/ :"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
|