PiBA: '^ / - y TUFTS UNiyERSITY LIBRARIES lillilllliliillliiiij 3 9090 014 543 710 V' le THE SPORTING DICTIONARY, AND RURAL REPOSITORY OF GENERAL INFORMATION UPON EVERY SUBJECT APPERTAINING TO THE SPORTS OF THE FIELD. INSCRIBED TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF SANDWICH, Master of His Majesty s Stag Hounds, WILLIAM TAPLIN, Author of the Gentleman's Stable Directory, IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON. Printed by Thomas Maiden, Sherbourn-Lane, OR AND HOOD, LONGMAN J. SCATCIIERD, J. WALKER, AND J. HARRIS. 1803. \1 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF SANDWICH, I MASTER OF HIS MAJESTY'i> STAG HOUNDS. Mr Lord, T is now twenty Years since your Lordship's Appointment to the Head of his Majesty's Planting Establishment, during which it has ac- quired a Degree of Perfe6tion and Celebrity, hitherto unprecedented in tlie Annals of Sporting- History. From the impressive Influence of your Lordship's philanthropic Rep'l^seritations, every Subordinate within the utmost Limits of your Lordship's Department, has derived an annual Addition, by which the domestic Comforts of his Family have been most happily encreased. The Hospitalities of ^ Swinley Lodge are universally Vol. i^ a known, ♦ The official Huntinor RcHdence of iLe MaRer of the Srajr Jiounds in W'indfcr Forcfw 'DEDICATION. known, and at all Times gratefully recoUecteef^ by that Infinity of Sportsmen who have so re- peatedly experienced their salutary Effects. To have had the inexpressible Happiness of par- taking with your Lordship the Pleasures of the Chase during the Whole of that Period ; to have witnessed your Lordship's humane, pohte, and condescending Attention to various Individuals, upon the most distressing Emergencies ; to have been repeatedly honoured by your Lordship's pubhc Patronage and private Favor; are Gratifica- tions of so much Mao-nitude to the Ambition of a Sportsman, that it is impossible to resist the Temptation of dedicating to your Lordship, a Work solely appertaining to the Sports of the Field ; and of pubhcly soUciting Permission to continue, With the most unsullied Respect and Gratitude, My Lord, Your Lordship's obliged And most obedient Servant, WILLIAM TAPLIN SloaTie-Square, May i/, 1803.. PREFACE. X HE variety of Publications annually an- nounced under sporting titles, with which the contents, upon examination, are found fo ill to accord, firll fuggefted to the Writer, the idea of forming an aggregate of information, frohi whence both entertainment and inftruc- tion (to the young and inexperienced) might be derived. From a review of the works now extant, under titles nearly fimilar, it was found they were the produftions of more than a century paft. TKdIt having been repeatedly re-copied, and repeatedly tranfmitted from one generation to another, are replete with matter nearly obfolete, and fports long fince a 2 buried V.iii PREFACE. buried in oblivion. From thefe facts may be inferred, the very trifling utility fiich books are of in the improved fports and refined pohfli of the prefent time ; more particularly when one juft and emphatic remark from the pen of a moft popular writer is adverted to, that there is no fubjeft upon which fo little has been judi- cioufly written, as upon the sports of the FIELD ; and what has iffued from the prefs under titles of attrafting fimilitude, have been much more the efforts of theoretic lucubration, than the refult of praftical knowledge, or per- fonal experience. To compenfate for fuch deficiency, is the profeffed purport of die prefent Work ; calcu- lated to recommend itfen to public attention upon no other ground than its originality, and the great variety of ufeful information it will be found to .comprehend. Numerous and di- verfified PREFACE. ' IX verfified as the fubjefts are, they will be found largely treated on, and fatisfaftorily explained: not as has been too much the cafe in former publications, by the effufions of literary fer- tility, but clearly demonftrated upon the prac- tical knowledge, and individual experience, of the Author; who, difdaining the fubfer- vient trammels of imitation, has not prefumed to enter into a diffufe difquifition upon any SPORT or SUBJECT in which he has not been perfonally and principally engaged. If the mind of man can be candidly admitted to de- rive fome gratification from its univerfality of rational attainment, fo it is the greateft and mod confolatory ambition of his life, to have engaged in every fport, and to have embarked in every pleafure, upon which thefe Volumes will be found to treat; without a deviation from the line of confiftency, a debafement of dignity, or a degradation of charafter. It X PREFACE, It is a long Handing and univcrfally ac- knowledged axiom, that the art of life con- fifts as much in knowing what to avoid, as what to purfue; and this cannot apply w^ith more force or propriety, than to thofe who throw themfelves unthinkingly upon the fafci- nating profpeSs, and uncertain chances, of the SPORTING WORLD; the neceffitous and determined dependents upon which are replete wath numerous barbed and unerring inftru- ments of depredation. To juvenile adven- turers, who feel themfelves inadequate to the tafk of felf-deniaL, and who cannot refill the predominant temptation of engaging in fcenes of fuch duplicity and danger, is earneflly- re- commended an occafional reference to thofe heads in the following Work, which are fully fraught with precautions they may probably Hand much in need of; amongft thefe, bet- ting, COCKING, GAMING, HAZARD, and the PREFACE, XI the TURF, will not be found the lead confpi- cuous; the delineations of which are taken with fo much accuracy, that the mod tenacious profeffor of the arts cannot fee! himfelf mate- rially affefted by the correftncfs of the de- fcription. Profeffed sportsmen of e\^ery other de- fcription will find no unfair reftraint laid upon their diftinQ: or feparate inquiries, or inveftiga- tions. The horse will be found very fully expatiated upon in all its Jiatcs and Jtages, as well in SICKNESS as in health. The chase, of every particular kind, will be found to have undergone the mofl: minute defcription ; and its numerous appendages proportionally ex- plained. The exifting game laws are (im- plified, and reduced to one comprehenfive Jingle point of view. Lovers of the turf will find themfelves gratified with a recital of iu Xii PREFACE. its pafl: and prefent ftate ; as well as with a correft account of the recent racing perform- ances of fome of the moft celebrated horfes of the prefent time. That there will be difcovered fome traits not perfectly pleafing to every indi- vidual muft be prefumed ; but as they are not written by the pen of proftitution, no apology can be neceffary for the unavoidable introduc- tion of TRUTH, particularly under the fcho- laftic retrofpe61ion of *"' Vain his attempt who ftrives to pleafe ye aiL*^ SPORTING THE SPORTING DICTIONARY A. Authors, — who have dedicated much time and labour to the infinity of rubje6i:s which thefe Vo- lumes will contain, have been both numerous and refpeftable; and to thofe who are accuftomed to fee things through a fingle medium, it will feem matter of furprife, that any thing x\ew, in'struc- TiVE, or ENTERTAixVixG, (hould bc ftill left worthy of public attention; but when the unceafing influ- ence, and decifive dictates of fafhion; the aboli- tion of old fports, and introdu61ion of new ; the various regulations in, and increafe of, the penal laws for the prefervation of game, and the privileges of killing ; in addition to the great and unprece- dented national exertion in the reformation cf far- Vol. L B rizf.y. ^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. ^lERY, fince the publication of the prefent Author's Stable Directory, are takeninto the aggregate; it will be found, by the judicious and enlightened part of the sporting world, that a more modern, comprehenfive, and explanatory work, has not been too foon obtruded upon public patronage. To enumerate individually here, thofe Authors, of the greateft celebrity, whofe endeavours or produc- tions have ftood the higheft in general eftimation, would prove not only unnecefTary, but fuperfluous, as they will of courfe be occafionally adverted to, and remarked upon, under different heads in the pro- grefs of the Work. ARTISTS — are gentlemen, the aid of whofc pencils, in the decorative department of fporting publications, is confidered fo immediately neceffary (particularly with the younger branches) in all matters of minutiae requiring accurate reprefentation, that the fuccefs is frequently confidered doubtful and uncertain without the attraftive influence of their profefTional exertions. It has been obferved, and mull be freely admitted, that, till within the laft third of the lafl century, horses, dogs, and GAME, have appeared lefs upon canvas (in propor- tion to the progrefs of the art) than any fubjefts whatever: whether they were thought \t{s worthy the ftudy and pencil of the mafler, or produ6live of lefs emolument, it may not be pofTible, nor is it much to the purpofe, to afcertain. Certain it is, thev SPORTING DICTIONARY. 3 they have never, at any former period, fo nearly ap- proached the fummit of perfe6lion as at the prefent moment; never were artifts known more emulous . never were liner piftures produced by the foreign pencils of fertility, than are now exhibited by the natives of our own ifland; nor ever were artifts of this defcription fo largely patronized, or fo well rewarded, Elmer, whofe paintings of game excited the aftonifhment and admiration of every beholder for forty years paft, has lately paid his laft debt, with one of the beft and moft unfullied characters that ever accompanied man to the grave : but what is equally to be regretted, is the total deftru6lion and lofs of his very valuable colle6lion (foon after his death) by an accidental fire near the Haymarket, where they had been but lately depofited and ar- ranged for exhibition; conftituting an irreparable misfortune to thofe whofe property they were be- come by his deceafe, and no fmall difappointment to connoisseurs, arnongft whom they would moft probably have been divided at fome future period by public fale. The PROFESSIONAL artists, or, as they are now more familiarly termed, anirrial painters^ who derive prefent advantage from public protection and perfonal popularity, are not numerous, but truly refpeftable; each enjoying the happy effe6l of B2 his 4> SPORTING DICTIONARY. his own peculiar excellence, in the gradations of fa- vour, a difcriminating and indulgent public is al- ways fo truly ready to beftow. Of thefe, the names of S-fUBBs^ Gilpin, Marshall, Garrard, and Sartorius, appear the moft prominent. Others there are, but of much inferior note, who do not at prefent promife (by the fpecimens they have dif- played) to foar above the planetary influence of mediocrity. Various produQions of the reft of thofe juft mentioned, have for years in fucceflion graced the exhibition of the Royal Acadeimy at Somerset House, where they have been as repeat- edly honoured with royal as with general approba- tion : but whether it is owing to a fuperiority of good fortune, or to a fuperiority of his genius, Marshall is the only inftance of an artift's having fo early in life, and with fo much rapidity, reached the fummit of princely patronage, as well as the very zenith of profeiTional celebrity, without hav- ing once fubmitted a Tingle produQionof his pencil to the caprice of public opinion at the fhrine of fafh- ion, hitherto confidered the only pofTible and direB: road to Fame and Fortune. ABSCESS. — An abfcefs (in either man or beaft) is an inflammatory tumour, conftituting a progref- five formation of matter from fome lerious injury previoufly received by blow, bruife, or accident. It may alfo proceed from plethora, or grofs hu- mours originating in a too vifcid (or acrimonious) ft ate SPORTING DICTIO-VAKY. O /late of the blood; as well as a morbid difpoiitiou of the fluids; and many degrees of latent ill ufage, to which HORSES are inceffantly fubjeQ, from the too well-known and irremediable inhumanity of the lower claffes, to whofe fuperintendence and manage- ment they are unavoidably, and muft inevitably, continue to be entrufled. From whatever caufc an abcefsmay proceed, judicious difcrimination fliould be expe6led and enjoined from the practitioners em- ployed; many of whom (particularly of the old fchool) poffefs, and indulge in, the unhappy fatali^ ty of endeavouring to counteract Nature, and to fet all her powerful efforts at defiance. Under this mifta- ken notion o^fcientijic praBice^ in fuch and fimilar cafes,* great difficulties frequently arife; not more in refpe6l to the very evident ill eff*e8: of erroneous treatment, but in the difappointment occaiioned by a procraftination of cure. The very bafis and foundation of an abfcefs be- ing a cavity continually enlarging internally by the propulfive force of matter collecting within, will fufficiently demonftrate the inconfiderate folly, and extreme obftinacy, of endeavouring to repel, by the interpofing and improper power of fpirituous repellents, or faturnine aftringents, what Nature is making her mod ftrenuous efforts to difcharge. In all flight and fuperficial appearances of tumefaction, where there are no immediate or ftrong figns of fup- puration, the ufe of moderate repellents may be B 3 adopted 6 SPORTING DICTIONARY. adopted with judgment, and in moft cafes with fuc- cefs; but when the predominant, and aimoft in- variable, fymptoms of increafed fweiling, great heat, with pricking and darting fenfations, (in the human frame,} or vifible increafe of the enlarge- ment, and palpable pain upon prefTure, in the horse, denote the formation of matter to be going on, all attempts at repulfion muft be inftantly laid afide; not only as nugatory, but as tending to mifchief in the extreme. Such treatment perfevered in, would evi- dently not only retard, but pofitively dejlroy^ every chance of ultimately effefting a purpofe, for which alone the experiment could have been made. The confequence would foon prove decifive, by a termi- nation in either an indurated tumour, a fixed fchir- rus, a partial and imperfetl: fuppuration, a fiftulous wound, or an inveterate and ill-conditioned ulcer. As, however, it is not intended to extend the Work to a complete fyftem of anatomy, surgery, physic, or FARRIERY, but to render its utility more general and difiPufive, reference muft be occafionally and neceffarily made to the profefTors of either, or to the books particularly appropriated to the fubjcB of each. ACADEMY, — which for time immemorial has been in ufe to fignify a feminary for youth only, has at length acquired, by the refinement o^fajhion^ the honour of giving more dignity to what has hither- to pafled under the denomination of a riding school; SPORTING DICTIONARY. jf school; now transformed, by the fu-blimity of the fuperior clafTes, into an " equestrian aca- t)EMY;" of which more will be found under the proper and diftind heads of Manege and Rid- ing School. ACCLOYED — is almoft obfolete, and will be buried in oblivion with the laft farrier of the old fchooL It has been formerly ufed to fignify an in- jury fuftained in the foot by (lioeing; as when a nail had fwerved from its proper direction, and pun6lured (or preffed too clofe upon) the membranous mafs fo as to occafion lamenefs, the horfe was then faid to be " accloyed:" but no well-founded deri- vation is to be difcovered for a term of fo much ambiguity. ACHE;— -pain arifing from different caufes, ori- ginating in blows, wounds, inflammations, and colds; as for inftance, the chronic rheumatism, which may be termed a continual ach^. ACRIMONY— is a flate of the blood difpofed to only certain degrees of difeafe, by the quantity of ferum becoming too great for the proportion of craffamentum, with which, in its flate of aBive flu- idity^ it is combined for the purpofe of regular cir- culation, fo invariably neceffary to the ftandard of health. Blood thus divefted of its adhefive proper- ty, foon difplays in horses a tendency to what are B 4 termed ^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. termed acrimonious difeafes, originating in, and dependent upon, the impoverifhed ftate to which it is reduced. Hence arifes a train of trouble and difquietude more vexatious than alarming, more troublefome than expenfive; as cracked heels; cuta- neous eruptions of the dry and fcur/y kind; a dingy, variegated, unhealthy hue of the coat; and frequent- ly a feemingly half Jiarved contraction of the crest. Thefe palpable effe8s of acrimony in the blood, are produced much more by the penury and indif- ference of the mafter, (or the negleH of his fer- vant,) than any difpofition to difeafe in the horfe. Experience has fufficiently proved, that a fufficient quantity of proper and healthy food is fo indifpen- fably requifite for the fupport of the frame, and every office of the animal oeconomy, that a want of fuch due fupply mufl be produ6tive of acrimony in a greater or a lefs degree ; to obtund which, and counteraft its effe6is, recourfe muft be had to ali- mentary invigorants and antimonial alteratives, as will be found more medically explained in ^' The Gentleman's Stable DireElory ;'' or, " Taplin's Com- pendium of Farriery y ACTION— is a word in conftant ufe with the spORriNG world, and horfe-dealing fraternity, to exprefs the peculiar property of a horfe by hh good or had aftion : fpeaking of him as a fubjeft pofl'eiTing fuperior powers, he is called '' a horfe of exceeding fine action/' meaning it to he underilood, he is SPORTING DICTIONARY. 9 not to be found fault with ; that he is calculated to make a very valuable roadder, " as he trots within himfelf (that is, with eafe to himfelf) fourteen or Jijteen miles an hour;'' implying an unequivocal proof of his fpeed in that pace: that he goes in high ftyle, " well above his ground;" meaning, that he lifts his legs light, quick, and freely, without dwelling or trippings fo as to be entitled to the de- grading appellation of " a daify cutter," by going J,oo near, and of courfe always liable to fall, ADDER STUNG, — a term indifcriminately ap- plied to the bites or ftings of venomous animals and infefts without diftinftion ; and this probably arofc from the frequent difcovery of fuch accidents, without being able to afcertain the caufe, or from \vhat enemy the injury was fuftained. horses, as well as DOGS, are fometimes bit by the viper, (called an adder J flow^v/orm, or eft; but much more frequently flung by hornets, wafps ; a large gold-coloured, long-bodied, glittering fly, called, ^' a horfe-ftinger;" or other poifonous infecis, w-ith which, in the fummer months, the funny banks of paftures fo infinitely abound. In all injuries of this kind, bleeding (pretty freely in refpe6^t to quantity) fliould precede every other confideration ; as in-r ftantly unloading the veffels mull greatly contribute to the intent of reducing prefent and preventing farther inflammation. For fome generations, unc- tuous and oily applications have been in general I ufe. iO SKIRTING DI€TI0NARV. life, without any well-founded reafon, or eftablifhed proof, of their being either infallible or efficacious ; but in the prefent and enlightened ftate of much- improved praftice, frequent fomentations of warm vinegar, an aqueous folution of fal. armoniac, or the vegeto mineral water of a pretty ftrong con- fiftence, may be fafely and advantageoufly pre- ferred ; affifting the general effort with fmall dofes 4:>f nitre Siud gum arahic^ to allay inflammation, and attenuate the blood. ADULTERATION— is the too prevalent cuf- tom of lowering the ftrength of fpirits by the profit- able addition of water, thereby reducing the quality by increafing the quantity ; or, in words of lefs para> doxical import, by a moft deceptive proftitution of integrity on one fide, and an equally fliameful im- pofition upon friendly confidence on the other. This fpecies of lawlefs tergiverfation, bad as it is, cannot be confidered fo truly unprincipled, fo flritlly iniquitous, or fo cruelly deftru8:ive, as the adulteration of medicine : this has been for a long time pafl ih^ purejl privilege o^ iY,^ ^roit^ion^ and tnay be candidly concluded the moll predominant and befl-founded reafon that can be afTigned for the unprecedented increafe of chemists and druggists in every part of the kingdom. The fuperior art of adulteration confifls (with the adept) in fo fecurely incorporating the cheap and inferior fubflitute with the genuine and higher priced article of the Materia 2 Medica, St>ORTING DlCTlOMAPvY. I'l Medica, as to infure the additional profit, and (fecundum artem) efcape deteaion. To this purity of principle, this fpecies of profeffional privilege, it is, that individuals of opulence and liberality ftand indebted for the difappointments they have experienced in the expetted efficacy of " prefcrip- tions faithfully prepared." AGE. — The age is generally a leading queftion refpeding any horfe offered for fale ; and this is at all times to be afcertained with more certainty by the ftate of the teeth than any other means what- ever; unlefs he has undergone the fecret operation of a DEALER, known by the appellation of " bijiop" ing^'" which will be found defcribed under that head. When a horfe is more than fix years old, he is then termed an aged horfe ; from which time till feven^ the cavities in his teeth fill up; and from feven to eight years old, (varying a little in different fubjeBs,) the mark is entirely obliterated, by which his age can no longer be perfeBly known. De- prived of this criterion, general obfervations mull be reforted to, upon which only a tolerable (though fometimes an uncertain) opinion may be formed. IT the teeth ^rc very l©ng and difcoloured, ragged at the edges, with either the upper or lower pro- jefting beyond the other; the flefhy ridges (called bars) of the upper jaw become fmooth and con- traded ; 12 SPORTING DICTIONARY. traBed; the tongue lean and wrinkled at the fides; the eyes receding from their former prominence, and a hollow and ghaftly indentation above the orb; the knees projefting beyond the fliank-bone, and overhanging the fetlock, as well as a knuckling or bending forward of the lower joints behind; little time need be loft in looking for farther proofs ; old age is approaching very faft. For age by the teeth, fee Colt. AGUE, — a fever of the intermittent kind, which was for many years a matter of doubt and contro- verfy, whether fevers of this defcription exifted in the horfe, or merely in the brain of the farrier; Avhen, after long inveftigation, ftrift attention, and fteady obfervation, by praQitioners of the firft emi- nence, the point is at length acceded to ; and it is admitted that horses are fubje6l to, and attacked with, intermittents, bearing an affinity to the quotidians^ tertians^ and quartans^ of the human fpecies. ^GYPTIACUM— is a well known and long ef- tabliflied external application in veterinary praftice, and is thus prepared. Take of verdigreafe, finely powdered, five oun- ces; honey, fourteen ounces; the beft white wine vinegar, feven ounces; mix and boil them over ^. gentle fire to the confiftence of treacle or honey. This SPORTING DICTIONARY. l3 This article, \vhich has fo long pafled under the denomination of an ointment, and was To called in the London Difpenfatory of the College of Phyfi- cians, produces, without any additional procefs, (but merely by Handing, and depofiting its fedi- ment,) another name for a part of xht fame prepara- tion in this way : the groffer parts fubfiding, con- ftitute a more fubftantial confiftence at the bottom^ which is the article termed .£gyptiacum: the fluid or thinner part, floating upon the furface, is the mildeft in its effeft, and called, by medicinal prac- titioners, MEL .tGYPTiAcuM. The property of both (one being a degree flronger than the other, and may be ufed feparately, or fliaken together, accord- ing to the effetl required) is to aflill in cleanfing inveterate and long-ftanding ulcers ; to keep down fungous fiefh ; and to promote the floughing off of fuch foul and unhealthy parts of the furface, as prevent new granulations from arifing to conilitute the incarnation neceflary to a found and permanent reftoration of parts. They are articles of acknow- ledged utility in the hands of judicious and expe- rienced praQitioners; but the furor of folly has fometimes rendered them medicines of 7n if chief with thofe who have never heard, or do not condefcend to recoiled, the trite but exprefiive adajge, that '' the fhoemaker fliould never go beyond his laft." This is the cafe when the lower clalfes o[ farriers, fmitks, coachmen^ and grooms^ attempt to cure the greafe, cracked heels, &c. with the articles de- fer! bed. 14 SPORTING DICTIONARY. fcribed, conftituting to a certainty, " the remedy ^v^orfe than the difeaJeS' AIR- — is the element in which we breathe; a floating (or fluftuating) fluid, with which we are imperceptibly furrounded, and by whofe elaftic property we are enabled to exift. A philofophic enquiry into, or definition of, the very air itfelf, is not to the purpofe here ; nor, indeed, without a demonftrative and pra6i:ical apparatus, can its won- derful properties be perfectly underilood. Its various effefts upon both the body and the mind of man-, as well in ficknefs as in health, can- not be loft even upon the leaft fenfible and leaft ruminative obferver ; who is in the conftant enjoy- ment of thofe great bleffings, air^ healthy and exercife ; for he finds himfelf affeded (and fre- quently like Pope's ruftic hero, who " whiftled as he went for want of thought") in different ways^ and by every breeze, without knowing why : he meltingly fubmits one day to the sun; h^ Jkrinks another from the cold : he is depreffed, even to melancholy, with the heavy gloom and denfe at- mofphere to day ; and elated, almoft beyond the power of exprefTion, by the exhilarating, temperate^ clear and lucid flcy of to-morrow. If then the fpi- rits are thus not only fairly confidered, but fully proved, the thermometer of mental fenfations, upon which the air (or rather its change) is found to operate SPORTING DICTIONARY. l^Ji Operate with fo much palpable efFe6i; who fhaU prefume to doubt its phyfical influence upon thej human frame, fo far as is applicable to the intra- du6tion of difeafe, or the re-eftablifliment of health ? Thus much it has been unavoidably necefTary to introduce by way of proof, that the human frame being fo affefted by the extremes of heat and coW, davips or drynefs^ fuch proportional effefts (though not probably in diretlly the fame way) may be pro- duced by the fame means upon the animal world, who pofTeffing no power of communication, we cannot derive informationbut by means of obferva- tion upon the original caufe and relative effect. As for inftance ; if the air is too much impregnated with cold, moiil, damp particles between the chill- ing fhowers of hazy weather, the body (particularly of invalids and valetudinarians) is much more dif- pofed to, arid fufcepiible of, morbidity, than in a more temperate and fettled ftate of the atmofphere. This, proceeding from a collapfion of the porous fyitem, occafions flight indifpofition with thoufands, who are fenfibly affefted by laflTitude and difquie- tude, not reaching difeafe; whilfl: in others more irritable, it is foon produQive of coughs, fore throats, fevers, inflammations of the lungs, and various other diforders. North winds are confider- ed bracing, healthy, and invigorating, to good, found conftitutions; tliough they are always com- plained of bv ihofc of delicate and tender habits; and iS ' 5?0?.T!NG DICTIONARY. and there can be no difference of opinion upon the fa6l, that dry feafons are more conducive to health and fpirits than thofe of a contrary defcription. AIR, — a technical term in the manege, which can be but little explained in theory ; a perfe6l know- ledge of thefe terms can only be acquired in the pra6tice of the fchools. AIRING; — the taking of horfes from the liable to the enjoyment of air and exercise. ALE, — the good old healthy Englifh beverage, brewed from malt, hops and water, alone^ with no intoxicating or deleterious articles of adulteration. It is an excellent extemporaneous fubftitute for gruely in cafes of emergency with horfes, where it is required as a vehicle in which to difTolve and ad- minifter medicine to prevent delay, as in cliolicj Jlranguryj &:c. ALOES — is a rcfinous gum, extraQed from the tree whofe name it bears, and is brought to us chiefly from the ifland of Barbadoes. The fhops produce two forts, called Succotrine and Barba- does; the former of which is the mildejl ; but the latter moft in ufe, to infure the certainty of operation. 1 1 is the principal ingredient in'purging balls for horfes. ALTERATIVES.— Medicines are fo called which conditute an effect upon the fv Item, or an alteration SPORTING DICTIONARY. 17 alteration in the property of the hlood^ ^vithout any fenfible internal or vifible external operation. Upon their introduction to the ftomach, they be-^ come incorporated with its contents; and their medical properties being taken up by the chyle, is conveyed through the lymphatics to the blood-vef- fels, where it becomes a part of the blood itfelf, which being fully impregnated with the neutralizing property of the article adminiftered as an altera- tive, poffefTes the power of obtunding acrimony, and reftraining tendency to difeafe. Of all the claffes of medicines, none can be more proper or applicable than alteratives, to thofe wha cannot make it convenient to let their horfes un- dergo a regular routine of purgation at the accuf- tomed feafons ; as during the adminiftration of al- teratives (mercurials excepted) a horfe may go through the fame occafional work, and diurnal dif- cipline, as if he w^as under no courfe of medicine whatever. The alteratives moft defervedly efteem- ed, are antimony, fulphur, nitre, (in fmall quan- tities,) cream of tartar, ^Ethiops mineral, and the antimonial alterative powders of the Author, to be found in the lift of his medicines at the conclulion of the Work. ALUM — ^is an article too well known in the (hops, to require farther defcription, than its me- dical utility, when, upon any en>ergency, it may be Vol. I. C advantageoufly l'^ SPORTING DICTIONARY.. advantageoufly brought into ufe. Reduced to fine powder, and applied as a Jlyptic to the mouths of divided vefiels, to flop the efFufion of blood, it will be found very efhcacious. Diffolved in water, the proportion of one ounce to a pint^ it is an infal- lible cure for the foul white fpecks, or little watery puftules, fo frequently feen in the mouths of horfes, (and fuppofed to arife from internal heat,) the parts being twice or thrice touched with a piece of fine fponge, properly moiftened with the folution. Burnt alum, finely powdered, and fprinkled, very lightly, upon the fungous flefh of old or foul wounds, will fpeedily reduce it, and promote the €ure. ALIMENT — has, in general acceptation, been, received as a word ftridly fynonimous with food; and, like that term, been intended to imply fupport of any kind, in either a folid or a liquid form. One of the publications with which the prefs fo frequently teems, from the fertile pens of juvenile veterinarians, fays, ^' By aliment, fome under- ftand only the nutricious part of the food ; but this is a nice and ufelefs diftin6lion. Mr. Taplin ufes the word aliment in both fenfes." To fet this upon better ground, for the corapre- henfion of all matters relative to bodily fuftenance,. the animal ceconomy, its natural fecretions and evacuations, it is necefiary a criterion fhould be fixedj SPORTING DICTIONARY. 19 fixed, by which its intentional meaning fhould be generally underftood. It has been hitherto ufed in the previous Works of the prefent Author, not as fynonimous with either food or nutriment, but in a fenfe diredly between hoth^ and for this reafon. Food may feed a frame, and prolong exiftence; though, from its weak, improper, or im- poverifhed quality, it may not poffefs the effential property requifite to generate blood, create flefli, or promote ftrength. The word aliment feems intended to convey an idea fomewhat fuperior to the meaning expreffed in the i^xmfood^ and yet not extend fo far as the mind may lead us, in the comprehenfive view of the word nutriment; for, although mouldy hay, or mufty ftraw, may be taken by an animal, in a date of hunger and neceffity, to fupport life, it does not follow that ^xom fuch food a proper portion of nutriment can be conveyed to the frame. Ali- ment, therefore, upon every occafion, in which it will be found neceflary to introduce it during the courfe of this Work, muft be confidered as a term intended to convey an idea of fupport (in any way whatever) adequate to health, and a ftate of ufeful fervice; in the dire6l line of mediocrity between the Jiarving exijlence of a " \iiinter ftraw yard," near the metropolis, and the nutritious and invigo- rating fyftem neceflary for the invalid recovering from a ftate of emaciation, or the feverity of difeafe. C 2 AMBLE, ^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. AMBLE, — the pace in a horfe, almoft pecuUar to country people, with poneys and galloways bred upon commons : its eafe renders it convenient to women, and pleafing to children ; but it is in very- little ufe with any other part of the world, AMBURY, or Anhury^ — is a complicated ex- crefcence, bearing the appearance of a warty wen. Various have been the modes of cure ; to prevent an unneceffary enumeration of which, will be to obferve, that they may be fafely extirpated, and completely cured, by carefully moillening the fur- face, once in every three or four days, with the hut-- tcr o{ antimony^ till they are obliterated ; and this will certainly be effeBed, whatever may be their lize or magnitude. ' AMPHIBIOUS — animals, are thofe capable of living both upon land and in the water, as the otter, the water rat, the eft, &c. AMPHITHEATRE— is an elegant and com- modious ftrufture, either circular or oblong, for the difplay of feats of horfemanfliip, poney races, fox hunts, and the exhibition of pantomimes. Mr. Astley's, near Weftminfter Bridge, has for many years been aj|£avourite refort v»'ith the public; but he now finds a powerful rival in the Circus, Mr. Aflley's (kill in the military art of attack and defence^ as well as his fuperior ftyle of teaching in th^ STORTING DICTIONARY. 21 the MANEGE, have jointly increafed his reputation, and encouraged hinri to tranfmit to poflerity, ^' A Syftem of Equeftrian Education." . ANATOMY,— the ftudy and knowledge of the flruQure of the human frame in all its component parts; an accurate knowledge of which can only lead the pr-aQitioner in furgery to the moft diflant hope of eminence in his profeiTion, or celebrity in his practice. A proficiency in the anatomical for- mation of the horfe, is every way as neceffary to the fuccefs of the veterinarian, as the utmolt efforts of ftili to the furgeon- ANGLING— is the art of catching fifii by rods and lines, of different conftru6lion, with baits, na- iural and artificial^ according to the feafon of the year^ and the fifh intended to be caught. As this fport (if it may with confiftency be termed oncy is not very eagerly fought, and enjoyed but hy Jew ^ it will not be much enlarged on here; more parti- cularly as thofe who ent^r into the minutiae of enquiry, and fpirit of the praBice^ will find whole volumes appropriate to this particular purpofe. A writer of no fmall celebrity, in alluding to this fxibjeQ:, fays, " fishing is but a dull diverfion, and, in my opinion, calculate(^only to teach pa- tience to a philosopher;" and this moft likely is tlie echoed opinion o^ ev try fox-hunter in the king- dom ; for it fhould feem that the fimple famenefs C 3 'of 22 SPORTING DICTIONARY. of anglings and the more noble, healthy and exhi* liarating fports of hunting and shooting, were, in a certain degree, heterogeneous^ as it has been but very rarely or ever known, that the enthufiaftic admirers of one were ever warm or anxious followr ers of the other^ The kinds of fifh which moflly attra6): the atten- tion of anglers in the principal frelh water rivers and trout flreams of the kingdom, (whether for the fport of killing, or the fupply of the table,) are Jalmon^ trout^ fike, barbel^ chub, perch, roach^ dace, and gudgeon : carp and tench may alfo be taken into the aggregate, upon the fcore of attrac- tion ; but inftances are few where any great quan- tity has been taken in this way, as they are, in general, particularly in ponds, motes, and ftill waters, too fhy and cautious to become the hafty viQims of human invention. Upon the fubjeft of angling, it may not be in- applicable to term it a moft unjortunate attachment with thofe clafles of fociety who have no property but their trades, and to whom tirae alone muft be confidered a kind of freehold eflate : fuch time loft by a river fide, in the frivolous and uncertain pur- fuit of a paltry pla«:e of fifh, inftead of being em- ployed in buiinefs, has reduced more men to want, and their families to a workhouje, than any fpecies of fport whatever. Racing, hunting, fhooting^ courfmg. C1>0RTING DICTIOXARY. 23 ^ourfing, and cocking, (deftruBive as the latter has been,} have never produced i'o long a liR of beg- gars as the fublime art of angling ; in confirmation of which faQ, the eye of obfervation need only turn to any of thofe fmall country towns near which there happens to run 2i fijhing ftreavi^ when the profitable part of the pleafure may be inflantly perceived by the poverty of the inhabitants. ANISEEDS — are the produce of a plant culti- vated much more in France, Spain, and Germany, than in any part of England. Thofe from Spain are preferred; they have a fragrant fmell, a warm pleafant tafte, v/ith fome degree of fweetnefs. When reduced to powder, they form a principal and efficacious ingredient in the preparation of the pe6loral cordial balls for horfes, where their virtues are fully admitted. They yield, by exprefTion, an aromatic effential oil, containing all the medical property of the feeds, and is moftly imported to us from other parts ready prepared. Eeing an article of fome expence, it is very much adulterated with fperma caeti, and other articles, for the profitable purpofes of retail, by the fecundum arttm abilities of the parties concerned. Thofe who expe8: any efficacious effeQs from the anifeed powder, fhould grind (or fee ground) the feeds themfelves; for the article fold in the fhops under that name, is neither more or lefs, than the anifeed cakes reduced to powder in the common ftock mill of the druggifl, C 4 from 0,4; SPORTING DICTIONARY. from whence the effential oil has been prevjoufly extracted. ANTIMONY — is, in its original ftate, a mineral, extraded and feparated from different ores by a pecu- liar procefs of eliquation; the various medical prepa- rations from which, in the prefent ftate of hourly in- creafing improvement, abfolutely excite both fur- prife and admiration. This article, now known and proved of fach general utility, was alternately received into, and rejefled from, a refpe8:able rank in medicine, by both the ancients and moderns, till the more judicious and perfevering fpeculatifts ef- tabliihed its eftimation upon a bafis too firm ever to be again fhaken by the attack of whatever new opinions may be introcjuced for its degradation. The crude antimony, when reduced to a fine and impalpable powder, is in many diforders full as efRcacious as its more fubtle and elaborate pre- parations ; this obfervation appertaining to its effe61s upon the human frame, to which it is adminiftered in all forms, by the moft learned and eminent phy- ficians in every part of the enlightened world. In refpecl to its correfponding elfe8; upon one of our moft ufeful animals, the horse, experience has proved it to be a fafe and certain medicine to ob- tund acrimony, promote the fecretions, open the pores, refine the coat, and finally enfure condition; hence it ftands the principal ingredient in the well known SPORTING DICTIONARY. 25 known advertifed " Alterative Powders" of the Author. ANTLERS, — ufed under different fignifications to explain the various branches of what is called the head (but diverted of technical terms, the horns) of a deer. Except with the huntfmen of flag hounds, the keepers of parks, and out keepers of forefts and chaces, the infinity of old terms and diflindions are become nearly obfolete ; and an tlers amongfl fportfmen, as well as fporting rhymeflers, are now conceived to imply the ^vhole head (alias ikt horns) of the dt^er. APERIENTS— are medicines which mildly fof^ ten the contents of the inteftines, and gently pro- mote moderate evacuation, without producing the flrong and repeated effects of phyfic, given with an intent to purge, APERTURE; — a term in farriery, applied to the orifice or opening of a tumour or abcefs, whe- ther made by Nature, or by perforation with the inflrument of the operator: in either cafe the prin- cipal confideration mufi. be, to have it fufficiently large for the tranfpiration of the offending matter for which the effort was made; if in that refpeft it is deficient, relief muft be obtained from the hand of the veterinarian. APOPLEXY, ^6 SPORTING DICTIONARY. APOPLEXY, — in horfes, a paralytic affection of the brain, from too great or fudden flux of blood to the part, too powerful exertions of ftrength in drawing fubftances over heavy, or fome pre-dif- pofing tendency to inflammation. APPUI — is a term ufed in equeftrian education; a perfeft knowledge of which, Mr. Afl;ley is of opinion, " can only be acquired in the manege, by great pradice, under judicious, experienced and able profeffors." APPETITE, — if good, in either man or beaft, ought to be, and in mofl; cafes is, a clear criterion and proof of health. However, inftances are not wanting, where a rule fo feemingly juft is fome- times fubje8; to exceptions. The quantity of good and healthy food taken into the frame, is by no means an infallible proof of fl:rength, or of what work the fubjeQ: is, or ought to be, equal to : fome horfes are the greateftj/Z2i:^5 in nature, though always feeding; while others, who undergo thrice their labour, do not confume even a moderate fliare of what is placed before them. This is probably one of the latent operations of Nature, upon which it fliould feem human penetration is not per- mitted to define, at leaft to a degree of certainty, in refpeB to both origin and effect. Scientific aid, and induflrious invefl:igation, may do much; but •when done, the enquiry will relt upon no better grounds SPORTING DICTIONARY. 2/ grounds than undeaned hypothefis, and unconfirmed conjecture. Here, then, appears moft forcibly, the inutility of going into an enquiry where no certainty of in- formation can be obtained: the labyrinth of per- plexity is better unentered, than to explore its moft difficult pafTages in the dark, without even a chance of extrication. We have, indeed, been informed by a publication of late years, that " Afpetice is a fainful fenfation of the pmach, always accompanied with a defire to eat:' It might, perhaps, have been lefs " cavier to the multitude," and much nearer the truth, if appetite had been defined, a pleafing fenfation, and hunger a painful one ; particularly if (for the fake of a paradox or an iricifm) " accom- panied with nothing to eat." Waving, therefore, for the foregoing reafons of uncertainty, any intent of going into a farther difquifition of why the appe- tite is good or had, it becomes neceffary to proceed to the faas which are known, and to point out the proper remedies to infure relief. When the appetite of a horfe is feemingly never fatisfied; when he difplays an immoderate and im- patient defire for food at all times; when, in failure of repeated fupplies of hay and corn, he is con- ftantly confuming his litter, (although it is none of the cleaneft;) fuch a horfe is generally, and with ■ftria juftice, denomin^^ted a coarfe ^nd foul feeder; the 2S SPORTING DICTIONARY. the refult of which frequently is, that he foon be- comes as foul in his bloody his coat^ and condition^ as he has previoufly proved himfelf in his inclina- tion. The ready road to relief in a cafe of this kind, is to unload the frame of its accumulated rubbifli by a courfe of phyfic; the rack rein and the muzzle are then fuch eafy alternatives, that thofe who do not chufe, or are too indolent, to adopt theni, mull fit down eafy under the de- Some there are who attribute the voracious dif- pofitions, and ftrong digeftive powers, of fuch horfes to their being affeded • with zuorins. Such reafoning may, with more propriety, be attributed to the fertile imagination of thofe advocates, than to any effe8: (of the kind mentioned) in the worms themfelves. That (worms being there) difquieting or painful fenfations, from fome remote or internal caufe, may occafion a horfe to pull out and difperfe his hay, to pick, [crape, and diforder his litter^ in proof of diforder or difcontent, may readily be conceived ; but that abfolute pain from the corro- ding mifery of living in^Q^s, preying upon the very vitah of an animal, fliall give him an increafed ap- petite to eat^ is a dodrine that cannot be fo readily believed. Horfes of a contrary defcription, who labour occafionally under a lofs of appetite^ is no fuch matter SPORTING DICTIONARY. 29 matter of ambiguity as what has been jufl defcribed; but may with certainty be afcribed to its proper caufe, by minutely attending to fuch figns, and predominant fymptoms, as prefent themfelves to the eye, and to the touch of the diligent enquirer. A lofs of appetite in horfes whofe conftitutions are generally good, and who have not been remarked for refufing their corn, or being off' their feed^ fuf- ficiently indicate fome tendency to either flight and temporary indifpofition, or impending difeafe; as cold, cough, febrile heat from the fatigue of a long journey on the road, or exertion in the field; in- teftinal difquietude, from flatulent affection, or pain in the kidnies ; as well as a ftriclure upon the neck of the bladder, proceeding from a preternatu- ral retention of urine, in having travelled too far '^ without drawing bit,'- This is the exulting prac- tice of too many unthinking mafters, and indifcreei fervants; it, however, holds forth no proof of the goodnefs of the head or the heart in either one or the other. This defeft, proceeding from whatever caufe, cannot be too foon properly attended to : early and attentive inveftigation IhouW be made as the firft and moft neceffary ftep to the acquifition of relief. Admitting it to have originated in any of thofe caufes already defcribed, there is very little doubt to be entertained, but a moderate bleed-^ ing, a cordial ball, a mafh o^ ground malt and bran, equal parts, with warm foft v/ater, and a little 1 nurfmgcj so SPORTING DICTIONARY. nurfing, if expeditioufly proceeded upon, will foon fet all to rights again. Not fo with thofe whofe defe8: is conftitutional, proceeding from an inexplicable degree of irritabi- lity, fo generally and palpably evident in both atti- tude and aElion ; in the ftable, or out, they nev€r appear perfeQly at eafe; the eye, the ear, feeming alarmed with every found, as if in perpetual fearch of new caufes to keep up the unceafmg fpirit of difcontent and eternal difquietude. Upon the road in company, or in the field with hounds, they in- variably and impatiently court competition, mak- ing the moft violent exertions to prove their great, pafTionate, and ill-tempered defire for fuperiorityj fo that horfes of this defcription, after a journey of fome length, or a chafe of fevere duration, are not only off their appetites for two or three days, but hardly fit to be feen again for a -week. They are moftly light, and what is icrmtd fluey in the car- cafe; carry no flefh, with or without work; and for that reafon , do no credit in appearance to their mafter. Yet, ftrange as it may appear to thofe un- acquainted v/ith the fa£l, horfes or mares of this reftlefs, unfettled difpofition, are almoft fo invaria- bly good and perfevering in nature, that they will continue to exert themfelves, till, becoming totally exhaufled, they muft fink under fatigue, rather than permit themfelves to be reftrained; a palpable con- trail in fpirit to thofe voracious, gummy-legged gluttons, STORTING DICTIONART. 51 gluttons, who, after an infatiate ferics of gorman- dizing and reft, abfolutely tire (or " knock up'') in the fecond ftage, or Jirji twenty miles^ of a journey. This defed, (or more properly deficiency in ap- petite and difinciination of food,} whether proceed- ing from the fiery volatility of temper impatient of reltraint, or a peculiar laxity of the parts neceffary to flrong digeftion, is fo clearly inherent, fo truly conftitutional, that a well-founded expe61ation of permanent relief, or total eradication, is not to be formed upon any change that can be made in food, or improvement in attention. Such horfes, how- ever, if their paces are good, and they are defirable in other refpeds, fhould not be too hajlily dif- pofed of; inftances having been very frequent, where horfes of fuch irritable habit, and fretful dif- pohtion, when young, have, when accuftomed to the fame ftable, gentle ufage, and to one rider on- ly, become as fettled feeders, good goers, round carcafed and firm flefhed horfes as any in the king- dom. Some inducement to feed after the fatigues (or frettings J juft recited, may be attempted by the means before defcribed; few occafions will occur where the malt mafhes will be refufed; the novel fragrancy attrafts attention, and when once taken, its invigorating property foon appears. In cafes where the ftomach continues weak, the carcafe thin, and appetite not reftored, an occafional ufe of the 2 • peroral S2 SPORTING DICTIONARY* peHoral cordial halls^ once or even twice a day, 13 the proper fubftitute for aliment, and will fel- dom or ever fail Co produce the defired effed. AQUATIC, — appertaining to water. Fifh are an aquatic produ6lion. Aquatic herbs take root in the foil beneath, and vegetate as well below as upon thtfurface of the water. An aquatic excur^ Jion is a party of pleafure upon the water. ARABIC GUM,— is a molt ufeful article to diflblve with water or gruel in the ficknefs of horfes. Nitre fhould never be given without half its quantity of Gum Arabic. ARSENIC, — is a mod certain and defl:ru6live poifon, mentioned here only to demonftrate its uti- lity in clearing premifes of rats^ which it will infaU libly do, if made ufe of in the following manner. Take (in the feafon when they are to be obtained) a dozen large apples; let them be pared, and the cores extrafted; then chop them exceedingly fine, till they are almoft a pafle; to which add half an ounce of arfenic, reduced to powder, and two ounces of coarfe fugar; mix well, and let this be diflributed in their ufual haunts^ remembering to let earthen pans be fet with plenty of zvater within their reach; and the fudden thirft they are feized with, after eating the fmalleft quantity of the com- pofition, is fo violent, that they drink till unable to SPORTING DICTIONARY. S3 to move from the fpot; and if the preparation is made over night, and the rats are plenty, they will be found in the morning fwelled to the utmoft ex- tent, and lying dead in different parts, as if they had fallen victims to a fafhionable dropfy* ARM — of a horfe, is fo called (though it is pro- perly the fore-thigh) from the elbow immediately under the cheft, downwards to the jun6lion at the knee: this fhould be uniformly {!rong and mufcu- lar, being wide at top, and narrowing proportion- ally to the bottom : if it is not fo, but moftly of a fize, it is an evident proof of weaknefs. ART VETERINARY— is the prefent impro-^ ved flate of farriery, as taught at a newly efla- blifhedinftitution, called the Veterinary College at Camden Town, in the parifh of Saint Pancras; where the pupils attend lectures upon anato7ny^' phyjiology^ and inedicine^ under a professor of the firll eminence, as well as the praftical part of the bufinefs at the forge and in Jarriery^ till, being properly qualified, they pafs the neceffary exami- nation before a committee of furgeons, when they receive their diploma, and embark for themfelves as veterinary surgeons in the fervice of the pub- lic ; or poffefs the privilege of an immediate ap- pointment in his Majefty's fervice, under the pa- tronage of his Royal Highnefs the Commander in Chief, at a (lipend which does honor to the infti- VoL. L 1) tution. 34 SPORTING DICTIONARY. tution, as will be found more fully explained under its proper head. Veterinary College, ASCARIDES — are a fpecies of worms, to which horfes are frequently fubjeQ, from two to three inches long ; they are not larger in circum- ference than a common knitting needle, have a flat head, and in fome degree not unlike the mille- pedes, at lead in refpeft to their number of legs. Thev are in general voided with the dung, where they may be feen twirling and twi fling about wath wonderful rapidity, not unlike a grig, or fmall eel, when thrown out of his own element upon the grafs. Horfes perfecuted with thefe painful and troublefome companions, are generally relaxed in the inteflines, and throw off' their dung in a loofe jlate^ aff'ording, by that circumflance alone, fuffi- eient proof how much they irritate internally, as well as why horfes affeQed with worms^ are not only low in flefli, but rough in coat, and almoft every way out of condition. ASTHMATIC— Horfes are confidered ajihma- tic, or thick-winded, who have acquired a difficulty of refpiration, and a fliort huflvy cough, from blood originally denfe and fizey having been per- mitted to become proportionally vifcid, from a want of evacuants and attenuanits in time to have prevented the obftruftions which lay the foundation of this troublefome defed. The vifcidity of the blood SPORTING DICTIONARY. 35 blood conftituting obftruaions in the finer veflels, produce tubercles in the lungs, which, rendering their aftion partial and imperfeB, occafions the difficulty of breathing, and repetition of cough, fo conftantly obferved during the increafed circulation of the blood, when the horfe is brought into ufe. Frequent bleedings, and a courfe of the Author's Pectoral Detergent Balls, are the befl means of alleviation and cure. ASTRINGENTS — is rather a medical than ei- ther a general or fporting term, and implies any article in food or medicine, poffeffing the property of reftraining a too great flux of excrement after phyfic, or a too lax ftate of body, (denominated loofenefs,) proceeding from a previous fulnefs, or from inteftinal acrimony, where the difcharges have been a mere effort of Nature to relieve herfelf from the load, and not in confequence of any purgative whatever. In fuch flaccidity of the inteftines, pro- ceeding from whatever caufe, a cordial ball occa- fionally, fmall quantities of liquid laudanum in gruel, and an ounce of gum arabic diffolved, and given night and morning in the water, will foon reftore them to their proper ftate. ATTACHMENTS — Court of, a ceremony or court peculiar to the laws of a foreft, andneceffary to be known only by thofe who refide therein. The officers of this court do no more than receive D 2 the S5 SPORTING DICTIONARY. the attachments of the forejiers^ and enrol them m the vERDERERs' Tolls, that they may be ready for the court of Jzoainmoie when held. This court of attachments having no power to determine upon cafes of offence or trefpafs beyond the value of fourpence^ all above that fum mufl appear in the verderers' rolls, and be fent by them to the court of fwainmote, there to be tried according to the foreft laws, which are replete with peculiar privi- leges, immunities, and what are termed royalties, appertaining to the Crown itfelf. ATTAINT — has been ufed, by members of the old fchool in farriery, for blows, bruifes, cuts, and wounds, fuftained in anyone leg by injuries from the other. As it is, however, nearly obfo- lete, and may probably never be heard again, far- ther expohtion becomes unneceifary. ATTRACTION— -is pohtively, in fome re- fpetls, the bed property (if it can be fo termed) a horfe can poffibly polfefs, at lead fo far as it is admitted to exceed every other qualification in its effect upon the mind of the owner during the time he is in poffelTion; as well as no inconfiderable gratification of pecuniary expectation when the horfe comes to be fold. The ^reat advantage arifmg from attraction in a horfe is, that, however 'vexatious his defe8:s in refped to temper and action may be, he will never hang upon hand, or the owner SPORTING DICTIONARY. S7 ^wner be long in want of a cuftomer, if external figure and good colour do but afford attraclioii in any tolerable degree. There are always tbofe in purfuit of horfes for purcbafe, who more know what conftitutes figure at firjl Jight^ than what conltitutes good points after a week's examination. Two good ends (as the dealers term them) wdl fe.v 072, and both up^ go a great way in the failiionable work of attra6lion ; without one or both of which, a horfe can never become a commanding figure, either before or behind ; and, ftrange as it may be thought by the young or inexperienced, there are numerous inftances of horfes bearing, in their ge- neral appearance, a kind of attracting unijormity^ that, upon critical inveftigation, are found not to have any diftmguifhing point of excellence about them. Thofe, however, who have the prudence to bear in memory the efFett of attraBion^ and to fecure it when they buy^ \n\\ never be at much lofs when ih^Y fell: it will be alfo by no means inappli- cable to have it equally " in the mind's eye," that many horfes without attraction are too dear at no- thing, ATTIRE — of a deer, See Antlers. AVIARY—a receptacle for finging birds of dif- ferent denominations, more adapted to the pleafures of the ladies, than any fyftematic purfuit or enquiry of the fportfman. D c> BABBLER 3$ SPORTING DICTIONARY, B. BABBLER — is a hound upon whofe tongue no firm reliance is to be made, either in drag^ upon trails or the recovery of a fault during the chafe ; fo ftridly true is the well known adage, that " a liar is not to be believed although he fpeaks the truth." BABRAHAM — was one of the beft racers of his time; he was bred by Lord Godolphin; foaled in 1740; was got by the Goldophin Arabian out of the large Hartley mare, got by Mr. Hartley's blind horfe ; her dam Flying Wig, by Williams's Wood- ftock Arabian; grand-dam by the St. Vi61or Barb, but of a daughter of Whynot, fon of the Fenwick Barb. He became a stallion of much celebrity, having been the fire of Sir Ifaac Lowther's Babra- ham, Mr. Leedes's Young Babraham, Babraham Blank, Jack of Newbury, Traplin, Aimwell, Louifa, Molly Long Legs, Harry Long Legs, Fop, Lovely, Americus, and many other excellent runners. BACK — of a horfe, the very part upon which the centrical point of beauty principally depends. If he is long in the back, narrow acrofs the loins, flat in the ribs, and light in the carcafe, (however well he may be otherways furniflied with good points J SPORTING DICTIONARY. SQ points,) he will never be confidered either a hand- lome or ftrong horfe. Horfes of this defcription are in general good goers as to fpeed^ but very little to be relied on in hard fervicc, or /o?2^ journies. BACKING — is the term ufed for the firft time of mounting a colt (or taking feat upon the fad- die) after he has been previoufly handled^ quieted, Jlabled, and accuftomed to the mouthing-bit, the cavezon, martingal, luiiging-rein, faddle, and the whole of the apparatus with which he has been led his different paces in the ring: all this he fhould be brought to fubmit to mod quietly, as well as to the being faddled^ and every part of liable difci- pline, before any attempt is made to hack him; if not, it cannot be termed a fy Hematic completion of the bufinefs. As backing a colt (after every precaution) requires a certain degree of cool and Heady fortitude appertaining principally to the breaker, whofe province it is, (and is but little at- tempted by others,) a minute defcription of the means and ceremony could prove but of little uti- lity here, and is of courfe for that reafon difpenfed with. Opinion and praftice have very m.uch varied in refpe8: to the age mofl proper for backing a colt, or even taking him in hand. Not more than half a century paft, colts were never touched (upon the fcore of handling) till rifing foiLr, backed and D 4 brought 40 SPORTING DICTIONARY. brought into very gentle ufe when rifing five^ and never feen in conftant work till nearly ox full fix years old. But fo wonderfully has fafliionable re- finement operated upon the human mind, and fo conftantly is it agitated by the fafcinating effufions of novelty and innovation, that we now find colts handled at two^ broke (and racing) at three^ and in conftant w^ork at four^ in every part of the king- dom; in confequence of which impatient and pre- mature i7nprove7nent upon the judgment and prac- tice of our forefathers, we now daily obferve horfes at five, fix, and feven - years old, more im- paired in their powers, than they formerly were at double that age, to the evident production of ftrained finews, fwelled legs, splents, fprains, wind- galls, and the long lift of ills fo admirably calcu- lated for the fupport of the nev/ generation of ve- terinarians, who are daily emerging from obfcurity, and for whom employment muft neceffarily be ob- tained. BACK SINEWS,— fo called in a horfe, are the tendons extending from the junction of the knee, at the back of the.fliiank-bone to the fetlock joint, where they are infertcd. Thefe parts are fo much aded upon, and partake fo palpably of the labour in which the animal is conftantly engaged, that they are eternally liable to injury from over work, roll- ing ftones, deep ground, or projecting prominen- ces in the pavement of large towns. When inju- ries SPORTING DICTIONARY. 41 ries of this kind are fevere, and threaten, hy fwelU ing and infammation^ fome duration, a repetition of work fliould be by all means avoided. A fpeedy and permanent cure principally depends upon the firft fteps taken for relief, to which mild treatment, attention, unremitting care, and reft, will conjunaively contribute. In moft cafes too much is done in too Jliort 2. time, to gratify either the impatience of the owner, or the pecuniary fen- fations of his medical monitor; burning applica- tions (increafing the original inflammation) of what they term hot oils^ follo\ved up by hlijie)rs of extra ftrength, and laftly, the humane (and frequently ineffe6lual) operation of the/?'2?z^ irons^ conftitute the routine of profeffional praftice, to the utter re- jeftion of milder means, and the indications of na- ture, who, with the afTiftance of reft, would fre- quently effect her own purpofe, and complete a cure. BACK RAKING — is 'an operation of which confident grooms, and indolent farriers, are too frequently fond. It is introducing the hand at the fphinfter ani, to extraft the indurated faeces, or hardened dung, from the reftum, in which the horfe muft experience confiderable pain, that would be better avoided by the more humane and confiderate adminiftration of a clyjler. By this a repetition of the more flovenly and lefs efficacious operation would be rendered unneceffary, as well as 42 SPORTING DICTIONARY. as the original intent more expeditioufly promoted. There can be but little doubt, under the prefent improved practice, that means of relief fo fingular and unnatural, will foon give place to, and be to- tally fuperfeded by, methods of greater neatnefs- and humanity in their operation, and greater cer- tainty in the effecl. BADGER. — ^Though this animal cannot be faid to afford fport to the fuperior clafles, he is entitled to notice here, in conformity with the original in- tent and title of the Work. Former writers have, with a greater attention to the fertility of inven- tion, than any refpetl to truth, held forth a feem- ingly plaufible defcription of badgers of two dif- tinB and Jeparate kinds, under the different appel- lation of a dog-badger and hog-badger ; the former having feet refembling a dog ; the feet of the latter cloven^ exaBly fimilar to thofe of the hog. To ftrengthen this affertion, they tell you they fubfifl on different food ; that the one eats with eagernefs any kind of flefh and carrion as a dog; the other, roots, fruits, and vegetables, as a hog. This, however, may be juitly confidered the effeft of fiBion, or of a too enlarged imagination^ as the ex- iftence of only one kind of badger is admitted amongil us, with fuch trifling difference in fize or colour, as may happen from age, the peculiar foil of any particular county, or other fuch collateral cir- cumfiance as may add fomething to the fize in one part SPORTING DICTIONARY. 43 part of the kingdom, or vary a fliadc or two in the colours of another. Hunting the badger is no more than an occa- fional fport with nifties of the lower order, and can only be enjoyed by moonlight; the badger, from his natural habits, being never to be found above ground by day. In this fport they are obliged to oppofe art to cunnings and obtain by ftratagem what they cannot effetl by ftrength. At a late hour in the evening, when the badger is na- turally concluded to have left his kennel or his caf- tle^ in fearch of prey, fome of the party (as previ- oufly adjufted) proceed to place a fack at length within the burrow, fo conftrucled that the mouth of the fack direttly correfponds with the mouth of the earth, and is fecured in that pofition by means of a willow hoop, which, from its pliability, readily fubmits to the form required. This part of the bufinefs being completed, the parties withdrawn, and the fignat zvhifile given, their diftant compa- nions lay on the dogs, (either hounds, terriers, lur- chers, or fpaniels,) encouraging them through the neighbouring woods, coppices, and hedge rows, which the badgers abroad no fooner find, than be- ing alarmed, and well knowing their inability to continue a (late of warfare fo much out of their own element, they inftantly make to the earth for fhelter, where, for want of an alternative, and op- prefied with fear, thev rufli into certain deftruflion, by 44" SPORTING DICTIONARY. by entering the fack, where being entangled, Cby the rapidity with which they enter,) they are foon fecured by thofe who are fixed near the fpot for that purpofe. If he efcapes by the ill conftruftion or acciden- tal falling of the fack, (which is fometimes the cafe,) and enters the earth with fafety, digging him out is not only a certain laborious attempt, but with a very precarious termination; for the badger poflelling inftindively much art, ingenuity, and perfeverance, has generally formed his retreat with no fmail (Irength refulting from natural fortifica- tion; to render which the more probably tenable againft the premeditated attacks of conftant and implacable enemies, it is mod frequently formed amongft the roots of fome old pollard, in the banks of moors, or unfrequented ground, or underneath a hollow tree, from amidil the large and fp reading roots of which the burrows run in fuch remote and ramified direftions, that his affailants*are compelled, by lofs of time and labour, (after digging fifteen or twenty feet,) to relinquifh the purfuit, and abandon the conteft: corroborating the opinion of country- men in general, that, in a light or fandy foil, bad- gers can make way as fall from their purfuers, as the latter erroneoully conceive they are gaining ground upon them, and to this perhaps it is owing that there are fo many drawn battles between the purfuers and the purfued. Badger SPORTING DICTIONARY. 45 Badger baiting is a' different fport, and ex- ceedingly prevalent in both town and country, par- ticularly with the butchers, and lower orders in the environs of the metropolis, for whom a conftant fupply of badgers, from the woods of Eflcx, Kent, and Surry, were fure to be obtained. To fo great a pitch of celebrity had this fuhlime amujement at- tained in the neighbourhood of Tottenham Court and Iflington, that the magiftrates molt laudably exerted themfelves to put an end to a pleajurable hufinefs^ which brought together an infinity of the mod abandoned mifcreants, with their bull dogs and terriers^ from every extremity of the town. To the dreadful and inhuman fcene of baiting bears and badgers (with the mod ferocious dogs) till nature was quite exhaufted, fucceeded dog fights^ boxing matches^ and every fpecies of the moll incredible infamy under fan6lion of the knights of the cleaver ; till, by the perfevering efforts of the more humane inhabitants, and the fpirited determination of ma- giftracy, the praftice feems totally aboliflied, and likely to be buried in a much-wifhed-for oblivion. BALLS, — medicines fo called when prepared in that form, as they now^ moftly are, for the mitiga- tion and cure of almoft every difeafe to which the horfe is incident. There are purging balls of va- rious kinds, prepared of proportional flrengths, and compounded of different ingredients, with or with- out the impregnation of mercury, according to the Jlatc, 46 SPORTING DICTIONARY. Jlate^ dijeafe^ or condition of the fubje8;. Mild and ftrong diuretic balls, for cracked heels, fwelled legs, flucluating humours, and greafe. Perioral cordial balls, for colds, as well as to be given after fevere chafes, or long journeys: they are alfo ufeful when a horfe is off his appetite, as weir as an excellent preventative to cold when a horfe has been long out of the liable, in fliarp winds or chilling rains. Pectoral detergent balls, for obftinate coughs, and thick-winded horfes. Likewife balls for flatulent and inflammatory cholic, as well as for ftrangury and other diforders. Articles of this defcription are ufually prepared from the prefcriptions of thofe authors who have written upon farriery and veteri- nary medicine; but, for the accommodation of the public at large, and to prevent the ahufes fometimes attendant upon the cafual preparation in fhops, by the inattention of fervants, or the privilege and praElice of fubflituting one article for another^ the Author, immediately after the publication and fuc- cefs of his " Stable DireBory,'' prepared his own advertifed medicines, which have now been fourteen years honoured with public patronage, a lift of which, with the prices, will be found annexed to this Work. BALSAMICS, — in medicine, is a kind of inde- finite term, upon which the moft eminent writers have hardly agreed: but however they may have differed in refpe8: to derivation, there can be no doubt 2 but SPORTING DICTIONARY. ^7 but the true fenfe of the word mufl appertain to fuch nutritive emollients, and gelatinous reftora- tives, as heal without, and invigorate within. The term is more generally applied to medicines admi- nillered in diforders of the chejl and lungs, BARBS — are horfes brought from the coaft of Barbary, and moftly configned as prefents to His Majefty, or fome other branch of the royal family. Thofe arriving under fuch diftinftion, are to be confidered the true mountain barb, \h^ pedigree of whofe blood has been recorded with as much tena- city and care as the genealogy of our moil ancient nobility. Barbs (as they are called) are to be found in the poffeffion of many people of fafhion and fortune in England, but they are in general of inferior degree, and thought to be only the comrnon horfes of the country from whence they came : fuch there are at all times to be obtained through the in- tervening medium of Provence and Languedoc in France; but in this kingdom they are held in very flender eftimation; not more for their deficien- cy in growth and Jlrength^ than the aukwardnefs of their aBion. Barbs w^ere formerly in great requeft here; and neither trouble or expence was fpared to obtain them, for the fole purpofe of improving the fpeed ©f our own breed for the turf, where, upon the various 48 SPORTING DICTIONARY. various events in racing at Newmarket, and in the norths immenfe fums are frequently depending; and from the various crojfes in bloody the breeding in and in^ with the different fancied interlineations by different individuals, it is affirmed, by fome of thofe bed verfed in racing pedigree, that there are at this time a very few (if any) thorough bred English horses, but what have a crofs of foreign blood in their compofition. To elucidate or juflify this opinion, reference may be made to the well au- thenticated lift of Barbs and Arabians, who have contributed, 3is Jlal lions ^ more or lefs, to the in- creafe of the moll fele6t and valuable ftuds in every part of the kingdom. The Helmsley Turk (one of the firft w^e can go back to) was the property of an old Duke of Buckingham, and afterwards of Mr. Place, (ftud- mafter to Oliver Cromwell when Protestor,) in whofe polfeffion he got Bujller^ Sec. Mr. Place had alfo a ftallion, called Place's Whi,te Turk, w4io was the fire of Woj'inwood, Commoner^ and other good horfes. The Stradling or Lister Turk was brought into England by the Duke of Berwick, from the fiege of Buda, in the reign of James the Se- cond. He got Snake, Brijk, Piping Peg, Coney- Jkins, &c. The SPORTING DICTIONARY, 49 The Byerley Turk was Captain Byerley's charger in Ireland in King William's wars, i68g, and was afterwards the fire of many good runners. Greyhound was got in Barbary by a white Barb, out of Slugey, a natural Barb mare. After the leap^ both fire and dam were purchafed and brought to England by Mr. Marfliall, w^here the fire became one of King William's ftud, and was called the " White Barb Chillaby." Greyhound was the fire of Othello^ White/oof^ Offnyn^ Rake^ Sampfon^ Goliah^ Favorite^ Defdemona^ and others, D'Arcy White Turk got old Hauthoy^ Grey Roy* ali Cannon^ Scz, D'Arcy Yellow Turk was the fire of Span^ ker^ Brimmer^ and the great great grand-dam of Cartouch, Curwen's Bay Barb was a prefent from Muly Ifhmael, Emperor of Morocco, to Lewis the Four- teenth, and was brought to England by Mr. Cur- wen, who procured from Count Byram and Count Thouloufe (natural fons of the French King) the two horfes afterwards called the Curwen Bay Barb and Thouloufe Barb^ both which proved excellent flallions, getting a great number of winners, and tranfmitting their blood through the filters of Mix- bury to Partner^ Little Scar^ Soreheeh^ and the Vol. I, E dam 50 SPOUTING DICTIONARY. dam of Crah; as well as to Bagpiper^ Blackkgs^ Panton's Moily^ and the dam of Cinnamon. . Barley's Arabian was broaght over by a bro- ther of Mr. Darlcy in Yorkfhire, who being a commercial agent abroad, exerted his intereft to procure the horfe. He was fire of the famous horfe Childers^ (who was faid to have ran a mile in a mi-^ mite^) Dctdahs^ Dart^ Skipjack^ Aleppo^ and other good liorfes. Sir J* Williams's Turk got Mr. Honcywood*s two True Blues^ out of the only thorough-bred mare he was ever known to cover; though he got fome middling racers out of common mares, whofe pedi- grees were not known. The Belgrade Turk was taken at the fiege of Belgrade, and, after pafling through the hands of General Merci, the Prince de Craon, and the Prince of Lorrain, became the property of Sir Marmaduke Wyvill, in whofe poffeffion he died about 1740. Croft's Bay Barb was got by Chillahy out of the Moonah Barb Mare. The GoDOLPHiN Arabian was the property of Lord Godolphin, and thought fo little of as a ftallion, and fo little likely to get raCers, that he was for fome years teaxtr to Hobgoblin ; but, upon his refufing to cover Roxana^ the Arabian had the hap^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. 51 itdp^ which produced Lath^ the firft horfe he ever got. To Lath fucceeded Cade^ Reguhis, Blank^ Bahraham^ Bajazet, Sec, Szc. and there can be no doubt, from the fuccefs of the progeny of each, but that he contributed more to the value and fpeed of horfes for the turf, than any other foreign ftallion every brought into this kingdom. The CuLLEN Arabian was fire of Camillus^ Sour Face^ the dam of Regulator^ Sec, Sec. The CooMBE Arabian, called alfo the Pigot Arabian^ was fire of Methodijl^ the dam oiCrofs^ &c« The CoMPTON Barb, or Sedley Arabian^ was fire of Coquette^ Greyling^ Sec, The Argot Arabian has been covering a few years in the neighbourood of the metropolis, but has not produced any thing of note. This may probably happen from a want of interefl in procu- ring thorough-bred mares^ v^ithout which a ftallioil for racing blood can acquire no celebrity. King Charles the Second fent over his mafter of the horfe to procure a number of foreign horfes and mares for breeding; and the mares brought over by him, as well as many of their produce, have fince been called Royal Mares, Dodsworth, though foaled in England, was a natural Barb; his dam was imported injoal during the time of E 2 Charles 52 SPIRTING DICTIONARY. Charles the Second, and was fold for forty guineas at twenty years old, (after the King's death,) then in foal (by the Helmfley Turk) of Vixen, after- wards dam of the old Child Mare. However largely this defcription of horfes may have contributed to the improvement of blood in this country, and however grand and majeftic they may appear in competition with our more fettled, fteady, and well-broke ftuds; yet, when the icni/or- mity of parts which conftitute the whole come to be judicioufly examined, and evey point of perfeEiion precifely afcertained, no doubt can or need be entertained, but the bed bred horfes in Britain, as Highflyer^ Efcape^ Rockingham^ Hamhletonian, Diamond.^ and many others, muft ftand firmly enti* tied to the palm of priority. The mod accurate muft have obferved, that the major part of the horfes brought to this country as Barbs and Arabians, being fubmitted to public infpeQion, are very much inferior in height to our own, few reaching, and none exceeding^ fifteen hands : they have moftly a curvilinear hollownefs of the back, a narrownefs of the cheft, (indicative of fpeed^ but the reverfe o^ Jlrength^) and a palpable deficiency in the arm or fore thigh, feemingly difproportioned to their own weight. Their apparent powers are entirely appropriate to the purpofes o{ Jpeed, and not to the common fervices of the people of this country ; being, in general, bad, uneven walkers; and once exerted •SPORTING DICTIONARY. S3 exerted to a trot, their legs are thrown about in the clambering manner of the German cavalry, much more adapted to the gratification of pompous parade, than the neatnefs or utility of expeditious aftion. BARS — are the flefliy ridges at the upper part of a horfe's mouth. Thefe ridges are always more prominent m young horfes than in old. When they are luxuriant towards the front teeth, and, with a kind of elaftic puffinefs, projetl and prevent mafti- cation, they are called Lampas, (which fee.) In all cafes of emergency where bleeding is neceffary, and the apparatus not at hand, particularly in the night, an incifion or two acrofs the bars with the fleam, inftantly anfwers the purpofe, and prevents farther ceremony. BAT FOWLING— is a favorite fport with far- mer's fervants on a winter's evening, and can only be enjoyed with a degree of fuccefs proportioned by the darknefs of the night. The party fhould not confift of lefs than four; two of whom are pro- vided with long flimfey hazel flicks or hurdle rods ; the third carries and manages the flap, (or folding net;) and the fourth a candle and lanthorn, fufpen- ded to the end of a pole feven or eight feet long. Uponthe.net being fpread,: by feparating the fide rods to their utmoft extent, before i^Q' corn-rick^ cut-houfcSy eaves of Jlable thatch^ yew hedge, or E 3 whatever 54f SPQRTING DICTIONARY. whatever fpot it is intended to try, the eandle «ind lanthorn is then to be held up as nearly the centre of the net as poffible, but at about three or four feet diftance, juft before the affiftants begin to beat the rick^ thatch^ or hedge, with their poles; when the birds being thus fuddenly alarmed from their reft- ing-place, make inftantiy for the light, when the net being direftly clofed (if by a fkilful practitioner) the fuccefs is beyond defcription ; it being no un- common thing, in large remote farms, and in fevere winters, to take twenty or thirty dozen of fpar- rows, and other fmall birds, in one evening's di- verfion. BATTLE ROYAL— was formerly (much more than at prefent) a favorite ipode of fighting amongft COCKERS of the lower order, who, upon the old maxim of " the more danger the more honor," be- came practical advocates for general deftruCtion in the following way. A battle royal may confift of ^ny number of cocks, but is hardly ever knowJi to exceed eight. The owner of each having made good his Jlake, or previoufly contributed his fhare of the prize or purfe for which they fight, and all parties being ready, the cocks are moft inhumanly pitted at the fame moment, when a long and diftref- fing fcene epfues, to which there is no termination fp long as 2ifccond cock is left alive, and the vic^ ^©ry can orily be obtained by the laft furvivor. This fpecies of fport is but little pra6tifed now, and SPORTING DICTIONARY. 65 and that in the moft diflant and remote corners of the kingdom. BAY — the colour of a horfc fo called, and is the moft efteemed of any other in conftituting the beauty of the horfe. They have invariably b-lack manes and tails, are many fhades lighter tlian a brown horfe, and were originally called bay from their affinity to the leaf of the bay tree. There are, however, fome degrees of difference and variations in thofe fo termed: for inftance^ there is ^e light or yellow bay, the brown bay, and the mottled bay.. Bay horfes with black legs have the preference of all other colours, and now almoft wholly conflitute the. racing breed of this CQuntry. B A Y-^s a fporting term, and ufed in the follow* ing fenfe. When a ftag has, been fo long purfued. that, finding his fpeed or ftrength nearly exhaiifted, he turns round, (having fome protection of building or paling in his rear J and facing, tbe hounds, re- fol'Utely defends himfelf with his , antlers, keeping the hounds at bey, till the fportfmen come up, who immediately affift in drawing, qff the hounds,, and faving the life of the deer. When the deer takes Jbil they were fre- quently two or three hours in killing. In proportion to the increafing fpirit of the. tinges, Jlow hunting declined, and beagles of this kiftd got in difrepute. The numerous croifes ia the breed of both beagles and hounds, according to tise wifhes and inclinations of thofe who keep them, b?^ve fa diverfified the variety, that a volume might be produced, jn a defcription of the different fqrts. and fizes adapted to the foil and furface where they hunt; from the old hmvy-^ deep tongued^ dexv-'lapped fiutkern hound of Manchester, (where the huntf- roan w;ith his long pole goes on foot,) to the higheft cjoifed harriers of the prefent day, who kill the ftouteft hares in thirty and forty minutes with a fpeed not much ipferior to courfing. Beagles,, ^Ueip^ tjke terra U noM ufed, implies hounds who hunt 5P0RTXNC DICTIONARY. 69 hmt hares only^ in contra-diftinBion to thofe who hunt either stag or fox. Harriers have been pro- duced from the croffes between the beagle and the fox hound, for the advantage of fpeed; but harriers are not, in fporting acceptation, to be confidered fynonymous with beagles^ to whom they are very fuperior in fize. Mr. Daniei, in a recent publica- tion, called " Rural Sports^'' has given an account of " a cry of beagles, ten or eleven couple, which were always carried to and from the field^in a large pair of panniers, flung acrofs a horfe: fmall as they were, they would keep a hare at all her fhifts to efcape them, and often worry her to death. The cataftrophe (fays he) attending this pack of hounds is laughable, and perhaps is a larceny unique in its attempt. A fmall barn was their allotted kennel, the door of which was one night broke open, and every hound with the panniers ftolen; nor could the moft diligent fearch difeover the leaft trace of the robbers or their booty." BEAK, — the bill of a bird, mpre expreflively underflood in the " fetting too" of a cock; which, according to the articles and fixed rules of cocking, muft be ^^ beak to beak." BEAM, — in the head of a deer, is the balis, or part bearing the antlers, royals and tops. BEAT roR a Hare, — is a term in hunting, much lefs known, and much lefs ufed, formerly, than 60 SPORTING DICTIONARY. than of late years. -When the huntfrrlan was moun- ted at day hreak^ and the hounds were thrown off at the place of meeting, as foon as the horfemen could fee to ride^ the hounds took trail, and went to their game in a ftyle much better .conceived than de- fcribed. No afTiftance 'was then required to heat for hares^ when the hounds were thus early enabled to find for themfelves. A chafe (or two) was enjoyed at that time, and the hounds at home in the kennel, before the hour at which it is tiow the cuftom to reach the : field. Hence the cuftom of engaging help to heat for a hare^ the worft method that can be adopted, and the moft deftrudive of all difci- pline with the hounds ; for once accuftomed to the praftice, heads are all up; and they are much more employed in flaring about, and liftening for a view io/^a, than in putting, their nofes to the ground. : BEDDING-r^appertainshere dnly 'to the bed- ding of the horfe, upon which there are fuch a va- riety of opinions, that there cannot be the leaft ex- pe6lation of all ever centering in one. point. While fome are profufe of ftraw at all feafons, even to a degree of w^f and extravagance, others, from a parfimonious principle, do not (at leaft readily) ad-, mit the necefTity of any at all. In extremes, per- haps, the line of mediocrity may be the moft fatis- faftory, and leaft liable to reprehenfion. BETTING — is one great gratification of hap- pinefs with the people of this country, . wlio never can SPORTIN'G DICTIONARY. 6^1 can be faid to be truly happy ^ unlefs it is blended with a chance of becoming completely miferable. It is that kind of national /wror, that no laws, ho^ff- cwtx penal ^ no reftriciions, ho^'GYGr fever e, can have fufficient force ta ftem the torrent of popular pro- penfity; particularly when nurtured and encouraged by the prevalent example, and perfonal praftice, of the firft and mofl exalted chara6lers in the king- dom. Experience has for ages proved it a privi- lege implanted in the very hearts of its devotees, which can only terminate when fporting propaga- tion ceafes, and will of courfe continue to the end of time, Legiflative dictation, and magifterial au- thority, may give a temporary check to games of chance at tables of public notoriety, where the moft villainous depredations are in conftant prac- tice; but fo long as that excitement to the true fpirit of fpeculation, a lottery^ the exhilirating power of a race,, the infedious clamour of a cockpit^ or the greater hobby-horfe of John Bull, a boxing 7natch^ is open to all minds, and in all direclions, fo long will betting excite the attention, and continue to conftitute the pleafing, painful anxiety of pecuniary fpeculation with the people of this country, (and probably of every other,) from the higheft to the lowed clafies of fociety. Bettixg is the a6l of laying a wager, or making a depolit of money, by two perfons of contrary opi- nions, for one to become the winner^ upon the deci- lion 62 S?dAflN6 ©ICTIONARY. (ion of f6me public or popular event; and that fo fafhionable a mode of terminating difputes may- meet with but little difficulty or obftruftion, bets are made with as much deliberation, and difcharged by the sporting world with ais much integrity, as the moft important tranfa6lions of the commercial part of fociety in the firft city of the univerfe. Betting has of late years been reduced to afyjlem^ by which there are now many profejfors in ex- iftence, who were originally of the very lowejl or- der ; but, by an indefatigable and perfevering in- dujlry at Newmarket, the cockpit, and the gaming table, have acquired princely pofTeffions, by the unexpeded honour of being admitted to princely affociation. Where two opponents depofit each an equal fum (whether five pounds or five hundred) upon any event whatever, it is then termed an even let. An offer of Jtx to Jour ^ implies the odds in dire6l ratio of fix pounds to four, twelve to eight, fixty to forty; or in that proportion to any amount. Betting two to one, is laying ten pounds to five, twenty to ten, and fo forth; one depofiting exaftly double the amount of his SLdverfavy's Jlake ^ three, four and five to one being regulated in the fame way. The latter are all termed laying the odds, 'which vary according to the predominant opinions of the beil judges upon tht probable termination of the event; one rule being invariable, the perfon betting the odds (or, in other words, the larger fum againft the /mailer) has always the privilege of tak- ing SPORTING D1CTI2NARY. 63 ihg his choice in preference to his adverfary, againft which no appeal can ever be made with a decifion in its favor. Any perfon propofing a bet to another during the running of a horfe, the fighting of a cock, or any other tranfaftion, the party applied to, faying *' done," and the propofer replying " done" alfo, it then becomes a confirmed bet^ and cannot in fporting etiquette and honour be off^ or revoked, but by mutual confent. No bet above ten pounds can be fued for and recovered in our courts of law; the payment of all lofings above that fum muft depend entirely upon the fporting integrity of the parties concerned. BISHOPING — is an operation performed upon the teeth of a horfe, and fuppofed to have derived its modern appellation from an eminent and dijlin- guij/i e d dtaltr of the name of Bishop; whether from any peculiar neatnefs in, or reputed celebrity for, a perfonal performance of the deception, it is mofi: probably not poflible (or neceffary) to afcertain. The purport of the operation is to furnifh horfes of ten or twelve years old with a regeneration of teethy bearing the appearance of Jive or fix, and i^ thus performed. The horfe being powerfully twitched by both the nofe and the ears, a cufhioned roller (large enough to keep the jaws extended) is then placed in the mouth; which done, the teeth of 3 the 64; SPORTING DICTIONARY* the under jaw are fomewhat reduced in their length (according to their growth) by the friftion of a whitefmith's cutting file: an engraver's tool is then employed in taking away as much from the centre of the furface of each tooth as will leave a confpi- cuous cavity in the middle; this cavity (or rather every individual cavity) is then burned black with an iron inftrument red hot, and adapted to the pur- pofe; a compofition of cement is then infinuated, fo well prepared in both colour and confidence, that it is frequently not difcoverable (at leaft to flight obfervers) for many months after its introduQion. BITCH — is the feminine of the canine fpecies, in contra-diftindion to dog. It is fometimes ufed in a fimilar fenfe with refpeft to foxes, where the female is termed a bitch fox; though a vixen is the more fportfman-like appellation. Bitches are Sometimes ff ay ed^ to prevent their farther propaga- tion: it requires judgment and expertnefs in the operation, the beft time for which is about a week after the heat is gone off. BITS — are of different kinds, formed of iron, and conftitute the mouth-part of bridles of every denomination, whether in carriage harnefs, or for ufe on the turf, in the chafe, or upon the road. The fingle large-mouthed bit, firft ufed with colts in breaking, is known by the name of ^nouthing-hit : the fame fhaped bit, but of a much fmaller fize, with SPORTING DICTIONARV 65 \vith a fmall cheek of about three inches long, is called a piped cheek fnaffle, A fingle bit, having a curb, and a cheek of five or fix inches long, with one rein only, and that infcrted to the bottonfi of the cheek, is termed a hard and Jharp, and with juftice; it is one of the word inventions ever adopted, never feen in ufe with a fportfman, and only calculated for vicious run-away horfes, not to be flopped by any common means* A bit of the fame form, having eyes for two reins, one on each fide the mouth-piece, and others at the lower ex- tremity of the cheek, are called pelhains^ as a favou- rite bit of the old Duke of Newcaftle. A bridoon is a fmall fnaffle, or mouth-piece, having no other cheek tkan a circular eye to receive the rein into the fame headftall, with which is Hitched a roller- mouthed polijlied port bit, having a cheek of four, live or fix inches in length, according to fancy, or the mouth of the horfe: the rein to this bit is af- fixed to the lower extremity of the cheek, and, in conjunction with the bridoon, conftitutes. the dou- ble reined bridle, called a Weymouth, moftly in ufe. BITES — frequently happen to fporting dogs as well as to horfes, but much more frequently to the former, by poifonous infefts that are, as well as many not known. Means of relief muft of courfe be regulated by immediate appearances: in great inflammation, bleeding, and external emollients, are of good effetl: in bites of the vipcr^ its own fat li^ Vol. L F quified. 65 SPOUTING DICTIONARY. quified, and to be had at the medical (hops as the " oil of vipers^*' is acknowledged a certain antidote. BITTERN — is a bird of fimilar formation to the hero7ij but of much fmaller fize, and more beautifully variegated in its plumage. They are principally found in fedgey moors, where they breed, particularly within a few miles of the fea-coaft, not being very common in the centrical parts of the kingdom. If brought down by the gun with only a broken wing^ they difplay great courage in op- pofing their deftroyer; poffefling fuch determined power, and quick exertion of both talons and heak^ they cannot be with fafety fecured till deprived of life. From their fcarcity, they are efteemed a rarity at the tables of the great, where one is re- ceived as a handfome prefent; a brace being fel- dom feen together, either dead or alive, BLACK ACT — is fo called, becaufe it was cnaHed in confequence of the moft unprecedented deprecations committed in Eflex by perfons in difguife, with their faces blacked and disfigured, and is literally thus. " By this flatute it is ena6ted^ that perfons^ hunting armed and difguifed, and killing or fteal- ing deer, or robbing warrens, or ftealing fifh out of any river, &c. or any perfon unlawfully hunt- ing in His Majelly's forefls; or breaking down the bead SPORTING DICTIONARY. 6-7 head of any Hfh-pond; or killing of cattle; or cut- ting down trees; or fetting fire to houfe, barn, or wood; orfliooting at any perfon; or fending letters, either anonymous, or figned with a fiQitious name, demanding money, &c. or refcuing fuch offenders, are guilty of felony without benefit of clergy/' This is commonly called the Waltham Black AB, and was made perpetual by 31 George IL c. 42. BLACK-LEGS— is the expreffive appellation longfince given by the fuperior claffes of the fporting world (confiding of noblemen and gentlemen of fortune) to the very honorable and very dijin^ guiJJicd fraternity who are known to conflitute " a Jamily;' and are, perhaps, without exception, the moft unprincipled and abandoned fet of \thieves and harpies that ever difgraced civilized fociety. They are a body, exifting by, and fubfifting upon, the moft villainous modes of deceptive depredation: their various modes of attacking, and preying upon^ the credulity of the inexperienced and unfufpeBing part of the public, are beyond conception: their number is incredible, and their ftratagems exceed defcription. Deftitute not only of charader, but of eyery fenfe of honor^ their minds are deftined folely to the purpofes of determined devaftation up^ on the property of thofe unthinkingly feduced or betrayed into their company ; upon wliofe credulity and indifcretion they are fupported in a continued fcene of the moft luxurious and faftiionable diiTi- patian. ^ ^ ^8 SNORTING DICTIONARY. As members have no great power in exerting themfeives with much faccefs individually, the Jirm (if a phalanx of the mod infamous combination can be termed fo) are adequate to almofl every delperate undertaking, from pricking in the belt^ huj'Uing in the hat^ oxjlipping a card^ to the cafually meeting a friend upon Hounflow Heath. They are fole proprietors of the different gaming tables, public and private, as well in the metropolis, as the hazard and E O tables at all the races of emi- nence in the kingdom. They are invariably pre- fent at every fafliionable receptacle forfport : the tennis-court, the billiard-room, the cockpit, have all to boaft a majority in quefl of prey ; and even the commoneft cofFee-houfe is a fpot where mode/l merits in the form of a lounging emiflary, frequent- ly obtrudes, in the anxious hope of picking up fome opulent juvenile, that he may afterwards enjoy the pleafure of introducing him in the moft friendly and liberal way to another member of the fraternity, as a very proper objeft, or pigeon, well worth plucking for the benefit of the family. BLADDER — is a part of the horfe liable to dif- eafe; but feldom known to occur, unlefs by the indifcretion of the owner. A long retention of urine, by continuing a journey to too great an ex- tent without flopping, may produce^^r^n^wr^ ; and that not being foon relieved, inflammation may en- fue. Inftances are recorded of ftones, calcareous fubftances, SPORTING DICTIONARY. 69 fiibftances, and difFerent concretions, having been found in the bladders of horfes after death. Dif- cretion is a proper and cheap preventative. BLANK— was a horfe in high form, beating ahnoft every horfe of his time, and his blood was held in the utmoil eftimation : he was bred by Lord Godolphin; foaled 1740; got by the Go- dolphin Arabian, dam by Bartlett's Childers, out of the dam of the Large Hartley Mare, The va- rious performances of Blank will not admit of being brought within the compafs of fo concife a defcription; therefore, fuffice it io fay, that, after his performances upon the turf, he became a ftaU lion of the firft celebrity, and was fire of Ghojl, Tripod, Chat/worth, Hengijl, Croney, Yeoman, For- fenna, Lottery, Young Blank, Lujlre, Lumber, Whipjler, Amazon, Britannicus, Charlotte, Pruffia, Helen, Lycurgus, and a very long lift of excellent runners, too numerous for infertion under thi$ head. BLEEDING— of horfes is a fimple and eafy operation, hitherto performed v/ith an inilrument called a fleam, which being fteadily fupported over the neck vein (about five inches below the fuperior procefs of the jaw-bone) is forcibly ftruck with what is profeffionally termed a hloodjlick, turned out of the wood called lignum vitce, as being fuf- ficiently heavy to infure weight and certainty to Hhe blow : the blade of the fleam is fupported by a F 2 fhoulder, 70 SPORTING DICTIONARY. fhoulder, to prevent the incifion's being made bfe- || yond the depth of fafety : the ufe of the line round the lower part of the neck, previous to the opera- tion, is now greatly out of ufe; ahhough it is cer- tainly a means of keeping the vein firm from fiuC" tuation^ and of courfe a very proper guide, parti- cularly for young pra6litioners. Of late years this mode of operating has greatly declined, particu- larly with veterinarians of the new fchool^ the moft expert of whom adopt the ufe of the lancet^ and are introducing it to general praftice; and, al- though the neatnefs of the operation mud be can- didly admitted, yet, with high fpirited, j^j, unruly horfes, (where there is a chance of the point of the lancet's being broken in the orifice^) a doubt na- turally arifes, whether, in Juch cafes^ the former method is not both the leaft troublefome and lead dangerous of the two. j| The conjijlency and propriety of bleeding upon flight or moderate occaiions, has always been matter of cavil and capricious controverfy w^ith thofe whofe cynical rigidity, and reftlefs fpirit, ever prompts them to take even the lorong fide of any argument, (however abfurd and ridiculous,) rather than want a caufe to carp at; but with thofe poffef- fing the power of fcientific difquifition, ar^d prac- tical profeiTional knowledge, fuch fallacious and ill-founded reafoning muft fail to the ground. Its utility, upon the attack of almojl every difeafc to which ePORTING DICTIONARY. 71 which the animal is fubjccl, is now fo generally ad- mitted, that it (lands in need of no additional cor- roboration from the more refined rays of conftantly increafing improvement. The quantity proper to be taken away at one time, in any cafe, may be from three to Jive pints; the latter only in fuch diforders as require plenti- ful depletion: in all cafes of inflammation (particu- larly the lungs) frequent repetitions are to be juftifi- ed, provided they follow not too fafl upon each other; the lives of many horfes have been prefer- ved (particularly in thofe injluenzas of late years called " the diftemper") by Jour or Jive plentiful bleedings in fo many days; and, vice verfa^ as great a number loft by a want of the fame means. As blood is generated, and the unloaded veffels reple« niftied, by the conftant fupply of aliment in healthy or nutj'-ivient in difeafe, fo little, or, in fa8;, no permanent injury can be fuftained by leaning to the fafe fide^ and taking away even too much, provided it be at different times, partir cularly when it is remembered, that the life of a valuable horfe is very frequently loft by a too great pufillanimity and forbearance in the ope- ration. BLEMISHES-^are fo called which conftitute disfiguration and eyefore, without impediment to Ji-.^ht or adion ; it is therefore readily conceived, a F 4 horfe 72 SPORTING DICTIONARY. horfe may be very materially hlemijked without being iinfound. Blemifhes are various, and many of them not to be immediately perceived, in a fuperficial furvey of the fubjecl: broken knees are a very material and confpicuous blemifh : fplents^ if large, are unpleafmg to the eye of the good judge and nice in veil i gat or: xcarts are eafily ob- ferved, and as eajily cured-, thru/lies^ and a carious flate of the frogs^ not to be known but by an examination of the feet: fandcracks^ previoufly cured, fometimes remain unfeen, but are always liable to a renewal of the original defe8: : the marks of former hlijlering is, in general, to be plainly perceived by a variation in colour, or an unnatural roughnefs in the hair of thofe parts : the marks o{ firing -irons may be eahly traced (however neatly performed) upon the hocks for fpavins and curbs, or upon the back of the fliank-bones for Jirains in the back finews, A horfe may be ble- mifhed by a fpeck in the eye, arihng from a blow with the lafli of a whip or fwitch; this is fre- quently no more than a partial thickening of a fm.all part of the outer humour of the eye, not obflru6iing thofe rays of light which conftitute vifion. If a horfe is v/arranted '' perfeBly founds with» out blemijli^ free from vice^ fteady to ride^ and quiet in harnefs" it is a full and general warranty fpeaking for itfelf } leaving very little for the inten- tional SPORTING DICTIONARY. /3 tional purchafer to do (in refpeft to infpeElion) if he has previoufly tj'ied and approved the paces of the horfe. But where a ^SLrraniy feemmgly guarded, or cautiou/ly partial^ is offered, a proper degree of circumfpe6Hon will be neceffary to prevent a chance of early repentance; a prevention of litiga- tion will prove lefs expenhve than the cure of a lawfuit, BLINDNESS — in a horfe (whether in one or both eyes) may originate in a variety of well-known caufes, many of which are occafioned by means of violence, and may at all times be prevented by proper care and humane attention. If a horfe, having naturally good eyes, is obferved to undergo a fudden change in the external appearance, from enlargement of the lids, or a difcharge of hot watery ferum, with a vifible heat and pain of the part, (the horfe conftantly fhaking his head and ears,) it may reafonably be attributed to fome caufe originating in external injury : if not by fuch means, it muft be from fome morbid affeftion in the fyftem, afting more immediately and pow- erfully upon the mod irritable parts. The eyes of fome horfes are periodically af- fefted, even for months and years, before they terminate in total hlindnefs : to this fpecies of o- cular defeft, the illiterate and lefs enlightened of former times gave the appellation of '^ moon-blind^'' under 74' SPORTING DICTIONARY. under tlie weak and ridiculous idea, that fuch changes were produced by the gradational ftages of the moon; an opinion too trifling to render ani- madverfion neceffary, it being one of the very few remaining traits of fuperflition which will fpeedily be totally done away. Many horfes lofe their eyes from extreme exertion, as by over racing -, in proof of which, a very long lift of inftances might be adduced : the fame efFe8: has been pro- duced upon STALLIONS in being permitted to cover mares not only in an unlimited degree in refpe8: to number, but ftimulated fo to do by the ufe of powerful and prejudicial provocatives: in both thefe cafes the lofs of fight is occafioned by a total fubverfion of the nervous fyftem, reducing it to a fixed or partial debility of thofe particular parts, from which they riever recover. Horfes are frequently found to inherit conftitu- tional defefts from sire or dam; and none are, perhaps, to be confidered more juftly hereditary than defeEls of the eyes ; and to render fuch fa 8: the more extraordinary, it generally happens to have lain dormant for the firft three or four years, and never to difplay itfelf to any vifible inconve- nience till a colt is broke, and brought into work. The eyes of a horfe inheriting this taint by heredi- tary tranfmiffion, are much lefs prominent than a natural, well-formed and good eye; they have a kind of indented furrow in the lid above the orb, aad SPORTING DICTIONARY. 7if and a wrinkled contra6lion in the part iminediately over that, conftituting a kind of '• vinegar afped,'* better conceived than defcribed : this kind of eye fhould be carefully avoided in purchafe; for how- ever they may vary by changes in work, and a di- verfity of feafons, they, nine times out of ten, ter- minate in blindnefs; a circumftance fairly to be prefumed, no profeffional man living ecn prevent, BLISTERING— ^is an operation performed up- on a horfe by unguents prepared of different de- grees of ftrength, according to the circumdances of the cafe. They are in general ufe for blood and bone fpavins, curbs and ftrains of the back linews : where they do not complete the purpofe for which they were intended, they are repeated at a proper period; ox firing the part is adopted, and the horfe is turned out. '• iftering is in general too foon reforted to as a remedy, and in manv afes before the inflammation arifmg from the original in- jury has fufficiently fubfided for the operation to take place; from which injudicious mode of prac- tice, a permanent Enlargement of the part is occa- fioned, that is never got rid of during the life of the horfe. BLOOD — is the well known.- fluid iffuing from wounds, or feparated veffels, in an accidental de- ftruQ:ion of parts: it is not only the very bafis, but thefupport, of life it/elf; and drawn from the frame <^f any animal beyond a certain proportion (pro- feffionally 7b SPORTING dictionary; feiTionally afcertained,) caufes injlant death. In the regular routine of the animal oeconomy, blood is generated by the frequent fuppHes of nutritive aliment, and retaining within itfelf fufficient ftrength and power for its own peculiar ^wx'^oks^ihxoM^s off, by the different emun61ories, the fuperflux with which it may be encumbered: but as medical or anatomical difquifition is not intended in a work of this general kind, it mud fufiice to obferve, that, from the blood in its original and firft formed ilate, proceeds all the progreffive and fuperior funtlions of Nature. From the blood ilTues every gradational proportion of infenfible, fenfible and profufe perfpiration; from the blood, the urine is fecreted (or feparated) by the kidnies; and from the blood is extra6led5 by the genitals^ that very mafcu- line femen, by which (we are told from high and indifputable authority) our pouerity is to be contir nued to the end of time. BLOOD HOUNDS.— Thofe fo called, have always had a kind of fabulous property afcribed to them, of purfuing, and infallibly taking or feizing, robbers, murderers, or depredators, whenever they could be laid upon the footfteps (or fcent) of the particular objeft they were intended to purfue; and of their poffeffing this property there can be no doubt, when the experience of ages, tranfmitted to us by our predecefTors, (as well as our own obfervations,) have afforded the mod indifputable proofs, that hounds SPORTING DICTIONARY. 77 hounds may be taught or broke in to carry on any particular fcent^ when feelingly convinced they are to hunt no other. There requires no " ghoil from the grave" to confirm a fa6l of fo much notoriety: a mtxQ /porting embryo would tell us, that " a pack who for fome years hunted y"^//ow deer in the pof- •feflion of their laft owner, are hunting hare in high ftyle with the prefent; that the principal body of the celebrated pack who for fome years pad hunt- ed yb;: with Lord Darlington in the north, are now probably cleftined to thepurfuit of the red deer with Lord Derby in the fouth : and the whole art of changing hounds from one chafe to another is the temporary trouble of breaking them afrefh, and making ihtxTi Jle a dy to ih^ f cent they are to purfue. In refpeQ to the received opinion of v/hat were formerly called bloodhounds, the faQ; is fimply this: the original (lock partook, in nearly an equal de- gree, of the large, heavy, ftrong, honey old Eng- lifli ftag-hound, and the deep-mouthed fouthern hound, of which mention is made under the head *^ Beagle." The hounds deftined to one particular kind of bufinefs or purfuit, as bloodhounds, were never brought into the chafe for a conftancy with the pack for the promotion of fport, but were pre- ferved and fupported (as a conftable or Bow-Street runner of the prefent day) for the purpofes of pur- fuit and deteftion, whenever they could, with cer- tainty, 7$ &P0RTING BICTiONARV. tainty, be laid on in good time upon the fcent of footfteps of the objed it was thought expedient to purlue. Des7' Jiealing^ for inftance, was fo very common a century fince to what it is at prefentj that the game and park keepers in moft parts of thtt kingdom were in a kind of eternal watching and noElurnal warfare : the hounds we are nov/ defcribing were then conltantly trained to the practice, and fo clofely adhered te the fcent they were once laid on upon, that (even after a very long and tedious pur- fuit) dete6tion was certain and inevitable : from this perfevering inftintt and infallibility, they acquired the appellation they have fo long retained; and an offending criminal not a century fince, was abfo> lutely conceived to be pojitively taken^ and half con^ viBed^ the very moment a blood-hound could be obtained. BLOOD SPAVIN— is a preternatural and puffy enlargement on the infide of a horfe's hock^ proceeding from a diftenfion of the vein crofTing the internal janBion of the inferior part of the thigh bone with the fuperior part of the iliank; and when- ever fuch injury is obferved, it may rather be fup- pofed to have originated in a blow, a kick^ or more probably from a ligamentary twift or diftortion^ (by a fl:iort and (udden turn in the fnallfi all of an ill conftruRed ftable,) than by any continued exer- -tion of fpeed, either on a jouraey or in the chafe. BLOWS SPORTING DICTIONARY. 79 BLOWS — inconfiderately given, in pajfion^ to harmlcfs, inofFending animals, are nineteen times out of twenty productive of repentance, when pro- bably repentance comes too late. A horfe fome- times, and moil commonly from the inattention of the rider, fteps almoft unavoidably upon a flint or rolling- ftone; and in the very exertion of recover- ing himfelf from nearly fallings he at that critical moment receives a fevere and unexpefted blow he-- hind the ear from the ftick of his philofophic^ pa- ticnt^ humane xia^r ^ which brings him inftantly to the ground, giving and receiving ample proof, that " the remedy was worfe than the difeafe." No conjeclures need be formed upon the lofs of eyes an- nually fuilained by blows from petulant mafters, as well as the moft rafcally fervants; injuries of this kind may be daily feen by obfervers with their eyes open in every part of the kingdom. Blows will moft alTuredly fometimes happen from accident^ though moft of this defcription arife from folly, ignorance, or indifcretion; as for in- ftance, the very common circumftances of carelefsly giving a horfe's head or eye a blow againft the ftall in turning, or the hip-bone very frequently againft the poft of the ftable door, and this by the ftupidity of thofe vfhofeem to think a horfe can turn within as fmall a fpace as themfelves; or rather, perhaps, by thofe who feem unfortunately deftined by Nature never to think at all. In general, the good or bad ufage of fervants to horfes, or other animals under their 1 " care. so SPORTING BICTIONARV. care, may be conceived a very fair and unerrring criterion of the depravity or integrity of their own hearts; and fuch fhould be emphatically told, that not only broken bones, but inftantaneous lofs of life, has frequently followed pafTionate blows, and cruel I'fage, by the law of retaliation, in the refentment of an animal capable of diftinguifhing between a fault committed, a reproof given, or any unjuft in- jury fuftained. BONE SPAVIN— is an ofTified enlargement on the outjide of, and rather below, the centre of the hock, originating in a cartilaginous protrufion from the feat of articulation becoming progreffively cal- lous, and laftly a fubftance equally firm with the bone itfelf. They do not invariably conftitute lamenefs upon {htix Jirjl appearance, but it foon follows a courfe of hard or regular work. Blifter- mgjirjl, and firing afterwards, was the pra6lice of farriers of the old fchool, which it is not known has undergone any change with veterinarians of the new. BOLTING. — When a fox, laying at earth, has been dug to, and, upon the approach of the fpade, the terrier, or the perfon attempting to take him, makes a fudden fpring, and ^oes off, he is then faid to have bolted; when, of courfe, the chafe is conti- nued with the hounds. The term is alfo applica- ble SPORtiNG DICTIONARY. 81 ble to a rabbit from its burrow, or the badger from his earth. BORING;—- one of the former humane opera- tions in farriery for what is now called a lamenefs^ then termed a wrench in the llioulder : it confided in making a fmall orifice, or fuperficial incifion, through the integument near the part affeQed: into this is infinuated a fmall tube or pipe; by the ope- tatoi-'s breath through which the part is inflated, •directly in the w^ay a butcher fwells his veal: a flat piece of iron, of fmall dimenfions, is then introdu- ced between the ribs and the flioulder in different direBions, to produce fome effect hitherto unex- plained, and never underftood. The feeming cruel- ty, and evident uncertainty, of the operation, has long fmce buried it in oblivion, at leafl with fcien- tific pra6litioners; and it is very little feen or heard of, except amongft the ruilic Vulcans in remote corners of the kingdom. BOTTS-— are differently defcribed by different writers; a certain proof many of tbem wrote more from theory^ copy^ and hearfay^ than from attentive practice, or perfonal obfervation. Some have ob- ferved, they were of one fhape; a fecond, of ano- ther: a third has faid their feat was invariably upon on^ particular part ; but theprefent Author has told you, in his former Works, and now repeats the f^ft^ that they are equally inhabitants of the Jioniach he- Vol. L G fore^ gg SPORTING DICTIONARY. forc^ as they are of tht reclum behind; and are as conftantly found in the former after the death of the fiibjeft, as they are feen adhering to the fphinc- ter of the reclum during his life; and that horfes, who have fallen victims to the ravages of thefe de^ i[lru6tive diminutives, had both the ftomach arid re6lum loaded with numbers in a degree to be fair- ly concluded incredible^ unlefs the proof had been perfonally confirmed by fight and individual con- viction. The mode by which they are. conveyed into the body (or how they are engendered there) may polTibly long continue a matter of conjefture and ambiguity: Not fo with ^Ae effeB ; when there, they foon continue to increafe, and to occafion conftant difquietude; fometimes violent pain. A horfe labouring under their perfecuting pinchings, is frequently eatings and without appetite, in a hope of relieving himfelf from the giiawing Jenja- iions within: he is generally rough in the coat, low in flefh, depreffed in the ftable, and not elated when out. Various remedies are in ufe; but mercurial phyfic is the only certain mode of extirpation. BOWEL-GALLED — is a laceration occafioned by the tightnefs and heat, or fridion, of the girths, juft behind the elbows of the fore legs, and is foon hardened and obliterated by two or three applica- tions of a foft fponge, impregnated with common vinegar. BOWLS St>ORTIMG DICTIONARY, }§$ BOWLS — is a game played upon a fine fmooth gralTy furface, either fquare, circular^ or oblong, ufed folely for the purpofe, and called a bowling- green. The party may confift of two, four, {ix, or eight, and is generally chofen alternately, after toffing up a coin to decide who fliall have the firfl choice. The fides being feleded, each player has two bowls, which bowls have numerical figures, thereby afcertaining to whom they belong. The leader fends off a fmaller bowlj called the jack, to what diftance he pleafes, it being (by the tofs) his privilege fo to do; this he follows with his firfl bowl, getting as near the jack as poffible: he is then followed by one of the adverfe party, the partner of the firft following, and fo in rotation till all the bowls are played; when as many of the bowls, on cither fide^ as are nearer to the jack than the neareji on the oppofite fide, fo many do the fuccefsful party fcore that time toward the game, and fo on in fucceflion, till one fide or the other have won the match. Sometimes great difappointment hap- pens in the play, when a ball laying very near the jack^ is removed to a diftance by the hit of an ad- verfary's bowl, which remains nearer the jack than the bowl it has driven away ; this is called a rubj and gave rife to the long-ftanding adagCj ^' he that plays at hozuls^ muft expect rubs" BRAN — would not have been entitled to notici^ in a work of this kind, had it not been in a certain G 2 degree ;^ SPORTIN^G DICTIONARY. degree of conditional life with horfes of different defcriptions, in ficknefs as well as in health. Bran is an article almoft generally known to be the coarfer part of the (kin or covering of the grain called -wheats from the body of which ^owr is manu- faftured, and bread made. With fome people (particularly in the country parts of the kingdom, who are defirous of keeping their horfes at little expence) bran conllitutes a principal part of their food; in confequence of which, it becomes necef- fary to advert concifely to its known efFeds. From its nutritive property having been taken away,, it contains little more than the means of diftending the frame, without the generative quality of enrich- ing the blood, or contributing to the formation of flefli. Not calculated to become a primary obje6l of fupport, it may in fome ways be brought into ufe as a collateral of utility. Horfes belonging to bakers and meahnen^ who have been principally fubfifted upon this article, with the addition of a few fplit beans, (or peas,) have become purfive and thick^winded; then afthmatic; laflly, dull, heavy, and inactive; dying at nine or ten years old; when a large ball, or mealy concretion^ (of different fizes in different fubjecls,) has been found in the fto- mach or inteftinal canal, of a moft impenetrable hardncfs, to the 'weight of ten or twelve pounds. Though not proper for food in its dry flate, it is a moil ufeful article in maflies with malt^ to difunite and prevent the fatiating richnefs of that article alone : SPORTING DICTIONARY. 85 alone; or to affid in common mafhes with oats, (when a horfe is in phyfic,) a:i well as to incorpo- rate with a proper impregnation of honey in the mafhes for colds during the fe verity of the winter feafon. *' On the 15th of Novemberg 1799, died, after having been difordered fome days, a horfe belong- ing to Mr. Ranfom, of Hitchin. The caufe^of his death w^as owing to a fubftance found in his fto- mach, of a brown colour, exa£lly refembling a large pebble ftone, very fmooth and h^ar^i on the furface, and weighed iilbs. 14 oz. avoirdupoife. It is nearly fpherical, and meafures juft two feet in circumfe- rence, being about the fize of a man*s head. It is fuppofed to have been occafioned by his eating of hran^ that having been his conftant food." — Sport- ing Magazine. BREAKING the Herd — is the ceremony of Jingling out a deer (either ftag or hindy from the herd for the chafe, which is thus performed with His Majefty's eilablifhment in Windsor Forest, A furvey being made of the herd, and the particu- lar deer fixed on iox Jeparation^ the himtfmen, af- fifted by one of the yeomen prickers, ride at a hunting rate, gatiop directly into the herd, conti- nuing fo to do (as the herd divide} at the particu- lar part to which the deer intended to be fingled out continues to adhere. This ceremony is fome- tijnes a v^ry tedioys bufinefs to the men, as well G 3 as SS SPORTING DICTIONARY. as to the horfes, as it is no uncommon thing, when they have detached, or reduced a divided part of the herd to a leafh or two brace, (amongft which is the particular deer wanted,) for that number to make a circle of ten, fifteen, or even twenty miles, before the riders, with all their energy, can dif- unite them more than to a fmgle brace^ and not at all to a Jingle deer. When this is effeQed, the hounds, who are in waiting at fome diftance, under the fix remaining yeomen prigkers, are capped forward^ and laid upon the fcent; when the brace finding themfelves purfued, foon divide^ under the impreffion of individual fafety ; and the felefted deer being thus cov[\'^\tit\y Jingled out^ the chafe goes on^ and continues till the deer is taken; unlefs, after a purfuit of proper length, for the ^ fport of the day, he fhould regain the herd, where he is then permitted to remain, and the hounds are drawn off: but if it is either an old hind, or a calf deflined to deaths for the purpofe of blood-' ing the hounds^ a repetition of the original ceremo? ny of feparation takes place, when which is effe8;ed, the chafe is immediately renewed till the objed of hlood is attained. BREAKING the Deer— is the aB of cutting open the deer after the chafe, that the purchafed perquifites of blood and garbage may go to the hounds. It is alfo the term for cutting up and drelTing the Jallozv deer called bucks and does. BREAST SPORTING DICTiONARY. S7 BREAST-PLATE,-.an article in horfe furni- ture of great utility with light carcafed horlcs, who very frequently, in both hunting and racing, run through their girths. It ii> made of either fpring web or foft leather, as mod agreeable to tafle or fancy, and is faftened by buckles to fmail loops fcrewed to the tree of the faddle, juft under the upper faddle- flap behind the withers of the horfe; from whence the two parts divide tranfverfely, and one paffes down each fhoulder to the point of the breaft, where they are united to a ftrong ftrap, having holes, a buckle and loop, through which loop one of the girths is pafTed when the faddle is put on, and being thus fixed, it is confidered almoft an impoflibility that any alteration can take place in its litu- ation, but by the manual alTiftance of mafter ox grooni, BREEDING— is the produftion of colts in a fiud principally or folely kept for that purpofe. The methods of bringing up colts vary according to the purpofe for which they are intended, whether for the turf, field, draft, or road. The breeders of opulent magnitude in the northern counties, moft celebrated for the breed of horfes in Britain, are too w^ell (killed in the pradical part to require the leaft aid from theoretic in{tru6tion. They are well convinced, by the unerring principle of well- founded experience, that found Jires, well fliaped dams, good fummer care, arid winter kc^p^ are G4 ^ the S$ SPORTING DICTlONAilY, the means (and the only means) to infure welU grown, ftrong and valuable flock for any of the before mentioned purpofes to which they are af- terwards to become appropriate. BRIDLEj—the well-known article by which we are enabled to ride, guide and regulate the {peed and aftion of the moft noble, fpirited, power- ful and valuable animal in the creation. They are of different kinds, as moft applicable to the mouth and temper of the horfe; confifting o[ fnajles^ Pelhams^ Hard-and-JJiarps^ Weymouths, Sec, There are alfo others of different conftruftiops; but as they appertain principally to the military manege and the riding-kouse, a minute defcription would afford neither ufe or entertainment to the fporting world, for v;hom this Work is more immediately intended. BRIDLE-HAND.— The left is fo called, in contra-diftin6lion to the right, which, in racing, is termed the whip ; and in military evolutions with cavalry, called the [word hand. Thofe who are deemed good fportfmen, or complete horfemen, manage the reins with equal dexterity, and one hand is generally as much in ufe as the other. BROKEN WIND — remains in its long-ftand- ing ftate of profeffional ambiguity; for, notwith- {landing frequent diffeftions ipuft have afforded every SPORTING DICTIONARY. t^ every afllftance to earneft inveftigation, yet no au- thenticated, well-eftablifhed opinion has tranfpired, fufficiently attracting or corroborative to fix a crir- terion upon which fcientific or public faith feem in^ clined to rely. Since the appearance of " The Gentleman's Stable Dire6lory," (about fourteea years fince,) a great variety of veterinary writers^ and veterinary pra6litior\ers^ have emerged from obfcurity in the metropolis, as well as in different parts of the kingdom. One has defined broken wind to be *^ an inflammation, which continuing a length of time, throws a quantity of extravafated blood into the windpipe^ where it occafions a kind of roaring : this was the opinion of an eminent veterinarian, delivered upon a horfe caufe tried be-* fore Lord Kenyon in the court of King's Bench. In this fublime defcription there certainly appears no brilliant or fatisfa6lory elucidation. A recent writer fays, "Broken wind is a diforder that a horfe is fubjeft to when he is fufFered to ft and too long in the flable without exercife; by which means he contra6ls grofs and thick humours in fuch abun- dance, that, adhering to the hollow parts of his lungs, they flop his windpipe." So much for the " fublime and beautiful." A third attributes it to ^* a relaxation or rupture of the phrenic nerves, which caufe the motions of the diaphragm." A ^ouxih fupp of es "the difeafe to proceed from a mor^ hid or obllru6led flate of the glands, and membranes of the head and throat, the enlargement of which prevents so SPORTINO DICTIONARY, ^ prevents a free paffage to the wind." DoBor D^r- winj fpeaking of humoural afthma, attributes it to ^* a congeftion of lymph in the air cells of the lungs, from defective abforption.'- Others, harping upon thQ fame Jiring^ Gonftitute ^n echo of 7iearly the fame found : '' In my ideas, ^ redundance of lymph being thrown upon the lungs, the quantity becomes too great for the ca- pacity of the abforbent vefiT^ls; hence it flagnates, and choaks up the air conduits; and the theatre of its adion being more confined, of courfe refpira-^ tion muft be more difficult and labbrious," All which divefted of the tranfpofition of words, is the opinion of the prefent writer, promulgated in his Stable Direftqry, '^ that the difeafe originated in a fizey ftate of the blood, which at length becoming vifcid and ftagnant, occafipned obftrudions in the firft inftance, laftly tubercles^ by which refpiration became imperfeft, and one or bpth lobes of the lungs inadequate :o the execution of their office." However literary fpeculators may differ in either opinion pr defcription, no great diverfity of opinion can happen upon the ftibjed of relief; palliatian may be obtained; perfeft mre muft uQt he expeBed. BROOD, — awordalmoft indifcriminately ufed for the young of any fowl. There is, however, a inuch nicer and more fporting-like diftin6lion. To fpeak properly, we fay, a brood of ducks, a clutch of SPORTING DICTIONARY, 91 of chickens, ^Jetting of gulls, a covey of partridgeS| and a nide of pheafants. BROOD MARE — is a mare kept folely for the purpofe of breeding colts, and put to no other ufe whate\^er, BROW ANTLER— the firft branch from the beam in the head of a flag, BUCK — the male of the fallow deer. In his firft year he is calle-d a fawn ; he is then a pricket / and laftly a buck. In colour they are mottled, fandy, or a deep dingy brown, approaching to black. The males have horns; the does none. Buck venifon is very fuperior to doe; and when well fatted, fells from three to four guineas each haunch. The feafon for it in the higheft perfe£i:ioi> is from June to September. Buck hunting — has been of late years but little pradifed, very few of them affording chace enough to render it a matter of much fporting at- tra6;ion ; particularly if bred in a park, whence, from its being fo much aecuftomed to the fight of the human frame, it becomes in fome degree like a kind of domeftic animal. They were much hunted by the late and great (Culloden) Duke of Cumber- land; but with his hounds (called buck hounds) h^ drew for and roufed his outlying deer in Cran* bourne gf SPORTING DICTIONARY. iournc Chace^ near Windsor Great Park. When found in this way, they frequently went away well .acrofs the country, and fometimes afforded tolerable fport. The bucks fted their Ao?'7Z5 (called heads) annually in April or May, which, with the flvins of both bucks and does killed within the year, (if a park is large,) make no inconfiderable perqujfite to the keeper/ BULL DOG.— A bull dog, though inoffenfive and harmlefs when properly domefticated, forms, to the eye of timidity, a moft terrific appearance ; the doubtful and defigning leer of the eye, the tiger-like fhortnefs of the head, the under-hung jaw, the widenefs of the forehead, the width of the fkuU, the diftenfion of the noftrils, and the almoft c'onflant fight of the teeth, hold forth a very em- phatic fpecimen of the power they poffefs, when that power is angrily brought into aftion. The breed is by no means fo numerous as formerly, in confequence of the gradual decline of bullr baiting, and the great number taken abroad, for many of which very great prices were obtained, The natural ferocity, ftrength, and thirft for blood, in this animal, rendered them a formidable nuifance in their unreflrained flate, and they are now feldom feen at their full liberty, either in town or country; the owners, from a proper fear of the law, finding it more prudent to keep them properly confined, J BULL SPORTING DICTIONARV* 93 BULL-BAITING — was formerly not merely a pleafing purfuit, but an extatic diverjion^ of the mod unfeeling, and-leail humane, part of the very loweft, and moft abandoned, orders of the people. To fuch a pitch of prevalence had it arrived in fome particular parts, and was fo much confidered to give additional callolity to the minds of its cruel and incondderate abettors, that the more poliflied and humane claffes of fociety made ftrong and re- peated efforts for its total abolition^ by endeavour- ing to obtain an a6t of the Legiflature for that pur^ pofe; which, however, unluckily failed of the inten- tional effeB; ; for the bill being rejected by a very trilling m^ajority in the Houfe of Commons, it left the fport at the full liberty of every fubj eel to enjoy^^ who is not reftrained by any more humane, fublime and manly fenfations of his own, prompting him to believe it " more honoured in the breach than the obfervance." The towns of Stamford^ in Lin^ colnJJiire^ and Wokingham^ in Berk/hire^ are now, perhaps, the only places of any note where the fport (as it is called) is obftinately perfevered in, or en- tkujiajtically and annually repeated by the clamours of thofe unfeeling advocates for citfio7n^ who, int the language of Shylock, claim '* it as a right, andu will not be deprived of it." The firft bull-bait in this country is fuppofed to have been at Stamford, in the year 1209, in the reign of King John, and at Tutbury, Stafford- fliire. 54 ^i^OllTlNG DiCTIONARt. fhire^ in 1374. The introdu8:ion of it at S(amJ ford was ds follows. '' Williain, Earl Warrerij Lord of this town, {landing upon the walls of the caftle, faw two bulls fighting for a cow in the callle meadow, till all the butchers' dogs purfued one of the bulls (madded with rtoife and multitude) clean through the town. This fight fo pleafed the Earl, that he gave the caftle meadow, where the bull's duel began, for a common to the butchers of the town^ after the firft grafs was mowed, on con- dition that they fhould find a mad bull, the day fix weeks before Chriftmas-day, for the continuance of that fport for ever.'' *' George Staverton, by wilh dated May i^, 1661, gave the whole rent of his dwelling-houfe at Staines, after two lives, to buy a bull annually forever; which bull he gave to the poor of the town of Wokingham, to be there baited, then killed^ and properly divided- the offal, hide, and gift money, to be laid out in fhoes and ftockings to be diftributed among the children of the poor* The alderman and one Staverton (if one of the name Ihould be living in the town) to fee the work done honejlly, that one of the poors* piece did not exceed another in bignefs," Thefe feem to have been the principal donations upon which the praftice was originally founded, and afterwards continued upon the plea of charity for its juftification. To give it a degree of fingu* iarity sporting' dictionary. 9^ iarity in the town of Wokingham, St. Thomas (21ft. Dec.) is the day dedicated to the fport^ and the market^placie the fpot deftined to the facrijice. Let the refleclirtg mind indulge one moment in awful rumination upon the dreadful feene and " note of preparation." On a day when every well informed mind, and duly difpofed heart, muf^ feel inclined to follow the dictates of religious in- culcation ; v/hen a certain imprefTive filence per- vades the whole; when the devout, the aged, and the infirm, await the fignal by which they are fum- moned to receive every comfort and confolation: from clerical benediftion; it muft be to all good hearts a mortifying circumftance, that the very bell -which tolls to bring the moral and religious part of the inhabitants to their duty in the church, is alfo the fignal for bringing a poor, harmlefs, un> offending animal (with his chain) to the Jlake, In- credible it mufl feem to thofe who have never vrit- neffed the cruelty of the fcene, that this very flake is fixed (and called the bull-ring) in the center of the market-place of a market town no more than twelve miles from the feat of Majefly, and thirty only from the metropolis of this great and en- lightened kingdom. Without enlarging much upon the " hellifli pra6lice" of the /port itfelf^ it cannot be inappli- cable to advert one moment to the effeO: a fcene of io g§ SPORtiNC DICTIONARY. fo much infatiate cruelty muft inevitably product upon the growing offspring of the lower claffesj in tov/ns where a cuftom fo generally execrated is fo ihamefully carried on. Previous to the eommence- tnent, " every heart beats high with the coming joy ;'* not a window but is crowded with women and children; not a ftreet, or an avenue, but is crowded with brutes, the very fcum and refufe of fociety from every part of the furrounding country) and then begins a fcene of the moft cruel and in* fernal praftice that ever entered the heart of maUj under the appellation o^ f porting mirth to the mul,* titude. In the church of this town, on Sunday^ the 20th day of December^ (being the day previous to the baiting of the bull,) 1801, a fermon was preached by the Rev. DoQ:or Barry, which fermon is fince publifhed, and where the following palfages may be found* '' Gracious God! benevolent Parent of the univerfe, what a prodigy muft he be in a Chriftian land, who could thus difgrace his nature by fuch gigantic infamy, at which the blood of a heathen, of a very Hottentot, might curdle ! Two ufeful animals, the bull, who propagates our food, and the faithful dog, who protefts our property, to be thus tormented! and for what purpofe? Does it tend, as fome^have faid,* to keep alive the fpirit of * Mr. Windham in the Houfe of Commons* the SPORTING dictionarV, 97 the Englifh chara8:er? In anfwer to this we muft remark, that the barbarous fport (if fport it can be called) was unknown to the ancient bravery of our anceftors; was introduced into this country in the reign of a bad king; and earneftly do I pray to Almighty God, that in the reign of a moft pious and-benevolent Prince, it may he for ever fet ajide! Cowards, of all men the leaft unmoved, can both in- Aid and witnefs cruelties*" " The heroes of a bull-bait, the patrons of ttier* cenary pugilifts, and the champions of a cock-fight, can produce, I fliould think, but few, if any, difciples brought up under their tuitionj who have done fervice to their country either as warriors or as citizens; hut abundant are the teftimonies which have been regiftered at the gallows of her devoted vi6lims, trained up to thc[e pui-fuits o^ bull bait^ ing!!!" Thus much upon its morality: now to a defcrip- tion of its praftice. The bull being chained to the ftake, which chain extends to about fifteen yards in length, and terminates in a very ftrong leather collar paffing round the neck of the bull; and his horns having been previoufly muffled at the points (by the profeffional amateurs) with a compofition of tow^ tallow^ and melted pitchy the ceremony thus commences. Thofe gentlemen beft calculated to appear in the chara6l,er of defperados begin the at* Vol. L H tack 9$ SPORTING DICTIONARY. tack by the mod dreadful noifes of different kinds, bellowings, hootings^ and hijfings^ confifting of a complication horrid beyond defcription. Whilft the abandoned crew of raggamuffins are in this way, with their hats and hiizzaings^ endeavouring to ir- ritate him before^ if the poor animal, partially fub- miffive to his fate, remains unmoved, feeming (in the " mind's eye" of rumination) to fay " I fland here an obje6l more Jinned againft than finning," it roufes the infernal malice of the multitude to a certain degree of indignation, which is inftantly difplayed by the confederates behind, who being moRly provided with fharp-pointed fticks, proceed to thofe pleajing punElures, and provoking twifis of the tail, which roufe him from his ftate of humi- liation to a temporary madnefs; when, in the midft of this horror and confufion, the firjl dog is fud- denly leis loofe: and this, to the treble refined and inexplicable fenfations of a bull-baiter, is the mqfl extatic moment of his life ; his very exiftence is ab- forbed in the magnitude of the concern ; his whole {bul is engaged; the mind or memory is no longer itfelf, and the tormentor is as completely mad as the unfortunate obje6l of his perfecution. The fcene now advances to a ftate of confufion exceeding all humane conception; the howling of the dogs, ftill in hand, anxious and eager to be let loofe; the roaring and dreadful bellowings of the bull, (particularly if pinned by the nofe to the ground ;) SPORTING DICTIONARY, iPS ground;) the dangerous prefTings, and inceffant hollowing and huzzaings of the mob; the galloping tramplings of the enraged animal; all conftitute a fcene from which the thinking mind retreats with horror, and claims a chafm to renew the defcrip- tion. The firft dog, perhaps, inadequate to the wifhes of his adherents, and not being able to fuc- ceed farther than to increafe the rage of the bull, is aflifted by a fecond, which inftantly roufing the viaim at the ftake to an encreafed exertion of rage and felf defence, as evidently increafes the Aor- rid happinefs of the multitude to a degree be- yond all power of imagination, and to which the defcriptive pen muft bow obedience, and acknow* ledge its inability. Should the poor perfecuted animal^ by every ftrenuous effort in its own defence, colled fufficient ftrength to keep its two inveterate foes at bay^ and preferve its noftrils from the blood-thirfty fangs of its opponents, delay does but increafe the determi- nation of thofe previoufly determined; in which cafe refentment is feldom long without a remedy. Stimulated to a greater degree of cruelty by tedious difappointment, a third dog (fhould it be neceffary) is let loofe, as it were by accident^ to affift the other two; when, under fo fevere a weight of accumu^ lated oppreffion, exhaufted nature finks; the poor pitiable obje8: is pinned to the ground by the moft irritable and tender part about him, bleeding and H 2 bellowing 1®0 SPORTING DICTIONARY. bellowing amidft the fhamelefs fhouts of a fhameful viftory, where five hundred greater brutes have brought a leffer to the ground. Not to prolong fo fhocking a defcription beyond the length unavoidably neceffary to its perfe6l com- prehenfion, it muft fuffice to fay, the cruelty is ex- tended by every means that can pofTibly ajfijl the caufe. Prizes are annually advertifed for the bed dogs, thereby inducing the owners to bring them any diflance, not only to increafe and lengthen the fport, but that the ohjeB of mifery may not die too eafy a death ! In the midft of his fufPerings, if the minds of his hellifii tormentors have not been fuf- ficiently fatiated with repetitions of what has paft, collateral aids are called in to roufe his powers (al- ready by an unwearied fcene of perfecution lulled to an apathy) of defence and refentment once more into aftion. Inftances are common where fires have been made under the very body of the bull, when too much worn down, and exhaufled by the jerks of the -chain, longer to. exert himfelf ; pa- tiently he (lands, with the blood ftreaming from his noftrils, totally infenfible to the twiftings of his taii^ even to diflocation, the continued goring with flicks pointed with nails, and a long lift of experi- ments equally to be abhorred, only tend to ftrengthen, moft incontrovertibly, the dreadful ef- fect fuch fcenes (exultingly enjoyed) muft have upon the rifing generation, whofe minds muft, by a familiarity SPORTING DICTIONARY. lOJ a familiarity with the frequency of the fcene, be rendered totally callous to every fenfation of ten- dernefs and humanity, even in the very hour of in- fantine infatuation. BULL RUNNING— is a purfuit of the bull in a way no lefs cruel and difgraceful to the humanity of this enlightened country than what has been be- fore defcribed. By cuftom in the manor of Tut- bury, in StafFordfliire, as mentioned at almofl the head of the lad article, a bull was given by the prior to the minftrels. After undergoing the tor- ture of having his horns cut off, his ears and tail cropped and docked to the very ftump. his noftrils filled with pepper, and his body befmeared with foap, he was turned out in fuch a pitiable Hate to be hunted, (this was called bull running;) and when taken, or held long enough to pull off fome of his hair^ he was then faftened to the ftake, and baited. To the great honour, however, of the Duke of Devonfhire, (Steward of Tutbury,) and not lefs fo of the people who petitioned againft it, the bull RUNNING at Tutbury was entirely aboliflied in the year 177B. BURROWS, — are the holes or cavities in the earth of a rabbit warren, where they bring and breed up their young, as well as where they in- ftantly retire to for fafety, upon the approach of danger. H 3 CADE lOS SPORTING DICTIONARY* C. CADE — was a borfe of the beft bloody fpeed^ and lottom^ ever bred in the kingdom. He was foaled in 1734; got by the Godolphin Arabian; dam (Roxana) by the Bald Galloway. He beat moft horfes of his time, and was afterwards, as a stal- lion, the fire of Changeling, Matchem, Young Cade, Mercury, Merryman, Cadormus, Bold, Bywell Tom, Victim, Turpin, and a long lift of et ccetera's ; through the channels of whofe different progenies his blood is to be found in almoft every ftud of celebrity from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. CADENCE,— divefted of its mere technical idea in the manege, is, in horfemanfliip, what time is in micjic^ uniformity in manners, or confiftency in conduft: a horfe complete in his cadence^ is to be confidered perfe8: in his a8ion, CALKING, or Corking^— \s the proje6ling part erroneoufly formed at the heels of horfe-fhoes in general, particularly in frofiy weather; at which time their utility may be admitted, and, in fad, cannot be done without^ where horfes are in frequent ufe. Thefe calkings, however, cannot be juftified upon any fcientific principle whatever^ without chance SPORTING DICTIONARY. 103 chance of accident to the rider, and of lamenefs to the horfe; for upon level ground the horfe cannot move but in a diftorted motion; and if the promi- nence in the fhoe comes into immediate contact with a rolling-ftone, or a proje8ing part in the pavement, ligamentary lamenefs probably enfues* If it is found neceffary to bring them into ufe at all, even in frojly weather^ both heels fhould be equally raifed, as there will be much lefs danger in a double than a fingle calking. CALOMEL — is a medical article, well known by this name as the mildeft preparation of mercury : it is in general ufe in private praQice, and a certain fpecific for the obliteration of zvorms in horses, when added in proper proportions to the ingredients for purging-balls, C AMPHIRE — is a vegetable concrete, unftuous to the touch, with a fragrant fmell, fomewhat like that of rofemary, and a bitter pungent tafte, accompa- nied with a fenfe of coolnefs on the tongue. It is volatile, like eilential oils, but without their acri- mony: it burns in water; it receives no empyreu- raatic impreffions; nor does it fuffer any refolution from any degree of fire, to which it can be expofed in clofe veifels, though readily combuftible in the open air. Camphire is known to be good, if, when it is put upon hot bread, it becomes moift; if dry, it is bad. It Ihould be kept in a glafs ftopper H 4 bottle, 104- . SPORTING DICTIONARY. bottle, or clofe tied in a bladder, not more to pre- vent it from lofing its property, than to prevent the lofs of the whole by exhalation. Ufed as a me- dicine, internally or externally, it has a narcotic efFeO;, and greatly diminifhes the irritability of the fyftem; as an external, it is fingularly ufeful, par- ticularly in weaknefs, rheumatic pains, or fpafmo- die afFeftions, CAMPHORATED SPIRITS— is a prefcrip^ tion {landing in the Difpenfatory of the London College of Phylicians, and is thus prepared. *' Take of camphor two ounces; rcQified fpirit of wine, one quart; fhake frequently till the camphor is diffolved/' It is a very ufeful embrocation in flight ftrains, as well as to prevent the breaking of chilblains in the winter feafon. CAMOMILE.r-^The flowers are fo ufeful in fomentations, that no good fportfman in the coun^ try fhould ever be without them in the houfe. CANKER, — a difeafed ftatc of the foot of a horfe, originating in a negle61ed thrufli, which having acquired a corroflve property by its reten- tion, continues to rot and deftroy the furrounding parts, till, by a judicious feparation of the fungus from the found parts, frefh granulations may be promoted, and the cure confirmed. CANKER SPORTING DICTIONARY. ] 0.> CANKER — in the ear of a dog, is moflly occa- fioned by injury from bufhes in beating or hunting covert, and might be eafily cured at firft with a little Friar's balfam, or tin6ture of myrrh: this being omitted, a rigid efchar forms upon the fur- face, when which is feparated by accident (as it re- peatedly is) it leaves the wound larger than before. A very flight touch with the butter of antimony^ is the fureft and beft mode of deftroying the founda- tion of inveteracy, and healing the wound. CANKER — in the mouth of a horfe, invariably proceeds from an injury fuftained from fevere and improper jerks of the bridle by the paflion and pe- tulance of the rider: in the feat of the wound or laceration, is formed a fort of infenfible flough, which either a little burnt alum, or borax powdered fine, and fprinkled upon the furface, will foon fepa- rate, and bring away : the part will afterwards pro- niote its own cure. CANTH ARIDES.— Spanifli flies, the principal ingredient in every compofition prepared for the purpofe of bliflering; fome of which are in the form of ointments; others, lefs powerful, are ap- plied as liquids, and called liquid blifters. CAPARISON — is moflly ufed as a military term, appertaining to cavalry regiments, and ap- plicable to the apparatus of every individual; the faddle^ 106 SPORTING DICTIONARY. faddle, bridle, houfings, holders, and trappings, of every diftinftion. CALF — is the male produce of the Jlag and hind : they are the largell of the fpecies in England, and known in the aggregate by the general appel- lation of RED deer; thefe are moftly the natives of forefts and chaces, (as Windfor and the New Forefts, Sherwood, Enfield Chace, Szc) in contra- diftinftion to fallow deer^ bred in parks, and called BUCK and doe; their produce a fawn. CALLS — are inftruments for imitating the call of partridges and quails; fome of which are fo ad- mirably executed, that, with thofe who are adepts in the execution of the plan, and the management of the nets, it becomes a pleafing, if not a profita- ble, amufement, CAPON; — a young cock diveRed of his tefles (by incifion and feparation) fo foon as he is large enough for the operation : the befl time is at about three or four months old. The only ufeful intent is to acquire additional fize and growth, as capons are frequently killed of feven, eight, and even nine pounds weight, CARP — are efteemed one of the richeft frefh water fifh we have in the kingdom: they are the j^rincipai flock of park canals and manor ponds, to SPOHTIN'G DICTIONARY. 107 to the owners of which they afford confiderable profit; particularly near populous cities, where they can be difpofed of to advantage at the feafon ■when fuch ponds are drawn, and new ftockcd wqth ftores. Much fuccefs depends upon the nature of the foil where the pond is fituate: if in a foft mar- ley kind of earth, or warm clay, impregnated with hazel earth, and a muddy bottom, they thrive beyond expeBation; but upon a dead, blacky moory gravel, or a flinty, chalky bottom, they are fleril beyond defcription, in both growth and propagation. They are a fifh fo exceedingly fhy, (or fo exceedingly cunning,) that they afford very little fuccefs to the angler, who ought to be one of the mofi; patient adventurers that ever embarked in fporting fpeculation. They are but little found in running dreams or rivers, notwithflanding very large quantities of fmall liores are conftantly thrown in from the refervoirs and breeding ponds of gen- tlemen living in the vicinity of fuch rivers, not more to get rid of their own fuperflux, than to promote a friendly fupply for the accommodation of their neighbours. In large ponds, w^ell flocked, the poachers are never deficient in means of pro-* curing themfelves ajliare: this they efFe8: by form- ing a paflc of crumbled bread, flour, and treacle, to which they add fome of the coculus indicus (an Indian berry) in powder: this being well incorpo* rated, and thrown into the pond in various parts, ^bout the fi^e of common baits, in the latter part of lOS SPORTING DICTIONARY. x>f the evening, the fifti will be found at daylight in the morning floating upon the fur face in a ftate of ftupefatlion, when they are taken out with the hand clofe to the bank without the leaft difficulty. This is a bufinefs carried on to a wonderful extent for thirty and forty miles round London, in which circle the /ji^^^m o^ fupply is as regularly conduced as the firft commercial concern in the metropolis; as will be feen when we come to a more minute defcription of the art under the head Poaching. CARMINATIVES— are all fuch warm aro- matic feeds or medicines as expel wind, amongft which may be juftly ranked moft of the fpices; likewife anifeed, carraways, cardamoms, ginger, grains of paradife, &c. They are excellent aids in the flatulent diforders of horfes; but fliould not, if poflible, have been too long in theJJiop^ as fome of them lofe their property by long keep- ing. CARROTS — are, after the fair experiments of late years, become an article of very confiderable confumption, as a collateral kind of food for the fupport of horfes employed in agriculture. The moft candid attention, and minute obfervation, at length admits, that horfes having a proportion of carrots, waftied, cleaned, dried, and cut either alone, or mixed with the barn chafl', do their work as well, look as firm in their ftefti, and fine in their coal> SPORTING DICTIONARY. 105 coat, as thofe who are kept upon corn, chaff, and hay. Although their utility in this way cannot be denied, yet it muft be remembered, they are not Tufficiently nutritious for horfes in hard or expedi- tious work upon the public and polling roads; they require a more firm, fubftantial fupport: for horfes in eafy, flow, and moderate work, they anfwer well, incorporated with other articles; or even alone, in fmall quantities; but if given too largely^ they attenuate the blood, and impoverifh the frame. CART HORSES.— The horfes fo called are principally the horfes employed in drawing farmers'* waggons, carts, and the plough; as well as the infi- nity employed with waggons upon the turnpike road, in the conveyance of articles in trade froin one part of the kingdom to another. The in-: credible number fupported in the metropolis, and its environs, by the merchants, breweries, coal merchants, carmen, and the proprietors of wharfs, exceed the utmofl: conception of thofe not ac- cuflomed to fuch profpe6ls, or to fuch calculations. Of cart horfes this kingdom has to boaft different kinds, and thofe kinds are moft judicioufly appro- priated to the different work, and different coun- tries, for which they feem to be more particularly or individually adapted. Great pains have been taken, and no expence fpared, to improve this pe- culiar and moft ufeful breed of horfes to the utmofl pofTible 110 SPORTING DICTIONARY, pollible pitch of perfe6lion. The forts moftly in ufe, are the large heavy blacks, for which Leicefter- fhire, Lincolnfhire, and the midland counties, are the moft remarkable; the little ftout, uniform punches from Suffolk; and fome of the ftrong, hardy Jlurdies from Clydefdale, in North Britain. The former of the three forts, v/hen well fhaped, and uniform, conftitute as perfect beauties to the contemplative eye of the patriotic agriculturift, as the bed bred blood horfes can poffibly do to the moft enthufiaftic admirer of the turf. From thefe midland blacks of the largeft fize, ftrength, and uniformity, are feleded all the capital ftock of the moft opulent firms and manufaftories in and round the metropolis. Thofe one degree inferior in height, ftrength, uniformity, and price, conftitute the hell teams of the farmers in Berkshire, Hants, and Wilts; at the principal market towns of which, as Readings Wallingfo7-d, Abingdon^ Bafingjloke^ Alton^ Alresford^ Wuichejler^ &c. may be feen fome of the ftrongeft, handfomeft and fineft teams of draft horfes in the kingdom without exception. The Suffolk punches are a confiderably coarfer kind of horfe, lefs uniform in fhape, and lefs con- ftant in colour; they run greatly into a mealy chef- nut, or roan forrel, having moftly a blaze in the face, with a white mane and tail; they are very ftaunch to their work, and the hardieft, perhaps, of any horfe brought into ufe. Thefe qualifica- Z lions STORTING DICTIONARY. Ill tions deftine them to the pofTeflion of fmall far- mers, having the leaft money, and, in general, to countries having the leaft keep. By the account of a previous writer, they are entitled to a more pre-eminent (ituation. He fays, " they are nimble walkers and trotters : they have ever proved them- lelves the trueft and beft drawers in the world, as well as the hardieft and moft ufeful cart and plough horfes. Their nimblenefs, it fliould feem, is owing to their moderate fize; and their immenfe powers in lifting weight, to the fame caufe, combined with the low pofition of the fhoulder, which occafions weight to be afted upon in a juft and horizontal direction. Their fuperiority over all other horfes, at drawing dead pulls, is, no doubt, in fome mea- fure owing to early training, as in no county is fuch pride taken in teaching horfes to draw; and it is well known, that a team of Suffolk horfes, the fignal being given, will all down upon their lyiees, and leave nothing behind them, that is within the power of flefh and blood to draw away." Of the Clydefdale or Scotch horfes it it faid, ^* they are probably as good and ufeful a draft horfe as any we are poffeffed of; larger than the Suffolk punches, being from fifteen to fixteen hands and a half high; ftrong, hardy, and remarkable true pullers; a reftive horfe being rarely found amongfl them. In iliape, plain made about the head, fides, and hind legs; moflly grey or brown; faid to have been 112 SPORTING DICTIONARY. been produced from the common Scotch mare and Flanders horfes, a hundred years ago." The fame writer alfo recommends " the mixing a little racing blood with the cart flock; enlarging alfo upon the wonderful exertions in carting bufinef? upon the road by the Cleveland bays, a fort of coach horfes. Al- though bred horfes are, of all others, the moft flug- gifh; yet it is well known, that a crofs of their blood gives fpirit and a61ivity to the heavier kind of horfes." CASTING NET.— In a half extended form, (when in part fufpended from the ground, and red- ing on the leads fixed to its bottom,) it refembles a bell in its fliape; but when caft in the water ^ or fpread on the ground, it conftitutes a complete circle. They are made of different dimenfions; and fo conflru6led, as to be completely grafped by the right and left hand, having the centre of the net fpread over the left fhoulder; when, by a fud- den exertion, (in which there mufl be great expert- nefs,) the net is fo cafl as to fall upon the water in its utmojl circular extent; where finking with all pofTible expedition, by the weight of the lead affixed to its edges, which now becoming the bot- tom, inclofes within it all the fifh in the fpace fo covered, and from whence no one can efcape. To the centre of the net is fixed a line of ten or twelve feet long, which line, in throwing (or cafting) the net, is of courfe extended, the extremity being pre- vioufly faftened to the wrifl: when the leads have reached SPORTING DICTIONARY. 115 reached the bottom of the water, and reft on the ground, the fifli rife into the bell part of the net; then the perfon having the line in hand begins to draw the net gently to land; in doing which, the edges approach each other at bottom, where there are tucks to receive the fifh; and thofe, particularly roach^ perch^ and gudgeons^ are fometimes caught in great abundance. The perfon calling the net fbould ufe a. round frock, or a jacket without but- tons; for want of ufing which precaution, many a fportfman of this defcription has received a com- plete and dangerous ducking, to which he did not feem to think himfelf fully entitled. CASTING THE Hair; — an alm.oft obfolete (or provincial) term for a horfe's fhedding his coat. CASTRATION— is the lofs of the tefticles by extirpation, which requires a very nice eye, and Heady hand, in the operator: for, although it has, in general, been performed by Vulcanians of the inferior order, who are ftrangers to the delicate {lru61ure and formation of the parts, yet it is now to be anxioufly hoped, we are faft emerging from former ignorance, and that we fliall become as ex- pert and dexterous in this art (if not fo famous) as the Italians, There are two modes of operation ; one of thofe not of long ftanding: the original manner of operating was by firft cafling the horfe upon a bed of ftraw, properly prepared for the Vol, I. I purpofe; 114. SPORTING DienONARY, purpofe; then fecuring the teftes by bandage, an lag'' match, (or battle;) which is no more (the bat- tle money having been previoufly agreed on) than " turning the cock out at the bag's mouth" in the pit, to meet his opponent, without ever haying been brought to the fcale, or the weight of his adverfary ^fcertainedv In SPORTING DICTIONARY. 137 In weighing the cocks, and making the match-r bill, it is an invariable rule to begin with the lightefl pair, who are to hghijir/l^ and fo continue accord^ ing to their weight upwards; fuch fuccelfive pair being heavier than the former, fo that the heavieft pair of cocks is fought the laft. Various fums be^ ing betted upon a match (or main) foon after it is made, it may not be inapplicable to obferve, that thofe who lay the odds in any proportion, 2isjive to. four^Jix lofour^ two to one, (or whatever odds may be laid,) either upon the main or a Jingle battle, is always entitled to the privilege of choojing his Jide^ although it may not be mentioned; and this right he is poffeffed of in confequence of laying the odds, COCKPIT,— ^a place appropriated entirely to the purpofe of cock-fighting, for which it is erefted; it is ufually of an oblong or circular form, furrounded with feats, to which the fpeQators pay for admiffion; and in great mains, or fubfcription matches, the feeders generally agree with the maf- ters of the match to receive the whole of this door money, (equally divided between them,) as their compenfation for the fortnight or three weeks they are engaged in feeding the cocks. COCKPIT ROYAL.— The cockpit royal is confidered fanclion fufficient for the diverfion of cocK-FIGHTI^'G in every part of the kingdom. It is 138 SPORTIXG DICTIONARY. is fituate on the foiuh fide of St. James's Park, from which it has its entrance, and was ereded in the reign of King Charles the Second, who, having been himfelf fond of the fport, is faid to have fre- quently honoured it with his prefence, when matches were made and fought amongft his nobles. It is the only place where long mains^ and great sub- scription MATCHES, are fought in the Metropolis; fome of which are for confiderable funis between opulent individuals, who procure their cocks from different parts of the country; and others (particu- larly the fubfcription matches) by many members on each fide, who breed their cocks in diftant coun- ties, but fight them only in town; of which defcrip- tion many matches are annually fought during all the fpring months, when both stags and cocks are in the fined feather and highefl perfection. The cockpit is circular, and completely fur- rounded with feats fix tier deep; exclufive of a rail, with (landing room all round the fummit of the uppcrmoft feat; forming, in the whole, a perfe8: amphitheatre. The centrical circle upon which the cocks fight is a raifed mound of earth, (furrounded with boarding,) about twenty feet in diameter, and fhould, according to the technical term o^xh^fpoyt^ be covered with a fine green turf, denominated/oi; in conformity w^ith the general acceptation of the word in the fporting world, where by " the fed'' is implied cocking. By " the turf racing is equally underllood. SPORTING DICTIONARY. 139 underftood. In all mains or matches fought in the country parts of the kingdom, cocks invariably fight upon the fod; but as it is an article difficult to obtain in the Metropolis, and would be inconveni- ent and inapplicable during hard frojly weather, when many matches are fought, matting upon the furface is fubftituted in its (lead. On each fide the circular mound, at its extremity, and exatlly oppofite to each other, are two fmali feats for iht fetter s-to ; who retire to thofe feats du- ring long fighting, or when ordered by the betters and fpeftators {o to do. Direftly over the centre is fufpended from the dome, by a chain, a very large circular branch, containing a great number of candles, affording a profufion of light; for nearly all the matches fought here are very unnaturally decided by nighty the company going to pit at fix o'clock in the evening. At the hour previoufly agreed on, the hags con- taining the cocks are brought into the pit by the FEEDERS, or who cvcr they may appoint: they are there received by perfons called the Jetters-to^ whofe qualifications depend upon a quick eyc^ a light hand^ and agile heel; without the whole of which, celebrity can never be acquired in their w^ay. The cocks being taken from the bags, are mofl fcrupuloufly compared in feather and marks with the original defcription entered in the match- bill 140 SPORTING DICTIOxN'ARY. bill on the day of weighing; if there fliould prove the mod trifling deviation from which, a miftake unlfid or accidental is fuppofed to have taken place, and no progrefs whatever is made in fightings till it is completely rectified, and the caufe done away. This fcrutiny is ferioufly critical, and made by the FEEDERS, who attend minutely to the match-bill and marks of each other's cocks; which ceremony gone through, and admitted to be right, the feeders retire from the centre of the pit, becoming fpecla- tors; and the fttters-to are then the fole poffeffors with the cocks in hand. In this ftate they are fhewn to each other " beak to beak;'' and if they ^' fhow fight," they are (for form's fake in the firft battle only) given into the hands of the makers (called mafters) of the match, who are fituate in the loweft circular feat oppofite to each other, and they giving the cocks a fet-to tofs upon the mat, the battle begins amidll clamours indefcribable, and offers of bets innumerable, according to the pecu- niary fenfations, opinions and predictions of the different parties interefted in the event, conftituting a fcene very far beyond the power of defcription, and which mufl be feen to be perfectly underftood. Bettings now take place of every kind, as well upon the battle then fighting, as upon the main (meaning the odd battle) of the firft three^ the firft fivc^ Sec, Bets made upon the " long main," imply the winner of the match at its termination, 1 in SPORTING DICTIONARY. 141 in contra-diflinclion to betting upon the main of three^ o^ Jive, or o[ feven battles, which are very frequently made. Sometimes the cocks on one fide are rather greater favourites than on the other, from an idea of their being better blood, better fed, or in finer condition; in this cafe, there are offers of, " a ffiilling," — " eighteen-pence," — and not unfreqiientiy even " half a crown for a guinea;'* the meaning of which is, the perfon fo offeriRgj is willing to give you either of the fums men- tioned, to bet him a guinea upon the battle, he taking his choice for buying the bd. The perfon receiving the half-crown to bet a guinea, ftands pre- cifely thus; if his cock is fuccefsful, he is the win- ner of one pound, three fliiilings and fixpence; on the contrary, he can be a lofer of only eighteen Ihillings and fixpence, having previoufly received half a crown from his adverfary toward the guinea he has got to pay; a recolleftion of this advantage is equally neceffary in proportional betting of greater magnitude, as fometimes half a guinea is offered for five pounds, or a guinea for ten. Perfons taking thefe bets, whether for large or fmall fums, fhould, if the odds in fighting come to two or three to one in favor of the cock they have backed, immediately take fuch odds, which is called " hedging," (alluding to a fence for the bet,} and the party then flands the chance of vjinnin^ a certain number of pounds to the lofinix of nothins: ! This 142 SPORTING DICTIONARY.- This is the only mode by which money can be made in a cockpit, and what the profejfional amateurs are always prompted by prudence to do; as it is a very common thing, during a battle, for the odds to vary, till three^ four^ ox jive to one are betted upon each cock: a perfon taking the five to one each way, will confequently derive an advantage oljour guineas from either cock, let which ever will win^ There are never wanting perfons in a pit who are attached to the cocks on one fide or the other; thefe are always ready to offer bets of ten^ eleven^ and twelve iofour^ that the oppofite party "does not win two battles running :" If the cocks on that fide are healthy, properly fed, and in equal condition, with thofe in the other pens, thefe are not bad bets to take. As for inftance; A bets B twelve half guineas to four, that Charles Walter (the feeder) does not win two battles 7^unning : it happens he wins the j^r/?, (which is no. more or lefs than even betting he does ;) then B prudently backs the op- pofite party for two guineas ihtfecond battle of the two, and of courfe (lands the winning of /our guineas to the iofing of nothing. In a cockpit, the faculties of every man, who fports his money, muft be feelingly alive, to ef- cape the mod villainous depredations. The family^ who exifl only by the mod abandoned and unprinci- pled fcenes of infamy, are always prepared to deny their hcis zuhen they lofe. particularly with noviciates; and SPORTING DICTIONARY, 143 and with this advantage, they are always fupportcd by gmtkmtn of their own party on each fide of them, ready io fwear^ " he had no bet with you;" but if he zuins^ he demands his money of you, and receives it; confequently, in the difference of receiving and not payings he has ten to one the ad- vantage of a YOUNG ADVENTURER, particularly as you cannot call for " cover," in the ten thoufand clamours, and Babel-like building, of a cockpit. At the termination of every battle, the betters leave their feats to adjuft, pay and receive the winnings and lofmgs dependent upon the battle juft decided ; it being a regular point, that the wi7iner makes ap- plication to the better who has lojl ; and no dif- grace is annexed to the charafter of the latter by his omitting to follow the former, it being fufficient to pay the bet when demanded. There are certain rules and laws of cuftom to be obferved in fighting; the moft material of which it is neceffary to explain. When once the cocks are pitted, neither of the setters-to have the privilege to touch or handle his cock, fo long as they continue to fight, unlefs their weapons hang in the mat, they are entangled with each other, are got too clofe to the edge of the pit, or have left off fighting while the umpire or law-teller can count forty; when, in either of thofe cafes, each frtter-to indantly handles his cock, bringing them beak to leak in the middle of the pit: if one cock has re- 3 fufed 144' SPORTING DICTIONARY.' fufed to fight while the telling forty took place, bis adverfary, who made the laft fight, with either heel or heak^ is faid to have the firft law in his fa- vour. When brought beak to beak, and fet on their legs, if the cock who did not fight while the forty was tellings continues to decline fighting, the fetter-to of his adverfary (or umpire, if there is one) proceeds to tell ten; which being done, they are again handed, and brought htak to beak; if the fame cock continues flill unwilling or unable to fight, the ceremony of telling ten, and bringing leak to heak^ at the conclufion of every ten, takes place, till it has been repeated ten different times^ when the cock fo refufing to fight has loft his bat- tle. But fliould he fight during any part of the law, (even in telling the laft ten,) what has been told is of no eiTeft, and the firft ten muft be be- gun again, whenever a fight is renewed. Inftances fometimes happen, when the cock who has the long laio in his favour, retreats from the cock feemingly beaten, and in his turn has the law going on againft him; fo that the cock who fights laft has the law in his favour, till one fide or other is counted out. If, during a battle, (either by long fighting or a cut down blow,) any perfon offers to bet ten pounds to a croxvn^ or throws his hat^ glove, or handkerchief into the pit, which is the fame thing, and fo under- ftood, though not a word is fpoken, the teller im- mediately begins to tell forty in a deliberate man-' ner, sportinC dictionary. 145 ner, which being done, he proclaims, " ten pounds to a crown is betted; will any body take it? will any body take it?" No reply being made, the battle is won by the cock upon whom the odds were offered. On the contrary, fhould the bet be accepted in words, or a handkerchief, hat^ or glove, be thrown into the pit, during the time of fo telling the forty ^ it is an acceptance of the ten 'pounds to a crown offered, and the cocks are inftantly handed beak to beak in confequence. If a cock, having the law in his favour, dit^ before the long law is told out^ his adverfary wins the battle, although he did not fight within the law; for there cannot be a greater criterion of victory, than having killed his opponent. When the cocks are firft fliewn in the hands of the fetters-to, and either refufes to/ace^ that is, to fight, it is deemed oio battle^ upon the equitable principle, that no man can lofe where he has no chance to win. There are frequently difputes be- tween the fetters-to refpeciing which cock is in for the law in his favour, during the changes which fometiines happen by the various changes in fetting- to during the long lazv ; as well as difputes amongft the fpe8:ators concerning bets made, and mifunder- ftandings during the heat of battle ; to prevent liti- gation, and long-flanding animofity, it is an invari- able rule, that all difputes are to be decided by a majority of the pit; but in all pecuniary alterca- VoL. I, L tions. 145 SPORTING DICTIONARY. tions, both parties depofit their money before tKe quejlion is ajked^ in proof of their readinefs to ac- ' quiefce in the decifion when made. Perfons ma- king bets in a pit, which they were afterwards un- able or unwilling to pay, were formerly drawn up in a bafket by pullies, and fufpended during the flay ; that ceremony, however, is now nearly dif- penfed with, the aggreffor being inftantly turned out of the pit, with a variety of cuffs and kicks plentifully beftowed upon him in the gauntlet of his efcape. COCK'S WALK — is the place to w-hich a game chick is removed, from the place where he was bred, (and where he walked under his fire^) to the fpot where he is to remain till taken up to fight; this is called his walk^ of which he is the mafter, not walk- ing under any other cock. They are commonly fent out to walk at fix or feven months old, previ- ous to which they have their combs and gills taken off, and are marked in the eyes^ noj-rilSj 2ind/eet, At this age they are called chickens; when turned of a year old, they are icxmtd Jlags ; and at two years old, COCKS, COFFIN-BONE.— This bone is fituate at the lower extremity of the foot, depofited in the mem- branpus mafs with which the box (or coffin) of the hoof is lined, and is in nearly the fliape of the hoof itfelf : in the centre of the coffin-bone is a concavity, into SPORTIN'G DICTIONARY. 147' into which is infcrted the inferior part of the coro- nary bone^ fupported by the nut bone behind: upon the fuperior part of the coronary bone (that is jufl above the line faid to be " between hair and hoof ) is lodged the lower part of the fetlock bone, its up- per part articulating with the fetlock joint. In- juries are very frequently fuflained by holes m the road, or cavities in the pavement, into which a part, or the whole, of the foot getting, ligamentary twifts or diftortions happen to the lower joints. Too much pains cannot be taken in accurately af- certaining the exa8: feat of lamenefs, particularly in thefe parts, as a great number of horfes are an- nually blijlered zn^ fired by much too haflilvj and upon parts where no lamenefs has ever been. COFFIN-JOINT,— the joint fituate below the fetlock, and juft above the union of hair arid hoof; this is the part univerfally known by the term cojin- joint; but, in facl, it is not in reality fo; for this being formed by the upper part of the coronet with the lower part of the fetlock-bone, leaves the whole coronary bone between the fpot defcribed and the coffin-bone. The coffin-joint is buried in the body of the hoof, and is formed by the convex junftion of the coronary bone with the concave part of the coffin-bone, as explained in the article preceding. • COLD.—- AcoLD is evidently occafionedby fome fudden tranfuion from heat tb cold, a long expofure L 2 to 148 S?ORTIN(5 DICTIONARY. to chilling rains, or a confined current of external air, through Tome partial or particular channel; it may be defined dif pedes of difeafe derived from fome one peculiar caufe, to which there may be many probable points of termination, according to the conftitution, or pre-difpofition of the fubjecl at the time of attack. Cold is much more likely to be acquired in a horfe by negle6l or indifcretion, than by the effe6l of chance: it is certainly prevented with more eafe than it can be cured; and thofe who ride or drive their cxvn horfes, have this in conftant recolleftion; thofe who ride or drive the horfes of others^ have feldom any fuch recolleftion at all. Horses are hardly ever known to get colds under the eye of the MASTER, but unluckily he cannot be employed in the eternal fuperintendance of afervant^ nor can he carry the horfe in his pocket. Colds unattended to upon the firil attack, not un frequently degenerate to fomething worfe, difplaying its progreffive viru- lence upon the eyes, the lungs, or in glandular tu- mefactions. Colds (in general thought very little of) cannot have their probable tendencies too foon countera8:ed, particularly when it is remembered, that if the blood is previouily in a flate of fizey vifcidity, an inflammation of the lungs may very fpeedily follow, and carry off the patient in two or three days, in oppofition to every medical endea- vour that can be made to prevent it, A COUGH SPORTING DICTIONARY. 149 A COUGH is generally one of the firfl and moft diftinguifhed fymptoms of cold; for the collapfion of the porous fyflem having thrown the perfpirative matter upon the blood, its circulation through the finer vefTels of the lungs becomes proportionally retarded, and conftitutes the obftruaion and con-^ fequent irritation (or tickliiig) which almoft incef, fantly excites the cough; to relieve which, all wri- ters agree, that bleeding is the firft ftep to be taken; this to be followed by cordial balls, malt mafhes, thin gruel, &c. &c. the particulars of which may be found fully explained in the " Gentleman's Stable Diredory," or'' Compendium of Farriery," by the prefent Author. COLOUR.— Strange notions have formerly prevailed, and much hypothetical writing and rea- foning have been equally produced, to collea fuf- ficient criterions to decide upon, for a proof that the ftrengih and conftitutional ftamen of the horfe depended as much or more upon his colour than his formation. Sound judgment, and rational reflec- tion, would, however, induce a well-founded rea- fon to believe, there is more of fancy or fallacy in fuch fuggeftion; and that the old maxim ftill ftands upon firm ground, " a good horfe can't be of a had' colour." The bright and the dark hay, the jet hlack, the ^hejnuts^ the hrowns^ and the dappled greys, . are ^" 3 each 150 SPORTING DICTIONARY. each proportic)nally beautiful when in fine condi- tion; and are held preferable in pecuniary eftima^ tion to the forrel^ the dun^ the roan, the flea-bitten^ thtjirawberry, and the nutmeg or iron-grey. There is a prevalent idea amongft people of a certain clafs, that many of the latter defcription are very much inferior in fpirited exertion, lefs calculated for hard work, not fuch good feeders under fatigue, that they feel the efFed of age fooner, that their powers do not continue fo long unimpaired, that they are more fufceptible of difeafe, and, laftly, that they are fliorter lived, than thofe called the hardy colours, firft mentioned. That there will al- ways be a variety of opinions in mere matter of conje6lure cannot be denied, any more than that the framers and fupporters of thofe opinions will magnify 7nole hills to mountains in defence of their own fagacity; notwithflanding which, it muft be admitted, that variety of inferences might be drawn to juftify a conclufion, that many of thofe obferva- tions may have the bafis of truth for their founda- tion, if this was the place proper for fuch elucidation. Whatever may be the colour of the horfe, it is a praftice with old fportfmen, and good judges, to rejea white heels^ and white hoofs, if they can be avoided: experience has proved, beyond all fear of contradiction, that white heels are more tender, and white hoofs more fubjeB: to deJtBs^ and fufceptible of injury, in thrujlics^ corns.^ d.n& fand-. crack i^ SPORTING DICTIONARY, 151 crach^ than any other; and none more fo, than ligrht chefnuts with blazes and white heels : the hoofs are frequently fhelly, brittle, narrow at the heel, difeafed in the frog, and contraQed in the feet. Prudence fhould prompt every man (in a new purchafe) to pay fome refpe8: to the lower as well as the upper ftory; it being evidently more advantageous to reJleBj in time^ than to repent at leifure. COLLEGE VETERINARY, — an equeftrian eftablifhment for the improvement of farriery : it is fituate about a mile north-eaft of Tottenham- Court Road, at Camden Town, in the parifh of St. Pancras, and will be explained more at large under the head. Veterinary College. COLT, — in the general fenfe, and immediate acceptation of the term, implies a produce from Horse and Mare, without adverting for the mo- ment to either the mafculine or iht feminine gender ; but in a more contracted point of view, (as well as in juil and fporting-like phrafeology,) it is nieant to convey an unequivocal idea, that the produce being a colt, is really fo, (that is a horfe coUj) in contra-diftinftion to the oppofite gender, invariably called ajilly. The bone and growth of a coit de- pends greatly upon two circumftances ; the firft, his being foaled late or early; that is, eai'ly in April^ or late in June} as w^ell as the difference of L ^ his 152 SPORTING DICTIONARY. bis being weaned in November or March. Although it is admitted that colts (in the firft year termed foals) running wjth the dam during the winter, will afford greater probability of fize, bone, and flrength, yet it is not at all times it can be com- plied with, unlefs in ftuds, where hrood mares are kept for that purpofe only, and are left fallow (imcovered) for the feafon. When a mare has been covered with a foal at her foot, and is evident- ly in foal again, it ftiould be an invariable rule to wean the foal in OQ:ober or November, upon tjie palpable impoflibility of giving fuck to the one, without an impoverifliment of the other. Whether the colt is, or is not, weaned in either of thofe months, he fhould be well kept, and have daily fupplies of corn and hay, as well as proper Jlahle^ JJied^ oxjlielter from the inclemency of the winter feafon. Upon the liberal keep of the twq fivft winters, his fize, growth, ftrength, and bone, en- tirely depend, and mufl be particularly attended to, left repentance come too late; for it muft be held in remembrance, that if a colt is frnall at two years old, from having been [tinted in keep^ there is not one in a hundred ever attains to good fize, by any additional exertions or expence, after the natural efforts for expanfion have been fo long re- tarded. As COLTS of any defcription (except for the turf) are feldom taken in hand, at leaft offered for falcj k^ ':^ >^ \^- sN 1^ '^ *^ 'it t- ^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. 155 fale, or brought into work, till they are three years old^ it is totally unnecefTary to go into a minute defcription of their ace by the teeth pevious to that period. Suffice it, therefore, to obferve, the twelve teeth in the front of the mouth are, fron^ their original appearance, called colt's teeth, and fo continue to be, till difpoireffed, and followed by others which we proceed to defcribe : and that a matter of fuch neceflary information may (with very little attention} be perfedly underftood, an accurately engraved Plate is annexed, with fuch explanatory matter, as will bring the fubjeO; home to the plaineft comprehenlion. Colts' teeth arc, in whitene fs and appearance j not inferior to polifhed ivory; are individually fmoQth upon the furface, or feat of maftication, and fo continue till fome time between two and a kal/sind three years old; when, a few^ weeks fooner qr later, (depending entirely upon their having been late or early foals,) but within the fpace of time fpecified, he fheds the two middle teeth of the SIX in the under jaw: thefe are pufhed forward, and fucceeded by two of a ftronger formation, deeper in color, fluted, as it were, or having fmall grooves from top to bottom, with a natural black cavity in the centre, as reprefented \n figure the firjl of the Plate, when the colt will be found riling THREE YEARS OLD. ,Somc 154 SPORTING DICTIONARY. Some time in the lajl half o^ the foiirtk year, the fame procefs takes place with the teeth on each fide the two in the centre, (ah'eady defcribed to have undergone the change;) fo that at four years old we find a repetition of (or addition to) the Jirjl two, at which particular period he becomes poffefled of FOUR horfe teeth in the middle, and 07ie colt's tooth only on each fide, as will be obferved in the fecond Jigiire of tht Plate, where is reprefented the mouth of a colt when four years old off, which he fliould be properly called till the fall of the leaf; after that time it is the cuftom to fay, he is risinq At this tim.e, that is, fome time in the autumn, as September, OBoher, or November, (depending a little upon his having been a late or early foal,) he fheds the two remaining outfide or corner teeth, the fucceifors to which continuing to pufh out till the May or June following, when he is full in the mouthj rivE years old, and then called a horfe. During the courfe of this year, the fingle teeth, called tusks, feated beyond the corner teeth upon the bars, appear; and proper attention to the in- fantine or advanced flate of this projeftion, will evidently demonftrate the fifth year of age; not- vHthftanding any trifling variation, or fmgular ex- ception, to the law of Nature already laid down; * as SPORTING DICTIONARY, 155 as may be accurately colleQ;ed from an attentive infpeftion of the third figure in the Plate, where the fubjeft is to be conlidered " five years old, off, and through the whole of the year is termed *' rifing fix;" the year not terminating till the first OF May, from which every horfe takes his age; and it is cuftomary to fay he is coming {\x^ or will htfix years old next grafs. In the fpace of the laft fix months of the fixtk year, the cavity of the two middle teeth of the six (already defcribed to have fucceeded the two in the Jirjl change at three years old) gradually fill up, and when turned of six years old, retain a faint remains of the original black mark^ but is nearly or quite fmooth upon the furface. In the lajl half o^ the seventh year, when the horfe is termed " Jix o^," (or rifing feven,) the teeth on each fide the two centrical, laft defcribed, become gradationaUy pofiefied of the fame appear- ance; and when seven years are fully attained, the two outfide or corner teeth only bear any mark of the original cavity. At this period the horse is faid to be aged ; and from this time to the com- pletion of his eighth year^ the faint ma^k in the cor- ner teeth continues gradually to difappear (varying a little in different fubjefts) till quite obliterated, when the age by the teeth is no longer a matter to be relied on, but becomes totally dependent upon 1 tke 156 SPORTING DICTIONARY, the immaculate declaration of the dealer, or the i^fe dixit of the breeder, if that can be bona Jide obtained. This defcription will be found accurate- ly delineated in i\\Q fourth figure of the Plate. As the curious, but very common, operation o&; BiGHOPiNG has been properly explained und< that head^ fo another deception^ in full pra6tice b the fraternity of horfe-dcakrs^ muft not be forgot- ten; they confider it a law of privilege, and never omit an opportunity of gratifying their pro-r t| feflional fenfations. By referring to figitre the Je- tond of the Plate, (where the teeth reprefent the fiate of the mouth dit four years old off^) may be feen the four centrical teeth with the black cavities^ and the two colt's teeth at the corners, without any mark at all. In this ftate they are frequently purchafed of the fimple harmlefs breeder in the fountry; but they are very feldom a few hours in the pofTelTion of a dealer, before the fertility of his imagination is at v/ork to reBfy the deficiencies, and to anticipate the very intent and effort of Nature, The two corner colt's teeth jufl defcribed, are immediately wrenched from their fockets, with even a common door key, or the firft iron inftrument that can be found applicable for the purpofe; and this is done as a fubftitute for the impending exfo- liation, by way of giving earlier opportunity for the SPORTING DICTIONARY. 15/ the appearance and growth of their fiicccffors, that the HORSE may be fliown out as, and affirmed to be, a FIVE YEARS OLD, whcn, in fact, he is pofi- tively no more than four. This is an impohtion very little better than a robbery, and principally pra6lifed upon the young and inexperienced, (the dealer's h^&,/riendsj but feldom attempted to be played off with the old sportsman, whofe very mode of making his examination, fpeedily difplays ar proof of his qualifications, and generally fliiclds him from any very palpable fpecies of depreda- tion. When a horse is confiderably advanced in years^ but ftill/z/,//in the/r^me, and freJJi upon his legs^ it is a general rule, even with the befl and mofl experienced judges, to form an opinion tolerably accurate by the length of his teeth; but this can by no means be confidered infallible; as fom.e horfes carry a mouth fo much better than others of a lefsage, that it can conftitute no certain criterion of decifion. CONDITION — is a word in frequent ufe w^iih the fporting world, to exprefs the ftate of a horfe in refpea to his health and external appearance. If low in ilefh, rough in his coat, hollow above the. eye, and depreffed in his fpirits, he is then faid to be " very much out of condition^ Bwl, on the contrary, if full of good found flefh, his fkin loofe and 15S SFORTIN'G DICTIONARY. and pliable, with his coat foft and fleek, he is then faid to be in " perfeft condition to flart," if for the turf; fine condition to take the fields if a hunter; or, if a roadfter, to be in good condition to under- take his journey. Horfes too full of flefh or of blood, are faid not to be in condition^ becaufe they are not fit for ftrong exertions without the danger of difeafe: brought into conllant work in fuch {late, they foon, as it is termed, ^'fall all to pieces;'* that is, if they efcape inflammation upon fome of the various parts, morbidity foon difplays itfelf, either in a fwelling of the legs, cracked heels, bad eyes, defe6live wind, cutaneous eruptions, tum.ours,. or in one of the many ills to which horfes in this Hate will always be fubjeft. Experience has fo fully confirmed this facl, and cuftom has fo firmly eftablifhed the great prudence of prevention, that much difgrace and mortification is incurred by both master andvg-y^oow, who are fo unfortunate as to have horfes out of condition ; and this is fo perfedly underftood in the prefent ftate of equeftrian emulation, that the neceffity for occa- fionally cleanfing the frame by bleeding, purging, DIURETICS, or a courfe of alteratives, is not only almoft univerfally acknowledged, but generally pradifed, by every judicious and well informed, sportsman in the kingdom. CONSTIPATION. SPORTING DICTIONARY. IS^ CONSTIPATION— implies that ftate of the bowels, when, for want of the neceffary fecretiou of mucus, their excrementitious contents acquire a degree of folidity bordering upon induration; the dung becomes too hard and adhefive, foetid in effluvia, and dark or nearly black in appearance. A horfe in fuch ftate fhould not be long negleQ:ed; inflammatory cholic and confequent danger may enfue; or an indurated mafs may be formed in the inteilinal canal, which no medicine may have the power to move in time to prevent mortification. Too nice attention cannot be paid to a horfe's re-» gular evacuations: if the body is evidently foul^ he fiiould be proportionally phyficked. Circum* (lances not rendering that perfe6lly convenient, opening mafhes might be adopted, and continued nightly (or oftner) till the conftipation is removed* CONSUMPTION.—A confumption is a dif- order to which horfes are very much fubjeft, par* ticularly the carriage horfes of the great and opu- lent: thefe fall victims to the unmerciful ambition of nocturnal grandeur, in the four, five and fix hours ftreet-waiting in the moft dreary nights of the moft dreary winter. Confumptions originate in colds^ which being ill managed or neglefted, confli- tute an increafing vifcidity of the blood; this pre- ternatural confiilence renders it more languid in its circulation ; and it is, of courfe, proportionally im- peded in its progrefs through the finer veffels of the lungs. l60 SPORTING DiCtlOKARV. lungs. Here then ohflruBions are firfl formed; as thefe increafe, the paffages become impervious ; the tubercles continue to enlarge^ till the vefTels are partially diftended to their utmoft extent, when in- flammation takes place, and maturation follows. This ftage completed, the tumours rupture ; fome probably heal by the efforts of nature, and others become corroding ulcers^ laying the foundation of inevitable danger, and diftant death. To a pene- trative eye, and diftinguifliing hand, the predomi- nant fymptoms will be immediately found to exceed the traits and appearances of a common cold: the unequal and difficult refpiration ; the kind of half- fupprefled, fore, hollow cough, (denoting an inter- nal fenfation of pain,) terminating in a fort of re- ficrned moan; a conftant defire to mafticate hay, without any feeming enjoyment of it; a general heavy dulnefs, the palpable effetl of confcious de- cay or debility; and a frequent looking to and after the perfon accuftomed to fuperintend him, exciting reafon to believe he may expe8: or hope for relief from the very hand from whence it has been ufual to derive fupport. When brought into motion, the flanks heave, and the cough comes on in proportion to the in- creafe of aBion and circulation: the pain thus pro- duced foon excites profufe perfpiration : by the efforts of fnorting, fneezing, and blowing, to re- lieve himfelf from the load under which he labours, the SPORTING DICTIONARY. l6l . the difcharge from the noflrils is increafcd, and gets deeper in colour, according to the duration and inveteracy of difeafe. Different fuhjecls are very diiferently affefted by the gradations of this diforder, (to which but a faint expeQation of relief can be at all formed;) as one horfe will continue to appear conftantly declining, and to wafte away per- ceptibly, every fymptom becoming more predomi- nant and diftreffing, till the fcene is finally clofed; while another fliall alter but very little in flefh, coat, or external appearance, till within a few days o[ his falling dead in his ftall, CONVULSIONS— are a fpafmodic afFedion of the mufcular parts of the body, occafioned by ex- treme pain afting upon the irritability of the ner- vous fyftem; and generally proceed from cholic, inflammation of the kidnies, flrangury, worms preying upon the internal coat of the ftomach, a fullnefs of the veffels, and too great a flux of blood to the brain i as well as a variety of caufes, many of which are, perhaps, very far beyond the utmofl extent of human invefligation. • Whenever they come on, the fcene becomes truly diftrefTing; they may be confidered almofl invariably certain indica- tions of approaching diiTolution, inftances being exceedingly rare of a horfe's recovery. COMPRESSION — is a term meant to convey 'the idea of an injury fuftained in the foot of a Vol. L M horfe l52 SPORTING DICTIONARY. horfe from a contraclion of the hoof, more particu- larly at the heel, by indifcreet management in the mode of pioeing : firft, in forming the fhoes too narrow, and giving them an improper internal curve at each heel; the injudicioufly cutting away the bars of the foot, (formed by nature for its pro- per expanfion;) the rafping away each fide of the heel, to make the foot Jit thejlioe^ already put on too fmall; all which is ftill more aggravated, by the equally infernal and equally invincible practice o{ fitting the flioe red-hot to the foot, in oppofition to every argument and entreaty, thereby drying up and confuming the natural moiflure of the internal or flefhy fole, at the moment of cauterizing and contra6ling the furface. A hoof in the (late defcribed, holds forth, in its appearance, ample proof of cor)ipreJfion upon the parts conflituting the internal ftru6lure of the foot; the membranous mafs, the nut and coffin-bone^ thus prefled upon by the furrounding ftriclure, oc- cafions a torpidity, and confequent defe8: in aftion, by no means diffimilar to the hobbling gait of an in* fant in pain from the tightnefs and rigidity of new leather flioes. Horles whofe feet are thus deftruc- tively reduced, are generally thofe to whom neither MASTER or MAN cver condefcends to look: if pro- per injunQions were laid upon the flioeing fmith, at each tim.e of performing the operation, fuch a fcene of devaftation could never eiifue. When 3 ^^^ SPORTING DICTIONARY 16*3 the feet, by fuch mirmanagement, have got into this ftate, every poflible application fhould be made to promote growth and' expanfion. If the horfe ftands conftantly in the ftable, frefh flopping of moift cow- dung every night, with a plentiful impregnation of fpemacaeti oil, all round the hoof, every night and morning, are the moft expeditious remedies for the defeft; but if it can be adopted with conveni- ence, turning out tw^o or three months upon a moift marfhy piece of land will prove fuperior to every other confideration. COOLERS — are fuch medicines as, by their attenuating property, tend to divefl the blood of its- vifcidity, and to counteraft threatened inflammation. They are always ufeful in plethoric appearances: when a horfe is evidently overloaded, and above himfelf in fiefii, when the legs are full, round, and all the vefiels are palpably diftended, cooling medicines, and gentle exercife, are the direQ m.eans of obtaining relief. Bleeding fhould take the lead, followed by a courfe of diuretics, mild or Jtrong^ according to the fize and ftrengih of the fubjeft. Nitre, incorporated with half its weight of gum Arabic in powder, and diilolved in the water, is an excellent article of this defcription. CORNS, — as they are called, would be much more properly denominated bruifes^ and are of in- finite trouble to thofe who implicitly fubmit to the -' M 2 Quixotic 154 SPORTING DICTlONAR^f. Quixotic fchemes and manual dexterity of the smith; who, with a. fecundum artem expedition, inftantly renders the remedy worfe than the difeafe, . As his principal province is the art of cuttings he has no fooner the drawing-knife in his hand, than he is at " the bottom :" his great object is the deftruBion of parts ; and he piques himfelf upon doing more mifchief in two minutes, than Nature can reftore in three months. Impreffed with no idea but inftrumental extirpation, he proceeds to excavate the fole of the foot, till, having reached the membrane, a protrufion enfues, and leaves him a happy opening for the bar-flioe, hot-ftopping, a daily dreffing, and the collateral confiderationg which conftitute difum total by no means neceffary. Corns moftly originate in the flioe having fwerv- ed a little from its proper feat upon the wall or cruft of the hoof, and becoming, as it were, in- dented upon the outer fole, occafions a hruife^ ap- pearing to have ramifications of extravafated fluid in very fine and oblique direBions: the fhoe being permitted to prefs upon this part, (become irritable by the injury it has fuftainedy) produces pain and impediment to aftion. Upon the difcovery that fuch has taken place, the remedy is as fimple as the caufe by which it was occafioned. The flioe being carefully removed, take from the furface of what is mijcalled a corn, juft enough to leave the part free from preiTure by the flioe; moiflen once exter- nally SPORTING DICTIONARY. l65 nally with a few drops of oil of vitriol, or fimple aqua fortis; and the operative fmith, farrier, or veterinary furgeon, will not find a plea for the de- vaftation he is generally fo ready to promote. CORDIALS, — medically confidered, are the very reverfe, in their property, of what has been faid under the fubjeft of " coolers :" they are warm aromatic articles, which flimulate to aftion the in- ternal coat of the ftomach, enliven the circulation, invigorate the frame, expel wind, ftrengthen the digeftive powers; and are, perhaps, without excep- tion, the heft and moft ufeful difcovery yet made for the prevention and cure of colds in horfes, as well as of fome other diforders arifing from an im- poverifhed ftate of the blood. Horfes fubje6l to inceffant fatigue in all weathers, particularly in the wet and dirty months of winter, fhould never be without the occafional interpofition of a warm malt maih, or a cordial ball, after long journies or fevere chafes, whenever circum fiances may render either or both neceflTary; the firft being given at night, the latter in the morning. After a previous bleeding, thefe means may be confidered infallible in a cold and cough, and never known to fail, if properly perfevered in and attended to. The cor- dial balls are alfo exceedingly ufeful, where a horfe is off his appetite, either from being overworked, or from the very common and very injudicious cuflom with weak fervants, or penurious mailers, M 3 of l66 SPORTING DICTIONARY, of adminiftering large quantities of nitre, (as a cheap and efficacious medicine,) till the blood is at- tennuated and impoveriflied below the ftandard of health, the folids reduced to a ftate of flaccidity, the flomach naufeated, and the digeflive powers proportionally impaired. CORIANDER, — the name of a horse who acquired much celebrity by his performances upon the TURF for fix years in fucceffion. He was bred by Mr Dawson, and was got by PotSoo's out of Lavender, who w'as got by Herod; her dam by Snap, out of Szveet Williaras dam by Cade. He was foaled in 1786. In 1789, when three years old, he beat Jericho, from the ditch-in, for 200 guineas, and Sir W. Aston's Marcia, Wo year old courfe, 100 guineas. Firft fpring meeting, 1790, he beat Buzzard, feven ftone each, 100 guineas. Second fpring meeting he beat him again for the fame fum. He beat Egbert and Ifabcl, a fweep- ftakes of 100 guineas each; and Shovel, Glaucus, Alexander, and Sir Thomas, a fweepftakes of 50 guineas each; Baronet, Nimble, Egbert, and Sir Pepper, paying forfeit. He walked over for the King's hundred at Ipfwich; and beat Lord Bar- rymore's Pellegrine the two middle miles of the Beacon for 200 guineas. In 1791 he won a fubfcription purfe, beating Spear ^ IJabcl^ Riiffian, Black Deuce, and Moufe. He SPORTING DICTIONARY, 16/ He alfo won the plate at Swaffham, beating Ifahel and the Sijler to Imperator ; and the next day won the other plate, beating ClayhalL At Newmarket, in OBober, he beat Highlander^ Serpent^ Halkin^ and Efperjykes ; after which, from the ditch-in, he beat Ejcape^ Skylark^ and Pipator. When rifing fix years old, he received forfeit from Sir C. Turner's Weathercock^ and won the King's plate at Guildford, beating Enchanter and Braggadocio ; alfo the King's plate at Nottingham, beating Young Cicero, In 1793 he won the aged plate at Newmarket, beating Dragon^ Halhert^ and Halkin. He won the King's plate alfo, beating the Duke of Bed- ford's Skyfcraper. Second fpring meeting, he won the Jocky Club plate, beating Skyfcraper^ Bujiler^ Cardock^ zuid Pip at or ; and on the fame day won the weight for the aged plate, beating Huhy^ Volante, and Eager. In the fame meeting he beat Buzzard the Beacon Courfe for 200 guineas. In 1794, v/hen aged, he won the whip and 200 guineas, beating Creeper^ ten ftone each, over the Beacon. He won 50I. at Chelmsford, beat- ing Sweeper^ and Portland; likewife 50I. at Northampton, beating Triumvirate^ and a fon of Faggergill. At Newmarket, in Oftober, he vvcn the aged plate, beating Quetlavaca, Excijernan^ and M 4 Halkin; l5S SPORTING DICTIONARY. Halkin; and in the fame week he beat Lord Egre- mont's Gohanna (giving him 241b.) and Lord Strathmore's Hermes, In the fecond Otlober meeting, being the lall time of his running, he won a fubfcription purfe, (paying 50 guineas en- trance,) beating Lord Grosvenor's Excifeman^ and Lord Sackville's Silver, This extraordi- nary horfe was one of the very few who flood fo many years training, and fo much fevere running, without an accident. He covered afterwards in the north, at feven guineas, and has produced fome good runners. CORNER TEETH— are the four teeth at the extremities of each row in both the upper and the lower jaw, htuate between the middle teeth and the tufhes: the corner teeth in the lower jaw, are thofe which the horfe fheds when four years old off, and rihng five : thefe not fpontaneoufly exfoliating in time to accommodate the pecuniary propenfity of the dealer^ he poffeffes the means and the practice of felling a Jour year old colt for a five year old horfe ; and this is fo conftant, that there is with that clafs nothing diJJioneJl confidered in the cuftom. CORONET — is the part furrounding the foot of the horfe jufl above the junction of hair and hoof: the bone from which the name is derived, bears great aflfinity in form to a ducal coronet, and is fituate between the lower part of the fetlock- bone 1 SPORTING DICTIONARY. IGQ bone and the coffin, into which it is inferted, joint- ly fupported by the nut-bone behind. Ligamen- tary twifts, or diftortions, fuftained at the fuperior jun8ion of the coronary bone, frequently occahon a prominence upon the coronet^ which becoming firft callous, and then ofhfied, is termed a ring. BONE. COVEY OF Partridges — confifts of the cock, hen, and their produce of that year before they are broken, and fo continue to be termed till killed down too thin to bear the appellation: they are then diftinguifhed by the fmall numbers they are found in; as, a leafh, (three;) two brace, (four;) &:c. COURSE OF Medicine, — fo called wdiere the cafe is chronic, requiring a rectification in the animal oeconomy, or an alteration in the property of the blood. Chronic cafes are diforders of fome continuance, (producing fymptoms of difquietude more than of danger,) and are thus called to diftin- guifli them from thofe which, proceeding rapidly, terminate fooner, and with more alarm. Cholic, strangury, fever, (Src. in horfes, are acute dif- eafes: on the contrary, greafe^ furfeit^ and fome others, may with propriety be termed chronic, and can only be completely eradicated by fuch courfe of medicine as fball be confidered applicable to the ftate of the frame, and the origin of the dif- eafe, COURSING 170 SPORTING DICTIONARY. COURSING — is a fpecies of fpon Lbat a cele- brated writer has traced to great antiquity ; " it having been treated on by Arrian, who flourifned A. D. 150." The fame author, the Rev. Mr. Daniel, in his elegant and truly entertaining publi- cation upon " Rural Sports^'' fays, " In our country, during the reign of King John, greyhounds were frequently received by him as payment in lieu of money, for the renewal of grants^ fi.nes^ and forfeitures^ belonging to the Crown. The following extracts prove this Monarch to have been exceedingly partial to this kind of dogs. A fine paid A. D. 1203, mentions five hun- dred marks, ten horfes, and ten leafhes of grey- hounds. Another, in 1210, one fwift running horfe, and fix greyhounds.'' '^ In the days of Elizabeth, when (lie was not difpofed herfelf to hunt, flie was fo ftationed as to fee the courfing of deer with greyhounds. At Cowdrey, in Suffex, the feat of Lord Montecute, (now Lady Montague's,) A. D. 1591, one day after dinner, the Queen faw from a turret " fixteen bucks, all having fair law, pulled down with grey- hounds in a lawn before the houfe." Courfing was formerlv extended to the deer, the rox, and the hare; and much ceremony was ob- ferved in park and paddock courfing with the foriner^ even SPORTING DICTIONARY. '171 even in the Royal prefence. It is, however, now principally confined to the hare, (except in the feafon ^ov fawn killing;) is not only univerfal in mod counties, but particularly patronized and pro- moted in others. Clubs are compofed of the mod opulent and refpeftable members for the enjoyment of the fport, who have moflly two (fome three) meetings in each feafon; the firft eftablifhed and principal of which is the " SwafFham Courfing So- ciety," inftituted in Norfolk by the late Earl of Orford in the year 1776, which is fupported with true perfonal fpirit and fporting energy ; the Brad- \vell and Tillingham meetings, in EfTex; the Flixton Wolds, in Yorkfnire; and the Afhdown Park meet- ing, at Lambourn, in Berkfhire. K The meetings at S waff ham are held on the fe- cond Monday in November, and the firft Monday in February, unlefs prevented by fro ft or fnow, in which cafe they are then held the firft open Monday in or after November, and the firft open Monday in February; and not later. The Aflidown Park meeting to be held at the Red Lion at Lambourn, annually, the fecond Monday in November. The LAWS of COURSING were arranged in the reign of Queen Elizabeth by the Duke of Nor- folk, and were fandioned by the acquiefcence of the nobility, gentry, and fporting world, who then followed the diverfion; and have fi nee been con- fidered 172 SPORTING DICTIONARY. fidered the fixed criterion for the decifion of all bets, by which they are regulated and determined to the prefent day. The perfon appointed to let loofe the greyhounds, was to receive into his flips (or thongs) thofe matched to run againft each other fo foon as he came into the field; and then to follow next the hare-finder, or him ^vho was to ftart the hare, until he came to the form; and no horfe or foot men were to go before, or on either fide, but direQly behind, for the fpace of about forty yards. Rules. — A hare never to be courfed by more than A BRACE o^ greyhounds. The hare-finder to give the hare three /oAo'5/ before he put her from herjorm; to give notice to the dogs, that they may attend iojlarting. The hare to have twelve [core yards law before the dogs were loofed, unlefs the fmall diftance from cover would not admit it without danger of imme- diately lofing her. The dog who gave the firfl turn^ if there was neither cote^ Jlip^ nor wrench^ during the courfe, WON. A cote is when a greyhound goes endways by his fellow, and gives the hare a turn, A cote SPORTING DICTIONARY, 173 A cote ferves for two turns, and two trippings or jerkins for a cote: if the hare did not turn quite about, file only xurenched^ and two wrenches (land for a turn. If there were no cotes given between a brace of greyhounds, but that one of them ferved the other at titrning, then he that gave the hare mojl turns, won; and if one gave as many turns as the other, then he that bore the hare, won. If one dog gave the Jirjl turn, and the other bore the hare, he that bore the hare, v/on. A go-hy, or bearing the hare, was equivalent to two turns. If neither dog turned the hare, he that led lall to the covert, won. If one dog turned the hare, ferved himfelf, and turned her again, it was as much as a cote; for a cote was efteemcd two turns. If all the courfe was equal, the dog that bore the hare, won; if the hare was not borne, the courfe was adjudged dead. If a dog fell in a courfe, and yet performed his part, he might challenge the advantage of a turn more than he gave. If 174" SFORTL^JCr DICTIONARY. If a dog turned the hare, ferved hlmfelf, and gave divers cotes, and yet in the end flood dill in the field, the other dog, if he ran home to the cover^ although he gave no turn, was adjudged the winner. If by accident a dog was rode over in his courfe, the courfe was void; and he that did the mifchief was to make reparation for the damage. If a dog gave the firfl and lad turn^ and there was no other advantage between them, he that gave the odd turn, won. He that came in firfl at the death, took up the hare, faved her from being torn, cherifned the dogs, and cleanfed their mouths from the fleak, was ad- judged to have the hare for his trouble. Thofe who were appointed judges of the courfe, were to give their decifion before they departed from the field. Exclufive of the county clubs and local focieties eflablifhed for the annual enjoyment of the diver- fion upon a larger fcale, coursing has its devotees, who are as energetic in its defence, as its mofl en- raptured advocate can pofTibly be, for what he calls the inexpreilible pleafures of the chafe : taken, how- ever, in a more extenfive point of view, it is held in nearly aa equal ellimation with anglings when •put t SPORTING DICTIONARY, 175 put in competition with the more attraBing fports of the field; and feemsrauch better calculated for the amufement of a cynical folitary difciplinarian, than a mind open to all the more noble and exhilarating fen rations of the chase. COSTIVENESS— will be found fatisfaQorily explained under the head Constipation; to pre- vent which, regular exercife, great friftion, flank rubbing, and frequent changes of food, will greatly contribute. CRACKS — in the heels of horfes, during the winter feafon, are found only in ftables where the mailer feldom or ever condefcends to appear. Thefe trifles are too frequently attributed to a de- fe6l in the conftitution of the horfe^ when, w^ith more propriety, they might be fixed upon a zoant of con- Jlituiional pun8:uality in the groom, Horfes left with wet legs and heels after chafe or journey, par- ticularly in fharp eafterly winds, or in froft and fnow, conflitute the evil to a certainty. So fevere a rigidity is occafioned in the texture of the integu- ment, that it becomes partially ruptured, (or bro- ken in various places,) upon being brought into atlion the following day; this, with the irritation and friction occafioned by the fharp particles of gravel and extraneous matter in the dirty roads, foon produce enlarged lacerations of the moft pain- ful defcription. The prudent part of the world will 17^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. will always confider, as well in this, as in every other cafe, thai prevention is better than cure: fer- vants fhoiild be allowed in the ftables, linen cloths for rubbers to the heels, that they may never be left in the leaft wet, particularly in the winter feafon, when once getting tender^ the ftubbed ends of the new and (tiff ftraw frequently occafion or increafe fuch lacerations. CRAMP — is a moll extraordinary fpafmodic mufcular contraction of fome particular limb, where the ftiffnefs and rigidity of the part exceeds belief. To thofe who have never been accuftomed to fuch cafes, they are ferious and alarming; for the ftrength of two men is inadequate to the tafl^ of rendering the affefted limb pliable and aQive. The caufe is fometimes not to be afcertained ; but it has frequently arifen from a horfe, in a high ftate of perfpiration, having been placed in a current of cold air^ or a damp ftable, and in a few minutes found not able to move. Standing ftill two or three days in fuccefTion without exercife, after long and conftant travelling, is likewife known to pro- duce it. But whatever caufe it may have origina- ted in, the dire8: road to relief is ftill the fame. Inftantaneous bleeding, hot fomentation with a decoQion of aromatic herbs, immediately followed up by ilrong friftion with an old ftable horfe-brufti, and this by an embrocation of camphorated fpirits, half a pint, incorporated with one ounce of oil of origanumj SPORTING DICTIONARY. 177 origanum, and a part of it patiently rubbed in upon the particular part afFecled, never fails to relieve in a Jhort time. Should it, however, not take effe6l fo foon as expefted, difTolve a cordial-ball in a pint of gruel, to which add an ounce of liquid laudanum^ and let either or all the operations be repeated in a few hours, fliould the cafe (or a re- lapfe) require it. CREST-FALLEN.— A horfe is faid to be creft-fallen, when the part running from the wi- thers to the ears, and upon which the mane grows, is impoverifhed, and wafted, from the natural pro- minence of its beautiful curve, to a ftate of reverfe hollownefs or indentation. This is generally ac- companied by a total emaciation, brought on by very had Jup port ^ or negled under different degrees of difeafe. The firmnefs and correfponding curve of the creft is almoft invariably a tolerable criterion of the health and condition of the horfe; and a ju- dicious infpeftor feldom omits this part of the ex- amination. If the flefli upon the creft \^ firm^ Jolid^ and not flabbily foft, or fluftuating, it is a good fign of conftitutional ftrength; but a horfe having a low, bare, indented creft, will always have a poor, weak, and impoyeriftied appearance, doing his owner no credit. This defect, however, proceeds more from penurious keep, and temporary ftarvation, than any caufe or defect in Nature, and Vol. L N may }78 STORTING DICTIONARY. may always be expeditioiifly remedied by liberal fupport, and nutritious invigoration. CRIB-BITING— is a habit acquired by Tome horfes, of inceffantly biting the manger, and gulp- ing the wind; which appears, from obfervation, to be more prejudicial to charafler, than to bodily exertion. It is faid, " young horfes are moft fub- je6i: to it; and that it is often occafioned by unea- finefs in breeding of teeth, and from being ill fed when they are hungry. The bad confequences are wearing away their teeth, fpilling their corn, and fucking the air in fuch quantities, as will often give them the cholic or gripes." It is certain a crib-biter never appears high in fle(h, or fo full in condition as horfes that are not fo; and fo prejudicial is it confidered by many, that they will not admit a horfe to be perJcBly found if fold with this infirmity. Opinions vary upon the difference it makes refpe61ing the labor and fa- tigue a horfe of this defcription can undergo; fomc afferting that " the defeBi keeps him weak^ languid^ and unable to endure much w^ork:" while others as ftrenuoufly infill upon its being in no way whatever prejudicial. *' Who shall decide when doctors disagree ?"• CROPPING— is the operation of taking ofF the ears, which was till very lately performed with a knife SPORTING DICTIONARY. 179 a knife and wooden mould, rendering it both tedious and painful: it is, however, now very much im- proved by the invention of an inftrument admirably adapted to the purpofe, by which the feparation of theear isalmoft inflantancous. It is only adopted where horfes are lop-eared^ and bear the appearance of mules about the head. As the operation is at beft but a cruel mutilation, every humane and tender mind will think it '' more honored in the breach than the obfervance." CROWN-SCAB — is a partial appearance about the coronet of a horfe, varying in different fub- jefts, according to the ftate of the objeB; difeafed. It partakes a little of the diforder called greafe^ to whidh, if unattended to, it would foon degenerate; being a fpecies of that defecl, but in an inferior degree. In fome it appears as a fcurfy eruption, raifing the hair, and turning it different ways, from whence foon oozes a kind of oily ichor, foetid in fmell, and greafy in appearance : in others, the difcharge is thinner^ and more watery .^ according to the greater or lefs degree of morbidity in the frame, or acrimony in the blood. It has been a praftice with the old fchool to counteracl its effefts by vitriolic lotions, flight ftyptics, and ftrong re- pellents: fcientific difquifition will not, however, juftify fuch treatment, but recommend daily molli- fication with warm oatm.eal gruel and a foftfponge; when which is wiped gently dry with a foft linen N 2 cloth, 3 80 SPORTING DICTIONARY. cloth, it may be very mildly impregnated with camphorated fpermacaeti ointment, and the cure ailiiled by mercurial phyfic, diuretic ballsj or a courfe of antimonial alterative powders. CUB. — A young fox is fo called during the jirjl year. CURB — is a callous enlargement, approaching ofTification, and is fituate at the lower junction of the bones, at the hind part of the hock, origi- nally attended with (lifFnefs, andlaftly with lamenefs and pain. Curbs are evidently produced by kicks,, blows^ fudden turns or twijls^ riding too hard (or drawing too much weight) up hill : they fliould be attended to on their firft appearance, when they foon fubmit to the ufual modes adopted for extir- pation. Mild bliftering frequently fucceeds, par- ticularly where the operation is twice performed ; but when the cafe is of long (landing, a few flight feather flrokes w'ith the firing-iron may be necefla- ry to confirm the cure. CURB.-— The chain is fo called, which is the part of the bridle-bit fixed to one cheek, and paf- fing under the lower-jaw (and above the beard or chin) to the other. By the rein being fixed to rings or loops, at the low^er extremity of the bit, this chain, called curb, conftitutes a fulcrum; and the harder fuch rein is pulled, the harder will be the SPORTING DICTIONARY. 181 ihc preffure df the curb upon the under jaw, and of courfc the greater power given to the rider. The curb confilLs merely of a neat wrought chain, fmall rings and links, by which it is fixed to the cheek-eyes of the bit, and eafil)' taken ofT and on for the purpofe of cleaning. CURRY-COMB,— a well known ftable utenfil, in conftant ufe for the cleaning of horfes. They are much more applicable to pojl and draft horfes, than to horfes of fuperiordefcription, thefinenefsof "svhofe coats, and the tendernefs of whofe fi;ins, occafion much uneafinefs to them during the prickly perfc- cution^ and to whom good, fweet, clean flraw-bands are greatly preferable; it being matter of fair doubt, whether more horfes are not lamed in the liable under the dancing ceremony of the curry-comb, than by accidents upon the road, or ftrong exertions in the field. ^ CRUPPER, — a leathern convenience, or long ftrap, annexed to the hinder part of the faddle, having at the other extremity a loop to pafs under the tail; by which the faddle is prevented from get- ting forward, and bringing the rider upon the neck of the horfe. Such aid is by no means required with horfes well made, and uniformly proportioned : they are rarely brought into ufe, but where a horfe is lower before than behind; and are in fo much difrepute with amateurs and connoilTeurs, that a N 3 real 182 SPORTING DICTIONARY. real fportfman would fooner part from his horfe than to he feen ride with a crupper, GUTTING. — Explained under Castration. CUTTING in Action, — in the manege called interfering,^ is lacerating the round infideprojefting part of the fetlock-joint, with the edge of the flioe, upon the foot of the oppofite leg. This arifes much more frequently from the indifference or neglect in the owner, than from any imperfe6tion or defeat of the horfe : more horfes cut from be- ing broke and put into work too young, rode too long journies in a day, or over-worked when weary, than from any caufe whatever. Some horfes, it is true, cut from their formation, particularly thofe narrow in the cheft. Carriage horfes, too, very frequently cut behind; but thismuft in a great mea- fure be occafioned by the projecting parts and ca- vities in the pavement, for all which the fureft footed horfe exifting cannot be prepared. DACE, SPORTING DICTIONARY. 283 D. DACE, — a fmall fifli, common in moil; ri\eis* where it is feen fwimming near the fiirface, moflly in fliallows, and near bridges, held in no eltima- tion but with th.e common people. DAISY-CUTTER,— a fporting term for horfes that go fo near the ground, they frequently touch it with the tip of one toe or the other, and are conftantly in danger of falling, A horfe with hroken knees may be confidered of this defcription. DAPPLE. — Horfes are fo called who have par- tial variegated hues in the coat of different fizes, conftituting fmall circles, both lighter and darker than the general colour of the horfe. Such are faid to be dappled; hence we have dapple baysg dapple greys, and fometimes dapple blacks, DEALERS.— See Horse Dealers. DECOCTION. — A deco6lion for the^purpofe of fomenting fwellings, tumours, or enlargements, (either as an emollient or difcutient,) is made by boiling a double handful of Roman w^ormwood, camomile flowers, bay leaves, and elder flowers, in two gallons of water, for a quarter of an hour, N 4 and 184 SPORTING DICTIONARY. and applying it to the part with fponge or flannel as hot as it can be ufed without injury to the hair. This will be found more fully explained under the proper head. Fomentation. DECOY,— a canal, river, pond, or fheet of water, appropriated to the profitable pur- pofe of taking wild ducks and teal: it is a bufinefs - peculiar to thofe only who profefs it, and con- duced upon a principle of the ftridell ftillnefs and regularity. The perfon having the management of a decoy, mufl pofTefs taciturnity and patience in a very great degree, both being brought into conftant pra6lice; without which, fuccefs can nei- ther be expefted or deferved. The fowl are brought within the tunnel of the net by Jlratagem^ where, at a critical moment, they are enclofed and taken. All this, however, depends upon the induftry, fa- gacity, deception, and exertion, of the decoy- duck, by whofe wiles and allurements the whole flight are brought within the fpace allotted to their deftrutlion. The decoy-ducks are trained to their bufinefs almoft from the fhel], and amply demon- Urate what ferVices may be obtained, what fidelity infured, or what attachment excited, by the exer- tion of tendernefs and humanity, even to the more inferior parts of the creation. It, however, often happens, that the wild fowl are in fuch a ftate of (leepinefs and dozing, that they will SPORTING DICTION ARV. 185 will not follow the decoy-ducks. Ufe is then gene- rally made of a dog trained to the bufincrs, wIk) paffing backwards and forwards between the reed fcreens, attrads the eye of the wild fowl, who not choofing to be interrupted, advance towards the finall and contemptible animal, that they may drive him away. The dog all the time, by the direction of the DECOY-MAN, plays among the fcreens of reeds, nearer and nearer to the purfe-net; till at laft the decoy-man appears behind the fcreen, and the wild-fowl not daring to pafs by him in return^ nor being able to efcape upwards on account of the net-covering, rufh on into Vao: purfe-net. ■The general feafon for catching fowl in decoys js from the latter end of Odober till February: the taking of them earlier is prohibited by an afcl loth of George II. which forbids it from }une ift to Oc- tober ift under the penalty of five fliiliings for pack bird deftroyed within that fpace. An aftion will lie againft the difturber of a decoy, hy firing a gun, or any other a8; of wilful injury to the owner. Decoys cannot be formed, nor need they be at- tempted, but wdiere nature has been a little diffufe in her favors for the formation : marfhv low lands^ plenty of w^ater, and fequeftered fituations, are indifpenfably neceffary to a fuccefsRd embarkation. They are to be found in different parts of the king- dom, but more plentiful in the northern and eaflern counties than in any other. Effex, Cambridgefliire, Lincolnfliire, 185 SPORTING DICTIONARY. Lincolnfhirc, and fome part of Warwickfliire, arc remarkable for many of confiderable extent, and from the principal of which the markets of the Metropolis are fo plentifully and fo reafonably fup- plied. DEER, — a word indifcriminately ufed, implies (in its moft extenfive fenfe) the animals inhabiting parks and forefts, whofe flefh is equally denomi- nated VENISON, though very different in fize, fla- vour, and eftimation. Deer are of two kinds; the one principally bred and preferved for the chafe, the other for the table, A perfecl defcription of the firfl will be found under the proper heads of Red Deer, Stag, and Hind; of the latter, under Fallow Deer. Buck, and Doe. DEER-STEALERS— are thofe noaurnal deC. peradoes who. fetting at defiance all laws, all pof- feffion of property, and the protectors of it, dif- guife themfelves, and, under cover of the night, attack, feize, kill, and carry away, from the beft. fenced parks, bucks or does, (according to the fea- fon,} w'ith the greatefl impunity. Their main- fpring of a8:ion is a dog of the cur kind, called " a coney-cut lurcher:" this is a breed peculiar to itfelf, and thofe who ufe it; being a light fort of brindled wiry-haired mongrel, with a natural ftump tail, having the appearance of a bajlard greyhound. They are exceedingly fleet and lafling, run miite^ (by SPORTING DICTIONARY. 187 (by either nofe or fight ;) and are fo well trained for the purpofe to which they are folely appropria- ted, that they are equally expert in picking up a HARE, or pulling down a. buck. After having exe- cuted their office, though in the darkeil night, they will foon recover their mafter by fcent^ and lead him to the game fo pulled down, which is repeated till a fafficiency is obtained for that journey ; thebu- finefs having beei) fo fyftematically conduced, by the various neighbouring emiffaries and affociates concerned, that horfes and carts were employed, and a re,^ular routine of robbery carried on, by periodical and alternate depredations upon mofl of the parks within j^/jV andjixty miles of the Metro- polis. Many living in a line of refpeftability in other refpe6ls, w^ere publicly known to be employed in the nefarious praftice without fear of detection; for no informer could come forward, without a very great probability of deftru8:ion to his pkrson or property^ from fome of the many confederates concerned. Thefe offences, fo long thought but little of, be- came at length enormities of fuch magnitude, that the Legiflature difcovered a neceffity for the introduc- tion of new and more fevere pains and penalties. A variety of ilatutes were ena6led in the reigns of former fovereigns for the punifhment of fuch of- fenders, which are now fully concentrated in the A6ls of Parliament paffed in the prefent reign of George III, By 188 SPORTING DICTIONARY. By tbcfe ftatutes. if any perfons (hall hunt, or take in a fnare, kill or wound, any red or fallow deer, in any foreft, chafe, Szc, whether inclofed or not, or in any inclofed park, paddock, tSrc. or be aiding in fuch offence; they floall forfeit twenty pounds for the firft offence; and alfo thirty pounds for each DEER wounded, killed, or taken. A game-keeper, guilty of either, to forfeit double. For a fecond offence, the offenders may be tranfported for feven years. Justices may grant warrants to fearch for heads, fkins, Sec, of flolen deer, and for toils, fnares, Sec, and perfons having fuch in their poffeffion, to forfeit from ten to thirty pounds, at the difcretion of the juftices. Perfons unlawfully fetting nets or fnares, to forfeit, for the firft offence, from Jive to ten pounds ; and for every other offence, from ten to twenty pounds. Perfons pulling down pales or fences of any foreft, chafe, park, paddock, w^ood, Sec, fubjeQ to the penalties annexed to the firft of- fence for killing deer. Dogs^ guns^ and engines^ may be feized by the park-keepers; and perfons re/ijling, fliall be tranfported for feven years. Pe- nalties may be levied by dijlrefs ; in default of which, offenders to be committed for twelve months, -Perfons difguifed^ and in arms^ appearing in any foreft, park, paddock. Sec, and killing red or fallow deer, deemed felons without benefit of clergy. Profecutions SPORTING DICTIONARY. 189 Profecutions limited to twelve months from the time of the offence committed. Deftroying gofs, furze, and fern, in forefls and chafes, being the co- vert for deer, is liable to a penalty from forty fhillings to j^t;^ pounds; to be levied by diflrefs; and if no diflrefs, the offender to be committed to the county goal, for a time not greater than three months, nor lefs than one. DEFAULT; — a term in hunting, which cuftom has reduced to an abbreviation, and is in general called FAULT. The hounds, during a chafe of any kind, when lofing the fcent, throwing up their nofes, feeming at a lofs, and dafliing different ways, in anxious and earneft hope of recovery, are then faid to be at " a fault.'' This is the very moment when the judgment of the huntfman is mofl required, and the foonefl to be obferved. Different opinions have been formed, and decifions made, refpe6ling the proper mode of proceeding at fo critical a juncture, whether to try forward^ or to t7j back : here a great deaf depends upon the game you are hunting of and the country you are hunting in^ which circum- ftances at the time can only determine. However Qpinions may vary upon fome particular points, all feem to coincide upon others ; that the ground fhould invariably be made goodi forward^ previous to trying hack ; that a general filence fhould pre- vail, and not an unneceffary afpiration be heard, that can tend to attraB the- attention of a fingle hound igO SPORTING DICTIONARY. hound from the earneil endeavours he is fo bufily engaged in; by which means nineteen faults are hit off out of twenty^ without greater delay, fufpenfe^ or difappointment. If HOUNDS, in purfuit of deer or fox, ihy-ow up on a fallow or highway, they cannot be got forward too foon ; certain it is they have neither of them ftopt there : not fo with the hare, who is likely to have thrown herfelf out by the Jlde of one^ or fquatted in a land (or furrow) of the other. Faults with the two former, are much more eafily and ex- peditioufly hit off than with the latter, wdth whom they are fometimes tedioufly inceifant, particular- ly with a young or a hard-hunted hare: it fhould therefore, be a fixed rule, never to abandon a faulty if pofiible, without recovery; it being as likely, at leait, to bring the loft hare to a vicw^ as to find a frcih one. DEFECTS — in horfes differ very materially from what are termed BLEMISHES, (which fee:) the latter are always confidered confpicuous, and eafily obferved by the eye of experience and judicious infpeclion. A horfe may have defe5ls not fo readi- ly to be perceived, and confequently remain a longer or fliorter period before they are difcovered: he may prove incorrigibly reftive, and not happen to difplay it in a new Jituation for days or weeks; he may be a Jeafoned and invincible crib biter ; he may SPORTING DICTIONARY. 191 inay be vicious to drefs; a kicker in the night; doubtful in the e^f J ; aukward in a6lion; trouble- fome to f addle ^ and when faddled, more trouble- Ibme to ride. Though thefe are defcQs, yet the DEALER (proceeding upon the purejl principles of integrity) conceives them profefTional privileges of fecrecy^ which he is not bound in honor to difclofe; affeding to believe, they are totally abftrafted from every idea conveyed in the declaration and war- ranty of being " perfeftly found.'* That this matter, however, may be the better and more univerfally underftood, it cannot be in- applicable to introduce the opinion which the late Lord Mansfield held publicly in the Court of King's Bench; " that a rejlive horfe was tanta- mount to an ttnfoitnd one; and upon this principle, that if the fubje6l fo purchafed was evidently reftive, and -would not^ or cozdd not, by fair means^ be prevailed upon to go where he was required, he was equally ufdefs with an invalid whofe lame- nefs or infirmity prevented him from executing the purpofes for which he was purchafed." From fuch authority (founded upon the bafis of equity) there can be but little, if any, doubt, an aQion brought for the recovery of money paid for a rejlive horfe, fuch horfe having been " warranted sound," would obtain a verditl. As, however, the pro- verbial uncertainty of the law, the confufion of witnefles, and the caprice of a feepy jury, are ver7 19i2 SPORTING DICTIONARY. very {lender reliances for the man of prudence and honor, who wiflies " to do unto others as he- would be done unto," the fafefl method for every purchafer is to take (from the gentleman as well as a dealer) a proper receipt, upon payment of the money, that fuch horfe or mare is warranted found and free from vice ; by which litigation and law-fuits may- be prevented. DELPINI, — originally called " Hackwood^'* was bred by the late Duke of Bolton; foaled in 1781; and got by Highflyer out of Countefs^ who Avas got by Blank. Delpini proved himfelf a very capital racer, beating moft of the befl horfes of his year at all ages. He has alfo acquired fome celebrity as a stallion, being the fire of Kilton^ Prior, Skelton, Mifs Ann, Tiptoe, Abram Wood, Cardinal, Clyraene, Dido, Golden Locks, Dapple, Flutter, Little Scot, Mifs Beverly, Nixon, Oppoji- tion, Timothy, Agnes, Blue Beard, Camperdozvn, Diichefs, Hop-well, UAhbe, Laborie, Patch, Stour- ion, Symmetry, Baron Nile, Maid of the Mill^ Slap-bang, Sabella, and many others, all winners. DIABETES, — diverted of medical dignity, and technical ambiguity, is neither more or lefs than a profufe, frequent, and involuntary difcharge of urine, from a weaknefs of fome of the parts negef- fary to the fecretion and evacuation of that par- ticular excrement. Whatever may have Been the caufe SPORTING DICTIONARY. 1^3 caufe, whether an injury in the loins, near the region of the kidnies, violent and exceffive purging from improper phyfic, or a relaxed ftate of the fphin6ler of the bladder, the road to relief and cure is ftill the fame; invigorants of every kind. Oatmeal gruel for drink, inftead of water, in which gum arabic is diffolved, fo that four or {\x ounces may be taken every day; not fubmitting to which, half an ounce, or fix drachms of liquid laudanum, may likewife be given in a little gruel, with a horn, every night and morning. DIAMOND — was efteemed for fome years the fpeedieft and belt bottomed horfe in the kingdom* He was foaled in 1792; bred by Mr. Dawfon ; got by High/Iyer out of the dam of Sparkle?', and was own brother to Screvcton, At three years old he repeatedly ran in handfome with fome of the firft horfes, and was within a length of win- ning the Derby at Epsom when twelve Itartcd, but did no more than receive 50 guineas forfeit from Lark at the fecond Newmarket Meeting of the year 1795. Firft Spring Meeting, 1796, he w^on the Jockey Stakes of 100 guineas each, fix fub- fcribers. In the July Meeting of the fame year he WALKED OVER for a fweepftakes of 200 guineas each, feven fubfcribers. In 1797, when Mro Cookson's, he won the King's hundred at New- castle, and a 50I. plate the next day at the fame place; 5ol. at York; the 50 guineas for all ages Vol. L O at 194 SPORTING DICTIONARY. at Newmarket, beating Yeoman^ Play or Pay^ Jz-j viator^ and others. The next day he won th{ King's hundred guineas, beating the famous Her- mione and Vixen, In 17^8 he beat Moorcock^ over the Beacon Courfe, for 200 guineas, Mon- day in the Craven Meeting. Firft Spring Meeting he won a fwcepftakes of 100 guineas each, twelve fubfcribers. Second Meeting, received a compro- mife from Lord Clermont's Spoliator, At Ox- ford he won the gold cup of 100 guineas value, with 50 guineas in fpecic, beating Stickler^ John- ny^ Oatlands^ and Whip; all excellent runners. The King's hundred at Nottingham ; the King's hundred at York; and beat Sir H. T. Vane's Shuttle four miles over Don caster for 1000 gui- neas : the odds eleven to eight upon Shuttle. In 1799 he was beat half a length the great match by Hambletonian^ over the Beacon Courfe at New- market, for 3000 guineas ; the odds five to four upon Hambletonian. More money was fported upon this match, and more company went from the Metropolis to fee it decided, than ever was known upon any other race in the kingdom. The next day he won the firft clafs of the Oatlands stakes 5o guineas each (ten fubfcribers) beating eight of the beft horfes of the year. Firft Spring Meeting he won the King's hundred, beating. Grey Pilot^ Lounger^ and St. George, Second Meeting won the Jockey Club plate, and 50 guineas, beating Stamford and Lounger, In 1800, Firft 5 Spring SPORTING DICTIONARY. ^195 Spring Meeting, he won a fubfcription 50I. beat- ing Stamford^ ihc/amoics Coriander^ and Wrangler, Firft Oftober Meeting he received 250 gmntdisforfeit [romWarier. Second 08;ober Meeting he beat Hip- j^on^ over the Beacon Courfe, 200 guineas. Here end- ed his career of GLORY by the death of Mr. Cookson; after which he was fold, and taken to Ireland; where being engaged by his owner in a match of much m.agnitude, he was lamed by over training in another country, after running ^ve fuccejfive years in this, without being lame, or having paid FORFEIT from indifpofition, or being once amifs, DIET. — The diet of horfes in this country is now fo univerfally known, that very little is re- quired upon the fubjeft of explanation under this head. The articles called oats, beans^ hay^ bran^ chaffs carrots^ diwd grains^ are individually brought into ufe, as may beft coincide with the pecuniary propenfities, or liberal fenfations, of the owners. Whatever may be written upon the fubje6l of quart- tity and quality^ w^ill very little influence the en- quirers upon thofe heads; the gentleman and the SPORTSMAN will iievcF alter their invariable plan of plenty^ and of the heft qualify, but the long lift of coachmafters, pollmafters, job and hackney- mcn, carmen, carriers, and inferior tradenxien, who merely exijl^ under the unavoidable accumu- lation of taxes, cannot feed their horfes as they zuoiild, but are compelled to feed them as they can. No particular inftrutlions, therefore, becoir.e materi- O 2 allv ]06 SPORTING DICTIONARY. ally iietefTary; but fome general rules may be laid down for occafional recoUeQion. The management of horfes of every defcription, ^vhether for the turf, the field, or the road, is now fo fyflematically underftood by the different claffes of fociety, that nothing new, inftruQive, or entertaining, can be introduced under that head. Each horfe is fupported in a way (at lead in rcfpccl to quantity and quality of food) individual- ly, and regulated by the opinion of the owner, or the work he has to perform. One conceives, from his own fenfations of liberality, tvtnfour feeds of corn a day too little; another confiders ^Zi;o rather too 7nuch. In fuch contrariety and diverfity, who can expecl to fee opinions concentrate in one particular point? Such hope, if adopted, will be eternally difappointed. It may not be inapplica- ble to have it always in memory, that it is not the number of feeds, or the quantity of hay, that Ihould conftitutc the criterion, but the quality of both upon which the nutritious fupport en- tirely depends. Three meafures of good corn will contribute more nutriment to the frame, andinvigo- ration to the fyftem, xXvdw five of had: and twen- tv-cight pounds of fubilantial fragrant hay will at all times be more prudent, and more profitable, than even double the quantity of a very inferior quality. This SPORTING DICTIONARY. 197 This data judicioufly and occafionally adverted to, will fufficiently widen the ground of information to every comprehenfion; it being only ncccffary to hold in memory the additional circumltance, that horfes fed too high, without proportional work, exercife, and evacuations, m\\{i htcomt full ^ pletho- ric^ and ultimately difordered; while, on the con- trary, thofe whofe blood is permitted to become impoverifhed from a want of the neceffary fupply of FOOD, will foon difplay it in a wafting of the flefh, a contrafted flate of the creft, and, if long continued, probably produce fome of thofe difeafcs originating in a ferous and acrimonious ftate of the blood. DIOMED — was in great repute as a racer, and afterwards as a stallion at ten guineas a mare. He was bred by Sir C. Bunbury; got by Florizel; dam by SpeElator^ and grand-dam by Blank; wa.s foaled in 1777, and proved himfelf an equal runner with the beft horfe of his time. As a ftallion, he has propagated fome of the fineft ftock in the king- dom. DiOMED is the fire of Anthony^ Charlotte^ Grey Diomed^ Lai's^ Madernolfelle^ Playjellow^ Quel- lavaca^ Sir Cecily JVhiJkers, Montezuma^ Glaucus^ Speculator, Charapion^ Little Pickle^ Michael, Mon- key^ Young Grey Diomed, Snip, Tom, Robin Grey, Dalham, Guatimozin, Habakkuk, Adela, Ca:dar, Switch, Greyhound, Laurentina, Poplar, Wrangler, diud Egham ; all confidered winners; cxclufive of O 3 many igS SPORTING DICTIONARY. many others who won matches and sweepstakes, (as colts Ziud JilliesJ but w^ere never named. DISEASE — is not only a ftate of the body di- re8:ly oppofite to the ftandard of health, but may be defined of two kinds; as thofe with which we are afflided by the influence of a fuperior Power, whofe wifdom we are not permited to explore; and by Others that, in ads of negleB and indifcretion^ we bring upon ourfelves. Difeafes are differently coticeived : fome waiters defcribe them by their cavj'e^ fome by their effcB : leaving the invefligation in a kind of medical myftery, bearing no ill affinity to theological ambiguity. In fa6l, the word is only introduced here to remind every reader, that, in re- fpeQ: to both man and horse, prevention is prefe- rable to CURE. DISTANCE; — a fporting term appertaining folely to the turf. It is a length of two hundred and forty yards (aftual meafurement) from the win- ning-post of every race-course in the kingdom; precifely at which fpot is fixed a poll correfponding with others, but having a gallery annexed capable of holding three or four perfons, which is called the distance POST. In this gallery, as well as in the o-allery of the winning-poil, before the horfes flart each heat, is flationed a perfon holding a crimfon flag; during the time the horfes are running, each flag is fufpended from the front of the gallery to which SPORTING DICTIONARY. 199 which it has been appropriated ^ but immediatelv upon the firfl horfe pafTing the holder of the ilkg m the gallery of the wixninc-post, he Rrikes the flag; at the very moment of his doing which, the holder of the flag in the gallery of the diftance- poft ftrikes his alfo, in confirmation that the heat is decided; and fiich horse or horses (running for the plate) as may not have pafTed the distance- post before the flag is ftruck^ is then deemed a dif- tancedhork^ and difqualified from fiarting again for the fame plate or prize. A horfe running bn the wrong Jide of a post, the rider not bringing his proper and full weight to fcale after the heat, or dif- mounting without firft riding his horse up to the fide of iliQ/cale^ and weighing, are alfo deemed dif- tanced horfes, and not permitted to ftart again. DIURETICS. — The clafs of medicines fo called, are thofe which, by their peculiar ftim.ulus, a8; fole- ly upon the parts appropriated to the fecretion of urine and its evacuation; thereby relieving the frame from fuch impurities, or flight diforders as pafs un- der the denomination of humours, and are faid to originate in the ftate of the blood. The advertifed diuretic balls of the Author are recommended and eftablifhed for their w-ell-know^n efficacy in " cracks, fcratches, inflammation of the eyes, perceptible foulnefs, fwelledlegs, and greafe." Diuretics are the more ufeful and convenient, becaufe a horfe can be O4 200 SPORTING DICTIONARY. be moderately ufed at any time during their opera- tion. ^ DOE — is the female of the fallow deer, bred in parks, and are the fpecies from which the table is fupplied with venifon : the male is called a buck; the female, a doe: the young (of which they pro- duce but one annually) is called a fawn. Doe venifon is not confidered equal in epicurean eftima- tion with the buck, either mfat or Jlavour ; nor is it in feafon till the latter has declined: this happens at the begining of autumn, when the feafon for co- pulation (called rutting time) comes on. Fawns are killed for the table at three months old, confe- quently in ufe during the latter end of Auguft, and firfl weeks of September. DOGS, — that well-known fpecies of animal whofe fidelity, attachment, gratitude, and general utility, very far exceed every eulogium within the power of the profufe pen of admiration to beftow. Their virtues and ufeful qualifications are beyond the moft prolific defcription: they are the proteftors of our property at home, the promoters of our plcafures abroad, and the pleafing partners of our domedic comforts by the fire-fide. The Rev. Mr. Daniel, in his elegant produQion called " Ru- ral Sports," has given a very full and fatisfaftory hiltorical account of their origin, the different kinds^ and croffes, with inftances, and well authenticated 3 proofs, SPORTIXG DICTIONARY. 201 proofs, of their mutual afFeftion, fidelity, fagacity, and docility. He has alfo introduced '• a laughable philofophical account of dogs, under the flippofi- tion of a tranfmigration of fouls ;" with a great va- riety of matter, truly entertaining to the sportsman of curious inveftigation. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth was publiflied a fyftematical arrangement of the different kind of dogs peculiar to Britain; but many of the names by which they were known, having iince become obfo- letc, they have been mod judicioufly clafTed by Mr. Daniel under the following genealogical heads. 1. Shepherds' Dog ; Wolf Dog; Iceland Dog; Lap- land Dog; Siberian Dog. — 2. Hound; Harrier; Terrier. — 3. Large Spaniel ; Small Spaniel ; Water Dog ; Small Water Dog. — 4. Bull Dog. — 5. Large DaniJJi Dog ; LriJIi Greyhound ; Great Hound Mon- grel; Large Greyhound ; Englipi Greyhound; and laftly, the Maftijf' Dog, When, after an inveftiga- tion fo feemingly clear, and a defcription fo truly fyftematic, every fportfman muft be equally fur- prifed, that there is no collateral branch of the '• Ge- nealogical Table," by which the Pointer has been produced; fo that, with both thefe Authors, his ah crigine^ or wide derivatur^ is left in equal obfcurity. As the qualification of each particular fporting dog will be more minutely adverted to under the diftinft heads of Hound, Greyhound, Pointer, Terrier, Sec. it becomes only applicable here, to introduce 202 SPORTING DICTIONARY. introduce fiiCh ufefiil remarks as appertain to the fpecies in general, under the feparate fatalities of MADNESS and diseases. The figns of madnefs in a dog are as follow : He becomes dull, folitary, and endeavours to hide himfelf: he feldom barks, but makes a kind of murmuring noife, and refufes all kinds of meat and drink : he is enraged at, and flies upon, ftrangers ; but in this flage he remembers and refpe6ls his maf- ter : his ears and head hang down ; he walks nod- ding, as if overpowered with fleep : this is the firft ftage; and a bite now, though dangerous, is not fo bad as afterwards. After thefe fymptoms, the dog begins to pant; he breathes quick and heavy; hangs out his tongue, to emit a great deal of froth from his mouth, which he keeps perpetually open : fome- times he walks flowly, and as if half afleep, and then fuddenly runs, but not always diredly forward, as pretended: at length he forgets his mafter; his eyes look difpirited, dull, full of tears, and red; his tongue is of a lead colour, he grows faint and vreak; oft reels, flaggers, and falls; then rifes fud- denly, and attempts to fly at every thing, becoming now mad and furious : this fecond fl:age feldom con- tinues thirty hours, death putting by that time an end to the difeafe : and a bite received during the laft flage is juftiy confidered incurable. To thefe diftinguifliing traits of the dreadful malady, may be added the following, which are believed certain and SPORTING DICTIONARY. COj and invariable. All other dogs are alarmed at the .approach of a dog really mad, and, upon ImcUing him, not only inflantly avoid him, but run 'dw-Ay ^\uth horror. The tone of the dog's voice when he barks, feems hoarfc and hollow. In the dumb madnefs, if the dog is confined, he barks incelfant- ly for a da)' or two. Thofe who wifh to go into a mod ingenious and explanatory inveftigation of madnefs, and its dif- ferent kinds in dogs, will feel themfelves highly gratified in a perufal of that part of Mr. Daniel's " Rural Sports," who has fyflematically introduced the befl and mod judicious opinions and authorities upon the fubjeft. The difeafe occafioned by the bite of a mad dog IS called hydrophobia; and the fmalleft quantity of his faliva, eithery?Y/'7z or dry^ v/ill produce it. The infeftion frequently lies dormant for many months, and then difplays itfclf w^ith the greateft violence; but, in general, it appears from a month to fix weeks, at the expiration of which, if no fymptoms of diforder are perceptible, the patient is confidered to be fafe, and not to have received the infetlion. It has been thought by the belt me- dical authority, that the nearer the place bitten is to the falivary glands, the fooner the fymptoms ap- pear; and this, by obfervation and experience, is now fully confirmed. In 204 SPORTING DICTIONARY. i In order to communicate the infe6tion, a wound is no more neceffary than it is in the fmall-pox ; to the HUMAN SPECIES it can be communicated bv the faliva only; but dogs have received it by being in the kennel where mad dogs have been before. This diforder, it feems, is only inherent and natural to the canine fpecies, (as the dog, fox, and wolf;) but other animals having received the infe8ion, by the puncture of the tooth from either of thofe, may then communicate it to any other fpecies, and by the fame means. When the human fpecies become unhappily the fubjefts of this diforder, though in particular in- llances fome variation may be obferved, the fymp- toms are in general a flight pain in the wound, fometimes attended with itching^ but always refem- bling a rheumatic pain; it extends alfo into the neighbouring parts, and at length from the extre- mities it paffes into the vifcera; the cicatrix (if there has been a wound) begins to fwell, inflames, and then to difcharge an ichor; and this alone may be confidered the primary and invariable fymp- tom of a certain hydrophobia. There are other more general pains, refembling rheumatic ones, and are of a quick, flying, convuUive kind: they affect the patient in the neck, joints, and other parts; a dull pain often feizes the head, neck, bread, belly, and even runs alon;:^ the back-bone. The patient is gloomy, murmurs much, is forget- ful, SPORTING DICTIONARY. 205 ful, and drowfy ; at times the mind feems difordered; by turns he is watchful ; his (lumbers become dif- turbed, and awaking from them, convulfive agita- tions immediately follow. A deafnefs is fometimes complained of; the eyes are watery, the afpe8: forrowful ; the face becomes pale and contraQed; fweat alfo breaks out about the temples ; an unufual flow of faliva at length comes on, with a drynefs of the fauces, a foulnefs of the tongue, and a difagreeable, or rather foetid, effluvia from the breath. As the above fymptoms increafe, the fecond ftage advances : a fever comes on, which at firft is mild, but attended with mo- mentary horrors, and violent periodical agitations; "vvakefulnefs becomes continual ; the mind is more and more diflurbed; a delirium approaches; and an averfion to fluids and poliJJud bodies is at this time plainly perceptible. At firft, a conftri6lion of the gullet is perceived, and a difficulty of fwal- lowing; but as yet liquids are freely taken, al- though foon refufed : this fymptom augments fo vifibly, that, when any liquid comes before their fight, an horror immediately feizes them; and if they make an eflPort to drink, fpafms are produced, on which horrid gefticulations, and lofs of fenfes, follow. The patient now murmurs, groans, and mourns moft diftreffingly, lofes by degrees all knowledge of his moft intimate acquaintance, and then becomes deflrom of Vuing : reafon returns at intervals. £0(5 SPORTING DICTIONARY. intervals, and he laments his own calamity ; the thirfl; excites a defire to drink, but in vain they ftrive, and foon fink into the moft affeQing defpon- dency. Confcious of the approaching inclination to hite^ he warns his friends of their danger, and, by words or motions, advifes them to keep at a diftance. Toward the conclufion, the fever and thirfl increafe, the tongue hangs out, the mouth foams, ftrength fails, cold fweats come on, the tightnefs in the breaft increafes, as well as all the predominant fymptoms, till the patient expires in llrong convulfions. The fubje6l of madness in dogs, and the hydro- phobia in the human fpecies, afford ample fcope for refleftion and fcientific difquifition : this, how- ever, not being the proper place for a literary en- largement upon either, it becomes necefTary to in- troduce a few remarks upon that well known de- firuQive diforder called " the distemper," which Mr. Daniel properly obferves, " is the moft fatal (the plague only excepted) that any animal is fub- jec^ to. It is aftonifhing what numbers have been deftroycd by it within the period of its being known in this country, which is about forty years : whether the attention paid, and the medicines of different kinds now ufually adminiflered in its lirft ft ages, have occafioned the alteration, certain it is, the difeafe is milder, and lefs frequent, than it was twelve or fifteen years fince.'* After SPORTING DICTIONARY. 207 After all the difTedions and minute inv;e{tiga- tions that can pofTibly be made, the dijlcmper^ in refpe8: to its original or remote caufe, fets every enquiry at defiance ; and it remains in the fame ftate of uncertainty in which it has continued for thirty years paft. Great and indefatigable exer- tions, however, on the part of Mr. Blaine, (a profefTional gentleman of anatomical and medical celebrity,) have done much in the inveftigation ; and as his refearches are conftant and unwearied, the SPORTING WORLD havc yct much to expe6l from his perfeverance. Mr. B. nioft candidly obferves, that, " amidft all his inveftigations, although un- able to difcover the original caufe of the difeafe, and after many experiments made upon probable ground to provide a cure for it, what enquiry, condu8:ed on principles of reafon and fcience, could not do, was effefted by chance ; and a reme- dy was found as certain in its efFefts, as it is pofli- ble for a remedy to be. Under a fair trial it has never been known to fail; even in the word ftages, when the convulfions were very frequent, it has re- moved the complaint; yet, where the difeafe is fo malignant, the certainty mull be diminiflied." Mr. Beckford, whofe feries of " Letters upon Hunting" are amongft the happieft efforts of truth and accurate obfervation, communicates a remedy for the diftemper, tranfmitted to him by a friend whofe hounds had derived great benefit from the experiment, 20S SPORTING DICTIOXARV^. experiment, of taking " an ounce of Peruvian bark in a glafs of port wine twice every day;" whether as a ball or bolus does not appear; but, perhaps, upon trial, it will be found, that an ounce of bark in powder will abforb (or take up) Jour glafles of wine, before it can be rendered fufficiently fluid for adminiftering in that form. Mr. Daniel has fo largely and judicioufly treated upon the fubjecls of the dijlemper and ca- nine madnefs in his Rural Sports, that it is im- poiTib.e to add a fingle thought o* line upon ei- ther, without the moft palpable appearance of plagiarifm : his own obfervations, blended with a colle61ion of well-authenticated fa6ls, are fo nume- rous, fo juft, and the inferences drawn fo truly fcientific, that nothing new or additionally advan- tageous can be introduced. Dogs of every defcription are held in fuch ge- neral eftimation, that the Legiflature has thought proper to render the privilege of keeping them a matter of pecuniary contribution to the fupport of government, and the exigencies of the ftate ; under which increafed and accumulated a8:, they are become very efficient obje^ls of taxation, as will be readily conceived by the annexed abftra6t. " Perfons keeping one dog, not paffing under the denomination of greyhound, hound, poin- ter. SPORTING DICTIONARY. 209 TER, SETTING DOG, SPANIEL, LURCHER^ OF TER- RIER, lo pay the annual fum of fix fhillings." " Any perfon keeping ofie or more dogs, of ei- ther of the above defcription, is to pay ten fhillings for every dog up to any number of dogs fo kept," " Perfons may compound for their hounds at THIRTY POUNDS per aunum,'' Dogs, from their general utility, and the eftima- tion they are invariably held in by their owners, have been thought worthy an act of parliament formed folely for their proteQion; rendering them of proportional value with any other kind of property, and equally entitled to legal prefcrva- tion. By this flatute it is ena8:ed, *^ If any per- fon fhall (leal any dog, or dogs, of any kind or fort whatfoever, from the owner thereof, or from any perfon entrufted by the owner thereof with fuch dog or dogs; or fliall fell, buy, receive, harbour, detain, or keep any dogs of any kind or fort whatfoever, knowing the fame to have been fiolen as aforefaid; every fuch perfon being convi6led thereof upon the oath of one credible w^itnefs, be- fore two Justices of the Peace, flisall for the firft offence forfeit and pay any fum not exceeding 30L nor lefs than 20I. and the charges of conviction." Vol. I. - P And 210 SPORTING DICTIONA RV. And " in cafe fuch penalty fhall not be forth- with paid, the oflFender to be committed to gaol for any time not exceeding twelve months, nor lefs thanj/zA;, or until the penalty and charges are paid* Any perfon guilty of a fubfequent offence, t6 forfeit and pay any fum not exceeding 50L nor lefs than 30L together with the charges; which penalties to be paid, one moiety thereof to the informer, and the other to the poor of the parifh. On non-payment, the offender to be imprifoned for any time not exceeding eighteen months, nor lefs than twelve, or until the penalty and charges ihall be paid, and be publicly whipped. Juftices may grant warrants to fearch for dogs ftolen; and in cafe any fuch dog or dogs, or their (kins, fhall, upon fuch fearch, be found, to take and reflore every fuch dog or fkin to the owner ; and the per- fons in whofe cuflody any fuch dog or fkin fhall be found, are liable to the like penalties and pu- nifhments. Perfons aggrieved may appeal to the quarter-feffions, and the determination there to be final." DOCKING. — The amputation of the tail is fo called, from that part of the tail left to the body being called the dock. It is a very fhort and fim- ple operation, attended with no danger, and may with yearlings be performed even with a common knife. A very flight cauterization with a hot-iron, and a little powdered rofin, immediately flops the 1 bleedingj SPORTING DICTIONARY. 211 bleeding, and a cure takes place in a few days. It was formerly a cuftom to dock horfes clof^ to the quarters, under the erroneous and ridiculous impreflion of making the horfe ftrong in the fpine: fuch idea and pra6lice are, however, in the prefent more enlightened age, entirely relinquiflied. DOUBLE — a term in hare hunting. The hare is faid to double, when, being confiderably a- head of the hounds, (he throws herfelf to the right or left, and returns in a parallel line to the track ^Q. went before; getting into which, fhe is faid to run the foil. If during the chafe Ihc lays down^ fhe is then faid to quat, DRAG — is a fporting term in hunting, and ufed exactly in the fame fenfe with the fox, as trail is with the hare. Upon throwing the HOUNDS into covert^ to draw for a fox, any fingle ho\ind giving tongue^ is faid to challenge, and to have hit upon drag ; that is, to have come upon the foot or fcent of the fox, where he had been in the night or early part of the morning, before he re- tired to fecrete himfelf for the day. When it was the cuftom to be at the covert fide fo foon as there was day-light fufficient to ride up to the hounds, drag \^2is fpeedily obtained; and in many inftances a good drag proved better than a bad chafe; but in the prefent fafliion of going to covert, and throwing off at mid-day,, drag is but very little P 2 known, 212 SPORTING DICTIONARY. known, and but of trifling ufe if found; for the SCENT muft, from the great length of time, have fo generally died azvaj^ and fo partially remained, that no expeftation can be entertained of the HOUNDS carrying it up to the gaxMe. DRAG-NET — is the particular net in ufe with thofe no6i:urnal depredators who exert their utm.ofl endeavours to devaftate every water in the neigh- bourhood where they refide. It is of fufficient length to extend from one fide of any moderate fiondy moat^ or river^ to the other; and having the bottom plentifully loaded with leads at equal dif- tances, with the addition of afliftants at each end to bring the two together, enclofes of courfe all the fifli within its draught. DRAUGHT OR Draft Horses — are of two kinds; the one adapted to the light carriages and fplendid trappings of the great ; the other to the purpofes of agriculture, and the commercial tranf- aftions of the Metropolis, where their numbers, their ftrength, and powerful execution, exceed every idea of the moft fertile imagination. See Cart Horses. DRAWING — is a term ufed in fox and stag HUNTING, whtn drawing a covert to find either of the former, or an outlying deer; it being cuftomary to fay, " we draw for a fox;" " we try for a hare;* DRAW. SPORTING DICTIONARY. Q13 DRAW-NET — is ufed for taking birds of dif- ferent kinds, but more particularly applied to the net made ufe of with the setting dog for taking PARTRIDGES, by which mode the whole covey are frequently fecured. The old birds are liberated, and the young deftined to the table. This is, however, confidered fo deflruElive and unfair a praftice, that it is continued but by very few, and thofe principally confift of rustic tyrants, or rigid Cynics^ who wifli to monopolize not only the SPORT and the game, but ^U the good things of this life. DRAY. — A fquirrel's depofit for its young is fo called; it is built in the triangular branches of a tree, and refembles the neft of a magpye. DRENCH, OR Drink, — any medical compo- fition prepared in a liquid form, and given to horfes or cattle for the cure of difeafe. A dilUnc- tion is made between the two in general; it being the cuflom to fay, drink for a horse, drench for a cow. They are given v/ith a horn, fold by fad- dlers and collar-makers for that purpofe. DRIFT — is the a8: of driving a common. This ceremony takes place once, tzuice^ or thrice^ a year, (according to the cuflom of the place,) to infure and continue the privilege of the Lord of the Manor, as well as to preferve the rights of the P 3 parifhioners. 214 SPORTING DICTIONARY. parifhioners. The cattle upon the commons and WASTES being all driven to fome particular fpot, are there examined, and their owners afcertained: thofe belonging to parifhioifers (or fuch as have right, of common) are immediately liberated, and return to their old lair : others, the property of ALIENS, are impounded, and the owner \s fined fuch reafonable fum as may be thought equitable by the BAILIFF of the manor. No owner being found, the obje6t (whatever it be) is called an ejtrav^ which being cried three times in the near- td i-iarket- o\vn;>, and not claimed within twelve month:^ and a d^y, it then becomes the property of the LORD of the manor. DRIVER, — a name given to many famous hnrfi^S but of very different blood. The firft v.as ioalcd in 1727, bred by the Duke of Ancas- TKR, and got by the Wynn Arabian, of no great rote. Mr Beaver's Driver was foaled 1732, and got by iS/z^i^ out of Thwaites's dun mare. Mr. Lamego's Driver (commonly called Little Driver) vi^cis got by Bf.aver's Driver; dam by Childers ; grand-dara by the Walpole Barb; was foaled in 1743; i,^6 fbi Ibn.e years proved one of the bed plate horfes in the kingdon^, h?iving v;on upwards of thirty fif- ties ; but as a llallion never produced any winners. Loi^D Egremont's Driver^ foaled in 1783, was got by T'^enthayn^ dam (Coquette) by the Comp- ton Barbj and proved a tolerable runner. DROPSY SPORTING DICTIONARY, 215 DROPSY OF THE Chest — is a diforder to which horfes are fubjeft; and many inftances have oc- curred in the pra6lice of the Author, where feven, eight, and in one cafe near ten gallons of water were found in the cavity of the chest, upon opening the body after death. This accumulation of fluid being completely extravafated, no hope of cure can be entertained, as the preternatural colledion can nei- ther be taken up by abforption, or carried off by evacuation. There feems to be only one predomi- nant trait, or diftinguifliing fymptom, by w^hich this diforder can be even tolerably afcertained, and that is folely by the action of the horfe. In either walk, trot, or gallop, (and the more as his pace is increafed in each,) the fore legs feemingly fpread from each other, as if they v/ere internally diftend- ed by painful preffure, funilar to divifion by for- cible expanfion, not at all unlike the means ufed by butchers in the flick pointed at each end to extend the limbs of carcafes when difplayed for fale. The legs in a trot conftitute a painful hohhle ; and in a gallop the fubjeft cannot get his legs be- fore him, but appears at every motion likely to pitch upon his head. All this gives every reafon to believe the defe8;, when firft difcovered, is fre- quently thought a lamenefs in the flioulder, and the patient prefently deemed a cheft-founcjered horfe. If a horfe having a dropsy in the chest, and the colletlion of water (from the duration of difeafe) is large, much information! may be derived refpefting P 4 the gl6 SPORTING DICTIONARY^ the certainty, by the following experiment. Lead, or let him be rode up a gentle afcent^ and he will be obferved to move with but very little pain or impediment : the moment he is turned round, and defcends, the weight of the water in the cheft coming forward, and being prefled upon by the contents of the abdomen, in the a6lion of going dozun hill^ in- ftantly produces fo much pain, and fuch difficulty of proceeding, that with judicious praBitioners, or nice obfervers, no great hefitation can arife in pronouncing the probable certainty of this difeafe, DRUGS. — The parts of the materia medica are fo called in their individual ftate, previous to their incorporation with each other, when they then become chemicals or galenicals, according to the different procefles they have undergone; and the moft eminent commercial houfes in that way, announce themfelves dealers in " Chemicals, Ga- lenicals, and Drugs." There is nothing requires more the fcrutinizing eye of the sportsman, or the judicious exertion of the veterinarian, than the JeleBion of medicines; upon the pure and unadul- ■ terated properties of which, he has alone to depend for the foundation of all his hopes, the gratification of all his wifhes, and the fupport of all his profef- fional reputation. It is a matter too univerfally known to require nds (or much information, that drugs of different kinds SPORTING DICTIONARY. 217 (or qualities) are Ibid under the farde denomination Sit various prices; by which the prudent and the experienced may eafily judge of the gradational fhades of adulteration by which tho^e prices are reduced. The lower clafs of farriers, particu- larly in the country, are remarkable for purcnafing the cheapejl articles they can obtain, and have of courfe the regular channels through which they are fupplied. The paltry articles fold for liouo- RICE POWDER, DIAPENTE, FCENtJGREC, ANISEED POWDER, and turmeric, are moftlya compound of flour^ bean meal^ oatmeal, and various kinds of rub^ bijk, (lightly impregnated with a fmall proportion of the genuine drug or medicine it is intended to reprefent. See Adulteration. The drugs and medicines indifpenfibly necef- fary for the profeffional embarkation of the vete- rinarian, are as follow; and without the entire poffeflion of which, it will be impoffible to do juf- tice to the good opinion of his employers, or to the reputation he may be anxious to obtain. Aloes Succotrine and Barbadoes. Burgundy Pitch, Affafaetida. Cream of Tartar. Diaphoretic Antimony. Calomel. Crude Antimony Levigated, Cammomile Flowers, Butter of Antunoiiy. Camphor. Barbadoes Tar. Camphorated Spirits of Wine, Alum, Plain and Burnt. Carraway Seeds. Anifeeds, Whole and in Powder, Corrotive Mercury, Balfam of Sulphur, Elecampane. Bay Berries. Emetic Tartar, Bole Arraeniac. Euphorbium. -/Egyptlacum, SIS SPORTING DICTION ARY, ^gyptlacum. Oil of Amber, Fcenugrec Seeds. Opium. Frankinfepxe, Peruvian Bark, Friars Baliam, Red Precipitate. Ginger. Quickfilver. Gum Arabic. Saffron. Guaiacum. Sulphur, Gum Ammoniacum. Saltpetre. Honey. Sal Armoniac, Jalap in Powder. Sugar of Lead, Juniper Berries. Salt of Tartar, Long Pepper. Spermacaeti. Liquorice Powder and Juice: Syrup of Buckthorn. Linfeed and Linfeed Powder, Snake Root. Muftard Seeds. Tutty and Turmeric, Myrrh Gum and TinBure. Philonium. Nitre and Spirits of Nitre, Venice Treacle, Oil of Anifeed. Turpentine. Oil of Caflor. Roman Vitriol, Oil of Turpentine. White Vitriol, Oil of Vitriol. Verdigreafe, To which may be added ointments detergent, di^ geftive, and healing; lint, tow, fyringes, pipes, blad^ ders. Sec, to meet all emergencies. Nothing fo much betrays a want of medical knowledge and confiften- cy, as the habitual indolence of being without the neceffary apparatus, when fuddenly called upon in cafes of ALARM and danger. Judicious pra6li-- tioners never fall into the flovenly mode of fubfti- tuting one medicine for another^ unlefs difficulties or diftance prevent the poffibility of their being obtained. Many of the foregoing articles will alfo be found ufeful in the pofTeffion of gentlemen refident in re- mote parts of the country, or at a diftance from towns ; SPORTING DICTIONARY. 21^ towns; particularly as the praftice of the village SMITH or farrier may be too confined and unpro- fitable to admit of his keeping up a ftock adapted to a more extenfive concern. Sportsmen who are anxious for the uniform confiilency of ftable ciifci-r pline, and the prefervation of their fluds in good condition, ftand not in need of advice upon a fub-r je6l become fo univerfal; as very few fporting eftablifhments are now to be feen, but what have their colleftion of medicines ready prepared for any unexpeded emergency. DUBBING.— Taking off the comb and gills from a game chick, before he is turned to a maffer- walk, is fo called. The operation is performed with a penknife for the comh^ and fciffars for the gills ; after which wafli the parts with vinegar, or weak fait and water, which terminates the whole. DULNESS — in a horfe of any tolerable fpirit, may be confidered an injallihle fign of prefent dif- quietude, or approaching disease. In all cafes, accurate invefligation, and early relief, are much to be commended: even 2, Jlight co/^ attended to at its commencement^ may be prevented from fpeedily producing an inflammation of the lungs, fever, or many other diforders of equal anxiety, trouble, and expence. DUNG. — The excrement of the horfe is fo called, 220 SPORTING DICTIONARY. called, and fliould be occafionally attended to, as its appearance will fometimes tend to the pre- vention of difeafe. If the dung is bright in colour, the globules uniform in fliape and confiftence, and not/cstid in ejlicvia, the body may be confidered in good ftate : on the contrary, if the dung, when voided, is hard, black, and ofFenfive, or the parts adhere to each other by a vifcid ropy flime, they are equal prognoflics of internal heat, foulnefs, and impending difquietude. Horfes in this ftate lliould be put under a courfe of phyfic without de- lay; for till they are thoroughly cleanfed, they cannot with propriety be brought into any ftrong exertions whatever. Another advantage is fre- quently derived from an accurate infpe6lion of the dung, where worms are fometimes feen in great plenty, although, from the general appearance of the horfe, no fuch circumftance may have been expefted. DUNGANNON, — thenameof a horfe of much celebrity, his winnings being equal to any racer of his day. He was bred by Col. O'Kelly, and foaled in 1780. He was got by Eclipfe ; dam (Afpajia) by Herod; her dam (Doris) by Blank; grand-dam (Helen) by SpeElator^ Sec. Sec, After beating every horfe of eminence, particularly the famous horfe Rockingham over Newmarket, he w^as taken out of training, and as a ftallion pro- duced annually fome of the fpeedieft and beft bot- tomed SPORTING DICTIONARY, 221 tomed hoiTcs in the kingdom. He covered firft at twenty guineas, then at fifteen, and laftly at twelve. He was fire of Syhil^ Cinderella^ Equity^ Lurcher ^ Harriet^ Northland^ Bandalore^ Clementina^ Fancy^ Griffin^ Hambleton^ Hop-picker^ Miniynus^ Parrot^ Bedford^ Pajlor^ Billy ^ Edgar^ George^ Little Devil, Totter ella, Totter idge^ Cannons^ D if putt ^ Inferior^ Outcajl^ Penfioner^ Bragger^ Oatlands, Boajler, Omen^ Ploro^ and Mifs Totteridge ; all winners; exclufive of many others, both colts and Jillies^ who ran and won without a name. E. EARS. — As the ears conftitute much of the beauty of a horfe, according as they are well or ill fhaped, fo from their fituation, they are fure to become early objefts of obfervation. If they are fmall, foft, and fine, curving inward in a fmall de- gree at the point, perfeQly ereft, and fpirited in ac- tion, they give the animal a very noble, majeftic, and commanding afpeft : on the contrary, when a horfe points his ears forwards, he bears the appear- ance of looking eternally for mifchief and always preparing to JI art at every objecl he meets, which is no very pleafant fenfation to the rider. Horfes of this defcription are feldom remarkable for the fa/ety of their eyes ; a purchafer cannot be too cir- cumfpecb 222 SPORTING DICTIONARY* cumfpe6l in his examination before he makes him an acquifition. Horfes having coarfe, long, foul ears, fet on too low, and hanging down on the fides, are called mule or lop eared horfes ; and if of good form in other refpe6ls, and of fome value, they are in general cropped to improve their ap- pearance. The greater part of the racing ftock of old Herod^ one of the beft ftallions ever bred in England, were foul^ long^ and wide in their ears, which is to be feen in almoft the whole of their progeny. Pain in the ear of a horfe is difcoverable imme- diately by its flaccidity, and painful deprivation of ereftion. The ear lays nearly flat either one way or another; the horfe is almoft every minute giving violent fhakes of his head, which he as conftantly leaves hanging down on the Tide affected; from "which circumftances alone the feat of pain may with certainty be afcertained. Pains in the ear may arife from various caufes, as colds, blows, the infinuation of, or iling {xoxi\^ foreji fties. bees, wafps^ or hornets. If the firft is kjiown to be the caufe, the ftimulus excited by mildly rubbing the iniide with the half of a newly divided onion, will foon relieve the pain. If from a blow, rubbing the ear infide and out with two table-fpoons full of cam- phosated fpirits, mixed with two tea-fpoons full of extraft of faturn, will relieve. If from a fting, a plentiful impregnation of fine olive oil, to give the fkin I SPORTING DICTIONARY. 223 {kin the power of expanfion, will be right in the moment of increafing inflammation; after which, the fv/eliing may be allayed with common w^hite wine vinegar, verjuice, or flrong vegeto mineral water. Trimming the ears on the infide is a very com- mon pradice, and adds confiderably to the neatnefs and cleanlinefs of the head and appearance ; but care fliould be taken never to let it be done du- ring rainy weather, fharp and fevere winds, or in the winter feafon; dreadful colds, as well as dange- rous difeafes, have often been produced by thefe m.eans, without knowing from w^hat caufe the ill effe6l has beerr derived. The operation of trim- ming fliould be performed in warm, open, mild w^eather, and with scissars in preference to the flame of a candle; which, with the additional ufe of the twitch^ only ferves to put the poor animal to a double degree of unneceffary mifery. After the ears are trimmed, they may be rubbed over the in- fide with a fmall quantity of frefli butter, or a piece of fine linen impregnated with olive oil, both of which are excellent preventives to cold after the operation. ECLIPSE, — the name of the moft famous horfe (fince Flying Childers) ever produced or trained in this or any other country. He was bred in Wind- for Great Park by the Culloden (or Great} Duke of Cumberland^ 224 SPORTING DICTIONARY. Cumberland^ being foaled during the celebrated eclipfe in the year 1764, from which his name was taken. He was got by Old Marjke^ dam (Spilletta) by Reguhis; her dam (Mother Wejlern) by Smith's fon of Snake; grand-dam by Lord D'Arcy's Old Montague^ Sec. Sec. Upon the deceafe of his Royal Highnefs, the flud were fold by auftion at the Park Lodge; where Eclipfe (then a yearling) was pur- chafed by Mr. Wildmax for 46 guineas, and after- wards fold to Colonel O'Kelly (his lafi: and only polfeffor) for 1700 guineas. In 1769, when five years old, he won two 50's at Epfom; 50 at Ascot Heath; the King's 100 guineas, and 50, at Win- chester; the 100 guineas, the bowl, and 30 guineas, at Salisbury; and the King's 100 guineas at Can- terbury, Lewes, and Litchfield. In 1770 he received forfeit 600 guineas, and won the King's 100 guineas at Newmarket; the King's 100 guineas at Guildford; the fame at Notting- ham; the fame and 319 at York; the King's 100 guineas at Lincoln; 150 guineas, and the King's 100 guineas again at Newmarket, where orders having been privately given by his owner, " to go off ^ifcore^ and run the whole four miles {ox fpeed^'* he double diftanced his opponents, and was then taken out of training for want of a competitor. From this time he continued as a ftallion at Ep- fom, in Surry, and afterwards at Cannons, the feat of Colonel O'Kelly, in Middlefex, where he died on SPORTING DICTIONARY. 2:25 on the 27th of February, 1789, in the 26th year of his age; leaving a progeny of winners and ftallions who are tranfmitting his blood to pofterity in di- re6lions too numerous to be obliterated to the end of time. He was (ire of Firetail^ Soldier^ Corporal^ Ser- jeant^ Don Quixote^ King Fergus^ Nina^ Charlemont^ Competitor, Gunpowder, Hidalgo^ King Herman^ Meteor^ Pegafus^ Scota^ Serpent^ Squeaky Striplings Devi Sing, Eliza, Poor Soldier, Big Ben, Spitfire^ Fair Barbara, Adonis, Mercury, Lily of the Valley ^ Volunteer, Bonny/ace, Jupiter, Venus, Antiochus, Dungannon, Maria, Henley, Soujah id Dowlah, Gri- malkin, Dian, Thunderbolt, Lightning, Spinner^ Horizon, Mifs Hervey, Plutus, Pluto, and Comet; exclufive of a great number of winners, for the lift and particulars of which, reference may be made to Weatiierby's " Stud Book,'' and " Racing Ca- lendarS' EARTH. — A FOX beating his purfuers when hunted, and taking refuge under ground, is then faid to have earthed, or gone to earth. Some of thefe earths are fituate in old chalk pits, forming fuch different channels and ramiiications amidft the roots of trees in woods and coppices, that it is impoffible to dig them out; but where there is the leaft proba- bility of fuccefs, it is never relinquifhed; upon the cftablifhed and well- founded principle, that the Vol,. I. Q hounds 226 SPORTING DICTIONARY^ hounds are always entitled to blood after a good CHASE. A wanton and unneceflkry deftru8ion is, however, at no time to be juftified, particularly in a country thin o{ foxes ; fuch unthinking devaftation is frequently produdive of a blank day at the end of a feafon. ^ EARTH-STOPPER— is an indifpenfible part of a FOX-HUNTING eftablifliment, whofe bufinefs is principally performed by night. His department is to vifit and ftop the ftrongeft earths in the diftrict intended to be hunted on the following day. This is ufually effefted between the hours of ten at night and four in the morning, by means of bufhes^ bj-am- hles^ earthy Sec. to furnifh which, he is provided with a hand-bill, fpade, candle and lanthorn, a har- dy rough poney, terriers, and of courfe a pocket pijlol^ to recruit the fpirits amidft the dreary fcenes it is become his occupation to explore. It is alfo his bufinefs to re-open the earths after the fport of the day, that the foxes may not fall vi6lims to other modes of deftruftion. ELDER — is a tree common in mofl hedges in the country, bearing a fruit called elder-berries, from which people make a very good wine. It is, however, only mentioned here to remind the rea- der, that lYitJlowers are a very excellent ingredient in fomentations, and fporting gentlemen fhould never be without them : they fliould be gathered in 1 the SPORTING DICTIONARY. 227 the heighth of tlie bloom, properly dried, and pre- ferved for ufe. ELECAMPANE, — a root formerly in much eftimation for its efficacy in coughs and diforders of the bread and lungs; hence the reputation it has attained in peroral compofitions for the ufe of horfes. The great difficulty, however, of pro- curing any thing like the genuine root in powder from the medical retail (hops, mufl: ever prevent any great gratification of expeftation, to thofe who rely too much upon the properties it is faid to re- tain. EMBROCATION; — a name given to spiritu- ous, VOLATILE, or SATURNINE applications in a liquid form ; either as corroborants^ Jlimulants, re- pellents^ &c. and in mofl cafes they are doubly effi- cacious, if their ufe is preceded by fponges dipt in a hot decoclion, prepared from thofe garden aro- matics called " fomentation herbs/* EMOLLIENTS — are fuch external applica- tions as mollify the furface, and alleviate any ftric- ture upon the furrounding parts : they fupple the folids, as well as (heath and foften any afperity of the fluids. Fomentations are of this clafs, and prove of the greateft utility in all tumefaRions, en- largements, and many lameneffes of horses, with thofe practitioners who have judgment and patience Q2 to 228 SPORTING DICTIONARY/ to bring them perfeveringly into ufe. From the relaxing property of emollient topics, and their flieathing of acrimony, it is that they are good fe- , dative applications, when pain from tenfion or irri- tation is excited: from nervous fympathy, their efficacy is conveyed to diftant and deep-feated parts, and thus it is that the warm bath proves in moft cafes fo powerful a fedative. Emollients, whether in the ufe o^ fomentations^ or the applica- tion of poultices^ by relaxing the fibres, and in- creafing the congeftion of fluids, greatly promote fuppuration, to effe6l which in all inflammatory tumours, they fliould be immediately brought into ufe. ENTRANCE of HORSES— is the ceremony of entering horfes (at the particular places appoint- ed) on a certain day previous to the races at any city, borough, or town, where the plates to be run for are given and advertifed. Horfes intended to run, are " to be shewn and entered," paying two or three guineas " entrance money^' (according to the cuftom of the place,) and in general jiveJUiU lings to the clerk of the course. For all plates given by His Majesty, orhis R. H, the P. ofWALEs, no other entrance money is permitted, or paid, but the before-mentioned fee to the clerk of the courfe. ENTRANCE of HOUNDS— is the introduc- tion o^ young hounds to the pack; with whom, at a 2 proper SPORTING DICTIONARY. 229 proper age, they are incorporated, for their initia- tion in the kind of chafe to which they arc then to become appropriate. This is a matter fo truly profefTional, and fo entirely dependent upon the judgment of the huntsman and his attendants^ that neither inftruftion or entertainment can be deri- ved from literary defcription. EPILEPSY, — a diforder in horfes, bearing fome fimilitude to apoplexy and staggers; for which the fame medical means are applied for relief. EQUERRY — is an appointment of much ho- nour in the home department of His Majesty, under the fole direftion of the master of the horse. There are five equerries in this official fituation, one of whom is called the Jirjl : of the other four, two are always in waiting to attend upon His Majesty in every equeftrian excurfion, whether on the road, to ihcjield, or in the chafe, with whom His Majefty moft gracioufly condefcends to con- verfe familiarly. His Royal Highnefs the Prince of Wales, the Dukes of York, Gloucester, and other branches of the Royal Family, have likewife attendants of this defcription. EQUERRIES — apply equally to thofe in a more fubordinate fituation, who perfonally officiate in the stables of the Crown, and to whom is en- trufted the breaking, managing, and preparing O 3 faddle- 230 SPORTING DICTIONARY. faddle-horfes of every defcription for the King's ufe. Some of the out-riders who attend upon the family, pafs alfo under the fame denomination. EvSCAPE, — the name of a horfe of great beau- ty, excellent fymmetry, and much celebrity. He was bred by Mr. Franco, and got by Highjlyer out of a Squirrel mare; he was foaled in 1785 ; and in the Firft Spring Meeting at Newmarket, 1789, he beat the Prince of Wales's Cantoo Ba- hoo^ from the ditch-in, for 200 guineas. He was then purchafed by his Royal Highnefs, and in the Second Spring Meeting he received forfeit from Alexander^ and Clown, 100 guineas each. In the Firft Odober Meeting of the fame year, he beat Nimble acrofs the flat 200 guineas. The Craven Meeting, 1790, he beat Grey Diomed over the Beacon 500 guineas; and won the great fubfcrip- tion purfe at York, beating A&.(ro7i, and Gujlavus, The Craven Meeting, 179I9 he beat Skylark, High- lander, Glaucus, Halkin, Meteor, and Buffer^ a fubfcription of 50 guineas each: two to one on Skylark. Firft 06lober Meeting the fame year, he beat Grey Diomed over the Beacon Courfe 8ft. 71b. each for 1000 guineas. Two days after, he beat him again for the renewed 140 guineas. In the fecond 061ober Meeting he won a fubfcription purfe (twelve fubfcribers) over the Beacon, beat- ing Chanticleer, Skylark, Grey Diomed, Harpator, and Aldermanj comes in, and continues till January, The time in which the a6l of procreation is carried on (called rutting time) commences at the latter end of Au^ gujl^ and continues during the greater part of Sep- tember* The fkins of both buck and doe are manufac- tured into the article of leather for breeches, fo fuperior 240 SPORTING DICTIONARY. fuperior to every other kind for the purpofe of riding, the produce of the whole kingdom is not" equal to the demand, many thoufand fkins being annually imported from different parts of the world. For the laws relating to deer, fee Deer Stealers. Buck huntixVG was formerly a much more fre- quent fport than at prefent; and a dwarf kind of ftag-hound (called buck-hounds) were kept for the purpofe. The uncertainty and fliort duration of the chafe, has, however, at length, nearly oblite- rated the praBice, as there is hardly fuch a thing in the kingdom as a pack kept folely for the purpofe of hunting fallow deer. FALLOW LAND— is land fo called when under no immediate cultivation, but ploughed up, and laid at reft, to acquire, from its expofure to the elements, additional ftrength for the produ8:ion of future crops. Of thefe there are both fummer and winter fallows ; upon the laft of which, if dry, HARES may generally be found in the months of January^ February^ and March, if there are any to be feen in the country. FALCONER. — A falconer, whofe province it was to taiue, 7nanage, and look after falcons, and other hawks, was formerly as great and con- fpicuous a charader as the moil celebrated hunts- man Sporting dictionary. 241 MAN of the prefent day. The influence of fafiiion, and the changes wrought by time, have, however, fo obfcured both sport and sportsman in this way, that neither hawk^ falcon^ or falconer^ are to be feen or heard of, unlefs in the northern parts of the kingdom, where it is aifo nearly buried in ob- livion. FALSE QUARTER— is a defea in the hoof of a horfe, originally fuflained by fome injury, producing a deftru8:ion of parts; as quittor^ canker^ -wounds^ treads^ hruifcs^ or fuch formation of mat^ ter^ by which a part of the hoof has been unavoid- ably deftroyed, or neceffarily taken away. In the regeneration of parts, the incarnation (from the rigid and horny nature of the hoof) is irregular and imperfeft, forming a fort of cleft (or artificial union) with the found part upon the furface, pro- ductive of a fenfible weaknefs underneath. This imperfect and defeftive jun61ion renders fuch quar-- ter^ as is it called, inadequate to the weight it is def- tined to bear; in which cafe, much judgment is required, and may be exerted, in the palliation, as pcrfeEl cure is not to be expelled. Care muft be taken in forming the fiioe to relieve the tender part from prefTure, by hollowing it at that particular fpot, and letting the bearing be fixed entirely upon! the found parts. By confiant attention in reducing the prominent edges of the irregular projeftion with the fine fide of the rasp, and a few occafional Vol. I. R im|'regnatiof>s^ 242 SPOPxTING DICTIONARY. impregnations with fine fpermacxti oil, the hoof may be fametimes reftored to its original forma- tion. FAMILY. — See Black Legs and Betting. FARCY, — except the glanders, is the mod unfortunate and deftruBive difeafe to which the horfe is fubjeft. It is infe&ioiis, and may be com- municated from one horfe to another, or to the whole ftable, where many (land together. As it frequently attacks different fubjefts in a different way, (according to the Jlate and condition of the horfe at the time of attack,) fo it has afforded op- portunity to \hQ. fertile and ingenious to extend and define it to various ki^ids of farcy, though they are but different fhades and gradations of the fame difeafe. The very firfl traits of this diforder are too diftinguifliing to be miflaken ; although the attack may be made either one way or the other. The fubjed is, in general, dtill, heavy ^ f'^SE\P^'> ^"^ feemingly oppreffed with lajjitude and debility, for fome days previous to any external fymptoms of difeafe; in a fhort time after which, fmall purulent pujlules appear, with a fort of feeming ejchar upon the apex of each, running along the veins in a kind of continuity, bearing no ill afhnity or re- fcmblancc to a bunch of grapes a little diverfified in SPORTING DICTIONARY, 243 in fize. Upon any of thefe efchars^ or f cabs ^^ being removed, they are followed by a thin bloody ichor in fome; but in others, by a foetid, vifcid, cor- rupted matter, not unlike a mixture of honey and oil, when brought into all poffible incorporation. As the diforder advances to a more inveterate malignity, thefe puftules buril, the fcab or efchar exfoliates, and each becomes a virulent, ill-condi- tioned ulcer. In many inftances the progrefs is extended with incredible rapidity ; and the larger veflels, with their inferior ramifications, are fooii univerfally afFefted; holding forth a very unpro- mifing prediftion of early extrication. A tolerable opinion may be formed of the miidnefs or threat- ened feverity of the difeafe by the nature of the attack : if appearances are partial, (that is, at- tached to any particular fpot,) without a fpeedy extenfion to different parts of the body, or its extremities, the cafe may be confidered in its then infantine Jlate favourable; and the proper means fhould not be delayed to counteraft its farther con- tamination of the blood and juices: on the con- trary, fiiould a daily increafe of the eruption be obferved, fpreading itfelf in various dire6lions along the plate-vein, and down the inude of the fore-arm, under the belly, proceeding on both fides the (heath, and down the infide of each thish, a cure may be conudered very S.ijlant and uncer- tain; involving a doubt for prudeut deliberation, R 2 whether 244 SPORTING DICTIONARY. whether the alternative of death may not be pre- ferable to the chance of cure^ at an expence (if effefted) very, very far exceeding the value of THE HORSE. Experience, and attentive obfervation, tend to juftify an opinion, that when the farcy makes its firft appearance, in the way defcribed, it is then of the fpecies received by infeBion^ and that it has lain dormant fome time in the circulation. When it makes its attack upon one particular part, in a previous ticmefaBion^ and fubfequent fuppuration^ (extending no farther than the quarter in which it originates,) it may then be conlidered a degree of the fame diforder, retaining within itfelf much lefs virulence than the former, and to have been pro- duced by the morbid ftate of the blood, and predo^ minant tendency to difeafe; holding forth a well- founded profped of CURE, if the cafe happens to fall into the hands of a judicious and fcientific prac- titioner, who well knows the peculiar property of 7Yicdicine^ upon which alone the fuccefs depends. Thofe writers who have induilrioufly divided and fub-divided the farcy into fo many different dif- eafes^ have not noticed a diforder (or. rather a com- plication) partaking of the joint fymptoms of both GLANDERS and FARCY; from which circumftance it has, by the beft and mod experienced praftitioners, been denominated, farcy glanders, and is, in its attack. SPORTING DICTIONARY. J245 attack, progrefs, and termination, precifcly as fol- lows. One or more fvvellings appear upon fome part or parts of the body, where, after attaining a certain fize, they become indurated^ making no far- ther progrefs toward, maturation. Here nature feems coiinterafted in her own efforts, and, by fome inexplicable revuljion^ the head is alrnoR immedi- ately and fevereiy affe6led; tumefactions appear under i\\Q jaxus; the swellings increafc in various parts and degrees about the eyes and mouth; a mod incredible difcharge comes on from the noftrils, difcoloured and offenfive beyond defcription; in which ftate, bidding defiance to every interpofition of art, or adminiftration of medicine, the animal lingers a few days, and, if not previoufly dif- patched, (as in fa 61 it ought to be,} dies a mafs of complete putrefaElion. FARRIER — is the appellation by which a per- fon is known, whofe occupation it has hitherto been confidered to execute the joint office of furnifhing Jlioes for the protection of the feet, and the body with medicine for the cure o^ difeafe. It has been, from its original formation as a bufinefs, the moft dangerous^ laborious^ and leaft compen- fated^ trade (or profeffion) of any in the kingdom; confequently none but the mofl indigent or illite- rate (from the eaves of a cottage^ or the walls of a 'workhoufe) could be prevailed upon to undertake ^ it. In proof of which, it is a well known fa61, R 3 that, 24^ SPORTING DICTIONARY, that, for a century paft, not more than one in TWENTY of its pra6litioners, in either tow7i or country^ has ever been enabled to leave a clear twenty pounds to his family at the time of their de- ceafe. Recent circumftances have, however, oc- curred, to give the practice of farriery a new complexion ; but, unluckily, in the extreme ; for the appearance of " The Gentleman's Stable Directory" a few years fince, and the fuccefs of its author in his indefatigable endeavours, and energetic exertions, to promote a reformation in the fhamefully neglefted, erroneous^ and cruel fyf-= tern of farriery, conftituted fuch a blaze of na- tional emulation, that the inilitution, erctlion, and eftablifhment, of a public school, has rendered pra6litioners in farriery (newly ycleped " Veteri- nary Surgeons'') as numerous as the necefiitous me- dical adventurers in almoft every town and village of the kingdom. See Veterinary College. FARRIERY. — The art of farriery confifts in the peculiar mode of difcovering one diforder from another, by a difcrimination of predominant fymptoms, and the adminiftration of medicine par- ticularly applicable to that peculiar fpecies of difeafe. It alfo comprehends and includes the operations of BLEEDING, cropping, docking, nick- ing, blistering, firing. Sec, as well as the cure of wounds, and the long^train of ills and accidents to which the horfe is incident. This art (or more properly I SPORTIiNG DICTIONARY. ?47 properly jcicncej now ftruggling to become re- fpeQable, has hitherto continued in a Itate of the mod wretched Jlerility for the rcafons fo clearly ex- plained under the lad head; to which may be added, the very impreffive confideration, that its PROFESSORS have not been permitted to retain the lead perfonal weight in the fcale of fociety ; on the contrary, have been generally held in the mod trifling edimation, and confequently dedined to adbciate only with the lowejl and lead polidied clafles of every defcription. The degrading, dirty, and inferior offices to which the manual or operative farrier mud in- ceflantly become liable in the courfe of his prac- tice, renders it readily to be believed, that thofe whofe EDUCATION have been fufficiently liberal to qualify them for a fcientific initiation in the study of PHYSIC and anatomy, as well as a perfe8: know- ledge of the property of medicine, cannot be cxpe6led to defcend to the rcugh and laborious bu- finefs of the forge, makings fitting audfetting the shoes, as well as many other equally difficult and hazardous operations to which the fubordinate mud perpetually become fubjeSl: in the courfe of his pradice. Hence it is fair to infer, that the liberal education, and acquired polifh, of the ve- terinary surgeon, will fo ill accord with the fenfations of the shoeing or bUick fmith^ that they will be found incompatible with each other-, and, R 4 until 24S SPORTING DICTIONARY. until a more extended idea, and generous compen^ fation, is adopted by the public, to render the me- dical MONITOR, (or veterinary furgeon,) and com- mon Jhoeing-fmith and operative farrier^ two dif- tin8: and feparate branches, the pradice of far- riery and VETERINARY MEDICINE will ncvcr at- tain the improvement of which it is fo clearly ca- pable. FAWN — is the young of the buck and doe, called a fawn during the firft year. A fawn is fe- creted by the dam in the fern^ or long grafs^ with great care, during the firft weeks, and feldom ac- companies the mother but by night. In royal PARKS and CHACES, a certain number are annually killed when fawns of about three months old, to prevent the diftri6l from being overjlocked ; this is generally done by coursing with greyhounds, "which is moft excellent fport, the greyhounds being frequently beat. FEATHER.-— The centrical divifion, and dif- ferent directions, of the'^furrounding hair in a * horfe's forehead is fo called : they are alfo fre- quently feen upon the neck on one or both fides the mane, and fometimes upon the hind quarters, and are confidered natural ornaments : their fimi- litude to a feather of the firft plumage has given them this appellation. FEATHER SPORTING DICTIONARY. 249^ FEATHER WEIGHT, — in the sporting WORLD, Tignifies the lighted weight that can be put upon the back of a horse, in whatever match he may be engaged, and totally depends upon the will of the owner; who is not under the neceffity of bringing his rider to tht fcale cither before or after the race, in an engagement where " feather weight" is particularly exprefled. On the con- trary, when a liorfe runs for any plate, match, SWEEPSTAKES, or SUBSCRIPTION, at a fxed zveight^ according to his age, heighth, or qualification, his RIDER mud be publicly weighed upon the cowx {q previous to ftarting ; and at the termina- tion of every heat^ if the rider dif mounts before his horfe is led up to the scales, (generally affixed to the ftarting-poft,) or when there, not weighing his proper weight, the horse is deemed diflanced^ and can ftart no more for the prize in queftion. FEEDER — is one cflential part of a hunting ESTABLISHMENT, bearing no ill affinity to the heU lozvs-blozuer of an organist; for if the hounds are not well and properly fed, they can never be adequate to the fatigues and difficulties they have to go through. To the feeder is fubmitted the management of the hounds in kennel; but he is always fubjeft to the occafional dire61ions of the huntsman, whofe inmiediate fubordinate he is, and whofe dilation he muft implicitly obey. He fhould not only be youngs indcfatigahk^ and alcrt^ but 250 SPORTING DICTIONARY. but fond of his employment ; as v/ell as humane and good temper td.) for the comfort of the poor animals entrufted to his care, who have not the power to expoRulate when ill ufed^ or to remonftrate if their j| grievances Hand in need of redrefs. The department of the feeder is of more magnitude than may at firfl fight be believed. It is his particular bulinefs to keep the kennel fweet and clean^ and to execute this part of his truil at ftated and invariable periods. To hoil^ prepare^ i and mix the different kinds of provihon for the I HOUNDS, according to the regulations of the efta- I blifhment to which he belongs. When difengaged from the concerns of the kennel, he is expefted to affift in the fLables ; as well as to exercife and drefs the fpare horfes of the huntsman and whipper- in, on hunting days when they are abfent. In ex- tenfive concerns, and large packs, tvv^o are required TO FEED, in which cafe the huntsman (as is mofl proper) always renders affiftance, FEET.— The feet of horses being the very bafis of fupport upon which the fafety and expe- dition of the frame entirely depend, they are en- titled to every poITible degree of care and atten- tion ; more particularly in the winter season, -when, from neglell^ fo many ills and inconvenien- cies are known to arife. The injuries, accidents, and difeafesj to which the feet are conftantly liable. SPORTING DICTIONARY. 251 liable, confifl of cracks in the hcels^ scratches or lacerations,^ stubs and bruifes of the cuter fole^ or upon the verge of the coronet^ between hair and hoof, corns, sandcracks, thrushes, canker, quit- tor, RINGBONE, and foot-founder ; exclufive of the frequent injuries fuftained in shoeing, by the ignorance, indolence, or ohjlinacy of thofe smiths who, having no profeihonal reputation to fupport, are too innately confident in ihtuown ability to bear inftrudion. As the defects thus enumerated will be found individually enlarged upon under diftinft and fe- parate heads, it becomes only neceffary here to lay- down fuch general ruks for the regular manage- ment of the feet, as may (properly attended to) prove the means of prudent prevention; not more in refped to the trouble and expence of disease, than of the moll mortifying and repentant anxiety, Thefe defe6ts and difquietudes are feldom found but in the ftables where the master rarely or ever condefcends to obtrude his person and commands upon the tenacious dignity of a felf-important groom; the perfevering induftry of whofe careful endeavours, and the pliability and elafticity of whofe joints, if properly exerted, would prove the truell and mod infallihle preventives to swelled LEGS and cracked heels, in preference to all the nojlrums ever yet brought into private practice or public ufe. And thofe who unfortunately en- 3 -counter £52 SPORTING DICTIONARY. counter thefe ills, may generally, and with juftice, attribute them much more to the conjlitutional tardinefs of the profejfed groom (or occafionai ftrapper) than any defe8: in the conftitution of the horle. The FEET of different horses vary exceedingly in what may be termed the tcxtwe or property of the hoof; and this is, in general, regulated by the colour of the legs and feet. There are few horfes with white heels, but what have tohite hoofs, alfo, and thefe are always more liable to, and fu- fceptible of, defects and weakness, than thofe of an oppofite defcription. The found, firm, dark-coloured-hoof, of the bay, brown, or black horfe, is feldom found defeBive ; but thofe of other coloured horfes are the moft fubjeB: to weak, thin foles, difplaying a prominence on each fide the frog, occafioned by a too feeble and inadequate refiilance to the force of the membraneous mafs within ; feet of which defcription are alfo fre- quently found to have the correfponding conco- mitant of a brittle hoof, the edges of which are in- cclTantly fplitting, and throwing out a conftant threatening of sandcracks, with the additional mor- tification of being fubjeB: to inveterate thrushes, or an ahnoli conftantly difeafed or putrefied itate of the frog. Feet, SPORTING DICTIONARY. 2o3 Feet, fo exceedingly different in the nature of their conftrutlion, mull certainly require as different a mode of treatment, according to fuch cir-^ cumRances as happen to exilt. To preferve feet perfedly found, and free from the ills to which they are fubjeft, cleanlinefs is the leading ftep. After exercife or ufe, fo foon as the body is dreft, the dirt or gravel fliould be carefully taken from under the fhoes with a picker, the feet well waflied, the legs and heels rubbed dry, the bottom flopped with cow dung^ and the hoofs oiled with a brufh impregnated with sperm a c.sti oil. -Horfes left with tuet legs and heels^ after a fevere chace, or long journey, particularly in fharp eaflerly winds, or during frost and snow, conftitute cracks or Jcratches to a certainty. So fevere a rigidity is oc- cafioned in the very texture of the integument, that it becomes partially ruptured or broken in various places, upon being brought into expedi- tious a6lion ; which, v/ith the friciion and irritation then occafioned by the iliarp particles of gravel in dirty roads, foon produce lacerations of the mofl painful defcription. The ftate of the shoes fliOuld be conflantly at- tended to. Permitted to continue too long upon the FEET, the growth of the hoof brings the fhoe forward, rendering it too fhort at the heel^ when it begins to indent, and finking upon ih^ foot, foon preffes upon the outer f ok ^ conftituting pain or dif- quietude 5 254 SPORTING DICTIONARY^ quietude in fome horfes, and laying the foundation: of CORNS in others. Horfes, in moderate workj require new shoes once a month upon an average, never varying more than two or three days from that time : indeed, it is not right they fhould go longer. The penurious plan of removing fhoes half worn is truly ridiculous ; the}^ never render fervice adequate to the expence, and the praftice Jj only tends to a more frequent deflruftion of the ^ hoof. Thrushes fhould be counteraQed upon their firfl appearance, without being permitted to acquire a corroding virulence. Swelled Legs are hardly ever feen in Itables where a proper courfe of difcipline, and regular routine of bufinefs, is ob- ferved; they proceed from a vifced, fizey ftate of the blood, a languor in the circulation, a want of exercife out of the ftable, or a fufficiency of fric- tion, leg-rubbing, care, and attention within. Se< Grease. FERN — is a a plant abounding plentifully in CHACEs, BEECHEN WOODS, aud COMMONS, and is a| feeming diminutive refemblance of our native bul- wark the hardy oak, not more in the fimilitude oi its growth, than its appropriation to various pur- pofes of utility. It not only conftitutes excellentj bedding for cattle in the w^inter, but has been con- fidered fo inftrumental to the preservation oi GAME, that laws have been framed to prevent its being wantonly dellroyed, or unfeafonably per- verted, SPORTING DICTIONARY. 9,55 verted, to the intercfted purpofcs of private indi- viduals. '^ Any perfon who fhall unlawfully fet fire to^ hum, or dejlroy, or alTift in fo doing, any gofs^ furze, or fern, upon any forest or chase within England, he fhall, on the oath of one witnefs be- fore a justice of the peace, forfeit a fum not ex- ceeding 5I. nor lefs than 40s. one moiety to the in- former, the other to the poor of the parifh. The fame to be levied by diftrefs; in want of which, the offender to be committed to the houfe of cor- re6lion, or county gaol, for a time not longer than three months, nor lefs than one." In addition to which aft, there are other manorial rights and local cuftoms, refpefting fern upon wafles and commons, reftraining thofe who have right of com- mon (or other privileges) from cutting fern before holyrood day in every year, FERRET — isaufeful little animal, well known to warren ERS and rat-catchers, by whom they are principally bred, as necelfary to their own oc- cupations. The ferret is of great fpirit, ftrength, and courage, for its lize ; is an inveterate enemy to rabbits, rats, and poultry ; in the purfuit of which, it will encounter any difficulty or danger, when once put upon tlie fcent. The body is longer in proportion to its height, than aimoft any other animal, the weazel and Jloat excepted. The co- lour 256 SPORTING DICTIONARY. lour frequently varies, even in the young of the fame d;im and the fame litter ; fome being black, with white under the belly ; fome are of a faint firaw>colour yellow, and others of a light fandy red. The head is, in its formation, not unlike the moufe ; the eyes are fmall, fiery, having the ap- pearance of red-hot iron, and can confequently diilinguifii obje6ls in the dark. It has a natural and inftinQive propenfity to burrowing^ and where- ever the head can enter^ the reft of the body can eafily follow. Whenever the ferret has fecured qhe prey he is in purfuit of, he extra6ls the blood with extreme pleafure hy fucli on ^ but is totally in- different to the Jlejli ; with the exception of the head of either rabbit or rat, the fkull of which he direftly deftroys with his teeth, the better to enjoy an inftantaneous and luxurious fcaji upon the brains. The FERRET ufually produces five or fix young at each litter, after a geftation o^ forty days : the offspring continue blind for thirty days^ and copu- late in fix weeks after they can fee. They are not ravenous, (except in purfuit of their prey, after having been long fafted;) are eafily fupported upon bread, milk, and fimilar trifles, enabled by nature to exift a long time without food, which is in fome degree compenfated for by their great enjoyment oF fleep. When ufed in warrens, they are hunted with muzzles^ that they may alarm the rabbits, and SPORTING DICTIONARY. 257 and drive them from their burrows to the ncts^ without having the power to injure them; for if they were enabled to feize them under ground^ they could never be prevailed upon to leave the earths. FETLOCK.— The part fo called is the next joint below the knee, and is formed by the union of the fliank-bone, at its bottom^ with the upper part of the fmall bone pafling from this jundion to the coronary bone at its top. The tendons (com- monly called the back Jinews) have their lower feat of infertion at this joint, which is conftantly liable to, and frequently fufceptible of, the mod ferious LAMENESS. As injurics of this joint are fometimes incurable, particularly when occafioned by a twifl or ligamentary diftortion, one precaution may be prudently retained in memory ; that more horfes are lamed by Jliort^ fuddtn^ and unnatural turns in the narrow Jl alls of an ill-conftrucled stable, (par- ticularly in the Metropolis,) than by any flrait- forward means whatever. Tendinous lameness has a much greater chance of early relief, and per- manent cure, than an injury fuftained at iht junBion of the bones ; for the relaxed tendons being reftored to their original elafticity by corroborative sti- mulants, blistering, or firing, frequently con- tinue found during the exiftence of the horfe : on the contrary, a ligamentary lameness, however Vol. I. S h 25S SPORTING DICTIONARY. it may be relieved, or apparently reftored, is al- ways more fubjetl to a relapfe or I'epetition. FEVER, — HORSES are fubjed to, and fre- quently attacked with, originating in variou3 caufes, and afting upon different conflitutions in a different way. Judicious difcrimination fhould be made between what is (ab origne) a fever within itfelf, and fymptomatic fever, dependent upon, and arifing from, another caufe. Extreme pain may produce fever, as in \3L\'gt formations of matter^ where tumours approach gradually to fup- puration. Fever may become attendant upon in- flainmatory cholic^ or upon a fevere fit of thtjlran- gury, or fpafmodic affection of the kidnies. In all INFLAMMATIONS of thc LUNGS, the fcvcT cxcceds dC" fcription ; butthefe fevers are called symptomatic, as being a concomitant, or diftinguifhing trait, of thc DISEASE upon which it is founded^ rather than a difeafe within itfelf. The predominant fymptoms of fever are, an agitated laffitudc and debility of the whole frame, with evident difquietude in every pofition ; quick and ftrong pulfation; mouth parched and dry^ with a burning heat to the fingers, when placed under the tongue; breath of a flefhy offenfivc fmell; the eyes red, inflamed and prominent, as if propelled by internal inflammation; heaving . more SPORTING DICTIONARY. Q59 more or lejs in the flanks, according to the mild- nefs or feverity of the cafe. Frequent attempts are made to stale ; the urine is very red in colour, and comes away in fmall quantities : the dung is generally hard, voided in fingle or double globules, to each of which adheres a vifcid Jlime^ indicative of much internal foulnefs amidft the interftices of the inteftinal canal. Lofs of appetite, difficulty of refpiration, a refufal of food, and impatient third for water, are amongft the moft invariable diag- nojlics oljever-, and as thefe fymptoms are more or lejs violent, may be eftimated the feverity and DANGER of DISEASE. FIDGET, — the name of a horfe of much cele- brity, who won as many capital flakes as moft' horfes of his time. He was bred by Mr. Vernon; was got by Florizel; dam by Matchem^ out of an own fifter to Sweetbriar, In the poffefTion of the Duke of Bedford, he became a ftallion at Woo- burn, and was the fire of Aiignjia^ Cub^ ViElor^ Frijky^ Hamadryad^ Neftler, Fantail^ Zemifc^ Grana- dilla^ Lady Sarah^ St, Vitus', all winners; as well as a great number of colts and fillies, who won large ftakes at three and four years old, but ran without a name. FIGGING— -is the fublime art of infmuating a profufion of faJfe fpirit, and ariijicial fire^ into a Wrfe, when offering him for fale. This is done S 2 by 260 SPORTING DICTIONARY. by privately introducing a piece of ginger (pre- vioufly bitten) within the JphinBer of the anuSi where, by its painful ftimulus, it fo irritates the animal, tha-t he feems, by the cocking of his tail, the inftantaneous erection of his ears, and the de^ ceptive fpirit he difplays in aftion, to be a horfe of very fuperior appearance and value to what he turns out when the Jlimulus of this deception has fubfided* FILLETS-^are, in more intelligible language, the LOINS of a horse, and feated above the flank, beyond the lad rib, and in a tranfverfe line with the hip-bone. A horfe long in the back, narrow acrofs the loins, and tucked up (greyhound like) in the carcafe, is faid to be badly made in the fillets, or, in other words, weak in the loins* FILLY, — the female produce of a horse and MARE : file is called a filly foal the Jirjl year ; a YEARLING the /econ^; and a filly \\\\ Jour years old. FILM — appertains to a certain defect, and properly ufed, applies only to a thickening of the outer coat or humour of the eye; in which cafe relief from external applications may very fre- quently be obtained : but where any of the internal coverings are become opaque, (and fometimes er- roneoufly SPORTING DICTIONARY. 261 roneoufly called films,) fuecefs from topical experi- ments mud not be expeQed. FIRETAIL — was a name given to three famous running horfes in fuccelfion ; the firft got by Childers, the fecond by S(jicirr€l^ and ihe third by Eclipfe, FIRING — is an operation performed upon dif- ferent parts of A HORSE for the promotion of any particular purpofe, (according to the degree of in- jury fuftained,) and in the following way. The horfe being fafely fecured by twitches and cords^ according to the methods in general ufe, the opera- tor having his iy'ons in the fire properly heated, and his attendant ready to fupply him with another, as often as the fire of the previous iron is ex- haufted, he proceeds with the edge of the red-hot iron to make longitudinal and tranfverfe (irokes in fucceffion, over the whole part where injury has been fuftained, and to fuch extent as circumftances may have rendered necefTary ; the depth and mag- nitude of the operation depending upon the feverity of the injury, and the length of time fince it was fuftained. Firing is frequently adopted in Jlrains of the hackfinews^ where the fubjeO: is faid to have broken down ; likewifc for bone and blood spavins, CURBS, SPLENTS, and partially to prevent a renewal or repetition of SAND-CRACKs, as well as for ring- bones, and LAMENESS in the round-bone : in the two S 3 laft, ^52 SPORTING DICTIONARY. laft, however, it has hardly ever been known of the leaft utility. FIRING-IRON, — the inftrument with which the OPERATION of FIRING js performed. It is a piece of iron about fifteen inches long, with a ftem ter- minating in a wooden handle at one end, having a blade of three inches long, and two wide, at the other. This blade is forged flat, and is at the back half an inch in thicknefs, becoming gradually thinner towards the edge^ which is not more than one third what it is at the back. They are formed of different dimenfions for different occafions, and three ox four are kept in the fire, and ufed to expe- dite the operation, where it is carefully and ex- pertly performed. FISH. — -Reafons are adduced under the head ^' Angling," why it has been thought unneceffary to enter upon fo copious a fubjed in a work of this kind; but as fish, fish ponds, and fisheries, have been found repeatedly worthy the attention of the legiflature, for the prefervation of property and PERSONAL rights, a concife abflrad of the LAWS, as they now fland, refpeding thofe rights, will conflitute the whole that can be required, or thought neceffary, upon this fubjeft. By the 5th Eliz. c. xxi. f. 2, it is provided. That if any perfon fhall unlawfully break or destroy any SPORTING DICTIONARY- 9,63 any head or dam of a risii pond, or fliall wrong- fully fifh therein, with intent to take or kill fijh^ he fhall, on conviftion at the assizes or feflions, at the fuit of the King, or the party injured, be impri- foned three months^ and pay treble damages ; and after the expiration of the faid three months, fhall find fureties for good behaviour for seven years to come. By 31ft Henry Eighth, c. ii. f. 2, If any evil- difpofed perfons fhall fifli in the day-time, from fix in the morning till fix in the evening, in any PONDS, STEWS, or MOATS, with luts, hooks^ or hait^ againft the will of the owners, they (hall, on convi6lion thereof, at the fuit of the King, or the party aggrieved, fuffer imprifonment for the fpace pf three months, aiid find fecurity for their good behaviour. By 22d and 23d Charles Second, c. xxv. f. 7, it is enacted, T\\2X\^ any perfon fhall, at anytime^ ufe any cajling-net^ drag-net^ Jhovc-net, ox other net whatever ; or any angle, hair, noofe^ troll, ox f pear ; or fliall lay any wearSy pots, nets^ fiJJi-hooks, or other engines ; or fhall take any fifh by any means what- Joever^ in any river, stev/, moat, pond, or other water, or JJiall be aiding thereunto, without the confent of the owner of the water, and be con- victed thereof before a justice, by confefTion, or the OATH of one witnefs, within one month after the S 4 offence 254 SPORTING DICTIONARY. offence committed, fuch offender fhall give to the party injured fach fatisfaftion as the justice fhall appoint, not exceeding treble damages ; and fhall, over and above, pay down prefently unto the OVERSEERS of the POOR, fuch fum, not exceeding 105, as the justice fhall think fit : and in default of payment^ the faid penalties to be levied by dist tress; and for want thereof, the offender to be committed to the houfe of correElion^ for a term not exceeding one months unlefs the party offending enter into bond, with furety, to the party injured, in a fum not exceeding lo/. never to offend in like manner. Justices are alfo authorized to take^ cut in pieces,^ and deflroy, all fuch articles as before recited and adapted to the taking of fifli, as may be found in the poffeffion of offenders when taken. Perfons aggrieved may appeal to the quarter sessions, whofe judgment fliall be final. Although this power is veiled in a magistrate, yet the owner of the water, or fifiery^ cannot juftify fuch a mea- fure, but can only take them damage feafant^ as is particularly expreffedin various claufes of different a8;s of Parliament upon this fubjeft. And by the 4th and 5th William and Mary, it is enacted, That no perfon (except makers and fellers of nets, owners of a river or fiftiery, authorized fifhermen, and their apprentices) fhall keep any net, angle, leap, pike, or other engine for taking of fish. The SPORTING DICTIONARY. QGS The proprietor of any river or fifhery, or per- fons by them authorized, may feize, and keep to his own ufe, any engine which fliall be found in the cuftody of any perfon fifhing in any river or Jijhery^ without the consent of the owner or oc- cupier. And fuch owner, occupier, or perfon, authorized by either^ fanftioned by the confent of any justice, in the day-time, may fearch the houfes, or other places, of any perfon prohibited to keep the fame, who fhall be fufpefted to have fuch nets, or other engines, in his poffelTion, and the fame to feize, and keep to their own ufe, or cut in pieces and dejlroy. By the 5th George Third, c. xiv. f. i, it is cnafted. That if any perfon fliall enter into any PARK or PADDOCK iuclofcd, or enter into any gar- den^ orchard^ or yard^ belonging to, or adjoining to, any dwelling-houfe, wherein fhall be any river^ fond^ moatj or other water^ and, by any means whatfoever, (without the confent of the owner,) Jieal^ kill^ or dejlroy^ any fish, bred, kept, or preferved therein, or fliall be aflifl:ing therein, or fhall receive or buy any fuch fifli, knowing them to be fuch, fhall, upon conviction, be tranfported for Jeven years, Perfons making confejfion of fuch of- fence, and giving evidence againft an accomplice, who, in purfuance thereof, fliall be convifted, will be entitled to a free pardon. And 266 SfORTING DICTIONARY, And by the fame A61, f. 3, it is enafted, That if any perfon {hall take, kill, or deftroy, or attempt to take, kill, or dellroy, any fifh in any river or Jlream, pool^ pond^ or olher water^ (not being in any park or paddock enclofed, or in any garden, orchard, or yard, bejbnging or adjoining to a dwelling- houfe, but in any other CDciofed ground, being private property J fuch perfon, being thereof con- vitted by confeffion, or the oath of one witnefs be- fore a JUSTICE, ihall ^or^tii five pounds to the owner of the fifliery of fuch river or other water; and in default thereof, fhall be comniitted to the houfe of eorre6lion for a time not exceedingT^^ months. Stealing fish in difguife is made felony by the 9th George the Firft, c. xxii. If any perfon armed and difguifed, fhall unlawfully y?(S^/, or take aivay^ any fish, out of any river, or pond, or (whether armed or not) fl:iall unlawfully and maii- tioufly break down the head or mound of any fish- pond, whereby the fifh Diall be lojl and dejlroyed^ or fhall refcue any perfon in cuftody for any fuch offence, or procure any other to join him therein, he fhall be guilty of fei^ony, without henejit of tlergy. FISTULA. — Any ulcer having a sinus or pipe of uncertain termination,, the infide of which has acquired callofity^ and from whence a matter or bloody fanies flows, or may be preffed out, is oalled SPORTING DICTIONARY. 267 called a fistula. In its more immediate applica- tion, it appertains principally to the injury fuitained upon the withers of horses; pinched by the fad- die^ or bruifed by the harnefs ; in long and fevere chafes or journies with one^^ or long continued weight and friftion with the other, A repetition of the jirjl caufe generally lays the foundation of great trouble; fome expence, and no fmall fliare of anxiety : attended to upon the Jirji injury^ the inflammation frequently fubmits (and fo7tietimes fpeedily) to the mildeft clafs of repellents : a fo- mentation of hot vinegar twice or thrice,^ for ten minutes each time, or a few applications of ftrong VEGETO MINERAL, incorporated with a proportion of camphorated fpirits, will generally prevent any farther caufe of difquietude. There is no one difeafe^ or injury^ to which the HORSE is incident, more perplexing to the vulca- NiANs of the old fchooL or veterinarians of the new^ than a fistula; the formation and procefs of which is precifely thus. A repetition of the bruife and friction, or painful prefTure upon the whither, having excited inflammation, nature makes an effort in her own favour; tumefaction or fwelling enfues, and fuppuration follows of courfe. From the bony ftruBure of this particular part, a copious fecretion of matter is in the firfl: infl:ance never obtained, or, indeed, to be expe6ted. From ^e great difficulty of fccuring poultices fo as to re- tain 258 SPORTING DICTIONARY. tain their fituation, the progress of maturation is always tardy, and ultimately both partial and imperfeft : the aperture, if felf-made^ is always exceedingly fmall, from which may be immediately traced with the probe, one or more pipes or sinusses in different direclions, becoming more and more callous internally, according to the length of their {landing, or the injudicioi^s mode in which they may have been treated. Various modes of treatment, and different di-r re6lions for a certainty of cure, have been laid down by fucceflive writers upon farriery, and frequently with little fuccefs. Theory, it muft be admitted, is one thing; the execution in practice is another. The volume of experience opens to the mind of rumination, and profeffional emula- tion, a new page every day ; that page now de- monflrates the JaB, that the moft inveterate and long-ftanding fistula is to be firmly and infallibly cured, and the parts perfe6lly reflored, by a mode eafy in execution, and invariable in effe6l. Let a filver probe be paffed in every poflible direction, that the sinusses may be precifely afcertained; this done, let the probe be properly armed wnth tint^ then plentifully impregnated with butter of antimony, and carefully introduced in fuch ftate into each diJlinB finits, (whichever way they divide or ramify;) when there, give the probe a turn, that every part may be equally affcBed; artificial in- flammation SPORTING DICTIONARY. Q69 flammation will fucceed, the internal callosity will be dejlroyed^ and flough ofF in a few days from the found parts. The vacuum may then be cleanfed with equal parts of friar's balsam, and tincture of myrrh, by a long-necked fyringe, once in three or four days; and the wound being daily dreffed with the precipitate digeflive ointment^ infinuated with lint rolled round the prohe^ and when pro- perly infer^d, flipt off with the force of the finger and thumb into the wound, and covered with a {licking plaifter to keep it firm, incarnation will be gradually promoted, and complete cure cer- tainly foHow. FLANK OF a horse— is the part lying be- tween the laft RIB and the hind quarter, reaching from the part of the loins neareft the hip-hone^ to the bottom of the belly neareft the stifle. If a horfe is well ribbed up, his flank not hollow^ but circularly prominent, and his back short, he is then called a " good barrelled horfe," and is very feldom deficient in other refpeCls which conftitute attraction. FLEAM, the well-known inftrument ufed for bleeding horses. Lancets are preferred by fome with thin-Jkinned and blood-horfes. Different kinds of spring-fleams have been invented alfo; but no one has been produced of fufficient merit or utility to entirely fuperfedc the eftablifhed caftom. FLESHY- S/Q SPORTING DICTIONARY. FLESHY-FOOTED.— A horfe is faid to be FLESHY FOOTED, whcii that part of the bottom of the foot on each fide the frog (called the outer sole)^ is preternaturally prominent, conflituting a con- vexity above the wall or crufl of the hoof, where the flioe fhoiild have its proper bearing upon the foot of the horse. In feet of this defcription, the outer fole, from repeated bruifmg and batter- ing in conftant work upon hard roads, or from an injudicious and deftru6live paring away with the butteris, are fo exceeding thin as to indent with the flightefl impreffion, and being too weak to re- fift the membranous expanfion within, compulfively fubmit to the internal propulfion, and are thrown into the projecting form already defcribed. Great care is required in flioeing horfes with this defed t the inner part of the web of the fhoe fhould be fo completely hollowed as not to admit the lead chance of bearing upon the prominent part; if it does, tendernefs and difquietude (if not lamenefs) muft inevitably enfue. In cafes of this kind, nei- ther the butteris or drawing-knife^ fhould be per- mitted in hand; they only render the remedy worfe than the disease. FLORIZEL — was a horfe of much celebrity upon the turf, beating moft horfes of his time ; and was afterwards a ftallion in great repute for many years. He was got by Herod, dam by Cyg- net ; bred by Mr. C. Blake, and foaled in I768. 1 He iPORTING DICTIONARY. Sf7l He was the fire of Berwick, Crook/Iianks^ Diomed^ King William^ Experiment^ Fox^ UlyJJes^ Bujller^ Dajli^ Fidgety Fortunio^ Hope^ Lee Boo^ May Fly, Moufe, Mulberry, Nimble^ Pig, Prizefighter^ Tongs^ Hope, Spendthrift, Tick, Tickle^ Wonder, Brother to Fidget, (v^ho won 2000 guineas in 1791,) Eager^ Hopeful^ Li input, Namelefs, Quick, Terror, Tar- tar, Hennia, ^nd William ; all winners; excUifivc of others too numerous to recite* FOAL — is the produce of horse and mare in a general fenfe, including both male and female ; but when a more particular defcription is required, it is cultomary to fay either a colt, or a filly foal. FOAM. — See froth. FODDER. — The winter provender for horses and CATTLE is fo called, and confifts of barley and oatjlraw, peas haum, the (hort rakings of the barn- floor after threfhing the corn, and precious to cleaning it; all which, with good flielter in the mod fevere and dreary part of the feafon, confti- tute no z7/ accommodation; particularly thofe farm- yards in the country that are v/ell managed, from whence horses, after a winter's run, frequently come up FIRM in flesh, and not v^xy foul in con- dition. On the contrary, thofe who are advocates for the STRAW-YARDS within ten or fifteen miles of the 272 SPORTING DICTIONARY. the METROPOLIS, had better cut the throats of their HORSES than make the experiment : they barely exift in a ftate of wretched ftarvation, are brought up in the- months of April and May objeds of dreadful emaciation, and commonly occaiion more expence to generate flefh, and render them fit for ufe, than they are afterwards worth. An infufficiency of fw^eet, good, and healthy fodder^ or even a pro* fuiion of fiinking cats ^ ov mujly hay^ will inevitably impoverifli the blood, and lay the foundation of surfeit, mange, farcy, and other diforders. FOIL,— a term ufed in hare hunting* When^ during the chafe, a hare, after a head or double^ runs over the ground fhe has ran before^ flie is then faid to be running the foil^ and with ftrid truth, for nothing can fo yxwichfoil the hounds as a chafe of this defcription. Old hares, who have fpeed enough to break away, and get confiderably a-head, almoft invariably throw themfelves out to the right or left^ double^ and quat; particularly if a hedge- row^ hedge, Jern^ Jurze^ or any kind of covert prefents itfelf favourably for the purpofe. The hounds continuing to run the fcent to the fpot where fhe made her head, over -run the hare^ and having no continuance of fcent, are of courfe at fault ; during which delay of trying forward^ frying back, making a cafl to the right, then a caf]; to the left, the hare flips into her foil; by repeatedly running of which with the fame inflinQive fagacity, S^OllTlNG DICTIONARY. Q?5 fhe as repeatedly faves her life ; without which^ and many fimilar innate JJi if ts to avoid their nu- merous enemies, there would not long be a hare left in the country^ FOLDING-NET;— See Bat Fowling. FOMENTATION-^is, perhaps, the moft ge- nerally ufeful of all external applications in a great variety of cafes, and cannot of courfe be too well known, or too much encouraged. It is a procefs but little prefcribed or praBifed by farriers or veterinarians; either "becaufe its efficacious pro- perty is very little known ; or the perfevering pa- tience required in the a8:, is too great for conjlitu- tional indolence. In all inflammatory tumours and enlargevients arifing from strains, blows, bruises^ and various other injuries, the efficacy of hot and perfevering fomentation can only be known to thofe who have repeatedly experienced its falutary cffiscls. In faft, its properties are two/old^ in as much as it affifts nature in whichever is her moft predominant effort^ either for ahforption or fuppu- ration. Fomentations are prepared by boiling three or four double handsful of the different kinds of aro- matic garden herbs in fix quarts or two gallons of water, occafionally ftirringthem for a quarter of an hour; then let the part affefted be patiently fo- « Vol, L T mentid 274- SPORTING DICTIONARY. ^fENTED with fponges or Jlannch^ alternately dipped in the decoction, as hot as it can be confiftently ufed without injury to the hair. If the tumour, or enlargement, docs not ihxtdiitn fuppuration^ the abfarption may be aflifted by a gentle perfevering friQion in hand-ruhhing^ previous to the application of fuch REPELLENT as may be thought applicable to the cafe : on the contrary, fhould a formation of matter have evidently taken place, the intention of nature cannot be too expeditioufly promoted; ai> EMOLLIENT POULTICE fhould injlantly follow the FOMENTATION, and both be repeated onct or twice., a-day, according to the magnitude of the emer- gency. The herbs chiefly in ufe for fomentations (and from which any three or four may be felefted) are Roman and common wormwood, mallows and MARSHMALLOWS, LAVENDER IcaVCS and floWCrS, Rosemary leaves^ cammomile flowers, Elder flowers, and Bay leaves. Thefe are articles not always to be readily obtained; and as they are ift all HUNTING eftablifliments likely to be wanted upoa the moft fudden emergencies, gentlemen in the country will find the convenience of giving orders for an annual fupply to be provided, and properly dried, in the fummer, that no difappointment may be experienced in the winter, when their ufe is more likely to be required. They are kept ready mixed at the botanical shops in the different mar-* kets^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. 27^ ktts of the Metropolis, and may always be had in any quantity under the denomination of fomenta- tion HERBS. FOOT* — The foot of a horfe extends from the FETLOCK-joiNT to the OUTER SOLE at the bottom of the hoof: it includes the coronary-bone, the NUT-BONE, the coffin-bone, and the inner fole^ (or membranous mafs,) tn which it is depofited; as well as the frog and the -wall or hoof furrounding and fupporting the whole.— See Feet. FOOT-FOUNDERED.— A horfe is faid to be rooT-FOUNDERED whcn there is an evident defe6l in aftion, and a palpable tendernefs, which pre- vents him from putting his {ttt freely and boldly to the ground. This malady feems never to have been clearly comprehended, or perfe8:ly explained, by any of thofe who have written upon the fubje6ls included in the general praftice of farriery. It is to be obferved, that horses labouring under this in- firinity^ have become gradually contraBed in the hoof and proportionally narrozoed at the A^e/i, put- ting their feet before each other with as much fear and caution, as if they were moving upon difheei of red-hot iron-, the rider of any fuch horfe, being conilantly in the happy expe6lation of the horfe's pitching upon his head^ and probably breaking the rider's own neck. T 2 The 27^ . SPORTING DICTIONARY, The very few reafons hitherto affigned for the origin of this defecl, " as being watered when too hot, then fetting the horfe upon cold planks without litter y^ " heats and colds, which diforder the body, and excite malignant humours, that inflame the bloody melt the greafe, and make it defcend down- ward to the feet, where it fettles, and caufes a numbnefs in the hoofs ;" are fo truly nugatory, that they are not for a fingle moment entitled to SCIENTIFIC difquifition. The only two rational CAUSES which can be affigned for this diforder (if it can with propriety be fo termed) feem never to have attraded profeflional obfervation or fefleQion. That it has its foundation in long and hard riding (or drawing) upon the hard and hot roads in the fummer months, will not admit of a fingle doubt; which foundation once laid, is not only increafed by every repetition of the original caufe, but a formidable addition made to it by the Jliamejul and deJlruElive pra6lice of fitting red-hot JJioes, from the roRGE^ to iht foot of the horfe; an unrelenting a8: of cruelty, conflantly and obftinately perfevered in at ^Imoft twtxy fJioeing-fJiop in the kingdom, by which infernal a8: alone, hundreds of horfes are annually FOOT-FOUNDERED ; tO Crufll whicll evil, THE LE- GISLATURE would not find itfelf degraded, by enabl- ing a prohibitory lav*-, any more than by conde- fcending to prote8: the perfons of the outfide paffen- gers upon a stage coach. To SPORTIN.O DICTIONARY. «77 To juflify what is advanced upon the Aihject of FOOT-FOUNDER, let it bc rccollcacd, that perfe- yerin^friciion will produce fire ; of which we have repeated proofs in the number of carriages known to have taken fire upon the roads, and to have been totally confumed. We are convinced a piece of cold iron, flruck with a hammer five or fix times in fuccefhon upon an anvil, will quickly afford a communication of fire to a match; this bein^ re- duced to an incontrovertible certainty, what muft be the excefs of heai produced by the efffxt of ATTRITION between the J/ioe of a horfe and the hardnefs of the road in the fummer months, the animal going a fifteen or twenty miles fiaee, at the rate oUwelvc ox fourteen miles an hour? ^^'^s ^ Why, the effea is precifely this; that, by the time the horfe has travelled difew miles, the rider difmounting, will find, upon injlantaneous examina- tion, the flioe has acquired (by the attrition already defcribed) a degree of heat beyond his power to bear with his hand, without being ferioufly burned. The eifea of heat without, being the fame within, aHs fo powerfully (in proportion to the continua- tion of the journey, and the ftate of the road} upon the foot of the horfe, particularly thofe of the weakeft texture, and the moft fufceptible, that the INNER SOLE (or membrauous mafs in which the coffin-hone is lodged} becomes in time, and by repe- tition, partially diveftcd of its moiflure, the very ^ 3 fourcc f^7S SPORTING DICTIONARY. fource of fenfation ; upon which contraQion of the internal "^diXis^ the hoof lofing its means and fup- port of expanfion^ contracts in a correfponding de- gree, conftituting the impoveriJJied appearance^ hrittlc'hoof^ and narrow heel^ previoufly defcribed, Thofe who have been fo exceedingly fparing, or fo accidentallyT^^ri/e, in refpeB to the caufes of this DEFECT, have, neverthelefs, been fufficiently liberal in direfting a cure. " Firft, pare all the horfe's foles fo thin that you may fee the quick; then bleed him well at every toe; after which flop the vein with tallow and refin melted together; and having tacked fome hollow ihoes (lightly on his feet, ftop them with bran, tar, and tallow, melted together, and poured into the feet as hot as can well be born ; repeat this every other day for a week or nine days, after which give him proper exercife daily ; or, what is ftill better, turn him oj^it for fix weeks, if it is a proper feafon for fo doing," Whether this mode, fo ftrenuoufly recom- mended, and copied by one writer from another^ is likely to effecl a cure, every reader will enjoy the privilege of judging for hirnfelf: it is, however, moll likely that thofe who rely upon any profef- fional exertions for total obliteration, will be dif- appointed, and that occafional palliation is all that can be reafonably expe6led. ^ There is, however, ^o doubt, but frequent and plentiful impregnations of SPORTING DICTIONARY. 2/9 of the wholt hoof^ and bottom of the faot^ with 5PERMA cJLTi OIL, made warm over the fire, will contribute as much to the expanfion of the hoof, and the regeneration of membranous moifture in its contents, as any other means whatever. FOREHAND — implies that part of a horse extending from the ears to the withers ; which, to be handfome, fhould be long, and rife gradually from the upper point of the fhoulder-blade to the very extremity of the ear. A forehand of this defcription adds greatly to the majeftic appearance and value of the horfe. But a horfe low hejorey with dijhort forehand^ and indented crtji^ can never become an obje£l of attradion. FOREHEAD.— The forehead is the front of the horfe*s head ; to obferve the form and effe^ of which, it will be necelTary to get before him. It is the fpace extending from the roots of the ears^ and between the ey^s, which being broad and FLAT, having 2i feather ox far in the center, con- dilutes a degree of beauty, and may be fuppofed to have a crofs of the Arabian in the blood. If a horfe, having a wide flat forehead, has the ad- vantage of a full prominent fpirited eye, they at Xhe firft approach afford no fmall indication of ex- cellence; and., upori nearer infpeftion, a corre^ fpondjng fymmetry is expected to follow. T 4 FORE- 2S0 SPORTING DICTIONARY. FORE-LEGS.— The fore-legs of a horfe begin at the lower extremity of the shouldefs^-blade be- fore, and the elbow behind : they confift of what are termed the arms, (or fore thighs,) which ex- tend to each knee; xh^ Jhank-hone from the knee to the FETLOCK joint; the fetlock-bone is con- tinued from thence to the coronary-bone, into "^vhich it is inferted ; the coronary rbone in part fills the cavity, or box of the hoof, being lodged in the COFFIN-BONE, fuppOFtcd by the mU-bone behind; thefe laft are depofited in the tnembranous mafs denominated the inner sole; the whole being terminated by the bottom of the hqo/^ ihe/rog, and tjie Older fole. The fore-legs, to be uniform, (in a front view,) fhouid be wide at the upper part next the hreajl^ ftrong and broad in the arm, bony below the knee, free from splents, a broad found HOOF, firm sole, and a frog \ci\ho\jLt thruJJies, FOREST.— A forest is a large traB: of land in jpaflure, many miles in extent and circumference, the property of the crov^n, moftly well flocked with timber, (from whence the navy is fupplied,) as well as with dL^dcdtiy o[ underwood^ farze^Jern^ Sec, for the breeding and prefervation of both venison and GAME. Forells are of great antiquity, and their immunities are prote6led by laws peculiarly and folcly adapted to their prefervation ; the exe-^ cution of which are lodged in principal officers, and their fabordinates, as follows; justices in EYRE5 SPORTING DICTIONARY. 281 rVRE, CHIEF WARDENS, VERDERERS, REGARDERSj FORESTERS, WOODWARDS, AGISTORS, RANGERS, BEA- DLES, and KEEPERS, A FOREST has its foundation under a commifTion bearing the great Teal of England, and \vhen pro- claimed through the county in which the land fo appropriated lies, " that it is a forest, and to be governed by the laws of a forest," it then be- comes a foreft upon record^ and the officers be- fore mentioned are appointed. A fored has its *' BOUNDARIES," itS " PURLIEUS," itS " PROPERTIES," its " COURTS," with a variety of regulations equally yninterefting and unentertaining, except to thofe who are refident within its precin6ls ; to whom a variety of enlarged particulars will be ufeful, and may be found in " Daniels' Rural Sports," a recent publication of merit and celebrity. There are faid to have been sixty-nine forests in England, of which the New Forest, Windsor Forest, Sherwood Forest, and the Forest of Dean, have always been confidered the principal. His Majesty's stag hounds are kept at the kennel upon A/cot Heathy in Windsor Forest, where he has for fome years enjoyed the pleafures of the chafe. The beafts of foreft, in all ancient records, were Renominated '' beasts of veneryj" and confided of 282 SPORTING DICTIONARY. ^ of the Hart^ Hind, Hare, Boar, and Wolf: the complete extinQion of the two latter has, however, long fince rendered the term unneceflary, if not entirely ohfolete, and the whole is generally com- prehended under the appellation of game, and the LAWS enaded to prevent its deftruftion, FOREST LAWS— are the laws framed for the prote6lion of vert and venison within the precinfts of a foreft. It is the bufinefs, and the duty, of all fuhordinate officers, to apprehend offenders of whatever defcription, and prefent them to the fo- rest COURTS, in order to their being puniflied ac- cording to the magnitude of the offence they may have committed. FOREST COURTS— are the courts occa- fionally held for executing the forest laws. The principal of which is, the Court of the Chief Jus- tice in Eyre; this is a court of record, and is held only once in three years. The Court of Swain- mote confifls of the verderers, who, in fome de- gree, are the judges ; as they receive prefentments, and hear evidence, as well as enquire of offences to ConviB, but cannot pafs judgment, that power being referved to the Court of the Chief Justice (called *' justice seat") alone. The Court of Swainmote can only be held three times a year. The Court of Attachment is likewife a meeting of the verde- rers SPORTING DICTIONARY. 283 RERS, and held once in fix weeks^ being called the " f ORTY DAYS COURT." During the time of the great camp upon BagJJiot Heathy the Duke of Richmond having taken up his temporary refidence at the Rojc Inn^ Wokingham^ in Windsor Forest, where the courts were occa- fionally held, and feeing the regulations refpefting the Court of Attachment fixed in the room, his Grace wifhed to obtain fome information upon the fubjed; but finding none to be derived from the waiter, he defired " aperfon might be fent up who knew Jomething of the matter J' In a few minutes appeared the fon of the landlady, who molt faga- cioujly informed the Duke, that the " lorty Days Court was an annual meeting, held every Jix weeks ;" with which very clear and explanatory ac- count, his Grace condefcendingly expreffed him- felf " perfeaiy fatisfied." FORM — is the fpot in which the hare takes her feat at the dawn of day, to fecrete herfelf, after mak-. ing her various work in the night (or rather in the early part of the morning) to avoid difco very. When found filings flie is faid to be in her form. If fJiot as file fits, without being previoufly diflurbed, (he is then faid to have been f/iot in her form* Hares vary their fitting according to ihtfeafon^ the fun^ and the wind. Soon after harveft they are found in wheat, barley, and oat ftubbles, as well a^ {^S^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. as in railiy graiFy moors; after thefe get bare, they retire to coocrts^ banks^ hedges^ and hcdge-7-ozus. After Chrillmas, and in the fpring months, dry fallows^ particularly thofe laying towards the fun with an afcent, are feldom without hares, if there are any in the neighbourhood. FOUL-FEEDERS— See Appetite. FOWL. — Fowl, properly arranged, may be claffed under three difUncl heads; as domestic FOWL, confifting of cocks, hens, geefe, and ducks. Wild fowl, comprehending, in the general fport- ing acceptation, only birds of flight and palfage, as sea-gulls and geefe, wild ducks, widgeon, teal, curlews, plover, woodcocks, and fnipcs. Game JOWL, in the earlieft Acls of Parliament, for its prefervation, were extended to a very long lift, including even the " Heron," the '• Mallard," the *' Duck," and the " Teal :" thcfe, however, feem to be buried in a legal oblivion, and the whole at prefent to centre in the pheasant, the partridge, the GROUSE, or red game, and the keath fowl, or black game; the laws refpeQing which indivi- dually, will be found under their diftintt and fepa^ rate heads, FOWLING — is a term in fome degree provin- cial, being ufcd in a diflerent fenfe in one county to what it is in another. In fenny countries, fowl- ing SPORTING DICTIONARY. ^8^ IN'G applies generally to the puiTiiit of water fozol^ and the a6l of obtaining or taking them with either NET or GUN. Ill other parts, fowling appertains only to the fport of taking partridges with a net and setting dog. With farmers, and the middling clafs of ruftics, particularly in remote Y^ns^fowlm^ ■dwdJJiooting are fynonimous terms. FOWLING-BAG, or NET.— A bag or net is fo called, which hangs by the fide of a sportsman, fufpended from a leathern belt palTing round the neck over his flioulder, for the purpofe of receiv-* incr fuch game as he may be able " to has:.'' or '• bring to netJ" FOWLING-PIECE—has been generally ufed to imply a gun of any defcription, {o far as it was applicable to the purpofe of killing game, or, in fa6:, WILD FOWL of any kind. It is, however, now more properly applied to thofe of fi^e or Jix feet in the barrel^ principally made ufe of for killing sea and water fowl, as Wild or Solan Gcejc^ Wild DuGks^ IVid^eon^ Teal^ Szc. FOX. — The FOX is thatvrcll-knov.-n native animal of this country whofe inftinttive cunning has ren- dered it proverbial : they are common in moft parts of the kingdom, (as w^ell as in Scotland.) but vary fo much in fize^ that a late writer has extended his defcription to three different and diJlinH kinds. He fyys, '' There are three \-arietic.s of fox wiiii 5 us, *286 SPORTING DICTIONARY. US, differing in form, but not in colour, except the cur FOX, whofe tip of the tail is black: they are diflinguifhed by the names of the greyhound fox, ^vhich is the tailed and boldeft, and is chiefly found in the mountainous parts of England and Scotland, and will attack a well-grown fheep. The mastiff FOX is Icfs, but his limbs more ftrongly formed. The CUR fox is the leaft, the mod common, and is the moft pernicious to game, approaches nearer to the habitations of mankind, lurks about the out- houfes of the farmer, and deftroys all the poultry it can get at.'* Without defcending to a minute examination of this " VARIETY," which probably may arife from the force of a too fertile imagination, or the dif- ferent ^rowi^^ of FOXES in different counties^ where the deficiency of food, or the difficulty of obtaining it, may occafion as great and proportional a varia- tion in ihtfize of the animal, as may be obferved with the HORSES of Scotland and Wales, when brought into competition with thofe produced in a more fertile part of the kingdom; it mud fuffice to explain his natural hiftory as of one /pedes only. The FOX, when tamed, and fubjefcl to nice in- fpeaion, is one of the moft beautifully formed animals in the creation ; and when that/on;^ is cri- tically farveycd, the poffihility of his perfevering fpetd before fuch immenfe bodies o^ffeet purfuers. SPORTING DICTIONARY. £87 for fo great a length of time, becomes matter of the greatcft admiration. P^oxes are in colour of a yellowifh red, or rather yellow brown, having on the forehead, the fhoulders, as far as the root of the tail, and the outfide of the hind legs, a tinge of - dirty white or afii colour: the edges of the lips, the cheeks, and the throat, are white; and a flripe of the fame runs along the under fide of the legs: the breaft and belly are a lightifh grey : the tips of the ears and feet (fportingly termed pads} are black: the tail (called brush) reddifh yellow, with ablackifh hue upon the furface; the tip itfelf pure white. The fox in formation has great refemblance to the DOG, but with fome variations; his head is larger in proportion to his body; his ears are fhorter; his tail thicker, and the hair longer: he has a broad flat forehead, narrowing to a picked nofe; ears ered, and fharp at the point; eyes fmall, and fiery in afpea, by which are eafily obferved whether h(S is influenced by afffxtion, anger, or FEAR. His fenfe of fmelling is fo inftin6tively ex- quifite, that he can wind either his prej) or his enemy at a very confiderable dillance. The fagacity of this animal, in the purfuitof his prey, as well as his various modes of obtaining it, are almoft beyond defcription: his favourite ob-, jeas are game of every kind, rabbits, poultry without j^88 . SPORTING DICTIONARY. without exception, birds, and the fmaller quadru- peds. In extreme hunger he will eat mice, frogs^ fnails, and infects : fome kinds of fi'uits and berries alfo are not refufed. Honey he is remarkably fond of; and^ it is faid, will even attack the tiivEs, and hazard the event of a battle^ rather than relinquifli the chance of fo luxurious and delicious a repaft» The fame fagacity regulates all his proceedings in refpeft to bodily fafety : when laying above ground, it is generally in the moft fequeftered and unfre- quented places, and the moft difficult of accefs; when at earthy it is generally in the ftrong hold of hard ground, exceedingly deep, of which fom(i BADGER has been difpoffefTed, (by the fox's cun- ning of depofiting his excrement there,) or under the roots of trees, by the diverfe ramifications of which he is fhielded from every chance of exter- mination. In his noQurnal depredations, he is in fome dt- grttfyfiematic^ frequently feleQing for his conceal- ment thofe fmall graffy-bottomed coverts near thd fmall hovels and thatched cottages of the labouring poor, where his lurking-place is the leaft fufpe8:ed. Here, in his reclufe kennel, he enjoys the various cackling of the different kinds of poultry, and exultingly anticipates the intentional devaftation. When unreftrained, and in a ftate of liberty, he" feizes poultry with a rapturous eagernefs, and ra- venous rapacity,, abfolutely incredible; his joy irt polTefliori SPORTING DICTIONARY. 289 pofTcflion is demonftratcd by the mod IncxprefTible twiftings and flirtings of the tail, with other wan- ton gefticulations^ indicative of the highefl poflible gratification. The firft and moft prefTmg fenfa- tions of prefent hunger being fatisfied, he prudencly provides for the uncertainty of i\ic: future : after the annihilation (or fafe depofit) of a firjl^ he returns for iht fecond ; that fafely fecured, either in a hole dug for its reception, and covered with earth, or fecreted in his kennel^ he comes for a thirds which is concealed in a fimilar manner, but not in the fame place, well knowing the impolicy of placing all his treafure in one bank, wifely recolle6ling, that fliould bankruptcy happen in one place^ it can prove no had maxim to have effects in another. Fortune not always favoring him at the fajne points^ he has his alternatives: as it is the mis- fortune annexed to his very nature to alFord fport to others^ fo, with all the retaliation in his power, he frequently ^uds fport for himfelf To the help- lefs, inoffeniive leverets, during the early part of the feafon, he frequently gives chafe, particularly on moon-light nights, with too much fuccefs. In this purfuit he vents a fenfation of pleafure, par- taking more of a yelping ivhimper than a dillind hark: he feizes old hares in ih.tiv forms ; perfe- veringly digs rabhits out of their burrows ; is inde- fatigable in the fearch after, and difcovery of, pheasants and partridges upon their nefls^ which Vol. I. U he 2C)0 SPORTING DICTIONARY. he inftantly deftroys. The fatigue he undergoes by night in quefl of prey, occafions him to fleep much^ and fometimes exceedingly found, by day : in- ftances have been frequent of hounds drawing up to, and killing them in kennel, without a drag; as well as of their being found fleeping in the funny banks of hedge-rows, and fliot by farmers, (balk- ing as they lay,) without being previoufly difturbed. The naturally rank and ofFenfive fmell of the rox renders it a rich fcent to hounds, which they evidently evince when it lays well, and they are running breast high; at which time the crows, magpies, and j^j^5, (who confider him an invincible and cruel enemy,) give clamorous proofs of his prefence, by hovering over him with their fcreams of exultation at his impending fate, fo long as they can keep him in view. They copulate (or go to clicket, as it is called) in the winter, and produce cubs during the month of April, and the firft week ki May: they have but one litter a year; an old VIXEN frequently bringing from fix to nine cubs; a vixen of the firfl or fecond year not fo many. They are known to grow for eighteen months, and to live, even in a tame fate, for fourteen or fifteen years. Doubts have arifen, and oppofite opinions have been ftrenuoufly fupported, upon the queftion whe- ther the FOX and dog v/ill generate an offspring to which SPORTING DICTION ARV. 991 which the prolific powers fliall continue in faccef-* five perpetuity : this feems to be pofitively afcer- tained in the affirmative, with one exception, which is, that the a8: of copulation will be efFeded only by the dog fox with a ditch of the canine SPECIES. Inflances of the extreme cunnings and innate y^- gacity^ of foxes, when hunted, and in returning tie enty 2in6. thirty miles to the coverts where they have been firft found, are upon record, and almoft innumerable. Their courage, as well as the Jlrength of their jaws^ are beyond conception : they defend themfelves to the laft extremity ; no blows deter them from their hold : their bite is fe- vere and dangerous, as they make their teeth meet through a ftrong and thick hand. When caught by the HOUNDS, they are filently refolute even in DEATH ; for xe\enge{\x\\Y feizing upon the Jirjl af- failant, their hold is never relinquifhed but with the laft gafp. FOX-HUNTING— has been for time immemo- rial a favourite fport with the natives of this king- dom, particularly in the prime of life; the pleafing exercife, and bodily exertion, contributing greatly to the PRESERVATION of HEALTH ; but the fatigue and danger render it but ill-adapted to the aged, the INFIRM, and the valetudinarian. The pcr- fevering fpeed and fortitude of the game, the con- U 2 ^2^it\y 292 SPORTING DICTIONARY. flantly improving high mettled excellence of the HOUNDS, the invincible fpirit of the horses, and the unreftrained ardour of their riders, have given it ji, decided fuperiority over every other field SPORT ever yet known to the people of this country. Its falutary effect upon both the body and mind, has eftabliflied its enjoyment upon a bafis too broad ever to be fliaken, even by time itfelf : the fuper- lative pleafure of every fcene, the diverfities of the aggregate, and the extacy with which the whole is embraced by its infinity of devotees, have reduced the fport to a fyftem of perfeftion never before known; and in this fome of the moil learned, the mofl eminent, and the moft opulent chara6lers are principally and perfonally engaged in nearly every county^ from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. Fox-hunting feems to be pofieffed of a charm, or magical infpiration, within itfelf, that even the moft ferious, the moft cynical, and the moft fin- gular, cannot, with all the firranefs of their re- folves, fummon refolution to withftand. It is the very kind of rapturous gratification to which every effort of the pen becomes inadequate in its attempts at defcription; it muft hcfeen to be underjlood ; it muft be felt to be enjoyed. A fox-hunting- establishment confifts, in general, of what it has done for the laft century paft, at leaft with thofe packs moft celebrated for the eminence and opu- lence; SPORTING DICTIONARY. 2^3 LENCE of their owners. The principal and fecond HUNTSMAN, the firft and fecond whipper>in, three horfes kept for f<2cA o^ the firjl, and two each for both the loft; from twenty-five to thirty-five couple of HOUNDS, terriers^ helpers^' earth-Jloppers^ dog-feeders^ and a long lift of et ceteras^ too nu- merous for minute defcription. Thofe who wifh to ac<^uire 2i fyjlematic knowledge of the sport, (fo far as it can be obtained from theory,) will do well to perufe attentively " Mr. Beckforo's Thoughts upon Hunting, in a Series of familiar Letters to a Friend." — They are fo truly the ef- fufions of found judgment, and fo replete with the ufeful remarks of an experienced fportfman, that there is no room for any thing new or additio;^al tiO be introduced upon the fubjeft. FREE WARRENfiii-A free warren is a term totally diftinft from forest, chace, park, manor, or warren; it is 2i franchife dtriYtd. originally from THE Crown ; and the perfon having a grant of free warren over certain lands, poffeffes a sole right of purficing^ taking,^ and killing game of every kind within its limits; although there may be no one acre of land hi^ own property through the whole diltriB: where he is poiTeffed of this right. There are inftances .v/here a variety of circumftances ren- der manorial rights and privileges fo complex, and feemingly indefinite, as to produce litigation with- out perfonal enmi.ty, but merely that the right U 3 fhall 29-1 SPORTING DICTIONARY. (hall be legally afcertained. It appears that where manor lands are fituate in, and furrounded by, a FREE WARREN, the owner of fuch lands may kill game within his own manor, but he cannot in- troduce even a qualified perfon to kill game there alfo^ without the confent of the owner or pofTeffor of the privilege of free warren over the whole; if fo, the perfon introduced killing game^ will be liable to an aclion for trefpafs, which aClion will lie. A curious caufe came on to be tried before a jury at the fummer affizes of the prefent year, 1802, held at Abingdon, for the county of Berks, wherein }ohn Westbrook, Gent, of the parifli of Bray, (fituate in Windfor Foreft,) was plaintiffj and a Game-keeper of his Majefty's the defendant. The a8.ion was brought to tiy the right of the de- fendant, as one of his Majefty's keepers, to kill GAME within the enclofed grounds of the plaintiff, fituate in, and furrounded by, the xvajles^ commons^ and within the boundaries of the faid forest. When, without adverting to the laws relative to foreils only^ (with which the queflion was totally unconneded,) the Court held it good, that the King, pofieffing a free warren over the whole, poiTtiTed iikewife the privilege of appointing a keeper to kill game upon any, and within every^ part of the faid free warren, without the leaft ex- ception as to enclofed lands^ the property o^ others; whea SPORTING DiCnONARY. 295 when the jury inftautly found for the defendant, by which thcright is fully confirmed. This being a queftion of p^rivilege^ tried on ihc part of an individual againft the prerogative of the Crown, it might be fairly confidered conclufive upon the fubject of free warren ; but as it cannot be too clearly underflood, for the prevention of ill neighbourhood, and expenfive litigation, another decifion is fubjoined, which took place about the fame time, though in a different county. On the 12th of July, in the fame year, a writ of inquiry was executed before the Under Sheriff at Hertford, in an a6lion wherein Henry Browne, pf North Mimms, Efq. was plaintiff, and Tho- mas Greenwood, the Younger, def£Ndant. The aftion was brought for a trefpafs committed by the defendant, in JJiooting game within the fREE warren belonging to the plaintiff, who is Lord pf the Manor of North Mimms, and entitled Ho free warren through the whole of the Manor. It appeared, that the land on which the trefpafs was committed, and the game killed^ by the de- fendant, was not^ in point offaB^ the land of the PLAINTIFF, but, on the contrary, belonged to Justinian Casamajor, Efq. However, as it was proved to be within the Manor of North Mimms, and the right of free warren extending over the whole of the Manor, the Jury, after confidering U 4 the ^g6 SPORTING DICTIONARY. the circumflances of the cafe, and the defendant's condu6t5 who perfifted in fliooting after being warned to the contrary^ gave a verdict of ten pounds with coils, FRET. — The diforder which (in the country) is called by this name, is the flatulent cholic, and occafioned from a retention of wind, and a rare- faQion of air in the inteflinal canal. It is imme- diately difcoverable by the fulnefs and extreme tenfion of the carcafe, the agonizing pain of the horfe, the rumbling of the confined air, the partial and very trifling expulfions of wind, the laboured refpiration, frequent groaning, fuddenly laying down, and as haftily rifing, conftant looking back to the flank on one fide or the other, as if foliciting relief from thofe who furround him. The great and leading object is, to promote a plentiful ex- pulsion of wind: this is in general followed by excrementitious difcharges, by which eafe is ob- tained, and the diforder near at an end. Warm, fpicy, aromatic carminatives, blended with ano- dynes, are the medicines belt adapted to this fpecies of CHOLIC, and to which it fpeedilv fubmits; more particularly if plenty of assistants are at hand to beflow the neceflary portion ofjlank rubbings (and belly wifping,) to an unceafing perfeverance in which, fuccefs is equally to be depended upon with the adminiftration of medicine; as in moil cafes little SPORTING DICTIONARY. 297 little is to be expe6led from one without collateral aid from the other. FROG, — in horses, is the centrical foft kind of horny fubftance at the bottom of the foot, fpreading wide from the heel, having a cleft in the middle, and terminating in a point toward the toe. To the internal parts the lower extremity of the tendons are attached, and the frog is the bafis by which their elajlicity is fupported, and from whence is derived the deceptive reafoning, that the frog mufl indifpenfibly (in action) touch the ground. The frog is fubjeft to a defeat, called the frush, or THRUSH, and this, when become virulent, is termed running thrujli : it fometimes arifes from internal heat, by ftanding too much upon foul hot litter^ (particularly in the livery ftables of the Metro- polis,) as well as from a stagnant ftate of the FLUIDS in the extremities, for want of proper exer- cife^ leg rubbing, and keeping the feet clean. FROTH. — A HORSE difplaying a profufion of froth when champing upon the bit, either in aBion upon the road^ or in the field with hounds, may be confidered a diftinguifhing, and almoft invariable fign of both good fpirit and found bot- tom ; for a dull jade^ or a horse of the Jluggijli cart breeds is very rarely to be feen with this ap- pearance. It is alfo no inferior criterion of HEALTH, and may, in general, be confidered truly £9^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. indicative of condition ; few, if any, horfes of ' this defcription fla^ upon a journey, or tirt in the field. FRUSH. — A diforder or defed in the centrical cleft of the frog, at the bottom of the foot, was formerly fo called; but is now more generally known under the denomination of Thrp sh, which FUMIGATION— is a moft ufeful process ia all cafes where the diseases of horses particularly affetl the head. In recent colds^ obftinate coughs^ ^dinduldx tumefaElions under the j^ri;5, strangles^ INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS, low fcvcrs, aud even in dulnefs, over-fatigue, or when a horfe is off his appetite, and refufes food, it is very fre- quently of perceptible utility. Horses may be fumigated by boiling rosemary, lavender, marsh- mallow LEAVES, and cammomile flowers, in a few quarts of water over the fire for a quarter of an hour, then ilraining off the liquor, and ftrewing the hot herbs from one end of the manger to the pther, failening the horfe's head up with the rack rei?ij by which means he cannot evade the efflu- VIA. In want pf thefe, or where they are difficult % to obtain, a mafh made of ground malt, with boiling water, is a very fubflantial and proper fub- ftitute, into which flir two ounces of anifeed, and two ounces of carraway feeds, both frefh, and previoufly SPORTING DICTIONARY. 2^9 previoufly beaten to powder in a mortar. This mafh moft horses will afterwards zat, when fiiffi- cicntly cold for the purpofe; which, with the effect of the fumes upon the throat, the nostrils, the GLANDS, and the head, in general will promote a difcharge, and relieve the fubje6l. FUNGUS — is the too-faft fhooting granulations of new flefh during the incarnation of wounds, ticularly in horses, with whom it is invariably exuberant, and requires fome degree of judgment in the fuppreflion : it is too frequently attempted hy Roinan vitriol^ corrofive Jublimate^ and other cauftics ; but they are only produ61ive of difap- pointment, in conflituting an efchar upon the fur- face, and leaving the cure at a more remote and uncertain diftance, than before their application. Slight fcarifications, both tranfverfe and longitudi- nal, with a LANCET or bi story, is a far preferable mode of treatment, and that followed by a drclhng of lint covered with proper digeflives. FURNITURE HORSE.— In many parts of the United Kingdom, the saddlf, bridle, cloths, and every other part appertaining to the body of the horfe, paffes under the denomination of horfe furniture. CALLSj 300 SPOllTIKG DICTIONARY, G. GALLS, OR GALLING. — Lacerations occa- fioned by the too tight prelTure and friftion of an uneafy and ill-fitted faddle, or heavy harnefs, are fo called. They are feldom feen with either the judicious or the enlightened; experience having taught ioth how to appreciate prevention. The prudei?4: sportsman will never take his horfe to the field, nor the humane driver his carriage-horfe to the road, till perfonal examination has convinced him the neceffary apparatus is not only j?rw, but proportionally eafy ; and this fhould become the more predominant in memory, becaufe it is natural to conclude, no man exifting would, by negleft or inattention, give pain to the very animal from whofe exertions he is io derive his own pleasure. Injuries of this defcription, if unexpededly fuf- tained, fhould be immediately attended to; a re- petition, Siud that f 0071^ upon the part fo injured, is frequently produftive of trouble, expence, lofs of time, and difappointment. When the fide of a horfe is galled^ as it fometimes is, by the girth- buckle having been mofl improperly placed upon the edge of the pad^ it is not unlikely, for want of early or proper attention, to terminate in a sit- fast, and then can only be completely cured by extirpation SPORTING DICTIONARY. 301 extirpation with the knife. The withers being affetled in the fame way, and the faddle or harnefs continued in ufe by which the injury was originally occafioned, the foundation of fistula may be laid, and will be likely to enfue. In all flight and fuperficial galls, two or three moiftenings of the part with cold vinegar will allay the inflammation, and harden the furface; but where the long-con- tinued heat 2ind/riBion has occafioned a defl:ru6lion of parts, it mufl: be drefled and managed as a wound, which can only be completely cured bv incarnation. GALLOP — is one pace of the horse, well known by that general name ; though it will admit of gradational difl:in8:ions. A canter is the flowed gallop, in v/hich a horfe bears mod upon his haunches, but lightly on the bit; it is a pace which fpirited, good-tempered horfes feem to en- joy, and is peculiarly calculated for the accom- modation of a lady. A ratixg-gali.op is the increafe of a61ion to fuch pace, as the particular horfe may or can go with eafe at his rate in com- mon (troke without being exerted to fpeed ; and this is the hunting gallop of thorough bred HORSES, who will always lay by the Jide of hounds at it, without being in the leafl: din:re(t. A brush- ing GALLOP upon the turf, implies an increafed degree of velocity, but not equal to utmolt fpeed. GALLOPADE SO^ SPORTING DICTIONARV. GALLOPADE-— is a term in the military MANEGE. GALLOWAY— is the appellation given to that ufeful kind of fmall horfe from thirteen to FOURTEEN HANDS high; they are rarely to be feen of exa6l symmetry, uniform strength, and ade- quate action; but, \^ well-bred^ their qualifica- tions, and endurance of fatigue, exceeds defcrip- tion. GAMBLERS— confift of twoTets; firft, thofe whofe thirll for gaming, (called play) is infa- tiate, and who have property to lose; thefe are gentlemen, who, pofleffing a refined fenfe of HONOR themfelves, never meanly defcend to fuf- pe£l the integrity of othej's. An accurate defcrip- tion of their opponents will be found under the head " Black Legs," where the pra6tices of ^' the Jamily" are more fully explained. GAME — for the prefervation of which fuch a fuccefTion of laws have been ena6led, were, in many of tlie former preambles to the different acts of Parliament, extended to " the Heron^ Pigeon j Mallard^ Duck^ Teal^ Widgeon, or ^wy fuch Fo-ml-,'* but in the prefent conftru6}ion5 game is generally confidered to imply no more than the hare, phea- sant, partridge, heath-fowl, and moor game, which are the whole of what is intentionally in- cluded SPORTING DICTIONARY. 30:i eluded in the game laws; and what pcrfons pof- feffed of certain qualiji cations^ as well as an as- NUAL CERTIFICATE, are empowered to kill. Deer of every defcription are alfo denominated game ; but they are protefted by laws appropriate to tlieir peculiar prefervation. Rabbits were alfo included in many of the earlieft ads relating to GAME, but are now confidered of no confequence, except in warrens, where being private pro- perty, and produftive of annual profit, they have LAWS for the fecurity of the ov\^ner, with very heavy penalties annexed to their deftruRion. Proprietors of dove-kouse pigeons have like- wife legal means of redrefs, upon their pigeons being wantonly fliot at or deftroyed. The mallard^ zoild'duck, zvidgeon, teal, &c. are not without LAWS for their increafe, and proportional preferva- tion. See Decoy. GAME COCK,— The true-bred game cock is a fpecies of fowl almoft peculiar to this country; his natural and inilinftive courage will never per- mit him to yield to an opponent, however he may be fuperior in w^EIGHT and strength; but he will, even under thofe difadvantages, continue to fight till literally cut to pieces. After the lofs of eyes^ with the body v;ounded and perforated in every part, when even the vfe of his le^s are gone, and he is no longer able to ftand, but lays extended upon the fod^ wdth his victorious oppopent exult« ingly 304! SPORTING DICTIONARY. ingly CROWING over his mangled frame, he will continue ioJJiew fight with his beak^ to the lail re- mains of life. Thofe NOBLEMEN and gentlemen who have (from hereditary rule, and local cuftom) continued the fport of COCKING, in the neighbourhoods where their country manfions and landed eftates lay, have been, and are, exceedingly circumfpeQ: and cau- tious in the breed, left any chance of contamina- tion fhould creep in, by an injudicious, improper, or unlucky, crofs in the blood; for as fome hun- dreds of POUNDS are frequently depending upon ONE MAIN, and that main upon the battle of a Jingle cock^ no fuch money can be betted with a probable or equal chance of winning, unlefs the unfullied purity of the breed is moft accurately afcertained. In confirmation of which remark, it is to be ob- ferved, that whenever a cock, in fighting, de- clines the battle, no longer faces his adverfary, but repeatedly turns tail, and 7'uns away, his blood is no longer to be relied on; and fuch cock has not only his neck broke in the Pit, but the whole of that breed are deftroyed, to prevent farther conta- mination, as well as future lofs, difgrace, and dif- appointment. Game cocks are bred of various colours, ac- cording to the fancy or opinion of different ama- teurs, many of whom have their favourite plu- ^|| mage; ^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. 305 mage; their colours arc tcclinically defcribcd by the variations in feather^ and are as follow: The black or pheafant-breaftcd red; the black-breafted .ginger; the fpeckle-breafted ginger dux; the .black-breafted yellow duckwing; the turkey- breafted ditto; the smutty dun; the brass- winged black; and the smock, which is a milk- white, having the appearance of a common barn- door fowl; and the odds are proportionally againfl: them whenever they are brought to Pit, which is now but feldom, the breed being nearly or quite deltroyed. Two opinions have always been, and flill are, entertained refpefting the cocks moft proper to breed from, admitting the ftandard of hone, ftrength^ toeight, Siud Jianding, to be juft the fame. Some prefer breeding from a cock who has won many hard-fought battles, by which his own blood is- fo fairly proved; whilft others maintain the con- fiftency of breeding only from the full brothers of fuch, (who are called maiden cocks, as never having fought,} under an impreffion, that the former muft have fuftained material injury by the wounds received, and the blood lof, in the battles he had formerly fought. However thofe who breed GAME FOWL may differ upon this particular point, it is an opinion nearly unanimous, that if you breed entirely for the Pit, that no cock fliould be bred frorn younger than two, or more than six, Vol. I. X vears 306* SPORTING DICTIONARY. years old. Although it is right to breed from a ftroiig, bony, clofe-made, majeftic, high-ftanding cock, yet it is by no means prudent fo to do from cocks much above match weight; that is to fay, never to exceed four pounds, twelve ounces, at the utmolt 5 for fliould the hens prove large alfo, the progeny might run ftill more into^^^^ and honc^ and never fall into any match whatever. In breeding game chicken, to breed with fuc- cefs, there are fome general rules, which fliould be flri6lly attended to, and invariably perfevered in. No BROOD-cocK fliould Walk with more than ybwr hens; three being, in fa6l, fully fufficient. Game hens fhould never be permitted to bring forth a clutch of chickens before the lajl week in Fe- bruary, nor after the Jirjl week in May; thofe hatched in March and April are only adapted to the Pit, and are ahvays preferable, in siz^: and GROWTH, to thofe hatched at any other feafon of the year. Hens after hatching fhould be cooped afun- dtr, where the chickens cannot intermix ; as the hens will not only kill the young of each other ^ but riGHT themselves with the fame inveteracy as THE COCKS. If a game hen, with chicken, retreats "when attacked by another in the fame ftate, her produce has been fufpe6led to prove, in future, dcfeElive in courage; this opinion has, however, been founded upon falfe principles; becaufe it is a very common circumilance for the younger hen to give SPORTING DICTIONARY. 307 / give place to an older, as it always is for the stag to fubmit to the old cock, who muft and will con- tinue mailer of his walk. During the fir ft year after being hatched, they are called individually chicken; from twelve months to two years old, they are termed stags,- and from that period called cocks, being then thought in their prime; but they are probably more fo at three, if properly walked. Cock CHICKENS fhould never be permitted to ran too long together, but be feparated as foon as they begin fighting ti;z^A each other; and this ought to be the more ftriQly attended to, becaufeit fre- quently happens, that out of a whole clutch^ by negleB: or inattention, what v/ith fcalped headsj lofso/eyes, broken heaks^ ox deformed feet^ not one has ever been brought to the fcale. Cock chicken, when firft removed, at three or Jour months old, are placed where they continue to walk under an old cock, and wall continue obedient and fubmilTive till nine and ten^ or fome- times twelve months old; the experinient is neverthelefs too hazardous to be made ; they had much better be taken to a master-walk in proper time, to avoid the probability of either one or hoth being spoiled. The moft eminent breeders, as well as the moft enthufiaftic betters, have one mode of endeavouring to fix a criterion, how far X 3 they 5,08 SPORTING DICTIONARY. they can depend upon the heel^ the fight ^ and the bloody of any particular breed or cross they may have been induced to adopt. This experiment (dreadfully cruel as it is) is termed " cutting OUT," and confifts in pitting fuch chicken o^feven^ eighty or nine months old, unarmed., againfl their own brodiers, or others of fuperior age^ weighty and fire7igth, having silver spurs; if the chicken, fo unarmed, and without the leaft chance of fuc- cefs, continues the combat till completely deprived of life,, without difplaying the lead tendency to cowardice, or confcioufnefs of defeat, more of his brothers have the fame fevere and " fiery ordeal'* to undergo, when, if the refult is juft the fame, the crofs is admitted to be good^ and the breed is perfevered in, till, from circumflances, the blood is thought to degenerate, when new croffes are adopted, and new experiments made. See Cock- ing, CocK-MATCH, and Cockpit, GAMING — is that deftruclive vice which has annihilated fome of the mod princely fortunes in this, and, perhaps, in every other kingdom : it is a whirlwind of devaftating infatuation, which de- ftroys every thing before it: like the effect of un- reftrained fire, it continues its ravages fo long as there is a fingle combuilible to feed the flame. The mod xMagnificent mansions, the mofi: lordly possessions, the mod majestic " towering woods," and the mod extenfive fertile vales, have been in SPORTING DICTIONARY. 309 in one night fwept away by this infernal and dc- fi:ru6tive propcnlity. Thoufands, educated in af- fluence, and left in a (late of the mod flourifhing INDEPENDENCE, havc bccn reduced to the grcatejl ivant^ and died 7niferahle repentant s ^vithin the dreary confines of a prison, by the certain effe6l of an attachment to this mod dreadful of all vices, which the united wisdom of the Legislature has fo ilrenuoufly endeavoured to fupprefs. Laws. have been framed, and are rigidly enforced, for its prevention; heavy stamp duties have been laid upon cards and dice, that thofe who ufe them may voluntarily contribute to the fupport of the State, by which both perfon and property are prote6led; and, as a farther proportional prohibition, no GAMING debt is rccoverablc by law where the fum fuedfor fhall exceed ten pounds. Ses Betting. GAMING-HOUSES— are thofe infamous noc- turnal receptacles of the moil abandoned ini-^ qicity, where fuch fcenes of, villainy are in perpetual pratlice, that the mod fertile pen muft be inade- quate to even a tolerable reprefentation. Thefe houfes in the M-etropolis, are, by the sporting world, denominated " Hells ;" and fo truly arc they entitled to that fublime di(lin6lion, that the whole FORCE of magistracy has been mod laudably and fuccefsfuily exerted againd them without ex- ception. Houfes of this defcription are appro- priated only to iht lAirpofes o[ play^ and that of the X 3 mod 310 SPORTING DICTIONARY. moft unfair defcription. They are kept by sys- tematic DEPREDATORS, " who fliun thc light;" men who have no credit to fupport^ no reputation to lofe ; and who are as completely loft to every fenfe of Ihame, as they are completely baniflied from the refpedable claffes of fociety. Here it is where the young, the inexperienced, the inju- dicious, and the inconfiderate, facrifice not only their own, and often the property of others, but projiitute alfo that moft invaluable gem their inte- grity, and with it a peace of mind never to be reftored. From the firfc moment of entering fuch an ini- quitous fink of pollution, fuch a complication of villainy, and fuch a, combination of the moft defperate and abandoned thieves, every infatuated adventurer may date the origin o'^ future mifery. Whether it be cards, dice, E. O. or whatever GAME or name the fpeculative fport may be, the credulous^ unfifpeEiing dupe has no one chance to win, but inevitably every chance to lofe^ under the certainty of their fyftematic depredation. Thus far in explanation of thofe Hells, legally confidered nliifances to fociety, as being prejudicial to the morals, and deftru6iive to the property, of fuch individuals as unhappily fall within the vortex of fo fafhionable an influence; but there are other gaming houses of a fuperior order, and of the m^oft magnificent defcrintion, fupported in all the ftyle of SPORTING DICTIONARY^ 311 of EASTERN SPLENDOR, by aniiual contribution from the firft characlers in the kingdom, and called *' SUBSCRIPTION HOUSES," to which Honc but their own INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS are admitted under any .plea whatever; and thefe, as private houfes, being ABOVE THE LAW, any member pofTefTes, of courfe, the privilege of ruining himfelf^ and reducing his family to beggary^ without tranfgrelTing the laws ■of HIS COUNTRY, or iucurriug the cenjure of his beft and mod fafliionable friends. GAME-KEEPERS— are perfons delegated by legal prefcription, to provide game for the purpofes of thofe by whom they are appointed, to preserve and PROTECT it againil a clafs of adventurers (deno- minated poachers) by night, as well as an unfair or improper deftru8;ion of it by day. Every lord or LADY of a MANOR are authorized, by writing under their hands and feals, to empower a game-keeper to kill within thefaid manor^ any hare, pheasant, PARTRIDGE, Qx othcT game. If. however, fuch game-keeper ftall Jell or difpofe of the game he fhall fo kill, without the knowledge or tonfent of the faid lord or lady, and fiiall be convicted, upon the oath of one witnefs, before a Juflice of Peace, he fhall be committed to the houfe of cor- redion, and kept to hard labour for three months. One game-keeper only can be appointed to kill game within one manor ; in which he is authorized X 4 .and 312 SPORTING DICTIONARY. and empowered, by his deputation, to take and feize all guns, bows, greyhounds, fetting-dogs, lurchers, ferrets, trammels, low-bells, hays, or other nets, hare-pipes, fnares, or other engines, for the taking and killing of hares, pheasants, PARTRIDGES, or Other game, within the precinfts of fuch manor, in the poifeffion of any perfon not qualified to keep the fame. It does not appear by this aa (23d Charles Second, c. xxv. f, 2) that a GAME-KEEPER is cmpowercd to feize the game, aU though he is authorized to take all inftruments in life for the defiruQion of it. By the 25th George Third, c. v.' f 2, every de- futalion of a game-keeper granted to any perfon, by any lord or lady of any manor in England or Wales, i]:iall be regiftered with the Clerk of the Peace of the county in which fuch manor lies ; where he fiiall receive a certificate of fuch regiftry, upon payment of one guinea, and one fliilling to the Clerk, for the fame. A game-keeper omitting to regiiier his deputation, and to take out his cer- tihcate, for twenty days^ to forfeit twenty pounds. The certificate muft be renewed annually; and upon the appointment of a new game-keeper, a oieio certificate mu'^ be taken out; and the perfon formerly a6iing under the old certificate is no longer qualijied to kill game^ but liable to all the penalties of this a6l. U SPORTING DICTIONARY. S13 In addition, a few general remarks may be life- ful. A GAME-KEEPER having no other qualification than his deputation and certificate^ is not entitled to KILL GAME out of thc precin6ts of the manor for which he is appointed. Nor is he empowered to demand the name, or a sight, of the certificate of any qualified perfon out of his own dillriO;; un- lefs he is qualified to kill game in his own right, (exclufive of his deputation,) and is poffeffed of his three guinea certificate; in which cafe he may do either or both. But let it be remembered, that, although he is qualified to kill game in his own right, and atts under a deputation for a certain fpecified manor, he is liable to the penalty pre- fcribed by the A8:, if he is informed againfl for, and convicled of, killing game out of that manor, "without being previouily pofleffed of the three guinea certificate. Any game-keeper killing or taking a hare, pheafant, partridge, or other game, under colour of being for the ufe of the Lord of the Manor, and afterwards selling and disposing thereof, without the confent of the faid Lord of the Manor, upon conviftion, on the complaint of fuch Lord, and on the oath of one witnefs, before a Juftice, fhall be committed to the houfe of cor- redion for three months, and there kept to hard labour. GAME LAWS.— The laws framed for the preservation of TH£ GAME, are, by the different Acts 314 SPORTING DICTIONARY. Acts of Parliament, during feveral fuccceffive reigns, become fo truly voluminous, and in many inftances thought fo truly complex, that it is im- pra6licable to reduce any moderate abridgement of the whole within the intentional limits of this Work. But as many of the former Afts (at leaft many of the claufes in thofe Afts) though unre- pealed, are in praQice almoft obfolete, it is pro- pofed (divefted of legal tautology) to bring a re- view of the exifting parts of the game laws as they now itand, and as they are now aQed upon, into as concife a point of view as the fubjeft will admit; and fo perfectly free from ambiguity, as to be ren- dered perfediy clear to the moft moderate compre- henfion : at leaft as much fo, as can be expetted upon LAv/s, that, after all the refinement of centu- ries, after all the inveftigation and deliberation of the different Legislatures, and the advantages de- rived alfo from the fage opinions of the moft learned in the law, are certainly lefs refpefted, and lefs effectual, than any other part of the code to be found in the ftatute books of this realm. Whether it is, that they are lefs underftood, lefs palatable to thofe interefted in their effed, or but feebly and partially executed, is a matter only to be afcer- tained by time, and fuch future arrangements as may probably take place. Perfons held legally qualified to kill game, muft be in the full and undifputed poffeffion of a free- HOLB SPORTING DICTIONARY. 315 HOLD LANDED ESTATE, producing a clcar lOo/. per annum ; or poffeffed of a leafe, or leafes, for ninety- nine years, or any longer term, of the clear yearly value of 150/. other than the heir apparent of an Efquire, or other perfon of higher degree. Es- . Qi/iRES, as defined by law, are the younger fons of Noblemen, and their heirs male forever: the four Efquires of the King's body : the elded fons of Baronets, of Knights of the Bath, of Knights Bachelors, and their heirs male in the right line, A Justice of the Peace is alfo an Efquire for the time he is in the commiffion, but no longer. Perfons of higher degree than Efquires, are Co- lonels, Serjeants at Law, and Doctors in the three learned Profeffions; but neither Efquires, nor any of thefe, are qualified to kill game, unlefs they have the requifite eflate mentioned; though their SONS are qualified without any eflate. This, how- ever unreafonable it may feem, has been fully de- cid-ed to be the true conflru6lion of the A8:. In addition to every neceffary qualification by estate, according to the confi:ru8:ion of all former Acls, it is enabled, by 25th George Third, c. 1. f. 2, That every perfon in Great Britain who fhall ufe any dog, gun, net, or other engine, for the taking or deftru6Hon of game, fhall every year, previoufly to his ufing the fame, deliver in a paper, or ac- count in \vriting, containing his name and place of abode, to the Clerk of the Peace of the county where 5l6 SPORTING DICTIONARY. %vhere he fliall refide, (or his deputy,) and annually take out a certificate of having fo done, for which he is to pay three guineas, and one fliilling to the Glerk for his trouble in making ^out the fame; which certificate fhall bear date on the day whereon it is iffued, and remain in force from thence until the firft [day of July then after, and no longer. Such certificate may be demanded by the unqualified as v/eli as qualified; and if the Clerk of the Peace flia-ll refufe to grant fuch certi- ficate when demanded, he is liabk to the penalty of twenty pounds. Any perfon, qualified or unqualified, who fliall be in purfuit of game, without having obtained fuch certificate, fliall be liable to the penalty of TWENTY POUNDS. It IS alfo providcd in the faid A61:, That every perfon having obtained a certifi- cate, who (hall find any other perfon in purluit of game alfo, it fliall be lawful for him (after having produced his own certificate) to demand from fuch other perfon, the certificate to him iffued of having conformed to the faid Aci ; and on fuch demand, fuch perfon Ihail produce fuch certificate, and per- mit the fame to be infpcQed; and on refufing to produce the fame, and alfo refufing to give his Christian and Surname, and place of refidence, or giving a falje name or place of refidencC; he lliall forfeit the fum of fifty pounds. It ^PORTING DICTIONARY. 317 It Is to be obferved, that perfons taking out A CERTIFICATE, wHo ai'c iiot qualified by former A6ls to KILL GAME, dcrivc no privilege from their certificate fo to do; but, neverthelefs, remain liable to all the penalties of former afts, if in- formed againft, and profecuted to conviclion. It, however, appears, upon the experience of the lafl feven years, that fince the privilege of killing game has contributed fo largely to the exigencies of the State, lefs litigation has prevailed upon the fcore of PRESERVATION. Indeed, there is now fo little fear of an information, that almoft every perfon having taken out a certificate, erroneoufly con- fiders himfelf ?2omn2^//)' entitled to kill; in full confirmation of which, the 'lift of thofe who have obtained certificates in the different counties, may be infpeQed at the Stamp Office, upon the pay- ment of oneJJiilling^ where will be found the names of hundreds who do not individually polfefs an independent twenty pounds per annwn upon the face of THE GLOBE. In all cafes where the penalty does not exceed 20/. the Justice of Peace fhall, upon information or complaint, fummon the party and witneffcs to appear, and proceed to hear and determine the matter in a fummary way ; and, upon due proo^, by confefTion, or the oath of one witnefs, give judgment for the forfeiture; and iffue his warrant for levying the fame on offenders goods, and to 3 fell 318 SPORTING DICTIONARY, fell them, if not redeemed within fix days; render- ing to the party what overplus there may happen to be ; and if goods fufficient are not found to an- fwer the penalty, the offender fliall (land com- mitted TO PRISON ^ox fix calendar months^ unlefs the penalty be fooner paid. Any offender feeling himfelf aggrieved by fuch judgment, may, upon giving fecurity, amounting to the value of the for- feiture, with the cods of affirmance, appeal to the next GENERAL QuARTER SESSIONS, wlicu it is to be heard and finally determined; and in cafe the judgment be affirmed, Seffions may award fuch coils incurred by appeal as to themfelves ffiall feem meet. Justices may mitigate penalties; fo that the reafonable charges of officers and informers for difcovery and profecution, be always allowed over, and above mitigation, and fo as the fame does not reduce the penalty to lefs than a moiety, over and above the colls and charges. Reflri6lions for killing game are as follow; No PARTRIDGE to bc killed between the 12th of Fe- bruary and ifl. of September, under a penalty of riVE POUNDS. No PHEASANT betwecu the ift of February and id of 06l:ober, under the like pe- nalty. Grouse, or red game, only from Augud 12th to December 10th. Heath fowl, or black game, from Augud 20th to December 10th. Bustards from December id to March id. No time is limited for the killing of hakes, provided thev SPORTING DICTIONARY. 319 they are not illegally taken. No game whatever is to be killed or taken fooner than one hour be- fore SUN rising, or later than one hour after sun SET, under a penalty of 5/. to the qualified or un- qualified. Killing game on Sunday, or Christ- mas-day, liable to the fame penalty as killing game during the night. Any unqualified perfon expofing a hare, phea- sant, partridge, or other game, to fale, is liable to a penalty of 5/. Yor felling a hare, pheasant, partridge, or other game, qualified or unquali- fied, 5/. If either are found in the fhop, houfe, or poffeffion of any poulterer, salesman, fish- monger, COOK or pastry-cook, or of any perfon not qualifixcd in his own right to kill game, or en- titled thereto under fome perfon fo qualified, it Ihall be deemed an expofing thereof to fale. Unqualified perfons ujing any engine to kill or deftroy hares, pheasants, partridges, or other game, liable to a penalty of 5/. as well as keeping and uJing greyhounds, setting dogs, or any engines to kill or deilroy hares, pheasants, par- tridges, or other game, are liable to a penalty of 5/. The keeping or if/ing being individually or jointly liable to the forfeiture of 5/. as well as for killing, fo it Ihould appear, from the plain con- ftru8:ion of the Acls, that if the informations are feparaiely laid, firft for " keeping and itfing^" 1 and 5!210 SPORTING CICTIONARY, and fecondly " for killing," convi61ion mud inevitably follow for both, if fufficient evidence is produced to confirm the offence. Informations mud be laid within six calendar months, before a Justice of Peace, or by aBion of debt, bill, plaint, or information. The whole penalty to be given to the informer, with double cojls^ if brought on in \Vestminster Hall. Summary conviction, half to the informer^ and half to the poor. Thefe are the penalties annexed to former A8:s, indepen- dent of the Atl refpefting annual certificates to be taken out from the Clerk of the Peace, to kill (or go in purfuit of) game; without which, incurs £ivi additional penalty of 20/. to the unqualified, making the forfeiture 25/. and of 20/. to the qualified, who becomes only liable to that fingle penalty, for killing, or attempting to kill, game without the annual certificate fo prefcribed to be taken out. A qualified person cannot come upon another man's ground to kill game, without being liable to an ACTION for trefpafs ; and an unqualified perfon for trefpafl^ing, fhall pay full cofts : but if a perfon qualified to kill game, fuflains an action for trefpafs^ and the damage fhall be found under 40s. he fliall in fuch cafe pay no more costs than damages; this being a moll equitable conftrutlion, to prevent paltry and perfonal litigations. It has been decide 1 by the hLiheft legal authority, that anv SPORTIXG DICTIONARY. 3^1 ^ny unqualified pcrfon may go out to beat hedges, builies, and mark birds, in company with any qua- lified perfon, to fee the game purfued and taken, \vithoat being liable to any penalty, provided he has no dog, gun, or engine, of his own, indivi- dually, to affift in its de{trLi8:ion. It would be unfair to conclude this fubje6l, which has for centuries occafioned fuch a diverfity of opinions amongfl: the superior classes, and diffufed (o much difcontent amongfl the lower ^ without fubmitting to both.^ a very emphatic and literal extra6l from Judge Blackstone, in his comment upon the Foreft Lav/s, in which he has this particular paffage* '' From a fimple principle, to which, though the Forest Laws are now mitigated, and by degrees grown entirely obfolcte, yet. from this root has fprung a bajlard-flip^ known by the name of the C/AME Lav.s. now arrived to, and wantoning- in, its higheft vigour; both founded upon the fame unreafonable notions of permanent property in wild creatures, and produdive of the fame tyranny; but with this difference, that the Foreit Laws efla- bliflied only one mighty hunter throughout the land; the- Game Laws have raifed a little Nimrod in every manor." Vol. L Y GAMES 3^!2 SPORTING DICTIONARY. GAMES OF ART — are thofe in which the flsill, judgment, and penetration of the player are immediately concerned, and upon which alone his fuccefs mult entirely depend. In this clafs are in- cluded Billiards, Chess, Draughts, Cricket, Fives, Tennis, Bowls, and fome others, as well as a few upon the Cards ; but as the latter are al- ways fubjeft to DECEPTION, and completely fub- fervient to ihtjlipping^ Jliding^ and cutting of the moft familiar friends, (even in private families,) they are, with propriety, much more entitled to the appellation of chance than of art, particularly where the unfufpe8:ing player has the perpetual cA^wce of being robbed, without the mortification of knowing the main-fpring of depredation. How- ever expert thofe may be, who indulge and excel in GAMES of ART, two things fliould ever be predo- minant in memory ; always to play v/ith an inva- riable philofophic patience and serenity, never to feem afFefted by a temporary run of ill-luck or momentary advantage, any more than agitated by the exulting irritation of a fuccefsful opponent. The run on one fide may as fuddenly be reverfed to the other ; a chance that petulance and ill- humour may probably deftroy. Prudent players never engage in matches of any kind \^\\trt four or more arc concerned, except amongft their moft in- timate acquaintance ; particularly at the public ta- bles of the Metropolis, where it is the cuftom for three to poll one^ and divide rhe fpoils after the PIDGEON SPORTING DICTIONARY. 323 PiDGEON has been plucked; a very fafliionablc mode of playing at both billiards and whist; by which an infinity of necefTitous and unprincipled adventurers procure a daily fubfiltencc. GAMES OF CHANCE.— Thofe games are {o called, which depend folely upon the turning up of a CARD, or the uncertain " hazard of the die." When fairly played, without any latent deception on one fide or the other^ they are confidered truly equitable between the players, who are then faid *' to PLAY UPON THE SQUARE," withoUt a poiut of advantage, the whole being dependent upon, and decided by, the effect of chance. The celebrated no6lurnal game of Hazard, at which fuch immenfe property is annually lost and won, at the moft fafliionable and powerfully-fupported gaming HOUSES, is known to be the firfl: and faireft game of chance, upon which an adventurer (determined to encounter the probability of ruin) can poffibly venture to stake his money: on the contrary, it muft be admitted, that the torrent of villainy, and unprincipled proftitution of affected integrity, have made fuch rapid and unprecedented ftrides to per- feftion, that the moft experienced sportsmen muft defpair of being enabled to play upon the fquare^ after fo many gamblers of fashion have, within a few years, been detected with loaded dice in their poffefTion. Y 2 The 3'24f SPORTING DICTIONARY. The game of E O, io plaufibly deludind quarter extending from the fiifle (or inferior point of the thigh approaching the belly) to the bend of the hock behind; upon the fliape, ftrength, and uniformity of which, the pro- perty, a8ion, and excellence of the horfe very much depends. If the gaskins are wide, and di- vide below the tail in a curvilinear arch on the in- fide, with a prominent fwell of the mufcle on the outlide, it is not only indicative of great ftrength, but adds confiderably to the fymmetry and value of the horfe, when viewed behind. A horfe well formed SPORTING DICTIONARY. 325 formed in the gaflcins, is Icldom badly fhaped in the fore quarters; nor are they, in general, horfcs of inferior adion; exckifive of which, they are infured from the very aukward defect of cutting ; no fmall inconvenience to a traveller with a vjcary horfe upon a long journey. GATE-NET. — A gate-net is a principal part of \ht ftock in trade of an expert and experienced poacher; and, in refpecl to hares, the mod de- ftruftive notturnal inftrument that can be brought into ufe. They, at a certain hour in the dead of night, when hares are fure to be at feed, are fixed to the third bar of the gates of fuch fields as have green wheats young clover., or any other where (by daily obfervation) they are known to ufe; when being faftened to the ground under the lower bar by means of wooden forked pegs, ^ lurcher is turned over the gate, who having been trained to the bufinefs, and running mitte^ fcours the field in a circuitous direction ; when the viBims^ thus fud- dcnly and unexpetledly alarmed, make imme- diately for the gate, (by which they entered,) when the dog being clofe at their heels, at leafl not far behind them, they have no alternative, but to rufh into the net, where becoming entangled, they meet their deftruftion. In this way three or four hracc are taken in a plentiful country at one adventure. The only likely mode of rendering fuch attempts abortive^ is by painting the lower bars of the gate Y 3 zvJute^ 326 SPORTING DICTIONARY. whiie^ which will occafion the hares to fhun the gateway, and have recourfe to their meufes ; if GAME-KEEPERS and SPORTSMEN will but occafionally examine which, to take up the well-intended wires^ it will, at any rate, go a great way towards pre- venting fuch incredible havoc and wholefale de- ftrudion. GAZEHOUND;— the name by which the fpe^ cies of DOG we now term greyhound ^as formerly called. With what propriety an animal of almofl: every colour fliould be equally denominated grey^ does not appear ; any more than at what particular period the change in appellation may have taken place. As the purfuit of the greyhound is en- tirely hyjight^ and not hy f cent ^ it fhould feem that GAZEHOUND would be the moil proper diftindion of the two, and that the prefent is no more than a perverfion from the original. GELDING — implies a horfe diverted of liis TESTICLES, by which he is deprived of the a6l of COPULATION, and of farther propagation. For particulars of the operation, fee Castration. GIFT OF GOING— is a phrafe from the fub- lime vocabulary of the horfe-dealing fraternity, and implies a horfe's poiTeffing a much greater portion o^fpeed in a5lion, particularly in trotting, than could well be expected from his fliape and ex- SPORTING DICTIONARY. 3Q7 ternal appearance. When a horfe is (licwn for fale, having little to recommend him, rough in his coat, low in condition, aukward in fliape, and without a fingle point of attraction^ if he can fcram- ble along at the rate of twelve or thirteen miles an hour, he is then faid to^Doffefs the " gift of going,'* which is to compenfate for every other deficiency, GIMCRACK, — the name of a horfe who was of great celebrity upon the turf, and for two or three years beat moft of his time. He was foaled in 1760; got by Cripple, (a fon of the Godolphin Arabian;} dam by Grisewood's Partner^ and his pedigree was of the beft blood ; but being too fmall for a ftallion of eminence, produced no winners of ,note. He was followed by young Gimcrack, a good horfe for give and take plates, particularly at four heats. GINGER — is an aromatic fpicy root, brought to us from the East and West Indies, in a pre- ferved as well as in its natural ftate. In the former it is ufed as a ftomachic and fweetmcat by the fu- perior orders : in the latter it is common in all the fhops, confiding of flat-knotted branches, of which the whitelt, and lead ftringy or fibrous, are the beft. It is a very ufeful ingredient in many com- pofitions for the internal difeafes of horfes, parti- cularly in the flatulent cholic, commonly called tret, Houfcs in the country, remote from towns, Y 4 where 32S SPORTING DICTIONARY. where horfes are ufed and fed upon peas haum, and other winter fodder, frequently producing fuch diforders, fliould never be without a fmall quantity of this article : two ounces bruifed, and boiled in AX.E or GRUEL, then drained off, and the liquor given with a horn, would prove an excellent fub- flitute for medicine upon many emergencies. GIGS'; — a term almoli obfolete for what arc now called flaps, a kind of flaccid flefliy enlarge- ment on each fide a horfe's jaw, which, in his maftication, frequently failing between the grinders, is produclive of pain, and prevents the horfe from eating. If they are long and thin, they may be completely taken off by a pair of fciffars, and the wounds waflied with a ftrong folution of alum in water: if they are too flefhy and fubflantial for this mode of extirpation, they may be (lightly fcarified wdth a BisTORY, or abscess lancet, and after having been left to bleed for a proper length of time, may be (topped, and the parts conftringed by tl\e folution already defcribed. GIRTHS — are thofe well-known articles made from woollen web, and ufed for keeping the faddle in a fafe and proper poiition, Thefe, to prevent gallixg, (hould be made of elastic, and not the tight w'ove web, which being more rigid and harjli^ is the more likely to lacerate during the heat d^Yidi Jnciion of a long chafe, Obfervation fliould be made SPORTING DICTIONARY. 329 made that girths are never too fhort, To as to have the buckle below the pad of the faddle, either on one fide or the other; for want of which judicious and fportfman-like attention, warblks, sitfasts, and WOUNDS, very frequently enfue. GIVE and take PLATES— are thofe where the HORSES carry weight according to their height, by the regulated (landard o^ four inches to a hand. The fixed rules for a give and take are, that horfes meafuring fourteen hands, are each to carry nine Hone; above or below which height, they are to carry feven pounds, more or lefs^ for every inch they are higher or lovv'er than the fourteen hands fixed as the criterion. — Example : a horfe mea- furing fourteen hands, one inch and a half^ will' carry nine ftone, ten pounds, eight ounces; a horfe meafuring thirteen hands, two inches and a half^ will carry only eight ftone, three pounds, eight ounces; the former being one inch and a half above the fourteen hands, the other one inch and a half below it. The weight is, therefore, added, or diminifhed, by the eighths of every inch, higher or lower weight in proportion; and thefe plates were fo exceedingly popular fome few years fince, that very few country courfes were without one of this defcription. GLANDERS — is, perhaps, without exception, the moll dreadful, and certainly deltrudive, difeafe to 3:J^0 SPORTING DICTIONARY. to which the horfe is incident. No exertions have been wanting on the part of the moft eminent pro- feffional men (particularly in France) to difcover the means of fuccefsfully countera6ling the juflly- dreaded virulence of this diforder; but hitherto with fo little the appearance of progrefs, that it is almoft an invariable cuftom to render the fubjed an immediate VICTIM to death, fo foon as he is afcertained to have become the victim of disease. There are never wanting speculators, or specu- lative WRITERS, fo long as " a doubt remains to hang a loop upon ;" and many of thefe both fpeak and write as prompted by their pecuniary fenfations, and the fale of the nostrum it is their perfonal in- tereft to promote. Thefe, of courfe, promulgate nat the probability, but the certainty^ of cure^ and may, in fo doing, pofTibly prey upon the credulity of thofe who are equally ftrangers to the origin of this difeafe, its progrefs, its effefts, or its termina- Xion, After the great variety of opinions which have taken place; after all the inveftigations made by every clafs of the moft diligent inquirers in anato- mical diffedions, as well as by various other means, tjiree fa8:s are incontrovertibly eftabliflied : firft, that the difeafe is infectious; fecondly, that it is curable; and laftly, that the lungs of every horse dying under the diforder^ or killed during it$ frogrefs^ have been either partially, or totally, deftroyed. I SPORTING DICTIONARY. 331 deftroyed. This demonftratcd beyond the power of contradi6lion, what docs it prove ? Why, very clearly, to the judicious and fcientific, who are in- quifitive to experience, and open to conviction, that this diforder is in direct affinity to the pulmo- nary CONSUMPTION of the HUMAN SPECIES; but that the horfe having no means of throwing off the morbid matter by expeBoration^ as is the cafe with us. Nature, in her ftrong and inexplicable efforts for relief, propels the putrid difcharge through the noftrils of the animal; whereas with the human frame, the wajiing of the lungs paffes through, and is difcharged by, the mouth; and this, to the ex- perienced practitioner, and learned inquirer, will hold forth the mofl unequivocal and fatisfa6lory proof, that the glanders is a virulent consumption of THE lungs, by the corrofive property of which difcharge (become inveterate) the glandular paf- fages are proportionally affefted. Much judicious obfervation, and profeffional knowledge, is requifite to difcriminate between this difeafe, and Others bearing a part of its appearances : many horfes are too haflily deemed glandered, which are not Jo ; and others as ignorantly faid to be labouring under a cold, and its confequence^ till a whole ^ftable has been affe61ed, and every horfe loft. The diftinguifliing traits are a difcharge from one or both noftrils, of a vifcid, (limy, and foetid matter, having a kind of greafy tinge upon the fur- face: 532 SPORTING DICTIONARY. face: it is glutinous in its property, hanging to, and becoming dry and barky, upon the internal edges of the noftrils : it is white at the beginning, and grows darker in proportion to the duration and inveteracy of the difeafe; it becomes yellow, afli- colour, green, and laftly, tinged with blood, at which time, as well as before, it is dreadfully of- fcnfive : previous ta this ftage, indurated tume- factions have taken place under the jaws, the frame is daily more and more emaciated, the eyes fink gradually in their orbits, the appetite totally ceaies, the body becomes almofl motionlefs, fecming a mere Ureiefs trunk, till it falls to the ground a mafs of perfect putrefaciion. GNAVn'POST — was a country plate horse of feme celebrity, winning fcveral for fome years in fiicceffion. He was bred by Mr. Shaftoe; was foaled in 1767; and got by Snap out of Mifs Cranbourne^ who was got by the Godolphin Ara- bian, and bred by the then great Duke of Cum- berland. GOLDFINDER;— the name of one of the moll valuable and fuccefsful horfes ev^r bred or trained in this kingdom : he beat nearly every horfe of his time, and won almoll every ftakes he ftarted for. He was bred by Mr. Shaftoe; foaled in 1764; got by Snap; dam by Blank; grand- dam by Regulus, and the fix preceding genera- tions SPORTING DICTIONARY. 333 tions by Arabians, Barbs, and Turks, up to the natural Barb mare, couflituting one of the richcft pedigrees in the annals of racing blood. CODOLPHIN ARABIAN— was the pro- perty of Lord Godolphin, and produced more capital winners as a stallion, than any horfe that covered before his time in this kingdom. His pro- geny became equally eminent as ftallions, to the whole of which are we principally indebted for the unprecedented eminence and fuperiority of the va- rious ftuds fo plentifully eltablifhcd in different parts of the country. He was the fire of Cade, Re- gulus. Blank, Babraham^ Bajazct^ and a long lift of et cetera s. See Barbs. " GOXE AWAY !"— is the exhilarating com- municative holloa! from one fportfman to another in stag or fox hunting, when the game breaks from large coverts, and ^oes aioay ; at which time, if it was not for this friendly rule, invariably obferved, thofe who happen to be up the windy would be inevitably thrown out, and the hounds have got miles, before the moll diftant part of the field knew any thing of the matter. To prevent the mortif)'ing probability of which, thofe neax^ell the chace and the hounds, inftantly vociferate the enlivening fignal of, " gone away!" This being repeated by the next in fucceffion, it is re-echoed by a third, and fo on till it vibrates through the whole 334 SPORTING DICTIONARY. whole chain; and it muft be acknowledged, there is not a more gratifying moment in the progrefs of a chafe, than to fee the diftant effort of every indi- vidual, to recover his loft ground, and get in with the hounds. GORGED; — the common and vulgar term for fwelled legs, when their enlarged and diftended ftate has been occafioned more by Jevere and hard work, than the effe6l of humours originating in a iizey or morbid ftate of the blood. A horfe having his back finews flufhed, and legs thickened, fo as to go ftiort and ftiff in a6lion, but not broken down, is faid to be gorged. Having the fame appearances from humours, or a vifcidity of the blood, he is then faid to h^foul^ and muft be relieved by pur- gatives or diuretics, aflifted by a great deal of hand-rubbing and regular friQion. Gorged horfes^ fhould be bliftered, and turned out iu time, by which they frequently get freJJi again : continued at work too long, they break doiun^ and become cripples. ' GOULARD. — The aiticle fo well known by this name, and fo conftantly brought into ufe upon many emergencies, is the extract of lead; which is prepared by, and may be obtained of, almoft every druggift in the kingdom. Its excellent pro- perties are univerfally admitted as a corroborant, a REPELLENT, a SOLVENT, and an almoft infallible remedy SPORTING DICTIONARY. , 335 remedy in wcli-proportioned topical applications to inflammations^ Jlrains^ bruifes, or recent tumefac- tions : but fome degree of profefTional knowledge, and experimental praQice, is neceffary to infure a probable certainty of efFe61. Upon the firft difcovery of this article, it was brought into ufe in very [mall quantities, and a teafpoonful or two only were di- refted to be added to a quart of fpring water, which was then termed Vegeto Mineral Water, and in cer- tain cafes (particularly of the eyes) looked up to as A SPECIFIC Long experience, and attentive ob- fervation, have, however, juftified its utility in Tfiuch /^?-^^r proportions, particularly with horses ; where, in fevere ftrains, or long-ftanding lame- nefies, lefs than four ounces to a pint of campho- rated fpirits cannot be brought into ufe with any expeftation of fuccefs. As a mild repellent to SWELLINGS, BRUISES, WARBLES, &C. tWO OUHCCS of the extract, two ounces of camphorated fpirits, and a pint of water, will be a proper proportion. In defluxions and inflammation of the eyes, one ounce of each, with a pint and half of water, will be found a very ufeful compofition. GOURDINESS— is another ruftic or pro- vincial term for swelled legs, but of a different defcription, implying the kind of dropjical laxity of the solids, fubmitting to prefTure, and recover- ing from its indentation when the prefTure is re- moved. This kind of fwelling is a gradual ap. proach 336 SPORTING DICTIOxNARY. proach to the diforder called grease, at which it will foon arrive, if not counterafted fpeedily, by fuch EVACUANTS and alteratives as may be thought moft applicable to the cafe. GRASS — is that well-known produce of the earth, which is the proper food for hoTfes in a flate of nature, ease, and indolence; but not of fuffi- cient nutritive property for horfes engaged in either severe, laborious, or active exertions. Horfes taken up from grafs, and put fuddenly to work, la- bour under an immediate and perceptible difquie- tude ; the contents of the inteftines are ibon eva- cuated in a state of laxity, the frame difplays a profufion of foul and foetid perspiration, the body befpeaks its own debility, and the perfe- verance of a few days demonftrates its emaciation. To horfes having been whole months in conftant ufe and work, alternately accuflomed to diurnal drudgery, and the routine of the manger, grass, with its conjunQive liberty, muft prove a fweet, a comfortable, a proper, and a healthy change: it not only, by its own attenuating property, propor- tionally alters the property of the blood, but affords, by the comforts of ease and expansion, a renovation of elallicity and vigour to the relaxed linews, the exhaufted fpirits, and the battered fraa:ie. To SPORTING DICTIONARY. 537 To the penurious and the unfeeling (equally in- fenfible) it is lufficient, that a horfe, worn to the bone with conjlant work^ and xvant of Jood^ is *' TURNED to grass" iu the winter, when there is none to be eate?i ; or during the months of July and August, when a horfe lofes more flesh by perfe- cution from the flics (if not well protected by fliade, accommodated with plenty of water, and an equal plenty of grafs) than he can acquire by any advan- tage arifing from liberty alone; which fome peo- ple feem to conceive all that is required, and that the poor animal, Camelion like, " can live upon the air." It fhould be recolleded, that in the ani- mal oeconomy, fubflance only can beget fubflance, (fee Aliment;) and no horfe will be likely to ac- cumulate flefli, or become fat, whofe means of living are J?oor. impoveriOied rufhy moors, and lank half rotten autumn grafs^ (particularly after wet fummers.) will prove much more likely to produce disease, than produce condition* Thofe who turn out horfes to grafs w^ith a cough upon them, parti- cularly if from a warm stable in a cold feafon^ may expeft to take them up with a fliort, huflcy, la- boured afthmatic increafe of the original complaint, or with tubercles formed upon the lungs; and thofe who turn out in the winter feafon, with a hope of obtaining the cure of cracked heels, or swelled LEGS, may probably lake up with a confirmed Vol. I. Z GREASE, 338 SPORTING DICTIONARY. GREASE, particularly if the conftitution fliould lean a little to hlood^ and pedigree of that defcription. The utility and advantages of phyfic were never better underftood, or more clearly afcertained, than at the prefent moment of general improvement : experienced fportfmen, and rational obfervers, however doubtful they may have been, are now convinced of its propriety, and never deviate from its pra6lice. They invariably cleanfe at the end of the HUNTING SEASON, and repeat the ceremony after taking their horfes up from grafs, previous to getting them into condition. Let thofe who doubt the confiftency, try the experiment, and they will be foon convinced, how little one will be enabled to ftand a winter's work with the other, GRAVELLED.— A horfe is faid, by the lower clafTes, to be gravelled, when broken particles of flints^ or fmall pebbles^ are infinuated between the outer SOLE of the foot and the web of the shoe. This injury is feldom fuftained, but where the flioc is formed too flat upon the inner furface^ (without its proper protefting concavity,) when preiTing too clofe, whatever extraneous fubftance gains ad- miffion, is there confined, and, from the ftrifture, has no poffible chance of extrication. The degree of pain, or tendernefs, depends entirely upon the mildnefs or feverity of the cafe, and the length of its duration. The road to relief is the fame; the fhoe SPORTING DICTIONARV. 339 flioe fliould be tenderly taken ofF, by one nail at a time, in preference to tearing it off by main and fudden force, (according to cuftom;) the fole fhoidd be well fomented with good hot milk and water, then covered with an emollient poultice of linfeed powder, milk, and two table fpoonsful of olive oil, letting the fame be repeated daily, till the inflammation has fubfided, and the tendernefs gone off; when the bottom of the hoof may be hardened by two or three applications of a fponge dipt in vinegar boiling hot before the shoe is re- placed. GREASE. — The grease is a diforder particu- larly affecting the cart or draft horses of this country, but is feldom or rarely obferved amongft horfes of a fuperior defcription : its feat is cuta- neous, and it firft difcovers itfelf by a flagnation of the fluids, and a^ confequent inflammatory enlarge- ment above and about the fetlock, attended with pain and fliffnefs, more or lefs^ according to the ftate of the fubjeft, or the fe verity of the attack. If proper means are not immediately taken, and judicioufly perfevered in, a degree of virulence, much trouble, and tedious attendance, unavoidably enfue. The flvin, by its preternatural diftenfion, foon affumes a greafy kind of tranfparency, having an irregular fcaly appearance upon the furface, from whence (particularly v/hen put into action) exudes a thin oily ichor, which, when become of Z 2 ^ong. 540 SPORTING DICTIONARY. long duration, is frequently tinged with blood, but always of a fiUhy unctuous property, and greafy to the touch. As it advances in unrellrained progrefs, it in- creafes the growth of the hoof around the coronet, rendering it of a/o/"^, fpongy^) and difcafed appear- ance : by the corrofive and fcetid property of the difcharge, it foon afFe6ls and putrifies the frog, %vhich it centrically corrodes^ and lays the founda- tion of canker in the foot. As it becomes more inveterate, fo it proportionally extends itfelf, and affefts the furrounding parts; the fmall apertures J from whence the ferous ichor originally oozed, now become malignant ulcers, interfered by warty excrefcences, and watery bladders of a poifon- ous appearance. Arrived by length of time, want - of care, and probably by the ufe of improper me- dicines, or injudicious treatment^, .at this its fecond flage, it afiumes a more formidable appearance, and every fymptom, as well as the limb, continues to increafe : what were before only cadaverous ulcers, now become (in a partial degree) barky efcharSy intermixed \vith grozoing tetters^ from amidft which trickles down, in Imoaking heat, the acrimonious fanies, or corr«!pted matter, which feems to excoriate as it paifes, and foon deprives the part of hair; the little that is left ferving only as fo many conductors, from whence flows in ilreams the morbid matter, now become fo truly offenfive. SPORTING DICTIONARY. 341 offciifive, that a horfc, in fuch flate, fliould be fe- parated from others, left fumes fo incredibly noxi- ous fhould, from the miafma, lay the foundation of difeafe with horfes perfe6lly found. The GREASE may originate in either an internal or an external caufe; as well as be tranfmitted by hereditary taint (of sire or dam) from one genera- tion to another. An impure and acrimonious ftate of the blood, unattended to till it has acquired morbid malignity, muft difplay itfelf in fome part; and with horfes of the kind defcribed, it generally appears in the extremities, where the circulation is languid^ and the leajl able to make resistance. Horfes too long continued in moors of long lanky grafs, intermixed with rufhes, or in marshy mea- dows of a fwampy foil, where, in the dreary xnonths of autumn and winter, their heels are never dry for weeks together^ is a very probable foundation of permanent grease, or fome other chronic complaint, the original caufe of which is feldom adverted to, perhaps never recoUefted, Cu- taneous diforders not properly eradicated by mer- curials or ANTiMONiALS, but injudicioufly thrown upon the circulation by repellents ; the fudden abforption of a plentiful flow of milk, when a colt is taken from the dam ; an extreme plethora, with a fi?:ey vifcidity of the blood; or any of thofe caufes which too much relax the texture of the SOLIDS, or impovenili and ftagnate tiii: fluids, Z 3 mav 542 SPORTING DICTIONARY. may be more immediately or remotely produftive of this difeafe. External causes alfo frequently give rife to its appearance; a fudden check to perfpiration by change of weather, or change of fituation, from one ftable to another ; or from either to the exter- nal air, by turning out to grafs from a warm and comfortable ftable, unfavourably followed by a fucceflion of cold nights, bleak winds, and rainy weather ; w^afliing the heels in hard well water after profufe perfpiration -, ftanding too conftantly upon ftale and filthy dung, for days and nights, im- pregnated with urine, fo evidently prejudicial to the feet and frogs. Horfes fed upon grains are re- marked to be much fubjefl to the diforder in a flight degree, and this tendency is probably (Irength- ened by a want of cleanly attention, or a little af- fiftance from medicinal counteraction. Much mifchief is frequently occafioned by the rafh and injudicious interpofition of fome illiterate pra6:itioner, who, with a degree of f elf -cunnings (peculiar to profefTional ignorance,) piques himfelf upon the fuperiority of his art, and confidently pro- ceeds to oppofe the predominant efforts which Na- ture has been induced to make for her own relief. Influenced by the deceptive impreffion of imagi- nary fuccefs, he begins with mild repellents^ drying waJJies, fharp waters^ ftrong ajlringents, then Jlyp- tics. SPORTING DICTIONARY. 343 iics^ and laftly mercurial or vitriolic caujlics and efcharotics^ where having reached the utmoft extent of his fertile faculties, he is furprized, but not MORTIFIED, at finding what he erroneoufly thought a re7nedy hsis proved ten times worse than the original difeafe. The Greafe, upon its firft appearance, is, by a proper courfe of medicine, and judicious management, very eafily fubdued, and radically cured. In its fecond ftage, great patience and perseverance is required; and no expence fhould be fpared, or neceffary means omitted. In the third and laft, death is prefera- ble to any attempt at cure. GREY. — The colour of a horse is fo called, where dark-coloured or black hairs are propor- tionally intermixed with white : fome of thofe are beautifully mottled upon the rump, down the hind quarters, and acrofs the gafkins, and are then called DAPPLED GREYS. It is admitted by the old proverb, and verified by all opinions, that " a good horfe can never be of a bad colour :" there is, however, an exception to the adage, in a white or a light grey ; for, by laying down with the hind quarter^ on one fide or the other, in the dung newly fallen, it is no uncommon thing to have a daily waJJiing^ and dryings before a horfe of fuch colour can be taken out of the liable either to work or to exer- cise. Z 4 GREYHOUND.. 344 SFORT1N& DICTIONARY. GREYHOUND.— The particular fpecies of DOG pafling under the denomination of greyhound, was formerly called gazehound, and is at the prefent day more univerfally known by the appeW iation of long dog in many parts of the kingdom. The breed has been at all times carefully cultivated by the lovers of courfing, but has never been brought to fo great a degree of enthufiaftic perfecr tion, as fince the eftablifliment of the different COURSING CLUBS and SOCIETIES in Norfolk, Effex, Berkfliire, and the Flixton Wolds of Yorkfhire, The members of each have, with an unremitting perfeverance, endeavoured to excel each otheF with an unalloyed fpice of sporting emulation : the late Lord Orford; the Marquis of Town- send; Colonel Thornton, of Thornville Royal; Major Topham, of the Wolds, and the Reverend H. Bate Dudley, of the Bradwell and Tillingham Club, in Effex, are thofe who have excelled every competitor, and improved the breed to the highed ppfliblc ftate of perfection. Czarina was bred by the late Lord Orford; Jupiter and Claret^ by Colonel Thornton; Sroowhall^ by Major Topham; Miller^ by the Reverend H. B. Dudley; and Schoolhoy, by the celebrated Mr. (Vauxhall) Clarke. Czarina, the grand-cjam. pf Snowball, was purchafed at the late Lord Orford's fale by Colonel Thornton, with an intent to improve the breed, in which he was not difappointed. SPORTIXC DICTIONARY. 345 difappointed. She won forty-seven matches in Norfolk, Wiltfnire, and Yorkfliire, and never wa3 beat. She difplayed no figns of producing pro- geny till thirteen years old, when flie brought forth eight xuhelps, got by Jupiter^ who all lived, ancj ran in high form. Snowball was got by Claret, (one of the eight whelps of Czarina,) and fuppofed to be, taken " for all in all," the fureft dog to kill and take up that ever ran. He won four cups, couples, and upwards of thirty matches ; one of which was fo fevere, that his opponent (a dog of Mr. Plumer's) died immediately after the courfe. Claret was go; by young Jupiter, out of old Czarina ; he chal- lenged all Yorkfhire. which was twice accepted; one match he won ; and received forfeit for the other. That truly celebrated dog, the Miller, was fo large, awkward, and clumfey, when a puppy, that he had been nearly thrown afide, and not thought worthy of being brought into the field; but a friend of Mr. Dudley's having borrowed him, took him to the Marfhes at St. Ofyth, where, at only twelve months old, he won feveral matches in one day againft the beft dogs in the field. Having thus accidentally ran himfelf into reputation, he \va^, at his return, introduced to more powerful, at lea ft more popular, opponents, where, however, he for SEVEN years maintained his fuperiority, during seventy-four fucceffive matches, without 3 having 346 SPORTING DICTIONARY. having been beaten. He is at prefent a ftallion in great eftimation, as all the ftock he has yet pro- duced are excellent runners. Schoolboy was of great celebrity; he was bred by Sir C. Bunbury, and got by Dr. Frampton's Fop^ out of Sir Charles's Mifs : he ran a great number of MATCHES for vcry confiderable fums, particularly over Nev^^market, and never wdL^ heat. Several of his get have been fold for twenty guineas each, as Troy^ Traveller^ and Lilly ; all very good runners. Mr. Daniel, who, in his " Rural Sports," has given moft beautiful and admirably executed portraits of Czarina^ Maria, Venus^ and Claret^ engraved by Scott, has alfo introduced the follow- ing, as a criterion of comparative fpeed between the race-horfe and the greyhound. " A match was to have been run over Doncafter courfe, in the December of 1800, for one hundred guineas; but one of the horfes having been drawn, a mare ftarted alone, to make good the bet, and, after having gone the diftance of about a mile, a greyhound bitch ftarted from the fide of the courfe, and ran with her the other three miles, keeping nearly head to head, which produced a fingular race ; and when they reached the diftance poft, five to four was betted on the greyhound; when they came to the ftand, it was even betting;, but the mare won by about a head." A variety SPORTING DICTIONARY. 347 A variety of fingular occurrences refpeQing the invincible ardour and velocity, as well as perfe- vering fortitude, of greyhounds, might be intro- duced, but a few mufl fuffice. In February, 1800, a BRACE of GREYHOUNDS courfcd a hare upwards of four miles in a ftraight line from where fhe was found, (exclufive of turns,) when flie ran herjelf dead before fhe was touched by the dogs. A famous dog of the Reverend Mr. Corfellis, who chanced to be wind-bound at Dover, courfed a hare, who had beat a variety of purfuers in that neighbourhood, when the dog proved fo fuperior to her in fpeed, and preffed her fo clofe, that Ihe ran immediately for the cliff, as her only chance of efcaping; but the greyhound threw at, and caught her at the brink, going with her in his mouth to the bottom of the precipice^ where they were literally dajlied to pieces. In 1797, a brace of greyhounds courfed a hare over the edge of a chalk-pit, at OfF- ham, in SufTex, and both hare and dogs were found dead at the bottom. In December, 1794, a company of gentlemen were courhng at Finchingfield, in Effex, when a hare was ftarted, and a brace of greyhounds ftarting from two different points, ran againft each other with fo much violence that they both died on the fpot. The greyhound is always mild and inoffenfive, and his fidelity cannot be better defcribed than in the 348 SPORTING DICTIONARY. the words of the unfortunate Charles I. who faid, amidil his courtiers, during his troubles, that "the GREYHOUND had all the good-nature of the SPANIEL, without \\\s fawning.'' GRIPES. — The diforder this term is meant to imply, is more properly diftinguiihed by the ap- pellation of INFLAMMATORY CHOLic, and is much more painful and dangerous than that fpecies of in- teflinal complaint known by the name of flatu- lent CHOLIC, or fret. The inflammatory cholic, or GRIPES, proceeds from a painful obftru8;ion in the inteftines, occahoned by an accumulation of indurated excrement, which muft be mollijied^ and removed^ before ease can be obtained. In cafes of this kind, no time fhould be loft, the inteftines being preternaturaliy diftended beyond the original intention of Nature, the pain is moil excruciating, the ftate of the animal dreadful ; and, unlefs relief is very fpeedily procured, inflammation of the sowELS immediately comes on, MORTiFiCATiOij follows, and death enfues. GROGGY — is a knowing term., peculiar to the lower order of llabularian and horfe-dealing gentry, and implies 2itendernefs and de/e^ in aclion, either from a chest or foot founder, or an injury fuf- laincd in the back /Inezes^ as mentioned under the head Gorged. Horfes of this defcriptipn, although they come apparently cri-ppled g^m' of the liable, yct^ SPORTING DICTIONARY- 543f yet, when the circulation is increafcd by aaion, and the (lifFnefs gone off as the perfpiration comes on, their exertion is incredible, and their endurance of fatigue beyond conception. Thefe are the kind of horfes by which the inferior kind of jobbers obtain a livelihood, in fupplying the post-work upon the roads^ and the hackney coach-mastePxS of the Metropolis, GROOxVI — is the appellation by which a perfon is known who is a complete and perfed mafter of every part of liable difcipline; if he is not fo, it is a proftitution of the word to admit the term ; and in any other point of view, he can rank in no other degree than a co7n7no7iJl able -hoy. The quali- fications necefTary to form a groom of fuperior ex- cellence, are almoll as numerous and diftinguifliiug as thofe adm.itted to be requifite for the forma- tion of a MINISTER of state: obedience, fidelity, patience, mildnef>, diligence, humanity, and ho- ,nefty, are equally indifpenfible; v/ithout the whole of which, he may be entitled to the denomination of a ft rapper in a flabie-yard ; but will never prove worthy to be thought a groom. If a groom is judicious, honeft, and induftrious, intending DUTY to his master, andjufticeto him- felf, he will never be prevailed upon to undertake more than he can perform : the master who wifhes It, will always be iiiftrumental to his own d^jception and 350 SPORTING DICTIONARY. and difappointment. Thofe who exped grooms to drefs hair, as well as their horfes; or to leave the latter xott and dirty^ or half drefTed, in the ftable, while they dance attendance at the back of the chair, daring the hour of dining^ mufl be con- tent to fee their horfes in tipal condition with thofe of the DANCING, MUSIC, and drawing masters, fo frequently feen, in all weathers^ {landing the dif- confolate hour, at different doors, in almoft every refpe8:able ftreet of the Metropolis. The department in which a groom is placed, if the ftud is valuable, mufl always be confidered an office of very confiderable trufl ; where great con- fidence is placed on one side, and ilrift integrity fhould be obferved on the other. It is upon the fobriety, fleadinefs, and invariable pun6iuality, of the groom, that the health, safety, and con- dition, of every horfe depends; and by his incef- fant attention only can they be infured. Grooms (at leafl thofe completely qualified to be termed fo) are men who, from the arduous tafli they fland en- gaged in, the variegated nature of their fervitude, and the property entrufled to their care, lay claim, and are entitled to, (their fobriety^ Jieadinefs^ fide- lity^ 3ind punHuality, once eftablifhed,) all the equi- table pecuniary compenfation, and perfonal kind- nefs, their employers can poffibly beflow. Grooms SPORTING DICTIONARY. 351 Grooms and coachmen, deprived o^ free agency by their fituation in life, and doomed to eat the bread of dependence, exijl to aft folely upon com- pulfion; they receive (fometimes the moft fiiperci- lious) injunftions only to ohey^ and are not per- mitted the privilege of either remonftrance or ex- poftulation. Tacitly fubmiflive, they encounter the feverity of the elements at all hoiirs^ and in all feafons; and what fhould more influence the re- flefting mind in their favor, is, that when the in- clemency of the weather compels the rich and OPULENT to take ilielter under the roof of hospi- tality, fervants muft bear the " pelting of the pitilefs ftorm" unprote6led ; and when a fatiety of pleafure drives the reluftant frame of their fu- periors to the downy pillow of nofturnal relief, their taflc as yet " is but half performed," and not unfrequently, till the broad fun ferves only to re- mind them of a fpeedy renewal of their daily la- bour. Thefe obfervations are impartially introduced, to demonftrate their utility in the great fcale of OPULENT SOCIETY, as wcll as to bring home to the refleaion of the illiberal and penurious^ palpable conviaion how highly they ftand entitled (upon many particular occafions, and diftrefTing emergen- cies) to their falutary tendernefs and kind confi- deration. It fhould be alv.^ays held in remembrance by supERiORSs that the fervices are reciprocal ; and ? that. 3j2 SPbRTINO DIGTIONARY. that, in ftrift truth and candour, the obligation is no greater on one Jide than the other. Gratitude and AFFECTION is much more likely (in a good foil) to be excited by kindnefs than feverity ; and inftances are very rare of a servant's fidelity hav- ing been obtained^ or preferved^ by the unkind treatment, or unjuft rigidity^ oFthe master. Grooms of a certain defcription are, in general^ too much difpofed to a degree of felf-confequence, and ftudioufly endeavour to obtain an ascendancy in the ftabularian department, to which, if the mafter imprudently and pufillanimou/ly fubmits, he becx)mes in fome degree a non-entity, and bids adieu to every particle of power upon his own premifes. The groom once poffefled of this power ^ and confcious of the ground he (lands upon, be- comes fo confident of his own imaginary fuperio- rity, that the mafter is little more than an inftru* ment of mere palTive convenience; barely permitted to think^ hardly prefuming to speak, or, in fa 61, daring lo obtrude ah opinion even where his own horfes, their health, and fafety, are concerned. Grooms, fo long as they continue to execute the truft repofed in them with fidelity, that is, with care^ kindnefs^ punBuality^ and attention to their iioRSES, and a dutiful attachment to their em- ployers, will ever find themfelves refpeBed; but when, from a falfe. ridiculous, and ill-founded confidence, they exceed the bounds of confiftency, and SPORTING DICTIONARY. 353 find go beyond their own fphere, in an affected knowledge of the property of medicine, quacking their mailers' horses, and becoming Jelf-coined Veterinarians^ they, in the eye of every judicious obferver, abandon their own merits, and render thenifelves objeds of both pity and contempt. This affetlation of medical knowledge is {6 very prevalent with Jlahdarian gentlejnen, that they fiipport it with a great degree of irritable tenacity; and would fooner hnve even their honesty, than their medical ability called in quedion. To Hem the torrent of this dangerous pratticc) fliould be the firft principle, and perfevering determfnation^ of every gentleman, who expe6h to fee his horses in good condition, and his fervants in a ftate of uniJorwAty : and if he wiflies to fhield himfelf from fnental difquietude, and his horfes from perpetual perfecution, he will lay a ferious injunQion, that no medicine^ or nojlrum^ whatever, Jhall be ad- miniftered to any horfe or horfes under the groom's care, without the master's acquiefcence firft had and obtained. If GENTLEMEN Will coiidefcend to give the fub- jecl a trifling confideration, they will inftantly per-^ ceive, that the fymptoms of difeafe, the ftate of the body, the languor or velocity of the circula- lion, and the property of the blood itfelf, muft re- quire a greater degree of scientific investiga- Vol, L a a Tio;y, OO-i SPORTING DICTIONARY. TioN, than people of this defcription have the power of going into ; from which palpable fa8: may be inferred, the fole reafon why they fo often mifcarry in their experiments, and fo frequently render that a matter of permanent difficulty, which, properly treated^ would have proved no more than a mere temporary inconvenience. Grooms (as well as Coachmen) fhould have it flrongly impreffed on their memory, and never lofe fight oF the refledion, that by a flight, or almoil momentary, deviation from the line of re6litude, in either error^ inattention^ inadvertence^ or negUB^ injuries may be fuliained that neither months or money can repair. Their minds fhould be always alive to the intereft of their employers; they fliould, in all feafons (but more particularly in the colder months) have it in perpetual recolleftion, that COLDS are fooner caught than cured ; that swelled LEGS, and CRACKED HEELS, are much eafier obtained than obliterated ; that lameness (either by accident or indifcretion) is eafier got than gotten rid of ; and that bad eyes are much more frequently the efre6l: of a carelefs or a malicious blow^ than of " humours," to which they are upon all occafions fo induf- trioufly attributed. Colds and coughs are fuddenly acquired, and by means at the time but little thought of, till the event firil prompts^ and then reproaches retrofpec- tion. SPORTING DICTIONARY4 35S lion. A horfc in fine condition, ftanding in a warm and comfortable ftable when at home^ is al- ways liable to inconvenience abroad; accidentally expofed to a long^ wet. and ^/r/jv journey, or a fe- vere chafe in fharp winds and unfavourable weather^ with a cold and comfortlefs ftable after either, he infures it almoft to a certainty^ without incelfant care and unremitting circumfpedion. A horfe after one or the other, fliould never be left one vii- 7iute without the precaution of fubftantial and un- wearied wifping, fo long as a wet or damp hair is to be found about him. He fliould never be per- mitted to ftand ft ill in rain, even with hounds, fo great is the danger of throwing the perfpirative ma.llcv fudd en ly upon the circulation; thereby Gonftituting ajizey vifcidity of the bloodj and lay- ing the foundation of various difeafes. Horses kept in good ftyle, fliould never have their cuttomary cloathing reduced, but with the ftrifteft care and attention : the internal air of a ftable fhould be regulated, and its temperature equally preferved entirely by t\it flat e of iht feafon^ (or, in other words, by the season of the year;) and external air ftiould never be additionally ad- mitted in cold and chilling winds, but with the greateft circumfpeftion; as it is to be remembered, it is not the admiffion of fuch air in itjelf alone, by which the injury is fuftained, but by the contraft A a 2 w 356 SPORTING DICTIONARY. it conftitutes, when oppofed to the previous warmt of the liable. GROUSE ; — the name ofa horse who prom i fed much celebrity on the turf. He was bred by the Duke of Grafton, and was got by Highfiyer out of Georgina^ who was got by Matchem^ and was own fiRer to ConduHor, He was foaled in 1790 ; and at three years old beat Monkey, Silver, Tick, JEacus, Agamemnon, Black Pujs, Edwin, Rally, and Mr. Vernon's filly by Florizel out of Eve, three miles over the Beacon; but foon after falling lame, he became a stallion in the Duke's poITef- fion, and having already produced Chuckle and Firji Fruits, both good runners, he is in confiderable eftimation, and w^ill no doubt contribute to turf jtock with increafing reputation. GROUSE, or red GAME,— that fpecies of game for the proteftion of which the Legiflature has provided, is a native inhabitant of hills and mountains, difficult of accefs, and much more common to the remote than the centrical parts of the kingdom. They are beautiful in the variega- tions of their plumage, but inferior to the phea- sant (particularly the cock) in both feather and fize. They are included with pheasants and par- tridges in every aft for the preservation of GAME } but differ individually in refped to the time limited SPORTING DICTIONARY. 557 limited for the commencement and termination of the fliooting feafon. It isenaQcd by the 13th George Third, c. Iv. f. 2, That no perfon fhall kill^ dejlroy^ carry^ fell^ huy^ or have in his pojfejjion^ any grouse, commonly called RED GAME, between the ttnth day of Decem- ber and the twelfth day of Augiiji in any year, upon pain of forfeiting, for the Jirji offence^ a fum not exceeding 20/. nor lefs than 10/. and for the fecond, and every fuhfequent offence^ a fum not exceeding 30/. nor lefs than 20/. one nioiety thereof to go to the informer, and the other moiety to the poor of the parifh : and in cafe the penalty be not paid, and there be no diftrefs to be had, the offender may be committed to prifon, to be kept to hard labour for any time not exceeding six, nor lefs than three MONTHS. And for the further prefervation of both black GA.ME and GROUSE, or RED GAME, it is enabled. That any perfon who fliall, between iht fecond Ad^y of February and the twenty -fourth day of June, in any year, burn any grig^ ling, heath, furze, gofs, or fern, on any mountains, hills, heaths, moors, forefls, chafes, or other waftes, fhall be committed to the houfe of correclion for any time not exceed- ing one month, nor lefs than ten days ; there to be whipped, and kept to hard labour. Aa 3 GUN. 55S SPORTING DICTIONARY. GUN.- — A GUN is that well-known inftrument of pleafure ufed in the deftruClion of game, for the privilege of carrying which, its devotees voluntarily contribute fo largely to the exigencies of State, and the fupport of Government. Fashion, that great centre of fluctuation, has in this, as in almofi: every thing elie, wrought a very confiderabie change. Guns formerly in ufe for this purpofe, were prin- cipally con{lru6led from three feet eight and ten in- ches, to five and even fix feet in the length of the barrel only ; which, by the effeft of conftantly in- creafing ingenuity and perfevering invention, are now reduced to a ftandard varying but little below two feet nine, or alove three feet and an inch; thefe having been improved to fuch a degree of perfeclion, as to bring down a bird from forty to SIXTY yards dijlancc ; and at no greater would any SPORTSMAN wifh to put a gun to his fhoulder. Guns with longer barrels are generally appropriated to the kiWmgo^ water fowl ^ and are called fowling- pieces. HACK. SPORTI.N'G DICTIONARY. 359 H. HACK. — Any horfe appropriated to every kind of purpofe, (and upon which no great eftimation or value is placed,) it has been the cuftom for time immemorial to diftinguifh by the appellation of HACK. Cuftom, however, has permitted a flight deviation from a praQice of long {landing, and A HACK is now generally underftood to imply the idea of a hired horfe ; that is, a horfe the property of a HACKNEY-MAN, JOB Or POSTMASTER, who IctS out horfes by the day, week, or month, and who is obliged to take out an annual licence for permiffion fo to do, paying five shillings for the fame : doing which without a licence, renders him liable to a penalty of ten pounds. Hack horses, whether for riding or drawing,- ufed in travelling pod, are individually liable to a duly o^ one penny halfpenny per mile, for as many miles as fuch horfe fliall be engaged to travel within a day, or any lefs time; but where the dif- tance cannot then be afcertained, one JJiilling and ninepence lliall be paid for each horfe fo hired. This duty is demanded by the perfon letting the horfe or horfes to hire, who, upon receiving fuch payment, ihall deliver to the perfon fo hiring, one A a 4 or 560 SPORTING DICTIONARY or more stamp-office tickets, under a penalty of TEN POUNDS. HACKNEY,— in the general acceptation of the word with the sporting world, is a horfe fuperior to all others upon tlie score of utility; beinp^ rendered fubfervicnt to every office of exertion, fpeed, and perfeverance, or, in other words, to all the drudgery and labour of his fituation, from which his cotemporaries, the racer, ihi^ hunter, and the charger, by the imaginary fuperiority of their qualifications, and pampered appearance, are al- ways exempt. It is the peculiar province of the jiACKNEY to carry his mafler twelve or f ft ten rnWts in an hour to covert, (where the hunter is in waiting.,) and fometimes to bring back the groom with ftill greater expedition, whofe engagements may pro- bably have occafioned him to be much more in hajle than his master. It is in the department of the HACKNEY to encounter and overcome emergen- cies and difficulties of every defcription : his con- ilitution fliould be excellent, and his fpirit invin- cible; he muii be enabled to go five-and-twenly or thirty miles at a ilage, wjthout drawing hit^ and \vithout the lead, refped to the depth of the roads^ pr the dreary Hate of the weather; and if he is no^ equal to any zceight^ in thefe trifling exertions^ he ^vill be held in no ellimation as a hackney of F4-Shion« HACKNEY^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. 36l HACKNEY-MEN.— Thofe fo called arc the proprietors of coaciils, chaises, and horses, for the accommodation of the public, and of whom ^inay be obtained vehicles of fuch defcription for any length of time required. They are fubje8: to a LICENCE ANNUALLY, and various duties upon the different carriages, all which are clearly explained in concife abftrafts (called "tax tables") from the A6ls of Parliament upon this particular fubjetl. HAIR, — with which the frame of the horfe is fo completely covered, and more familiarly termed COAT, is, in general, indicative of the good or ill ftate of the horfe; not only in refped to health, but to his CONDITION, for whatever work he may be defigned. If the fubjed is (leek in his coat, w^ith a gloffy fliining furface, foft and pliable in the ilvin ; not tight upon the ribs, as if firmly adhering to the fide ; no enlargements upon the lower joints of the legs, nor any profufe and faint perfpiration upon moderate work, the blood may be pro- nounced in a HEALTHY STATE, and the horfe in fair and good condition. . If, on the contrary, the coat is rough, hollow, flaring different ways, of a variegated hue, with a tinge of dufl or fcaly fcurf beneath the furface, the perfpirative matter has been thrown upon the cir- culation by a collapfion of the porous fyftem, the l^lood is becorne fizey, and difpofed to morbidity, in S6'2 SPORTING DICTIONARY. in proportion to the preternatural weight by which it is overloaded, and the obRru8:ions it has to en- counter in its paffage through the finer vefTels, oc- cafioned by the languor of the circulation. It is no uncommon thing for horses in tolerable GOOD CONDITION to go all to picccs^ particularly in the autumn months, without the lead caufe to be affigned, the leaft reafon to be fuggefted, by either MASTER or GROOM. Certain it is, that to two fuc- ceffive a6ls of indifcretion, (or error in judgment,) this very prevalent defect may be attributed, with- out the leaft fear of being at ali wrong in the con- clufion. Grooms and coachmen, in general, to- tally unmindful of the great heat of their ftables during the night, throw open the doors immediately upon coming in the morning, (regardlefs of even Jroji or fnow^J and frequently fo continue during the whole ceremony of " mucking out" and carry- ing away the dung, if not with the addition of Jlripping and dr effing the horfes into the bargain. That the meafare of indifcretion may be com- plete, the ceremony not unfrequently terminates in a three or four gallon pail of hard cold water from the PUMP in the yard or mews ; immediately after whichj a judicious obferver will perceive *' Each particular hair to Rand on end, ^ *' Like quills upon the fretful porcupine.'* This SPORTING DICTIONARY. 363 This prevailing pra6tice has frequently laid the foundation of various ills, not one of which were ever attributed to the right caufe. Such an accu- mulation of chilling frigidity immediately fucceed- ing the extreme heat of the night, has often pro- duced difeafes without end, at leaft thofe which ended only with life. Colds, coughs, fever, (original or fymptomatic,) inflammation of the LUNGS, BAD EYES, BROKEN WIND, SWELLED LEGS, CRACKED HEELS, DROPSY iu thc chefl^ with a long lift of et ceteras^ or even death itfelf, may be oc- cafioned by circumftances which in themfelves ap- pear fo triflings yet they fometimes prove of con- fiderable magnitude, and would attraft the necef- fary attention of any humane man looking after his own horfes; but in the prefent age of duplicity and deception^ are very little likely to affeft the fenfihility or integrity of thofe looking after the horfes of others. Where a lofs of hair has been fuftained by fome injury, as in broken knees, wounds after being healed, bliftering or firing, the growth may be pro- moted (particularly in flight cafes) by reducing three drachms of camphire to fine powder^ then letting it be well incorporated with two ounces of sperma c^ti ointment upon a marble flab, and a fmall portion of it well rubbed into the part affefted at leaft once^ but it will be better if perfevered in twice a day. HALTER 354 SPOUTING DICTIONARY. HALTER — is that well-known convenience by which a horfe is faftened to the manger when con- fined in a STABLE. Halters are of two kinds; the one prepared of tivijled hevip^ the other made of LEATHER, having head-flail, throat-ilraps and buckles, nofe-band, &c. and are called double-reined hunting-collars. Thefe are the fafeft in every refpeft, and, although the mofl expenfive at lirftj are proportionally durable, and confequently cheapefl: in the courfe of time. Hempen halters are fometimes injurious, in {oxmmg fzvellmgs^ or lacerations^ upon the upper part of the head, be- hind the ears, by the friction of the hard'twijhd hemp upon a part naturally tender and eaiily fufceptible. They are, however, now but very little ufed, except in the ftables of inferior inns, and of indigent ruftics. HALTER-CAST.— This is an accident to which horfes are conftantly liable, and it very fre- quently happens; but, in general, from the inad- vertency of leaving the rein of the halter of too great a length on eidier one fide or the other : for when the horfe is lying down, and has occafion (from itching, or fome other caufe) to rub his neck or head with the hind foot, it is no uncommon thing to have it get entangled in the halter-rein; which encircling the cavity of the heel^ renders it impoffible for the animal to extricate himfeif, un- lefs the halter breaks in his favor; and during thefe ilruggles. I SPORTING DICTIONARY. 365 tlfuggles, the heel is fometiincs fo terribly exco- riated, as to become not only a wound of much trouble^ anxiety^ and lofs of labour^ but often leaves a very vexatious blemifli, never to be removed. It is, therefore, a truly neceffary part of ftable circumfpeQion, to have an occafional eye to a circumftance in itfelf fo feemingly infignihcant, when it is recolleQed, that its omifTion may be pro- duclive of much mortification. HALTING — may be confidered a limpings or flight impediment to free and easy action, im- plying fome kind of perceptible defed or difqideludej not amounting to abfolute lameness. Whenever this irregularity in motion is firft obferved, and that the legs do not move in correfponding uniformity, or, in other words, as if they vjei'e not fellows, an accurate examination fhould be immediately made to afcertain the cause, that it may be fpeedily re- lieved; upon a very fair prefumption, that what might produce only a liynping or halting in the firft inftance, might probably become a confirmed lameness by a perfeverance in ufe, without ad- verting to the proper means of alleviation upon the original difcovery of fomething amifs. HAM, HOUGH, or HOCK,— is the joint in the center of the hind leg behind ; and although fo wonderfully united for strength and action, is neverthelefs the feat of ferious injuries, as blood and 366 SPORTING DICTIONARY. and BONE SPAVINS, CURBS, Sec, the major part of which originate much more in improper treatment, by fhort tarns, fudden jerks, or twilts, upon the road, or in the liable, than by any accidents or fair mode of ufage whatever. HAMBLETONIAN;— the name of a horse whofe performances have ranked him in an equal degree of retrofpe8:ive celebrity with Eclipfe^ Highflyer^ Dioined^ and the moft famous runners of the pad or prefent day. He was bred by Mr. Hutchinson, of Skipton, near York, and foaled in 1792; was got by King Fergus; dam by High- flyer; grand-dam by Matchem. — 1795. May 5, when three years old, he won a (lakes of fifteen guineas each, over Hambleton, (five fubfcribers,) beating Sober Rohin^ Tarquin^ and another. At York, May 20th, he won a fweepftakes of twenty guineas each, four fubfcribers. He was then pur- chafed, with all his engagements, by Sir C. Tur- ner, Bart, in whofe polfelTion he won, on the 27th of Auguft, at York, a fweepftakes of 100 guineas each, (fix fubfcribers,) beating Benjamin^ Alinus, and Maximus. Two days after he won a fweepftakes of fifty guineas each, four fubfcribers. At Doncafter, the 2 2d of September, he won the St. Leger ftakes of twenty-five guineas each, twelve fubfcribers. The next day he won the gold cup of 100 guineas value, four miles^ beating Governor^ Capficum^ and Bradamanti, 1796. SPO?vTING DICTIONARY. 367 1796. At the York Auguft meeting he ^von a fubfcription purfe of 227/. 105. beating Spread Ea^lc^ Sober Rohin^ and another. The next day he won the ladies' plate, beating Lord Darlington's St, George, At this period of his uninterrupted fuccefs, he was purchafed by Sir Henry Tempest Vane, Bart, and at Doncafter, September 28, won the gold cup of 100 guineas value, beating Sober Robin, Ambrofio, and three others. In the Newmarket Houghton meeting, November 2, he beat Mr. Tatton's Patriot (who was got by Rock- ingham) over the Beacon Courfe for 1000 guineas. 1797. Monday in the Newmarket Craven meet- ing, he won the Craven ftakes of ten guineas each, beating Sober Robin, Bennington, Paynator, Her* rnione, Parifot, Cymbeline, and five others. The fame day he received 250 guineas forfeit from Spread Eagle. On Thurfday, in the fame week, he beat Lord Clermont's Aimator, Beacon Courfe, 300 guineas. At York, Auguft 23, he won one third of the great fubfcription of 25 gdineas each^ (25 fubfcribers,) to which was added a 50/. plate given by the city. The next day he won another third of the fame fubfcription, with an additional 50/. plate by the City, beating Beningh rough, Trim^ biijh, and Brilliant, At Doncafler, the 27th of September, he won the ftakes of ten guineas each, (ten fubfcribersj wnth tw^enty guineas added by the Corporation % S08 SPORTING DICTION ARY* Corporation; and on the 29th received i06 guineas forfeit from Mr. Sitwell's Moorcocks In 1798 he was flightly lame, and never ftarted* 1799. Monday, in the Craven meeting at Newmarket, he beat Mr. Cookfon's famous horfe Diamond^ over the Beacon, for 3000 guineas, with the odds of five \.ojour in his favour, on account of his fuperiority in fize and ftrength ; it being jo- cularly obferved by the rider of Diamond at Jlart- ing^ that it feemed " a little like a race between a mare and her colt." This match was the greateft in popularity ever known from one extremity of the kingdom to the other, and was decided before one of the fulled meetings ever feen at Newmarket. It was won by no more than three parts of a lengthy to efFeft which the winner had felt the utmoft force of the fpur; and, it was generally believed, if they had then one hundred yards farther to have ran, Diamond \^on\di have been tlte winner; in proof of the juftice of which opinion, Mr. Cookson chal-^ lenged a repetition of the match, which was de- clined. At Doncafter the fame year, he won the renewed ftakes of ten guineas each, (fourteen fubfcribers,- with- twenty guineas added by the Corporation,) beating eight of the befl horfes in the north of England. In 1800 he won the great fubfcription SPORTING DICTIONARY. 369 at York, with ^oL given by the City, which was the lafl time he flarted. He once ran out of the Courle, foon after Jlarting^ when running three miles over York, 1797, for a fweepftakes of 100 guineas each againit DeftrUr and Spread Eagle; and paid one forfeit to Sterling (from being amifs in 1792) at Newmarket; but never was beat. He is now a ftallion in high repute near Leeds, in Yorkfhire, at ten guineas, and half a guinea the groom. HAND— -is the term for a mode of meafure- ment by which the height of a horse is afcertained. A HAND (fo called originally from its breadth) is Jour inches ; three hands is confequently one foot; and A HORSE of fifteen hands is exattly five feet high; and fo above or below in proportion; as thirteen hands three inches; fourteen hands and a half; or fifteen hands three inches and a quarter; as the meafure may be. This, at the entrance of horfes for give: and take plates, is regulated to a moft fcrupulous nicety by means of a standard, fo curioufly conftrufted, as to afcertain the exa6l height to the eighth of an inch^ where horfes are matched to carry weight for inches. Bridle-hand: the left hand is fo termed, in contra-diflinction to the right, which is called the whip-hand; and the moft experienced jockies in racing, always take the whip-hand, if poflible; it Vol. I. B b being 370 SPORTING DICTIONARY. being confidered a point in their favour; that is, becaufe they have not only an advantage in the turns of the courfe, but their adverfaries circum- fcribe a larger circle of many lengths in a four IviiLES race, exclufive of their having an unre- ftrained ufe of the whip, fhould it come to a fev ere pufJi dii iht xnnm, ' There are many fporting phrafes in which the word HAND becomes particularly emphatic. To fay a horfe is lipht in hand, implies his being playful, lively, champing his bit, firm upon his haunches, and not dwelling upon the ground with his fore feet. A horfe is heavy in hand, when, bearing his weight upon the bit, and lifting his fore legs with reluQance, he goes boring on^ with no othet fenfation to the rider, than an eternal fear of his pitching upon his head. A vicious horfe, breaking away with his rider, feems a dreadful fight to a fpe6iator, but can never be attended with misfortune, if the rider is a good horseman, and has him " well in hand," which is, in fact, the power of " gathering him together," or flopping his career at pleafure. Although the left is technically termed the bri- dle-hand, yet a good horfeman, or experienced fportfman, will ufe either fight or left with themoft perfe6l eafe and dexterity; to efPe6l which with the. greater freedom, young horfemen fhould conftantly 5 pra6lifc SPORTIMG JOldrfd^TARY. §71 praftife an exchange of the reins from one hand to the other in their daily excurfions. The hand ihould be delicately alive to every rrmtion of the horfe; for it is the judicious management of one, that is to conftitute entirely the good or bmd mouth of the other. A horfe is fuppofed to gallop awk- wardly (if not unnaturally) when he ftrikes into that pace with his left leg foremoft ) to prevent which^ bear the rein to the left, with the bridle- hand, and the horfe invariably fets off with the right leg. Hand-gallop is that eafy kind of pacing adapted to the aged and infirm, who wifh to obtain every poffible degree of motion^ moft con- fonant to bodily eafe; it is the degree of equeftrian aaion fynonimous with, and more univerfally known by, the denomination of canter; which is, in faa, the floweft, or moft contraded gallop, and can only be enjoyed by thofe who poffefs horfes of good temper, and well broke for the purpofe. A COLT faid to be " taken in hand," implies his being brought from his wild ftate of nature, to be handled, quieted, led about, and fiahled, previous to his being broke in for the saddle or harness. A horfe*s fore-hand includes the fore quarters, from the withers upwards to the tip of the ears • the principal beauty and attraaion of which depend B b 2 entirely 37^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. entirely upon the length and curvilinear form of the neck, which increafes or diminifhes his mar- ketahle value^ in proportion as it is well or ill formed. HANDICAP — is a fporting term, applicable to either match, p;.ate, or sweepstakes, in the fol- lowing way : A, B, and C, put an equal fum into a hat. C, who is the handicapper, makes a match for A and B, who, when they have perufed it, put their hands into their pockets, and draw them out clofed ; then they open them together, and if both have money in their hands, the match is confirmed; if neither have money, it is no match : in either of thefe cafes, the handicapper C draws all the money out of the hat: but if one has money in his hand, and the other none^ it is then no match; and he that has the money in his hand, is entitled to the whole depofit in the hat. A handicap plate is the gift of an individual, or raifed by subscription, for which horfes are generally declared the day before running, at a certain hour, by written information privately de- livered to the Clerk of the Course, whofe pro- vince it is to make out the lift, and hand it to the I Steward of the Race ; when the weight each i horfe muft carry is irrevocably fixed, (by whoever \ the ! SPORTING DICTIONARY. 373 the fteward may appoint), and appears in the printed lifts of the following morning. Horfes thus en- tered, and declining the weight appointed for them to carry, are of courfe permitted to be withdrawn, without any forfeit or lofs. HANDING — is fometimes ufed to exprefs the HANDING of a COCK during his battle in the pit. It is, however, confidered merely provincial, and pe- culiar only to fome particular parts of the country ; the hander of the cocks being now more generally known by the denomination of a setter-to. — See Cockpit Royal. HANDLING, — a term applied by cockers to the judicious handling of a cock, when brought up from his walk^ to afcertain whether he is in proper condition to be placed in the pens, and prepared to fight in either the main battles, or the byes. This is done by a particular mode of taking the girt of the body by grafp, to difcover the fhape and fubftance, the bone, the probable ftrength, as well as the firmnefs or flaccidity of the flefh ; upan the aggregate of which fo much depends, that in pro- portion to thefe qualifications, he is accepted or rejeHed accordingly. HARBOUR — is a fporting term, applicable folely to deer, and ufed only in stag hunting; when going to covert, and drawing for an out-lying B b 3 deer ; 374 SPOP.TING DJCTIONAY, deer; upon finding, it is cuftomary to {ay, We UNHARBOUR E ftag, (or hind.) As with harriers. We find or Jlart a hare; or with fox hounds^ We unkennel a fox. HARE,— This fmall, harmlefs, inofFenfive ani- flial affords a greater diverfity of fport in the field, and a greater degree of luxurious entertainment upor> the table, thaii any fpecies of game in this, or, probably, in any other country. The form, fliape, and make of the hare is too univerfally Hnown to require defcription ; but the moft curious naturalifts defcribe, and offeB to believe, there are Jour kinds of hares in different parts of the king- dom. The fa6l is not fo; the fpecies is ftriftly the fame; but they are known to differ in fize, fpeed, fubftance, and fomewhat in colour, accord- ing to the foil, climate, fertility, or fteriiity, of the country where they are bred. Hares in hilly and mountainous countries are fmaller, but more fleet than any other; thofe who are the natives of low, wet, marlliy ground, or moors, are larger, but lefs firm and delicious in flefh, as well as lefs nimble in aftion. Hares bred in open countries, diverfified with woods, parks, and arable lands, are in fize between both, and afford the bell courfing before greyhounds, as well as the longed chafes before hounds. Every part of the hare is admirably formed for the promo- tion SrORTIXG DICTIONARY, 275 lion of fpccd; \vhicb5 in coiijuuBion with other natural advantages, greatly enables her to evade the purfuits and llra.tagems of her numerous ene- mies. The [en[c of smellixNg, as well as of hearing, the hare poffefles in a more exquihte degree than any other animal ; the latter of which may be juftly attributed to the great length, and fingular forma-- tion, of the ears, fo well adapted to receive the fiighteft vibration of found, which even the eartl^ is fo w^ell known to convey. Its fenfe of fmelling is fo incredibly nice, that the hare can wind an enemy (either man or beaft) at a confiderable dif- tance, particularly in the ftillnefs of the night ; this is evidently occafioned by the elaftic formation of the noflrils, and the depth of the divifion between both, from whence has arifen the appellation of a hare-lip^ with which defed fome of the human fpecies are afflifte^, in confequence of fright to the mother during the early months of pregnancy. The ears feem to be the regulators of almoft every aQion; for during the chafe one is always ereH^ the other horizontal; unlefs in fuddenly coming upon 3n unexpected objeQ:, when they are for a moment both erecl ; but, upon turning and renew- ing her fpeed, they invariably refume their former pofition. B b 4 The 37^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. The EYES of the hare, from the peculiar promi- nence of their formation, enable her to diftinguifh objefts in almoft every direftion, without altering the pofition of either her head or her body ; and it is remarkable, that their fight in a ftraight forward line feems lefs perfeft than in any other. The na- tural timidity of the hare is exceffive ; flie exifts in perpetual fear, and is tremblingly alive to every breeze that can polTibly produce alarm. Formed entirely for running, fhe either poffeffes no power, or makes no attempt to walk^ but in her floweft motion proceeds by jumps. The food of the hare varies with the feafon, and confifts chiefly of young clover, green wheat, fhort fweet grafs in parks or upon lawns; and in the winter, parfley, turnip greens, and other fucculent plants. During fevere frofts, or deep fnow, they make no fmall havock amongft young fruit-trees and fragrant flirubs, by nibbling the bark, thereby retarding their growth, if not (as is frequently the cafe) promoting their deflruftion. It is afferted by Mr. Daniel, in his publication called. " Rural Sports," that the plantations of a gentleman in the county of Suf- folk, had fuffered fo much in this way, that, in defence of his improvements, he felt himfelf under the neceffity of deftroying his hares, when no lefs than five hundred SLud/orty brace fell vidims on the Qccafton. The SPORTING DICTIONARY. 377 The almoft perpetual and incredible deflruBion of HARES, by HUNTING, COURSING, SHOOTING, and the nofturnal net and wii-e of the poacher^ (as well as the infinite increafe to fupply that deilruQion,) having occafioned fuggeitions, that they poffcfs the property of superfcetation, it becomes immedi- ately applicable to introduce a remark or two under that head. We are told by Mr. Daniel, that '' Sir Thomas Brown, in his Treatife on Vulgar Errors^ aflerts this circumftance from his own obfervation : and BuFFON defcribes it as one of this animal's pe- culiar properties, introducing an idea of herma- phrodite hares ; as well as that the imlcs fometimes bring forth young; that they are alternately ^5ALES and FEMALES, occafionally performing the funQions of either fex." Nothing can be more contemptible and ridiculous than fuch conje8:ures ; they are the very eflence of mental fertility ; and it muft fuffice to admit, that Sir Thomas Brown and Buffon were not inquifitive fportfmen, or not fcientifically acquainted with the parts neceffary to generation. For want of information fo very eafily to be ob- tained, fome one of thefe fpeculative writers pro- mulgated an erroneous aflertion, every day liable to the mod palpable confutation ; " that in the formation of the genital parts of the male hare, the tefticles do not appear on the outjide of the body, but are contained in the lame cover with the inteftines." It fhould feem thefe authors write more 2 to 378 SPORTING DICTIONARY. to SURPRIZE than to instruct, or that they knew little of the fubjecl they wrote upon ; as nineteen fportfmen out of every twenty, who have handled hares in the field, or taken them up before the hounds, can demonftrate the contrary ; as the tef- ticles, when the hare is full grown, are not only prominently perceptible externally^ but of confi- derable fize for fo fmall an animal. The natural fecundity of hares almoft exceeds belief; they continue to breed for nine months out of the twelve; and leverets (young hares) are fre- quently found and chopped by the hounds in Ja- nuary^ v/hen the winter has been mild» The doe hare goes a month after conception, and at htxjirjl produce ieldom brings forth more than txjDO^ after-, wards tkree, and fometimes ybz^r. Whenever the number exceeds two, it is a received (and generally believed jufl) opinion, that each of the young has a white lliir in the forehead, which, however, is gradually obliterated as they approach maturity. The dam is fuppofed to fuckle them about one-and- twenty days; but takes care to feparate them before that time, and depofits them individually in fuch foDv^i as fhe has previoufiy prepared for their re- ception, at a confiderable difiance from each other; but fo fitaate, that fhe can afford maternal protect tion to the whole. Their prolific powers, and perpetiiki increafe, will create no furprife, when v;(* arc leipetlably rnformedj tliat a brace of hares, (the SPORTING dk:tiona!iy. 579 (j:he doe pregnant when fhut up) were inclofcd in a l^rge walled garden, and proper aliment fupplied for their fuftenance ; when at the expiration of TWELVE MONTHS thc garden was fearched, and the produce v^diS fifty -f even hares, including the original brace turned down: this fact alone demonfl rating the certainty, that the females begin to breed when, or before, they are fix months old. The length of a hare's natural life is limited to fix or feven years, and they reach their full growth in eight or nine months. The male is by much the fmalleft, feldom exceeding in v;eight Ji-je or fix pounds ; but the females, particularly in feme very- rich and fertile counties, weigh from feven to eight : fome few inflances have been known of their weighing- nine pounds, after being paunched. The hare is fuppofed to be in gentle motion all rjight during the fummer months, and a great part of it in the dreary nights of winter ; during the length of which their works are of fuch immenfe perplexity, (in heads^ doubles^ and circles^) that little expectation is entertained of finding a hare by the trails unlefs the field is taken early in the jiiorning, foon after ilie is gone to feat ; which is feldom, if ever, before the dawn cf day ; and in the fummer months, very frequently not till long after dav-lii^ht. Thc SSO SPORTING DICTIONARY. The HARE till full grown is called a leveret^ and at any age is very difficult to be found Jilting ; fo nearly does the downy fleak (when clofe con- trafted) approach the colour of the ground. In this pofition the old and experienced sportsman will declare the gender of the hare before it is ftarted. The head of the male is fliort and round, the whifkers longer, the flit in the nofe wider, the fhoulders more ruddy, and the ears fhorter and broader, than thofe of the female; the head of which is long and narrow ; the ears long, and fliarp at the tip ; the fur of the back of a dingey hue, inclining to black, and of fuperior fize to the male. When a hare is obferved in its form, it may be eafily afcertained, by the ears only, whether it is a BUCK or doe; and this is a ufeful kind of know- ledge, particularly at the latter part of the feafon, when no man, but a hardened poacher, or pot- hunting fportfman, would turn out a female hare before either hound or greyhound, where there is a chance of deftroying a leajh^ or two hrace^ by the wanton deftruction of one. If the hare found fitting is a buck, the ears will be feen drawn clofe in a parallel line with each other, dire6lly over the flioulders, pointing ftraight down the back ; but if a doe, the ears are diftended on each fide of the neck, having a fpace between them in the centre. In the chafe, a Jack hare^ (as the SPORTING DICTIONARY. 381 the male is fportingly termed,) after the firft ring or two, particularly in the fpring months, flies his country, goes flraight forwards, and affords a good run, but generally falls a victim to his own forti- tude at its termination. The female hangs clofer to her native fpot, depending more upon her inflinttive efforts, in headings doitbling^ foiling^ and fqiiatting, than fpeed for her prefer vation. Hares bred upon the downs, or in hilly coun- tries, are always the ftouteft, and befl enabled to efcape from greyhounds; of which they are fo confcious, that they always make for the neareft rifing ground, fo foon as flarted. When fo fe- verely diftrefl that they plainly perceive there is no other means of efcape, they will take to a brick or wooden drain for fecurity, or even run to earthy if one fhould luckily prefent itfelf in the emer- gency. They are thought to forefee a change in the WEATHER, and to regulate their fitting accord- ingly. After harveft they are found in ftubbles, banks of hedges, woods, and thickets ; during the fall of the leaf, they feat themfelves more in open fields ; and when the feverity of winter begins to decline, warm, dry, hilly fallows are hardly ever without them. As one fpecies of game, they are held in high eflimation; and, notwithltanding the utmofl efforts, by every degree of interdiction, with all the pains and penalties that fucceflive par- liaments could devife, from Richard the Second to 382 SPORTING DICTIONARY. to the prefent day, for their prelervatiorij and ap^ propriation to the ufe of the fuperior claiTes, yet no laws ever proved more fallacious or deceptive ; for the infinity of poachers, with which every rural dillricl abounds, and the alacrity with which STAGE COACHMEN aud COUNTRY HIGLERS fupply iht'iY friends, will never let any inquirer be in want of A HARE, who has his five Jlii I lings in hand as a means of retribution. This insufficiency of the LAW to check nofturnal depredation, and progref- five infamy, is mod fincerely to be regretted; but experience has long held forth ample conviQion^ that regret cannot produce redrefs. HARE-HUNTING— is a well-known fport, of very ancient and enthufiaftic enjoyment, reported, by the mod celebrated antiquaries, to have been eftablifhed more than txoo thou/and years before the Christian ^era. Various opinions have been oc- cafionally promulgated, and perfeveringly fup- ported, (by cynical rigidity, and religious feverity,) upon the " cruelty of the chafe;" which, however, is now never likely to be fliaken in either theojy or praEtice^ as to almofl every pack of hounds in the kingdom there are clerical devotees, who are by no means unworthy members of the church* Hare-hunting, though univerfal in every part of England, Ireland, Scotlcind, and Wales, is in the highell eftimation in thofe open and champaign counties SPORTING DIGTIONAIIV. J^J counties where, from want of covert, a stag or FOX is never feen. Here the haves aie iiouter, more accuftomed to long nightly exercife, more frequently diiturbed, more inured to fevere courfes before greyhounds, and hard runs before hounds; confequently, calculated to afford much better fport than can be expefted in either an inclofed or woodland country. There are three dilliinB: kinds of hounds, w^th which this particular chafe is pur- fued, according to the foil and natural face of tjie diftricl where it is enjoyed. The large (low SOUTHERN HOUND is adapted to the low^ fwampy, marfliy lands, fo confpicuous in many parts of Lancaflrire; as well as thofe in Norfolk, and va- rious others bordering upon the fea. The fmall, bufy, indefatigable beagle feems appropriated by nature to thofe fteep, hilly and mountainous parts, w^here it is impoflible for the bed horfe and boldeft rider to keep conftantly with the hounds. The hounds now called harriers, and originally pro- duced by a crofs betv/een the southern hound and the dv/arf fox, are the only hounds to fucceed in thofe open countries, where, for v;ant of covert, the hare goes five or fix miles an end zuithout a turn; .as is frequently the cafe in many parts of Oxford- •fhire, Northamptonfiiire, Wiltiliire, Hampfhirc, and other counties; coniiituting chafes very Juperior to many fox hounds, hunting beechen coverts and woodland didricts. Hare- SS-i- SPORTING DICTIONARY. Hare-hunting, when put in competition with the purfuit of stag or fox, is much more gratifying to the ruminative and reflefting mind, than either of the other two ; as it affords a more ample field for minute obfervation upon the initinftive fagacity of the GAME, and the patient, perfevering fortitude of the HOUND, in the various heads^ turns, and doubles, of the chafe. Hence it is that hare-hunting is principally followed, and mofl enjoyed, by fportfmen in the decline of life; but with the younger branches it is held in very flender eftima- tion, as they in general appreciate the excellence of /port more by the difficulty in purfuing it, than by its duration. Hare-hunting, in a woody or inclofed country, is fuch a perpetual routine of repetition within a fmall fphere, affording no more than a continual fucceffion of the fame thing, that with a zealous rider, and a high-mettled horfe, it foon palls upon the appetite of both. Young men, from emulative motives, (naturally appertaining to their time of life,) feel a prefFmg propenfity to encounter obftacles, and furmount difficulties, where the effect of vigour and manly courage can be dif- played, and confequently prefer the kind of chafe where perfonal fortitude, and bodily exertion, are brought more to the proof; and where, by co- vering a larger fcope of country, and with a much greater proportional rapidity, a more pleafing and extenfive variety is obtained. Another SPORTING DICTIONARY. 585 Another caufe of moi tification conRantly pre- fents itfclf to young {poitfmen with harriers, or '!5ea(;lks, in the field : a valuable horfe, or a bold rider, are equally unneccffary in harr-hunting, and this is eternally brought to an incontrovertible proof; for after a burst of f»ve minutes, in which a peried hunter has an opportunity of difplaying his I'pccd, and, after clearing fome dangerous leaps^ a liidden turn or double of the hare, brings him by the (ide of a rulUc upon a poney of Jive pounds value^ who is nine times out of ten as forward as himfelf. The infinite time loft in finding, where hares are not in great plenty; the frequency of faults; the perfc- cuting tedioufnefs of cold hunting ; and the injury- done to HORSES in drizzling drearv days, during hours of flow adion, are great drawbacks to the pleafure this fpecies of hunting would otherwife afford. Moderate sportsmen will never avail them- felves of immoderate means to occafion a con- traction of their own fpprt, by a wanton or unne- ceffary deftruQion of hares ; too great a body of hounds (hould never be brought into the field, or any unfair modes adopted during the chafe : prick- ing a hare in the paths, or upon the highways, as well as placing einiffaries upon the foil ^ are paltry, mean, and difgraceful artifices, that no genuine, well-bred, honest sportsman, will e^•er permit; but candidly ackno\vled,qc, if the hulxds cannot V'ol. 1. C c kill 386 SPORTING DICTIONARY. kill hcr^ fhe ought to escape. In refpeQ to num- bers, lefs than twelve, or more than eighteen couple ought never to be brought from the kennel to the chafe ; nor, indeed, feldom arc, unlefs with thofe who think much lefs of sport, than of per- fonal pride and ojientation, Mr. Beckford, who is a perfeft mafter of this fubjeft, has fo completely inveftigated, and mi- nutely explained, every particular appertaining to the chafe of both hare and fox, that as it is abfo- lutely impoffible to fuggefl an idea^ or communi- cate a thought^ but what muft carry with it the ap- pearance of plagiarifm; it will be more candid, (evidently more honeft) to introduce occafional paffages in his own words, as language more ex- preffive, by which they will be infinitely better un- derftood. He fays, " By inclination he was never a hare-hunter; but followed the diverfion more for air and exercife than araufement; and if he could have perfuaded himfelf to ride on the turnpike road to the three mile flone-, and back again, he never fhould have thought himfelf in need of a pack of harriers." He then apologizes to " his brother hare- hunters for holding the fport fo cheap, not wifh- ing to offend; alluding more relatively to his own particular fituation in a country where hare-hunting is fo bad, that it is more extraordinary he fhould 2 havQ SPORTING DICTIONARY. 387 have perfevered in it fo long, than he fliould have foiTakcn it then." Adding, "how much he refpefts hunting in whatever fhape it appears; that it is a manly and a wholefome exercife, and feems hy na- ture defigned to be the amufement of a Briton.'* He is of opinion that more than twenty couple of hounds fhould never be brought into the field; fuppofmg it difficult for a greater number to run well together; and a pack of harriers can never be complete who do not. He thinks the fewer hounds you have, the lefs you foil the ground, which fome- times proves a hindrance to the chafe. Cuftom has greatly varied in the pra61ice of HARE-HUNTING during the lafl thirty years : at that time the hounds left the kennel at day-light, took trail upon being thrown off^ and foon went up to their game; which having the pleafure to find by their own inflinQive fagacity, they purfued with the more determined alacrity : a brace or leafh of hares were then killed, and the fport of the day concluded, by the hour it is now thefa/Jiion for the company to take the field. As the trail of a hare lays both partially and imperfe611y when it gets late in the day, fo the difficulty o{ finding is increafcd, in proportion to the latenefs of the hour at which the hounds are thrown off; hence it is that hare- finders, fo little known at that time, are now be- come fo truly inltrumental to the fport of the day. C c 2 Although 3SS SPORTING DICTIONARY. Although their fervices are welcome to the eager and expe6lant fportfman, yet it is on all hands ad- mitted, they are prejudicial to the difcipline of hounds; for having fuch affiftance, they become habitually idle^ and individually wild : expecting the game to be readily found for them, they be- come totally indifFerent to the tafk of finding it themfelves. Hounds of this defcription know the hare- finder as well as they know the huntsman, and will not only, upon fight, fet off to meet him, but have eternally their heads thrown up in the air, in expectation of a view holloa ! With all well-managed packs, they are quietly brought up to the place of meeting; and when thrown off^ a general filence fhould prevail, that every hound may be permitted to do his own work. Hounds w^ell bred, and well broke to their bufinefs, feldom want affiftance. Olhcious intrufions fre- quently do more harm than good : nothing requires greater judgment, or nicer obfcrvation in fpeaking to a hound, than to know the critical time when a word is wanting. Young men, like young hounds, are frequently accuflomed to babble when newly en- tered, and, by their frivolous quelrions or conver- fation, attract the attention of the hounds, and in- fure the filent citrfe of the huntsman, as well as the contemptuous indiircreiice of every experienced fportfman in the field. Whenever SPORTING DICTION A.RY. 3S9 Whenever a hare is turned out of her form, or jumps up before the hounds, a general fliout of clamorous exu'tation too iiequently prevails, by which the hare's intentional coiirfe is perverted, and (he is often headed^ or turned into the body of the HOUNDS to a certain death; when, on the con- trary, was fhe permitted to go off with lefs alarm, and to break view, without being fo clofely prefl'ed at darting, there is no doubt but mucli better. runs w^ould be more generally obtained. Individual emulation, or individual ohflinacy^ invariably oc- cafions horfemen in hare-hunting to be too near the hounds, who, being naturally urged by the rattling of the horfes, and the exulting zeal of the riders, often very much over-run the fcent, and have no alternative but to turn and divide amidft the legs of the horfes, fo foon as they have loft it; and to this circumftance may be juftly attributed many of the long and tedious faults which fo fre- quently occur, and render this kind of chafe the lefs attrading. Gentlemen who keep harriers vary much in their modes of hunting them ; but the true fportf- man never deviates from the ftritt impartialit)' of the chafe. If a hare is ^ownd filting^ and the hounds too near at hand, they are immediately drawn off, to prevent her being chopped in h^r form : the hare is then filently walked up by the individual who previouly found her, and Ihe is permitted to go C c 3 ofl' 390 SPORTING DICTIONARY. off at her own pace^ and her own way. The hounds are then drawn over the fpot from whence fhe flarted, where taking the fcent, they go off in a ftyle of uniformity, conftituting what may be fairly termed the confiftency of the chafe. Others there are who never can, or never will^ refill the tempta- tion of giving the hounds a view^ and never fail to tell you, both hare and hounds run the better for it. In addition to this humane method of be- ginning the chafe, every advantage is taken of the poor affrighted animal's diftrefs, amidft all its little inflinQive efforts for the prefervation of life. The bounds, inftead of being permitted to run the foil, and kill the hare by dint of their own perfevering labour, are conftantly capped from chafe to view ; and the objeQ: of the fport moil wantonly and un- charitably deftroyed; for nothing lefs than a miracle can effe6l its efcape, Thofe of nicer fenfations enjoy the fport, but enjoy it much more mercifully; and would rather fee their own hounds occafionally beaten^ than, by any unfair or unfportfman-like introdu6lion, kill their hare. Thefe never permit a profufion of vo- ciferous affiftance from the huntfman, who is en- joined to an almoft filent execution of his ow^n duty, that the hounds may not be prevented (by his noifc) from a ftri8: and attentive performance of theirs. If they throiu up^ upon a dry or greafy fallow, a footpath, a highway, or a turnpike-road, a thoufand SPORTING DICTIONARY. Sgl a thoufand bufy buftling endeavours are to be felf- made for a recovery of the fcent, before any one effort is permitted to affilt in lifting them along; and even then, not till every patient and perfe- vering ftruggle has failed of fuccefs. The fportf- man of this defcription admits of no device, ftrata- gem, or foul play whatever; the hounds muft hunt the hare; they mufl go over every inch of ground file has gone before them ; they mull hit off their own checks, recover their Jaults ; and, by cold hunting, pick it along^ where, in pafTing through a flock of flieep, the ground has been foiled, and the chafe proportionally retarded. Early and ex- tenfive cajls are unjuft, unlefs upon fome unex- peded or unavoidable emergency ; as the repeated interventions of fiieep, or interfe6tions of roads, or fallows in a dry feafon; when it would be impoflible to make the lead progrefs in getting the hounds along without afliftance. When hounds come to a check, not a horfe fliould move, not a voice fliould be heard : every hound is eagerly employed, exerting all his powers for a recovery of the fcent, in which, if not offi- cioufly obftru6led, they will moft probably foon fucceed. At fuch times there is generally, and un- luckily, fome popinjay in the field, who, unfortu- nately for himfelf, never fpeaks but upon the moil improper occafion; rendering, at fuch moment, the judicious obfervation of Mr. Beckford truly C c 4 neat 392 SPORTING DICTIONARY. neat and applicable, that " when in the field, he never de fires to hear any other tcngite than a HOPND." Whenever afTiftance to hounds is be- come unavoidably neceffary, and the chafe cannot be carried on without, found judgment, and long experience, are necelfary to fpeedy fuccefs. Carts cannot be made by any fixed, certain, or invariable rules, but muft, at diflPerent times, be diflPerently dependent upon the chafe^ the foil, the weather^ and the kind of country you are hunting in. It may, in one inftance, be prudent to try forward firft; in another, to try back; as it may be ju- dicious, or necefTary, to make a/w^// circular caft at one time, and a much larger at another ; and al- * though to one of the field, circumftances may ap- j pear, in either inftance, to have been nearly the 1 fame, yet they have not been fo in the " mind's eye-' of the huntsman, (or the perfon hunting the hounds,) upon whofe fuperior knowledge, or cir- cumfpettion, the good or ill effcd of the experiment j }iiufl depend, i None, but weak or inexperienced fportfmen^ ever prefume to obtrude their opinions when hounds are at fault ; thofe who do it, foon find the interr krence is ill-timed, and that it only excites a con- temptuous indifference. Strangers cannot be too cautious and circumfpect in the field, if they wiffi ip avoid juft reproofs, and not to encounter re^ buffs: fome there are, whofe hard fate it is to be- come Si^ORTlNG DICTION'ARY. 393 come confpicuoufly ridiculous upon every occafion that can occur, and to fuch, unfortunately for them, occalions are feldom wanting. During the chafe, they are riding into^ over^ or before^ the hounds; and at every cheeky afking fome vexatious, trifling queltion of the huntsman; or entering into a fri- volous converfation with what feems to them the mod vulnerable fubjett of the company. Officious individuals of this defcription, whofe error too fre- quently originates in a certain degree of perfonal pride, and unbounded confidence, fliould learn to know, that '• the pod of honour is a private ilation;" as well as that an old pollard in a paint- ing, might be admirably calculated to form a re- fpe8:able object in the back-ground, but never in- tended by the artifl to become a principal figure in the front of the pitture. HARE NETS — are of two forts, one of which will be found defcribed under the head " Gate- nets;" the other arc called purse-nets, and are cxattly in the form of cabbage-nets, but of larger and ftronger conftruHion. Thefe occafionally af- ford collateral aid to the former; for being fixed at the different meufes (either in hedges, or to paling) where hares are expelled to pafs, and the ground being fcoured by a mute lurcher^ as there defcribed, the deftruftion is certain. Thefe nets are the noc- turnal engines of old and experienced poachers, fioing more mifchief where hares are plenty, in one 3 ^^Shty S94f SPORTING DICTIONARY. nighty than the zoire manufaQurers can accomplifli IB a week. " HARK FORWARD !"— is a fporting excla- mation, well known in the practice of the field, and affords to every diflant hearer, authentic informa- tion, that the hounds are a-head, and going on with the chafe. It fometimes happens, that, in very large and thick coverts, no man or horfe exifling can be in with the hounds ; at which times (parti- cularly in ftormy weather) recourfe muft he had to every means for general accommodation. The befl fportfmen are often thrown out /or miles^ and not unfrequently for the day^ by various turns of the CHASE in covert, and then breaking up the 'mind on a contrary fide, leaving every liftening ex- peftant in an awkward predicament, if not relieved by the friendly communication of " hoic for- Y/ARD [" from one to another, enabling the whole o continue the fport. HARE- PI PES — were inflruments fo curioufly conftru6ted, to imitate the whining whimper of a BARE, that, being formerly found a very deflru6live no8:urnal engine in attrafting the attention of hares, and bringing them within the certain poffef- fion of the poacher, their ufe was prohibited (by particular fpecification) in every Ad of Parlia- ment for the prefervation of game, from the reign of Richard the Second, to the prcfent time; al- though SPORTING DICTIONARY. 395 though it is natural to conclude, there is not nom fuch an article to be feen, or found in the king- dom. HARRIERS — are the fpecies of hound appro- priated folely to the purfuit of the hare, and from thence derived their prefent appellation. The breeding experiments fo long made, and the va- rious crofTes fo repeatedly tried, by the beft judges in the kingdom, feem at length to have centered between the old fouthern and the dwarf fox hound. Mr. Beckford, whofe " Thoughts" no fenfible man, or judicious fportfman, will prefume to dif- pute, was entirely of this opinion, and proved it by his praftice; for he fays, " his hounds were a crofs of both thefe kinds, in which it was his en- deavour to get as much bone and ftrength, in as fmall a compafs as poffible. It was a difficult un- dertaking. He bred many years, and an infinity of hounds, before he could get what he wanted, and had at lafl the pleafure to fee them very handfome ; fmall, yet very bony : they ran remarkably, well together ; ran fafl enough ; had all the alacrity that could be defired, and would hunt the coldefl fcent. When they were thus perfeQ, he did as many others do — he parted with them." Notwithftanding the criterion of excellence thus laid down, the fame fort of hound (as a harrier) is by no means applicable to every foil : the fouthera 39^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. fouthern hound will be always in poireflion of the SWAMPS, as will the beagles of the mountainous and hilly countries. Thole who delight in feeing hounds bred and drafted to a certain degree of uni- formity, in fir^c^ hone, Jlrength, and Jpeed, ftri6tly correfponding with the opinion of Mr. Beckford, will not find it time loft, to take the field with the harrier 6 of his Majesty, kept at Windfor : they are, as they ought to be, the beft pack, and the belt hunted, this day in the kingdom. See the Frontifpiece ; where every man, horse, and HOUND, is individually a portrait. HART — is the fporting term fynonimous with Stag, (which see,) and was, in all foreft laws and records, conllantly in ufe to iignify the fame. At prefent, however, it is confidered almoft oblolece, and never fo exprelied in fporting report, or con- verfation. KART ROYAL.— A (lag hunted by king or QUEEN, obtaining his perfect liberty by beating the hounds, was formerly called a hart royal; and pro- clamation was immediately made, in the towns and villages of the neighbourhood where he was loft, that he fliould not be molefted, or his life attempted by any farther purfuit; but that he fhould continue in a ftate of unreftrained freedom, with power to return to the fokest or chace from whence he was t-iken at his own erke will. 1 his ceraiiony is, however. SPORT! N'G DICTIONARY. 397 however, difcontinued, and bids fair to be buried in a perpetual oblivion; as two inftanccs have re- cently occurred worthy recital : one in the neigh- bourhood of High WvcoMiiE, where the sfag was killed before the hounds, by a rultic, during the heat of the chafe, in which the King at the time was perfonally engaged. And another at Maplt- DURHAM, near Reading, where the deer was wan- tonly fliot, as he lay in a willow bank near the Thames, two days aften he had beaten the hounds; vet it is publicly known, that no fteps were taken to profecute the offenders, %vhich probably ori- ginated in his Majefty's clemency. HAUNCH AND HIP— of a horfe, have been hitherto (but not with flritl propriety) ufed in a hmilar fenfe : nice obfervers might fav one begins where the other ends, or that one immediately fucceeds the other. The haunch is that part of the hind quarter extending from the point of the hip- bone, down the thigh to the hock; but as it is a part well known, and but little fubject to partial difeafe or accident, it lavs claim to no particular defcription. The term of " putti.n.Li a horfc upon his haunches," implies the making him conftantly fix the principal weight of the frame upon his hind quarters, by which practice he bears lefs upon the bit, and becomes habitually light in hand. Horfes hard in mouth, and hca\ y in hand, frequently un- dergo the caremonv of beino- put upon their 398 SPORTING DICTIONARY. haunches in the trammels of a riding school, where, by too fevere and inconfiderate exertions, fudden twijls^ dijlortions^ ^ndijlrains^ are fuftained in the hocks, which terminate in curbs and spa- vins never to be obliterated. HAUNCH OF VENISON— implies the hind quarter of a fallow deer, (either buck or doe,) cut in a particular form for the table. The hind quarter of a stag, or hind, alfo pafTes under the fame denomination ; but it is more applicable to form a diftin8:ion, and call the former a haunch of venifon ; the latter, a haunch of red deer. HAW. — The haw is that cartilaginous part of a horfe's eye, plainly perceptible at the inner corner next the forehead, which internally conflitutes a circular groove for the eaiier acceleration of the eye in its orbit. When confined within its natural and proper fphere, it is but juil in fight, when taking a front view of the horfe ; but when it has acquired a preternatural degree of enlargement, it protrudes over part of the orb, partially obftrucls the fight, particularly in that direclion, and conftitutes no fmall disfiguration of the horfe. Ingenuity hereto- fore fuggefted the poffibility of extirpation with the knife, which operation has been frequently per- formed, but with too little fuccefs to juftify a con- tinuance of the pradice. It having been found, that when the haw was taken away by a regular pro- cefs. SPORTING DICTIONARY, 399 cefs, and by the hand of the moft expert operator, yet the eye, for want of its former fupport, wa5 gbferved to become contra6led in the focket, and a total deprivation of fight to follow, evidently de- monftrating " the remedy worfe than the disease;" as well as to convince us, it is fometimes more prudent « . to bear thofe ills we have, ** Than fly to others that we know not of.'* HAWKS, — as birds of prey, are divided into two forts, called long and fhort winged hawks : of the former there are ten, and of the latter eight; but their names, and particular description, is fo remote from the language and manners of the pre- fent time, and their ufe fo nearly obfolete, that the leafl: animadverfion would prove entirely fuper- fluous. HAWKING — was fome centuries fince a fport of much fafliion and celebrity; the hawks being as regularly broke and trained to the purfuit and taking of game, as are the beft setters and POINTERS of the prefent day. It is, however, fo completely grown into difufe, and buried in obli- vion, that there does not appear the leaft glimmer- ing of its ever attaining a chance of sporting le- furreftion. HAY 400 SPORTING JDICTIQNART. HAY — is the welUknown article of grafs, cut jn* its m oft luxuriant and nutritious ftate during the months of June and July; when the fuccalent parts, tending moft to putrefaftion, being extraclcd by the powerful rays of the fun, it acquires (if the feafon fhould prove dry, and favourable for the operation) a degree of fragrancy nearly equal to a collcQion of aromatic herbs. Hay, in this ftate, is a moft attrafting fort of aliment to horfes of every defcription, and is fo truly grateful to the appetite, that it is often accepted when corn is refufed. Of hay there are different kinds ; as MEADOW hay, clover hay, and sainfoin. The fifft is called natural grafs, as the fpontaneous pro- duce of what is termed pafture land : the two latter "are deemed artificial, as being cultivated upon arable land, and affording crops of only biennial and TRIENNIAL duration; when the fertility \';clt as v.'ith all thofc v/ho employ horfes in light Avork, and expeditious action: it varies much in its proj^ertv; not more in re fp eel to the manner in which SFdRTING DICTIONARY. 40l Vhlch It is made, than to the foil it is produced from. Thofe who are anxious for the health and CONDITION of their horfes, are always as judicioufly circumrpe8: in the choice of their hay as their corn- experimentally knowing, as- much depends upon the excellence of one as the other. Hay produced from rufhy land, or moffy moors, is always of in- ferior quality, and iinpoveriflies the blood of the horfes who eat it, in proportion to its own flerility. Thofe who inconfiderately purchafe cheap hay upon the fcore of economy, will have to repent their want of liberality. Whether it is coarfe^ and barren of nutritious property, or ill-made, niujly,. and repugnant to appetite^ the efFea fooner or later will be much the fame; and thofe who impru- dently make the experiment, will foon find, that horfes ill-kept, and lefs fed than nature requires, for the fupport of the frame, and the fuppiy of the various fecretions by the different emunclories, Vv'ill foon difplay, in their external appearance, a tendency to difeafe. CloVer liAY is produced in moil: counties in the kingdom ; it is generally fown with xIArley, fome^ times with oats, and leaft of all with wheat: it conllitutes, upon dry ground, a profitable and con- venient paft ure in the autumn, and affords its ge- neral crop the following feafon. If luxuriaiit, it is mown twice in the fame funrmer; but the fecond crop is not confidered equal in value to the firft. Vol. L D d This \ 402 SPOmriNG DICTIONARY. This hay is faid, by thofe who ought to be the beft enabled to judge and decide, fuperior to every other as to its nutritious property : this may be ad-» mitted in a certain degree, fo far as its increafing the crafTamentum of the blood, and proportionally promoting its vifcidity ; rendering horfes who arc conftantly fed upon it (for inftance, farmers horfes) fuller in flefh, duller in atlion, and thicker in the wind, than thofe who are fupported upon food of a lighter defcription. Although well calculated for flow and heavy draft horfes, it is by no means adapted to thofe of expeditious aBion; for the blood thus thickened, becoming more languid or tardy in its circulation, would, when propelled through the veffels with great and fudden velocity, in hunting, or journies of fpeed upon the road^ inevitably lay the foundation of differeat inflam- !natory diforders> Sainfoin is rather an article of i>eceflity than choice, and very little known in fome parts of England, where nature has been more liberal in her diverfity of vegetation i it is principally culti- vated in the upland counties, where neither a mea- dow, ftream, or rivulet, is to be feen for a great number of miles in fuccelTion. Many very exten- five farms in the lower counties weft of the metro- polis, feel the want of pafture land, not having a fmgle acre of meadow or natural grafs in poffeffion. NecefTity, the mother of invention, has, however, fo SPORTING DICTIONARY. 403 fo amply furniflied a variety of fubflitutes, that their horfes, and (lock of every kind, feem equal, upon the average, to what is produced in any other part of the kingdom. HAYS— are a particular kind of nets for taking RABBITS and HARESj the ufe of which are profcribed in almofl: every AQ, to be found in the penal fta- tutes for the preservation of game. They are made from fixty to one hundred and twenty feet long, and fix feet deep ; conflituting the moil de- ftrudive engine of any ever yet invented to /irip a country^ by the mode in which they are ufed. They are only in the poffeffion of poachers of the firft magnitude, (in the neighbourhoods of parks, hare warrens, and preserves,} by whofe defperate and determined no5iurnal exertions the wholesale trade of the metropolis is invariably fuppliedi HAYWARD-^is a manorial parochial officer^ appointed to preferve the privileges, and protect the rights, im.munitics, and cattle, of thofe who are enti- tled to commonage of certain lands, waftes, Szc, He derives from his appointment, authority to drive his diilricl at ftated periods, well known in its vici- nity; to impound ftrays, and to prevent nuifances of difeafed cattle ; or any other impropriety of cattle breaking bounds, and deftroying fences, of which it comes within the intent of his office to take cognizance. To all which there are certain local D d 3 fees . 40-1' . SPORTING DICTIONARY. . fees appertaining, according to the cuftom of the country, for the fupport of an office very wifely in- ftituted to prevent trifling law-fuits and paltry liti- gations. HAZARD — is, beyond a doubt, the moft faflironable and fafcinating game ever yet invented for the expeditious and inftantaneous transfer of immenfe fums from one hand to another. It is a CAxME of chance; and, \i\\tn Jairly played, is the FAIREST upon which a ftake can poffibly be made, from one guinea to a thousand, or to any amount whatever; the winning or lofing of which is decided ; with fo much rapidity, that the adventurer can never be more than a few moments in fufpenfe^ although he may be many years in repentance. Hazard is the game of nocturnal celebrity, by which the befi: ellates have been impoverifhed, and immenfe property deftroyed : it is played with a box and pair of dice, and is of confiderable anti- quity, as noticed by Shakespeare in Richard the Third, whom he has made to fay, *' Slave, I have fet my life upon a cast, '' And I will ftand the hazard of the die.'* The perfon holding the box is called the Caster, who having been fd as much money by the fur- rounding company (or any individual) as he pro- -j3ofes to ikroiv for^ and the stake or stakes being depofitcd SPORTING DICTIONARY. ^VO depofited within a centrical circle upon the table, he then throws the dice from the box, and whatever number appears upon the furface is termed '' the main;'* and fo vociferated loudly by a perfon called the Groom Porter, who (lands above the reft, and whofe bufinefs it is to call the main and chance, furnifh frefli dice when demanded, and to receive the money for a box-hand when due. So foon as the 7nain is declared, w^hich, in fad, is the number by which the Carter's opponents mud abide for themfelves, the Carter throws a fecond time, and this number is called the chance^ being his own chance againft the main previoufly thrown; and fo named, becaufe it is the number of the MAIN of the players againft the chance of the indi- vidual who is the Caster, and makes ftakes againft the whole, or any part of the reft. The main and chance being proclaimed by the Groom Porter, odds are generally laid between the thro w\s (upon the termination of the event) ac- cording to the numbers opp.ofed to each other, and according to the fcale by which all bets upon the game are regulated, and ftriclly obferved. The Cafter may, or may not, engage in any of thefe bets, which he very frequently does, as a hedge (or fence) to his own ftakes, when the odds are /a- iojoiir, or TWO to one, in his favour: at any rate, he continues to throw the dice in fuccelfton, till c'llh^v the 7nain or chance appears: if the main is D d 3 frj 406 SPORTING DICTIONARY. firjl thrown, thofe who " fet the Cafter" draw their money ; the Cailer is then faid to have ^' thrown out," and palFes the box to his next neighbour: on the contrary, fhould he have thrown his own chance firji^ he is then the winner, and of courfe not only draws all the money he Jlaked and letted^ but continues to hold the box, and throw a " new main" for any fum he wifties to be fet^ in which a Caller is never known to be difappointed. When a Caster has thrown in (that is, has won) three times in fucceffion, it is termed " a BOX HAND," and he then pays half a guinea to the'. Groom Porter, for the privilege of playing, the Tife of box and dice, negus, Sec. provided for the accommodation of the company. The box con- tinues in the Caller's poffefTion fo long as he con* tinues to throw nz, (paying an additional half guinea every third time of winning ;) but the firft time he lofes, he refigns the box to the player fitting next to him, unlefs he requefls, and is permitted to re- new his own play^ which is then called taking " a back hand." There are more minute diftin^lions, as well as a fixed table of the odds during the play ^ but they are too long for infertion; and could not be fo clearly comprehended by theory, as under- ftood by pra8ice, HEAD. — The correcl formation of a horfe's head is fo indifpenfibly neceffary to the ftriking fymmetry 1 SPORTING DICTIONARY. 407 fymmetry and correfponding uniformity of the whole, that its make fhould never be inadvertently overlooked in a haft-y purchafe. The head, the creft, the curve of the neck, and the entire of the forehand, are what may be termed the predominant features, or diftinguifhing traits, which alone feeru, hold forth, in general, a tolerably jufl idea of what may be expelled to follow. In the prefent flate of equeftrian improvement, the beauty of a horfe's head is too well known to require a literary defcrip- tion : nor would the word itfelf have been introduced, but to remand every clafs of fportfmen, that thofe who purchafe a horfe too thick in the jole, or a head too large for the body, mufl never expe6l to be complimented upon the beauty of the acquifition, HEAD, PAIN IN. — Horfes, it is fuppofed and admitted, may be fubje8: to pains in the head; and that fuch pains may proceed from caufes it is impoffible to explore. As, therefore, every at- tempt at definition muft reft upon conjedure, it is evidently better not to advance opinions founded upon uncertainty, by which many may be mijledy none either instructed or entertained. For fymptoms, fee Ears. HEAD OF A DEER. See Antlers. HEAD-STALL— is the part of a cavefon, bridle, or hunting-rein halter, which paffes round, D d 4 and 40S SPORTING DICTIONARY. and on each fide the head of the horfe, and to which the reins of either are affixed, for ufe in the field or on the road, and for fafety in the ftable. HEATH-FOWL — are a fpecies of grouse, (paffing under the denomination of black game,) of which there are different forts, individually ex- preffed in the various aQ:s of fuccefTive Parliaments fpr the prefervation of the game; as " grouse, iiEATH-cocK, MOOR-GAME, or any fuch fowl." To prevent the general deftruQion that muft evidently follow, if game of this defcription was purfued and taken at all feafons of the year without reftraint, t]ie Legiflature has wifely provided a remedy by the following prohibition, exclufive of the penal^ ties annexed to other AQs for killing without the neceil'ary qualifications. By the 13th George Third, c, Iv. f. 2, No per- fon fliall /a'//, dejlroy^ carry ^ fell, buy, or have in his fioj/ejjion, any heath-fowl, commonly called hlack game, between the ienih day of December and the twentieth day of Augi'Jl ; nor any grouse, com- monly called red game, between the tenth day of JDecemher and the ticelfth day of Augufi ; nor any bustard between the frjl day of March and the firyl: day of September, in any year, upon pain of forfeiting, for the first offence, a fum not ex- ceeding TWENTY, nor lefs than ten pounds ; and for fhe SECOND, and every fubfequent oftence, a fum 3 ^^^ SPORTING- DICTIOJTARV. 409 ^ot exceeding thirty, nor lt?fs'than twenty pounds : One moiety thereof to go to the informer, the other to the poor of the parifh. HEAVIER. — A STAG deprived of his tefticles by CASTRATION, is then called a heavier, which operation is occafionally performed, that a fupply may not be wanting for the chase during the time of rutting ; in which the stag is perpetually ranging from one hind to another, for three weeks or longer; not allowing himfelf the comforts of food, SLEEP, or rest. Towards the termination he be- comes lean, languid, and deje6led; when, having executed the taflv prefcribed by Nature, he with- draws himfelf from fociety, to feek repofe and food. At this period he is fo ill-adapted for sport with the HOUNDS, that the operation of caftrating was adopted as an alternative to the temporary fuf- penfion of the royal chase. It is worthy of remark, that if a flag undergoes the operation when his horns are shed, they never grow again ; on the contrary, if it is performed while the horns are in perfection, they will never exfoliate ; and it is equally remarkable, that being deprived of only one tefticle, the horn will not re- generate on that hde, but will continue to grow, and annually fhed on the other, where the fingle tefticle has not been taken away. Heaviers are of great ilrength, and Hand a long time before hounds ; for which 410 aPORtlNC niCTIONAY. -which reafon the hunting eftablifhment of bis Ma- jesty in Windsor Forest is never without a re- gular fucceffion. HEAVY IN HAND.— A horfe is faid to be heavy in hand, wlien, from want of fpirit, he goe^ Huggifhly on, bearing his whole weight upon the 5,jT ; as if the hand of the rider alone prevented his pitching upon his head; and this to a good horfe- man is one of the mod unpleafing defeEls a horse can polTefs. Horfes of this defcription fhould be rode in a Weymouth bridle, (fee Bit,) and con- llantly made to feel the curb rein; when at the fame moment, that ufeful monitor iht fpur fliould be brought into brifk and fudden contaQ: with the body ; a perfeverance in which praftice will be found the only mode to remedy the inconvenience. See Hand, HEELS. — The heels of a horfe, critically fpeak- ing, imply only that part of the hoof which is the very reverfe of the toe; feated behind, and forming the back of the foot, acrofs the widefl end of the frog, extending from one point of the heel to the other. Cuftom has, however, fo far extended both the idea and the expreffion, that in the prefent general acceptation of the word, it is admitted to include the feet as high as the fetlock-joint; fo that the heels are fubjeft to accidents, inconveniencies, defe6ls, and blemifhes, as cracks, scratches, ©VERREACHESj ^ 5P0RTING DICTIONARY. 411 OVERREACHES, GREASE, Scc, The hccls of a horfe, to be good, fhould be high, (that is, of a proper length from the hair above to the ground below,) firm, and fubftantial, open on each fide the frog, and never ftiould be cut down too low by the de- fl;ru8:ive inflrument of the shqeing-smith ; an error in both judgment and practice, to which may- be juftly attributed the frequent failure in the back finews; for where the heels are unnaturally rcr duced, and the tendons in part deprived of their fupport, they have evidently to encounter a pre- ternatural diftenfion, by which the elafticity is par- tially deftroyed, and fome of the fibrous coats con- fequently ruptured. HEELS NARROW— is a defea, or inconve- nience, to which HQ?vSEs are conftantly fubje8;; but they are produced much more by the officious obtrufions of art, than any deficiency in the ori- ginal formation of nature. Horfes with narrow heels are generally thofe who have had very little attention paid to the ftate of the feet, by either master or man., during the operation of shoeing; and where the journeyman fmith too often, from abfolute idlenefs, affixes a fiioe too narroio to the pooT, and then, to increafe the injury, reduces the pooT to the dimenfions of ihtjhoe. This grievance is much eafier prevented than re- Tpedied; for when once a deJric5iion oi' parts has been 41'2 SPORTING DICTIONARY, been inconfiderately occafioned, a regeneration may not be eafily obtained. The cruel and invin- cible pradice of applying the hot JJioc to the foot (by way of fitting it) during the a6l of flioeing, contributes in no fmall degree to the contraftion of the heel; and when this injury is once fuftained, great care and conftant attention become neceffary to folicit a /renovation. Whether it has been occa- fioned by the fatal operation of the cutting-knife^ the fafliionable back-ftroke fritlion of the rafp^ or the fiery effetl of the hotjlioe when conveyed from the FORGE to the foot, the dire8: road to relief is precifely the fame : nightly flopping with any ap- plicable compofition calculated to mollify the bot- tom of the hoof, and to promote its expanfion, with a plentiful impregnation of fperma-cseti oil daily, are the only fure and certain means by which the heels can be reflored to their original and proper formation. HEELER — is the perfon who afExes the deadly weapon called a spur (made of either fteel or filver) to the heel of a game cock, when taken from the pen previous to his being carried to the cock-pit to fight his battle. A hard-hitting cock, who is per- petually fighting with effecl, and gives his adver- fary no time to fland Hill, or look about him, is likewife called a heeler, HELPSj SPORTING DICTIONARY. 4l3 HELPS, OR AIDS, — are terms appertaining' folely to the xManege and riding-school, little known elfewhere, and totally unconne6led with the fports of the field. Professors technically defcribe feven helps neceflary to complete the lefTon given to a horfe; as the voice, whip, bit, calves of the LEGS, the stirrups, the spur, and the ground. HEROD, — commonly called King Herod^ was the firll horfe of his time as a racer, and after- wards as a stallion. He was bred by the then Duke of Cumberland, and got by Tartar out of Cypron^ who was got by Blaze; he was foaled in 1758, and, after beating every horfe that could be brought againft him at four, five, and fix years old, he became a ftallion of the firft celebrity, and tranfmitted a greater progeny to pofterity, than any other horfe in the whole annals of fporting, unlefs Eclipfe and Highflyer (his fon) are admitted upon the fcore of equality. HIDEBOUND — is an impoveriflied flate of the frame and fyftem to which horfes are frequently re- duced, and partakes much more of negled in food and ftable difcipline, than of conftitutional defect, or acquired difeafe. A horfe faid to be hidebound has the appearance of being emaciated ; the coat is of a dingy variegated hue, flaring difierent ways, with a fcurfy dull underneath ; the (kin is of an un- pliable rigidity, feeming to adhere clofely to the internal 414 SfOl^tlNG DICTIONARY. internal parts, denoting a deficiency of the fluids, an obftrudion of the porous fyftem, and a languor in the circulation. The whole, or any part of thefe, may originate in various caufes ; as a fliort allowance of good and healthy food, or a profufion of bad. Nothing will produce it fooner than hard work with had keep, and a conftant expofure to all weathers, in the fe- verity of the winter feafon. Mufty oats, mouldy hay, and winter ftraw-yards, are generally the harbingers of this appearance, which in all cafes is very eafily removed : good ftable difcipline, in wifping and dreffing, regular daily exercife, a few mafhes nightly of ground malt and bran, equal parts, followed by a cordial ball every morning, or an antimonial alterative powder nightly in the mafh, will foon be found to anfwer every expeda- tion, and reftore the fubjeB: to good condition. HIGHFLYER — was the name of a late cele- brated HORSE, that, taken " for all in all," (as a RACER and a stallion,) far exceeded any other ever known in this kingdom. He was foaled in 1774; Y;as got by Herod out of Rachel^ who was got by Bla7ik; her dam by Regulus, &c. He w^as purchafed of the breeder, w^hen a colt rifmg twa years old, by the late Lord Bolingbroke, and was then thought to be getting too large and un- promifing for any capital performances upon the turf. SPORTING DICTIONARY, 415 turf. It was, however, obfcrved by the training groom, that he difplayed aftonifhing powers ia fome of his firfl trials ; and it was upon his fug- geftion Highflyer was immediately named in the mod capital fweepftakes and fubfcriptions then open; winning all which with the greatefl eafe, he was at the very zenith of his celebrity as a racer, when Lord Bolingeroke, difgufted with the vil- lainous deceptions and variegated viciffitudes of THE turf, as well as declining daily in his health. Highflyer was purchafed of his Lordfnip by Mr. Tattersal, who fixed him as a ftallion at a farm of his own near Ely, in Cambridgefhire, where his fuc* cefs foon damped the fpot with the name of High- flyer Hall, which it will mofl probably ever retain. Here he covered for fome years at thirty guineas; and from the almofl incredible number of mares he was permitted to cover, it was concluded he pro- duced to his owner no lefs than from fifteen hun- dred to two thoufand pounds a year, for many years in fucceffion. His progeny of winners only ex- ceeded three hundred in number, who received, in fubfcriptions, plates and fweepftakes, above a thousand prizes. Amongfl: the moft celebrated of his get were Efcape^ (who once fold for 1500 guineas.) Eiiphrofyne^ BaJJiful, Maid of all Work^ Plutitia, Sir Pepper, Sir Peter Teazle, Skylark^ Skyrocket, Skyfcraper^ SpadiUe, Rockingham, Tohy^ Thalia, Walnut, Old Tat, Vermin, Skypecper^ Grcufe^ Ohcron, Screveton^ Diamond, Sparkler, 1 Guildford^ 41^ SPORTING DICTIO!n^ARY. Guildford^ Moorcock^ and Stickler : of whom fe- veral are now ftallioris in the higheft reputation at ten and fifteen guineas each, HIND — is the female of the fpecies called Rzn DEER, the male of w-hich is ternied a stag : the offspring of both is, during its firil year, called a calf; and thefe only are the deer hunted by the King's stag-hounds. HIP-SHOT. — The defect fo termed is an in- jury frequently fuftained in the hip joint, but not always with the fame degree of fcverity. It is a ligamentary twift, or diftortion, by which the junBion of xht hones is materially aftecled, but not amounting to abfolute dislocation ; although it may proceed from a variety of caufes, in fudden Ihocks from the different prominencies of, or cavi- ties in^ an uneven and irregular pavement; blov/s^j STRAi-K^s, or WRENCHES, (iu drawing heavy loads,) as well as by sliding, or falling; vet there is> little doubt but it occurs much oftner from carelefs^ nefs^ inattention^ and brutality, either by a violent blow from the pofl of the flable door, in being haftily led in or out, than by any other means whatever. Let what wull be the caufe, a cure is fel- dom completely efFefted; for as the injury is not only deeply, but critically feated, fo if the horfc,- after any medical means have been ufed, is turned out to obtain flrength, a repetition of work generally produce^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. 417 produces a relapfe of the injury originally fuf- tained. HOCK, or HOUGH.— The joint of the leg behind^ correfponding with the knee be/ore^ is fo called. Its office, in fullaining the principal weight, and various turns of the body, renders it liable to injuries, which, when they happen, arc not unfrequently both fevere and permanent. Bone spavins, blood spavins, and curbs, are of this defcription. HOLD — is a term of trifling import, yet, as it appertains to the important a8: of propagation be- tween the HORSE and the mare, its emphatic figni- fication cannot be omitted. When a mare has taken the horfe, that is, when copulation is com- pleted, a doubt generally arifes, whether the mare w^ill hold; that is, whether flie fufficiently retains the male femen to conftitute conception. The rr.are being brought to the horfe on the ninth day, from the firft time of covering, if fhe again re- ceives the horfe, that alone is held a fufficient proof file did not hold before: fhe is, neverthelefs, brought again to the horfe at the end of another nine days, and when fhe has refufed twice to take the horfe, fhe is then faid to be stinted, and no doubt entertained of her being in foal. You I. E e HOOF. 418 SPORTING DICTIONARY. HOOF. — The hoof of a horfe is that hard and horny fubftance at the lower extremity of the legs, coming into contaB: with the ground, and upon which are placed flioes, made of iron, for the pre- fervation of the feet. The hoof, to be perfe6l and uniform, fhould nearly circumfcribe five eighths of a circle, with a tranfverfe line from one point of the heel to the other, as if a fegment of three eighths was taken away; in addition to which form, it fliould be folid in fubftance, fmooth to the hand, and free from the contracted rings, or -wrinkles, fimilar to thofe upon the horns of cattle, by which the age is afcertained. Hoofs are very different in both property and appearance, and a great deal of this depends upon the manner in which they are treated. The welN known and well-founded adage, that " Doctors DIFFER," was never more verified than in the fub« \cEi before us; previous to the neceffary remarks upon which, it will be proper to point out the diftinft or oppofite texture and property of fuch hoofs, before we advert to the moft applicable mode of treatment for each. The hoofs of fome horfes are fo naturally dry, and fo defeftive in ani- mal moifture, that they gradually contrad, be- come apparently comprefled, and narrow at the heel, as well as acquire a degree of brittlenefs hardly to be believed ; in which ftate fplinters are frequently fcaling off from the edges of the hoof, at SI^ORTINC DICTIONARY. 4-19 at many places where tlie nails are unavoidably in- ferted to fcciire the pofition of the shoe, for the prefervation of the foot. Thefe are the fpecics of hoof much more fufceptible of injury than any other, particularly of sANDCRACKs; dcfccts which, when they happen, very much reduce the value of the horfe if offered for faie; not more in refpeO: to the blemish, thaii the perpetual apprehenlion and expectation of hir> becoming irrecoverably lame. Hoofs of this de- fcription (liould be plentifully impregnated with fperma-cseti oil every night all round the foot; and the bottom (Iiould be (topped with a compofitioii of ftiff cow-dung, and the (kimming of the pot in which fat meat has been boiled, previoufiy pre- ferved, and well incorporated for that purpofe. It has been alferted by thofe who fpeculate, and pro- pagate the report o^ fancy for fact, that " unftuous or greafy applications are prejudicial to the feet," of which indefinite, vague and imperfect expref- fion, the weak and wavering happily avail them- felves, and boldly declare, under fanclion of the equivocal mutation in meaning, that every thing greafy is injurious to the hoofs. It is a degree of juilice that fo egregious an ab- furdity fhould be expofed. Without defcending to a minute and fcientific analyzation of the hoof in its animated flate, to afcertain how far it is, or E e 2 is 420 SPORTING DICTIONARY* is not, a POROUS fabftance, it becomes Only necef? fary to demonftrate its pofTefling the property of ABSORPTION from external application. That this may be the more clearly comprehended, let it be remembered, if a fingle drop of sperma-c.^ti oil is left upon a quire of white paper, it will, by its penetrative property, pafs through each leaf of the quire, till every particle of its moifture is ex- haufted, where it terminates in a fpace little larger than the point of a needle : from whence it is fair to infer, this article, in a ftate of perfe8: lique- faftion, will infinuate itfelf into, or go through, any polTible fubftance where a liquid can be fup- pofed to pafs : this admitted, upon clear and in- difputable proof, it becomes neceffary to proceed to its effe6l upon the dry^ hard^ contra^ed, b7^ittle JlOOf of the HORSE. If the foot is held up from the litter with the hand, and with the ftable-brufh well impreg- nated with oz7, fo as to be left tolerably wet up- on the furface, perfevering patience (by hold- the foot from the ground a few minutes) will prove, that the oil with which the hoof was fo plentifully bailed, has nearly disappeared, al- though no drop has fallen to the ground. What will the rigid difputant, or cynical Sceptic, oppofe to this faft, when aficed what is become of the oil fo recently laid on? From the fertile refources of §^ exhalation,'' '• evaporation," or even '* run- ning SPORTING DICTIONARY. 421 ni7ig 0^," he can derive no afii (lance to fupport him in the erroneous opinion he has formed; and perhaps an obftinacy, from time and cuftom be- come habitual, will not permit him (till his judg- ment is more matured by experience) to admit, that it is loft to the eye, and taken up by absorp- tion. This, however, is the faft, and to the in- credulous, who are open to conviction, and will- ing to make the experiment, it will appear, that this treatment of the hoof, and the stopping pre- vioufly mentioned, (if nightly perfevered in,) will^ in lefs than three shoeings, completely reftcre and improve the moft brittle and battered hoofs iri the kingdom. So much cannot be faid of unBuom or greQjfy fubftances; for, from their confidence, not poflefling the property of penetration, they can add none to the expansion of the hoof; from the dry and preternaturally contracted (late of which the defect generally arifes ; and by the addi- tional growth and diftenfion of the hoof alone caa be relieved. HOOF^BOUNDo— See Compression and Heels Narrow. HORSE — is the name of the moft beautiful, the moft ufeful, and the moft valuable, animal, this or any other nation has to boaft : the majeftic extent of his formation, the graceful eafe of every motion^ the imm.enfity of his ftrength, the fmooth E e 3 and 4^2'2 SPORTING DICTlOXARl^-i and glolTy furface of his fkin, the pliability of hh temper, and, above every other confideration, hb rapidity of action, and general utility, render him highly worthy the care, attention, and pecuniary eftimation he is now held in from one extremity of the earth to the other. He is the mod fpirited and moft powerful of all creatures; yet the moil generous, docile, grateful and obedient to the pur- pofes of m^an as an individual, as well as to all the AGRICULTURAL and COMMERCIAL advantages of fo- ciety at large. He may be jullly termed the great main-fpring of pleasure to one clafs, and of pro- fit to the other; without v;hofe aid, the eternal routine of both muft come to immediate termina- tion, conftituting a chaos very far beyond the moll fertile imagination to conceive or defcribe. The natural hiftory, the form, and general utility, of the horfe, is become fo perfe6lly fami- liar to every eye, that the lefs will be required upon thofe points in explanation. The various pleafurable purpofes, and ufeful talks, to which horfes are appropriated in this country, has long fince demonftrated the confiftency of cultivating, by feleft and judicious propagation, each parti- cular kind of ftock, fo as to render it individually applicable to the ufe for which it is intended. The numbers annually produced, and annually de- llroyed, within the circle of our own ifle (even in time of peace) exceed common conception, and of which SPORTING DICTIONARY. 423 %v'hich no computation can be tolerably formed. The long lift conftantly bred for, and engaged upon, the turf; the sports of the fikld; the na- tional eftablifliment of military cavalry; the carriage horfes of the opulent, rattling through every ftreet of every city and large town in the kingdom; the thoitfands employed in agricul- ture, as well as all the draft work of the me- tropolis; in addition to the infinity dinntxtd to MAIL and STAGE coaches, as well as to the post WORK, and thofe ufeful drudges denominated roadsters, in the pofleffion of every clafs of people, conftitute an aggregate that in contempla- tion excites the utniofl admiration. The ^ conftantly increafing opulence, or the conftantly increaiing luxury, has rendered the de- Biand for horfes fo very fuperior to the example of any previous period, that no comparative ftate- ment of former and prefent value can hardly be afcertained. The faftiionable rage for expeditious travelling, and of being conveyed at the rate of £ight or NINE miles an hour from one part of the kingdom to another, is the abfolute furor of the times, and fupported at an immenfe expence by thofe whofe peculiar perfonal pride prompts them to difplay the advantages refulting from opulence, and the privileges from oftentation ; to the inceftant mifery and premature deftruQion of thoufands, whofe fervices would be infured for years by a E e 4 more 424 SPORTING DICTIONARY. tiiore moderate and piumane mode of treatment» The incredible increafe of light carriages of every defcription, has opened fuch a field for the ufe of horfcs of airy form, and eafy aClion, that they are now in eternal requeft, at more than double^ and in many purchafes treble, ^vhat they were to be obtained for no more than twenty years fince. The different kinds of horfes bred for various purpofes, pafs under the denomination of run- ning HORSES, HUNTERS, CARRIAGE HORSES, CART HORSES, ROADSTERS, and HACKS. Thc firft are propagated in the racing ftuds of the mod opulent characters, and appropriated entirely to the deci- iion of fporting engagements upon the turf; many of which, after having difplayed their pov/ers in this way, then become hunters of thc firjl clafs, and are frequently fold at three and four hundred guineas each. Carriage horses, with which the gay and fafliionable are now whirled through the weficrn fcreets of the metro- polis with the mofi incredible velocity, were form- erly confidered the good, fafe, fubilantial English HUNTER, and might /o7'ty years fince have been purchafed for thirty or five-and-thirty pounds, which was at that time about the current value : they are not now, hov/ever, from the conftantly accumulating demand, and inccffant deftruHion, to be procured in a Rate of youth and purity, at lefs SPORTING DICTIONARY. 4^5 than nearly three times that fum. Cart horses of great lize, ftrength, and adequate powers, are prin- cipally furniflied by the midland and northern counties, for the coal and corn trade, as well as the commercial purpofes of the city and fuburbs, where they command an incredible price : fmall and inferior forts are bred in, and difperfed through, almoll every other county in the king- dom. Roadsters and hacks may be fuppofed to include that great infinity of all fizes, defcriptions, and qualifications, with which every road, every common, and every pafture, feem fo plentifully to abound. If fuperior judgment and circumfpeQion were ever truly neceffary in the fele6lion and purchafe of a horse, they are become doubly fo, when the obje6l of purfuit is proportionably difficult of at- tainment. To direct the eye, to form the judg- ment, and to check the natural impetuofity of the young and inexperienced purchafcr, fome few re- marks are indifpenfibly neceffary to fliield him from the rock of fafcination, upon which {o many have repentantly foundered. The mind of niari fiiould never be more itfeif, never more adequate to the tafk^of cool deliberation and patient obfer- vation, tlian in the fimple examination of a horfe for fale. Deception in dealing is fo truly fyfic- matic^ and fo truly honorable in the prefent age, that the mind cannot be too clofcJv fortified for 3 ' all 4^6 SPORTING DICTIONARY* all events : whether the fubje6l is to be fold by AUCTION, or by private contraB^ the property of a GENTLEMAN, or the offer of a dealer^ the ground Gi felf defence fliould be precifely the fame. It is the fixed and invariable rule Vv'ith every DEALER, to affeft, at firjl^ a perfecl indifference re- fpecling the horfe he wiflies moll to get rid of; and he always makes a point of never giving the unequivocal price of any horfe till he has been feen out of the ftable; during which time o{ Jhewing out^ he, as well as his emiffaries and attendants, are oc- calionally engaged in w'atching mofl attentively every trait of the intentional purchafer's counte- nance, anxious for a (ingle fign of approbation, by which to regulate the magnitude of his demand ; afking jive^ ten^ jijieen^ or tiventy guineas more than he originally intended, in proportion as he finds the enquirer fafcinated with his object of perfe6lion, and difpofed to purchafe. Before the horfe is brought out, it is in vain to entreat the ceremony of ^'figging" may be difpenfed with; it is declared a cvjlom of honor amongft the frater- nity, and muff be complied with. This prelude performed, and his Jlern thrown upon his back like the tail of a fquirrel, he is li- terally driven into action ; the whip (with which he is privately alarmed in his ftall twenty times a day) cannot be permitted to lay dormant even Q upon SPORTIN'G DICTIONARY. All upon the prefent occafion, particularly when its flaggellating flouri/h can be difplaycd to fo great an advantage; the irritating feverity of the lafli, fo retentively dreaded, he Jarioujly flies from, and affords an 2X\x2,^\ng Jpecimtn o{ fpeed you may look for in vain upon any future occafion. After this curious exhibition of his actiOxN^, the horfe ftill trembling with a dread of the deadly injlrument waving in his fight, it will be proper to make a minute and careful examination of his fliapc, make, probable perfection, or pofTible hlemiJJus and defeBs^ if the horfe is permitted by the dealer to fland quiet, a favor which is not alzoays to be obtained. This done, place yourfelf dire6lly oppofite to the horfe's head at two yards diflance, in which pofition, calling your eyes upon his eafs, and dropping them gradually from one point to another, you command, at a fingle view, the ef- fect of his countenance, the good or bad flate of his EYES, the breadth of his breafl, i\\Q fate of his KNEES, the appearance of splents, as well as the growth and uniformity of the feet. Changing your place to a fide view, at fimilar diftance, vou have there the curve of the crest, the circumfe- rence of the BONE, the depth of the chest, the length of the back, the flrength of the loins, the fetting on of the tail, and the falhionable finifli of the hind quarter; without which, individually per- ' fea, 428 SPORTING DICTIONARY. fe6l, he cannot be in pofTenTion of the fymniet-y that is known to conftitute a handfome and well- bred horfe. Looking at him heJiind^ it is inftantly perceived^ •whether he Hands well upon his legs, and is formed ^vide, firm and mufcular acrofs the gaskins, or narrow and contraQed, bearing what is termed a *• handy -hocked'' or cat-hamincd'' appearance. The fame moment affords opportunity to obferve, if BLOOD SPAVINS arc perceptible within fide, bone SPAVINS without, or curbs on the back of the hock; as well as splents upon any one of the legs, and whether he cuts either behind or before. If blood or bone fpavin is obferved, it is neceffary to recoil eel (however attracting the obje8: may be in other refpefts) they fooner or later product lameness to a certainty ; and although they arc not deemed abfolutely incurable^ they open a field to the difquietude and anxiety of blistering,- FIRING, Sec. with the additional and confolatory ultimatum of a farrier's bill. Splents are by no means fo critical, or dangerous, if fcated forward upon the Jhank-hone^ and not likely to interfere '^vith, or vibrate in the aPiion of the tendon, pafs- ing under the denomination of the " back finews;'* in which cafe, a good and otherways valuable horfe need not be declined for fo flight a caufe,- %here no injury is like to be fullaincd. Having SPORTING DICTIONARY, 429* Having proceeded thus far in the examinatioa with llri8: attention, it becomes equally neceflary to defcend minutely to the feet, in fearch of CRACKS, CORNS, THRUSHES, COMPRESSION of thc HOOF, NARROW HEELS, or flcfliy protubcranccs of the inner^ and confequent projedion of the outer Jole, The ftate of the wind is next the objeB: of enquiry, which is done by making the cuilomary and critical experiment of pinching the gullet or -windpipe with confiderable force, nearly clofe to, and jull behind the jaw-bone: fhould the horfe, upon fuch preffurcj force out a found fubftantial cough, (which is fometimes repeated,) the fafety of the wind is afcertained ; on the contrary, fliould nothing be produced but a faint hollow wheezing, with a palpable heaving of the flanks, the ftate of the wind may be juftly fufpefted. Should any doubt arife upon the decifion, (which fometimes happens with the belt and moft experienced judges,) let the horfe be put into brifk a8:ion, and powerful exertion, when the roaring at a diftance, the laboured refpiration, and the preternatural heaving of the flank, after a brifk gallop of two thirds of a mile, will determine the (late of the "vvjnd, without the lead chance of being miftaken. The EYES, that w^ere only fuperficially noticed as matter of courfe in the front view, when the horfe was firfl: brought out of the liable, now be- come |:he neceCTary objeds of minute, patient, and judicious 430 SPORTING DICTIONARY. judicious invefligation. If they are clear, full and prominent in the orb, reflefting your own figure from the pupil, without any protrufion of the haw from the inner corner, any inflammatory enlarge- ment of the lids, or any acrid weeping from either, there is then every well-founded reafon to believe they are not only fafe, but good. On the contrary, fliould there appear a feeming fmking of the orbs, with a perceptible indentation, and^ a \vrinkied contraclion above the eyelids, they are very unfavorable fymptoms, indicating impending ill, and fliould not be encountered, but with an expeftation of certain lofs. A fmall pig eye fhould be examined with great caution; they are better avoided, if pofTible, as their future ff ate is not only to be confidered exceedingly doubtful, but they are always objefted to, and produftive of vexa- tious rebuflPs, when a horfe is again to be fold. A cloudy muddinefs beneath the outer covering of the eye, or a milky thickening upon the furface, denotes prefent deJeB^ and probability of future blindnefs; in all which cafes, prudence fhould pre- vent fuch fubjcd from becoming an object of aU tra6lion. The AGE, if aflvcd of a dealer, is declared " ri- fmg fix" or " rifing feven;" for it mufl be held in remembrance, that their horfes are never acknow- ledged younger than " five," or older than '' six: off"; and what is ftill more extraordinary, in ad- dition SPORTING DICTIONARY, 431 dition to this convenience^ they pofTefs the fole PATENT for regeneration, having it always in their power to make a ten years old horfc six, with the very dehrable advantage to a pnrchafer, that he lliall never be more (hy the mouth) fb long as he lives. This extra effort of art, or renewal of ^^^^, paffes under the denomination of " BisHoriNo," (which fee,) where a defcription of the operation will be found. The age of a horse by the mouth is not diffimilar to abflra6l points in politics with cof- fee-houfe politicians, largely talked of, but little un- derftood; which circumltance alone has laid opea a perpetual held for this eternal and remorfelefs impofition : to remedy which, as much as the na- ture of the cafe will admit, and that a matter of fo much utility may with very little attention be per- fectly underftood, a plate is annexed, and ac- companied with fuch explanatory matter, as will render it eafy to every comprehenfion. See Colt, Having gone through, with precifion, all that can poflibly prefent itfelf upon the fcore of exami- nation, in refped to age, fliape, make, figure, and aclion, we arrive at the very ultimatum of enquiry, refpe8.ing the warranty of his being perfe6lly SOUND. What that warranty is, and how far it is to extend^ requires a more correct and limited line of certainty than feems at prefent to be under- ftood. Blemishes and defects are fuppofed by fome •432 SPORTING DICTIONARY. foine not to conftitute unfoundnefs^ provided the ACTION of the horfe is not impeded by their appear- ance; whilft, on the contrary, it is as firmly urged by the impartial and difintereiled, that no horfe ought to be fold as^ or warranted " perfeQly found," but in a date of natural and unfullied per- feOiion. This criterion is the more neceffary to be afcertained, and laid down by fome principle of law, becaufe the numerous litigations in every fuc- ceffive TERM demonftrate, that various opinions prevail, according to the interest, caprice, or PECUNIARY convenience, of individuals concerned; to carry, fupport and confirm which, even the proftitution of truth and honor mufl become fubfervient. And this " glorious uncertainty of the law" is fo clearly comprehended by the Gentle- men of the Long Robe, that when a horse cause is coming on in any of the Courts j an obfervation immediately follows, that " whoever swears the hardefi will obtain it." To prevent fuits of fuch defcription, (which fometimes happen between gentlemen of equal honor, and ilrift integrity,) it is much to be wifhed, fome direft and unequivocal mode of diftintlion could be legally afcertained, how far a general ^'* warranty of foundnefs" is to extend, and where the line of perfe^ion or imperfeclion is to be drawn; as for inftance, to eilablifh, by law or custom, fome fixed and invariable rules, by which the SPORtlN'G DICTIONARY* 433 the foundnefs of a horfe might fo far be infured between buyer and seller, as to render unnecef- fary fuch law-suits as are invariably fupported by a fubornation of perjury on one fide or the other* Nothing, perhaps, could conduce more to a caufe fo defirable, or tend more to conftitute a criterion of equity between all parties, if once eftablilhed, and mutually underftood; that no horfe fhould be deemed sound, and fold with fuch warranty, but in a ftate of perfection, entirely free from lamenefs^ hlemiJJi^ and deJcB^ not only at the time of transfer, but never known to have been other- ways : admitting which mode of dealing to form the bafis of equity between one man and another, an additional obfervation naturally prefents itfelf, as a collateral connderation clearly implied, though, not particularly exprefled 5 that a horfe fold hona, fide found, and admitted on both fides to be fo at the time of purchafe, fliould have no right to be returned under any plea whatever; for it is uni- verfally known, that any horfe fo fold, mult be as liable X.o Jail lame^ become dijeafed^ or even to die^ in one hour after delivery, as in any other hour of life. Then where can be the equitable confiftency of returning a horfe pofitively sound when fold^ upon the plea of lamenefs or difeafe, when the time of attack has been merely a matter of chance between one and the other ? Vol. !• Ff No 4-34 SPORTING DICTIONARY. No juvenile or inexperienced purchafer Ihould be too eager and hafly in his purfuits, or too eafily fafcinated with a feeming objeft of general at- traction. It is exceedingly eafy to purchafe " in hajle^ and repent at leifure :" none fhould be in- ftantly allured by fudden fhow, and fliort in- fpeftion ; too much trial cannot be obtained, nor too much patience perfevered in during the exami- nation. The fportfman of prudence, and perfonal experience, never even fpeaks upon the price^ without previoufly riding the fubje6t in queftion; this he does in a remote and quiet fituation, then in a bufy one. In the former, mount, difmount, and mount again ; furvey and critically examine him in a ftate of nature, when calm, and at a dif- tance from thofe he knows to be his perfecutors as well eVt as out of the liable: it is for want of thefe precautions, that there are fo many dupes to arti- fice, who purchafe the dulleft jades, without ad- verting for a moment to the furious efiFe6l of whip, SPUR, diwdi ginger ; the dealer's beft friends. As it is by no means a proof of judgment to pur- chafe hajlily^ fo, having once purchafed, it fhould be an invariable maxim never to part too rafhly. Innumerable are the inftances where horfes have been difpofed of in the moments of caprice, and precipitately fold for ffteen^ twenty^ or thirty pounds, that have afterwards produced an hundred or an hundred and fifty guineas. When a horfe of promifing SPORTING DICTIONARY. 435 promifing appearance, and pleafing allien, is rode upon trial, great allowance fhould be made for the ftate of his mouth : he may not only have been ac- cuftomed to a different bit or bridle, but may probably have been fome time ridden by a previous OWNER of very different temper and difpofition. One man rides with a tight^ another with a Jlack rein : one is a petulant, refraftory, impatient rider, who not unfrequently makes his horfe fo by his own indifcretion ; when, on the contrary, a mild, ferene, and philofophic rider (who ruminates upon the imperfedions of the animal he beftrides, as well as his own) often enjoys the inexprefTible fatis- faftion of making a convert to his own good ufage and fenfibility ; conflituting, by fuch patient perfe- verance, that very horfe a defirable objeft of ac- quifition, even to thofe who had, upon too flight a foundation, or too fhort a trial, difcarded him as unworthy any fervice at all. Experience affords ample demonfl^ration, that the tempers of horses are as much diverfified as the tempers of thofe who ride or drive them; and it will not be inapplicable for the young to be told^ or the old to recolleft^ that a great number of horfes are made rejiive and vicious by ill ufage, and then unmercifully whipped^ fpurred^ and beaten for being fo ; in corroboration of which fa8:, there are numbers conftantly difpofed of " to the belt bidder," as invincibly reflive, at the hammer of a F f 2 repository. 436 SPORTING DICfiONARY. REPOSITORY, that would in a few wrecks, by gemle and humane treatment, have been reformed to the bed tempers, and mod pliable difpofitions. Thofc who have been moll attentively accurate in ob- fervation and experience, well know, that perfonal fe verity to horfes for reJHvenefs or Jlariing^ very frequently makes them worfe^ but is feldom found to make them better : it is, therefore, certainly more rational, more humane, and ^evidently more grati- fying, to effeft fubfervience by tendernefs and manly perfeverance (divefted of pulillanimity and fear) than by means of unnatural feverity, often tending to render " the remedy worfe than the difeafe." HoRs£s, when at liberty, and in a ftate of free-* dom, although they are expofed to the different degrees of heat and cold^ (encountering the utmofl feverity of the elements in oppofite feafons,) are well known to be in more conftant heahh, and lefs fubjeQ to morbidity, than when deflined to the fcanty confines of a stable, and brought into use; the caufcs of which are too numerous, and too ex- tenfive, to come within the limits of a work of this kind. It is, however, to be pre fumed, very many of the SEVERE, DANGEROUS, and, finally, 6f/f/2rz^(^ft/ ways the lot of the moft complete and belt fe- lefted packs to kill in proportion to their fecming excellence; fome are very much fuperior in quali- fications to what they may promife to a ftranger at Jirjl view; for though of various fizes, and picked up in different counties, (as well as from the ham- mer,) without the leaft appearance of confan- guinity, or one diftinguifhing trait of attraBion, yet they feldom mifs their game. Mr. Beckford fiientions a pack of this defcription who killed txventy' SPORTING DICTIONARY. 473 twenty-nine foxes without intermiffion ; that when they were running, there was a long Jlring of them, and ^w try fault was hit off by an old southern HOUND, When fufficient time has been employed in forming a pack of hounds, they can never be confidered in a ftate of excellence or fuperiority, unlefs they go as if they were in harnefs; that is, when they are running hreajl high^ they fhould run nearly all a breafl ; or, in other words, when clear of covert, and croiTing a country, the body might nearly be covered with a flieet. Nothing is a greater difgrace to the master, the HUNTSMAN, or thc pack, than to fee a parcel of ftraggling /diz7 hounds, labouring in vain; except a leading hound loaded with a leaden necklace^ to reftrain his fpeed, and deprefs the inftin6live im- pulfe of his nature to a level with thofe who are not his equals. This is a truly unfportfman-like flretch of authority, bordering upon cruelty; and would be much more " honored in the breach than the obfervance.*' Hounds of either defcription had better be parted with, than to encounter con^ iiantly a mortification fo eafily to be removed; and both will be the lefs likely to happen, the more moderate the number taken to the field. The taking out too many hounds is a frequent error in judgment, always produ6live of trouble, and fometimes to a moll vexatious diminution of fport. to the incelTant employment of the whip- 3 P^^ 474 SPORTING DICTION A.RY, per-in, whofe horfe is the greatefl; fufferer upon the occafion. Hounds differ much in their properties, ac- cording to the croffes in blood, and this is plainly perceptible to a nice obferver, as well in their en- deavours to find, . as in the purfuit of their game; for thofe retaining moft of the fouthern hound in their blood, are always the, moft conftitutionally tardy in aclion. The north country beagle, (now called harrier,} with, a crofs of the dwarf fox HOUND, has produced a direcl contraft to the fomier, and are generally in ufe in thofe open countries where horfes.can lay by the fide of them. The delight of the old fouthern hound is to dwell upon the fcent ; the extatic eagernefs of the latter is to prejs it before him. When the former come to a fault, and can carry the fcent no farther, they ftick their nofes to the ground as clofe together as a fwarm of bees, making few or no efforts of their own^ unlefs lifted along by the helping hand and encouraging voice of the huntsman. The exertions of the latter are inftantaneous and inde- fatigable ; they make their caft in different direc- tions, without a moment's paufe, and every indi- vidual pants with emulation to become the happy inftrument of recovery : once hit of, the general ftruggle for pre-eminence conftitutes a fcene by far too luxurious for the inadequate reprefentation of literary defcription. Oppofite SPORTING DICTIONARY. 475 Oppofite as thefe chafes arc, they are not with- out their diftintt and different votaries : the tem- pers oF fome men, and the age or infirmities of others, render their minds as gloomy as the at- mofphere of the winter's day in which they iiuxt; to thefe the folemn knell of the southern jiound is fo miijically mechanical^ that it fcems to vibrate in unifon with the fomniferoiis melancholy of their own fenfations. But with thofe in the health and pride of manhood, who enjoy the obltacles, and furmount the difficulties, of crossing a country, in dire6l contrail to the ruminative pleafure of whipping a thijllc^ or riding a few rings round a barn, fleet hounds will always have the preference. Hounds of this defcription, it mufl be candidly confeffed, are, however, drawn too fine in their formation, and fo critically refined to fpeed, that the game, whatever it may be, can fland but a little time before them : unlcfs, from ftormv weather, or fome other accidental caufe, much cold hunting fliould intervene. And this, in the prefent rage for improvement, is fo much the cafe with HARRIERS iu gcncral, that, in the earl)* part of the feafon, half the hares found are run up to in the Jirjl viezo ; and even after Chriftmas, when they are fuppofed to get ftrong; average chafes do not exceed from twenty minutes to half an hour; and by the unprecedented fpeed of hounds, as they are now bred, the fox chafe is contracled in pro- portion. Although 47^ Sr-OPvTING DICTIONARY, Although the breeding, entering, feeding, air- ing, and general management of hounds, is an en- tire fyilem, dependent upon perfonal pra8.ice, from a ftricl and attentive attachment to which alone^ excellence can be derived; yet, fuch rules and falutary regulations as Hand high in fporting eftimation, may be introduced for the information of thofe, who, in the infancy of initiation, are anxious to improve their judgment, by blending the theory of the clofet with the praftice of the field. The fpring months are the befl in which puppies can be produced ; they have then the whole fummer to expand and grow in. Some eir- cumfpeftion is neceffary in the bufinefs of propaga- tion, to prevent an unneceffary deftruQion; atten- tion fhould be paid to fhape, fize, colour, difpofi- tion, and qualification, of both the dog and bitch intended to breed from ; if the perfedion of fire or dam are wilhed, or expefted, to be retained, and difplayed, in the offspring. The fporting world are enjoined by the belt authority, '' on no account to breed from one that is not Jlout^ that is not tender nofed.^ or that is either a babbler or a Jkirter : it is the judicious crofs that makes the pack complete. The faults and imperfections in one breed, may be rectified in another; and if this be properly attended to, no reafon can be fug- gelted, why the breeding of hounds may not im- prove, till improvement can go no further.'" Amidft SPORTING DICTIONARY. 4?7 Amidft general remarks, it may be remembered, that none but healthy and ftrong hounds fhould be bred from : old dogs fliould never be put to old bitches ; and good whelps fliould never be put to bad walks : (tinted in their earlieft growth, (by a want of proper nutriment,) the frame becomes impoverifhed, the loins weak, and they are the lefs able to encounter that terrible foe, the dif- temper^ whenever it may make its attack. This ge- nerally happens from the fixth to the ninth or tentli month, and proves incredibly deftructive, w^iich probably may be chiefly owing to the little that is done upon thofe occafions, by the way of either prevention or cure. Various are the opinions re- fpeQing the number of hounds it may be neceflary to keep in kennel during the hunting feafon ; and thefe mull be regulated by the kind of country they have to hunt, as one may tire or lame hounds more than another: flippery, marley clay will do the one; the rolling flints of Surrey, Oxford- shire, or Hampshire, never fail to do the other. Thofe who are prudent, will never take more than from twenty to five-and-twenty couple to the field; to exceed which, would not only be rather unjair^ but probably do more harm than good. The number necefiary to be taken, is not fo material a matter of conlideration, as their conjundive quali- fications when there; thirty-five couple of fettled, Ready, feafoned hounds, will, therefore, admit of hunting three (occafionally four) days a wxek. It 47B SPORTING DICTIONARY. It is a well-founded opinion, that every kennel fliould have a proper annual fupply of young hounds; if this is negle8:ed for two or three feafons^ the pack will foon be overloaded with old hounds, and fuddenly fall into decay. Induftrious, hard- working hounds, feldom continue in full vigour and fpeed longer than five or fix feafons ; though there are not wanting inftances of deferving fa- vourites having continued \hQ crack hounds of the pack for eight or nine years in fucceffion. A little of this difference may probably proceed from two caufes, a variation in conftitution, and a contraft in the difcipline of the kennel; from which Mr. Beckford candidly confeffes he never was long abfent, without perceiving a difference in their looks at his return. It is alfo his opinion, that from eight to twelve couple of young hounds, bred annually, would fufficiently fupply an eftablifh- Kient not exceeding forty couple; but it is always befl to have a referve of a few couple more than wanted, in cafe of accidents; fince, from the time the draft is made, to the time of hunting, is a long period, and their exiftence at that age and feafon very precarious : befides, when they are fafe from the diftemper, they are not always fo from each other; and a fummer feldom paffes without fome loffes of that kind. At the fame time he hints the ablurdity of entering more than are ncceffary to keep up the pack, as a greater number would only create ufelefi trouble, and more vexation. No SPORTING DICTION'ARV.. 479 No one fubjeft, perhaps, has i-b nearly cxhaufted the fertility of human invention, as the infinity of names beflowcd upon nouNDS and horses; 'which have been fo numerous and divcrfified, that a fnigle name can hardly be adopted, ^vhich has not been before brought into ufe. In proof of which, the writer juft mentioned has given a lift of more than eight hundred appellations, or terms by which hounds may be known : but as the name of each hound fiiould as nearly as poffible correfpond with the fport, ("as well as the moft apparent qualification of the individual,) fuch only are introduced here as are the moft mufical, and from which a variety for even two or three packs may be fele6led. DOGS. DOGS. DOGS. DOGS. Agent Blufter Charon Damper Aim well Boafter Chafer Danger Amorous Bouncer Chaunter Dabfter Antic Bragger Chimer Darter Anxious Brawler Comforter Dalher Archer Brazen Comus Dafhwood . Ardent Brilliant Conqueror Daunter Ardor Bruflier Conftant Dinger Artful Buftler Coroner Dreadnought Atlas Cottager Driver Atom Captain Countryman Duller Awful Captor Coxcomb Carver Craftfman Eager Bachelor Caflcr Crilic Earncit Bellman Caviller Crowner Envious Bluecap Challenger Cruifer Bjijeman Champion Cryer Factious xearnought 480 SPORTING DICTIONARY^ I>OCS. DOGf* DOCS. DOGSi Fearnought Jcrker Nervous Ravifhef Ferryman Jingler Neaor Reaor Finder Joftler Newfman Regent Flagrant Jovial Nimrod Render Foamcr Jumper Noble Reftive Foiler Nonfuch Reveller Foreman Lafher Noxious Rifler Foremoft Lafter Rigid Forefter Leader Pageant Ringwood Leveller Paragon Rioter Gainer Lifter Partner Rockwood Gallant Lightfoot Perfea Router Galloper Liftener Petulant Rover Gamboy Lounger Phoebus Rumour Gazer Lurker Pilgrim Rural Genius Lufty Pillager Ruftic Gimcrack Pilot Giant Manful Pincher Sampler Glancer Markfman Playful Sampfon Glider Marplot Plunder Saucebox Goblin Match'em Prattler Saunter Growler Maxim Preflo Scamper Guardian Meanwell Prodigal Schemer Guider Medler Prowler Scrambler Mender Prophet Scuffler Hardy Mentor Profper Searcher Harlequin Mercury Profperous Sharper Harraffer MerUn Shifter Headftrong Merryman Racer Signal Hearty Mighty Rambler Skirmifh Heaor Minikin Rampant Social Heedful Monitor Random Songfler Hopeful Mounter Ranger Spanker Hotfpur Mover Ranter Speedwell Hurtful Mungo Rattler Splendor Mutinous Ravager Spoiler Spokefman SPORTING DICTIONARY, 481 DOGS. DOGS. BITCHES. BITCHES. Spokefman Triumph A61ive Dainty Sportfman Trojan Aarefs Daphne Squabbler Truant Airy Darling Statefman Trueman Audible Dauntlefs Steady TruRy Dianna Stickler Trial Baneful Diligent S former Turbulent Bafliful Doubtful Stranger Twinger Bauble Doubtlefs Stripling Tyrant Beauty Doxy Striver Beldam Stioker Vagabond o Blamelels Eafy Strotter Vagrant Bliihefome Echo Struggler Valiant Blowzey Endlefs Sturdy- Valorous Bluebell Surly Vaulter Bonny Fairmaid Vaunter * Bonnylafs Fairplay Talifman Venture Boundlefs Famous Tamer Vermin Erimflone Fancy Tartar Viaor Bufy Favourite Tattler Vigilant Buckfome Fearlefs Taunter Villager Feftive Teazer Viper Captious Fickle Thrafher Violent Carelefs Fidget Threatener Voucher Careful Flighty Thunderer Cautious Fiouriih Tickler Wanderer Charmer Fretful Tomboy Warrior Chearful Frilky Torment Well-bred Comely Frolic Torrent Whipfler ' Comfort - Fury . Touchftone Why not Crafty Tragic Wilful Crazy Gambol Trampler V/ifdom Credulous " Gamefoms Tranfit Woodman Croney Gameftrefs Traveller Worthy Cruel Gaylafs TrimbuQi Wrangler Curious Ghailly Trimmer Wreftler Giddy Vol. L li Gladfom* 4S2 SPORTING DICTIONARY. BITCHES. BITCHES. BITCHES. BITCHES, Gladfome Lovely Racket Telltale Graceful Lucky lafs Rally Tempcfl Gracelefs Ran tip ode Termagant Gracious Madcap Rapid Terrible Grateful Magic Rapine Tefty Guilefome Matchlefs Rapture Thoughtful Guiltlefs Mcrrylafs Rarity Toilfome Guilty Minion Rattle Tragedy Mifchief Ravifli Trifle Hdfly Mufic Reptile Trollop liandfome Reftlefs Tuneful Harlot Needful Rhapfody Harmony Nimble Riot Vengeance Heedlefs Noify Rival Venomous Helen Notable Rummage Venus Heroine Novice R during which procefs, at the fame equal diflances of time, three mercurial purging balls of a pro- per ftrength (proportioned to the age^ fize^ and Jlrengfh^ SPORTING DICTIONARY* 487 Jlrength^ of the dog) fliould be adminiftcrcd, if a fure and fpcedy cure is to be cxpcded. The difordcr called the red mange does not ap- pear to be nearly allied to \vhatis fo well known by the common appellation of mange, but to be a fpecies of difeafe within itfelf, feated in the Ikin, and not always infeftious amongft dogs laying to- gether, but almofl: invariably communicated by a BITCH to her litter of whelps, particularly if flie had it upon her during the time flie was in pup. This diforder is mofl malignant in its effeft ; the inceffant and fevere itching, which, from all obfer- vation, feems accompanied by a burning heat^ and this too increafed by the perpetual biting and fcratching of the tortured animal, gives fuch parts of the frame as are feverely affeded, the appearance of having been fcaldcd by fome boiling liquor, with a confequent lofs of hair. It is this diftind kind of mange that fo conftantly baffles dog-doc- TORS and dog-rmongers of every defcription, and re- duces them to their ne plus ultra^ where the fertility of invention can go no further. It is, perhaps, the moll deceptive diforder to v/hich any part of the animal w^orld can become unluckily fubjeft; for when it has (feemingly and repeatedly) fubmitted to, and been fubdued by, fome of the combination of combuftibles before defcribed, it has as fuddenly, as repeatedly, and as unexpeftedly, made its re- appearance v/ith all its former virulence. Great I i 4 care. 488 SPORTING DICTIONARY. care, nice attention, and long experience, can dif- cover but one infallible mode of perfed eradication. Let half an ounce of corrosive sublimate be re- duced in a glafs mortar to an impalpable powder ; to this, by a very fmall quantity at a time, add two ounces (half a gill) of fpirits of wine; and, laftly, one pint of rain or river water, and, v/ith a fponge dipt in the folution, let every part palpably affefted be well wafhed, every third day, till thrice per- formed; then leave three clear days, and repeat the former ceremony of thrice as before; letting three mercurial purging balls be given at the equal diftanccs ftated in the common mange, and no doubt of cure need be entertained, if the mode prefcribed is properly and judicioudy attended to. However opinions may vary upon the manner of TEEDiNG hounds, as well in refpe8: to time, as the occafional changes in, and property of, the food beft adapted to the purpofe of nutritious support, no oppofition whatever can arife to the general in- culcation of CLEANLINESS, as indifpcnfibl v condu- cive to the prefervation of health, and confequent exclufion of disease. In the acceptation of the -word cleanlinefs^ may be included the true intent and meaning of both internal and external circum- fpePiion and attention, as well in physic, and in FOOD, as in the neat and judicious arrangement of the kennel; where the conjunftive force of which is wanting, what a train of difeafcy mifiry\ and wrctchednefsj SPORTING DICTIONARY. 489 ^^retchednefs, frequently enfues! To avoid all which, at the times and leafons found mofl proper for their introduction, antimonial alteratives, and MERCURIAL PURGATIVES, fhouid be brought into ufe. Upon this practice Mr. Beckford has given his opinion in the following words. ^' I am not fond of bleeding hounds, unlefs they want it; though it has long been a cuftom to phyfic them twice a year; after »they leave off hunting, and before they begin. It is given in hot weather, and at an idle time. It cools their bodies, and, without doubt, is of fervice to them. If a hound be in want of phyfic, I prefer giving it in balls.* It is more ,eafy to give in this manner the quan- tity he may want, and you are more certain that he takes it. In many kennels, they alfo bleed them twice a year, and fome people think that it prevents jriadi?.efs. The anointing of hounds, or drejfing them, as huntfmen call it, makes them fine in their coats : it may be done twice a year, or oftener, if found neceffary." The neceffity of introducing fomething medicinal for the prefervation of health, and prevention of difeafe, is thus admitted upon the bell of all founda- tions, * One pound of antimony, four ounces of fulphur, and fyriip of buckthorn a fufficient quantity to give it a proper confiflence. Each t)all to weigh about feven drachms. 490 SPORTING DICTIONARY, tions, pra6lical experience ; but as medical preci- fion cannot be expefted from thofe who have not made the profeffion their ftudy, fo Mr. Beckford feems to have applied " i^/^c" in a general fenfe to every kind of medicine, as well to alteratives as to purgatives; though the term, when ufed technically, is conceived to imply the latter only. According to this conftruftion, it is to be prefumed, Mr. Beckford adminiflered the balls as " phyfic,'* when, in fa61, they can only be termed antimonial alterativ^es, calculated to obtund acrimony, and alter the property of the blood. Mercurial purga- tives perfe8;ly cleanfe the intellinal canal, and cor- red morbidity at the fame time. External applica- tions, called '' drejfings^'' are more particularly direfted to bodily eruptions, and cutaneous difeafes of the flvin : in all thefe, sulphur is a principal ingredient, and looked upon as a fpecific : in fact, its efficacy is too well known to admit of a doubt upon the occafion. Hounds, as well as horses, are rendered fubfer- vicnt inftruments to the fupport of Government, and exigencies of the State. Perfons keeping them pay a tax of thirty pounds per annum, HOUZING. — The houzing of a horfe is a part of military parapharnalia appertaining to officers of cavalry in general, and the privates of the King's horfe guards in particular; confifting of fcarlet trappings .^PORTING DICTIONARY. 4^1 trappings ornamented with gold lace, fringe, and Ibme part of the infignia of the crown. They are faflened to the hinder part of the fadd'e, and fuf- pended from the loins, fo as to caver the flanks, and a part of the hind-quarters on each fide. Ge- neral and FIELD OFFICERS havc their houzings principally manufaftured of lions, tigers, or leo- pard's fls^ins, giving additional magnificence to the {lately grandeur of the military charger. HUMOURS.— All chronic diforders in the horfe, arifmg from an impure (late of the blood, are with the inferior claffes in general denominated '' humours;" as a concife mode of avoiding fcien- tific invedigation, or medical ambiguity, and bring- ing the cafe immediately home, as they think, to every comprchenfion. With people of the defcrip- tion alluded to (whether smiths, farriers, coach- men, or grooms) the word humours is conceived fa wonderfully comprehenfive, that it is by them fup- pofed ta convey an infinite idea of every things at the very moment it is known, by their fuperiors and employers, to imply no definite or certain meaning at all. If a horfe has fwelled legs, they are the €ffe6l of " humours.'' If an inflammation of and defluxion from the eyes,, they are equally produced by " huynours'* Should cracked heels appear (the evident effeft of idlenefs, and w^ant of attention) they too are brought on by '' humours,'' Even thrufhes; occafionedin general by equal negle6l and want 4^2 Sr-OilTING DICTIONARY, want of cleanlinefs, are alfo frequently attributed to " humours ;'' and to fam up the intrinfic value of this profeflional gem, even lamenefs, in a variety of cafes, whether behind or before, above or below, is mo^fapiently^ if not scientifically, attributed to that ne plus ultra of definition, denominated humours. Thus far upon what humours d^xt fuppofcd to be; now to what they are. It may readily be conceived by thofe not profeffionally informed on the fubjeft, that the blood (which is the very mainfpring of exillence) muft have preferved fuch kind of equa- lity, confiftency, or uniformity, in its component parts, as to conititute a precife ftandard, neceffary to the enjoyment and prefervation of health. This incontrovertible pofition being admitted be- yond all pofiible ground of controverfy, what does it evidently demonftrate ? Why, that as much as the BLOOD is enriched ahove^ or impoveriflied bclow^ that standard, in its properly^ fo in proportion mud it approach the kind of difeafe appertaining to the one extreme or the other. To thofe whofe in- tellectual rays are open to convidion, not a fingle line more would be required in explanation ; but that the moil incredulous^ the moft ohJI-iiiate^ and the moft illiterate^ may have equal opportunity of information, let the two different ftates of the blood, (as juft explained,) with their effects, be adverted to. When it has, by a iuperabundance of SPORTING DICTIONARY. 4^3 of food and eafe, a negle8: of exerciTe, and a want of the neceflfary evacuations, acquired a degree of confidence (or thicknefs) above the criterion al- ready defcribed, it then becomes too heavy and JhtggiJJi for its purpofe of regular circulation, and is proportionally inadequate to the taflv of pro- pelling the perfpirative matter to the furface, which being thus compulfively returned upon the blood, adds to its fizinefs, and promotes its vifciditv, jointly tending to fuch partial ftagnation, as foon difplays itfelf in fome one of the many diforders to which horfes are incident, in the hands of thofe where prevention is not attended to, , Having taken a furvey of the flate of the BLOOD, by which fwelled legs, greafe, foulnefs, inflammatory tumours, formations of matter in va- rious parts, and one fpecies of farcy, may be pro- duced, it will be neceffary to take a fhort viev/ of it in its contrafted flate, when, by a continued fe- ries of hard work, with had keep, a conftant fup- ply of unhealthy provender, in mujly oats, Tfiouldy hay, or any other article diftending the body, with- out adequate nutriment to the frame, as well as the vant of a proper fupply, in proportion to the ne- ceffary secretions ?.nd evacuations, will either, or all, tend to diminijli the crassamentum, or ad- heuve property of the blood, and in a greater or lefs degree (according to the caufe) reduce it to a ferous or weak and watery ftate, below the Pcandard of 494 SPORTING DICTIONARY* of mediocrity fo clearly explained; when acquiring acrimony in proportion as it has been reduced, the efFecl feldom refts upon emaciation only, but foon difplays itfelf in fome cutaneous eruption, fo con- ftantly dependent upon, and appertaining to, an impoverifhed ftate of the blood. This diftinclion has been introduced, not more to throw fome fatisfaftory light upon the ambiguity of the exprelFion, which it feems fo few underftand, than to prove the neceflity for paying fuch atten- tion to the general ftate of a horse's health and appearance, as may aileaft be the means of prevent- ing difeafe, anxiety, trouble, expence, and probably the eventual lofs of a ufeful, or even a valuable, animal, which too often happens for w^ant of a little humane circumfpedion ; when it is then experi- mentally found REPENTANCE comcs too late. As th^ fertile idea of humours frequently originates in error, fo the error is continued in the medical mode of counteraaion ; for let the derangement in the animal economy have happened from whichever of the caufes defcribed, the fyftem adopted is much the fame in all cafes, and with all claffes, rendering fometimes the remedy w^orfe than the difeafe. Thofe, however, who wifli to blend inftruction with entertainment, deriving advantage from both, will do well to recoUeQ, that whatever disorders (alias humours) originate in plethora, fulnefs of the • frame, and vifciditv of the blood, mud be fubdued by SPORTING DICTIONARY. AQS by repeated slekdings, moderate purging, regular exercife, a great deal of liable difcipline, (wilping, leg-rubbing, Sec.) and, if neccflary, a concluding courfe of mild diuretics. Diforders arifing fron^i a weak and impoveriflied Hate of the blood laft de- fcribed, mud be counterafted by an extra addition of nutritive aliment, as maflies of ground malt and bran nightly, as well as the ufual fupplies of corn by day : an invigorating cordial ball daily fliould alTift the intent; and a courfe of antimonial al- teratives be laftly introduced, to give a new com- plexion to the property of the blood. HUMBLES.— The articles fo called are fome of the internal trimmings obtained in breaking up a DEER, which are always a perquifite of the keeper. HUNTER.— A hunter, in its ftriaeft implied fignification with the sporting world, is a horfc or mare of fuperior defcription and qualifications, appropriated to no other purpofe whatever than the enjoyment of the chafe. As it is the higheft ambi- tion of every sportsman to be in poflcffion of a liUNTER, numbers are fo called, who are by no means entitled to that diftinaion. Various opinions are entertained refpeaing the more minute proper- ties of a horfe deftined to the particular purpofes of the field, and this diverfity can only be juftified hy an allufion to the kind of hounds with whom he is intended to hunt. Horfes of an inferior defcription, ^ crofs 496 SPORTING DICTIONARY. crofs bred, and without a point of perfe8:ion, or the property of fpeed, may be called hunters with harriers ; but prove mere roadfters, when brought into the field with either stag or fox. One third of a century fince, moderate horfes were called hunters; and thofe about half bred went tolerably well up to moft hounds; but during the laft twenty years, {o great has been the rage for improving their fpeed, that in the prefent day, any horfe may follow the hounds; but blood horses only can go by the fide of them. The horfes now denominated hunters, are moftly three parts and full bred; for the great num- ber of blood horfes not turning outv/iNNERs, as well as thofe not trained for the turf, zomt of courfe to the hunting ftables, and keep up a con- ftant fupply. Under the head horse, three diflind kinds are mentioned generally, and the purpofes to which they are affigned; but no particular defcrip- tionis made of a hunter, whofe qualifications are properly referved for this place. A hunter for conftant ufe with fleet hounds, ihould be well bred on both fides; not lefs in age than five years old off; from fifteen hands and an inch, to fifteen three and fixteen hands, but not to exceed it : large and heavy horfes, in deep or hilly countries, fre- quently tire themfelves. To be handfome, he fhould be flrong in the frame and formation, fliort in the joints, firm in his fetlocks, quick in the eye, o ' and SPORTING DICTIONARY. 407, and agile in a6tion. lie flio'ild have a light airy head, wide nofhils, prominent lively eye, flight curve in the creft, long in the neck, wide in the bread, deep in the chell, high in the withers, ilraight in the fpine, fliort in the back, round in the barrel, full in the flank, (the lafl rib coming well up to the point of the hip-bone,) his loins wide, and rather circular than Hat ; the fammit of the hind-quarters, between the fillets and the tail, fhould nearly form one feclion of an oval ; the tail lliould be high, and well fet on, in nearly a direct line from the back, and not in a drooping degree below the rump : there fliould be perceptible ft length, uniformity and fubfiance in the thighs, and a prominent mufcular fwell in the exterior of the gafkins; a great length from the hip-bone to the hock, fliort from thence to the fetlock, which fhould be nearly round, and well united; the paf- terns rather fliort than long ; fore-legs flraight, and upright; hoofs, black, and of a flrong firm tex- ture; great courage, good temper, and pliability of difpofition. . Thefe are the rules by which thoufands will ad- mit a HUNTER fliould be chofen ; and they will alfo as readily admit, the very great difficulty with which horfes of fuch defcription are to be obtained. However, as fuch an accumulation of perfeftions is fo rarely to be found in the fame objecl, the moft emulous and judicious will be the more anxious to Vol. I. K k come 3|9B SPORTING DICTIOxVARY. come as near to fuch criterion as circumilances will permit ; but as it is not to be expelled the young, any more than the inexperienced, can retain the minutiae of a defcription to which they have been fo little accuilomed, as well as recollecting the force EXAMPLE is faid to have beyond precept^ the PORTRAIT of a HUNTER is introduccd, who, for all the qualifications already defcribed, was repeatedly in the field (with his Majesty's stag hounds) honoured with the royal approbation. He was got by Eclipfe^ dam by Blanks and poffefled every re- quifite in the field to render himfelf an objeft of liniverfal attraQion : after hunting two feafons, and COVERING one, he was purchafed, and taken to America as a stallion. Having explicitly laid down the rules by which a horfe Ihould be felcfted for the purpofe particu- larly exprefied, fome farther hints become necef- fary for his general management, if a wiih is en- tertained to preferve him in a ftate of purity; for it is well known, there cannot be a greater ftigma annexed to the characler of a profelfed fportfman, than his having a good horfe in had condition. The next great. qualification to speed and temper in a hunter, is the property of leaping, both Jlanding, Siud flying ; without thofe (in an enclofed country) his leading perfeBions are very much reduced in the eflimation of the field: on the contrary, if he is in the full and unrellrained poOeffion of thefe ad- Q . ditional SPORTING DICTIOXARV. 4})9 ditional, and, indeed, indifpendble rcquifites to conaplete and confirm his characler, a purchafer may always be commanded at any price. One great error is generally prevalent in teaching horl'es to LEAP, by the young, petulant, and hafty, when fi};/l they are brought to the bar, particularly in and round the Metropolis, where an affiltant is fre- quently Teen with a xohip to expedite what cannot be proceeded upon with too much kindnefs and circumfpeBion. Young horfes driven to a bar with a whip, and once alarmed^ are fometimes prevented from becoming good (landing leapers during their exigence. Inllances are very rare of w^ell-bred horfes being bad flying leapers, particularly with hounds; few, if any ^ have ever been feen willing to flay behind when the pack were before them ; they of courfe require no other inftruQions, than "what the experience of the field affords them. When horfes are intended for the held, they ihould be brought and accuftomed to the bar, previous to their being put upon their mettle, and flurried with hounds ; when there, the bar fliould never be iefs than three feet from the ground ; if lower, it only induces the horfe to attempt it with one foot, as if to walk or fcramble over it; and this is a bad habit to acquire: he fnould never be permitted to make an effort, till taught to relt entirely upon his haunches, and to raife flowly and gradually both his feet before at the fame moment. K k 2 • Nothing 500 SPORTING DICTIONARY. Nothing can be more contemptibly ridiculous, than the abfurd practice of clothing the bar with h'JJies of furze ; and this is generally introduced, under the plaufible pretence of making the horfe clear his leap ; although it is a faft, that almoft every horfe is terrified in approaching it; and when compelled to take it, or is rather driven over^ it is in a JUMP o^ fear and agitation; not in a cool, temperate, and fteady leap of fafety, fit to qualify a HUNTER for the field. A horfe can only be made a good ftanding leaper, by affording him am- ple time to meafure his leap before he attempts it ; that is, to obferve its height, and take the fpace necefTary for the bend of his knees, the contraQion of his legs, and his own altitude to cover the leap with certainty ; and this a well-taught horie, of to- lerable temper, will generally do, if permitted to adopt his own plan, and ufe his own exertions: but if unnaturally hurried by the petulance, im- patience, or inhumanity, of thofe about him, failure, injury^ and difgrace* frequently enfue. The proper covering for a leaping-bar fhould either be fern, or clean wheat ftraw, well fecured bv a ftrong packthread, bound tranfverfely and longitudinally in a kind of net-work, (bracing equally every way,) which is not only exceedingly durable, but being compofed of articles to which the horfe is fo accuftomed, he naturally approaches it, if gently ufed, and patiently encouraged, with- out the leafl fear or agitation. 6 The SPORTING DICTIO.N'.vRV. 501 The proper ftable clifciplinc, and geneml ma- nagenient, of hunters, arc fo perfectly underltood in the prefent Hate of equellrian emulation, and univerfal improvement, that a few experimental maxims only are required, as mementos to fliield the young, inconfiderate, and unwary, from un- thinkingly encountering various foundations of vexation, trouble, expencc, and difappointment. I'hofe of immenle fortunes, and adequate eftablilh- ments, are not fo liable to this aggregate of ills, as thofe whofe more humble and confined pofl'efiions reflrain them within a miuch fmaller fphere of gra- tification. To the latter, therefore, it is, fuch hints of utility are more particularly addreffed and fubmitted, who not having the good fortune to be furrounded with a profulion of fubordinates, by whom fuch offices are generally executed, feel the neccITity, and enjoy the happy opportunity, of fometim.es perfonally fuperintending their own con- cerns. 1 he great exertions in refpecl to fpeed, la- bour, and durability, of which the well-bred hunter is fo evidently capable, are almoft beyond belief; and eminently entitle him to every adequate tcnder- nefs, care, and attention, that can be poITibiy be- ftowed in return. When it is within the compafs of the reflefting mind, that an animal of this dcfcrip- tion is frequently m.oft laborioully engaged for the whole of a dreary winter's day, encountering and furmounting difficulties in fucceiTion almoli beyond defcription, (till in many inftances nature is nearly K k 3 exhauiled,} 502 SPORTING DICTIONARY, exhauded,) no doubt can arife, but the frame muft fometimes (land in need of extra affiftance upon fuch occafions. Of this greater proof need not be adduced, than the deaths of horfes which have recently happened, (particularly with the King's (tag hounds,) fome in the field, and many within a few days after dirferent chafes of fmgular feverity; one inftance of which is fo truly remarkable, that it lays claim to record in the annals of fporting, to prevent its being buried in oblivion. The deer v/as turned out at Ascot Heath, and, after making Bagshot Park, crolfed the Vs'hole of the heath country, to Sandhurft, through Finchamftead Woods, Barkham, Arbor- field, Swallowfield, and the intervening country, to Tilehurft, below Reading in Berkfliire, where he was taken unhurt after a chafe of four hours and twenty minutes; horfemen being thrown out in every part of the country through which they paffed : one horfe dropt dead in the field; another, after the chafe, before he could reach a liable; and [even more within the week: of fuch fpeed, and almoft unprecedented feverity, was this run, that tired horfes in great danger were unavoidably left at the different inns in the neighbourhood. A tolerable idea of the powers of an Englifh hunter may, from this defcription, be formed by thofe who are not fportfnien, and have confequently a very imperfe6l conception of the tafk he has to per- form ; SPORTING DICTIONARY. 503 form; of which incredulity Mons. Sainbel, pro- feffor of the Veterinary College, gave fufficient proof, treating the fubje6l with the utmoft indif- ference, very little fliort of contempt; declaring, '' it was all chimerical^ and that no horfc could be found to continue a chafe of that Xdndfour hours in fticceffion." That fuch exertions may be continued till nature itfelf is totally exhaufted, muil be admitted beyond a doubt; but that they in general happen to horfes by much too flow for the chase, and to thofe in improper condition^ is as clearly afcertained. The refult of which fa6ls clearly demonftrate the truth of obfervations previoufly made, and forcibly incul- cate the indifpenfible neceffity of fele8;ing horfes properly formed for the purpofe ; and as forcibly urge the propriety (indeed the fafcty) of getting them into condition for the held. When taken up from his fummer's run at grafs (which every perfeft hunter is entitled to) he fliould go through his re- gular courfe of phyfic; the itrength and number of doFes to be regulated by the accumulated llefn, and general appearance of the horfe: if in a fair, good, clean ftate, not loaded in fubftance, and perfedly clean in the flcin, more than two dofes may be fu- perfiuous; if labouring under a weight of flefli, flabby, and fluciuating under preffure, lefs than three will prove infafficient ; which (liould be pre- ceded by BLEEDING in either^ according to the ftate K k 4 of 504- SPORTING DlCriONARY. of the horfe. During the operation of phvfiC, the fubje8: fliould undergo moderate exercife, and great friction in the ftable; both which tend to re- move and circulate the Itagnant fluids, that they may be carried off by the evacuations. Great, re- gular and patient leg-rubbing is not only abfolutely neceffary at all times, but more particularly during phyfic ; it braces the folids, and prefcrves them in a proper flate of elafticity ; for want of which, they frequently acquire a degree of flaccidity; the legs fwell, and, if brought into work too foon^ continue in that Rate, more or Icjs^ during the feafan. After the chafe (during the drefling in the ftable) obfervation Ihould be made whether injury of any kind has been fuftained during the day ; either by the heat and friction or preffure of the faddle, the- lofs of a fhoe, flubs, treads, over-reaches, bruifes, or lamenefs of any kind ; for any of thefe once difcovered, the neceffary remedy ftiould be imme- diately applied; as it not unfrequently happens, that what in the firfl inftance would only prove a flight or trivial grievance, continues to increafe in proportion to the delay in difcovery. Horfes evi- dently diftreft and fatigued with the labour of the day, difplaying laffitude, bodily debility, and lofs of appetite, fliould be nicely attended to ; a cordial ball becomes more applicable and ufeful at this time than any other ; frequent fupplies of water, with the chill off,. in moderate quantities, fliould never SPORTING DICTIONARY, 505 never be neglefted; every borfc is invariably tbirfty after a hard day ; and many vill take repeated fup- plies of water, and plenty of bay, wben tbey will eat no corn ; in wbich cafe, a good warm mafh, of GROUND MALT and BRAN, is ail excellent invi- gorating fabftitute, and in many of tbe beft ma- naged cilablifiiments is never omitted (particularly witb tender, delicate, or violent tempered borfcs) after a long or rainy day, as a preventive to cold, as well as to disease. Hunters, after long and feverc chafes, fbould not be brought too foon into fimilar exertions; numbers are crippled, broke down, and irreco- verably ruined, for want of a little precautionary patience : brought into the field too early, with a ftiiF rigidity in the limbs, and without the wonted pliability in the joints, the fpirits, as v/ell as the frame, become affected by a confcioufncfs of the deficiency; and the rider, upon making the difco- very, moves in little lefs mifery than the horse, who, feeling his temporary imperfection, feems in fear of falling at every ftroke. A horfe is beft re- covered from the viiible effect of over fatigue, by a great deal of patient walking, exercife upon the turf, and equally patient friction in the ftable: no horfe perceptibly affeded in frame or spirits, by long days or fevere chafes, fliould be brought into exercife gallops, till every degree o^ Jiiffnefs is prcvioufly \vorn away, and obliterated in gentle motion. 50G SPORTING iJiCTIONARY. mbtion, of which they are the fiiTt to make difco- very, by a renovation of flrength and atiion. It is in many hunting ftables an invariable practice, upon the appearance of lameness, to bleed and follow up that with a dofe of phyfic, exclufive of whatever local applications it may be thought ne- ceffary to make to the part affe6led; and this, it mud be acknowledged, is very frequently attended with the moil falutary eiTecls : naturally, however, leading the mind of fcicntific inveftigation to be- lieve, much of the advantage may be derived from the REST obtained during the caurfe, as from the operation of the medicine. HUNTING, — in its general kn^e, implies the pleafure of the sport at large, without fpccifying' any particular kind of chase; of which there are three, and equally well known under the different diftinclions of stag-hunting, fox-hunting, and iiARE-HUNTiNG. A minor kind of fport, called OTTER HUNTING, might formerly have been faid to conftitute a fourth; but it is at prefent fo little known, (and much \q{s pra61ifed,) that, like hawk- ing, it feems nearly buried in oblivion, and pro- mifes very little profpecl of fporting refurreftion. Hunting is the puvfuit of any fpecies of game (or vermin) with a collected body of hounds, Iportingly t:rmed a paCxK.; who, bred for, and broke to, the chafe, find and hunt the particular fort to Vv'hich SPORTING DICTIONARY. 307 vhich they are appropriated by /cent, drag^ or trail^ till it efcapes by the arts, wiles, and sagacity, with which it is gifted by nature; or, being ex- haufted, falls a viElim to the perfevering patience, indefatigable exertions, and inftinclive impulfe, of the HOUNDS. This fport, in its different degrees, is of very great antiquity, and has been enjoyed, through fucceffive centuries, with gradational im- provements; but at no former period has it ever approached its prefent zenith of unparalleled per- feclion. Some few reigns paft, the enjoyment w^as coniidered fo truly extatic, that it was engrofTed entirely by the nobles and fuperior orders, to the entire excluiion of the people at large, who w^ere then fo much in a ftate of valTalage, as to be held unworthy the participation of fo rich a gratification, under the moft rigid profcription that legiflative and feudal laws could frame, or unqualified tyranny adopt. Not fo in the happy melioration of the prefent age, when every blefTing, every privilege, and every comfort of life, is equally enjoyed from the highest to the lowejl^ according to the poffef- fions of every individual; under fuch neceffary and indifpenfible rcftriclions, as it may have been found, by the Legiflature, prudent to adopt, for the prefervation of orjder, and promotion of PUBLIC GOOD. Nothing can more clearly demonflrate the attraQing power, and exhilirating effefts, of the CHASEj 508 SPORTING DICTIONARY. CHASE, than the enthufiaftic rapture with which it is enjoyed, and the conftanti)^ increafmg number of its implicit devotees. Cynical opponents will always continue to be generated, inveterately averfe to every pleafure, however fublime or felec^, that is not immediately congenial to their own fenfa- tions; and will w^th avidity declare perpetual war againft any gratification, or enjoyment, in which they are not eventually intereflcd, or perfonally concerned. The bewildered politician, wdio er- roneoudy fufpends the balance of power in his own difordered imagination; the pedantic book-worm, who derives felf-confequence from his clofet; the i^iiSER, who wraps himfelf up in the [Glitary confo- lation of his canvas comforts; and thofe prigs of pippyifvi (by Shakespeare better denominated " poppinjays'' ) who exift only in their own perfonal ambition, and the reflection from the filvered glafs, naturally decry pleafures, in which, from the innate fterility, and inflinftive apathy, of their own fouls, they feel no difpofition to engage. Lovers of the chase, who, for tim.e immemorial, have been better known and diltinguiflied by the appel- lation of sportsmen, are almoft proverbial for their mutual ofRces of civility and friendfliip; no clafs of men enter more into the opennefs and glowing w^armth of unfufpefting fociety, the genial infpiration of philanthropy, and the infinite in- exprcfliblc extent of unfuUicd hospitality. Hunting SPORTING DICTIOXARY. 509 Hunting, in rcfpccl to the enjoyment, as well as the defcription of each particular kind of chase, will be found under their dillind heads of " Hare- Hunting," " Fox-HuNTiNG," and " Stag- Hunting;" leaving nothing for introduftion here, but fuch general remarks, and falutary inculca- tions, as appertain folcly to the fyftematic concerns of the field. The prudent fportfman is invariably the guardian of his own fafety; for, however he may rely upon the attachment and punctuality of an old or faithful fervant, he never declines the fervice of his own faculties, fo long as he can de- rive advantage from their evident utility. He therefore never mounts his horfe, however great his hafte, however late his hour, without taking a flight (but fufficient) furvey of his apparatus : he feels it a duty to himfelf to obferve, and be convinced, that his SADDLE is not fixed in an improper place, but literally in the centre, equally free from the withers as from the hip-bones ; that his girths are not only judicioufly tightened^ but that the buckles extend on each fide above the pad, as well as that the STIRRUP-LEATHERS are in too good a flate to hazard a chance of their breaking ; whenever which happens, in the very heat of the chase, great dan- ger (if not an accident) certainly enfues. Thus fafely feated, in the full confidence of his own prudent precaution, he never fuifers himfelf, by the perfuafions of the weak or inconfiderate, to be 510 SPORTING DICTIONARY. be diverted from his invariable purpofe of proceed- ing SLOWLY to the place of meeting, or throwing off the hounds; he well knows, not only the manly propriety, but the fporting neceffity, of letting a horfe unload the carcafe before he is brought into briflc a6lion or firong exertion. Upon joining company in the field, he enters into little or no converfation beyond the friendly falutations of the morning; experimentally knowing, the frivo- lihes fported upon fuch occafions, by the young, the confident, and the inexperienced, are only cal- culated to excite thejiknt curfes of the huntsman, and the contempt of the company, by attra61ing the attention of the hounds. The judicious fportfman, \vhether the hounds are drawing or running, is never feen in a place to incur difgrace, by heading the GAME, or obJl7'-uciing the hounds; it is a bufi- nefs in which he is a proficient, and he is never at a lofs in the execution. From an inftinftive at- tachment to the fport, and an implicit obfervance of cuftom, he is totally infenfible to the lefs atten- tive part of the company, but '' tremblingly alive" to every tongue of a hound. Not a zuhimper, a challenge, or /?z7, but vibrates upon his anxious ear; and his whole foul feems abforbed in the eager hope of tranfmitting the enlivening fignal of A VIEW to his diftant friends, in equal ex- pe6lation. The SPORTING DICTIONARY. olf The CHASE thus commenced, he lays as well in with the hounds as the fpeed of his hoiTe, and the contingencies of the country, will permit; he (lands upon no paltry ceremony with, or fervile fubfer- vience to, local fuperiors ; this alone is the happy fpot where all are equal, where perfonal pride can afi'ume no confequence, dignity can claim no pre- cedence, and an immcnhty of property is of no avail. Ever attentive to the fport, he ruminates upon no other objetl than the obje6l of purfuit : his mind is eternally intent upon the game, or the leading hound; the latter of which he makes it a point never to lofe fight of^ unlefs by covert ob- fcured from his view ; when, with the advantage of the WIND, (which he is fure to avail himfelf of,) and that unerring directory the ear, he is feldo7W far from the hounds, or ever thrown out. In everv chafe there are plenty of flow goers behind, who, prompted by envy, are never wanting in the voci- ferous exclamation of, '• Hold hard !" without knowing why; and from no other motive, than not being themfelves at the head of the hounds, l"o thefe clamours he pays not the lead attention, if having viewed either the game, or the kadi-ng hound, and obferved the chafe going on without interruption; experimentally convinced, thole who 2iXt iht iVxoii for XV ard^ mult bell know the date of the SCENT by the cheeky or breaft-high running of the hounds. As jl'Z SPORTING DICTIONARY. As there is fo frequently a jealous clamour about being too Jorioard^ the zealous fportfman will never condefcend to be too far behind. He knows his place, and he keeps it. He is never feen in the body and hnjilc of the crowds riding in a direct line with, and prefling upon, the heels of the hounds, but parallel with the laft two or thret couple of the pack; where his horfe is not only enabled to keep his ground with eafe, but the rider enjoys the ad- vantage of obferving moll minutely every winding of the chafe, as wxll as the various druggies, and enchanting emulative efforts, of the leading HOUNDS. In this fituation he is fare of feeing where they throw up^ and knows to a certainty how far they have carried the scent; confequently thofe only who are forward, and know the ilate of the chafe, are properly qualified to give the fignal of ^' Hold hard P' to thofe behind; and not, as is too commonly the cafe, for thofe behind to tranfmit the petulant exclamation to thofe before. The moment hounds are at fault, he invariably keeps a proper diftance, that they may not be obftrufted in making their cajls, or get interfpcrfed amongfl the legs of the horses. Upon a hit being made, he at- tends to the hound who made it, and, upon a re- covery of the SCENT, goes inftantaneoufly on with the chafe ; for a lofs of ground at fo critical a moment, he well knows it is fometimcs difficult to regain. Notwitliflandincr SPORTING DICTIONARY. 5\J Notwithflanding his cnthufiaflic attachment to the fport, the saiety of his horse preponderates over every other conhdcration ; and this inflexible determination is fiipported by a few invariable rules, which are never broken in upon under any plea, pcrfuafion, or perverfion, whatever. No temptation can induce him to deviate from a plan fo prudently adopted, and perfevered in with fuch laudable refolution. He is never feen to enter into the fpirU of racing during the chase, thereby diftreffing his horfe, and wafting the ftrength that may be found neceffary before the conclufion of a long day : he fcorns the idea of taking high or large leaps when they are truly unneceflary, merely to attra8: attention, or difpiay his own valour, well knowing, " the better part of valour is difcretion." He regulates the fpeed of his horfe by the nature of the country he is engaged to go over, and is never known to ride hardejl in the deepejl ground. Experience, and attentive obfervation, having long before convinced him, that whatever diftance may have been unavoidably loft under temporary obfta- cles, may with lefs difficulty be recovered when the horfe's wind (as well as his ftrength) is preferved, till he can go more at his eafe. Whatever may have been the fate of the day, and whatever the length of the chase, it is no fooner concluded, than the fame fteady and cool deliberation with which he ftarted in the morning accompanies him home; no rafli or juvenile example induces him to Vol. I. L 1 reduce ^l^ SPORTING DICTIONARY. reduce the eftiination of his hunter to the ftandard of a pojl-horfe ; fuperior to the inftability, and im- patient impetuofity, of the majority, he neither trots with oncy or gallops with the other; but, regardlefs of the diltance, humanely walks his horfe to the place of his deftination, where he fees, or knows^ he undergoes the attentive comforts fo fully defcribed under the laft head. HUNTING-CAP—- is a cap made of leather, and covered with black velvet, fitting clofe to the head behind, and having a femicircular peak before, for the proteftion of the face in cafe of falls, as veil as in paffing through ftrong coverts during the chafe. In the fporting world it is termed a dasher, and is fuppofed to confirm a generally received opi- nion, that the wearer never fwerves from any diffi« culty that may occur, or refufes any leap in the field, but takes them all in Jlrokc, HUNTING-WHIP.— The whip fo called, is of different lengths in the handle or liock; having at one end a long thong and laili, to alTift occa- fionally in managing the hounds ; and at the other, a HOOK, hammer, or claw, for the purpofe of holding or opening gates. HUNTSMAN. — The huntfman is a perfon w^hofe entire bufincfs it is to fuperintend every de- partment of a hunting ellablifhmcnt, as well as to hunt SPORTING DICTIOXARV. ,515 hunt the hounds. As it is an office of confidcrablc trud and refponfibility, To it requires no inconfi- derable fhare of thofe qualifications which conftitute fome part of the approach to human perfedion. It is indifpenCMy neceffary he fhould be pofTefTed of a comprehenfive mind, a clear head, and humane heart; of affable and eafy manners; not prone to peevifh petulance, or rude brutality. He fliould be of confiftent fobriety, ready obfervation, quick conception, great perfonal fortitude, patience, and aaivity; have a good conftitution, an excellent ear, and a fonorous voice. As, however, it may not be inapplicable to have the neceCTary qualifi- cations more forcibly depiaed from the very words of the befl experimental authority extant, the opinion of Mr. Beckford is literally intro- duced, who fays, " I will endeavour to defcribe what a good huntfman fliould be. He fhould be young, firong, aaive, bold, and enterprifing; fond of the divert fion, and indefatigable in the purfuit of it : he fliould be fenfible and good-tempered: he ought alfo to be fober, exaa, civil, and cleanly: he fliould be a good groom, and an excellent horfe- man ; his voice fhould be flrong and clear; and he fhould have an eye fo quick, as to perceive which of his hounds carries the fcent when all are running; and fliould have fo excellent an ear, as always to diainguifh the foremoft hounds when he does not ^- i 2 fee 516' SPORTING DiCIlONARV, fee them. He fliould be quiet, patient, and v/ith- out conceit. Such are the excellencies which con- ftitute a good huntfman. He fliould not, however, be too fond of difplaying them, till neceffity calls them forth. He fliould let his hounds alone, whilft they can hunt ; and he fliould have genius to aflilt them, xvhen they cannoti' Although the qualifications of a huntsman, uport the great fcale of univerfality, fhould be precifely the fame, yet there is an infinite contrafl: in the va- rious points of execution. No diftind difference of light and JJiade upon the canvas, no effeft of the ELEMENTS upou the human frame ^ can be pro- ductive of more oppofite fenfations, than the requi- fites neceflTary to form a proper diflinftion between the modes of hunting hare or fox; for the very means calculated for the fuccefsful promotion of the one, would in a few minutes prove the evident de- ftruQion of the other : from which it is natural to infer, that a huntfman eminently qualified to hunt cither^ would never be likely to acquire celebrity for hunting both; for as the accultomed fpirit, fpeed, and dafliing impetuofity, of the fox-hunter w^ould foon lofe a hare, fo the philofophic pa- tience, and conflitutional tardinefs, of the hare- hunter would never kill a fox. Of this, corroborative proof may be adduced in a fubfequent paflTage from the before-mentioned AUTHORj SPORTING DICTIONARY. 517 AUTHOR, where he obfcrves, " It may be necclTary lo unfay, now that I am turned harc-hiintcr again, many things I have been faying as a fox-hunter ; as I hardly know any two things of the fame genus (if I may be allou^ed the exprefTion) that differ fo entirely. What I faid, in a former letter, about the huntfman and whipper-in, is in the number. As to the huntfman, he fliould not be young; I fliould moll certainly prefer one, as the French call it, cVuiie certain age^ as he is to be quiet and patient: for patience he fliould be a very grizzle; and the more quiet he is, the better. He fliould have infinite pcrfeverance ; for a hare fliould never be given up whilft it is poffible to hunt her ; flie is fure to fliop, and therefore may always be reco- vered. Were it ufual to attend to the breed of our huntfmen, as well as to that of our hounds, I know no family that would furnifli a better crofs than that of the Jilent gentleman mentioned by the Spe6lator : a female of his line, crofled. with a knowing huntfman, w^ould probably produce a per- feSh hare-hunter," lihft fcent of the stag, the fox, and the hare, is fo exceedingly different in the duration of each^ that it requires a method as proportionally different in the purfuit of either ; all which is practically known to huntfmen, who have no alternative, but to render their endeavours applicable to the kind of chafe they are defl;ined to purfue. The fceht of I. 1 3 . the 5IS bPORTING DICTIONARY. the FOX is well known to be the moll powerful, as well as the mod volatile^ of any; the fcent of the STAG is equally grateful to hounds, but is known to evaporate fooner than the fcent of the hare. In the two firft, clamorous exultation upon view^ is more cuflomary, and more to be juftified, than in the latter. Stag or yox breaks away with the moft undaunted fortitude, feeking fafety in a rapidity of flight to even a diftant and unknown country; in both which the hounds cannot be too fleet; nor can they be laid on too clofe to the game; both deer and fox run the better for it. Not fo with the latter; where a general filence fhould prevail, and the induftrious endeavours of the pack fhould never be obftruQed by the bufy tongues of officious ob- truders; and upon this well-founded pofition, if they receive no alTiftance, they encounter no in^ terruption. Harriers (as well as their huntfman) {liquid never be permitted to hunt fox : the ftrong fcent which he leaves, the difference of his running, the indefcribable eagernefs and noife of the purfuit, all contribute to fpoil a harrier, and render no fer- vice to the huntfmaq when they return to hare again. It is a very prevalent error of the prefent time, to have bred and croffed harriers to too much fpeed: the hare is but a mere inoffenfive, timid ani- mal, and fully entitled to all the little artifices fhe <:an ^vail herfelf of to fhield her froni deftruftion. When SPORTING DICTIONARY. S\9 When found, (lie cannot be permitted to go off too filently before the hounds ; her own extreme timidity frequently occafions her headings and the pack are as repeatedly liable to over-run the fcent^ The huntfman, by not prefTing too clofe upon the hounds himfelj^ will keep the company at a proper diftance alfo ; and when they are thiis left to a pro- per and free ufe of their own faculties, they are but little likely to over-run it much. The author whofe judgment and celebrity has been fo fre- quently mentioned, has fomething fo applicable,^ and fo truly juft, in every page upon this fubjcct. that it is impoffible to refift the temptation of quoting a few occafional paffages, where the inteii- lional meaning is fo emphatically and fportingly expreft. He not only accords with every fyftematic principle of the chafe, but fo conftantly ftrengthens his opinion with the embellifhment of applicable anecdote, that it is impoffible to perufe his *' Thoughts" without both amufement and in- ftruBion. He holds it a rule, " that hounds^ through the whole chafe, (hould be left almoft en- tirely to themfelves, and not be much hallooed: when the hare doubles, they fhould hunt through thofe doubles; nor is a hare hunted fairly when hunted otherwife. They fhould follow her every flep {he takes, as well over greafy fallows, as through flocks of flieep; nor fhould they ever be caft, but when nothing can be done without it." L 1 4 59.0 SPORTING DICTlOxVARY. Making every poflible allowance for the divernties of the diflFerent chafes ah^eady alluded to, there are leading rules charaQeriftically annexed to the oFFi-t CIAL DEPARTMENT of the HUNTSMAN, frOHl whlch hardly any pofTible circumftance can juftify a devia- tion. In addition to the invariable and indifpen- fible duties of the kennel, a ftricl and regular difci- pline in the ftables (fo far as his own and the horfes of the whippers-in are concerned) fliould fall under the eye of his infpeftion; by well knowing the ftate of which, he bed can tell of what work they are capable. And this is the more necefl'ary, be^ caufe it is impoffible for him to relax from his duly m the Ji eld: he is the general officer, having the fupreme command, and whom all muft obey. Per-^ fevere and conquer, fliould be his motto in the chafe. Veni, viDi, vici, at his return. This, however, becomes more applicable to the fpirit of the huntfman whofe good fortune it is to prefide over a fox-hunting eftablifhment, where every energetic nerve of emulative fenfibility is fo con^ ftantly roufed into a6lion. How different from the languid enjoyment, and frigid apathy, of what is fo admirably adapted to the oppofite extremes of youth and age ! upon which no two opinions can arife : the befl authorities admit the good find of a POX to be preferable to a bad 7'un with the hare. From the moment of throwing off, as well as during every progrefs of the chafe, it is the peculiar province SPORTING DICTIONARY. 521 province of the huntsman to be at the head of the hounds; once convinced of the abilities of his fubordinates, he has nothing to do with what is going on behind. The place he fliould endeavour to keep, when circumftanccs and unavoidable ob- ftacles do not occur to prevent it, is parallel with the leading body of the hounds; in which com- manding fituation he has unobftruBed opportunity to obferve what hounds carry the fcent; and if it fails, to know to a certainty how far they brought it : as well as ample fcope for the exertion of his proper authority, to prevent the horfemen prefTfng too eagerly upon the hounds (at a moment fo truly critical) by the emphatic injunction of " Hold hard /" a fignal that never can come with fo much propriety from any other voice as his own, nor will it be fo implicitly obeyed. A huntfman is na- turally anxious to obtain bloody not only to fupport the reputation but the excellence of his hounds ; he fhould, however, avoid killing his game unfairly^ by lifting his hounds too much, or taking them from CHASE to view^ which is a moft cruel, unfeeling, and unfportfman-Iike pradice. If the hounds cannot kill by fair and equitable efforts, the objetl of purfuit is juftly entitled to its efcape. As in hare-hunting it is impoffible to prefs on the hounds too little, fo in fox-hunting it is impoffible to prefs them on too much, at leaft while the fcent is good; that failing, much muil be left to their own S^2 SPORTING DICTIONARY. own induflrious endeavours; thofe not foon fuc ceeding, the proper cafts fhould be made with judgment, and that without delay. Five minutes lofl in hefitation, frequently lofes every promifed pleafure of the day. It is proverbially aflerted, that in a multitude of counfellors there is fafety; this is the very moment that proves an exception to the rule; for, amidft the variety of obtruded opi- nions, a huntfman fhould think before he acts; and once determined, abide by his own liability, resardlefs of the frivolities with which he is fo fre- quently furrounded. If courage is thought a ne- ceiTary qualification in a huntfman, philofophic pa* tience, upon many occafions, is much more fo; for, whilfl he fees a number of experienced fportf- men in the field ready to affift his own judicious exertions, he has the mortification to obferve dou- ble the number moving in a retrograde direQion, doing every thing but the thing they fliould do; riding directly where they fhould not; probably heading the ga7ne into covert, at the very moment they ought to be flanding flill " as filent as the grave." A proper degree of modefty, blended with a little good fenfe and reflexion, w'ould foon prevent thofe confident inconfiderates from fuch glaring and abfurd a6ls of indifcretion. It is a maxim refulting from obfervation in the chafe, that thofe w^ho do not feem anxious, and take pains, to do good^ are, as it were, habitually un- fortunate in doing the very reverfe, and becoming 2 (perhaps SPORTING DICTIOMARY. 523 (perhaps undefrgnedly) the almoft perpetual inflru- ments of mifchief ; and to this tribe of mi/named fportfmen, a huntfman has in general the moft un- qualified averfion ; convinced that thofe who mean to render him fervice, and prolong the fport, know in what particular place they ought to be upon every emergency; and if they are repeatedly elfewhere, to where they fliould be, he foon knows how to eftimate their judgment in the field, and ability in the chafe. The inftant a huntfman obferves his hounds come to a check, is the moment when his afliflance is moft wanting; then is the time to enjoin an equal check and filence of the company ; every eye and every ear may be anxioufly and inquifitively em- ployed, but not the found of a tongue is necelfary upon the occafion. Thofe who are inclined to iabble in a moment of fo much doubtful expefta- ^ion, lay claim to, and generally obtain, a moft contemptuous fneer ^xoxiWhQ huntsman, and not un- frequently what is called a blejing into the bargain. He fhould at no time be too ready to avail himfelf of a HALLOO when hounds are 2X fault ; they are very often deceptive, and occafion difappoint- ment; exclufive of which, after they have been taken from the fpot to which they know they brought the fcent, they become lefs ftrenuous in their endeavours, when they do not reco- ver it elfewhere, even where they were encouraged to 524 SPORTING DICTIONARY. to expe8: it. Boys keq)ing birds, as well as nifties, from fympathetic enjoyment, frequently lead the huntfman from his point, Mr. Beckford is there- fore of opinion, that when a doubt arifes, it is better for a whipper-in, or one of the company, to ride forward, and inquire ; it is only the lofs of a little time; whereas if you gallop away to a halloo^ and are obliged to return, the hounds be- come very indifferent, and it is a chance if they make another effort to recover the fcent afterwards. Not the leall attention fhould^be paid by a HUNTSMAN to auy halloo unlefs the hounds are at fault; a huntfman taking his hounds from the chafe (when running with a good fcent) to a halloo, without much more than a common caufe, ought to be difmiffed as a fool or a madman. Hounds are fometimes hallooed too much, and too frequently permitted to obey it; the confequence is, they are no fooncr at fault than they expe6l it : huntfmen hurt their hounds by availing themfelves of fuch advantage, it makes them indifferent; they are al- ways upon the iiften, become more and more flack, particularly in covert. So long as hounds can carry on the fcent, it muff be admitted a very poor and paradoxical practice to take them off; but when, with all their fair and indefatigable exerr tions, it cannot be recovered, it then becomes a duty to render them every affiftance. Cafes fonie^ times occur in oppofition to every effort (partici^- larly *iPORTIXG DICTIONARY. 505 larly in covert) where the leading hounds, in run- ning, get a head of the huntiman, and much before the principal body of the pack; in fuch fituation, he muft llrenuoufly furmount intervening difficul- ties, with all poflible refolution, and get to them as faft as he can, with what he can colle6t of the pack, and leave the remainder to be hallooed forward^ and brought along by the whipper-in. Huntsmen who have too much da/7i themfelves, dafii with fo much rapidity in drawing from one covert to another, that they frequently leave hounds behind; and the whipper-in (where there is but one, and there ought always to be two) being no lefs eager than the huntfman to be forward, renders what was an er7'or in the firjl inflance, a confirmed fault in the next. It would be more fportfman- like to get the hounds colleQed, and bring them away all together; it might fometimes prevent the return of a whipper-in for even a Jingle Jkirter^ more particularly at the conclufion of the day, when hounds are hallooed off for home. Left be- hind, they become liable to lofs as well as accident: when once addicted io fiirting, it becomes a grow- ing vice, and is feldom difcontinued; they acquire confidence in hunting by themfelves, w'hich they never relinquifii, and w^ould rather dwell upon their own tongue, than give proper credit to an- other: in which perfevering obftinacy they con- tinue, till the pack, drawn off, and evening coming 6 on. 526 SPORTING DICTIONARY. on, they are left to make their weary way through a dreary country; or, expofed to the inclemency of a winter's night, take up their lodging upon the ground, with the additional chance of being at- tacked and worried by every dog they fee in ex- ploring their way the following morning. HURLE (or whirl) BONE— is fituate in the centrical part of the hind-quarter, midway between the hip-bone and the gafkin, and is more known now by the appellation of round-bone, than the former, which is almofl obfolete, unlefs in particu- lar country diftrifts. Notwithllanding the fingular ftrength of its formation, and peculiar jundion with the lower extremity of the hip-bone, it is liable to injury from fudden turns or tv/ifts in too confined a fpace, and fliould be the more particu- larly guarded againft; as being deep feated, no re- lief can be obtained, but by long and patient daily FOMENTATION, followcd by (Umulativc (Irengthen- ning EMBROCATION. END OF THE FIRST VOLUME, T A P L I N, VETERINARY SURGEON, AUTHOR OF The Gentleman's Stable DireSlory ; ( 2 VOLS. ) *' A Compendium of Farriery," and " Multum in Parvo ;" REMOVED FROM EDGEWARE ROAD, TO SLOANE SQUARE, BEGS to make his moft grateful Acknowledgements to thofe No- blemen and Gentlemen, who have continued to honour him with their Patronage during \}^q four ttin yearn \\q. has been energetically employed in endeavouring to promote a Reform in the former cruel and erro-ric.'us Syllem of Farriery. It is the greateft ambition of his life to have feen that endeavour fully accompldhed. Since the original Publicariori of his '• Gentleman's Stable Directory," he has exukingly furveyed, not only the Inftitutlon, the Ereftion and the Eitablifliment of the Veterinary College, but the almoft incredible increafe of Veterinary Surgeons in every Town; and Veterinary Druggijls in every Street of the Metropolis, Many of thefe, with at certain degree of Profellional Fertility, not only do him the honour to imitate his long- eftabUfhed Horse Medicines; but others, with a degree of Liberality peculiar to thcmfelvcs^ offer to fupply the Public with " cheap and ejicacious" Horfe Medicines, for even half what Mr. Taplin's genuine Ingredients can be obtained at the firll Com- mercial Houfes in the City of London. To the judicious and en- lightened this Myjicry will fufficiently explain itfelf. Mr. Taplin, fo long honoured by the Countenance and Support of themolt dlllinguKhed and opulent Characters, never Indulged a momentary Idea of difpenfing Cheap Medicines, becaufe his Principles would never permit him to pur his Hand diflionourably into the Pockets of his bell Friends ; nor would his well-known Attachment to the Animal, allov; him to prepare a fingle Article upon the genuine Property and expected probable Efli- cacy of which, he Is not only ready at all times to pledge his Reputa- tion, but his Exiilence. The honour of fupplymg near fix hundred Gentlemen, (a Lift of whom may be feen,) exclufive of his different Agents, preclude the necelhty of peftering the Public with perpetual Advertifements ; rendering it at the Commencement cf every Seafon, only necetfary to communicate refpettful Information, tliat Gentlemen refiding in any part of the Kingdom, addreffing their Commands to Mr. Taplin, Sloane-Sqnare, London, (hall have their Medi- cines immediately dilpatched by whatever Conveyance they may pleafe to appoint. Lijl of Medicines^ ivith their Prices. Mild Purging Balls — — Stronger ditto . -i^ — Mild Mercurial Purging Balls -— Stronger ditto -^ — Cordial Rhubarb Purging Balls — Purging Balls for Worms — Mild Diuretic Balls for Cracks, Scratches, Surfeit, Hide-bound, or fluftuating Humours Stronger ditto, for perceptible "Foulnefs, Defetts of the Eyes, Swelled Legs, and Greafe Pectoral Cordial Balls for recent Colds or Coughs, and to be given after fevere chafes and long journies Peftoral Detergent Balls, for Obllinate Coughs, or Afthmatic and Thick Winded Horfes Fever Balls — — * — Balls for Loofenefs or Scouring — Ditto for the Strangury, or Suppreffion of Urine Ditto for the Flatulent Cholic, or Fret — Ditto for the Inflammatory Cholic or Gripes BUItering Ointment for Lamenefs, Spavins, Splents, or Curbs — — - — > Embrocation for Lamenefs or Strains «— Alterative Powders, for Cracks, Scratches, Surfeit, Hide-bound, Mange, Greafe, or Worms Camphorated Sperma-casti Liniment, for Cracks*, Saturnine Solvent, for Splents — An Efficacious CoUyrlum for all Defects and Defluxlons of the Eyes — 12 d. 6 each, o o 6 6 6 per du-:. Mercurial Purging Balls for Dogs 4s. & 6 o 6 each, 6 6 o o o per pot, 6 pn bottk, o per do:, o per pot, o per bottle, 6 per pint, o per doz. Mr. Tap LIN confmites to give Advice upon the DEFECTS and diseases of horses, and to render Afjiflance in all Cafes of difficulty and dan- ger, -within TEN MILES of the metropolis, upon ■ the mofl moderate Terms, :^ Cl Mc icsne