey neglect to keep pressing the cock forward ; and by that means the scear is constantly slipping out of the tumbler, and they are plagued to get the holes in a line ; to which they would immediately be brought by the ipressmg forwards of the cock, and the press- ing inwards of the scear. Having done this, let down the cock, to put on the mainspring, as before directed ; and your lock ■will have every thing in its place. It is to be observed, that except the pressure required to put in the scear, which is the only part in the remotest degree difficult, there should be no force whatever used with the works of a lock. In order to be complete in the instructions of the treatment of the lock, both in taking it to pieces and putting it together again, I shall refer to the flint as well as to the detonating lock. To take off the hammer, 1. Shut down the hammer. 2. Keep gradually cramping the spring, till by shaking the lock in your hand you can just hear the hammer rattle from being loose. 3. Take out the screw from behind, and the hammer will fall out. 224 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. To put the hammer on, 1. Put the hammer in its place again. 2. Turn in the screw. 8. Set the spring at liberty. To take the hammer-spring out, you must first take away the hammer ; and also the mainspring, to get at the screw behind. The hammer-spring must be then confined till taken out, and put on again to receive the hammer. I think now that all has been entered fully into, concerning the cleaning of the gun, from the heel- plate to the nose ; and, as a finis to my remarks on this head, I shall merely say that no sportsman can be too particular in keeping his guns, or hav- ing them kept, as free from foulness as possible. Many shocking accidents have occurred, entirely through neglecting the state and condition of a gun. Rust eats into and destroys the iron ; lead offers a resistance to the explosion; and dirt, added to the foregoing injury, causes miss-fire, recoil, and not unfrequently the blowing back of the cock and forcing the nipple out, greatly to the danger of the eyes and face. In writing upon so many subjects comprised in this work, I must be excused if I *' hark back " occasionally. When speaking of nipples, I re- commended those with a large vent rather than a SHOT-BELT. 225 small and contracted one, as the latter were very likely to become choked : but I do not mean, by this, the retention of nipples that have luorn large* On the contrary, there is much danger in using them, when this is the case ; and the sooner they are discarded, the sooner a very great likelihood of blowing them from the breech will be obviated. At the same time, I recommend a wide nipple, and a strong mainspring for the cock, in preference to the reverse. The common shot-belt has, in a great measure, been superseded by the pouch. There can be no doubt that the latter invention greatly facilitates the loading of your gun : although it never should be used, if holding three pounds of shot, without a belt to sling it across the shoulders ; as it is too heavy to knock about in a pocket of your shooting jacket. Should you use a small pouch, holding not more than one pound, or one pound and a half, the belt may be advantageously dispensed with ; as it rather impedes the use of the pouch. If you prefer the old fashioned belt, I think round the loins, just above the hips, a better place for it than across the left shoulder. The top, or, I shall call it, " charger," should be placed on the left side ; and it ought to lit the muzzle of your gun to a nicety. Several patents have been obtained, with, I Q 226 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. fear, any thing but remunerating returns, for pow- der flasks of superlatively safe qualities. Among those who have floated on the stream of patron- age, are the flasks constructed by the late Mr. Egg and Mr. Sykes. Those of the latter are in much more general use than the former ; and, perhaps, are indebted for their popularity to the moderate price charged for them. Nothing can be more simple than the arrangement of this flask. And as the great desideratum of detaching the powder in the top of the flask from the body is efi"ected by it safely, conveniently, and securely, I cannot do better than recommend it for service. Upon pushing back the spring, to charge the top, it should be allowed to fall back again with a somewhat gentle action ; and not with a sudden snap, for I have known the spring to fly from the jar ; and you can obtain a more certain quantity at the first attempt, and thus save unnecessary trouble and loss of time in loading. Although all communication between the charger and the body of the flask is cut ofi*, yet such extraordinary accidents occur, for which there is scarcely any possibility of accounting, that no preventive should be lost sight of. I shall therefore suggest the policy of never holding the flask in your hand, when firing ofi* your gun. This may take place, when, after having fired off" one NIPPLE PROBE. 227 barrel, fresh game should be sprung while in the act of reloading it. In this case, either pocket your flask, or throw it on the ground previously to taking your level ; and no danger can arise from the chance of its explosion. There are many trifling things which, from their very insignificance, are lost sight of until their assistance is required, and then their value and utility are understood; more especially if they cannot be obtained when wanted. A nipple probe may be classed among these things of little note ; and yet how frequently is its service of the most essential kind ! A common pin will, and does often, perform the office of a more legitimate instrument : but gentlemen are not in the habit of carrying pin-cushions ; and one or two pins stuck in the collar or the cuff of the jacket, are easily lost. It is therefore better to have a piece of copper wire, filed to a point, and kept constantly in the waistcoat pocket which is not used for the caps ; for a shallow pocket in your waistcoat lined with leather, beats all the cap-chargers that ever were invented, or ever will be. 228 THE SPORTSMAiS'S LIBRARY. CHAPTER XVL ON SHOOTING. Having entered into every essential particular concerning the choice and treatment of the gun, I shall now proceed to give a few suggestions rela- tive to its use. Ignorance of the proper method of loading, carrying, and holding a gun, and the culpable negligence when the knowledge is not wanting, have been, and are, the great causes of the lament- able accidents recorded in the annals of sporting. Misfortunes will occasionally occur without the remotest blame being attached to any body : but rare indeed will they be, if proper and sports- manlike precautions are taken to prevent them. The first lesson to be impressed upon the mind of the novice is, that nothing can be more provoca- tive of ridicule, than a cockney, blundering manner of managing his gun. Carelessness is never dis- played by a genuine sportsman ; and there is more danger in accompanying a stupid, reckless fellow, once in the field, (and more particularly in covert,) than in joining a thorough sportsman ten thousand times. In truth, with the latter there is no risk ON SHOOTING. 229 whatever ; while, with the former, you are not for one moment in safety. I shall pursue my step by step principle, and begin my suggestions with the loading of the gun. It is needless to repeat, that the gun is not to be held too perpendicularly ; that the ramrod is to be pressed, and not jerked down ; that the caps are to be put on last ; and that, after having fired off one barrel, you should be sure to place the other on half-cock previously to reloading. Your hand and wrist, although they must be over the charge, need never be so with the gun on full-cock ; and there is scarcely any possibility of danger to your hand when the gun is not so. I have said half-cock, in preference to letting the striker down upon the nipple ; because a gun slipped from my hand, upon one occasion, with the cock upon the cap, and it exploded, from a large flint catching it. It is possible that the cap might have met with the same result, from the direct blow of the stone ; but it is by no means so probable. In carrying your gun, never let it be in such a position that any injury can accrue to any body or any thing, by an accidental explosion. No matter in what state your cocks be in, either down, half-cock, or full ; let your barrels be either so elevated, depressed, or turned aside, that no accident can arise, if the charges in both were to 230 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. explode acccidentally. Carrying your gun "with the muzzle down, is objectionable, from the likeli- hood of the shot working the wadding loose, and thus cause you to lose it unconsciously. The great object, however, is so to carry it that no danger can arise, and that the gun may feel easy and ready for service. Over the left arm, with the right hand upon the " grip," is as good a method as any : but there is no fixed rule for this. In going through a fence, jumping over a wide ditch, climbing over rails and gates, &c. the gun is invariably to be taken off the full-cock. Whether you are shooting by yourself only, or in company, this rule should never, upon any account, be deviated from. It may happen that the barrier about to be crossed is so easy that there seems to be no apparent necessity for this precaution. At the same time, it should be remembered, that a foot may slip, the hand may suddenly lose its hold, and many other such unexpected accidents may take place ; causing danger in that w^hich other- wise would be secure and safe. As a preventive, therefore, let it be a rule, and habit will quickly render it an unexceptionable one, always to let down the striker to half-cock, when a fence of any kind is to be crossed; and be mindful, in taking it off the full-cock, to hold the gun upright, or at such an angle that, should the cock slip from ON SHOOTING. 231 the ball of the thumb, and an explosion take place, the charge may effect no harm. I have known a bramble catch the cock, while getting through a hedge, and from the half to pull it on to the full cock. Care should therefore be taken to keep the gun in such a position, not- withstanding the precaution taken, of placing the cock as safely as possible, that, in the event of a second twig or bramble answering the purpose of your finger upon the trigger, no injury can be occasioned to yourself, your friends, your servant, or your dogs. I never, thank Heaven ! witnessed any appalling accident in the field : but while shooting in Pem- brokeshire, some few years since, I heard the report of a gun, when an aged father was killed by the unhappy carelessness of his son, in crossing a small hedge. I shall not advert to any more such horrors as a warning to the beginner ; for there must be many of them in his memory, if he ever glances at the heading of paragraphs in the newspapers, couched in this form, " Fatal accidetit" " Coroner's inquest^'' &c. But as carelessness betokens a degree of ignorance, scarcely excusable in the most genuine cockney, who seeks the destruction of 'ares on 'Ampstead 'Eath, I beg of the young sportsman to observe the proper rules, or at once relinquish all 232 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. claim to the title, and cease to make himself an object of ridicule to his acquaintances, and one of terror to those who may have the misfortune to be in his society in the field. Some men are of so nervous and excitable a temperament, that very great practice is necessary to render them sufficiently self-possessed to be- come " good shots." One who is naturally cool and collected concerning general matters, will become a first-rate shot, long before another of an opposite nature can learn to get a level as a pre- liminary to pulling the trigger. Ardent and excitable men are too quick in their rudiments of shooting, as they are, for the most part, with other matters. The difficulties are enhanced by the fiery material of which such men are constructed. My opinion, however, is, that all men^ who are not defective in vision, may be taught to shoot well ; although it may take a longer period with some, and more practice, than with others. I shall not carry my suggestions on the de- lightful accomplishment of shooting quite so far back as the burning powder at a mark, getting used to the smart stroke of the cock upon the cap with unflinching eyes, and such-like very early and infantine lessons. Previously to an attempt being made to bring birds down while on the wing, the tyro will naturally try a few easier ON SHOOTING. 233 marks, and burn some ounces of povrder, if lie pleases, at bits of paper, card, and small birds perched on twigs with misplaced confidence. I w^ill suppose it to be the first 1st of Sep- tember with my aspiring sportsman ; that he knows how to load, carry, and hold his gun ; and that he is also aware of the necessity of getting a level previously to pulling his trigger. The probability is that, in practising at marks and too confiding little tits, the novice has con- fined one eye, and distorted his visage into many unbecoming grimaces, wliile in the act of squaring at the steady object. This is totally unnecessary. An aim as correct may be obtained with both the eyes open, and, indeed, better, than if one be closed. At first this may not seem true : but I have only to refer to the playing at billiards, where frequently a much nicer aim is requisite for the success of a stroke than for hitting a bird on the wing ; and an eye is never closed when the most beautiful stroke is to be made. The position of the cue and the gun are difi'erent, when the respective results are about to "come off:" but still it is the eye that comimands the movement of the hand ; and therefore it is quite clear that there is no need for a more accurate direction of the sio^ht in one instance than in the other. Both eyes should be kept open, for obtaining 234 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. the aim ; and if the young sportsman do not com- mence in this way, an additional difficulty will be found in learning to shoot in the proper mode afterwards. And now I shall imagine that these lessons have been learned, as far as the theory is con- cerne(^ and that the novice is now approaching a covey of partridges, with a brace of good pointers indicating their " whereabouts." His heart thumps against his breast : his nerves thrill and tremble ; and his eyes seem ready to spring from their sockets. At every stride towards the stanch Ponto, backing, without jealousy, the point of the never-deceiving Don, he feels even his brain reel with excitement; and a sort of misty film weaves itself across his bloodshot eyeballs. At length the covey — ten brace of full-grown birds — whir-r-r from his very feet. Bang, bang ! roars his polished and scratchless piece, before, or as soon as it reaches his shoulder; and, when the wind clears away the smoke, he sees the birds skimming away, as scatheless as if he had pressed the stick of his juvenile pop-gun at them. My dear tyro, believe me, this sort of proceed- ing is neither conducive to your own gratification, nor to that of your companions, or your dogs. I cannot here deny myself the pleasure of relating a fact concerning the extreme sagacity of an old ON SHOOTING. 235 pointer belonging to a personal friend of my own. After three consecutive misses^ he would fix his tail between his hind legs, and run home as fast as he could go, despite of any attempt by halloo, cheer, or rate, to stop him. Good as he was, I fear that with a beginner, he would frequently have to seek " the old house at home." To proceed with my instructions, it is evident that, unless a level be obtained, it is useless to pull the trigger; as, unless by accident, the object aimed at cannot be hit. Now, the getting a level must depend on the way in which the bird, hare, or rabbit, flies or runs, and the distance at which they first present themselves. If a bird springs near to you, and skims along the ground, give it time, and aim over the rump ; for if missed, it will be because your shot cut under the bird. The greatest number of shots that are missed are the consequence of shooting inucJi too low ; very few, in comparison, being occasioned by levelling ove7\ When a bird flies across you, your aim must always be before it ; although the space given must correspond with the distance that the level is obtained at ; and the knowledge of that can only be gained by experience. The nearer the object, the less anticipator^/ space is to be allowed ; and, the farther from it, the mo^^e must be granted. If I could reduce to a certainty the distances at 2S6 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. which game will spring, I could present a scale of undeviating distances for the level being advanced. As that, however, is impossible, I can only give general directions, which practice must improve. Occasionally, a couple of inches will be quite suffi- cient, to shoot before the head of your game ; at other times eight inches, or even afoot^ will not be too much. At hares and rabbits you should always shoot well forward ; their head and ears being the mark for your aim. It is slovenly to break the hind leg of either one or the other, and tends to mischief with young dogs ; as the chase which is sure to follow, is any thing but conducive to their steadiness. To a bird rising, the same prin- ciple of keeping the muzzle of the gun full high w411 apply; and taking into consideration the speed at which a bird flies, five or six inches will not be too much, at a distance of thirty-five or forty yards. There is a great deal of difference between shooting too quickly, and being one of those slow, spiritless shots, who pick their birds out when easy, boast of their seldom missing, but never kill their game in style. With young sportsmen, the main cause of their missing is not taking sufficient time to their level; yet, to run into the other ex- treme, and dandle a gun at a bird during a time suf- ficient to boil an ^gg lightly, is far from being proper. ON SHOOTING. 237 I dislike a slow, poking shot, who never burns powder except at so easy a range that it is barely possible to miss the object ; and then talks largely about never missing, and offers catchpenny bets about " shooting with any body and every body." The way to meet these braggarts is to say, " Let every bird rising within a range of forty yards, not shot at, be counted a miss ; " and you will find their subsequent boasting palpably diluted. It would seem that some men consider missino- a bird a crime, of which a dread account must be rendered. They shoot onli/ when the game is very near ; and never think of attempting a wide shot. Such sportsmen are not suited to these times, when in each succeeding season birds appear to become wilder and more difficult of approach, for causes which will afterwards appear. There was a time when these slow and safe o'entle- men could indulge their fancy, and fill their game bag without great difficulty : but these days are not of the present. A very different description of shooting is now requisite for the attainment of sport. In speaking against too rapid firing, and also against a slow, poking system, I wish it to be understood that I am no admirer of those random sportsmen who blaze away at every feather within sight, and make more noise than their effects 238 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY, warrant. If a bird rise so far off that there iFi no chance of bringing it down, firing a barrel at it is a piece of stupid wantonness. But there is a vast difference between that, and never pulling trigger when the distance happens to be a long one. Greater pleasure is experienced, in bringing down a single bird at a wide range, than in a dozen easy shots, the missing any one of which might have annoyed the sportsman. It is by no means evidence of a good shot, that a bird, or a succession of birds, are killed by his gun : neither is it proof that a man is a bad shot, because he fails to stop his birds when there was a fair opportunity of so doing. Whether a man will be capable of shooting well, for the time, or the reverse, will depend much on the state of his health, the steadiness or derangement of his nerves, and such-like matters. But, setting aside the temporary condition of his body, I prefer a man who makes frequent misses, and occasionally brings down his bird handsomely, to one who never does the latter, and invariably fumbles in his work. The meaning of " killing a bird handsomely" may be thus illustrated : Bring the gun quickly to the shoulder ; fi^K. the eyes on the object ; and pull the trigger the instant the level is obtained. A first sight is often like a first thought, much better ON SHOOTING. 239 than a second one : indeed, in shooting, a first sight is almost invariably so. I cannot, however, impress it too strongly on the memories of my young readers, that a level must be obtained pre- viously to pulling the trigger. No step of improve- ment can be made until a sufficient check has been gained over the impulse to fire before the aim is got. Some are constitutionally enabled to acquire this check much more readily than others : but I am quite convinced that there is no man, with health and good vision, however excitable his material, be it even as inflammable as gunpowder itself, but may gain the indispensable ascendency over his natural inclination to fire in anticipation of the proper period. I know not whether I have made myself clearly understood in these observations ; for that which may appear easy and definite to me, may not prove so to my inexperienced readers. But, in brief, I mean this : Before you pull trigger, get a level ; and let it be done quickly : but do not make a ridiculous random shot ; and rather bear with countless misses at first, than sink into a slow, poking, and timid shot. When we hear of men killing their two dozen consecutive birds in the field, in the present day, when there cannot be a question concerning the increased shyness of game; it would be worth 240 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. while to discover how many shots they refused, at which a fair sportsman would have tried his skill. The fancy trap-shot picks the few that suits him : but the latter takes all that spring v^ithin a fair killing distance. I am very desirous of makinoj clear the dis- tinction between a snap-sJiot, and the quick and dashing one that I wish my pupil to become. I have seen some men knock down their birds the moment they top the stubble ; and, heedless of the nearness, they thus cut their game into ribands. This is called "snap-shooting;" a system I do not admire or recommend. If you make a prac- tice of pulling your trigger immediately the game presents itself to view, you will not be able to give sufficient time to a close shot ; and I prefer seeing a bird fly away, to its being mangled. There is a want of coolness and style in "snap-shooting," too, w^hich makes a sportsman, however proficient in the knack, look many inches from the crease of perfection in his art. If a bird rise at a long distance, — say fifty yards, — a snap-shot will suit admirably. The bird must be hit directly it is on the wing, or the attempt may as well not be made. To say, there- fore, that a snap-shot is never to be made, would be wide of my meaning ; and, to be able to make one, is a great accomplishment. But what I ON SHOOTING. 241 wish to inculcate is the rule; not the ea^ception. In these long ranges, a slow shot can do nothing. Very likely, he will bring his gun to his shoulder, shut his left eye, and get his muzzle on a level with the bird : but, by the time that he has done so, he discovers that the bird is too far off, and that it is useless to pull the trigger. I have frequently seen this farce performed by men who would back themselves to kill their twenty consecutive shots. No wonder, when they would permit twice as many, and perhaps more, to go, without firing a single barrel at them ; three-fourths of which shots a legitimate sportsman would have taken, as a matter of course. The great difference between a quick shot and a snaj:) shot is, that the former discriminates be- tween long and near shots ; taking his level and firing in accordance with the distance at which the game springs: while the latter exercises 7io such discrimination. Far or near, the instant the bird is seen, or the rabbit pops his ears out of the gorse, the snap-shooter fires : and if he were to hesitate for a moment, when his gun is at his shoulder, he would miss. I have now treated on the three different styles of shooting : quick shooting, slow shooting, and snap shooting. The advantages and disadvantages of the respective systems, I have endeavoured to R 242 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. show ; and it is almost superfluous to say, that it is the quick and dashing shot that I recommend the novice to acquire. At the same time, quick- ness is the end, and not the beginning. The first lesson for him to learn is, to be steady and cool, both on approaching and springing his game, and to get a level before pulling trigger. In missing fair shots, the fault lies generally in not giving time enough ; although the fairest may occasionally be missed by the most accomplished sportsman. To become irritated, therefore, at an accidental occurrence of this kind, is to provoke perhaps more of such results ; and as a concluding advice to the young beginner, in this chapter, I say, " Preserve your temper." CHAPTER XVII. SHOOTING CONTINUED. I HAVE known it recommended by ancient sportsmen, to "keep your gun on the half-cock until the game be flushed ; for it then to be cocked, brought to the shoulder, the aim got, and the trigger pulled." This might have done when birds could be brought down like butterflies, with your ON SHOOTING. 243 hat ; but such a dilatory proceeding, in this fast age, would be worse than ridiculous. With such a method, a man might as well burn his powder at the moon. When beating for game, your gun should invariably be on the full-cock ; and it should be carried so as to be brought to your shoulder easily and readily : for very frequently birds will rise, and hares spring from their forms, without any notice being given by your dogs, let them be ever so good. At the same time, the greatest care should be taken to keep the muzzle so that no accident can happen by any possibility. I have previously referred to distance, and the space to be given to birds crossing or going away from you. The reason why you should hold your gun full high for the latter is, that a bird will take a very hard hit in the rump, without falling ; and although it will die, yet it will not in time for you to add the head to your number in the bag. One coming tov/ards you will also take a severe blow in the body ; because the shot glances off the feathers as they are thus presented ; and, unless a pinion in one of the wings be broken, the escape of the bird will frequently astonish the sportsman, and make him question the correctness of his aim, however perfect it may have been. To enable you to bring down a bird in this position, with any 244 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. thing like certainty, it should be close : if not so, you may have no cause to blame yourself. A bird C7'0ssi?ig, or immediately above your head, presents the most vulnerable mark ; as both his feathers, and the position of his body, offer a favourable opportunity for the shot to produce the desired effect. When a miss takes place from any ner- vousness, it is generally ov^ing to the left hand dropping as the trigger is pulled. To remedy this, grasp the stock tightly, and fire full high. After a few successful shots, confidence w^ill be regained, and you will shoot well and hand- somely. When a man is fagged and weary, it is quite impossible that he can shoot with any thing like precision. He should then rest and refresh him- self. Farther toil, in this state of his body and spirits, will only prevent his enjoying that sport which a recruiting pause would enable him to have. This suggestion more especially applies early in September ; when young and eager sportsmen are out at daybreak, and plod through- out the entire day, with aching limbs and sinking spirits, in the belief that the longer the day, the greater the chances of returning home with a well-filled bag. This is a very common and natural error which beginners are apt to fall into : but they may believe, without the unpleasant ON SHOOTING. 245 proof wbich experience would give them, that a long, hot, thirsty day is not the one to walk through, from sunrise to sunset ; and that such labour is not only unnecessary, but acts as a damper and preventive of sport. I cannot say the number of hours that a sportsman should walk ; for this must depend on his strength of body, his health and inclination, the weather, the sort of country that he shoots over, his condition for work or want of it, and other reasons needless to be recounted. But this I can safely say to one and all, — Give up ^ for a time^ when you are tired ; and do not begin too early in the morning. When you are shooting in company, among your first resolutions should be, not, from any temptation, to endanger the safety of your com- panion ; or to vex and annoy him, by jealous, unfair, and greedy monopolizing of shots. Re- garding the first part of the caution, there is nothing more unsportsmanlike ; and, as to the second, there is nothing more ungentlemanly in the field. If you are doubling a hedgerow, in the society of a friend, whatever may be the inducement, never fire through the hedge. You may feel quite certain, at the moment of pulling the trigger, that no evil result can happen; as you are assured that your companion is out of the line of the 246 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. charge. Without doubt, this has been the con- viction of many who have had sad proof of their mistake. Therefore, on no account whatever, should there be the semblance of a deviation from this resolve. It is impossible to impress this too strongly on the minds of young sportsmen. Let them treasure the admonition as priceless. Shoot- ing across your companion, striving to " wipe his eye," and taking every shot that goes as fairly for him as for yourself, is conduct essentially the opposite to that of a gentlemanly sportsman. It is certain to create irritation : that feeling may spur him to retaliate ; and thus unpleasantry and ill feeling will be engendered in both, greatly to the detriment of sport. To count also your own number of shots against his ; and thus, by com- paring one with the other, praise yourself at the expense of his failures, is a boyish and silly pro- ceeding. If you shoot better than he does, he cannot fail to know it; and, should you shoot worse, he will evince a polite forbearance, by dis- regarding the balance of skill in his favour. All birds that cross belong exclusively to that person to whose side they bear ; and there should be an understanding that the shots be taken alter- nately, when as fair for one as for the other. I do not mean that, if a covei/ spring on the left, the shooter on the rigid is not to fire ; but he is to ON SHOOTING. 247 take the bird which is nearest to him on the right. In the event of a single bird rising, and crossing in the same manner, he ought not to pull his trigger until his companion has tried both his barrels : but if a brace rise at the same moment, in a corresponding form, there is no reason for showing this generosity. Take the one nearest to your side, and the liberality proper to be shown will be accorded. In attempting a double shot, the gun should be kept to the shoulder, and not taken from it after the first barrel is fired. Time is thus saved ; and the level is not so difiicult to obtain, for the second bird. If the smoke impedes your sight — which it is very likely to do if there be not suffi- cient wind to blow it quickly away — you should either stoop and get your aim under the volume, or jump on one side, and thus manoeuvre with the difficulty. The same hint will apply generally to obstacles and impediments that may frequently present themselves between your sight and the object. I know of no reason for firing one barrel in 'particular before the other ; except that there is not so much danger from the right as the left, in the event of blowing the cock back. As a matter of course, the first barrel is more used than the second. Colonel Hawker says, that "as the 248 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. barrels of double guns usually shoot a little inwards at long distances, there is so far a preference in favour of the right barrel, for an object crossing to the left, and vice versa, that, if we were beating along the side of a hedge, it would be best to keep the barrel neM to it in a state of preparation." This may be all very true ; but the majority of sportsmen make a rule of pulling either the left trigger or the right one first ; and I think the former has the choice, perhaps from its being nearer and more easy to the finger. At any rate, / always pull this one first ; and so do by far the greater number of those I have shot with. In presenting a gun, the hand has a much more steady hold, and there is not so much risk in keep- ing the muzzle too low (a very great cause, if not the principal cause, of missing birds,) if it be extended along the stock ; but it cannot be said to be in so safe a position as when near the guard, in the event of a barrel bursting. Luckily, how- ever, this is of very rare occurrence now; and with the great precautions taken to prove guns safe, I think the dread of such an occurrence is not dissimilar to the fear of an earthquake. It may take place, but it is extremely unlikely. If you shoot with a double gun, as the majority of sportsmen do in the age we live in ; " upon the face of the declaration," as a special pleader might ON SHOOTING. 249 write, perchance, the object is to get as many double shots as you can obtain. Now, there is a great deal of management to be displayed in this, which, if properly attended to, will ensure the desired result. One of the leading preventives to getting a sight at the second bird, is the hanging about of the smoke from the explosion of the first barrel. To get the better of this difficulty, you should endeavour to flush your birds across, and not so as to drive them either up the wind or down. The latter is far more objectionable than the former; as the smoke is driven with them, and impedes the sight more effectually than its coming, for the momciit, in your face. You should head your dog; (for I need not say that this manoeuvring can only take place when the point is made,) and not go in a direct line from his stern to the game. It is impossible to drive or to coaa; birds to fly exactly as you require them : but this is the plan to give you the chances wished for. In his anxiety to get double shots, however, let the novice remember that his attention must first be directed to making his Jirst shot tell in the number of the effective. I have seen many so eager for the two to count, that, as in the well- known fable of the dog and the shadow, both have been lost. It is admirable to see a sportsman 250 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. bring down his birds right and left in a handsome manner: but such shooting cannot be arrived at suddenly ; and patience will ensure the accomplish- ment of the task far more quickly than too early and futile endeavours. Nothing is more likely to drive the game up out of distance, than hallooing to your dogs, and making or permitting a noise to be made in the field. Even in walking through turnips, potatoes, stubble, and so forth, there is a way of lifting the feet, to prevent a superfluous rustle, which a sportsman in 1845 will do well to observe ; although, take away the odd decimals from the centuries marking the Christian era, and such a suggestion would have been laughed at. Quiet- ness, however, is very essential to getting within reach of birds, in countries of the general de- scription ; and to those only am I referring. We all know that, here and there, spots are to be found where game is so plentiful, that there is little more difficulty in finding, approaching, or killing it, than in the wholesale slaughter of the fatted poultry in a farm-yard at Christmas. To those who can entertain any feeling of pleasure in sporting over such localities, and have the opportunity, I neither envy their conceptions of what shooting should be, nor their chances of gratifying them. ON SHOOTING. 251 In large enclosures, and an open country, birds are more difficult, after having been disturbed once or twice, and will fly much farther, than in enclosed boundaries, with high hedgerows and banks. To get near these " shy skimmers," you cannot be too quiet wath your tongue and in your manner of walking. Should one of your dogs require a great deal of rating, let him be taken up and consigned to the custody of your servant. There is no greater stopper to the enjoyment of a day's sport, when birds are wild, or, I may add, at any other time^ than a headstrong, badly broke, undisciplined dog, that minds no rate but one given in the tone of thunder, and is frequently either receiving or meriting the lash. In stormy and windy weather, it is expedient to begin your day's sport to the ivindward side of your beat ; as by this management you will not only keep your birds on the land that you are going over, but they will not be likely to fly so far, against the wind, or, in the phraseology of a sportsman, when they are flt/ing ttp, instead of sinking it. Should your limits be confined, do not con- tinually harass and disturb the game, \>j following- it day by day. You will be able to bag a great deal more, by giving it rest, than by continually scouring every nook and corner; for no kind of 252 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. game will ever be plentiful, or permit an approach within killing range, if their haunts are for ever being disturbed. To a young and eager sportsman — and I glory in seeing the fire within his veins ! — this should be well grafted in his memory ; as the inclination to be constantly at work, often spoils the sport that he might otherwise enjoy. However well stocked, no ground will bear to be beaten over without intermission. The same beat should never be taken more than twice, or, at most, three times in the week, even in the earliest part of the season. In the event of birds being particularly wild, the weather very boisterous, or the birds being on the verge of your beat, and you know within a small cast where to find them, it is better to have your dogs taken up ; as the chances of getting a shot at the birds, if it be but a farewell rattle at their feathers, are greater than trusting, in this case, to the needless hunting of your pointers or setters. The same suggestion applies when birds have been marked in. Although I strive to get every point that I can, for the gratification that it must present to the eye of a sportsman, I think it far better that you approach the game with either your dogs at your heels, or, if not sufficiently under command for them to remain there without ON SHOOTING. 253 continued caidmiing^ to have them taken up and kept at a respectful distance. I consider this to be the best plan ; because you are aware of the spot the birds are to be found in, and your dogs are not. This causes a more than ordinary anxiety on your part ; and any thing like in- cautious behaviour on the part of your quad- rupeds, renders you irritable and nervous. As the dogs then, at this juncture, can be of no assistance, and may be just the opposite, I advise their removal, as a preliminary to your nearing the game. It very frequently happens, that after having fired and killed your bird, another bird, or perhaps more, will rise immediately afterwards. Do not, therefore, place the butt on the ground, directly after discharging the first barrel, but pause for a little previously to reloading ; and never attempt to pick up your dead bird until you have charged again. To see a man scamper after a bird, that he may have brought down, the moment it is upon the ground, is a lamentable exhibition of cockney notions in the field ! Frenchmen in- variably do this ; and, in addition, halloo and cheer on their poodles to tear and rend the wretched victim piecemeal. The conduct of an English sportsman should be decidedly the re- verse. When he has fired, his dogs should be 254 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. "Down charge." Speedily his gun should be reloaded ; and, carrying it in a position prepared for immediate use, he should then, and not till then, proceed to pick up the head of game. To take time by the forelock is admitted to be the best course in the general business of life; and to shooting, especially as concerns the novice, this golden rule more particularly applies. In order to be in good nerve, there should be nothing procrastinated to the last moment. Let all your appointments and apparatus be prepared and ready for your fixed hour of beginning the sport. Go to your rest early, or at least by your usual time on the preceding night ; and do not quaff more than your ordinary measure of stimulating fluid. Even if you do not take quite so much, (although I am no proselyte of Father Mathew, be it confessed,) the reduction may prove of con- siderable benefit to the following day's enjoyment. Doctors, it is said, never agree; and writers upon the same subject are often found to be at variance. I do not in the smallest degree arro- gate to myself a greater knowledge or experience in shooting matters than Colonel Hawker pos- sesses. Indeed, I am right well content to give him the precedence. But still I consider that I have a right to question some of his allegations, if I find them at issue with my own experience. ON SHOOTING. 255 In SO doing, however, I shall not avail myself of the shelter of any covert ; but give for every " why" a " wherefore." I have spoken about the distances necessary to be given in the particluar positions in which the birds may present themselves. Relating to these, the Colonel says, "In firing at random distances, where birds are crossing you at the distance of sixty or seventy yards, the average of good shots generally present not more than half a foot before them. But it should be recollected, that after the shot has been driven through the air to the point-blank distance, iu travels so much slower^ that the allowance must be greatly in- creased ; and that although a few inches may be sufficient to fire before a fair cross shot, yet, at sixty or seventy yards, I should fire at least two or three feet before the bird, if it tvent with any velocity. Yes, even with a detonator, I should do so, at this distance ! Let any one of my young readers, who shoots fairly, try this against one that adopts the ordinary system, and see who will make the greatest number of long shots. While attending to this, however, he must take care not to present too low : but pitch his gun well up, or, if any thing, pull high for the mark." It may, nay it must appear of the bragging order, for me to assert that it is a property of 256 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. mine to be unusually effective in bringing down birds at long distances. I like a long shot much better than a close one ; and I can account for this by being more than an ordinary quick, al- though not a " snap-shot." Birds at long ranges, or snipes, suit my style of pitching my gun, far better than a shot presenting itself immediately under my foot ; and I would back myself to kill a bird at thirty, or even forty yards' rise, at two to one, rather than a bird flushed at the distance of ten or a dozen. Now, this assertion, although savouring of the boastful, I know to be correct ; and, notwithstanding my having frequently brought down my game at seventy yards' range, I never yet held my gun any thing like "two or three feet " before the object. It is quite true, that birds, at a range of this kind, require a long anticipatory pull of the trigger, more particularly if going down a strong wind : at the same time, it must be taken into consideration, that shot flies with a much greater velocity than any feathered pinions were ever yet seen to go at ; and a charge, with the wi?id, has not the same resistance as one against it. I have no hesitation in saying, that, as far as my experience is concerned, giving " two or three feet " befo^^e a bird within killing distance of a^ii/ gun that was ever yet brought to the shoulder, (not taking into consideration duck, PARTRIDGE SHOOTING. 257 pigeon, or any particular kind,) you would shoot before it. This is my firm opinion. The decision of the point I must leave to the judgment of others. CHAPTER XVIII. PARTRIDGE, GROUSE, PHEASANT, COCK, AND SNIPE SHOOTING. In the order which I have indicated at the head of this chapter, I shall enter into the details of these respective sports, and strive to afi^ord all the knowledge necessary to their enjoyment. For many years past, it has been the constant complaint that birds (partridges) are so extremely wild, and consequently so difficult to approach ; added to which, their numbers are yearly becom- ing thinner. From east to west, this is the universal lamentation ; and, whether the enclosures be wide or small, the hedgerows thick or thin, the country preserved or wild, still the grievance, more or less, is complained of. There are several causes to which these efi*ects may be assigned. In the first place, there are not the stubbles that there used to be, nor the shelter s 258 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. generally, previously to the great and increasing improvements in agriculture. The scythe is now used instead of the sickle, for the wheat crops ; and hedges, banks, and ditches, are kept bare and clean from grass and weeds. This want of pro- tection drives the birds into the open lands ; where, instead of skulking, they confide in their wariness for safety. The facilities rendered to poachers, for getting rid of their ill-gotten plunder, by the licensing of dealers in game, is among the leading causes of the dearth, yearly becoming greater. In every town throughout England, however insignificant it may be, there are two or three dealers in, or more properly speaking, receivers of, poached game. Man, woman, girl, or boy, may now dispose of any quantity, by merely going to these emporia ; and one of them is certain to be within convenient reach. Formerly the case was very diflerent. Poaching was undoubtedly carried on, but to nothing like the extent of the present day. Then plans had to be matured for disposal and con- veyance to market; and the mere act of hilling the game was by no means all that was requisite in the business of the poacher. He required the intermediate assistance of agents, and many pre- liminaries had to be arranged ; but now none of these are requisite. Any labourer, any boy about PARTRIDGE SHOOTING. 259 a farm, can set a gin or a snare, and dispose of a single head, twenty, or a hundred, at the next market town, with as much ease as so much poultry. The country dealers will purchase any quantity ; as these are the parties generally who supply the London poulterers. I am quite con- vinced that where there was one poacher under the old law, objectionable as it was in many points, there are now Jifty. None of these, per- haps, are such systematic, wholesale slaughterers as the professed poacher, who made his depreda- tions the sole occupation of his life : but those of the amateurs, taken collectively, far exceed his in number. There is no doubt that many birds die from eating seed- wheat steeped in vitriol ; a very com- mon practice with farmers, to prevent smut, and one which was quite unknown a few years since ; and thus, with poisoned food, poaching on an enlarged scale, and little shelter for the birds, there can be no surprise at their scarcity or their wildness. It is a very common rule with young sports- men to begin their day's work much too soon, on that eventful and long anticipated day, the 1st of September. As soon as there is light (and more than once or twice I remember sitting under a hedge, waiting impatiently for a streak of the 260 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. early dawn) sufficient to distinguish a partridge from that nocturnal disturber, " whose screech makes night hideous," the owl, the young sportsman is scouring the hill and the valley, the lowland and the upland, stubble, turnips, and all that may offer a chance of finding the desired game in ; when a little delay w^ould be net only more conducive to his comfort, the steadiness of his nerves, and the lasting of the work with vigour and freshness; but would enable him to get moi^e shots and better sport. While the dew of the morning is saturating every leaf and blade of grass, the birds are making their matin meal, and will 7iever lie well to a near approach. At this time, they are on the stubbles ; and, except a very green beginner, no one would attempt to wade through turnips, or any such bottom, which is only sought for shelter and secu- rity. Being on the feed, the birds are chary of an approaching footfall ; and rarely indeed is it that you can get any thing but a very long shot. The covey, too, will spring together, and not disperse ; and, when once disturbed, will be still more diffi- cult to get near, on your second attempt. At this season, w^hen a baking day may be ex- pected, you should reserve your strength and fresh- ness, and those also of your dogs, (unless you be among those few favoured by the ficlde goddess, PARTRIDGE SHOOTING. 261 who can afford, and possess, relays of good ones,) for the more favourable part of the day ; and that is, after the birds have gone oif their feed, and the dew is dry upon the stubble. If you think that a lon^ day is indispensable for good sport, you can always have one, between eight o'clock in the morning and sunset ; without beginning at the first challenge of the cock. Birds do not begin their feed again until the shades of evening close around ; and I have invariably found them easier of approach from about one till four or five, than at any other hour. In the extreme heat of the day, when half an hour's exposure to the sun will beat yourself and your dogs more than four hours will do in the cooler portion of it, you had much better rest in a farm-house, or wherever vou can find a comfortable and cool lodgment. Instead of this pause causing a diminution of your sport, it will greatly tend to the reverse in the end ; and the zest will last much longer than if the body were wearied to a crawl, and the spirits flagged and drooped. In partridge shooting, more particularly in an enclosed country, where the banks and hedgerows are high and thick, the assistance of some efficient markers will be found of the greatest service. These should be placed so as that they can command as wide a range as possible ; and, from the tops of 262 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. gate-posts, boughs of trees, &c, they frequently will be able to mark down birds to a foot, which it might not only occupy much time to find again by your dogs ; but as, in the early part of the season, young birds will fly, when disturbed, into corners and out-of-the-way places, they may be missed altogether. Sportsmen who are not expert in finding game, may attribute the fault to hurrying over the ground too quickly, and not beating it sufficiently. To make the ground " good," you should let your dogs quarter it, and give them time for their work. You should also hunt the cor?iers of fields, and walk well over the land yourself; and not just lounge into the gate or through the gap, let your dogs race superficially here and there, and be satisfied that there is no game to be found. To get shooting in this careless, slovenly manner, it is necessary that birds should be as plentiful as blackberries. Great quietness of manner should be observed ; and in hunting your dogs, let it be done with as little hallooing as possible. A low whistle, and a motion of the hand, are frequently quite as w^ell attended to as the unnecessary exertion of stento- rian lungs. It cannot have escaped the observation of any one who has had a little experience in shooting, PARTRIDGE SHOOTING. 263 that birds will occasionally lie well, and sometimes cannot be approached by very long distances. This is not in any way the result of accident, as many have supposed ; but is dependent upon the weather and the state of the land. In a calm, preceding a storm, birds are on the listen as much as they are on the watch ; and the state of the atmosphere permits them to hear a footfall for a considerable space. In windy weather, too, if you attempt to get near them doivn the wind, they will bauik your intention, and get aw^ay out of shot : but, if you draw up the wind, (which is giving your dogs much better chances of making their points,) it is favourable to your design. As soon as the land is dry^ and a calm takes place after a storm, birds will be found to lie fairly; and, after a calm, they will lie in windy weather, provided you are careful how you approach them. Late in the season, on cold November days, when, as soon as you enter a field at one end, the birds may be seen scudding away at the other, and following them is of no use whatever, you should place yourself under the lea of a bank or hedge, and direct your servant to enter the field on the side opposite to where you are. By this man- oeuvre, you may get a few random shots, if it be a matter of importance to bag a brace or two of birds : but such artful " dodges " as riding horses 264. THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. over the land, mounting the markers, flying kites to intimidate the coveys, and a host of similar manoeuvres, are, in my opinion, beneath the notice (save to laugh at) of a true sportsman. Grouse shooting is liable to more difficulties than the foregoing, on account of the fagging nature of the ground, where only moor game is to be found : but the same rules as to the time of beginning the sport, and the way of conducting it, so as to remain fresh to the conclusion, and, most probably, the best part of the day, will apply to grouse as to partridge shooting. The extent of ground requires far more dogs than in partridge shooting. In the latter, a brace is quite sufficient to work at a time ; and one more too many : while, in grouse shooting, to find the game, you can scarcely have too great a number, so long as they hunt steadily. When the pack is found and marked down, as in the case of partridges, (but more attention to the observance is necessary in this kind of sport,) all the dogs should be taken up. If, however, the game is not marked down to a nicety, one stanch dog may be left, to considerable advantage. To mention the old ruse of the cock running cackling ahead, in order to get you away from the pack, is unnecessary to an old sportsman : to the less experienced, it may not be useless. This GROUSE SHOOTING. ^5 diversion, stale as it is, he very frequently will make use of ; and, as he is so cunning and watchful, the best way to commence thinning the family, is to begin with hwi, if possible. Where the heather is thick, as in Scotland, grouse will be found to lie close, in the early part of the season ; but they soon become extremely wild ; and, except in w^arm days, when they bask in the sun for a few hours, bid defiance to the most stealthy approach. When they get up six or seven hundred yards from you, a similar plan, only on a larger scale, to that I mentioned for out-manoeuvring wild partridges, may prudently be adopted. You should head them ; and then, when you are ready, they should be driven towards you by persons from behind. When this becomes necessary, however, you must anticipate only a few wide random shots. For this work, a heavy double, charged with Eley's cartridges, will be found most effective : as grouse take a harder blow than partridges. Pheasant shooting may be considered the tamest of all kinds of shooting, except shooting from the trap. To have pheasants, in any thing like numbers, it is necessary to preserve, and to feed them (in certain seasons) with as much care as domesticated poultry require in the farm-yard. Not but that there is plenty of sport in bringing 266 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. down your eight or ten brace of " long tails." I have not, however, I submit, miscalled pheasant shooting, in saying that it comes under the head of " tame sporting." We occasionally see paragraphs in the papers, giving the particulars of the wholesale destruction of pheasants and hares, and calling that " good sport." I cannot imagine what sport can be discovered in knocking down a wagon load of game, which it required neither skill to find nor to kill. I once made one of four, vv^ho, between eleven in the morning and four in the afternoon, bagged six hundred head, inclusive of rabbits; besides nearly thirty more, recovered on the following morning. And I can declare that I was not only tired with the slaughter, long before it was finished, but upon our return, and seeing this inordinate quantity spread in rows upon the lawn, I felt perfectly sick, and believed at the moment, that I should never be inclined to add another head to the list. This, however, was a transitory kick of conscience. If you wish to rattle your coverts, and drive every pheasant on the wing, there are no abler assistants than a few couples of noisy spaniels : and should you wish to give a friend or two more shooting than they can well manage, place them at the e7id of the covert that you are driving ; and, PHEASANT SHOOTING. 267 provided there be any thing like a good sprinkling, thej are sure to get the cream of the fun. A more quiet method is, to get a few men or boys to go abreast, and beat the covert in a regular m.anner. When a pheasant has been fired at, their instructions should be, to stand still and quiet, until the order " Ready," be given from the person who has fired. In this description of shoot- ing, a good retriever will be found of the greatest service. Very often a winged pheasant cannot be taken except by a dog ; and many may fall where it is very difficult to find them without his assistance. Although this sport begins on the 1st of October, little can be done, in large thick woods, until a later period, when the leaves are thinned. But if you are impatient, and have a few acres of gorse at hand, the pheasants can, without much difficulty, be driven into the furze ; and then you will be enabled to get as fair shots as you could desire. Should it be your wish to pay a visit frequently to your coverts, in order to get a few shots quietly, and without doing much mischief by dis- turbing them, you should be attended by neither spaniels nor beaters. Old pointers and setters, who, upon being told, will break their points and put the pheasants up, are the best for peaceable 268 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. covert shooting ; and their not hunting a long way from you, (which old dogs are not apt to do,) is essential ; as, otherwise, when they have found the game, you may not readily be able to find them. Alertness is requisite in this mode of shooting. Before you order your dog to dash in, you should look out for a clear spot, to get a sight at the game, and place yourself in the best prac- ticable position for this purpose. When your dogs are out of sight, and you are doubtful whether they are at a point or not ; you may frequently ascertain this, by placing an ear close to the ground ; and the crash of the under- wood, or the dead silence, will inform you. A friend of mine was in the habit of fixino^ little bells to the neck of his pointer, engaged in this work ; and stated that " he found it an admirable plan ; as he could always hear, by their ringing or not, the state of affairs." I never tried it myself; but it may answer, I think, very well for those who are not sharp of hearing. Cock sliootinc) is, perhaps, the extreme altitude of a true sportsman's ambition. 1 have made more than one stare with mute and gaping wonder, on asserting that I killed twenty-five couples in one day : but some of the mist and doubt have been cleared away, upon my adding that it was in a noted breeding swamp, on the other side of the COCK SHOOTING. 269 Atlantic, and in the month of July, when they had just become sufficiently grown to be worth bagging. In England, if a man kill as many in ^yq years, he wull consider himself well off, and be an object of envy to many of his less fortunate neighbours. A marker will be of good service in cock shoot- ing ; for, although the cock seldom flies a great distance, after being flushed the first time, yet he often drops in out-of-the-way spots; and, as he will be more watchful at the second approach, a dog is very likely to drive him up out of shot. I advise, therefore, when he has been marked down, that the dogs be taken up. It is not an uncom- mon belief that woodcocks lie where they drop, and are to be found just in the spot where they are seen to go down. This is a mistake. They are extremely likely to run some distance; although, generally speaking, the beat need not be wide. Should a cock rise wild, and continue to get out of distance, head him after the second attempt, and desire your servant to drive him gently towards you. You will then get, in all probability, a famous opportunity of " sprinkling" him, as he flies towards you ; or, if you prefer it, after he has passed over your head. In the open air, a woodcock is any thing but a 270 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. difficult bird to bring to the ground ; his flight being such as to allow of plenty of time to get your level : but in a covert, where he darts between close-grown trees and brushwood, you must pitch your gun quickly, and cut him down at once ; or hope for no chance of doing the like deed. Good, busy spaniels are indispensable for cock shooting. Unless they will " keep in," however, and are under good command, you will often hear the Jlap of the cock's wing; but your eyes will be seldom refreshed by a glance of his body. Snipe shooting is considered the most difficult attainment of the sportsman ; that is, to kill his birds in the same handsome style that he mani- fests in a general way. I have known many capital sportsmen shirk snipe shooting, on account of their inability to bring their birds down ; when I have been certain that all that was required was a little method in the sport. To fire too quickly, without getting a level, is one of the principal causes of snipes getting away ; although a slow, poking shot has not the remotest chance of ever being able to achieve the desired object. If a snipe rise from under your foot, you should not bring your gun to your shoulder in haste and in a flurry ; but give time to turn, flash, and twist ; SNIPE SHOOTING. 271 which he will do immediately upon getting on the wing; then pitch your gun, when he is going straight away, and bring him to earth in style. Should he rise at a long range, down with him in a moment ; and rather trust to a " snap-shot " than allow his certain escape, by waiting until he be out of distance ; which he is sure to be by the time that he has ended his puzzling manoeuvres. Few birds are fleeter on the wing, and none more so, that a sportsman deems worthy of his notice, than snipes ; yet it is not their speed that occasions the difficulty in shooting them, but the undue haste and flurry that men so generally exhibit in the attempt. The swiftness with which snipes fly makes it necessary for you to allow more than usual of what I have called " anticipatory" distance. This must be regulated in the same manner as in other kinds of shooting, and must entirely depend on the space that the bird crosses from you. If it be near, — say about twenty or flve-and-twenty yards, — you should give about three inches before his head, at the moment of pulling the trio-o-er; and if about five-and-forty to fifty, give him a full foot. When going straight away, hold your gun full high ; for, if you miss, it will be on account of throwing the charge under him. With snipes, woodcocks, and, indeed, all birds 272 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. flying over your head, or coming towards you, great care should be taken, in giving sufficient distance before them, and shooting full high ; as the position is very likely to deceive, and cause you to shoot under. A spaniel, that will keep within range without rating, is the best assistant for this kind of sport : but as snipes are generally shy and watchful, the less noise of any kind, the greater the chance of getting near them. A steady old pointer is also, up the wind, of essential service : but a snipe (unless it be a jack snipe, which will lie closer and not fly to such a distance, when flushed, as the " full") does not often permit a dog to approach near enough to make his point when down the wind. Either way, it is safest not to allow his ranging wide from you. In a severe frost, it is of no use to look for snipes in those spots that are frozen. In ditches that will permit of their boring, near warm springs, in sheltered fords where the water still runs, and such-like spots, are their retreats, in this weather. When it is, comparatively speaking, mild and open, they will be found in bogs, moors, sedgy bottoms, beds of rushes, and wet places of a similar description. In springing snipes, you should endeavour to get to windward of them ; by which you will be more SNIPE SHOOTING. 273 likely to get a cross shot, and probably prevent their rising out of distance. The description of land that you are compelled to walk over in search of snipes, is, for the most part, any thing but of the pleasant order, and requires a peculiar equipment, as far as the legs and feet are concerned, and a corresponding observance in the manner of treading. A pair of thick waterproof boots, reaching to the knees, I think indispensable to comfort and health. And, if it be a quaking, shaking bog, on whose uncertain surface you are walking, go slowly and surely. If you proceed in a staggering gait, it will be quite impossible for you to shoot with any thing like precision. Perchance at the moment you are reeling, a snipe will be flushed ; and then up comes your gun tmder your arm, and off it goes ; and so does the bird, much to your dissatisfaction. Tact is required in these little matters. To overlook them, is to throw great impediments in the way of enjoying good sport. 274 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. CHAPTER XIX. BLACK GAME SHOOTING, ON THE BORDERS OF DEVON AND SOMERSET.— WILD-FOWL SHOOTING, AND DEER- STALKING. There is no harder work for the sportsman than fagging through a broiling day in September, in search of black game. This arduous but ex- citing sport used to be commenced universally on the 20th of August ; but, under the new laws, it is illegal in the New Forest, Somersetshire, and Devonshire, until the 1st of September. These are the exceptions to the rule ; as every where else, it is permitted to begin on the original day, above named. In the hottest weather, through stiff and un- yielding heath, pleasantly interspersed with bogs and fir plantations, (which are planted because no other trees will grow in these extensive and tenantless wastes ; ) and with the knowledge, when you set out, that the likelihood is that you will have very few shots ; this description of sport may be truly said to be of an arduous character. A shooting cob may occasionally be mounted, to refresh your wearied limbs : but, from the nature BLACK GAME SHOOTING. 275 of the ground, it is quite impossible to ride with any thing like a continuance. The old cock is one of the most wary birds that flies, and is seldom seen with the pack ; which is always accompanied by the fjrat/ hen. Even at the earliest part of the season, the cock runs a-head of the pack ; and is far more thought- ful of his individual preservation, than the security of his lady-love or progeny. It frequently occurs that, throughout an entire day, you may never see an old black-cock ; although you may find several packs of ^^ poults,'' as the young ones are called, and with them the more careful mother. Even the poults are wary enough. After the second week in September, and the pack has been rattled a few times, they will defy any thing resembling a close range. In winter, the old cocks, — and a beautiful shiny jet plumage they have, — assemble together in large companies ; and it is impossible to approach them, so mindful and watchful are they of any inimical tread directed towards their haunts. The shooting black game is so like grouse shooting, that a single suggestion about the sport would be superfluous. The only chance of bringing down an old black- cock is to get into ambush, and then have him driven towards you. Even should his quick eye 276 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. catch a glimpse of you, and his course be directli/ over your head, he will seldom change it. A good heavy double, fatiguing as it may be to carry, loaded with Eley's cartridge, is the "iron" for this work. Wild-fowl shooting on shore and afloat. It does not follow that, because a man has killed some few scores of wild-fowl, he may take upon himself the title of being "a wild-fowl shooter." As well might one who hooks a trout occasionally, flatter himself that he is an accom- plished fisherman. It is far from my intention to arrogate to myself any thing in connexion with a department of sporting that I have not followed sufl[iciently to understand, in every particular : therefore, I shall at once admit, that although I have shot numbers of wild-fowl, more particularly during my sojourn in North America, yet I am by no means a 'professed wild-fowl shooter. I have ever considered it a sneaking, tame, miserable occupation^ rather than as coming under the head of sport. It is all very well for the needy fowler on the coast to lie in ambush in the day, and creep and push his punt along the ooze by night, for the wholesale destruction of the fowl feeding on the savannahs of the shore. There is a demand in the markets for these birds ; and such are the WILD-FOWL SHOOTING. 277 means of supply. But any body who really takes delight in this slaughtering, must have a very different idea of sport from that which I entertain. I hold in utter contempt any mode of killing which is pursued as a sport, wherein nothing is wanted but cold-blooded butchery. And let me ask what can be more cold-blooded, both literally and figuratively speaking, than, in the depth of a winter's night, to punt within range of a countless multitude of birds, grazing together in a solid mass, and then, after some hours' watching, perhaps to get one shot at them ? It really is more contemptible and cruel than some battues I have heard of; for in the one case, the wretched cripples flap away, to meet with the horrid death of starvation ; wdiile in the other, the army of keepers generally manage to stop the unhappy victims with bludgeons and such-like means of stoppage in transitu. It will readily be conceived, with these affections towards wild-fowl shooting, that I am no advocate for such a miscalled sport. However, without a further philippic against it, I will state the w^ays and means of — as a cockney would say — cir- cumwentimj the wary birds. I do not mean that it is impossible to have fair and legitimate sport with wild-fowl. I have wandered by the stream on a clear, bracing, frosty day, and brought down the fine old mallard, as he 278 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. capped the rushes with his broad strong wing, with as much delight as I have done any bird that I ever cut from air to earth or water. But that is not, in strictness, called " wild-fowl shooting." To get 7iea7' wild-fowl is the principal, if not the sole difficulty to be encountered. As with every kind of bird extremely shy and wary, a great deal of caution and patience is necessary. The mode of approaching the flock pitched in a fen or on the shore, is, to screen yourself as much as possible, and to crawl on your hands and knees towards them. For this manoeuvre, great care should be paid to your dress ; so that the colour may not attract the attention of the birds. When the snow is on the ground, a white jacket and cap are the best. Were it not too cold for the ears, it would be better to doff the cap. In consequence of the acuteness of their senses of smelling and hearing, it is indispensable that the fowler — I will not call him a sportsman — should make his approach to leeivard ; for it is im- possible to get within range, if the proceeding be attempted to ivindward. I am now alluding parti- cularly to shooting the birds with a fowling-piece, and not a punt gun. When the fowl fly in small trips from one place to another, the plan is to hide yourself in WILD-FOWL SHOOTING. 279 some convenient nook, or to make an ambush, and then intercept them as the flights pass to and fro. For this, you must observe the greatest quietude ; and not have a flaring coat or hat on. It is safer to have a couple of guns ; as you may get oppor- tunities of firing both occasionally, previously to your being capable of reloading one. With birds of such a wary nature, your screen, if artificial, must look as natural as possible ; or it will act very like a scarecrow to rooks. And if you can find a mute, or a person who can act like one, to load your second gun for you, it will greatly facilitate your destructive operations. In pursuing the killing of wild-fowl by night, the same regard must be paid to getting near them to leeward, or the chances are greatly against your approaching within an efi'ective range. There is less difficulty in nearing the flock within some thirty yards, by adopting this precaution, than in getting within five times that distance, if directly to windward. A fine moonlight night is the best time for this kind of shooting. You can then, in your white punt and gear, not only make close work of the business ; but, by getting the flock under the light, get an aim that will cut through them. It not unfrequently happens that the dark shadows on the shining mud banks look so much like the 280 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. birds, that, to an inexperienced eye, they might prove extremely deceptive. The novice must, therefore, be quite certain, before he pulls the trigger, that what he sees is a flock of wild-fowl ; and not be too hasty in his decision. If the moon be clear and bright, he will soon discover whether the black line consists of birds, by seeing it change its form ; and he mav even observe the birds paddling on the mud. If it is not sufficiently bright for him to depend upon his vision, he must listen attentively, and he will hear the peculiar noise which all ducks make when feedino- in puddles or on mud. This will prove a guidance for his operations. He should be cock-sure, before he startles fish and fowl with the blaze and roar, that he shoots at something more than a mud hmik. When he is certain that the mass before him consists of wild-fowl, he must be cautious not to allow the noise from their countless numbers to deceive him as to the distance. In a dark night, such deception is very likely to take place ; for the sounds from such enormous masses, as may occasionally be fired into, are very likely to mislead the tyro, as to the length of the range from where he is posted. When the tide is flowing, and momentarily forcing the multitude of fowl into more compact WILD-FOWL SHOOTING. . 281 bodies, it is expedient to reserve your fire until they are so edged together that the charge must cut through them, like a saw through a piece of timber. You will find them driven from spot to spot, until the water fioats them off from the last bit of ooze remaining; and just before this critical moment, is the time for pouring the volley of destruction among them. In punting up to them, you must be careful not to make any splash or sudden noise of any kind ; and in order to lessen the likelihood of being seen by the birds, your punt should be kept straight, or, in nautical language, well fore and aft. The distance must be regulated in accordance with the kind of night that you have. If it be an uncertain light, occasioned by the moon bursting suddenly, now and then, from between dark clouds, your care should be to approach the flock not closer than you would if it were a very bright steady light. The kind of shore will also regulate this. If you have, as the fowlers call it, " a good loom," that is, elevated black land behind you, the birds can be approached much closer than if there be no such mask to your whereabouts. When the tide is receding, or what sailors call " the ground ebb," it is easier to get near wild- fowl than at anv other state of the tide. This should be the selected time, if possible, for the 282 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. fowler to come to close quarters with the flock ; and if his caution be as great as a cat about to spring upon her prey, and his dress and punt be white, — or, perhaps, the colour of canvass is an improvement, if the moon and stars are glaringly bright, — he will be able to get within a raking range. If you hear the birds feeding, and then find them of a sudden cease to do so, it is a sure sign that they are aware of something wrong, and are both disposed and prepared to take wing. The best precaution then is, to remain perfectly quiet until their feeding be resumed, if you feel con- vinced that you are not near enough for a shot. But if you be within any thing like a fair range, let drive at them at once ; for it is most probable that an attempt to better your position will rob you of the shot altogether. You are not justified in squibbing and blazing out of mere wantonness, at wild-fowl, on a coast where you know numbers of poor men depend on this kind of pursuit for a subsistence. I do not mean to say that a gentleman has not a perfect right to shoot wild-fowl in the dead of the night, in the same way that the humble fowler who supplies the London poulterer has. But a ran- dom, useless shot frequently prevents the poor fowler from meeting with his hard gains ; by WILD-FOWL SHOOTING. 283 scaring away the birds at the very moment, per- chance, when he was about to reap them. In this kind of shooting, one sliot must frequently prevent another; and great care should be taken not to cause such effects unnecessarily. In quitting the punt, to collect the dead and crippled, one should invariably be left in the boat. Distressing accidents have occurred, in conse- quence of a want of observance of this precaution ; boats having drifted away, leaving the wretched fowlers to drown. As it is impossible to walk on the mud without mud pattens, I may remind the nocturnal adventurer of the necessity of providing himself with these indispensable assistants. Dur- ing the time that one is engaged in picking up the birds, the other should keep the punt close to him, and render any assistance that may be required ; but on no account should he leave the punt. Deer-Stalking. Deer-stalking is one " of those exclusive sports which can only be indulged in by the few. I have not had the opportunity of killing a deer in this country, except one outlying deer: but I have shot many in the far West; and can therefore speak, from experience, of the way in which the antlered monarch of the wild should be brought to the ground. 284 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. There are three kinds of deer common in Great Britain ; the fallow deer, the red deer, and the roebuck. The two last are chiefly confined to the Highlands of Scotland ; but the red deer are still to be found in their native coverts, in Devonshire and Somersetshire, where I have seen them drawn for and hunted,, " with hound and horn," as in days of yore. Unless a deer be hit through his heart, brain, spine, or forelegs, he will, notwithstanding he may be mortally wounded, bound away, as if untouched^ for a considerable distance. For a long shot, you had better take him just behind the foreleg ; as that pait presents the easiest mark, and you will, in all probability, reach his heart. In shooting at his head, be careful that you do not fire too low ; as you may uselessly and cruelly break his jaw. If standing sideways,, give him the lead through his forelegs, or his head ; and be sure not to hit his haunch, let his position be what it may. In going from you, fire at the ba^k part of his. head ; and in facing you, which is the worst mark that he caE offer, aim at the middle of his chest. I shot a stag in that part, on one occasion, as he was sweeping up a narrow path towards me ; and he fell dead in an instant^ the bullet having reached his heart. These are the vulnerable points for the sportsman DEER-STALKING. 285 to select ; and he should be careful not to make any other part of the animal the target for his level. Very great coolness is required, in bringing a deer down handsomely. The eager desire which naturally accompanies the pursuit of such high game, is frequently the cause of defeat and mortification. Large shot is generally used for the roebuck : but the bullet is necessary for the red and fallow deer. For a beginner, however, or one so nervous that he cannot control the rifle with a probability of hitting the deer except in a slovenly manner, I recommend a heavy single gun, loaded with a mixture of S G and A A shot. This will give him the best chance. When a deer has been hit and gets away, he should be followed up as quickly as possible with your hounds ; and, if he be wounded severely, they ■will soon run into him. THE SPOETSMAN'S LIBEAEY. BOOK FOFRTH. GAME, SPORTING DOGS, &c. I GAME, SPORTING DOGS, &c CHAPTER XX. A LIST, ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED, OF GAME, WILD- FOWL, AND BIRDS GENERALLY PURSUED BY THE SPORTSMAN ; THEIR NAMES AS GIVEN BY BEWICK, &c. ; WITH A FEW HINTS CONCERNING THE MODE OF SHOOT- ING THEM. Bittern ; Bog Bumper ; Bittern Bum ; or Mire Drum. A bird nearly as large as the common heron, and which feeds upon fish. It is shy and solitary, and never on the w^ing during the day ; but sits commonly with the head erect, hid among the reeds and rushes in the marshes, where it always takes up its abode. When it changes its haunt, it removes in the dusk of the evening ; and then, rising in a spiral direction, soars to a great height. It flies in the same heavy manner as the heron ; and might be mistaken for that bird, were u 290 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. it not for the singularly resounding cry which it utters from time to time while on the wing, and the heavy hooming noise of its wings. The bittern was held in great estimation as a delicacy for the table. I partook of part of one, some years since, that I killed in a fen in Lincoln- shire : but a resolution was formed by me at that time, not to taste another. The strong fishy flavour, I feared, would haunt my palate for ever. This denizen of the swamp is a bold bird, and will defend itself from the buzzard, or when wounded, from capture by the sportsman, with great courage. As he is capable of giving severe wounds with his sharp, strong beak, care should be taken, in the event of winging or disabling him, to avoid his thrusts. Spaniels that will keep in, and spring bitterns within range, are the best assistants in this kind of sport ; as the birds lie too close for pointers, generally speaking. Black Cock; known also as the heath-cock, and heath-poult. See particulars in " Black-game Shooting." Brent Goose, These birds, like other species of the same genus, quit the rigours of the North in winter, and spread themselves southward, in search of milder climates. The brent-geese are then to be met with on the British shores, and LIST OF GAME BIRDS, &c. 291 pass the winter months in the rivers, lakes, and marshes. Their modes of living and habits do not differ materially from those of the other numerous families of wild geese. Bustard, This is the rarest and largest of our land birds. Indeed, so very uncommon is it now, that very few sportsmen of the present day even see one ; much less get a shot at this vara avis. Its general characters seem to connect it with the ostrich and cassowary. On the plains of Dorset- shire, Wiltshire, and Yorkshire, it may still be occasionally seen : but total extinction seems to be inevitable. There is another kind called the little bustard, which is exceedingly rare in this country ; but is by no means so in France. Capercailzie, The habits of this beautiful in- habitant of the pine forests of Norway, are very like those of the black grouse. It is to be found in some parts of Scotland. His Royal Highness Prince Albert shot a fine specimen, during his visit to that rock-ribbed, cloud-capped land. But it is to be met nowhere else throughout Great Britain. Coot. The common coot has so many traits and features like the rails and water hens, that to place it after them seems a natural and easy grada- tion. These birds, which are an inferior water- fowl, are difficult to get upon the wing ; as, on 292 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. the approach of danger, they instantly seek a retreat among weeds and rushes. Even a water- dog, however good he may be, will have great trouble in driving them from their shelter. The best mode of out-manoeuvring them, is to station yourself quietly to leeward, and have a gun fired to windward before their getting into the flags. This will frighten them towards you. I have now been speaking of coots on a pond or any inland place. On the coast, when the object is to slaugh- ter numbers, you have but to station yourself so as to pour into the flight as it passes : or to punt towards them, when feeding on the ooze, in the same way that other wild-fowl are approached. They invariably fly to windward; so that the North wind brings them to the North. Curlew. With this bird Linnaeus begins a numerous tribe, under the generic name of Scolo- 'pax ; which, in his arrangement, includes all the snipes and godwits. In Britain, the curlew's summer residence is upon the wide moors and heaths. In winter they assemble in great numbers upon the coast ; where they may be killed in vast numbers. There is a dispute between authors as to the time when the curlew is best suited for eating : but, having shot them inland and on the coast, and partaken of their flesh at both seasons, I can state from experience that it is miserable LIST OF GAME BIRDS, &c. 293 stuff at both periods. The Little Curlew or Whimhrel resembles the common curlew in shape, colour, and manner of living ; but it is much better eating, and about half the size. The whimbrel is not so frequently seen on the sea shores of this country as the curlew. It is also more retired and wild. Dotterel, The dotterel is common in various parts of this country, though in some places it is scarcely known. In May and June, they fre- quent the heaths and moors of Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, and Derbyshire, in small flocks ; and are then very fat, and much liked for the table. The Ring Dotterel, Ring Plover, or Sea Lark, is to be found in all the Northern counties. They migrate in the spring, and take their depar- ture in autumn. During the summer, they may be seen running nimbly along the sand on the sea- shore; occasionally taking short flights, with a loud twittering noise ; then alighting and running again. As they are often difficult to get near, the best plan is to secrete yourself, and either wait for their getting within range, or have them driven towards your station, and then rake them as they pass. Ducks. Under this general head, there are various kinds of wildfowl which shall be named in their order. 294i THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. Uider Buck. This wild but valuable species is of a size between the goose and the domestic duck, and appears to be one of the graduated links between the two kinds. On some parts of the coast of Norway, in particular breeding places, they assemble in vast numbers : but very few visit this country. Gannett Gan, Soland or Solan Goose. This bird is generally three feet in length, and weighs about seven pounds. It may occasionally be seen on nearly every coast, when the shoals of herrings are abundant ; sweeping over and darting on to the waves, like the sea-gull. Garganey. This is one of the minute species of wildfowl ; being but little bigger than the teal. It is rather a scarce bird ; but may be found in the Norfolk fens, where they occasionally breed. Godwit. Buffon gives eight species of this division of the Scolopax genus. They are a timid, shy, and solitary tribe ; and seldom remain more than a day or two in the same place. It often happens that, in the morning, not one is to be found in those marshes where they were numerous the evening before. They remove in a flock, in the night ; and, when there is moonlight, may be seen passing at a vast height. There is no particular skill required in killing them ; and they are delicate and excellent eating. LIST OF GAME BIRDS, &c. 295 Golden-eye. The weight of this species varies from twenty-six ounces to two pounds. Golden- ejes do not congregate in large flocks, on the British shores; nor are they numerous on the lakes, in the interior. They are excellent divers ; and seldom set foot on land, except in the breeding season. Goose. There are several sorts of wild geese, which migrate to this country from more northern and inclement regions. The common Wild-goose, or Graylacj, is to be found in great numbers, in certain seasons. They may always be known by their assuming a particular figure in their flight. Unlike others of the same species, they seek their feeding places inland, on the water meadows and corn fields. These birds are very watchful. The best mode of getting a shot at them, as at all the rest of the kind, is, to take them unawares, by waiting with consummate j)atience, in ambush, near the spots they frequent, and then pouring into the company a sweeping charge. The flesh, however, is scarcely eatable, and but a coarse morsel at best. Brent Geese are also common ; and will repay the fowler for killing them, by proving, when plump, capital eating birds. Egyptian Geese, it has been asserted, visit these shores : but the fact appears questionable. Red-breasted Geese are natives of Russia and Siberia. They, without 296 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. doubt, pay us a visit now and then : but it may be truly said that it is a flying one when they do so. The White-fronted or Laughing Goose visits the fens and marshy places in England, in small flocks, in the winter months ; and disappears about the beginning of March. These birds form a part of those vast tribes which swarm about Hudson's Bay, and the North of Europe and Asia. They are but thinly scattered over the other quarters of the world. Grebes. These curiously formed birds are ranked by Ray and Linnaeus with the diver and guillemot. They are almost continually on the water ; where they are remarkable for their agility. The Tippet Grebe, Eared Grebe, Dusky Grebe, Red-neched Grebe, Little Grebe, and Black-chin Grebe, are varieties of the species. It is unnecessary to enter into their particular habits, as they bear a very close similarity to each other. Greenshanked Godivit, or Greenlegged Llorse- man. This species is not numerous in England. In the winter months, they appear in small flocks, on the sea shore and adjacent marshes ; and they are delicate eating. In the summer months, they seek the northern regions of Russia and Siberia. Grouse. There are three varieties of grouse besides the wood grouse or capercailzie previously mentioned : Black Grouse, Black Game, or Black LIST OF GAME BIRDS, &c. 297 cock ; Med Grouse, Red Game, Gorcoch, or Moor- cock ; and White Grouse, White Game, or Ptar- Tiiigan, Enough has been ah^eady said, under the head of " Black game and Grouse shooting," con- cerning these birds, for the sportsman's purpose. Guernsey or French Partridge. This species was imported into England by the Marquis of Hertford, in 1766. They are more prolific than the gray partridge ; and, in some parts of Suffolk and Norfolk, are very numerous. I had a manor in the former county, on which a great many bred annually ; but I found them so pugnacious with respect to the gray coveys, so difficult of approach, (except in the snow when they fenced,) and so injurious to dogs, by running like hares before them, that I ordered, and assisted in, their total extermination. Where these birds abound, the common, and greatly more valuable, English par- tridge cannot live. Hare. Hares are universal, and consist of two kinds ; the common hare, and the alpine or white hare : which last is found in Norway, the High- lands of Scotland, and other mountainous parts. As I have said elsewhere, " Shoot forwards," at this kind of game. Jacksnipe, Judcock, Gid, or Jetcock. This little bird has the same shape and habits as the larger snipe : but it lies much closer, and takes a 298 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. short flight when flushed. An old steady pointer is the best for finding the jaeksnipe. Epicures recommend this species for eating, in preference to the common snipe. He is a puzzling bird to bring down in a strong wind, for a slow, poking shot : but take time, as he springs from your foot, before bringing your gun to your shoulder, and then cut the " artful dodger" down handsomely. Knot, This bird is common in Lincolnshire and other counties. It afi'ords poor sport ; as it depends for safety, on skulking among the rushes, rather than on flight. In the winter, when the fens are frozen, the knots repair to the coast; where they may be slaughtered in great numbers, being easy of approach. Landrail, Daker Hen, or Corncrake, — This bird has proved a great puzzle to naturalists; some affirming that it is a bird of passage ; and others questioning its migratory powers, from the shortness of its wings and its general indisposition to fly. It now, however, is a settled fact, that landrails are birds of passage. In Ireland, they are far more numerous than in England. When once flushed, they are exceedingly difficult to drive on the wing again. The first chance there- fore should never be lost. Lapwmg, Bastard Plover, or Pee- Wit, The lapwing is a constant inhabitant of this country : LIST OF GAME BIRDS, &c. 299 but as it subsists chiefly on worms, it is obliged to change its haunts, in quest of food. These birds are frequently seen in great numbers on the sea-shore, where they find an abundant supply of food. Their eggs are more valuable than their bodies : yet I have eaten them, in September, and considered them well worth powder and shot. Mallard, — is the drake of the wild duck. Like the rest of the duck tribe, the mallards, in prodigious numbers, quit the north, at the end of autumn ; and, migrating southwards, arrive in the British Isles at the beginning of winter, in large flocks, and spread themselves over the lochs and marshy wastes. They pair in the spring ; when the greatest part of them again retire northward to breed : but many straggling pairs remain with us. Morillon. — The morillons are generally seen in small flocks, diving for their food, near the shore. Fafiridge. — For particulars, see " Partridge Shooting." PheasaiiL — For particulars, see " Pheasant Shooting." Pigeons, — Of these the varieties are innumer- able : but as they are of greater interest to the ornithologist than to the sportsman, I shall not enter into detail regarding them. Pintail Duck, Sea Pheasant, Cracker, or Winter Duck, — This beautiful bird does not visit us in 300 THE SrORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. numbers, except in very severe winters: but flocks of tbem are occasionally spread abundantly along the isles and sbores of Scotland and Ireland. Plover. — Besides the Lapwing, Dotterel, and Ring Dotterel, there are, The Great Plover^ The Golden Plover^ The Gray Plover, and The Long- leqged Plover. Except the gray plover and the long-legged plover, the rest feed inland ; and may be found on the wastes and marshes, where they feed on worms. In shooting plovers, it is the common remark with sportsmen, that the second is always the more productive barrel ; for it frequently happens that, when out of range, they will sweep down at the report, and present a fair shot for the reserved charge. The golden plover is the most prized, as a delicacy for the table. Quail. This bird, although universally diff'used throughout the four quarters of the globe, is very rare in England. They breed with us in small numbers. To find a bevy of quail is one of those very rare events that viaij occur once in a long lifetime. I have shot a great many in the United States, where they afford much sport ; and I think it would be worth the trouble and expense to imi)ort this fine and large sort, from that country ; as the North American quail is a bird adapted for every variety of season, and can live where our partridges would die. LIST OF GAME BIRDS, &c. 30 1 Rabbit. Shoot well forward at rabbits. If you merely break a leg, and a burrow be near, the rabbit is sure to scramble into it. The head should be the mark. Redshank^ Red-lc(j(jed Horseman, Pool Snipe, or Sand Cock. This bird is generally seen alone, or in pairs only. They frequent the fen and marshy countries, the greater part of the year; and are not so common on the sea-shore, as several others of kindred species. Ringdove, Cushat, or Wood Picjeon. This is the largest species of dove in England, and is too well known to need a particular description. The best plan that I have found, for getting within range of this watchful bird, is, to take your station close to the trunk of a tree, in the covert they frequent ; and then, under this shelter, to wait for their coming. It is strange that, wary as these birds are, they will perch on the branches within easy range of you, without seeing the danger, if your movements be quiet ; and yet to steal upon them is next to impossible. Except when feeding on turnips, they are very good eating. Rujf. The female is called Tlie Reeve. Tbese birds vary greatly in plumage ; scarcely two being found quite alike. They migrate to the fens in England, in spring ; and leave us in the winter. The Huff is seldom shot ; as he seeks the rushes 302 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. in the day time, and defies being flushed. They are generally taken in nets, by fowlers who make a trade of catching them. Scaup Duck, or Spoonbill Duck, This duck is not uncommon in most parts of this kingdom, in winter ; and is frequently found in fresh waters. It is supposed to take its name from feeding on broken shells, called scaup. This, like most of the genus, breeds in the more northern parts. Scoter, Black Duck, or Black Diver, In severe winters, the scoters leave the northern extremities of the world, in immense flocks ; dispersing them- selves southward, along the shores of more tem- perate climates. They are only sparingly scattered over the coasts of England. Sheldrake, or Burrough Duck, This species is dispersed, in greater or less numbers, over the warm as well as over the cold climates. They are met with as far north as Iceland, in the spring ; and in Sweden and the Orkney Islands, in the winter. Although not numerous on the British and opposite shores, yet they are common enough in the British Isles; where they remain throughout the year, always in pairs ; occasionally straggling away from the sea coasts to the lakes inland. Snipe, Snipes are plentiful in most parts of England ; and are found in all situations, in high LIST OF GAME BIRDS, &c. 303 as well as in low lands ; depending much on the weather. In very wet times, they resort to the hills ; at other periods they frequent marshes, where they can penetrate the soil with their bill, in pursuit of worms, which are their principal food. A few remain with us the whole year, and breed in the marshes and bogs. For further particulars, see " Snipe Shooting." See also " Jacksnipe." Stag, For particulars, see " Deer-stalking." Stockdove, The ringdove. Swa7i. In the severity of winter, wild swans are not uncommonly seen, in various parts of the British Isles. They do not, however, remain longer than the approach of spring; when they again retire northward, to breed. It is scarcely necessary to say, that they take a hard blow to cripple them. Teal, This beautiful little duck, the best eating of all the tribe, is common in England in the winter months. It takes not a harder blow than a par- tridge, to bring down ; and, if flushed out of shot, will not fly a great distance before it will again drop in the brook. No time, however, should be lost in following him up ; as he is very likely to make the best of his way down the stream. Velvet Duck, Double Scoter, or Great Black Duck — is larger than the mallard, and much re- sembles the scoter before mentioned. This 304- THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. bird is very seldom met with on the British shores. Water Crake, Water Rail, Shitty, or Simtted Gallinule. This is found in most marshy parts of England in the winter ; but not in numbers. It is a skulking bird; and very difficult to flush a second time ; although its flight, like that of the land-rail, is never far. Water Hen, or Moor Hen. A common bird, not worthy of notice, either for the sport it afl'ords, or the value of the flesh, when killed. Water Rail, Bilcock, or Velvet Runner. Like the other varieties of rails, this evinces the same disposition to trust to hiding itself among sedges, rushes, and other coarse herbage, rather than to flight. When driven on the wing, it presents a very easy shot, from the slow and awkward man- ner in which it flies. Widgeon. Widgeons fly in flocks during the night ; and may be known from other birds, by their whistling note while they are on the wing. They remain with us during the winter, in vast numbers ; and spread themselves along the shores and over the marshes. Woodcock, See " Woodcock Shooting." Woodpigeon. See " Ringdove." There are but few of the foregoing list that I have not killed, in some part or other of the POINTERS AND SETTERS. S05 globe ; and if my readers should find but a tithe of the delight that I have experienced in the pursuit of these creatures *^by field and flood," many of the hardships which must be borne, will be amply repaid, and a large balance of pleasure still re- main. CHAPTER XXL POINTERS, SETTERS, SPANIELS, AND RETRIEVERS,— THEIR BREEDING, BREAKING, AND MANAGEMENT. . The pointer now in general use was originally obtained by a cross between the old Spanish pointer, so long maintained in its purity of breed, and the fox-hound. The Spanish pointer, now almost lost as a distinct race, was larger, stronger, and more steady, than the one now called the English : but, wanting speed and activity, the cross was made to obtain these desired qualities. I am by no means, however, an admirer of very fast dogs for shooting purposes. They are, gene- rally speaking, extremely wild, by no means careful in their hunting ; apt to flush their game unintentionally, particularly in turnips or in any thick bottom, and miss and overrun the game when galloping down the wind. A slow dog is 306 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. extremely objectionable in large enclosures, and where game is very scarce; but, taking these cases as exceptions, I am quite convinced that you may get better shooting, and much closer to your game, by a slow and careful dog than by a fast and rattling one ; admitting that the one is as well broken as the other, and will as readily obey the word of command, the motion of the hand, &c. The aim of the breeder should be to obtain such blood as probably will produce perfection, or an approach to it, in the progeny. If the bitch is very fine and fleet, I recommend that the dog be tending to the reverse ; for, if he be of the same stamp, you will have puppies "too fine." The same observation applies in opposite cases. Colour and size are matters of fancy ; but plenty of white about pointers and setters is serviceable in grouse shooting, or in wide enclosures; as you are enabled to see them at long distances- In using them for covert shooting, a correspond- ing advantage is experienced, from their catching the eye quickly. Having repeatedly mentioned the absolute necessity of awarding a liberal diet to all animals in yoimg, and to the progeny when produced, it is needless to say that the pointer must be treated in the same manner. Cleanliness, fresh air, &c. POINTERS AND SETTERS. §07 must be strictly attended to, that the puppies may thrive and keep free from diseases. The more they are permitted to run about the better ; provided it is not in a village, where a stone now and then, a broomstick, a kettle with a few pebbles in it tied to their tails, and kicks and punishments are frequently administered on ac- count of their play and mischief; as exercise is greatly conducive to their health, improves their legs and feet, uses them to sounds, and makes them bold; and association renders them a'pt in their tuition. I can imagine a smile on the lip of more than one of my readers when he sees this latter part of the asserted benefit : but let a puppy, accustomed to run at large in and about a farm house, and another from the same litter, closely kenneled, be taken into the field for the rudiments of education, and see which of the two will be dullest of comprehension. I would back the former against the latter, at twenty to one. In breaking dogs, I have not the slightest hesi- tation in saying, that where one is spoiled from a want of severity and punishment, there are a hundred ruined by cruelty and injudicious and bar- barous application of the whip, and the still more abominable use of the foot. A man in the habit of kicking his dogs is unworthy of a claim to be other than a hnite. In the heat of passion, a SOS THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. hasty act of the kind may be excusable ; but if a keeper of mine repeated it, to my knowledge, I would discharge him at a moment's warning. There cannot be a question that some young dogs, like schoolboys, require and will bear, more and severer punishment than others. Some are strong-headed, wilful, devil-may-care spirits, who, when the smart is over, forget both the cause and the effect. Others are timid, dreading, and sensitive animals, who should have but the mildest form of chastisement, and with whom a word and a stern look produce much more lasting eifects than the severest flogging, in the before-mentioned description. It is obvious, therefore, that a knowledge of the dispositions of the dogs to be broken is absolutely indispensable, previously to taking them into the field. Nothing can be more erroneous than to suppose that the discipline for one will do for another; and yet, when does a breaker take this into consideration ? He receives a young dog from a gentleman, with orders " to break him." He knows nothing, and cares as little about the disposition of the animal. Into the field he takes him, with one or two others, pos- sessing, perhaps, a little more knowledge of their business, and "hey's him ofi"." A lark springs, and the puppy chases it in raptures. "Ware lark !" halloos the breaker, with stentorian lungs; and very likely gets hold of the dog's ear, and thunders POINTERS AND SETTERS. 309 this caution for a minute or so. If he be more patient than the majority of his tribe, he will re- peat this twice or even thrice ; and then comes the thong and whip-cord ad libitum. Now, if the dog be not strong and high-spirited, he is ruined from this moment. If he cannot forget, and readily forget, the first severe punishment that he receives, without being aware of the wrong that he has committed, — as he cannot at so early a stage of his education,— the dog is, from this time, only of the value of his skin. Considering the great number of pointers and setters bred annually by gentlemen who are very particular in getting the best and choicest blood, it may be a matter of surprise to many that there are not more good and valuable dogs ; for that there is a dearth no one, in want, will doubt, upon trying to get such dogs. An experienced sportsman is so well aware of this difficulty, that, if he has a really good dog, no price will purchase the animal from him. He knows that he may lay out twice over the sum that he receives for the dog, in buying others; and yet the lot be not worth a tithe of the one parted with. He is also aware of the expense, trouble, and time necessary to breed, break, and render a dog efficient for the field. It is not a work of months, but years ; for no dog, however 310 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. excellent in points of breeding, and however un- exceptionable the care bestowed upon his break- ing and general treatment, can acquire perfection in his work, save by time and slow degrees. When we come, therefore, to reflect upon the attention indispensable in the treatment of the puppy, — the sweet milk, oat and barley-meal, boiled flesh, broth, vegetables, cleanliness, exer- cise, breaking, and experience necessary to make him a "good dog," — what price ought to be set upon his head, when that is accomplished ? Gene- rally speaking, a man thinks that he is doing the thing handsomely when he offers ten guineas. Taking the foregoing particulars into considera- tion, and supposing it to be the dog's third season, the earliest period at which he can be of any thing like value, — let me ask if it must not have cost more to rear him. I am fully aware that " dog-dealers" and " dog- stealers" dispose of their stock at a cheap rate ; but what is the value of ninety-nine out of every hundred of their dogs, when purchased? That which the tanner would give for their hides. Let every sportsman bear in mind that, unless his dogs are good, he had better be without them ; as, instead of assisting him they will mar and frustrate his sport. My advice is. Never part with a good dog for any sum ; for you may never have POINTERS AND SETTERS. 31 i the like again. It does not fall to the lot of many men to have many dogs of the class I am referring to. A first-rate pointer or setter is a rare animal. To suggest the way in which the sportsman may become the master of a dog in every way desirable, is a task of no ordinary difficulty. If he knows that a dog is good, and is to be bought, the easiest method is to buy him ; let the sum be a pull, and a strong pull. This is the cheapest and readiest method, even although the amount sound rather large for the ear. But let me warn the novice against the deceptive trials, which may be had recourse to, of the animals advertised as " the property of a gentleman," so conspicuous in the columns of the newspapers in the month of August. One might be led to suppose that shooting had become plebeian of a sudden ; and that all the best pointers and setters l)elonging to "gentlemen" were for disposal, at that season of the year. These are mere snares for the flats, in by far the greater number of instances. If a gentleman had kept his dogs until just before the commencement of shooting, it is not very likely that he would then part with them. I recollect being "taken in," when ^fledgeling, by one of these puffing announcements, in the most perfect manner that a rascal could desire. 312 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. The advertisement stated, that "a fair trial would be given ; and that, if the dogs did not meet the full approbation of the purchaser within one month, the money would be returned." Thinking all this remarkably fair, I hastened to the place where the animals might be seen, a few miles from London. There a man very like a gamekeeper in his costume and person, — for he was big and burly, and wore a black velveteen shooting jacket, breeches, and gaiters, — was ready to show me the quadrupeds ; a brace of fine liver-and-white pointers. He stated, in an indifferent tone and manner, that " they belonged to Squire somebody in Nor- folk, with whom he formerly lived as keeper. That ill-health obliged him to give up his situa- tion ; and that he now earned an honest penny, until something better turned up, by selling dogs on commission. He knew the brace that he now offered me well; and better a gentleman never saw ; and the only reason for their being parted with was, that the Squire had more than he required. They were Avarranted perfect, — and the price thirty guineas." This sounded to me very plausible ; and to my wish to see them in the field, a ready acquiescence was given. " You'll see in a moment what they are, sir," said this honest agent, taking a pistol and POINTERS AND SETTERS. SI3 whistling them into an adjacent enclosure. " Hold up," said he ; and away they galloped. Off banged the pistol, and down the dogs dropped, as if tlieij had been shot. " That's the way for dogs to act," said he, turning to me with a look of admiration. " I only wish," continued he, *' that there ii^as birds here, just for to show you how they act with them : but there is one thing, you know, sir," — and then he smiled as if the supposition was ridi- culous ; — " suppose they don't suit ye, you've only to return 'em to me within a month, and have back your money." Nothing could be fairer, nothing more just, in my estimation ; and willingly I became the pur- chaser of these, as I believed, invaluable animals. It happened that I had no opportunity of test- ing their merits until the 1st of September; it being within three or four days of that time when I bought them. And then, in a well preserved manor in Essex, I made the trial, in full con- fidence of a satisfactory result. Never can I forget the disappointment! I "hey'd" them ofi"; and, the first covey they found, instead of standing and backing, away they went in full chase, yelping and barking like two sheep dogs at a flock. I called, halloo'd, and whistled in vain. On they raced over hedge and ditch, amid roars of laughter from a companion, to 314 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. whom I had been talking rather " large ' of my new purchase. " You'll see them no more ! " shouted he : " you'll never see them again." Beginning to be of the same opinion, I thought of the expediency of firing my gun. I pulled, and down the twain fell flat on the ground in a moment. "Gulled, gulled, gulled!" I exclaimed; and so the case turned out ; for, upon taking the earliest opportunity of returning the dogs, which was within a fortnight of purchasing them, I learned that the " Squire's keeper" (?) had gone no one knew whither, for he was only a lodger. These dogs had no more knowledge of their work than one of the horses in Astley's amphi- theatre has of crossing country ; although he may be fully capable of clearing a rope, hurdle, or jumping through a paper hoop. They had been taught to drop to the report of a pistol or gun, and to the hand, by dint, in all probability, of half a dozen cruel floggings ; and from fear only they crouched to the signal. In breaking a dog, iMtience^ and a temper not easily ruflied, is the very first quality. A hasty, passionate man is in no way qualified for the duties required of a teacher to the young idea. He will to a certainty completely spoil many dogs which, under different treatment, would have turned POINTERS AND SETTERS. 315 out good and valuable ; and will seldom, if ever, render a dog worth the keeping. I hold in the profoundest contempt check- collars, puzzles, and suchlike expedients for the breaking of pointers and setters. It is true that they are becoming of the things that were ; and well they may, when we consider that they are but the means of forcing the action and position of the animal. In reading the innumerable devices suggested in sporting works, for the treatment of young dogs, I have frequently thought that the compilers could never have seen a dog in the field ; or such ridiculous suggestions would not have been submitted to the sporting public. Without referring more particularly to the laughable theories concerning check-collars, puz- zles, pegging dogs down, burying live partridges under tiles, and permitting them to fly a few yards, by lengths of string tied to their legs, and other pantomimic tricks ; I shall now proceed to state my views of the way in which a dog should be treated, to bring him to the proper standard of what a pointer or a setter should be. I will suppose him to have been well-bred ; as although a pig has been taught to find game and to point, yet unwearied must have been the atten- tion bestowed upon the task ; and a vast deal of trouble will be saved, if the animal be naturally 316 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. designed for the work desired of him. I have referred to this in a preceding page ; and have recommended that the cross be so managed that the medium between "too fine" and "too coarse" may be obtained. The dog that is very fast is, in my opinion, more objectionable than the one that is slow ; and, as the point of speed is dependent on the breed, this must be regulated between the sire and the dam. I have seen in print, ere this: — "Keep your blood unstained^ as much depends on keeping it pure from any cross'' That such stuff should ever be promulgated ! Without a cross, dogs degene- rate ; and, to breed in mid in, is destruction to every animal. Injudicious crosses must, however, be avoided ; otherwise you may get a creature more fitted to kill rats than to find game. Independently of the size and colour of the dog, which I leave to the taste of the breeder, there are certain points which are indispensable to his becoming good. His nose must, for instance, be sensitive to its functions ; and his strength and speed should be such as to enable him to last on his work. I have had dogs of such weak consti- tutions that, notwithstanding all the care I have bestowed upon them, they could not be brought to endure reasonable fatigue ; and, after performing well for an hour or two, would slink to my heels, POINTERS AND SETTERS. 817 in a state of exhaustion. For this there was no remedy ; as it proceeded from the failing in their constitutions, and the cross was wanting. The points of symmetry in a pointer and setter are : neck and head set on straight ; a poll rising to a point ; well-hung ears ; open muzzle ; flue- jawed ; full hazel eyes ; deep in the shoulders ; elbows in; straight legs; small feet, with the balls open and standing true ; back a little hooped ; broad loins; flat sides; stern set on high, being very fine : if a setter, it should be deeply feathered. It does not follow, however, that, because a dog has not these points collectively, he cannot become valuable. At the same time, if he pos- sesses them, he will be the picture to please the eye of the connoissieur, and be so much the more desirable as stock to breed by or from. To break a well-bred, well-managed, likely dog, I recommend his being made, in the first instance, a companion of the person about to undertake the task. Let him be fed, taken to his exercise, and played with, by his preceptor ; and more will be done in one week by him, than in a month, or in three months, by a stranger. The breaker will know the temper and disposition of the dog, and the dog will comprehend his ; and thus an under- standing being established between them, progress can be made at a rapid rate. Besides, when a 318 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. dog is the companion of the breaker, it is a natural inclination on the dog's part to strive to obey the breaker's desires; and a cheer, praise, and caresses are far more valued from such a one, and rating and punishment far more dreaded, than from the hand of a mere stranger, in whom the dog has no interest. A quiet manner of breaking the pointer and setter, is much more desirable than a noisy, violent, and turbulent one. Some men are apt to halloo in the loudest and roughest voice possible, and to assume a hideously stern look upon the committal of the most trifling faults. This is quite unnecessary ; and moreover inures the animal to violence. If a more gentle tone be adopted, as a general rule, the loud and severe one will operate as a check on the repetition of an error, active or passive, and produce a better effect than the lash. It is not necessary for me to enter into such details as teaching the dog to " down charge ; " to drop by the motion of the hand ; to quarter his ground as you may direct him ; to come "to heel ;" to " back " without jealousy, and " stand " when true ; to " heed " breaking field, and " ware " larks or any small birds that he may chance to spring ; to "have a care" wdien he puddles on false or dying scent ; to " ware hare or rabbit," when he POINTERS AND SETTERS. 319 chases; and such like rudiments of education. All these may be taught, if kind and proper treat- ment be applied, in a very short time ; but it must not be expected that a young dog csnifoid his game like one experienced, or act generally as if schooled by the practice of many succeeding seasons. If you wish to find game and enjoj/ your sport, I advise your hunting with old dogs. They give no trouble : your temper is not tried ; and they are up to every artful manoeuvre. Game cannot beat them in cunning, as they are more than a match for it ; and whatever can be done, they are equal to. From what I have already said, it will be known that I am no advocate for the lash. On the contrary, I deem it the greatest and most abominably abused corrective ; and yet it is neces- sary to apply it occasionally. It is the abuse, and not the use, that I complain of. Rare, indeed, is the dog that never requires the smart from the thong ; and the greater number merit the taste often : but still let mercy temper every stripe. I say not this from any morbid or sickly profession of being more humane than the generality of my fellow sportsmen ; but from a conviction that, the less of severe punishment that is given to a dog, the less obstinate, hardened, and refractory he will be. Making him crouch at your feet, by rating and 320 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. giving a few good pulls of the ear, is a mode that I have adopted, and recommend as a judicious and effective one. Besides the barbarity of inflicting violent and unnecessary punishment, and the ill effects it is sure to produce in the animal, flogging a strong dog is a task which requires much personal exer- tion, in holding him for the administration ; and, if attempted by yourself, will put your nerves in a tremble, and be very likely to spoil your shooting for a considerable time. When, how- ever, it is expedient to flog him, place his head between your knees, and whip the after parts of his body. In this posture he cannot bite; and must receive all awarded to him, without being able to escape from the " whipping post." A dog that will not hunt is like a horse that is led to the pond and refuses to drink : it is impos- sible io force either to perform the desired action. With regard to the dog, when, from any cause whatever, he declines to range, he should be cheered and encouraged, and not rated or flogged. It is trying to the patience, to find a dog skulking, perhaps, at your heels, when you are in want of his labour: but matters will only be rendered worse, by your exhibiting your loss of temper. Caress him ; and, if that will not do, cheer the others in his company, which is likely to spur up POINTERS AND SETTERS. S21 his jealousy ; and, if this prove a failure, leave him entirely to himself until the equanimity of his temper he restored. Instead of puzzles, check-collars, and things of this kind, v^hich render dogs miserable in the work which they should enjoy, let a dog, when " too full of hunt," wild, and eager, have a more than usual share of labour with a steady companion. There is nothing better for young dogs than their beins: hunted with old ones. Continued work will bring down their too ardent spirits ; and, for animals of this kind, nothing else will prove really beneficial. When a young dog points at larks and other kinds of small birds, care should be taken to get him off them by mild measures. No violence of any description must be used ; otherwise he may very likely be rendered so timid that he will be frightened to make his points at all. To kill plenty of game over him, and " cautioning," will be certain to teach him to avoid these minor errors. For chasing hares and rabbits, there is no method but rating severely, and a recourse to the whip ; which should be given in accordance with the disposition of the dog and the repeated com- mission of the offence. A severe flogging is often indispensable for this fault ; but there is a great distinction between y?^.5^ severity and cruelty. g22 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. However well bred and well trained your dogs may be, if they are kept in their kennel continually, and are strangers to you, do not anticipate their work being such as it would be, if they had plenty of liberty, and were your companions in your walks and rambles. If they are attached to you, it is their natural and generous wish to exert their powers to please ; and they will fear your dis- pleasure much more than the lash in the hand of one unknown or uncared for. The Setter w^as originally produced by a cross between the Spanish pointer and the large water spaniel. His treatment in the kennel and in the field should be the same as that directed for the pointer. Where there is plenty of water in which he can go and refresh himself, the setter is, in my opinion, preferable to the pointer : but unless he can get these baths frequently, in hot iveather, he cannot stand the work nearly so well as the latter. He is not so likely to become foot-sore as the pointer, from his feet being protected by the hair growing between his toes ; and he can bear greater labour with less fatigue. I should observe, however, that there is gener- ally more trouble in breaking the setter than the pointer, and he sooner forgets his lessons ; so that at the end of a season you may be flattered with SPANIELS AND RETRIEVERS. g23 the belief that he is all that you could wish him to be, and the next discover sad forgetfulness of his lessons. Unless in driving a thick covert, or threading hedgerow^s, spaniels are generally so headstrong, that they prevent a great many more shots than they give. At the same time, if they are well broken to keep ivithin gun-shot, and to come to heel when called, there are no such dogs for pheasants, woodcocks, and snipes. These are the two essential qualities in spaniels ; and, although to "down charge" is a third admirable accom- plishment, yet it is not necessary, if they will "come in" readily to the order. Kindness is quite out of the pale of possibility, in breaking the spaniel. Nothing will do but severity : but the younger they are taken in hand, the less of this will be required. It is not necessary for me to say much about Retrievers, as any dog can be taught to fetch game : but as small dogs cannot bring hares through a thick covert, and are apt to " mouth " birds, particularly pheasants, in making the at- tempt, it is better to assign this office to a large and powerful animal. A Newfoundland dog makes the best retriever ; as he entertains a fondness for this kind of employment, and his thick coat enables him to crash through any kind of thicket ; 324 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. his strength, to hring any kind of game ; and he cares no more about dashing into the stream, in the depth of winter, to recover a duck, than through a furze brake, to pick up a rabbit. CHAPTER XXII. HOW TO ADMINISTER MEDICINE TO DOGS. — COMMON DISEASES, PREVENTIVES, AND TREATMENT. It frequently happens that dogs, like horses, are afflicted with disorders which a plain and easy treatment will get rid of. If, however, a valuable animal be seized with any disorder which does not readily yield to the management of the " un- professional," I advise the calling in the aid of the regular practitioner. It is poor economy to save ^\e shillings, and to lose as many, or five times as many, pounds. In (j/kanm^ the following prescriptions, I recommend their application only in simple cases. How to administer medicines to Dogs, Place the dog upright on his hind legs, between the knees of a seated person, with his back in- wards : a very small dog may be taken altogether HOW TO GIVE MEDICINE TO DOGS. 325 into the lap : place a napkin round his shoulders, bringing it forward over the fore legs, by which he may be secured from resisting. The mouth being now forced open, by the pressure of the fore finger and thumb upon the lip of the upper jaw, the medicine may be conveniently introduced with the other hand, and passed sufficiently far into the throat to ensure its not being returned. The mouth must now be closed, and kept so till the medicine is seen to pass down. When the animal is too strong to be managed by one person, an assistant is requisite to hold open the mouth ; which, if the dog is very refractory, is best effected by a strong piece of tape applied behind the holders, or fangs of each jaw. A ball or bolus must be passed completely ove7' the root of the tongue, and dexterously pushed some way back- wards and downwards. When a liquid is given, if the quantity is more than can be swallowed at once, it must be removed from the mouth each deglutition, or the dog may be strangled. The head should be completely secured, and a little elevated, to prevent the liquid from running out. Soft or nauseous balls should be wrapped in thin paper. Tasteless medicines, calomel, &c., or purg- ing salts, may be frequently given in food. S26 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. The Distemper in Dogs. Changes in the atmosphere, low keep, and neglect, are among the principal causes of this disease. The following are the usual symptoms of this malady in young dogs : sudden loss of spirit, of activity, and appetite ; drowsiness, dul- ness of the eyes, and lying at length with the nose to the ground ; coldness of the extremities, of the ears, and legs ; with heat of the head and body, sometimes nearly scorching ; sudden emacia- tion and excessive weakness, particularly in the hinder quarters, which begin to sink and drag after the animal ; the flanks pinched in ; an appa- rent tendency to evacuate from the bowels a little at a time ; sometimes vomiting ; the eyes and nose are often, but not always, aflected with a discharge. In an advanced stage of the distemper, spasmodic and convulsive twitchings will be perceived ; with giddiness, turning round, foaming at the mouth, and fits, which would probably terminate in mad- ness. In this stage of the disease, recourse must be had to professional aid, or the animal be put out of existence.* In distemper, the dog will pro- bably refuse food for some days ; and should be supplied with warm milk and water, broth, gruel, * I had a pointer so afflicted in 1844, and was compelled to kill him after having been very nearly bitten. DISEASES OF DOGS, AND TREATMENT. 327 or whey; he should also be taken out into the air; his bed should be warm and dry; and, in cold weather, he should be permitted to lie by the lire, in a moderate degree of heat. Mild doses, of from two to three grains of calomel, should be given daily in milk, for four or ^\e days, with intermissions : this will reduce the fever, and bring the bowels to their natural state. James's powder is generally a certain remedy; or antimonial powder and calomel ; three parts of the former and one of the latter may be given, from eight to fifteen grains, with the same effect. It should be made into balls about the size of a hazel-nut, with treacle or honey, and flour; and rubbed over slightly with fresh butter or lard. A table-spoon- ful or two of castor oil may be given occasionally ; sometimes a tea-spoonful of powdered rhubarb, with two or three grains of calomel, have been highly useful. Mercury or antimony should be first given in very small quantities ; increasing the dose according to the nature of the case and the constitution of the patient. Dr. Blaine's distemper remedy, with which directions are sold, will be found highly beneficial. To recover the dog from the debility left by distemper and the remedies necessarily given to cure it, light fiesh meat, and rich broths of beef or neat's feet, and milk broth with rice, should be given : balls of slack-boiled 328 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. beef bruised to a pulp in a mortar, are very nourishing. Beer cordial, with ginger, moderately sweetened, is very useful. Strengthening medi- cines generally given are, — from twelve to forty drops of laudanum in a glass of port or good beer, or in a large table-spoonful of friar's balsam ; and four tea-spoonfuls of water, given once or twice a day for a week. Bark and port wine have been found highly useful ; from one to two drachms of bark given at a time. These medicines should not be given till the bowels have been cleared and the fever reduced. During the disease, the discharge from the nose and eyes should be wiped away as often as possible, and the bed kept dry and clean. When taken out for air, the dog should be en- couraged to eat grass, and to lap running water. When a vomit is necessary in distemper, or any other disease, a tea-spoonful or a table-spoonful of common salt in a tea-cupful of warm water, will produce one ; or tartar emetic may be given, from one to four grains. Another Wai/ to cure the Distemper, Give from four to seven grains of turbith mineral, in boiled liver, shredded fine : this is to be repeated. Put a seton behind each ear, to prevent its seizing the cap of the brain ; give him plenty of warm broth, and keep him dry. If the DISEASES OF DOGS, AND TREATMENT. 329 inside of the tuel should make an external appear- ance, which often happens at two or three months old; boil one ounce of logwood, cut small, in a quart of mdlk, till it is reduced to one-fourth ; strain it oif; and give a tea-cupful every morning till it disappears : or two ounces of dragon's blood pulverized, and a piece of alum the size of a wal- nut, boiled in three pints of skimmed milk, till reduced to a quart. A tea-cupful of this to be given every day. Worms. When dogs are subject to these, their coats will stand up ; and their appetite be excessive, without producing any improvement in the ap- pearance of the animal ; the belly will be hard, and sometimes swollen, accompanied by a short husky cough. A purge, of the usual quantity of fine aloes, with from two to eight grains of calo- mel, should be given them ; and two or three days after, begin a regular course of worm medicines. Take the finest tin filings, two drachms ; cowhage, half a drachm ; calomel, fourteen grains ; to make four, six, or eight balls, according to the size and strength of the dog ; give one every morning for a fortnight, with occasional omissions if necessary : let the dog's food and lodging be good in the in- terim. One or two large spoonfuls of linseed oil, SSO THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. with a tea-spoonful of oil of turpentine, given every morning, fasting, for a week, will some- times effect a cure. Or give walnut leaves in boiled milk. Swelled Seats, Rub with a pomade, composed of camphorated spirit, or brandy, and goose grease, two or three times a-day. Tom Ears, Ears torn by the hedges, or by other means, may be touched with laudanum and brandy, and alternately with oil. For a Strain. One ounce of spirits of turpentine, half a pint of old beer, and half a pint of brine. Bathe the part affected, and repeat it if required; or one ounce of sal-ammoniac, and one pint of vinegar : keep the dog quiet. When swelling arises after Bleeding, Apply a fomentation of camomile flowers. For a Bruise in the Joint. Oil of turpentine, to be well rubbed in. For a Green Wound. Hog's lard, turpentine, and bee's wax, equal DISEASES OF DOGS, AND TREATMENT. S31 quantities, and a quarter as mucli verdigris : these all simmered over a slow fire till they come to a salve. W/ie?i a Doc/ is Poisoned. Give him a tea-cupful of castor oil. After he has vomited well, continue pouring olive oil down his throat, and rubbing his belly. When the Distemper hangs in a Dog's Kidneys. Give him a wine-glassful of antimonial wine, with a tea-spoonful of spirits of turpentine in it ; which, being occasionally repeated, will strengthen him. When a Dog looks heavi/ and sleepy in Cold Weather. Give him old beer, sugared, and toasted bread crumbled into it. To be taken quite warm. For the Canker in the Teeth. In cases of sufficient importance, rub a moist tooth-brush on a piece of blue-stone vitriol, or burnt alum ; and rub the teeth well ; which, on a repetition, will eat it off. To cure a Dog of the Mange, without scent. Dissolve a quarter of an ounce of sublimate in one ounce of spirit of salts ; boil it in a quart of 332 THE SPORTSMAN^S LIBRARY. water, and wash the parts aifected. Muzzle the dog. This repeated will effect a cure. To prevent HydropJiohia, or canine Madness. As soon as possible after the bite is received, well wash the part ; apply salt, squeeze the inci- sion, and bind as much salt on it as you can, stopping the circulation above it. Keep the dog tied up. Wounds, Friar's balsam is an excellent application for a fresh wound ; or a spoonful of brandy and a few drops of laudanum may be applied. Thorns and splinters must be carefully got out, and either of the above applied immediately. A poultice of black pitch plaster is the best application to ex- tract thorns. Tincture of myrrh, or aloes, is some- times preferable to friar's balsam for a wound in its early stage, as the latter generally closes the wound too soon. Sore Feet, Butter-milk, greasy pot-liquor, or water gruel, are the best remedies to apply to dog's feet that have become sore from travelling, or the hardness of the ground. Some apply brine ; but that is apt to inflame them if used before the feet are healed. The dog should be kept at home, or his feet be DISEASES OF DOGS, AND TREATMENT. 333 wrapped up till they are healed ; when brine and vinegar may be applied to harden them. Fleas, Constant cleanliness is the best preventive. Lather the coat well all over, and through to the skin, with the strongest soap ; adding pearl ash if necessary ; taking care to kill all the fleas within reach ; then wash clean. This a few times re- peated, will exterminate them. Or one ounce of pepper, boiled in a quart of water, is a good wash to rid dogs of the vermin ; but Scotch snuff, steeped in ffin, is infallible. When a Dog strips in his Feet, Wash and soak them well in bran and warm water, with a little vinegar ; then apply tincture of myrrh; and in the morning, previous to his going out, anoint them with a little fresh butter or sweet oil. Do the same under his arms, flanks, &c. where he strips. Canker in the Ear. A mixture of soap and brandy to be poured into the ear, and well rubbed into the external parts ; it may be diluted with one third water, if neces- sary. Particular care must be taken to protect the dog's eyes. S34 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. Bilious Complaints in Dogs, These are occasioned by high living and want of exercise. The best remedy is a good dose of calomel; but, in obstinate cases, a strong dog may take turbith mineral, or yellow mercury, from six to twelve grains, in a pill or ball. Purges. Rue, beat fine, and put into lard or butter milk, is a good purge. From five to sevett grains of calomel, is a good purge and purifier. But the best purge is socotrine or fine aloes ; from half a drachm to a drachm, for a small dog ; and two or three drachms, for a full-sized hound : enclose the powder in a ball of flour and lard or butter. For an old Womid or Sore. Hog's lard and honey, of each half a pound; turpentine, a quarter of a pound ; pulverized ver- degris, two ounces ; let them be simmered over a slow fire, and the ointment be applied hot. Five grains of calomel should be given occasionally, in the form of a bolus. Whe7i a Dog staggers, or falls down in a Fit. This generally happens in hot weather. If DISEASES OF DOGS, AND TREATMENT. 335 there is water at band, throw him into it ; or he may be let blood in the mouth, by passing a knife or fleam across two or three bars next the teeth. This, however, will never happen, if the blood be kept in a proper state. To cure the external Canker in the Ear. Pulverize a piece of alum, the size of a large walnut ; boil it in half a pint of water ; clean the scabs of the ear ; and apply it with a large piece of sponge, as hot as possible : hold the sponge on till cool. Repeat it two or three times each day, till the canker be cured. Butter of antimony, diluted in milk, till it is the thickness of cream, will cure it. Or half an ounce of red precipitate finely levi- gated, and made into an ointment with two ounces of hog's lard. To cure the internal Canker in the Ear. Put a seton in the neck, just under the ear; and, with a piece of sponge on the end of a pliable stick, clean out the ear, using a little soft soap. When it is quite clean, dip the sponge in cop- peras water, and pass it in turning it gently round. To make the copperas water ; beat a piece the size of a large nut, and put into an ounce phial filled with spring water : shake it well, when 336 THE SPORTSMAJTS LIBRARY. you are going to use it. Make the seton with horse hair and tow, cased with hog's lard : pass it through with a red-hot iron ; tie a piece of silk to each end to move it. For Films over the Eyes^ Clouds^ 8^c, Pulverize a piece of blue-stone vitriol, the size of a pea ; put it into an ounce phial filled with spring water; wash the eyes with it, letting a little pass in. This repeated will effect a cure: or a little scuttlebone blown into the eye every other morning. Rheumatism in Dogs May be discovered by its local affection, and sometimes by a swelling in the neck, loins, or legs. Oppose the first attack ; and never suffer an animal to go into the field, when affected with the disease, or with a cold. Warm lodging, and two or three days' indulgence near a good fire, with a dose or two of calomel, will generally cure a first attack. Also, a warm bath for a quarter of an hour ; the dog being afterwards rubbed dry, and put to bed warm : which may be frequently repeated if neces- sary. To raise a perspiration, give forty or fifty drops of laudanum, and two tea-spoonfuls of spirit of ammonia, or hartshorn, in warm beer, or cordial. Rub the parts affected, two or three times a-day, DISEASES OF DOGS, AND TREATMENT. 8S7 with the following mixture : Oil of turpentine, two ounces ; spirit of hartshorn, two ounces ; laudanum, two drachms; sweet oil, two ounces: the whole to be well mixed together. To make a Dog fine in his Skin, Give him a table-spoonful of tar, in oatmeal, made into a ball. When a Dog is seized with a Hovering in the Lights, Give him half a drachm of asafoetida, every other night, well mixed in lard or butter. To cure the Red Taint or Mange. Anoint with black sulphur, train-oil, and a little tar; give him internally half an ounce of sulphur and a quarter of an ounce of liver of anti- mony, in lard or honey. The latter is the best. Mange, Is generally occasioned by neglect, or want of cleanliness ; and not unfrequently from the want of a sufficiency of nourishing food. In this case, external applications, and nourishing food, are the best remedies. If it arise from repletion or surfeit, calomel and the most powerful alteratives, are required. Then take iEthiop's mineral, one ounce ; z 338 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. cream of tartar, one ounce ; nitre, two drachms : divide the whole, when mixed, into sixteen, twenty, or twenty-four doses, according to the size of the dog, and give one dose every morning and evening. But, when weakness or poor living occasions this disorder, sulphur in the dog's drink will be sufficient; with an occasional purge, should it be necessary, of an ounce or upwards of salts, or two or three spoonfuls of salts, or two or three spoonfuls of syrup of buckthorn ; rubbing them with a mercurial unction. Care must be taken not to salivate the animal; and he must not be permitted to lick himself, or to catch cold ; either of which may be fatal. In a slight case, brimstome and hog's lard may effect a cure. Or you may apply the following : roll brimstone powdered, four ounces; powdered fox-glove, two ounces ; sal-ammoniac powdered, half an ounce ; Barbadoes aloes, one drachm ; turpentine, half an ounce; lard, six or eight ounces ; mix them. Ointments are too apt to be smeared over the hair, without being applied to the skin. It requires at least two hours to dress a dog thoroughly : the hair should be parted almost hair by hair; and a small quantity of ointment should be rubbed actually on the skin, between the parted hairs, by means of the end of the finger. After every part is done, the hair may be DISEASES OF DOGS, AND TREATMENT. 339 smoothed down; and if the operation hasbeen neatly performed, the dog will scarcely show any marks of it. After three or four such dressings with the last named ointment, the dog may be washed with soft-soap and water, and the ointment again applied when dry ; which is to be repeated till the cure be complete. The dog must be kept muzzled, and be warmly lodged, and carefully kept from taking cold during this operation. The same ointment may also be applied to eruptions, or canker in the ear. To destroy Worms. Take from ten to thirty grains of calomel, in a paste ball made with butter and flour; and the next morning two drachms of socotrine aloes in butter. CHAPTER XXIII. PRESERVATION AND REARING OF GAME. — DESTROYING VERMIN, &c. The true sportsman directs his attention not only to the Mlling of game, but also to its preser- vation. In my opinion, the quantity of game on 340 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. a manor should be regulated by what it will rea- sonably bear, from its quality, size, and description of coverts. When game is too thick, it is far from being conducive to sport; and it not only is a serious injury and nuisance to the farmer, but offers a powerful inducement to poaching, with many who otherwise would not think of so trans- gressing the law. There is a great difference be- tween " good shooting" and " wholesale slaughter." I cannot think what pleasure can be derived from preserving such inordinate quantities of game as many noblemen and gentlemen do. Killing such game is as tame, unexciting, easy work, as cutting the throats of barn-door poultry. To have a thin and scanty supply is, however, as objectionable an opposite, and, in the estimation of many, a great deal worse. The happy me- dium is best. I will take for granted that there is sufficient game on the manor to breed by ; for unless we have the straw, we cannot have the ear. First among the very rudiments of the preservation of game, stands " quietude." Unless game has rest, it will not remain, and cannot increase. Quiet should therefore be the paramount consideration with all preservers. I have known gentlemen permit their keepers to pass continually, or as they thought proper, through their coverts, with dogs at their PRESERVATION OF GAME. 341 heels and guns in their hands. This is one of the most baneful inroads on the repose and quietude of "the denizens of the wild." Besides, I am very suspicious of the professed honesty of these kind of servants ; and, although I entertain but little doubt that there may be as much virtue in gamekeepers as there is in butlers, I would no more allow the former to have the absolute control over my manor than the latter over my cellar. As regards the covert, all gays should be well stopped on the boundary, and no " creeps" per- mitted to become in constant use. It may be said, " Then how are the hares to get in and out?" They must get out, and they will get in. What I am referring to is — not to allow '*a creep" to be so continually used as to make it the place of ingress and egress of two-thirds of the game making the covert their home. A well-used " creep" is the spot that the poacher selects for his wire or gin. It is pretty well known by poachers and game- keepers, but not so well by gentlemen, that the common gin is more generally used for the secret destruction of game than any other engine. In the present day, more hares and pheasants are killed by this instrument than by snares, gate-nets, and all the other means in vogue. Nothing, in truth, can be more simple. The 342 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. eye, — and it requires no skilful one,^ — discovers the locality frequented by game ; the trap is set, — than which nothing can be more easy and expeditious; and the victims caught. There is no great difficulty in drawing a con- clusion, when a gin is discovered set, concerning the purpose for which it was placed. I have seen gins apparently baited for vermin ; when I have known, as well as those who set them, that they were placed there for a very different object. If a gin be " tilted," as it is called in the West of England, among thick gorse or furze, where there is evidence of pheasants frequenting, and no runs or small creeps, which vermin always make, you may be certain of the why and the what that it was placed there for. On the verge of a covert, in creeps, in and near feeding ground, your judg- ment may be exercised as to the true cause for the setting of gins. Let your keeper know that you are as well versed in the " artful movements " as he is. As a preventive to trespassers entering your coverts for any purpose whatsoever, — from the poacher down to the picker of sticks, and the gatherer of nuts and acorns, — I know of nothing so effective as dog spears. If it be known that there are these passive instruments of annoyance planted in the coverts, self-hunting quadrupeds PRESERVATION OF GAME 343 will be kept at home securely tethered, and inter- loping bipeds of every kind be extremely reluctant to run the risk of spearing their legs. I am a great admirer of preventives, and I was told by a convicted poacher, that he " dreaded to enter coverts wherein he knew there were dog spears, far more than others where his only danger was being captured." All the spears should be Slumbered; so that there may be no mistake whatever in taking the whole of them up, when there is the smallest probability of hounds getting into the covert, or beating it in any way for game. Mischief will be very likely to accrue, from neglecting a solitary spear. To keep pheasants at home, it is necessary to feed them at that season of the year when they cannot obtain sufficient corn and berries. No- thing is more pleasing to their appetites than buck- wheat. To grow it on the verge of coverts is a very good method to prevent their roaming. To stack a little corn in the straw, in the depths of the woods, is another good plan ; although open to objections from the crows, jackdaws, &c. getting a pull now and then. My reply to this, however, is — kill them. Early in October, or just before it, when pheasants are poached for the market, you can 344 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. learn to a certainty whether your coverts have been infringed upon, by running long pieces of cotton through them, tied to the low boughs of trees or underwood. If broken, you may know that the foot of the unwelcome stranger has been there. It is true that the mischief is done ; and what is done cannot be undone : but there is some satisfaction in knowing the worst occasion- ally ; and always in the conviction that no harm has been effected. A great many partridges' nests are destroyed, by being cut out of the clover and grass. It is better to prevent their laying in these localities, by running a spaniel through them, both in the morning and in the evening; and, by thus con- tinually disturbing them, oblige them to seek other quarters. Rearing Pheasants arid Partridges under Domestic Hens, Great care is required in rearing game under common hens. When a nest is destroyed, the eggs should be taken and, if set upon, kept warm until a setting hen can be got. I do not recommend the purchasing of eggs (a system of smuggling which encourages the PRESERVATION OF GAME. 345 poacher,) any more than I would the buying of fojces from a country where foxhounds are main- tained. But we know that these things have been, are, and will be practised. Occasionally, too, accidents occur to nests, which destroy them ; and it becomes necessary to place the abandoned eggs under domestic fowls, to secure the hatching. The duty of rearing pheasants and partridges under hens, like that of destroying vermin, is one more directly belonging to the keeper than to the sportsman. Still, as I have not passed over the one, I shall not neglect the other ; knowing that many gentlemen take a great interest in having a few nides and coveys on their lawns. Bantams are better suited for hatching game than the common hens. Care should be taken to render the bantams so employed as tame and tractable as possible ; for, the more they are so, the more will the little chickens also be. It is a common practice, to keep the hen in a coop with a frame covered with a net, until the young ones be fit to be turned off. This is a great error, and one of the principal difficulties in rearing game under domestic poultry. It is so directly opposed to their nature to be confined, that, in this state, the greatest care bestowed upon them is rarely sufficient to prevent numbers from dying, which otherwise would have lived. The better system 346 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY, to adopt, is, to keep the mother cooped for three or four days, until the chickens get strength : for she will "hive" them more in confinement than at liberty ; and it is the natural warmth they require at first, more than any kind or quantity of food. The mother should then be allowed to range with her brood; as grass seed, clover leaves, grubs, caterpillars, flies, worms, and insects of many kinds, are eagerly sought by them, and form their natural food. If the grass be very wet, from heavy dew or recent rain, it is better to keep the hen in her coop until it become dryer ; more particularly if she be inclined to rove about : but bantams are seldom so disposed. There is no necessity, however, for stopping the chickens from coming out; as, the moment they feel chilled, they will return and nestle under their mother. The coop should be constructed with a falling bar or door, so as that the hen may be driven into it easily, of an evening ; which she should be, until the young pheasants are inclined to roost or the partridges to desert her. Then is the time to turn them^ off; indeed, if not prevented, they, at least the partridges, will take that trouble oif your hands. Pheasants reared near a house sur- rounded with thick plantations, generally continue near and about it : but partridges never do. I have known them, however, return close to the REARING GAME. 347 spot where they were reared, to hatch their own young : and these birds have a peculiar boldness which the wild ones do not possess. I have known them attack the legs of strangers, in the same manner that a barn-door hen will an intruder upon their privacy; and repeatedly return to the charge, after being beaten off. This may read as having a touch of the marvellous to many ; but I not only assert the fact, but can prove it. The food, until they can eat grain plentifully, should be given often and in small quantities Chopped hard egg, white bread soaked in milk,mixed with chopped cives, cabbage, and lettuce, will be found good food for them in their early state. Curd is very good, by way of a change, now and then : but it is too binding to be given frequently. There is nothing better, perhaps nothing so good, as ant's eggs for them. These should be given after their food, as an excellent treat. It is a mistake, however, to consider that ant's eggs are indispensable. I have seven pheasants on the lawn, while I am writing this page, which, as far as I know, never saw one ; and they are reared to flyers. Maggots are a famous substitute ; and are more conveniently procured, in many parts where ant's eggs are scarce, by hanging up a liver, and letting them fall into some bran. Artificial ant's eggs may be made, by beating up an Qgg^ 34,8 'i'HE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. pounding the shell into a powder, and mixing the whole into a paste with some flour. Small bits may then be taken between the thumb and finger, and rolled into the size and shape of an ant's egg. A pinch of these, occasionally, will be found beneficial, if the real thing cannot be procured: but nothing is taken with such avidity as the eggs themselves. Dross wheat should be given, as soon as they can eat it ; and water fresh and pure should be put where they can always get at it ; notv^ithstand- ing some theories to the contrary. Pheasants are more difl[lcult to rear than par- tridges. The latter are not nearly so likely to become afilicted with, what is called in the w^est of England, "the gapes;" which is, in fact, the pip ; a complaint causing them to open their bills with a wheezing noise, and to scour. The best remedy to apply for this disease, is, to place those afilicted in a bowl or hat, and, covering the top over with a cloth, to smoke them with tobacco. This is easily managed with a common pipe, by charging it in the usual way, and blowing the vapour through the tube, by pulling a tight piece of rag over the bowl of the pipe, and inserting the small end, or part that is usually placed between the lips, under the cloth. I will not say that the remedy is infallible : but I have seen it tried with REARING GAME. S49 very great success. This may be repeated, occa- sionally, until the cure be effected. If not attended to as soon as taken, " the gapes" will quickly cause them to gape their last ; and by far the greater number of pheasants, so hatched, have them. A southern aspect under the lea of a wall sheltering from the north and east winds should be chosen, for the coop to be stationed in. But if warmth be essential to this tender exotic of more sunny latitudes, dryness is of far greater con- sequence. The mother can always give warmth ; but she cannot prevent the dampness arising from an ill-chosen spot for her family. A gentle slope on a short piece of turf, is the most desirable spot for the coop to be placed in; and it should not admit of the least rain, from any chink or crevice. With proper liberty for getting their natural food, and observing the rules laid down for their general preservation, many beautiful birds may be reared, which otherwise would be lost. Destruction of Vermin, The destruction of vermin is exceedingly im- portant for the preservation of game. Birds of prey, such as hawks, buzzards, carrion crows, magpies, &c. are better destroyed in the breeding season than at any other time. Find out their nests, which is by no means difficult ; and then, 350 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. when the hen bird is setting, blow up the family establishment. By these means you will be certain to destroy the most injurious of the pair, the lien bird. Eley's cartridges are well designed for this kind of business ; more particularly for a magpie's nest, which, being thickly lined with clay, is likely to resist the effects of a common charge. A piece of flesh can be placed in such a position that you may drop upon the sanguinary tribe unawares, when feasting, and then administer a dose of powder and shot. Gins can be baited and placed on the trunks of trees that they frequent ; and flesh poisoned with arsenic, hung up for their especial use. I need not point out the danger of leaving this in the way of dogs ; nor the necessity of placing it completely out of their reach. For pole-cats, weazels, stoats, cats, &c. gins are the best instruments of destruction. These should be set in and about their " runs," and baited with a young rabbit, or any thing of the tempting order. The gin should be secreted ; and the bait fixed above it, either by suspending it within reach of the vermin on a stick, or by pegging it into a bank. A red herring is an irresistible tit-bit for a cat. Hutch-traps are preferable to gins, in one particular ; and that is, in not injuring game even DESTRUCTION OF VERMIN. 351 should it enter them. But I have found vermin reluctant to trust themselves within these engines designed for their capture, and, consequently, I recommend the use of gins. Wherever a head of game is found killed by vermin, a gin should be set, as "the varmint" is sure to return to eat more. CHAPTER XXIV. GREYHOUNDS, THEIR BREEDING AND TRAINING.— COURSING, AND THE LAWS OF COURSING. A GREYHOUND, to be Symmetrical, should have a long neck, deep shoulders, thin withers, broad loins and back, flat sides, deep gaskins, thin feet, straight legs, short from the hock, and have a small delicately shaped head. As in the breeding of every kind of animal, the old rule that I laid down, with regard to the horse, applies equally to the greyhound, the fleetest and most elegant of all the canine species : " the best of the greyhound goes in at his mouth." This maxim ought never to be out of the memory of the breeder of all kinds of stock ; as there cannot be a question that if the colt or the puppy, or whatever it may be, is not worth good and liberal 352 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. feeding, he most decidedly is not worth keeping. Shooting or hanging are far more politic measures, than a parsimonious mode of treating animals in their infancy. There are several kinds of greyhounds. The Irish, Russian, (which runs also by scent,) Turkish, Italian, &c. but I shall treat only of the English, as they are those commonly used for the purposes of sporting. There is no doubt that the word " greyliound " is a corruption from " gazehound." The animal pursues his game by " gazing " or viewing it, and thus it was originally that he acquired his name. Why, when, or by whom, it was changed, I never learned : but the alteration is far from being an improvement, in my opinion. To have good puppies, the blood of the sire and dam should be good : and if neither are aged, so much the better ; but the bitch should never be old. I dislike old mothers for any breeding purposes ; although the other extreme is equally objectionable. I recommend that no bitch be warded until after the close of her third season. Late puppies seldom turn out well ; the earlier they are bred in the year, the better. As it is impossible to form a correct judgment upon the qualities of the litter until time has developed them, the whole should be saved until there can be GREYHOUNDS. 853 no doubt as to which are to be selected for destruc- tion. If the hasty plan of choosing them soon after they are whelped be adopted, the chances are greatly in favour of your having some of your best puppies killed. It is better, if practicable, — and in large estab- lishments it always is so, — to have more than one bitch warded at the same time. In the event of there being a small litter from each, one dam can suckle them, while the other can be relieved of the pull upon her strength ; and the trouble of attending two mothers in the kennel will be saved. Great cleanliness in the kennel, ventilation, fresh water, and exercise, are indispensable to the thriving of young greyhounds. Their food should be oatmeal, milk, {not skimmed,) broth, and flesh. If barley-meal be given, it should be done spar- ingly, and mixed with the oatmeal ; as it is heating, and not so nutricious as the latter. In addition to a generous regimen and extreme cleanliness, e^'ercise is of the greatest importance The less that puppies, and indeed all dogs, are kept closely confined, the better. Freedom gives them health, strength, and courage ; and brings their feet and legs into condition. It also gets them forward in their growth, gives elasticity 2 A 354 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. to their limbs, and altogether is as necessary to their well-doing as water is to quench their thirst. Much judicious care, however, is requisite in exercising not only puppies, but dogs beyond that stage. I have seen a man galloping along a hard turnpike road, at a fearful risk of annihilating some of her majesty's liege subjects, with two or three brace of greyhounds at his heels ; and this, I suppose, was exercising them ! What can be more absurd than rattling dogs over a hard, flinty road, at the expense of their legs? I should as soon direct the most valuable hunter that I ever possessed, (and I dropped three hundred for St. Nicholas,) to be galloped at speed up and down Portland Place for a couple of hours, as sending greyhounds of mine to be breathed on a road. A gentle pace on the hard ground will be beneficial to their feet ; but your greyhounds, like horses, should never be galloped on it. Fast worli must be done, however, to obtain first-rate condition. There is a great similarity, — as far as there can be between a horse and a dog, — between bringing a greyhound "up to the mark" and the race-horse. High feeding; great care to keep the kennel clean and pure, warm and dry ; physic ; exercise ; and work ; — these, and a COURSING. 355 little practical knowledge in the judicious admini- stration of them, are all that is required, for either the race-horse or the greyhound. In feeding greyhounds, when training, various are the commixtures given; to attempt the de- tailing of which, would occupy greater space than the value of the information might warrant. Wheat-meal in equal quantities with the oat, aniseeds, and whites of eggs, are frequently mixed together, and made into loaves, when dogs are being trained for racing ; and these are given in rich soup. To all dogs, but more especially to greyhounds, the distemper is a deadly enemy. Under the head of "The Distemper in dogs," (page 326,) a treatment will be found, which applies as well to greyhounds as to any other. Coursing. Coursing is so simple a sport, that scarcely any observation is required, upon the way in which it ought to be conducted. To find hares readily, is the principal requisite. Some men are far more expert in doing this than others. In going through gates or over stiles, you should cast your eyes on the ground ; and, if soft, you will be able to 'prick the hare, if she has lately been there. If you should find a double^ (id est, — where she has been 356 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. in and out,) you may be satisfied that she is not far off, if it be a close, woodland country; for hares are not fond of fences, and will feed at no great distance from their forms. If the hedge- rows be thick, a spaniel that will thread them is of great service ; and you should look out for the ** creeps" in the fences, as these frequently are the index of the " whereabouts" of puss. A wide unenclosed country is the one for the enjoyment of good coursing. In such localities, hares are compelled to make their forms in the open ; and a quick eye will discover them there. Regular beats should be made ; so that the same ground be not retaken, and parts neglected to be tried. When a hare is found on her form, the finder should halloo " So-ho !" but not very loudly ; as it is to attract the attention of the dogs, and to notify to the field the discovery made, and not for the purpose of springing the hare. The law or space allowed between the hare and the grey- hounds, must depend upon the nature of the coun- try. If it be in small enclosures, where, in a few yards, the hare will be out of sight, you must let your dogs be close to her when put from her form, or she will be lost. Should you be near a covert, too, the same rule must be observed ; as she is certain to make for it, and if not turned • ■5^pp«<5»^TJ COURSING. 357 before reaching the verge, will be safe from further pursuit. Except with pot-hunters, however, the sport is not in killing the hare ; but in running her, and seeing the cotes, turns, and wrenches. This is the delight of the legitimate courser ; and, in order to obtain this, he gives as much ground between the hare and dogs at the start as he fairly can, in justice to both the pursuing and pursued. This, as I have before said, must depend on the nature of the country. If there are more than a brace of greyhounds in the field, the others should be in slips, and have " blinkers" on. If they see the hare, it gives infinity of trouble to hold them, and makes them anxious and fretful. In riding a course, you should be very careful ; for, although the greyhounds may be racing with the speed of light away from you one moment, the hare turns, and the next they are in an opposite direction. A hard-pulling, ungovernable horse is extremely likely to cause an accident, by galloping over the greyhounds. A valuable dog may be either killed or ruined by a fracture. When a hare leaves her form, and gets through a fence unseen by the greyhounds, you should ride boldly at the fence, and lift them with a cheer. 358 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. They will then get view, and not, perhaps, too much time be lost for the start. At the latter end of January, February, and March, hares frequent the fallows. I have now given, I believe, every necessary suggestion with regard to coursing ; and shall, in conclusion, insert the laws and local rules govern- ing the various Clubs throughout the kingdom at the present time. THE LAWS OF COURSING. I. Two stewards shall be appointed by the mem- bers at dinner each day, to act in the field the following day, and to preside at dinner. They shall regulate the plan of beating the ground, under the sanction of the owner or occupier of the soil. II. Three or five members, including the secretary for the time being, shall form a committee of management, and shall name a person, for the approbation of the members, to judge all courses. — All doubtful cases shall be referred to them. III. All courses shall be from slips, by a brace of greyhounds only. THE LAWS OF COURSING. 359 IV. The time of putting the first brace of dogs in slips shall be declared at dinner on the day pre- ceding. If a prize is to be run for, and only one dog is ready, he shall run a bye, and liis owner shall receive forfeit ; should neither be ready, the course shall be run when the committee shall think fit. In a match, if only one dog be ready, his owner shall receive forfeit ; if neither be pre- sent, the match shall be placed the last in the list. V. If any person shall enter a greyhound by a name different from that in which he last appeared in public, without giving notice of such alteration, he shall be disqualified from winning, and shall forfeit his match. VI. No greyhounds shall be entered as puppies, un- less born on or after the 1st of January of the year preceding the day of running. VII. Any member, or other person, running a grey- hound at the meeting, having a dog at large which shall join in the course then running, shall forfeit one sovereign : and, if belonging to either of the parties running, the course shall be decided against him. SeO THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. VIII. The judge ought to be in a position where he can see the dogs leave the slips, and to decide by the colour of the dogs, to a person appointed for that purpose. His decision shall be final. IX. If, in running for prizes, the judge shall be of opinion that the course has not been of sufficient length to enable him to decide as to the merits af the dogs, he shall inquire of the committee whether he is to decide the course or not : if in the nega- tive, the dogs shall be immediately put again into, the slips. X. The judge shall not answer any questions put to him regarding a course, unless such questions are asked by the committee. XI. If any member make any observation in the hearing of the judge respecting a course, during the time of running, or before he shall have delivered his judgment, he shall forfeit one sove- reign to the fund ; and if either dog be his own, he shall lose the course. If he impugn the decision of the judge, he shall forfeit two sove- reigns. XII. When a course of an average length is so THE LAWS OF COURSING. 361 equally divided that the judge shall be unable to decide it, the owners of the dogs may toss for it ; but if either refuse, the dogs shall be again put in the slips, at such time as the committee may think fit ; but if either dog be drawn, the winning dog shall not be obliged to run again. XIII. In running a match, the judge may declare the course to be undecided, XIV. If a member shall enter more than one grey- hound, bond fide his own property, for a prize, his dogs shall not run together, if possible to avoid it ; and if two greyhounds, the property of the same member, remain to the last tie, he may run it out, or draw either, as he shall think fit, XV. When dogs engaged are of the same colour, the last drawn shall wear a collar. XVI. If a greyhound stand still in a course when a hare is in his or her sight, the owner shall lose the course ; but if a greyhound drops from exhaustion, and it shall be the opinion of the judge that the merit up to the time of falling was greatly in his or her favour, then the judge shall have power to award the course to the greyhound so falling, if he think fit. Se2 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. XVII. Should two hares be on foot, and the dogs separate before reaching the hare slipped at, the course shall be undecided, and shall be run over again at such time as the committee shall think fit, unless the owners of the dogs agree to toss for it, or to draw one dog ; and if the dogs separate after running some time, it shall be at the discre- tion of the committee whether the course shall be decided up to the point of separation. XVIII. A course shall end, if either dog be so unsighted as to cause an impediment in the course. XIX. If any member or his servant ride over his opponent's dog when running, so as to injure him in the course, the dog so ridden over shall be deemed to win the course. XX. It is recommended to all union meetings to appoint a committee of ^xe, consisting of members of different Clubs, to determine all difficulties and cases of doubt. THE LAWS OF COURSING. 363 The following GENERAL RULES are recommended to judges for their guidance. The features of merit are : — The race from slips, and the first turn or wrench of the hare (provided it be a fair slip,) and a straight run up. Where one dog gives the other a go-by, when both are in their full speed, and turns or wrenches the hare. (N. B. — If one dog be in the stretch, and the other only turning at the time he passes, it is not a fair go-by.) Where one dog turns the hare when she is leading homewards, and keeps the lead so as to serve himself, and makes a scond turn of the hare without losing the lead. A catch or kill of the hare, when she is running straight and leading homewards, is fully equal to a turn of the hare when running in the same direc- tion ; or perhaps more, if he show the speed over the other dog in doing it. If a dog draws the fleck from the hare, and causes her to wrench or nick only, it is equal to a turn of the hare when leading homewards. When a dog wrenches or nicks a hare twice fol- lowing, without losing the lead, it is equal to a turn. S64! THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. N. B. — It often happens when a hare has been turned, and she is running from home, that she turns of her own accord to gain ground homeward, when both dogs are on the stretch after her : in such a case the judge should not give the leading dog a turn. There are often other minor advantages in a course, such as one dog showing occasional supe- riority of speed, turning on less ground, and running the whole course wdth more fire than his opponent, which must be left to the discretion of the judge, who is to decide on the merits. LOCAL RULES. I. That the number of members be regulated by the letters in the alphabet, and that the two junior members shall take letters X and Z, if required. II. That the members shall be elected by ballot, that seven members constitute a ballot, and that two black balls shall exclude. III. That the name of every person proposed to be balloted for as a member shall be placed over the chimney-piece one day before the ballot can take place. THE LAWS OF COURSING. SG5 IV. That no proposition can be balloted for, unless put up over the chimney-piece with the name oi the proposer and seconder, at or before dinner preceding the day of the ballot, and read to the members at such dinner. V. That every member shall, at each meeting, run a greyhound his own property, or forfeit one sovereign to the club. VI. No member shall be allowed to match more than two greyhounds in the first class, under a penalty of two sovereigns to the fund, unless such member has been drawn or run out for the prizes, in which case lie shall be allowed to run three dogs in the first class. vii. If any member shall absent himself two seasons without sending his subscription, he shall be deemed out of the societv, and another chosen in his place. viii. That no greyhound shall be allowed to start, if any arrears are due to this society from the owner. IX. That any member, lending another a greyhound see THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. for the purpose of saving his forfeit (excepting by- consent of the members present,) shall forfeit five sovereigns. X. Any member, running the dog of a stranger in a match, shall cause the name of the ow^ner to be inserted after his own name in the list, under a penalty of one sovereign. XI. No stranger to be admitted into the society's room, unless introduced by a member, who is to place the name of his friend over the chimney- piece, with his own name attached to it ; and no member to introduce more than one friend. XII. That the members of the Clubs shall be honorary members of this society ; and when present shall be allowed to run their greyhounds, on paying the annual subscription. XIII. That Messrs. (three or five members, including the secretary for the time being) shall form a committee for manag- ing the affairs of the society, and that they shall name a person, for the approbation of the members, to judge all courses run in the society, and that all doubtful cases shall be referred to them. TERMS USED IN SPORTING. 367 XIV. That this society shall meet on the in and course on following days That the General Rules be recommended for the adoption of all Coursing Societies, and the Local Rules applied in all cases where they are practicable and convenient. CHAPTER XXV. TERMS USED IN SPORTING. In different counties and parts of England, sporting terms vary in a slight degree. For instance, when speaking of spaniels, I have heard a couple called a brace. In the West of England, the seals of an otter are termed his spears, and so forth. Along the coast, the fishermen call wild- fowl by all sorts of misnomers ; and no two places agree. The following, however, is a correct list of sporting phrases. 368 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. Terms used in Sporting. Of pointers, setters, greyhounds, and terriers, two are called a brace; and three, a leash. Of hounds, beagles, spaniels, &c. two are called a couple ; three, a harle, or a couple and a half. Of spaniels and terriers, more than two brace of dif- ferent kinds are called a tue, or rough muster; several couple of spaniels are called a pack. Grey- hounds, when tired, are said to be overhaled ; pointers, setters, spaniels, terriers, &c. floored or jaded. Spaniels quest, tongue, and babble, on the haunt. Fox-hounds challenge on drag, and hit him ofi". The harrier calls on trail or form, and makes his way. When they overshoot and are at fault, they are said, when trying back, to traverse. When quadruped animals of the venery or hunting kind are at rest, the stag is said to be harboured, the buck lodged, the fox kenneled, the badger earthed, the otter vented or watched, the hare formed, and the rabbit set. When you find and rouse up the stag and buck, they are said to be imprimed : unkennel the fox, and he is on the pad ; dig the badger, unvent the otter, start the hare, bolt the rabbit. To investigate, or follow, by the prints of the feet, is a great qualification in a sportsman. They are TERMS USED IN SPOKTING. 363 called, — The slot, or view of deer, of all kinds : you 11] ay know when they have been coursed, by the cleft widening, and the dew-claws printing the ground ; if an old one, by his gait, i. e. manner of walking or straining, which latter is at full speed i he does not overreach, as young ones do. The seal of an otter ; the ball of a fox ; the pricks of a hare ; the prints of a badger ; scratch- ing of rabbits. Of pheasants, grouse, partridges, quails, and rails, the rode; of woodcocks and snipes, the creeps : the traces of all, in the snow. The excrement or ordure is called the suage of an otter, the fumet or furnishings of deer, the billet of a fox, the iiants of a badger, the buttons or croteys of the hare and rabbit, the spraints of the martin-cat, &c. ; the droppings of pheasants, par- tridges, &c. ; chalkings and markings of wood- cocks ; and mutings of snipes. The tail is called the pole, potter, or eel of an otter : the single of deer, the brush of a fox ; the white tip, the chape, and stump of a badger ; the scut of the hare and rabbit ; the drag of polecats, stoats, &:c. ; the train or pole of the pheasant. When the feathered tribe are at rest, the grouse are said to be challenged ; the pheasants, chuckered or perched ; partridges, jugged; quails, piped ; rails, craked ; woodcocks, fallen ; snipes, at walk. When in search, you spring grouse, 2 B 370 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. pheasants, and rails ; flush partridges, woodcocks, quails, and snipes. In the early part of the season: — you find a pack of grouse, a nide of pheasants, a covey of birds, a bevy of quails, a fall of woodcocks, a walk of snipes ; rails, hares, &e. singly. When animals of the quadruped kind are in- clined to copulate, the following phrases are used : — Females — the Roe or Hind, go to tourn ; — Doe, to rut, or is rutting; — Otter, to her kind ; — Vixen to clicket, or is clicketing; — Hare, to clicket, or is clicketing ;— Rabbit, to buck, or is bucking; — Badger, to brim, or is brimming; — • Bitch, is in heat, or getting fond ; — Polecat, Stoat, Ferret, &c. are bucking. Males — The Stag or Hart, bellows; — Buck, groans or treats ; — Otter, whines ; — Fox, barks ;— Hare, beats or taps; — Rabbit, ditto; — Badger, yells; — Pole-cat, Stoat, Ferret, &c. chatter. A Cote, — is when a dog passes his fellow, takes in, obstructs his sight, and turns the hare. A Form, — where a hare has set. At Gaze, — looking steadfastly at any object when standing still. A Layer, where a stag or buck has lodged. Beat Counter, backwards. Bend, forming a serpentine figure. TERMS USED IN SPORTING. o/ Blemishes, when they make short entries, and return. Blink, to leave the point or back, or run away afc the report of the gun, &c. Break field, to enter before you. Chap, to catch with the mouth. Curvet, to throw. Doucets, the testicles or stones. Embossed, tired. Flourish, to twist the stem, and throw right and left in too great a hurry. Going to Fault, a hare's going to ground. Handicap, the gentleman who matches the dogs. Hard-nosed, having little or no sense of smelling. Hug, to run close side by side. In-and-in, too near related, as sire and daughter, dam and son, &c. Jerk, an attempt to turn, by shipping out. Sapise, to open or give tongue. Mort, the death of deer. Near-scented, not catching the scent till too near. Plod, to hang upon the tragonings or doublings. Run Riot, to run at the whole herd. Sink, to lie down, cunningly drawing the feet close, and bearing the nose on the ground, to prevent the scent flying. S72 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. Skirt, to run round the sides, being too fond of the hedges. Slip, losing the foot. Spens or Deals, the teats. Spent, when the deer is nearly dead, which you may know by his stretching his neck out straight. Straineth, when at full speed. Tappish, to lurk, skulk, and sink. To Carry or Hod, when the earth sticks to their feet. Tragoning, crossing and doubling. Trip, to force by you. Tuel, the vent. Twist, a sudden turn of the head, when the scent is caught sideways. Vick, to make a low noise. Watch, to attend to the other dog, not endea- vouring to find his own game, but lying off for advantages. In coursing, it is called running cunning. Wiles or Toils, are engines to take deer with. Wrench, a half-turn. Colours and Marks of Dogs. A frieze down the face, a white square on any part of the body, is called a ticket ; white round the neck is called a garter ; single spots are called TERMS USED IN SPORTING. 373 ticks ; small ones (confused,) are called mottle ; single ones, patches ; a liver patch white, ditto mottle, ditto tick, black patch white, ditto yellow, pale ditto, a black tan, beagle-eyed. Whole colours are, black, white, lemon, yellow, whey- coloured, dark brindled, brown, &c. THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. BOOK FIFTH, FISHING. ■/^W>' 'I :ii^ M.. ;xXi ff^i^^"/. FISHING. CHAPTER XXVI. TROUT FISHING. Hunting, shooting, and coursing, have been the sports in all the variety of which I have indulged as much, perhaps, as any one living, of my age. " The gentle art," however, I have never followed with that enthusiasm which is necessary to render a man a proficient, and capable of teaching its mysteries to that extent which the novice may anticipate, when he refers for information to these pages. I shall, therefore, in addition to the practical knowledge I may have acquired from experience and association with others of greater and more professed skill, refer to authorities for assistance; and thus make good the deficiency which otherwise might be found. The first acquirement in trout fishing, is the 378 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. knowledge of the flies required at different times and seasons, and the being able to tie them yourself. Unless this early lesson be perfectly acquired, little sport, comparatively speaking, can be en- joyed; as however large the collection of flies, the one, and the only one, that the fish will take, on occasions, it may wear your patience out to find in your book ; whereas, if you could fabricate an imitation of the desired morsel, (having taken care to have the material with you,) a killing fly could be produced in one third the time. As, however, you can tie flies at your leisure at home, when you cannot fish ; it is better to have such a supply ready that you may not be constantly required to sit upon the bank of the stream, manu- facturing flies, instead of following the more pleasurable occupation of casting them. At particular seasons of the year, there are certain descriptions of flies, at which trout will generally rise ; but exceptions to the ordinary rules will be frequently found ; the weather having a very great influence upon the colour and kind of fly to be used. Moreover, a fly greedily taken in the morning will, sometimes, be refused at noon, or in the evening ; and a change will be requisite. An hour may bring ephemerae on the waters, which you must imitate, or you will cast in vain. From this rule there should be no deviation what- TROUT FISHING. 379 ever : Use as close an imitation as possible, of the flies flitting over and about the water at the time of your flshimj. No collection which human inge- nuity can form, will, in consequence of the variety and uncertainty of the insects, be sufficient to meet the changes at the time, perhaps, when most wanted ; and therefore the fly-fisher should be prepared with a diversity of material, and know how to use it, in cases of emergency. It must have been observed by nearly every man that ever threw a fly, that occasionally trout will be rising in every direction, and yet totally disregard the fly on his gut. The plan to adopt then is, to catch one of the insects at which the fish so greedily snap, and, if you have not a tolerably good representative in your book, make one from vour stock of material ; of which there should be a portion of all the various kinds used for fly-making. Flies in general use. February: — Dark fox, hare's ear and claret, dark gray hackle, plain black hackle, gray sooty. March: — Plain black hackle, plain wren, dark brown rail, dark olive camel, fox half a shade lighter than last month, dark brown camel ; latter end of the month, brown coughlin, dirty tawny bodied with hare's ear, green cow-dung, gray sooty. SSO THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. April: — Gray coughlin, light olive camel, light brown rail, ash fox-hlow for the latter end of the month, orange cowdung, blue-blow, tipped wing black, plain black midge, hare's ear and yellow, hare's ear and green, plain red hackle orange bodied, ditto tipped black hackle, plain black hackle, blue bodied black hackle, buff fox, gray sooty, all kinds of wren hackles, and gray hackles. This list will bring you into May, and some of them into June. May : — Hawthorn fly, yellow May fly, golden sooty, light fox, cream camel, brown rail, fancy hackle flies, caterpillars, green beetles, black beetles, golden palmers, yellow and orange palmers, stone fly, plain and brown beetles. June : — All the May flies and green fox come in now, and with light fox continue all the sum- mer ; light rail, blue bodied black hackle, orange bodied red, fancy wrens, gold palmer, green beetle, scaldcrow midge, and night moth. July and August: — The above flies and the cinnamon called the cad-bait fly. September : — Muddy green fox, green rail with plain red hackle, orange body ditto, light rail, plain and fancy wrens ; small cad-bait breasted with woodcock hackle and double wings, last during the fishing season. It is not generally known among fishermen, TROUT FISHING. 381 that the water flies, which it is their aim to imitate, are not of so great a diversity of species as of colour ; a cJiamje of hue being produced in the succession of the seasons. It may not be that they are the same insects ; more pro- bably they may be successive generations of ephemerae of the same species. This, however, is a subject of greater interest to the naturalist than to the fly-fisher. Throwing the fly for trout, can no more be taught by merely written instructions than playing the violin. But as, without a theory, practice, of a uniform and proper kind, is impossible, the following directions to the novice will be found beneficial. In whipping with an artificial fly, there are only two cases in which a fish taking a fly will hook himself without your assistance ; viz. when your fly first touches the water at the end of a straight line, and when you are drawing out your fly for a new throw. In all other cases, it is necessary, in order to hook him when he has taken the fly, to strike by a movement of the wrist which it is not easy to describe. The fly must have time, when you have drawn it out of the water, to make the whole circuit and be at one time straight behind you, before it can be thrown out straight before you. If you give S82 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. it the forward impulse too soon, you will hear a crack, and you may rest assured that at that moment your fly went to grass. If your line falls loose and wavy in the water, it will either frigliten away the fish, or he will take the fly into his mouth without fastening himself; and when he finds that it does not suit his purpose, he will spit it out again, before it has answered yours. Heed not what they of the old school say about flaying Mm until lie is tired. Much valuable time, and many a good fish may be lost, by this antiquated proceeding. Put him into your bas- ket as soon as you can. Every thing depends on the manner in which you commence your acquain- tance with him. If you can at first prevail upon him to walk a little way down the stream with you, you will have no difficulty afterwards in per- suading him to let you have the pleasure of seeing him at dinner. Do not leave off fishing early in the evening. After a bright day, the largest fish are to be caught by whipping between sunset and dark. Even, however, in these precious moments, you will not have good sport, if you continue throwing after you have whipped your fly off. Pay atten- tion to this; and, if you have any doubt after dusk, you may easily ascertain the point, by TROUT FISHING. .388 drawing the end of your line quickly througli your hand, particularly if you do not wear gloves. Never ande in olarino'-coloured clothes. Per- haps green is that which fish discern least ; as varying less from those objects, such as trees and herbage on the river sides, to which they are familiarized. The fisherman should shelter and screen him- self (unless the water be muddy from rain) far from the bank, or behind a bush or tree ; and so that his shadow do not at any time lie upon the water, especially where it is shallow and the gravelly bottom can be discerned. The wind should always be at his back, and the sun as much before him as possible. In cold, windy w^eather, he should be on the weather shore, where the fish then resort for warmth and the calmness of the water. The east wind has been universally execrated : but probably this may not hold good in rivers running from east to west. During the summer, even w^hen the water is quite clear and low, no wind stirring, and the sun shining with the utmost lustre, and in the hottest part of the day, it is insisted that trout may be taken (although very few are disposed to credit it) with a small wren's tail, grouse, smoky dun, and black hackles ; fishing straight down the S84 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. water, by the sides of streams and banks; keep- ing out of sight, and with as long a line as can conveniently be managed, with the foot length very fine. The trout may be often seen with their fins above water, at which time they will eagerly snap at these flies; and though upon hooking one, the rest will fly ofl", they will soon be com- posed, and return for two or three times. The best periods are, from March (when trout, from the rarity of even getting a knat previously, are greedy, and ready to rise at any thing in the shape of a fly) to October ; from three until nine in the morning ; and from three in the afternoon, so long as there is light ; the later, the better sport. In winter the weather and times are much alike ; the warmest is most preferable. Spinning a minnow is another scientific mode of killing trout. An artificial fish is very frequently used ; but the finest trout that I ever killed in the Thames, weighing six pounds and a half, or very nearly so, between Windsor bridge and Surly hall in 1840, I killed by spinning a natural min- now, baited in accordance with the directions of old Izaac Walton ; which are as follows — " To put the hook in at the mouth, and draw it out through the gill, about three inches ; then again put the hook in at the mouth, and let the point and beard come out at the tail ; then tie the hook TROUT FISHING. 385 and the tail about, with a fine white thread, which will make it spin quicker ; pull back that part of the line which was slack when the hook was thrust in the second time, which will fasten the head of the minnow so as to make it almost straight on the hook ; try if it turns well, which it cannot do too fast. Angle with the point of the rod down the stream ; drawing the minnow against the current gradually, and near the surface : when descried, the trout will freely come at it. Be careful not to snatch it away, nor strike until he has turned with the bait. For this angling, the winch and ringed rod are always to be used ; and there should be two or three swivels on the line, which will assist the spinning of the minnow." Walton's method may be altered and improved, by first thrusting the hook in at the lower side of the minnow's under chap, and also quite through the upper chap ; drawing it two or three inches on the line, and putting the hook in at the mouth as before directed. This will keep the minnow's mouth closed ; which otherwise should be stitched up. The tackle used should be of the same sort as that used for salmon, with this difference, that it must be finer, with a stout single silkworm gut at bottom, and the hook Nos. 2, 3, or 4, according to the size of the trout in the water where angled 2 c 386 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. for. The middle-sized and whitest minnows (of which those caught in streams are far brighter than those procured from ditches or stagnated waters) are the best. When trout will not rise at a fly, and the water is clouded and thick, from floods or recent showers, a red worm frequently proves a very good bait. In quick and shallow streams, you should let the gut or " collar," as it is sometimes called, be so shotted as to sink the worm to the bottom ; and, letting it drive down the stream, follow it in its course. The moment that you feel the fish, strike and hook him. In mill-dams, deep holes, and " dips," the same expedient may be tried, very often with success ; and the only difference is, the standing still, instead of following the bait. CHAPTER XXVII. PIKE, PERCH, AND OTHER FISHING. — RODS, LINES, HOOKS, &c. Pike, There is no fish more rapacious than the pihe ; and he has, in consequence, been properly called the " fresh-water shark." The accounts frequently PIKE, PERCH, AND OTHER FISHING. S87 given, of the immense size that this fish attains, appear somewhat of the fabulous order : but there is no doubt that pike have been taken of mon- strous weight. Being a hungry and bold fish, little skill is re- quired in taking him ; and he will gorge either a natural or artificial bait, in the shape of minnows, mice, frogs, or any kind of fry. But in using the natural bait, you should always have it taken from other waters than those in which the pike is to be fished for ; as he is extremely fond of fresh " tit bits," and they offer irresistible temptations to his appetite. The plan which afibrds the most sport with pike, is trolling for them ; and this may either be by live-bait fishing, when a floated line is used ; or snap-fishing, when the angler so places his baited hooks, that immediately he feels a bite, he strikes with much force, and generally throws over his head or drags the pike or jack ashore, instead of playing him until exhausted. The former, however, I recommend ; having killed more, and lost fewer fish by it, than by the other system. The simple plan that I have adopted, in taking pike, has been this: — to have a fioat made of cork, of six inches in diameter, cut thin. Through the centre of this, a white peg has been driven, with a wire loop at each end. Having plummed 388 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. the depth, and baited the hook so as to hang just clear of the bottom, which can be easily regulated by the wire loops through the peg ; fix the line, by giving it a turn or two round the end of the peg above water ; and fix the coil on the shore, either by pegging it down or tying it to a bough. In this manner, you can attend to six or eight floats ; and thus your chances of success will be so much increased. I am not aware whether this can be claimed by me as an original method; but I can positively assert that I never saw it practised until I used it myself. Perch. The perch possesses a peculiarity as a fish of prey, which is not to be found in any other of the fresh-water kind : he is gregarious and swims in shoals, although so voracious as to attack his own kind. There are few fish of the smaller kind, that afford the angler so much diversion as the perch He is a game, bold fish ; and not only in the water is valuable for the sport that he gives, but when caught, is a delicious dish for the table. In angling for perch, the best kinds of bait are small lob worms which have no knot, brandlings, red dunghills, or those found in rotten tan ; all PIKE, PERCH, AND OTHER FISHING. 389 well scoured by being placed in horse hair, grass, or moss. The hook may be varied from No. 2 to 6 ; being well whipt to a strong silkworm gut, with a few shot a foot from it. Put the point of the hook in at the head of the worm ; out again a little lower than the middle, pushing it above the shank of the hook upon the gut. Take a smaller one, beginning in the same way, and take its head up to the middle of the shank only ; then draw the first worm down to the head of the latter, so that the tails may hang one above the other; keeping the point of the hook well covered. This is the most enticing method for worm-fishing. Use a small float, to keep the bait at six or twelve inches from the bottom, or sometimes about mid-water. In angling near the bottom, raise the bait very frequently from thence almost to the surface ; letting it gradually fall again. Should a good shoal be met with, they are so greedy, that they may be all caught, unless one escapes that has felt the hook ; then all is over ; the fish that has been hooked becomes restless, and soon causes the whole shoal to leave the spot. Bait for perch are, loaches, sticklebacks, with the spines cut ofi^, miller's thumbs, horse-beans boiled, (after the place has been well baited with 390 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. them, put one at a time on the hook,) cad-bait, bobs, and gentles. Although a bold biter, the perch is extremely abstemious in winter, and scarcely ever bites in that season, except in the middle of a warm sun- shiny day. He bites best, in the latter part of the spring, from seven to eleven in the forenoon, and from two to six in the afternoon ; except in hot and bright weather, and then from sunrise to six in the morning, and in the evening from six to sunset. If a day be cool and cloudy, with a ruffling south wind, perch will bite during the whole of it. In clear water, sometimes a dozen or more of perch have been observed in a deep hole, sheltered by trees or bushes. By using fine tackle and well-scoured worms, the angler may see them strive which shall first seize the bait until the entire shoal has been caught. Perch may be angled for and taken until the end of September ; and, indeed, at particular times all the year round: but the preferable season is from the beginning of May to the middle of July. Other Fishes, It is not necessary for me to enter into the details of angling for every kind of fish that swims, PIKE, PERCH, AND OTHER FISHING, 391 any more than it would be for me to particularize the small birds that a schoolboy might burn powder at, when home for the holydays. Without doubt, there are some peculiar rules to be observed, in the taking of every kind ; at the same time, they are so immaterial as not to be worth the task of giving or learning. To he patient ; to plum the ground properly and often, if the tide requires it ; to bait the hook so as to secrete it with the most seductive kind ; to attract the fish by ground- bait ; and to strike (by the same rule that you should pull your trigger) at the moment that the fish is ready ; are the principal rules in all kinds of angling. Fishing Rods, The wood for fishing rods should be cut about Christmas ; and some insist that, if left in the open air for twelve months afterwards, it will season better than if stowed in a dry place. Hazel is the wood generally procured for this purpose ; and, of all the sorts, the cob-nut grows to the greatest length, and is for the most part straight and taper. The butt end should rather exceed an inch in diameter. But of whatever wood the rod is composed, the shoots for stocks, middle pieces, and tops, must be of proper size, well-grown, and as free from knots as possible. The tops should 392 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. be the best, rush-ground shoots, without knots, and proportionably taper. The excrescent twigs should be cut off ; but not close, for fear of hurting the bark, which ought never to be touched with a knife or rasp ; for, although they will dress neater, it considerably weakens them. These pieces are to be kept free from wet until the following autumn ; when such as are wanted to form a rod should be selected, and, after being warmed over a gentle fire, set as straight as possible, and laid aside for two or three days, when they must be rubbed over with a piece of flannel and linseed oil, which will polish and fetch off any superfluous bark. They are then to be bound to a straight pole, and so kept until the next spring, when they will be seasoned for use. They are then to be matched together in just proportion, in three, four, or more parts, according to the width of the water or the wish of the maker ; taking care that the different points fit so nicely, if ferruled, that the whole rod may move as if it were but one piece. If the parts are not ferruled, they must be cut to join each other with the utmost exactness, and neatly spliced with glue, boiled very gently in strong quick-lime water, kept stirred until it become smooth and all alike ; and then they are to be whipped over the glued part with waxed thread. FISHING RODS. 393 Elder, holly, yew, mountain ash, and hip briar, are all natives. The reed or cane rod, on account of its lightness and elasticity, is the best for fishing at the bottom, whether with a running line or float ; especially when angling for those fish which bite tenderly, as roach and dace. A rod of twelve feet, unless the wind be extremely unfavourable, will cast a fly-line of fourteen yards : but, if it is to carry a reel line, fourteen feet will be preferable. It is useless to encumber yourself with an unnecessary weight of wood ; as the great advantage of a light rod is, that with either hand you can use it, and thus be enabled to cast your fly under bushes, hollow banks, &c. where the best trout generally lie, without endangering the tackle. The shorter the joints, the more portable the rod will be ; but the fewer there are, the better it will open a fly line. The great defect in most rods is, that the play is in the middle, owing to that part being too weak, and like a wagon whip. With a rod of this kind, it is impossible to strike or command a fish of any size. Rods should not be kept in too dry a room. The practice of steeping them in water is bad, and will soon spoil them. The rubbing the tops with sweet oil twice or thrice in the season, will preserve them in a serviceable state. If 394 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. the rod be hollow, tie a rag to the end of a stick, dip it in linseed oil, and rub it well about the in- side of the different joints. Lines, In making lines, every hair in every link should be equally big, round, and even; so that the strength may be so proportionate that they will not break singly, but all together. By carefully choosing the hairs, they will stretch, and bear a much stronger force than when a faulty hair is included. Never strain the hair before twisting. The best hair will easily be selected by the eye ; and two or three inches of the bottom part of the hair should be cut off, as it is generally defective. The links should be twisted very slowly ; and not lie harsh, but so as to twine one with the other, and no more ; for a hard twisted line is always weak. By mixing chestnut, black, or any other coloured hair, the line may be varied at pleasure. Lines of silk or hemp may be coloured by a strong decoction of oak bark ; which resists the water, and adds to their durability. In leading of lines, great care is needful in balancing the floats so nicely that a very small touch will sink them. Some use for this purpose lead shaped like a barleycorn : but shot is better : and for fine fishing, have a number of small, in HOOKS. 395 preference to a few large, shot on the line. The lowest of either should be nine or ten inches from the hook. Hooks. In choosing hooks, those should be preferred that are long in the shanks, strong, and rather deep in the bend ; the point fine and straight, and as true as it can be set to the level of the shank ; which, for fly making, should be tapered off to the end, that the fly may be neater finished. The point should be sharp, and the barb of a proper length. Many experienced anglers, who have impartially tried both kinds, consider these to be more sure than the crooked hooks ; that they cause a smaller orifice, and are less liable to break their hold. At Limerick, in Ireland, the best of these hooks are manufactured. A hook, whose point stands outwards, ought never to be chosen^ as it frequently scratches the fish without laying hold. If the points were somewhat shorter, and the barbs a trifie wider, the hooks of every maker would be improved. When hooks are blunt, a small whetstone will restore their sharpness much better than a file, which always leaves them rough and jagged. Hooks to ivhip on: — When hooks are armed, especially to hair, it should be done with small 896 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. but strong silk, well rubbed with shoemakers' wax, after having smoothed the shank with a whetstone, to hinder its fretting. From a straw's breadth below the top of the hook, wrap the silk about the bare shank, until it comes to the top ; which will prevent its slipping, or cutting the line, from frequent use. Then lay the hair or gut on the inside, and whip the silk downwards almost to the bend of the hook. The colour of the arming silk should be as near that of the baits used as may he ; and its size be regulated by the thickness of the wire hair, or gut, to which it is joined. In whipping on a hook, it is to be held in the left hand, and the silk whipped down to within four turns of its bend. The shank is then to be taken between the forefinger and thumb of the left hand, and the end of the silk close to it; holding them both tight, and leaving the ends of the silk to hang down; the other part of the silk to be drawn into a large loop ; and with the right hand, turning backwards, continue the whip- ping for four turns, and draw the end of the silk, which has hung down under the left thumb, close, and cut it off. AN ABRIDGMENT OF THE GAME LAWS. 397 CHAPTER XXVIII. AN ABRIDGMENT OF THE GAME LAWS NOW IN FORCE. Note. — A committee on the Game Laws is now sitting in the House of Commons ; but as the results of their deliberation cannot be known until after this volume goes to press, I am compelled to give an abridgment of the statutes in force at the present moment. In a subsequent edition, should one be demanded, the amendment will be made. Time when hilling Game is prohibited. Any person who shall kill or take any partridge be- tween the 1st of February and the 1st of September ; or any pheasant between the 1st of February and the 1st of October ; Or any black game between the 10th of December and the 20th of August, (or in Somersetshire, Devon- shire, or the New Forest, between the 10th of December and 1st of September ;) Or any grouse, called red game, between the 10th of December and the 12th of August ; Or any bustard between the 1st of March and 1st ot September, — is subject, on conviction, by two justices, to a penalty not exceeding £1 for every head of game so killed or taken, with costs. Penalty for poisoning Game. Any person laying poison to kill game, is made liable to a penalty not exceeding £10^ with costs. 398 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. Penalty for having Game at a prohibited time. Sec. 4. Persons licensed to deal in game, (as after mentioned,) who shall buy, or sell, or have in their possession any bird of game, after ten days (one inclusive and the other exclusive,) from the days limited, and persons not licensed, who shall buy or sell any bird of game after such ten days, or shall have in their posses- sion any bird of game (except such as are kept in a mew or breeding place,) after forty days, shall be subject, on conviction, before two justices, to a penalty not ex- ceeding £\ for every such head of game. Game Certificates, Sec. 5. The act not to affect the existing laws respect- ing game certificates. But the 10 per cent, added, by the late government to the assessed taxes, raises the price of a game certificate to ^4, Os. lOd. General qualification for every one. Sec. 6. Every person who shall have an annual game certificate shall be authorized to kill game (subject to an action for any trespass committed by him ;) but no certificate, on which a less duty than .£'4, Os. lOd. is chargeable, shall authorize any gamekeeper to kill or take game ; or use any dog, gun, net, or other engine, except within the limits of his appointment. Game., the exclusive property of the Landlord. Sec. 7. Under existing leases, or agreements, made previous to the passing of this act, the landlord shall be entitled to enter or authorize any other person or persons, having an annual game certificate, to enter upon such land, for the purpose of killing or taking game. And no tenant, under such lease or agreement, shall have the AN ABRIDGMENT OF THE GAME LAWS. 399 right to kill or take the game, on such land, unless such right is expressly granted^ or alloioed to him hy his lease or agreement ; or except he shall have paid a fine on the granting or renewal of such lease or agreement ; or the same shall have been made for more than twenty- one years. Sec. 8, 9, 10. This act not to affect any existing or future agreements respecting game, nor any rights of manor, forest, chase, or warren ; or any of her majesty's forest rights, or any cattle-gates, or right of common. The lord of the manor, therefore, is still to have the game on the wastes ; and also the right of giving leave to sport on the same, to all persons who have game certificates. Increased prwilege of Landlords. Sec. 11. Landlords having reserved to themselves the right of killing the game upon the land, may authorize any other person or persons to shoot, who have obtained a game certificate. Penalty for Tenant allowing People to Shoot. Sec. 12. Where the landlord has the right to the game, the tenant shall not pursue, kill, or take the same ; or give permission to any other person so to do, under a penalty on conviction before two justices, not exceeding £2, and for every head of game, not exceed- ing £1, with costs. Gamekeepers and Deputations. Sec. 13, 14. Lords of manors may appoint a game- keeper or gamekeepers, and authorize them to seize all dogs, &c. used within the manor by uncertificated persons. But it is decided in Lidster v. Borrow, (see 9 Adolphus and Ellis, p. 654,) that a gamekeeper autho- 400 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. rized to seize the dogs of unqualified persons sporting on a manor, by deputation given before stat. 1 & 2 Wil. IV. c. 32, and not renewed, cannot justify seizing the dogs of uncertificated persons committing such trespass, since the passing of the act. — Nor is he entitled to notice of action under statute 1 & 2 WiL IV. c. 32. s. 47, on the ground that he bond fide supposed himself to be acting in pursuance of this statute. Lords of manors may grant deputations. Exclusive privilege for Wales . Sec. 15. Persons seized in fee or for life, of lands, in Wales, of the clear annual value of .^500, and not within any manor, lordship, or royalty, or enfranchised or alienated therefrom, are authorized to appoint a game- keeper or gamekeepers, &c. Register of GameTceepers , Sec. 16. No appointments of gamekeepers to be valid until registered with the clerk of the peace. Liberty to sell Game. Sec. 1 7. Certificated persons may sell game to licensed dealers. Persons admissible as Gamekeepers. Sec. 18. The justices of the peace of every county, &c. shall hold a special session between the 15th and 30th of October, and in every succeeding year in July, for granting licenses to deal in game ; and the majority, not being less than two, are authorized to grant to any householder, or keeper of a shop or stall, (not being an innkeeper, or victualler, or licensed to sell beer by retail-; or the owner, guard, or driver of any mail coach, stage coach, stage wagon, van, or other public conveyance ; oi- a carrier, or higgler, or AN ABRIDGMENT OF THE GAME LAWS. 401 in the employment of any such person,) a license to buy game of any person who may lawfully sell it ; and also to sell it in one house, shop, or stall, kept by him, and who shall affix to the front of the house, shop, or stall, a board, with the Christian and surname, together with the words, ^''Licensed to deal in Game;'''' and every such license shall be in force for one year from the granting thereof. Restnctiom on^ and Directions to^ Game Dealers. Sec. 19. Every person who shall have obtained a license, shall also obtain a certificate on payment of <^2 duty, in the same manner as game certificates ; and no person obtaining a license shall deal in game before he shall have obtained such certificate, under a penalty of £2^, Sec. 20. Collectors of assessed taxes to make out a list of persons who have obtained licenses to deal in game. Sec. 21 . In case of two or more partners in the same shop or stall, only one license is necessary. Sec. 22. Licensed persons, on being convicted of any offence against this act, to forfeit their license. Additional penalty for Shooting without a Certificate. Sec. 23. Persons killing or taking any game, or using any dog, gun, &c. for the purpose of searching for, or killing, or taking game, without having a game certificate, subject to a penalty not exceeding £6^ as well as to THE PENALTY UNDER THE GAME CERTIFICATE ACT. Penalty for taking Eggs. Sec. 24. Persons who, not having the right of killing the game upon any land, nor having permission of the person who has such right, shall wilfully take out of, 2d 402 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. or destroy the nest, upon such land, the eggs of any bird of game, or of any swan, wild duck, teal, or widgeon, or shall knowingly have in his possession any such eggs so taken, shall, on conviction by two justices, pay a sum not exceeding 5s. for every egg^ with costs. Parts of the act further relating to Licensed Dealers^ ^c. Sec. 25. Persons not having a game certificate, or not licensed to deal in game, who shall sell, or offer for sale any game, or, having a game certificate, shall sell, or offer for sale, any game to any person, except a person licensed to deal in game, to forfeit, on conviction by two justices, a sum not exceeding £2i for every head of game so sold, or offered for sale. Sec. 26. Proviso authorizing inn or tavernkeepers to sell game for consumption in their own houses, without a license, such game having been procured from some person licensed to deal in game. Sec. 27. Persons not licensed to deal in game, who shall buy it from any unlicensed person, to be subject to a penalty on conviction before two justices, not exceeding £^ with costs. Sec. 28. Licensed dealers, buying game from any person not having a game certificate, or a license to deal in game, or selling, or offering for sale, any game at his house, shop, or stall, without having such board affixed, shall be subject to a penalty not exceeding £b. Proviso that the party arrested must be discharged, unless brought before a justice within twelve hours ; but he may, never- theless, be proceeded against by summons or warrant. Increased penalty for Trespassers^ when five or more are concerned. Sec. .32—34. Where five or more persons shall be found with a gun on any land, or any of her majesty's forests, AN ABRIDGMENT OF THE GAME LAWS. 403 &;c. in the day time (viz. between the beginning of the last hour before sunrise, and the expiration of the first hour after sunset) in pursuit of game, woodcocks, &c. and shall, by 'violence or menace^ endeavour to prevent any authorized person from approaching for the purpose of requiring them to quit the land, or to tell their names or places of abode ; each person shall be subject, on con- viction before two justices, to a penalty not exceeding £6^ with costs. Penalty for trespassing on Her Majesty'' s Forests^ S^c. Sec. 33. Penalty for trespassing on her majesty "'s forests, parks, chases, or warrens, in the day time, on conviction before one justice, not exceeding £2. Exemption from penalty for Trespass^ to Hunters^ Lords of Manors, S^c. Sec. ^6. The provisions as to trespassers not to apply to persons hunting or coursing with hounds or grey- hounds, and being in pursuit of any deer, hare, or fox, already started ; nor to any person exercising any right, or reputed right, of free warren, or free chase ; nor to any gamekeeper within the limits of a free warren or free chase ; nor to the lord, or steward of the crown, of any manor, or reputed manor. Game may he taken from Trespassers. Sec. 36. Game may be taken from trespassers, who shall not deliver up the same when demanded. Imprisonment in failure of Payment. Sec. 38. Penalties to be paid immediately on convic- tion ; or within such period as the justice or justices shall think fit ; and in default, the person convicted shall be imprisoned (with or without hard labour) for a 404 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. term not exceeding two calendar months, where the penalty, exclusive of costs shall not amount to £5 ; and not exceeding three calendar months in any other case. Sec. 40. The justices to have power to summon witnesses ; and persons refusing to attend, or to be ex- amined, to forfeili a sum not exceeding c^o. Time for prosecuting for Penalties^ S^c. Sec. 41. Prosecutions to be commenced within three calendar months after commission of the offence. Sec. 42. The prosecutor is not obliged to negative, by evidence, any certificate, license, «fec. ; but the party seeking to avail himself of such defence to be bound to prove it. Sec. 43-44. Convictions to be returned to the sessions to which persons convicted are entitled to appeal. JSfo evasiouyfor want ofform^ to he allowed. Sec. 45. No summary conviction, or adjudication, or appeal, shall be quashed for want of form, or removed by certiorari^ or otherwise ; and no warrant of commitment shall be held void for any defect, provided it be alleged that it is founded on a conviction, and there shall be a o^ood and valid conviction to sustain it. Option for Prosecutor to proceed hy the Old Action^ or the New Penalty for Trespass. Sec. 46, This act not to preclude actions for trespass ; but no action at law shall be maintained for the same trespass, by any person, at whose instance or with whose <;oncurrerice or assent, proceedings shall have been in- stituted under this act. AN ABRIDGMENT OF THE GAME LAWS. 405 Actions against Magistrates and Others^ for any thing Done in Pursuance of this Act. Sec. 47. All actions for any thing done in pursuance of this act, shall be laid and tried in the county where the fact was committed ; and shall be commenced within six calendar months^ after the fact committed, and one calendar month's notice in writing given to the defendant of such action, and the cause thereof ; and the defendant may plead the general issue, and give this act and the special matter in evidence ; and no plaintiff shall recover in such action, if tender of sufficient amends shall be made before the action be brought, or a sufficient sum be paid into court after such action is brought. Bee. 48. This act not to extend to Scotland or Ireland, Old Game Laws not Repealed. Shooting Certificate for 1845. Penalty for shooting without^ 6^*20, which when added to the £b in Sec. 23 of the new act, makes the penalty £2o. One shooting without a certificate is liable also to a surcharge ; for particulars, see 6 and 7 Wil. IV. cap. Q5. sec. 8. To be taken out annually, in the parish or place where our assessed taxes are paid. For menial servants, hired as gamekeepers, costs £\ 5s. and Is. fee to the collector : and also the 10 per cent, now making altogether £\^ 8s. 6d. When demanded by any assessor, collector, land- owner, commissioner, inspector, surveyor, occupier of land, also gamekeeper or other person, provided the two latter produce their certificates^ previously to requiring yours^ — penalty for refusing, £W. 406 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. If you have not your certificate to produce, your name and place of abode may be asked: — see penalty for refusing. A certificate is not only required for killing game, but also for shooting woodcocks, snipes, quails, land- rails, or rabbits ; though for the latter, open to certain exceptions. As the clause is short, I shall quote from it precisely — " Every person using any dog, gun, net, or other engine, for the purpose of taking, or killing, game ; or any woodcock, snipe, quail, landrail, or any conies, in Great Britain," &c. With two exceptions only — " 1st, The taking woodcocks and snipes with nets and springes ; and, 2dly, the taking or destroying" (meaning shooting or any other mode of destruction, it is presumed) "conies in warrens or in any enclosed ground ; or by any person on land in his occupation, either by himself or by his directions." All certificates now expire on the 5th of July in each year. Gamekeepers^ With only 25s. certificates, are subject to the full penalties of unlicensed persons ; and with even a £4i^ Os. lOd. certificate, are subject to either the new penalty or old action for trespass, if they outstep the bounds of the manor, for which they are appointed. Deputation of a Gamekeeper. The deputation granted to the gamekeeper must be registered with the clerk of the peace, within twenty days after it is granted, and a certificate taken of the same, under penalty of .£^20. The deputation for one keeper holds good till another is appointed. AN ABRIDGMENT OF THE GAME LAWS. 407 If a new gamekeeper is appointed within the year, the game certificate of the former keeper may be transferred to him for the remainder of the year ; and this must be done, free of all expense, by the clerk to the commis- sioners of the district. Refusing to Give Names. If you have not a certificate to produce at the time it is called for, your Christian and surnames, and place of abode, may be demanded, by any assessor, &c. &c. (as before mentioned ;) and the penalty for refusing them, or giving a false name, is £^0, Tame Pigeom, or House Doves. Unless they are your own property, or you are desired by the lawful owner to kill them, the penalty for shooting them is 20s. for each pigeon. — (Under Statute of ] Jac. I.) For shooting at pigeons, with intent to kill, the penalty would (by 2 Geo. II.) be the same as for killing one pigeon, viz. 20s. Information for these offences must be laid within two months. Dogs. Annual duties on, from the 5th of April 1845, to the 5th of April 1846. All sporting dogs, except greyhounds, for which there is a duty of d^l for each dog ; and pack of hounds com- pounded for, the duty on which is £ZQ. Dogs exempted from Duty. Whelps which are not six months old, at the time of returning your list for taxes. Dogs belonging to any of the royal family, who are exempt from all duties on sporting. 408 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. Poor persons, who are not assessed for dwelling-houses, may keep one dog, provided it be not a sporting dog. Penalty for Stealing Dogs. By 7 and 8 Geo. IV. c. 29, the offender, on conviction,, before a justice of peace, to forfeit, for the first offence (over and above the value of the dog,) a sum not exceed- ing <^20. For the second offence, to be imprisoned (with hard labour.) not exceeding twelve calendar months, or whipped, at the discretion of the justice. Sec. 31. Persons found in possession of a stolen dog, or the skin thereof, (knowing it to be stolen,) are liable to the same penalties. Sec. 32. Ti'espass. We have still the old action for trespass against one who goes on land, &c. after notice ; or even if the judge shall certify, on the back of the record, that the trespass was wilful and malicious. An unlicensed person may accompany a licensed sportsman, provided he has neither gun nor dogs of his own. Exemptions from trespass before and after notice. A person, even after notice^ may go on the land of another to serve a subpoena, legal writ, or, in short, for any lawful purpose, Specific instructions how to Warn off a Trespasser. Form of a proper notice to be sent to, or served on, any person in particular : — To of I hereby give you notice, not to enter or come into AN ABRIDGMENT OF THE GAME LAWS. 409 or upon any of the lands, woods, underwoods, shaws, or coverts, [or into or upon any of the rivers, ponds, pools, waters, or watercourses,] in my occupation, in the parish of in the county of as in case of your doing so, I shall proceed against you as wilful trespasser. Witness my hand this day of 1845. Signature. Dogs^ Trespass of. An unqualified person cannot use dogs for sporting^ although they may be bond fide the property of one who is qualified. Waste Land. Sporting on, the exclusive right of the lord of the manor. It has been given as an opinion, that although a person may, by common rights, have the liberty of going, send- ing, or keeping his cattle on the waste land, yet he has no right to go there in pursuit of game, without leave from the lord of the manor. J^ree Warrens and Decoys. The game in a free warren, is considered as private property, as are also the wild fowl, &c. within a decoy ; and consequently, a person sporting on either would be subject to an action accordingly, (with costs,) and with- out receiving any previous notice. The exercise of free warren, however, is in most cases now difficult to -be proved. Wild-fold. Any one may shoot them on the coast, from a public path, &c. &c. where a person, with neither permission from the lord of the manor, nor license, has a right to 410 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. carry a gun, provided he does not use it for the destruc- tion of game. Time within which actions must be brought. The time prescribed for bringing an action of trespass, is sia^ years. 411 LIST OF THE LONDON GUN MAKERS FOR 1845. Ashton, T. 15, Great Prescott Street. Baker, T. K. 1, Stonecutter Street. Baker and Son, 24, Whitechapel Road. Barnett, J. E. 134 Minories. Beckwith, W. A. 58, Skinner Street. Beattie, J., 52, Upper Marjlebone Street. Bishop, W. 170, New Bond Street, (Westley Richards, London agent.) Blanch, J., 29, Gracechurch Street. Blissett, John, 82], High Holborn. Blissett, Isaac, 69, Leadenhall Street. Bond, W. 59, Lombard Street. Bond, E. & W., 45, CornhiU. Boss, T. 73, St. James' Street. Braggs, R. 151, Strand. Braggs, Robert, 43, High Holborn. Cherrett, D. 3, Old North Street, Red Lion Square. Child, W. 280, Strand. Clunn, R. 2, Little Portland Street. Cogswell, B. 224, Strand. Collins, J. 115, Regent Street. Cook, J. 6, Well Street, Wellclose Square. Deane, Messrs. George & John, 46, King William Street. Dixon, M. 35, Castle Street, Holborn. Egg, D. 10, Opera Arcade. Egg, C. & H. 1, Piccadilly. 412 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. Field, J. 61, Leman Street, Goodman''s Fields. Fisher, C. 8, Prince's Street, Leicester Square. Forsyth & Co. 8, Leicester Street, Leicester Square. Golding, W. 27, Davies Street, Grosvenor Square. Grierson, J. 10, New Bond Street. Grimshaw, T. 48, Whiskin Street, Clerkenwell. Harding, W. 69, Great Queen Street. Harker, T. 18, Bell Street, Westminster. Hart, J. 14, Prince''s Street, Leicester Square. Hassall, J. 2, Mincing Lane, City. Hegley, W. 27^, Gloucester Street, Commercial Road. Hepinstale, W. 18, Swan Street, Minories. Hett, J. 21, Conduit Street, New Bond Street. Hill, J. 76, Tooley Street. Holland, J. 44, Great Prescott Street. Jackson, R. 19, Prince''s Street, Lisson Grove. Jackson, Thomas, 29, Edward Street, Portman Square. Kemp, J. 115, Jermyn Street. Lacy & Reynolds, 21, Great St. Helens. Lancaster, C. 151, New Bond Street. Lang, J. 7, Haymarket. Leigh, James & John, Duncan Street, Whitechapel. Leightfoot, J. 6, Dean Street, Holborn. Ling, W. 61, Jermyn Street. Lissant, John, 53, Drummond Street, Euston Square. London, E. 51, London Wall. Long, J. 8, Allsop Place, Regent's Park. Long, D. & Son, 8, Old Cavendish Street. Manton, G. 6, Dover Street, Piccadilly. Marks, R. 123, Oxford Street. Mills, W. F. 120, High Holborn. Moore & Woodward, 64, St. James's Street. Needhara, W. & Co. 26, Picadilly. Nock, S. 43, Regent Circus. Parker & Sons, 233, High Holborn. LIST OF LONDON GUN MAKERS. 41:3 Potts, T. Haydon Square, Minories. Pritcliett, R. E. 59, Chambers Street, Goodman's Fields. Probin, J. H, Ag-ar Street, Strand. Purday, J. 314^ Oxford Street. Reavell, W. 30, Southampton Street, Strand. Reed, A. 5, Fountain Place, City Road. Reilly, J. C. 316, High Holborn". Ridley, R. 43, Chambers Street, Goodman's Fields. Riviere, Isaac, 315, Oxford Street. Rippon «& Burton, 12, WelFs Street, Oxford Street. Sargant &; Brothers, 2, Coleman Street Buildings. Scott, W. &; K. 27, Leman Street, Goodman's Fields. Sharp, W. 7, Little Alie Street, Goodman's Fields. Smith, J. & Son, 4, Thavies' Inn, Holborn. Smith, S. & C. 64, Prince's Street, Leicester Square. Smith, W. 2, Thomas Street, Grosvenor Square. Stringer, W. 104, White Lion Street, Pentonville. Sturman, G. 25, East Road, City Road. Sturman, B. 42, Kingsland Road. Tatham, H. 37, Charing Cross. Tipping & Lawden, 20, Bartlett's Buildings. Walters, G. 7, Guilford Place, Spafields. White, E. 3, Worcester Street, Old Gravel Lane. Whitehead, T. 117, Dorset Street, Fleet Street. Wilkinson, J. & Son, 27, Pall Mall. Williams, J. 67, Threadneedle Street. Wilson, A. 141, Drury Lane. Witton, J. 82, Old Broad Street. Woods, W. 1, Queen Street, Southwark Bridge Road. Yeomans & Son, 68, Chambers' Street, Goodman's Fields. 415 INDEX. Abridgment of the Game Laws, Accidents with guns, How to guard against, Age of the Horse, marks of the, Albert, Prince ; his Beagles, Alterative medicine for the Hunter, , , Annoyances of a master of foxhounds, Ants' Eggs, excellent food for young Game, . Apperley, Mr. on the condition of hunters. Appointments of sportsmen, April, flies proper in, for fishing, August, flies proper in, for fishing. Backs of Hunters, Sore ; Treatment of. Bait for perch, .... Bantams, the best for rearing partridges, &c., Barrels of a gun, their length, gauge, &c.. Barrels ; Which of the, should be first discharged. Bastard Plover, or Pee-wit, The, Baths in kennels, .... Beagle, The, ..... Beaufort, Duke of ; his kennel, Bedford, Duke of ; his immense kennel. Bells attached to the necks of pointers, Bilcock, or Water rail, The, . . Bilious complaints in dogs ; remedy, BIRDS usually followed by Sportsmen ; List of. Birds of Prey, best means of destroying. Page. 397 229 100 172 18 134 847 27 107 380 380 80 388, 389 345 179 . 247 . 298 127 170 127 123 268 304 334 289 349 168, 416 THE SPORTSMAN'S LIBRARY. Page Birmingham Guns, . . . . . 176 Bitches with litters ; Management of, , . 117 Bittern, The ; its habits, .... 289 Black-chin Grebe, The, .... 296 Black-cock, The, . . . . .290 Black Duck, Black Diver, or Scoter, The, . 802 Black Game Shooting, .... 274 Bladder, disorders of the, in horses ; and treatment, 97 Bleed a dog ; directions how to, . . . 131 Bleeding a horse ; discretion to be observed in, . 85 Blindness in horses, . . . . .86 Blinkers on greyhounds, when to be used, . 857 Blissett, John, gunmaker, commended, . .178 Bog-spavin, and its treatment, ... 94 BREAKING of DOGS, rules for, . 807, 314, 817 Breeching, Wilkinson's counter parabolic, . .181 BREEDING of HOUNDS, . . Ill, 115, 117 Brent Goose, The .... . 290 Broken in ; When the Hunter should be, . . 7 Brood mares, on the condition of, . . .3 Bruise in the joint of a dog, . . . 330 Burrough Duck, or sheldrake. The, . . . 802 Bustard, The, . . ... 291 Canker in the ear of a dog, medicine for, . . 883, 335 Canker in the teeth of a dog, cure for, . . 831 Cannon-powder recommended for large guns, . 206 Capercailzie, The, ..... 291 Caps (copper) of a gun, . . . . 184 Carelessness in holding a gun, deprecated, . . 228 Carrying a gun, directions for properly, . . 229 Cartridges, Eley's, the blue ; the red, . . 218; 214 Casts, judicious and injudicious, in hunting, 145, 147 Cataract in hunters, its causes and cure, . . 87 Cautery, the actual, as a cure for blemishes, . 45 Certificate for killing game, . . . 898,405,406 for selling game, . . 400,401,402 penalty for shooting without, . 401, 405 for servants hired as Gamekeepers, . 405 Charging a gun, directions for, . . . 226 Check Collars, &c. absurd, . . . . 315 Cleaning a gun, directions for, . . . 217 Clothes, proper and improper, for fishing, . . 383 INDEX. 417 Cock, or striker of a gun, , v Cockney Sportsmen, Cock shooting, ...» Cold, in hunters ; its causes and cure, Coleman, Error of Professor, as to the frog of the hunter, Colour of pointers, The best, Colt, Treatment of the, CONDITION of BROOD MARES, Condition of the stallion. Condition, Bringing the colt into, . . Conies in warrens, &c. may be destroyed. Coop for young pheasants, &c. proper site for. Copper caps of a gun ; their qualities, . Coot, The, .... Cordials for a distressed hunter, Corncrake, The, or landrail. Corns, preventive and cure of, COURSING, The laws of, . . Local rules of, General rules of, . . » Cough, Chronic, in hunters. Coverts, How to know whether they have been infringed. Coverts ; Directions for drawing the. Covert shooting, Proper gun for. Cracker, The, .... Creeps, in coverts, should be stopped. Cross, in dogs ; Utility of a. Curbs, and treatment, Curlew, The, .... Curtis and Harvey's powder commended. Cushat, or Wood pigeon. The, Daker Hen, The, or Corncrake, Dealers in game. Regulations as to Decoys, The Wild-fowl, &c. in, private property, DEER STALKING, Deputations and Gamekeepers, Destruction of vermin, how to be accomplished. Destruction of Birds of Prey ; How to eflect the. Destruction of Game, by guns, &c. Detonating system, The, of Guns, . Devon and Somerset staghounds, The, Page 184 110 268 82 61 306 5 3 4 10 406 849 184 291 36 298 71 855 858 864 363 84 844 143 190 299 341 816 91 292 205 801 298 400, 401, 402 409 283 899, 405, 406 849 849 841 175 167 2 E 418 INDEX. Dog Doff Devonshire, Black Game shooting in, Diet. /See Food. Distance to be allowed game when crossing, Sec. 285 Distemper, Tlie, in Dogs, Distress, Treatment of the Hunter after. Diver, The Black, or Scoter, Dog ; Bruise in the joint of a, treatment, Dog ; Characteristics of a good young, or puppy Dog ; How to bleed a, . How to obtain a good, Value of a good, Dogs, Annual duties on, The distemper in, DOGS, DISORDERS of How to administer medicines to, Penalty for stealing, DOGS, BREAKING of ; Rules for the. Dogs, Canker in the ears of ; Medicine for, — teeth of ; Cure for, Dogs, Check Collars, &c. for ; absurd, Dogs, Sporting ; Breeding and l^reaking of. Dogs, the Flogging of, how to be conducted, Dogs, Trespass of, by an unqualified person, Dog-spears, where useful or dangerous, Dotterel, The, Double Scoter, The, Double Shots, .... Doves, tame ; Shooting of, Drafting bounds. Directions for. Drawing coverts. Directions for. Dress, &c. for following hounds. Dress, proper and improper, for fishing. Dress for Snipe Shooting, Ducks ; wild-fowl under the title of. Duck-gun, its proper qualities, Dust shot, useless, Ear, Canker in a dog's ; remedy. Eared grebe. The, Early shooting, in the morning, improper, . Ears of Dogs, torn ; Medicine for. Egg, Mr. the gunmaker, and his guns. Eggs of game. Penalty for taking. Page 273 242, 255, 271 326 81, 34 802 380 116 131 311 808 407 326 826 324 408 .307, 314, 317 333, 335 331 315 305, 351 307,308,319 409 342 293 303 249 . 407 142 143 107 . 383 273 293 191 209 . 333, 335 296 259 330 177 401 INDEX. 419 Eggs of pheasants and partridges ; Purchasing of, ; Rearing from, Egyptian geese, .... Eider duck. The, .... Eley's cartridges, for what useful. Elevation of a gun ; On the proper, England the country of the perfect foxhound, Ephemerae on the waters, to be imitated, in fishing, Evening, the best time for fishing, . Exercise for greyhounds, &c. recommended. Exercise and Gallops for the Young Hunter, Exhaustion in the Hunter ; Remedy for, Eye of the horse. Disorders of. Eyes, films over the, of dogs ; cure. 213, Page 344 lb. 295 . 294 276, 350 186, 187 112 . 878 382 353 21 34 86 . 336 Fallow deer, ..... 284 Fast dogs, inconvenient, .... 305 Fast work must be done, by dogs, to obtain fine condition, 354 February, Flies proper in, for fishing, . . . 379 Feeding of hounds, . . . . 125 Feet of horses. Treatment of, . . . 50, ^Q, 73 Feet, Disorders of dogs', .... 332, 333 Fever in the feet of horses, . . . .73 Films over the eyes of dogs ; cure, . . 836 Fish hooks. Directions for choosing, . . . 395 FISHING, . . . ... 375 Fishing lines. Management of, ... 394 Fishing rods, Wood for, proper qualities of, &rc. . 391 Fits of dogs ; Treatment for, .... 834 Flasks, Powder ; Egg's and Sykes', . . 226 Fleas, in dogs ; preventive and cure, . . 333 Flies, knowledge of, the first requisite in a fisher, . 378 Flies in general use, in each month, . . 879 Flies (Water) change their hues, . . . 881 Flint gun. Parts of the lock of a, . . . 223 Flint guns superior in force to detonating, . . 181 Flogging of dogs, how to be regulated, . . 308 Food for brood mares, . . . . .4 Food of Hunters, previous to going to hounds, . 29 Food of greyhounds, when training, . . . 355 Food, proper and improper, for hounds, . . 129 Food for young partridges and pheasants, . . 347 Foot-lameness in the Hunter ; Causes and treatment of, 65 420 INDEX. Forests, Penalty for trespassing on the royal, Forrester, Mr. of Willy Hall, Anecdote of, FOXHOUND, BREEDING of the, FOXHUNTING, .... Foxhunting, formerly and now, compared, Free Warrens and Decoys, Game in, private property, French partridge. The, Frog ; Errors of Professor Coleman as to the, . Gallinule, The spotted. Gallops and Exercise for the young Hunter, Game ; Beating for, Game, Destruction of, b}^ gins, &c. Game, Liberty to sell, .... Game, Penalty for poisoning. Game, Prohibited time for killing. Game, Preservation of ; directions for the, . Game, Penalty for having, at a prohibited time, Game, the property of the landlord, Game, The, in free warrens, private property. Game, what, under the Game Acts, GAME usually followed by sjDortsmen, List of Game certificates, .... Game certificate, Production of, may be called for, Game dealers, Regulations as to, Gamekeeper's Certificate, Gamekeepers, Certificate for servants hired as. Gamekeepers and deputations. Gamekeepers outstepping the bounds of the manor, Gamekeepers, Persons admissible as. Gamekeepers, Register of, . GAME LAWS, Abridgment of the, Game laws, Old, not repealed, . » Gannet, Gan, or Solan Goose, Gapes, The ; cure for, in young pheasants. Gaps in coverts, should be stopped, Garganey, The, .... Gate, riding over a, unnecessarily, G-auge, The proper, for gun-barrels. 11 898, 405, General rules of coursing, Getting well away with hounds, Necessity of, Gid, or jacksnipe, Gin, The common, the most destructive of game, Page 403 108 HI 112 , 108 409 297 61 S04 21 250 841 400 897 897 889 898 ib. 409 406 289 406 405 401, 402 406 405 899 406 400 ib. 897 405 294 848 841 294 163 180 863 158 297 841 INDEX. 421 Gins, recommended for the destruction of vermin, Godwit, The, .... Golden- eye, The, .... Golden plover, The, .... Good dog ; how to obtain one, Goodwin on the diseases of the feet of Hunters, Goose, Different kinds of Wild, Goose, The Brent, .... Gorcock, or Moorcock, The, Grain of gunpowder, proper size of, Grasp, or grip, of a gun, Grass, a summer's, and a summer's rest. Grass ; Treatment of the Hunter when coming from. Gray lag, or Wild-goose, Gray Plover, The, .... Great Black Duck, The, Great Plover, The, .... Grel)es, Various kinds of, . . Greenshanked Godwit, or Greenlegged Horseman, Green wound, in a dog, Medicine for, GREYHOUNDS, their breeding and treatment, Grooms, Errors of, in practice. Grouse, Various kinds of, . . . GROUSE SHOOTING, Guernsey or French Partridge, Guns, accidents with ; How to guard against, GUN, Directions for the choice of a, . Gun, Directions for cleaning a. Gun, Names of the parts of a, . GUN, Proper management of the, . l7o, 203, The Flint and the Detonating, Which barrel of a, should be first discharged. GUNMAKERS, London ; List of, , Gunmakers recommended. Gunpowder. See Powder. Half-cock, when proper and improper. Hare, The Common, and the White or Alpine, HARE, Coursing the, Harrier, The, .... Hawker, (Colonel,) on the elevation of a Gun, Hawker, (Colonel,) on Wild-fowl shooting, Heading a fox back, on breaking covert, 176, 17- Page 350 294, 296 295 300 811 . 76 295 . 290 . 297 20a 192, 199 38 13 295 . 300 303 . 300 296 . 296 331 351 21 . 296 264 . 297 229 176 . 217 . 200 228 181 247 411 178 226, 175, 280, 242 . 297 355 168 186 194 150 422 INDEX, Page Hens, employed to rear pheasants and partridges, , 344 Hinds, Mr., on colds of hunters, , . , 82 Hold a gun safely, when shooting ; How to, , . 248 Honey wood's (Mr.) beagles, » <, . 172 Hoof of the Hunter ; its proper form, . . 53 Hooks, Fish-, directions for choosing, . . . 895 Hooks to whip on, How to make, , . , lb. Horse, A, should be known before riding to hounds, , 166 Discretion to be observed in bleeding, . 35 Knowledge of, before use, indispensable, . 166 See also Hunter. Horses, Blindness in, ... . 86 Treatment of the feet of, . , 50, Q% 73 Horses, age of, Marks of the, . . , .100 HOUNDS, BREEDING of, . . Ill, 115, 177 Directions for Drafting, . . . 142 Dress proper for following the, . .107 Getting well away with ; Necessity of, . 158 Lifting ; Unsportsmanlike practice of, . .147 Hounds, Beauty of a level pack ol^ . . 119 HOUNDS, Method of RIDING STRAIGHT TO, 157 Hound, The pace of the, formerly and now, . . 11 Hounds, now, very different from those of other days, . 115 How to administer medicine to dogs, . . 324 HUNTING, .... 107,183,157 In the remote periods of history, . . 112 Past and present state of, contrasted, 11, 108 Hunters, Diseases of the eye in, ... 86 Disorders of ; and treatment, . . 55, QQ, 77 Hunters, lords of manors, &c., Privilege of, . . 000 Mr. Apperley on the condition, . . 27 HUNTERS, their breeding and condition, . . 1 Plunter, tlie ; Bringing him into work, . . .16 Hunter, Treatment of the, previous to going to hounds, 29 Hunter, Treatment of the, after being out with hounds, 81 Hunter, Treatment of the, at the close of the season, 87, 44 Hutch traps, Utility and inconvenience of, . . 350 HUNTSMAN, Qualifications and duties of tlie, . 140 Hydrojjhobia, Preventive for, . . . 332 Inflammation of the eye, in horses, ... 89 ■ kidneys, in horses, . . 96 Inner- sole of horses' feet, Disorders of the, . 74 INDEX. 423 Jacksnipe, Judcock, Gid, or Jetcock, Jetcock or Jacksnipe, Judcock, or Jacksnipe, July, Flies proper in, for fishing, June, Flies proper in, for fishing Keep your temper, KENNEL, The, .... Kennel management, Kennel, proper construction of, Kennel servants, should be overlooked. Kennels of the Dukes of Bedford, Richmond, &c. Kidney, Distemper hanging in a dog's, . Kidneys, Inflammation of the, in horses. Killing game handsomely, explained. Kings of England, great foxhunters, Knot, The, ..... Know your horse before riding to hounds, Lameness, in the Hunter ; Causes, and treatment, Lancaster's barrel-boring commended, . Lancaster's and Long's side-primer, Landlord, Game the property of the. Landlords, Increased privilege of. Landrail, Daker Hen, or Corncrake, Lapwing, Bastard Plover, or Pee-wit, Lash, The, to be rarely used to dogs, Laughing goose, .... LAWS of COURSING, Leaping, Directions and cautions as to. Legs of Hunters ; Disorders of the. Level, Necessity of obtaining, in shooting. Level pack of hounds. Beauty of a. Licence for killing game, selling game, Licensed dealers in game. Regulations as to, Lifting greyhounds ; when to be practised, . Lifting fox-hounds; when proper and improper. Lights, A dog seized with hovering in the ; cu re. Lines, Fishing-; management of. Litters, bitches with ; Management of, Little Grebe, The, .... Loading a gun. Directions for, 99 Page 297 ib. ib. 380 ib. 242, 320 120 125 121 130 123 331 96 238 113 298 166 55 177 193 398 399 298 ib. 807, 319 296 358 164 78, 79, 92 235 119 401, 405, 406 401 401, 402 357 145 337 894 117 296 203, 229 424 INDEX. Page Local Rules of Coursing, .... 364 Locks of a gun, .... 181,200,220 Locks of a gun. How to take to pieces and put together, 221 London Gunmakers, .... 176, 411 Long's Side Primer, . , . . 1 93 Long shots ; how to be taken, . . . 256 Long-legged Plover, The, .... 300 Lord of the manor, only, can sport on waste lands, . 409 Lords of manors, &c., Exemption in favour of, . 403 MASTER of FOXHOUNDS ; Duty, and Troubles of a, 134 Madness, Canine ; Preventive for, . . . 832 Maggots, a good substitute for ants' eggs, . . 347 Magistrates, &c., Actions against, in game matters, . 405 Mainspring of a gun, The, . . . .182, 200 Mallard, the drake of the wild duck, . . .299 Mange, Causes of, and cure, . . . 331, 337 Manor, Lord of the, only, can sport on waste lands, . 409 Manors, lords of, &c.. Exemption of, . . 403 Manton's (Joe,) elevation of a gun, . . .187 March, Flies proper in, for fishing, . . 380 MARES, BROOD, Choice of ; their requisites and treatment, 3 Marked in ; How to act Avhen game is, . . 252 Markers, when highly expedient, . . 261, 269 Master, Eye of the, necessary in the kennel, &c. . 130 MASTER of FOXHOUNDS ; DUTY of a, . . 133 May, Flies proper in, for fishing, . . . 380 MEDICINE to DOGS, Plow to administer, . . 324 Meets, Hints for proper fixing of the, . . 140 Method of riding straight to hounds, . . . 157 Minnows, proper for trout-fishing, . . . 385 Minnow, Sjjinning a ; for killing trout, . . . 384 Moor hen, or Water hen. The, . . . 304 Moorcock, The, . . . . .297 Moore, Mr. the gunmaker ; his guns, . . . 178 Morillon, The, ..... 299 Morning shooting, unproductive, , . . 269 Mouth of a horse at different ages, . . . 102 Names, &c. of persons shooting, may be demanded, 405, 407 Nets ; Snipes and Woodcocks may be taken with, . 406. New Forest, Somersetshire ; Black Game Shooting in, 273 Newfoundland dog, the best retriever, , . . 323 INDEX. 425 Page Nervousness in shooters, .... 232 Nipple, The, of a gun, . . . 183,224 Nipple probe, a necessary appendage, . . 227 Nock, Mr. the gunmaker ; his guns, . . 178 North American Quail, The, .... 300 Ointments, detergent, for sore backs of Hunters, . 80 Old Dogs to be preferred, . . . . 319 Old Game Laws not repealed, .... 405 Old School, The, as to dress and appointments, . 107 Over-reach, precautions against the, . . .65 Partridges, their rarity and wildness now; and causes, 2o7 Partridges' eggs ; Purchasing of, for rearing, . . 344 Partridges' nests destroyed by being cut out of grass, ib. PARTRIDGE SHOOTING, . . . .257 PARTRIDGES, REARING of, under DOMESTIC HENS, 344 Partridges reared under hens ; Courage of, . . 347 Pee- wit. The, or lapwing, .... 298 Pellets in the various Nos. of patent shot, . . 212 Penalties, Imprisonment on failure of paying, . . 403 Penalties, Time for prosecuting for, . . 404 PERCH FISHING, . . . . .388 Pheasants ; How to keep them at home, . . 342 PHEASANTS, REARING of, under DOMESTIC HENS, 844 PHEASANT SHOOTING, . . . .265 Pheasants' eggs, Purchasing of, for rearing, . 844 Physic for the hunter, . . . 11,17 Pigeons, Varieties of the, .... 299 Pigeons, tame, or house doves ; Shooting of, . . 407 Pigeon gun, its proper qualities, . . . 193 PIKE FISHING, . . . . .886 Pintail duck. The, .... 299 Playing a fish till he be tired, absurd, . . . 882 Plover, Varieties of the, . . . 298,800 Poacher, The ancient and the modern, . . . 258 Poacher, his use of the gin, . . . 341 Poacher, patronized, by the purchase of the eggs of game, 844 Poaching and trespassing. Penalties for, 397, 402, 404, 406 POINTER ; BREEDING and BREAKING of the, . 305 Pointer, Description of the points of a, . . 817 Points of a Hound described, . , . . Ill Points of a Greyhound, . . » » 851 426 INDEX. Points of a Setter, Poisoned ; Cure when a dog is, Poisoning game, Penalty for, Poking shot. A, contemptible, Pole-cats, weasels, &c. How to destroy, Pool-snipe, The, or Sand-cock, Position to be selected, at the covert, Powder flasks, .... Powder proper for shooting, Powder, Proper measure of, PRESERVATION OF GAME, Preserve your temper. Prince Albert ; Beagles of, Prohibited time for killing Game, Prohibited time, Penalty for having game at. Prosecution of trespassers. Ptarmigan, or white grouse. Pumiced feet, preventives and cure. Punch for cutting wadding, Punt gun, proper qualities of the, PUPPIES, PROPER MANAGEMENT OF, Puppy, Characteristics of a good, Purdey, his guns commended, Purges for Hunters, Purges for Dogs, Quail, The, .... Qualification for killing game. Quick-shooting and snap-shooting, Quiet, necessary for the preservation of game. Quietness while shooting, recommended, Page 317 331 897 237 350 301 161 226 204 210 339 242, 320 172 397 398 402-404, 410 297 68 216 193 306 116 177 14, 15, 98 . 334 800 398 240 340 250, 262 Rabbit, The, ..... 301 Ram- rod, Qualities of a good, . . .186 Rapid firing, generally improper, . . . 236 Rarity of Game nowadays, . . . 257 Rating hounds, when and how proper, . .153 REARING PHEASANTS and PARTRIDGES under DOMESTIC HENS, . . . .344 Reckless and rash riding, deprecated, . . 162 Recoil of duck guns, how to prevent, . . . 1 96 Red taint, or Mange ; Cure for the, . . 337 Red breasted geese, . . . . 295 IxNDEX. 427 Page Red deer, ...... 284 Red-legged Horseman, The, . . . soi Red-shank, or Sand-cock, The, . . . ib. Reeve, The, . . . . . .801 Refusal to give names, or produce certificates, . 407 Register of gamekeepers, .... 400 Rest and refreshment, necessary after sport, . 244 Retrievers, What dogs the best, . , . 823 Rheumatism in dogs ; Treatment for, . . 886 Richards, Westley ; character of his guns, . .176 Richmond, Duke of ; his kennel at Goodwood, . 121 RIDING STRAIGHT to HOUNDS ; Directions for, 157 Riding timidly. Danger in, . . . . 162 Ring dove, or Wood pigeon. The, . . . 801 Ring dotterel. Ring plover, or Sea lark, , . 293 ROARING ; its causes and treatment, . . 81 RODS, FISHING- ; Wood for, &c. . . 891 Roebuck, The, . . . . .284 Ruff, The, ..... 801 Running-rein Fraud, . . . . 100 Rutland, Duke of ; his kennel at Belvoir, . . 122 Sand-crack, and its cure, .... 74 Scaup duck, or Spoonbill, The, . . . 802 Scear of the lock of a gun, .... 200 Scotch snuff and gin, a cure for Fleas, . . . 883 Scoter, Black duck, or Black diver, The, . . 802 Sea Lark, The, ..... 293 Sea Pheasant, The, . . . . .299 Season, Treatment of a hunter after the, . . 87 wSell game. Liberty to, .... 400 Selling game. Regulations as to, . . . 400, 401, 402 September, the 1st ; Directions for, . . . 283 September, Flies proper in, for fishing , . 880 SETTER, The, utility of,— treatment, &c. . . 822 Severity of punishment of dogs, mischievous, . 807, 81 9 Sheldrake, or Burrough Duck, The, . . . 802 Shoeing of horses, . . . .50, 56, 60, 64 SHOOTING, .... 175,228 Shooting in company. Regulations for, . . 245 Shooting high and shooting forward, . . . 285 Shooting without Certificate, Penalties for, . 401, 405 Shot, proper sizes of, for various shooting, . . 207 428 INDEX. Shot Mould, .... Shot, Patent drop. Shot, Pellets in the various Nos. of Patent, Shot-belt and Shot-pouch, Shyness, Occasional, of Birds, Side Primer, Lancaster's and Long's, Sight of a gun. Single gun, best at the end of the season, Sit-fast, in hunters, and the cure. Size of the hound ; the proper. Skin ; To make a dog fine in his, Skitty, or Water Crake, The, Slow and quick Shooting ; discussed, Slow Dogs, when inconvenient. Small" sized Sliot, advantages of. Smith, Mr. the gunmaker ; his guns, Snap- shooting, only sometimes proper, Snipe, Tlie, .... Snipes and Woodcocks, may be taken with nets and spring SNIPE-SHOOTING, . Soland Goose, The, Sore backs of hunters, and their cure, . Sore Feet in dogs ; treatment of. Soundness, in the Hunter, never regained, when Southern breed of Hounds, The, SPANIELS, essential qualities of, Spanish Pointer, The, . Spavin, and its treatment, . Spinning a Minnow, for killing trout, . Splents, and the treatment of. Splinters in the legs of hunters. Spoonbill, or Scaup Duck, The, SPORTING TERMS in general use, . Sporting Dogs, Annual Duties on. Sporting Dogs, Breeding and Breaking of, 11 Sporting ; The time for, Sportsmen, Appointments of. Spotted Gallinule or Water Crake, The, Springes, Woodcocks and Snipes may be taken with, Springs, The, of a gun-lock. Stables, Public, STABLES, Private ; their requisites. Page 213 212 212 225 263 193 186 210 81 119 387 304 236 305 209 178 240 302 406 270 294 80 332 53 115 323 305 93 384 92 79 302 367 407 1, 120, 805, 851 259 once lost es. 107 304 406 181 2 24 Stag, The ; See Deer- Stalking, 167, 283, 303 INDEX. 429 Page 334 . 168 167 4 193 408 179 67 153 . 830 Go 79 133, 135 38,49 . 303 17 830 ib. 226 114 303 102 242, 320 . 399 367 78 95 8 69 162 404 2o9, 279 405 Time within which actions for Trespass must be brought, 410 Time when killing game is prohibited, . . 897 Tippet Grebe, The, . . . . .296 Torn ears of dogs. Medicine for, . . . 330 Trespass, Exemption from penalty, to Hunters, Lords of Manors, &c. ..... 403 Trespass of Dogs, by an unqualified person, . 409 Trespass, Option of the prosecutor for, . . . 404 Trespass, Old action for, still in use, . . 404, 408 Staggering of dogs ; treatment of, Staghound, The, described, STAG-HUNTING, STALLION, Proper condition of the Stanchion, or punt gun. Stealing Dogs ; Penalty for. Stock of a gun , its proper qualities. Stopping, the means of preventing foot disease, Stopping hounds, how to do it properly, Strain, Medicine for a, in dogs, . Strangles, and their treatment. Stubs in the legs of hunters, SUBSCRIPTION PACK, Master of a ; his duties, Summering horses in the house and in the field. Swan, The Wild, .... Sweating the Hunter ; Proper mode of, Swelled seats of dogs. Cure for, Swelling after bleeding, in dogs, Sykes, Mr., his patent powder flasks, Talbot, The, ..... Teal, ..... Teeth, the marks of age in horses, Temper, The preservation of, necessary. Tenant allowing people to shoot, Penalty for the, TERMS USED IN SPORTING, Thorns in the legs of hunters, Thorough-pin, and its treatment. Three years old ; Treatment of the Hunter, when. Thrush, preventive and cure, Timid riding, deprecated. Time for prosecuting for penalties, Time, The, for Sporting, Time within which actions against Magistrates, &c. 430 INDEX. Page Trespasser, How to warn off a, . . . 408 Trespassers, Penalties exgible from, . 403, 404, 408 Trespassers, Game may be taken from, . . . 403 Trespassers, when more than five ; Penalty, . . 402 Trigger, and trigger steel-yard, .... 183 Trolling for pike, . ' . . . . 387 TROUT-FISHING, . . . . .377 Unglazed shot recommended, . . . .212 Unlicensed Person selHng game. Penalty for, . 402 Unqualified Person shooting, . . . . 898, 409 Urine of hunters. Disorders of the, ... 97 Value of a good dog, ..... 308 Velvet duck, or Double Scoter, The, . . 303 Velvet runner, or Bilcock, The, .... 804 Vent-hole of a detonator, . . . . 185 Vermin, how to be destroyed, .... 349 Wadding, the most proper, . . . .214 Wales, exclusive privilege, as to gamekeepers, in, . 400 Walton, Izaac, on spinning a minnow, . . . 384 Warn off a trespasser. How to, . . . 408 Warrens, Conies in, &c. may be destroyed, ' . 406 Washing of hounds, recommended, . . .128 Washes, recommended for Sore Backs of Hunters, . 80 Waste-land, Sporting on ; the Lord of the Manor, onl}^ 409 Water crake, or Water rail. The, . . . 304 Water hen, or Moor hen. The, . . . . ib. Water rail, Bilcock, or Velvet runner. The, . . 304 Waterproof Boots, for snipe-shooting, recommended, . 273 Weaning the Colt, (Hunter,) Time for, . . 5 Weazels, Polecats, &c. How to destroy, . . 350 Weight, Proper, of a gun, . . . .181 Whelps are liable to tlie Distemper, &c. . . 117 Which barrel should first be discharged ? . . 247 WHIPPER-IN, The, his qualifications and duties, . 152 Whipping with an artificial fly, for trout, . . 381 White Grouse, or Ptarmigan, . . . 297 White fronted, or Laughing Goose, . . . 296 Widgeons, .....* 304 WILD-FOWL SHOOTING, . . . .276 Wild-fowl shooting. Colonel Hawker on, . . 194 INDEX. 431 Page Wild-fowl on the Coast, or from a public path, may be shot, 409 Wild-fowl, The, in Decoys, private property, . 409 Wild-fowl usually followed l)y Sportsmen ; List of, . 289 Wild-goose, different kinds of, .... 295 Wild-swan, The, ..... 303 Wilkinson's counter parabolic breeching, . . 181 Wind of Horses, Disease in the ; and treatment, . 81 Windgalls, and their treatment, ... 95 Winter duck. The, ..... 299 Winterton, Lord ; his Beagles, . , . ] 72 Witnesses refusing to attend, in Trespass actions, . 404 WOODCOCK SHOOTING, ... 268 Woodcocks, and Snipes, may be taken with nets and springes, 406 Woodpigeon, or Ringdove, The, . . . 301 Work, Bringing the hunter into, . . .16 Worms, a disease of dogs, . . . . 329 Worms, in dogs ; How to destroy, . . . 339 Wound, an Old, or sore, in Dogs ; Remedy, . . 334 Wounds in Dogs, Treatment of, ... 832 Young hounds, proper treatment of, . . 118 EDINBURGH: Printed by William Tait, 107, Prince's Street. / Webster Family Libyan/ of Veterinary Medicine Cummings Sc ^ry Medicine at 200 V v.. ..,....,.. J North Grafton, MA 01536 )0> o H\ :0