BATTLE ROYAL—was formerly (much more than at present) a favorite mode of fighting amongstCOCKERSof thelower order, who, upon the old maxim of "the more danger the more honor," became practical advocates for general destruction in the following way. A battle royal may consist of any number of cocks, but is hardly ever known to exceedeight. The owner of each having made good hisstake, or previously contributed his share of theprizeorpursefor which they fight, and all parties being ready, the cocks are mostinhumanlypitted at the same moment, when a long and distressing scene ensues, to which there is no termination so long as asecondcock is left alive, and the victory can only be obtained by the last survivor. This species of sport is but little practised now,and that in the most distant and remote corners of the kingdom.
—was formerly (much more than at present) a favorite mode of fighting amongstCOCKERSof thelower order, who, upon the old maxim of "the more danger the more honor," became practical advocates for general destruction in the following way. A battle royal may consist of any number of cocks, but is hardly ever known to exceedeight. The owner of each having made good hisstake, or previously contributed his share of theprizeorpursefor which they fight, and all parties being ready, the cocks are mostinhumanlypitted at the same moment, when a long and distressing scene ensues, to which there is no termination so long as asecondcock is left alive, and the victory can only be obtained by the last survivor. This species of sport is but little practised now,and that in the most distant and remote corners of the kingdom.
BAY—the colour of a horse so called, and is the most esteemed of any other in constituting the beauty of the horse. They have invariably black manes and tails, are many shades lighter than a brown horse, and were originally calledbayfrom their affinity to the leaf of the bay tree. There are, however, some degrees of difference and variations in those so termed: for instance, there is the light or yellow bay, the brown bay, and the mottled bay. Bay horses with black legs have the preference of all other colours, and now almost wholly constitute the racing breed of this country.
—the colour of a horse so called, and is the most esteemed of any other in constituting the beauty of the horse. They have invariably black manes and tails, are many shades lighter than a brown horse, and were originally calledbayfrom their affinity to the leaf of the bay tree. There are, however, some degrees of difference and variations in those so termed: for instance, there is the light or yellow bay, the brown bay, and the mottled bay. Bay horses with black legs have the preference of all other colours, and now almost wholly constitute the racing breed of this country.
BAY—is a sporting term, and used in the following sense. When a stag has been so long pursued that, finding his speed or strength nearly exhausted, he turns round, (having some protection of building or paling in his rear,) and facing the hounds, resolutely defends himself with hisantlers, keeping the hounds atbay, till the sportsmen come up, who immediately assist in drawing off the hounds, and saving the life of the deer. When the deer takessoil, (that is, takes to the water,) he will defend himself, and keep the hounds a long time atbay, provided he fathoms the lake or river so well as to keep the houndsswimming, and not go out of hisowndepth; if he loses which, and is obliged toswimat the timehe is up, (in other words, quitetired,) and surrounded by the hounds, he is inevitably drowned by his numerous and determined foes, in opposition to every exertion that can be made to save him.
—is a sporting term, and used in the following sense. When a stag has been so long pursued that, finding his speed or strength nearly exhausted, he turns round, (having some protection of building or paling in his rear,) and facing the hounds, resolutely defends himself with hisantlers, keeping the hounds atbay, till the sportsmen come up, who immediately assist in drawing off the hounds, and saving the life of the deer. When the deer takessoil, (that is, takes to the water,) he will defend himself, and keep the hounds a long time atbay, provided he fathoms the lake or river so well as to keep the houndsswimming, and not go out of hisowndepth; if he loses which, and is obliged toswimat the timehe is up, (in other words, quitetired,) and surrounded by the hounds, he is inevitably drowned by his numerous and determined foes, in opposition to every exertion that can be made to save him.
In fox-hunting, when the fox is supposed to have gone to earth, the fact can only be ascertained in many cases by the excellence of the terrier attending the pack, who has in general strength and speed sufficient to keep him from being far behind. Upon entering the earth, discovery is soon made of the certainty of his retreat, by the terrier's "laying well at him," provided the fox has notturnedin the earth: if he has so done, and they are face to face, they are bothbaying, or keeping each otherat bay, till the controversy ends indigging outthe fox, and letting in the hounds for theirshareof the entertainment, with the additional acquisition ofbloodfor the advantage of the pack.
BAY BOLTON—was bred byMr. Vernon; foaled in 1777: he was got by Matchem, dam by Regulus, out of an own sister to the Ancaster Starling. He has long been in the possession of his Majesty, and was for many years the favorite stallion at Hampton Court, from whom most of his Majesty's present stud were produced.
—was bred byMr. Vernon; foaled in 1777: he was got by Matchem, dam by Regulus, out of an own sister to the Ancaster Starling. He has long been in the possession of his Majesty, and was for many years the favorite stallion at Hampton Court, from whom most of his Majesty's present stud were produced.
BAY MALTON—was esteemed the first horse of his year in the kingdom, and won more prizes of consequence and value than any horse of his time.He was bred by the thenMarquis of Rockingham; was foaled in 1760; got by Sampson, dam by Cade, and grand-dam by Old Traveller. It is believed he never covered as aSTALLION: if so, he produced no horses of note.
—was esteemed the first horse of his year in the kingdom, and won more prizes of consequence and value than any horse of his time.He was bred by the thenMarquis of Rockingham; was foaled in 1760; got by Sampson, dam by Cade, and grand-dam by Old Traveller. It is believed he never covered as aSTALLION: if so, he produced no horses of note.
BAY TREE—The leaves of which are so useful in fomentations, and the berries in clysters, for horses upon every emergency, particularly remote from towns, that sporting gentlemen in the country should never be without a tree of this description upon their premises.
—The leaves of which are so useful in fomentations, and the berries in clysters, for horses upon every emergency, particularly remote from towns, that sporting gentlemen in the country should never be without a tree of this description upon their premises.
BEAGLES,—in early stages of the sporting world, was an appellation of much more definite meaning than in thepolishof thepresent times, and was then used to signify a brace or two of the tanned or pied hounds of small dimensions, with which the country squire or opulent farmerpickedandchoppedthe trail of a hare to her form for a course with his greyhounds. As they were, however, so constantly useful in recovering the hare after thefirstcourse, and bringing her to view fora second, it became in a great degree stigmatized by sportsmen in general, and is now considered neither more or less thanone modeofpoachingunder the sanction of legal authority. Many packs of these small beagles (for beagle then implied thesmallestkind of hound known) were formerly kept by country gentlemen at a very trifling expence, and with no small shareof amusement to their rustic neighbours; for, although those who joined in the chase might be numerous, yettwoorthree horsemen onlywere seen in the field, so easy was it to keep up with the hounds (alias beagles) on foot. They were in general so well matched, that they did not exceed eleven inches in height; and ran so well together, they (to speak technically,) "might be covered with a sheet." Though they wereslow, they weresure; for if the scent lay well, a hare could seldom escape them; and this, to the object of pursuit, mostly proved a lingering as well as a certain death: for though, in the early parts of the chase, they could never get near enough topressher, they were frequentlytwoorthreehours in killing.
,—in early stages of the sporting world, was an appellation of much more definite meaning than in thepolishof thepresent times, and was then used to signify a brace or two of the tanned or pied hounds of small dimensions, with which the country squire or opulent farmerpickedandchoppedthe trail of a hare to her form for a course with his greyhounds. As they were, however, so constantly useful in recovering the hare after thefirstcourse, and bringing her to view fora second, it became in a great degree stigmatized by sportsmen in general, and is now considered neither more or less thanone modeofpoachingunder the sanction of legal authority. Many packs of these small beagles (for beagle then implied thesmallestkind of hound known) were formerly kept by country gentlemen at a very trifling expence, and with no small shareof amusement to their rustic neighbours; for, although those who joined in the chase might be numerous, yettwoorthree horsemen onlywere seen in the field, so easy was it to keep up with the hounds (alias beagles) on foot. They were in general so well matched, that they did not exceed eleven inches in height; and ran so well together, they (to speak technically,) "might be covered with a sheet." Though they wereslow, they weresure; for if the scent lay well, a hare could seldom escape them; and this, to the object of pursuit, mostly proved a lingering as well as a certain death: for though, in the early parts of the chase, they could never get near enough topressher, they were frequentlytwoorthreehours in killing.
In proportion to the increasing spirit of the times,slow huntingdeclined, and beagles of this kind got in disrepute. The numerous crosses in the breed of both beagles and hounds, according to the wishes and inclinations of those who keep them, have so diversified the variety, that a volume might be produced, in a description of the different sorts and sizes adapted to the soil and surface where they hunt; from the oldheavy, deep tongued, dew-lapped southern houndofManchester, (where the huntsman with his long pole goes on foot,) to the highest crossed harriers of the present day, who kill the stoutest hares inthirtyandfortyminutes with a speed not much inferior to coursing.Beagles, when the term is now used, implies hounds whohunt hares only, in contra-distinction to those who hunt eitherSTAGorFOX. Harriers have been produced from the crosses between the beagle and the fox hound, for the advantage of speed; butharriersare not, in sporting acceptation, to be considered synonymous withbeagles, to whom they are very superior in size.Mr. Daniel, in a recent publication, 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, slung across a horse: small as they were, they would keep a hare at all her shifts to escape them, and often worry her to death. The catastrophe (says he) attending this pack of hounds is laughable, and perhaps is a larcenyuniquein its attempt. A small barn was their allotted kennel, the door of which was one night broke open, and every hound with the panniers stolen; nor could the most diligent search discover the least trace of the robbers or their booty."
BEAK,—the bill of a bird, more expressively understood in the "setting too" of a cock; which, according to the articles and fixed rules of cocking, must be "beak to beak."
,—the bill of a bird, more expressively understood in the "setting too" of a cock; which, according to the articles and fixed rules of cocking, must be "beak to beak."
BEAM,—in the head of a deer, is the basis, or part bearing the antlers, royals and tops.
,—in the head of a deer, is the basis, or part bearing the antlers, royals and tops.
BEAT for a Hare,—is a term in hunting, much less known, and much less used, formerly,than of late years. When the huntsman was mounted atday break, and the hounds were thrown off at the place of meeting, as soon as the horsemen couldsee to ride, the hounds took trail, and went to their game in a style much better conceived than described. No assistance was then required tobeat for hares, when the hounds were thus early enabled to find for themselves. A chase (or two) was enjoyed at that time, and the hounds at home in the kennel, before the hour at which it isnowthe custom to reach the field. Hence the custom of engaging help tobeat for a hare, the worst method that can be adopted, and the most destructive of all discipline with the hounds; for once accustomed to the practice, heads are all up; and they are much more employed in staring about, and listening fora view holloa, than in putting their noses to the ground.
,—is a term in hunting, much less known, and much less used, formerly,than of late years. When the huntsman was mounted atday break, and the hounds were thrown off at the place of meeting, as soon as the horsemen couldsee to ride, the hounds took trail, and went to their game in a style much better conceived than described. No assistance was then required tobeat for hares, when the hounds were thus early enabled to find for themselves. A chase (or two) was enjoyed at that time, and the hounds at home in the kennel, before the hour at which it isnowthe custom to reach the field. Hence the custom of engaging help tobeat for a hare, the worst method that can be adopted, and the most destructive of all discipline with the hounds; for once accustomed to the practice, heads are all up; and they are much more employed in staring about, and listening fora view holloa, than in putting their noses to the ground.
BEDDING—appertains here only to the bedding of the horse, upon which there are such a variety of opinions, that there cannot be the least expectation of all ever centering in one point. While some are profuse of straw at all seasons, even to a degree ofwasteand extravagance, others, from a parsimonious principle, do not (at least readily) admit the necessity ofany at all. In extremes, perhaps, the line of mediocrity may be the most satisfactory, and least liable to reprehension.
—appertains here only to the bedding of the horse, upon which there are such a variety of opinions, that there cannot be the least expectation of all ever centering in one point. While some are profuse of straw at all seasons, even to a degree ofwasteand extravagance, others, from a parsimonious principle, do not (at least readily) admit the necessity ofany at all. In extremes, perhaps, the line of mediocrity may be the most satisfactory, and least liable to reprehension.
BETTING—is one great gratification of happiness with the people of this country, who nevercan be said to betruly happy, unless it is blended with achanceof becoming completelymiserable. It is that kind of nationalfuror, that no laws, howeverpenal, no restrictions, howeversevere, can have sufficient force to stem the torrent of popular propensity; particularly when nurtured and encouraged by the prevalent example, and personal practice, of the first and most exalted characters in the kingdom. Experience has for ages proved it a privilege implanted in the very hearts of its devotees, which can only terminate when sporting propagation ceases, and will of course continue to theend of time. Legislative dictation, and magisterial authority, may give a temporary check to games of chance at tables of public notoriety, where the most villainous depredations are in constant practice; but so long as that excitement to the true spirit of speculation,a lottery, the exhilarating power ofa race, the infectious clamour ofa cockpit, or the greater hobby-horse of John Bull, aboxing match, is open to all minds, and in all directions, so long willbettingexcite the attention, and continue to constitute the pleasing,painfulanxiety of pecuniary speculation with the people of this country, (and probably of every other,) from the highest to the lowest classes of society.
—is one great gratification of happiness with the people of this country, who nevercan be said to betruly happy, unless it is blended with achanceof becoming completelymiserable. It is that kind of nationalfuror, that no laws, howeverpenal, no restrictions, howeversevere, can have sufficient force to stem the torrent of popular propensity; particularly when nurtured and encouraged by the prevalent example, and personal practice, of the first and most exalted characters in the kingdom. Experience has for ages proved it a privilege implanted in the very hearts of its devotees, which can only terminate when sporting propagation ceases, and will of course continue to theend of time. Legislative dictation, and magisterial authority, may give a temporary check to games of chance at tables of public notoriety, where the most villainous depredations are in constant practice; but so long as that excitement to the true spirit of speculation,a lottery, the exhilarating power ofa race, the infectious clamour ofa cockpit, or the greater hobby-horse of John Bull, aboxing match, is open to all minds, and in all directions, so long willbettingexcite the attention, and continue to constitute the pleasing,painfulanxiety of pecuniary speculation with the people of this country, (and probably of every other,) from the highest to the lowest classes of society.
Bettingis the act of laying a wager, or making a deposit of money, by two persons of contrary opinions, for one to become thewinner, upon the decisionof some public or popular event; and that so fashionable a mode of terminating disputes may meet with but little difficulty or obstruction,bets are madewith as much deliberation, and discharged by theSPORTING WORLDwith as much integrity, as the most important transactions of the commercial part of society in the first city of the universe. Betting has of late years been reduced toa system, by which there are now manyprofessorsin existence, who were originally of thevery lowest order; but, by an indefatigable and perseveringindustryat Newmarket, the cockpit, and the gaming table, have acquired princely possessions, by the unexpected honour of being admitted to princely association. Where two opponents depositeachanequalsum (whether five pounds or five hundred) upon any event whatever, it is then termedan even bet. An offer ofsixtofour, implies the odds in direct ratio of six pounds to four, twelve to eight, sixty to forty; or in that proportion to any amount. Bettingtwotoone, is laying ten pounds to five, twenty to ten, and so forth; one depositing exactlydoublethe amount of his adversary'sstake; three, four and five to one being regulated in the same way. The latter are all termedlaying the odds, which vary according to the predominant opinions of the best judges upon theprobabletermination of the event; one rule being invariable, the person bettingthe odds(or, in other words, thelargersum against thesmaller) has always the privilege of takinghis choicein preference to his adversary, against which no appeal can ever be made with a decision in its favor.
Any person proposinga betto another during the running of a horse, the fighting of a cock, or any other transaction, the party applied to, saying "done," and the proposerreplying"done" also, it then becomes a confirmedbet, and cannot in sporting etiquette and honourbe off, or revoked, but by mutual consent. No bet aboveten poundscan be sued for and recovered in our courts of law; the payment of all losings above that sum must depend entirely upon thesporting integrityof the parties concerned.
BISHOPING—is an operation performed upon the teeth of a horse, and supposed to have derived itsmodernappellation from aneminentanddistinguisheddealer of the name ofBishop; whether from any peculiar neatness in, or reputed celebrity for, a personal performance of the deception, it is most probably not possible (or necessary) to ascertain. The purport of the operation is to furnish horses oftenortwelveyears old with aregenerationofteeth, bearing the appearance offiveorsix, and is thus performed. The horse being powerfully twitched by both the nose and the ears, a cushioned roller (large enough to keep the jaws extended) is then placed in the mouth; which done, the teeth ofthe under jaw are somewhat reduced in their length (according to their growth) by the friction of a whitesmith's cutting file: an engraver's tool is then employed in taking away as much from the centre of the surface of each tooth as will leave a conspicuous cavity in the middle; this cavity (or rather every individual cavity) is then burned black with an iron instrument red hot, and adapted to the purpose; a composition of cement is then insinuated, so well prepared in both colour and consistence, that it is frequently not discoverable (at least to slight observers) for many months after its introduction.
—is an operation performed upon the teeth of a horse, and supposed to have derived itsmodernappellation from aneminentanddistinguisheddealer of the name ofBishop; whether from any peculiar neatness in, or reputed celebrity for, a personal performance of the deception, it is most probably not possible (or necessary) to ascertain. The purport of the operation is to furnish horses oftenortwelveyears old with aregenerationofteeth, bearing the appearance offiveorsix, and is thus performed. The horse being powerfully twitched by both the nose and the ears, a cushioned roller (large enough to keep the jaws extended) is then placed in the mouth; which done, the teeth ofthe under jaw are somewhat reduced in their length (according to their growth) by the friction of a whitesmith's cutting file: an engraver's tool is then employed in taking away as much from the centre of the surface of each tooth as will leave a conspicuous cavity in the middle; this cavity (or rather every individual cavity) is then burned black with an iron instrument red hot, and adapted to the purpose; a composition of cement is then insinuated, so well prepared in both colour and consistence, that it is frequently not discoverable (at least to slight observers) for many months after its introduction.
BITCH—is the feminine of the canine species, in contra-distinction to dog. It is sometimes used in a similar sense with respect to foxes, where the female is termeda bitch fox; though avixenis the more sportsman-like appellation. Bitches are sometimesspayed, to prevent their farther propagation: it requires judgment and expertness in the operation, the best time for which is about a week after the heat is gone off.
—is the feminine of the canine species, in contra-distinction to dog. It is sometimes used in a similar sense with respect to foxes, where the female is termeda bitch fox; though avixenis the more sportsman-like appellation. Bitches are sometimesspayed, to prevent their farther propagation: it requires judgment and expertness in the operation, the best time for which is about a week after the heat is gone off.
BITS—are of different kinds, formed of iron, and constitute the mouth-part of bridles of every denomination, whether in carriage harness, or for use on the turf, in the chase, or upon the road. The single large-mouthed bit, first used with colts in breaking, is known by the name ofmouthing-bit: the same shaped bit, but of a much smaller size,with a small cheek of about three inches long, is called apiped cheek snaffle. A single bit, havinga curb, and a cheek of five or six inches long, with one rein only, and that inserted to the bottom of the cheek, is termeda hard and sharp, and with justice; it is one of the worst inventions ever adopted, never seen in use with a sportsman, and only calculated for viciousrun-awayhorses, not to be stopped by any common means. A bit of the same form, having eyes for two reins, one on each side the mouth-piece, and others at the lower extremity of the cheek, are calledpelhams, as a favourite bit of the old Duke of Newcastle. Abridoonis a small snaffle, or mouth-piece, having no other cheek than a circular eye to receive the rein into the same headstall, with which is stitched a roller-mouthedpolished port bit, having a cheek of four, five or six inches in length, according to fancy, or the mouth of the horse: the rein to this bit is affixed to the lower extremity of the cheek, and, in conjunction with the bridoon, constitutes the double reined bridle, calleda Weymouth, mostly in use.
—are of different kinds, formed of iron, and constitute the mouth-part of bridles of every denomination, whether in carriage harness, or for use on the turf, in the chase, or upon the road. The single large-mouthed bit, first used with colts in breaking, is known by the name ofmouthing-bit: the same shaped bit, but of a much smaller size,with a small cheek of about three inches long, is called apiped cheek snaffle. A single bit, havinga curb, and a cheek of five or six inches long, with one rein only, and that inserted to the bottom of the cheek, is termeda hard and sharp, and with justice; it is one of the worst inventions ever adopted, never seen in use with a sportsman, and only calculated for viciousrun-awayhorses, not to be stopped by any common means. A bit of the same form, having eyes for two reins, one on each side the mouth-piece, and others at the lower extremity of the cheek, are calledpelhams, as a favourite bit of the old Duke of Newcastle. Abridoonis a small snaffle, or mouth-piece, having no other cheek than a circular eye to receive the rein into the same headstall, with which is stitched a roller-mouthedpolished port bit, having a cheek of four, five or six inches in length, according to fancy, or the mouth of the horse: the rein to this bit is affixed to the lower extremity of the cheek, and, in conjunction with the bridoon, constitutes the double reined bridle, calleda Weymouth, mostly in use.
BITES—frequently happen to sporting dogs as well as to horses, but much more frequently to theformer, by poisonous insects that are, as well as many not known. Means of relief must of course be regulated by immediate appearances: in great inflammation,bleeding, and external emollients, are of good effect: in bites of theviper, its own fat liquified,and to be had at the medical shops as the "oil of vipers," is acknowledged a certain antidote.
—frequently happen to sporting dogs as well as to horses, but much more frequently to theformer, by poisonous insects that are, as well as many not known. Means of relief must of course be regulated by immediate appearances: in great inflammation,bleeding, and external emollients, are of good effect: in bites of theviper, its own fat liquified,and to be had at the medical shops as the "oil of vipers," is acknowledged a certain antidote.
BITTERN—is a bird of similar formation to theheron, but of much smaller size, and more beautifully variegated in its plumage. They are principally found in sedgey moors, where they breed, particularly within a few miles of the sea-coast, not being very common in the centrical parts of the kingdom. If brought down by the gun with onlya broken wing, they display great courage in opposing their destroyer; possessing such determined power, and quick exertion of bothtalonsandbeak, they cannot be with safety secured till deprived of life. From their scarcity, they are esteemed a rarity at the tables of the great, whereoneis received as a handsome present; a brace being seldom seen together, either dead or alive.
—is a bird of similar formation to theheron, but of much smaller size, and more beautifully variegated in its plumage. They are principally found in sedgey moors, where they breed, particularly within a few miles of the sea-coast, not being very common in the centrical parts of the kingdom. If brought down by the gun with onlya broken wing, they display great courage in opposing their destroyer; possessing such determined power, and quick exertion of bothtalonsandbeak, they cannot be with safety secured till deprived of life. From their scarcity, they are esteemed a rarity at the tables of the great, whereoneis received as a handsome present; a brace being seldom seen together, either dead or alive.
BLACK ACT—is so called, because it was enacted in consequence of the most unprecedented depredations committed in Essex by persons in disguise, with their faces blacked and disfigured, and is literally thus.
—is so called, because it was enacted in consequence of the most unprecedented depredations committed in Essex by persons in disguise, with their faces blacked and disfigured, and is literally thus.
"By this statute it is enacted, that persons, hunting armed and disguised, and killing or stealing deer, or robbing warrens, or stealing fish out of any river, &c. or any person unlawfully hunting in His Majesty's forests; or breaking down thehead of any fish-pond; or killing of cattle; or cutting down trees; or setting fire to house, barn, or wood; or shooting at any person; or sending letters, either anonymous, or signed with a fictitious name, demanding money, &c. or rescuing such offenders, are guilty of felony without benefit of clergy." This is commonly called the Waltham Black Act, and was made perpetual by 31 George II. c. 42.
BLACK-LEGS—is the expressive appellation long since given by the superior classes of the sporting world (consisting of noblemen and gentlemen of fortune) to the veryhonorableand verydistinguishedfraternity who are known to constitute "afamily," and are, perhaps, without exception, the most unprincipled and abandoned set ofthievesandharpiesthat ever disgraced civilized society. They are a body, existing by, and subsisting upon, the most villainous modes of deceptive depredation: their various modes of attacking, and preying upon, the credulity of the inexperienced and unsuspecting part of the public, are beyond conception: their number is incredible, and their stratagems exceed description. Destitute not only of character, but of every sense of honor, their minds are destined solely to the purposes of determined devastation upon the property of those unthinkingly seduced or betrayed into their company; upon whose credulity and indiscretion they are supported in a continued scene of the most luxurious and fashionable dissipation.
—is the expressive appellation long since given by the superior classes of the sporting world (consisting of noblemen and gentlemen of fortune) to the veryhonorableand verydistinguishedfraternity who are known to constitute "afamily," and are, perhaps, without exception, the most unprincipled and abandoned set ofthievesandharpiesthat ever disgraced civilized society. They are a body, existing by, and subsisting upon, the most villainous modes of deceptive depredation: their various modes of attacking, and preying upon, the credulity of the inexperienced and unsuspecting part of the public, are beyond conception: their number is incredible, and their stratagems exceed description. Destitute not only of character, but of every sense of honor, their minds are destined solely to the purposes of determined devastation upon the property of those unthinkingly seduced or betrayed into their company; upon whose credulity and indiscretion they are supported in a continued scene of the most luxurious and fashionable dissipation.
As members have no great power in exerting themselves with much success individually,the firm(if a phalanx of the most infamous combination can be termed so) are adequate to almost every desperate undertaking, frompricking in the belt,hustling in the hat, orslipping a card, to thecasuallymeeting afriendupon Hounslow Heath. They are sole proprietors of the different gaming tables, public and private, as well in the metropolis, as thehazardand E O tables at all the races of eminence in the kingdom. They are invariably present at every fashionable receptaclefor sport: the tennis-court, the billiard-room, the cockpit, have all to boast a majority inquest of prey; and even the commonest coffee-house is a spot wheremodest merit, in the form of a lounging emissary, frequently obtrudes, in the anxious hope of picking up some opulent juvenile, that he may afterwards enjoy the pleasure of introducing him in the most friendly and liberal way to another member of the fraternity, as a very proper object, orpidgeon, well worth plucking for the benefit of the family.
BLADDER—is a part of the horse liable to disease; but seldom known to occur, unless by the indiscretion of the owner. A long retention of urine, by continuing a journey to too great an extent without stopping, may producestrangury; and that not being soon relieved, inflammation may ensue. Instances are recorded of stones, calcareoussubstances, and different concretions, having been found in the bladders of horses after death.Discretionis a proper and cheap preventative.
—is a part of the horse liable to disease; but seldom known to occur, unless by the indiscretion of the owner. A long retention of urine, by continuing a journey to too great an extent without stopping, may producestrangury; and that not being soon relieved, inflammation may ensue. Instances are recorded of stones, calcareoussubstances, and different concretions, having been found in the bladders of horses after death.Discretionis a proper and cheap preventative.
BLANK—was a horse in high form, beating almost every horse of his time, and his blood was held in the utmost estimation: he was bred byLord Godolphin; foaled 1740; got by the Godolphin Arabian, dam by Bartlett's Childers, out of the dam of the Large Hartley Mare. The various performances ofBlankwill not admit of being brought within the compass of so concise a description; therefore, suffice it to say, that, after his performances upon the turf, he became a stallion of the first celebrity, and was sire ofGhost,Tripod,Chatsworth,Hengist,Croney,Yeoman,Porsenna,Lottery,Young Blank,Lustre,Lumber,Whipster,Amazon,Britannicus,Charlotte,Prussia,Helen,Lycurgus, and a very long list of excellent runners, too numerous for insertion under this head.
—was a horse in high form, beating almost every horse of his time, and his blood was held in the utmost estimation: he was bred byLord Godolphin; foaled 1740; got by the Godolphin Arabian, dam by Bartlett's Childers, out of the dam of the Large Hartley Mare. The various performances ofBlankwill not admit of being brought within the compass of so concise a description; therefore, suffice it to say, that, after his performances upon the turf, he became a stallion of the first celebrity, and was sire ofGhost,Tripod,Chatsworth,Hengist,Croney,Yeoman,Porsenna,Lottery,Young Blank,Lustre,Lumber,Whipster,Amazon,Britannicus,Charlotte,Prussia,Helen,Lycurgus, and a very long list of excellent runners, too numerous for insertion under this head.
BLEEDING—of horses is a simple and easy operation, hitherto performed with an instrument called afleam, which being steadily supported over the neck vein (about five inches below the superior process of the jaw-bone) is forcibly struck with what is professionally termeda bloodstick, turned out of the wood calledlignum vitæ, as being sufficiently heavy to insure weight and certainty to the blow: the blade of thefleamis supported by ashoulder, to prevent the incision's being made beyond the depth of safety: the use ofthe lineround the lower part of the neck, previous to the operation, is now greatly out of use; although it is certainly a means of keeping the vein firm fromfluctuation, and of course a very proper guide, particularly for young practitioners. Of late years this mode of operating has greatly declined, particularly with veterinarians of thenew school, the most expert of whom adopt the use of thelancet, and are introducing it to general practice; and, although the neatness of the operation must be candidly admitted, yet, with high spirited,shy,unrulyhorses, (where there is a chance of the point of the lancet's being broken in the orifice,) a doubt naturally arises, whether,in such cases, the former method is not both the least troublesome and least dangerous of the two.
—of horses is a simple and easy operation, hitherto performed with an instrument called afleam, which being steadily supported over the neck vein (about five inches below the superior process of the jaw-bone) is forcibly struck with what is professionally termeda bloodstick, turned out of the wood calledlignum vitæ, as being sufficiently heavy to insure weight and certainty to the blow: the blade of thefleamis supported by ashoulder, to prevent the incision's being made beyond the depth of safety: the use ofthe lineround the lower part of the neck, previous to the operation, is now greatly out of use; although it is certainly a means of keeping the vein firm fromfluctuation, and of course a very proper guide, particularly for young practitioners. Of late years this mode of operating has greatly declined, particularly with veterinarians of thenew school, the most expert of whom adopt the use of thelancet, and are introducing it to general practice; and, although the neatness of the operation must be candidly admitted, yet, with high spirited,shy,unrulyhorses, (where there is a chance of the point of the lancet's being broken in the orifice,) a doubt naturally arises, whether,in such cases, the former method is not both the least troublesome and least dangerous of the two.
TheconsistencyandproprietyofBLEEDINGupon slight or moderate occasions, has always been matter of cavil and capricious controversy with those whose cynical rigidity, and restless spirit, ever prompts them to take even thewrong sideof any argument, (however absurd and ridiculous,) rather than want a causeto carpat; but with those possessing the power of scientific disquisition, and practical professional knowledge, such fallacious and ill-founded reasoning must fall to the ground. Its utility, upon the attack ofalmost every diseasetowhich the animal is subject, is now so generally admitted, that it stands in need of no additional corroboration from the more refined rays of constantly increasing improvement.
The quantity proper to be taken away at one time, in any case, may be fromthreetofivepints; the latter only in such disorders as require plentifuldepletion: in all cases of inflammation (particularly the lungs) frequent repetitions are to be justified, provided they follow not too fast upon each other; the lives of many horses have been preserved (particularly in thoseinfluenzasof late years called "the distemper") byfourorfiveplentiful bleedings in so many days; and,vice versa, as great a number lost by a want of the same means. As blood is generated, and the unloaded vessels replenished, by the constant supply ofalimentinhealth, ornutrimentin disease, so little, or, in fact, no permanent injury can be sustained by leaning to thesafe side, and taking away even too much, provided it be at different times, particularly when it is remembered, that the life of a valuable horse is very frequently lost by a too great pusillanimity and forbearance in the operation.
BLEMISHES—are so called which constitute disfiguration and eyesore, without impediment tosightoraction; it is therefore readily conceived, ahorse may be very materiallyblemishedwithout being unsound. Blemishes are various, and many of them not to be immediately perceived, in a superficial survey of the subject:broken kneesare a very material and conspicuous blemish:splents, if large, are unpleasing to the eye of the good judge and nice investigator:wartsare easily observed, and aseasily cured:thrushes, and a carious state of thefrogs, not to be known but by an examination of the feet:sandcracks, previously cured, sometimes remain unseen, but are always liable to a renewal of the original defect: the marks of formerblisteringis, in general, to be plainly perceived by a variation in colour, or an unnatural roughness in the hair of those parts: the marks offiring-ironsmay be easily traced (however neatly performed) upon thehocksforspavinsandcurbs, or upon the back of the shank-bones forstrainsin theback sinews. A horse may be blemished by a speck in the eye, arising from a blow with the lash of a whip or switch; this is frequently no more than a partial thickening of a small part of the outer humour of the eye, not obstructing those rays of light which constitute vision.
—are so called which constitute disfiguration and eyesore, without impediment tosightoraction; it is therefore readily conceived, ahorse may be very materiallyblemishedwithout being unsound. Blemishes are various, and many of them not to be immediately perceived, in a superficial survey of the subject:broken kneesare a very material and conspicuous blemish:splents, if large, are unpleasing to the eye of the good judge and nice investigator:wartsare easily observed, and aseasily cured:thrushes, and a carious state of thefrogs, not to be known but by an examination of the feet:sandcracks, previously cured, sometimes remain unseen, but are always liable to a renewal of the original defect: the marks of formerblisteringis, in general, to be plainly perceived by a variation in colour, or an unnatural roughness in the hair of those parts: the marks offiring-ironsmay be easily traced (however neatly performed) upon thehocksforspavinsandcurbs, or upon the back of the shank-bones forstrainsin theback sinews. A horse may be blemished by a speck in the eye, arising from a blow with the lash of a whip or switch; this is frequently no more than a partial thickening of a small part of the outer humour of the eye, not obstructing those rays of light which constitute vision.
If a horse is warranted "perfectly sound, withoutblemish, free fromvice, steady toride, and quiet inharness," it is a full and general warranty speaking for itself; leaving very little for the intentionalpurchaser to do (in respect toinspection) if he has previouslytriedand approved thepacesof the horse. But where a warrantyseemingly guarded, orcautiously partial, is offered, a proper degree of circumspection will be necessary to prevent a chance of early repentance; a prevention of litigation will prove less expensive than thecureof alawsuit.
BLINDNESS—in a horse (whether in one or both eyes) may originate in a variety of well-known causes, many of which are occasioned by means of violence, and may at all times be prevented by proper care and humane attention. If a horse, having naturally good eyes, is observed to undergo asuddenchange in the external appearance, from enlargement of the lids, or a discharge of hot watery serum, with a visibleheatandpainof the part, (the horse constantly shaking his head and ears,) it may reasonably be attributed to some cause originating in external injury: if not by such means, it must be from some morbid affection in the system, acting more immediately and powerfully upon the most irritable parts.
—in a horse (whether in one or both eyes) may originate in a variety of well-known causes, many of which are occasioned by means of violence, and may at all times be prevented by proper care and humane attention. If a horse, having naturally good eyes, is observed to undergo asuddenchange in the external appearance, from enlargement of the lids, or a discharge of hot watery serum, with a visibleheatandpainof the part, (the horse constantly shaking his head and ears,) it may reasonably be attributed to some cause originating in external injury: if not by such means, it must be from some morbid affection in the system, acting more immediately and powerfully upon the most irritable parts.
The eyes of some horses are periodically affected, even for months and years, before they terminate intotal blindness: to this species of ocular defect, the illiterate and less enlightened of former times gave the appellation of "moon-blind,"under the weak and ridiculous idea, that such changes were produced by the gradational stages of the moon; an opinion too trifling to render animadversion necessary, it being one of the very few remaining traits of superstition which will speedily be totally done away. Many horses lose their eyes from extreme exertion, as byover racing; in proof of which, a very long list of instances might be adduced: the same effect has been produced uponSTALLIONSin being permitted tocovermares not only in an unlimited degree in respect to number, but stimulated so to do by the use of powerful and prejudicial provocatives: in both these cases the loss of sight is occasioned by a total subversion of the nervous system, reducing it to a fixed or partial debility of those particular parts, from which they never recover.
Horses are frequently found to inherit constitutional defects fromSIREorDAM; and none are, perhaps, to be considered more justly hereditary thandefectsof theeyes; and to render such fact the more extraordinary, it generally happens to have lain dormant for the first three or four years, and never to display itself to any visible inconvenience till a colt is broke, and brought into work. The eyes of a horse inheriting this taint by hereditary transmission, are much less prominent than a natural, well-formed and good eye; they have a kind of indented furrow in the lid above the orb,and a wrinkled contraction in the part immediately over that, constituting a kind of "vinegar aspect," better conceived than described: this kind of eye should be carefully avoided in purchase; for however they may vary by changes in work, and a diversity of seasons, they,ninetimes out often, terminate in blindness; a circumstance fairly to be presumed, no professional man living can prevent.
BLISTERING—is an operation performed upon a horse by unguents prepared of different degrees of strength, according to the circumstances of the case. They are in general use for blood and bone spavins, curbs and strains of the back sinews: where they do not complete the purpose for which they were intended, they are repeated at a proper period; orfiring the partis adopted, and the horse is turned out. Blistering is in general too soon resorted to as a remedy, and in many cases before the inflammation arising from the original injury has sufficiently subsided for the operation to take place; from which injudicious mode of practice, a permanent enlargement of the part is occasioned, that is never got rid of during the life of the horse.
—is an operation performed upon a horse by unguents prepared of different degrees of strength, according to the circumstances of the case. They are in general use for blood and bone spavins, curbs and strains of the back sinews: where they do not complete the purpose for which they were intended, they are repeated at a proper period; orfiring the partis adopted, and the horse is turned out. Blistering is in general too soon resorted to as a remedy, and in many cases before the inflammation arising from the original injury has sufficiently subsided for the operation to take place; from which injudicious mode of practice, a permanent enlargement of the part is occasioned, that is never got rid of during the life of the horse.
BLOOD—is the well known fluid issuing from wounds, or separated vessels, in an accidental destruction of parts: it is not only the verybasis, but thesupport, of lifeitself; and drawn from the frame of any animal beyond a certain proportion (professionallyascertained,) causesinstantdeath. In the regular routine of the animal œconomy, blood is generated by the frequent supplies of nutritive aliment, and retaining within itself sufficient strength and power for itsown peculiarpurposes, throws off, by the different emunctories, the superflux with which it may be encumbered: but as medical or anatomical disquisition is not intended in a work of this general kind, it must suffice to observe, that, from the blood in its original and first formed state, proceeds all the progressive and superior functions of Nature. From the blood issues every gradational proportion of insensible, sensible and profuse perspiration; from the blood, theurineis secreted (or separated) by thekidnies; and from the blood is extracted, by thegenitals, that very masculine semen, by which (we are told from high and indisputable authority) our posterity is to be continued to the end of time.
—is the well known fluid issuing from wounds, or separated vessels, in an accidental destruction of parts: it is not only the verybasis, but thesupport, of lifeitself; and drawn from the frame of any animal beyond a certain proportion (professionallyascertained,) causesinstantdeath. In the regular routine of the animal œconomy, blood is generated by the frequent supplies of nutritive aliment, and retaining within itself sufficient strength and power for itsown peculiarpurposes, throws off, by the different emunctories, the superflux with which it may be encumbered: but as medical or anatomical disquisition is not intended in a work of this general kind, it must suffice to observe, that, from the blood in its original and first formed state, proceeds all the progressive and superior functions of Nature. From the blood issues every gradational proportion of insensible, sensible and profuse perspiration; from the blood, theurineis secreted (or separated) by thekidnies; and from the blood is extracted, by thegenitals, that very masculine semen, by which (we are told from high and indisputable authority) our posterity is to be continued to the end of time.
BLOOD HOUNDS.—Those so called, have always had a kind of fabulous property ascribed to them, of pursuing, and infallibly taking or seizing,robbers,murderers, ordepredators, whenever they could be laid upon the footsteps (or scent) of the particular object they were intended to pursue; and of their possessingthisproperty there can be no doubt, when the experience of ages, transmitted to us by our predecessors, (as well as our own observations,) have afforded the most indisputable proofs, thathounds may be taught or broke in tocarry on any particular scent, whenfeelinglyconvinced they are to huntno other. There requires no "ghost from the grave" to confirm a fact of so much notoriety: a meresporting embryowould tell us, that "a pack who for some years huntedfallow deerin the possession of their last owner, are huntingharein high style with the present; that the principal body of the celebrated pack who for some years past huntedfoxwithLord Darlingtonin thenorth, are now probably destined to the pursuit of thered deerwithLord Derbyin thesouth: and the whole art of changing hounds from one chase to another is the temporary trouble of breaking them afresh, and making themsteadyto thescentthey are to pursue."
.—Those so called, have always had a kind of fabulous property ascribed to them, of pursuing, and infallibly taking or seizing,robbers,murderers, ordepredators, whenever they could be laid upon the footsteps (or scent) of the particular object they were intended to pursue; and of their possessingthisproperty there can be no doubt, when the experience of ages, transmitted to us by our predecessors, (as well as our own observations,) have afforded the most indisputable proofs, thathounds may be taught or broke in tocarry on any particular scent, whenfeelinglyconvinced they are to huntno other. There requires no "ghost from the grave" to confirm a fact of so much notoriety: a meresporting embryowould tell us, that "a pack who for some years huntedfallow deerin the possession of their last owner, are huntingharein high style with the present; that the principal body of the celebrated pack who for some years past huntedfoxwithLord Darlingtonin thenorth, are now probably destined to the pursuit of thered deerwithLord Derbyin thesouth: and the whole art of changing hounds from one chase to another is the temporary trouble of breaking them afresh, and making themsteadyto thescentthey are to pursue."
In respect to the received opinion of what were formerly calledbloodhounds, the fact is simply this: the original stock partook, in nearly an equal degree, of the large, heavy, strong, boney old English stag-hound, and the deep-mouthedsouthernhound, of which mention is made under the head "Beagle." The hounds destined to one particular kind of business or pursuit, asbloodhounds, were never brought into the chase for a constancy with the pack for the promotion of sport, but were preserved and supported (as a constable or Bow-Street runner of the present day) for the purposes of pursuit and detection, whenever they could, with certainty,be laid onin good timeupon the scent of footsteps of the object it was thought expedient to pursue.Deer stealing, for instance, was so very common a century since to what it is at present, that theGAMEandPARKkeepers in most parts of the kingdom were in a kind of eternal watching andnocturnal warfare: the hounds we are now describing were then constantly trained to the practice, and so closely adhered to the scent they were once laid on upon, that (even after a very long and tedious pursuit) detection wascertainandinevitable: from this persevering instinct and infallibility, they acquired the appellation they have so long retained; and an offending criminal not a century since, was absolutely conceived to bepositivelytaken, andhalf convicted, the very moment a blood-hound could be obtained.
BLOOD SPAVIN—is a preternatural and puffy enlargement on theinsideof a horse's hock, proceeding from a distension of the vein crossing the internal junction of the inferior part of the thigh bone with the superior part of the shank; and whenever such injury is observed, it may rather be supposed to have originated ina blow,a kick, or more probably from a ligamentary twist or distortion, (by a short and sudden turn in thesmall stallof an ill constructed stable,) than by any continued exertion of speed, either on a journey or in the chase.
—is a preternatural and puffy enlargement on theinsideof a horse's hock, proceeding from a distension of the vein crossing the internal junction of the inferior part of the thigh bone with the superior part of the shank; and whenever such injury is observed, it may rather be supposed to have originated ina blow,a kick, or more probably from a ligamentary twist or distortion, (by a short and sudden turn in thesmall stallof an ill constructed stable,) than by any continued exertion of speed, either on a journey or in the chase.
BLOWS—inconsiderately given, inpassion, to harmless, inoffending animals, are nineteen times out of twenty productive of repentance, when probably repentance comes too late. A horse sometimes, and most commonly from the inattention of the rider, steps almost unavoidably upon a flint or rolling-stone; and in the very exertion of recovering himself fromnearly falling, he at that critical moment receives a severe and unexpected blowbehind the earfrom the stick of hisphilosophic, patient, humanerider, which brings him instantly to the ground, giving and receiving ample proof, that "the remedy was worse than the disease." No conjectures need be formed upon theloss of eyesannually sustained by blows from petulant masters, as well as the most rascally servants; injuries of this kind may be daily seen by observers with theireyes openin every part of the kingdom.
—inconsiderately given, inpassion, to harmless, inoffending animals, are nineteen times out of twenty productive of repentance, when probably repentance comes too late. A horse sometimes, and most commonly from the inattention of the rider, steps almost unavoidably upon a flint or rolling-stone; and in the very exertion of recovering himself fromnearly falling, he at that critical moment receives a severe and unexpected blowbehind the earfrom the stick of hisphilosophic, patient, humanerider, which brings him instantly to the ground, giving and receiving ample proof, that "the remedy was worse than the disease." No conjectures need be formed upon theloss of eyesannually sustained by blows from petulant masters, as well as the most rascally servants; injuries of this kind may be daily seen by observers with theireyes openin every part of the kingdom.
Blowswill most assuredly sometimes happen fromaccident, though most of this description arise from folly, ignorance, or indiscretion; as for instance, the very common circumstances of carelessly giving a horse'sheadoreyea blow against the stall in turning, or thehip-bonevery frequently against the post of the stable door, and this by the stupidity of those whoseem to thinka horse can turn within as small a space as themselves; or rather, perhaps, by those who seem unfortunately destined by Naturenever to think at all. In general, the good or bad usage of servants to horses, or other animals under theircare, may be conceived a very fair and unerring criterion of the depravity or integrity of theirown hearts; and such should be emphatically told, that not onlybroken bones, but instantaneousloss of life, has frequently followed passionate blows, and cruel usage, by the law of retaliation, in the resentment of an animal capable of distinguishing between a fault committed, a reproof given, or any unjust injury sustained.
BONE SPAVIN—is an ossified enlargement on theoutsideof, and rather below, the centre of the hock, originating in a cartilaginous protrusion from the seat of articulation becoming progressively callous, and lastly a substance equally firm with the bone itself. They do not invariably constitute lameness upon theirfirstappearance, but it soon follows a course of hard or regular work. Blisteringfirst, andfiringafterwards, was the practice of farriers of the old school, which it is not known has undergone any change with veterinarians of the new.
—is an ossified enlargement on theoutsideof, and rather below, the centre of the hock, originating in a cartilaginous protrusion from the seat of articulation becoming progressively callous, and lastly a substance equally firm with the bone itself. They do not invariably constitute lameness upon theirfirstappearance, but it soon follows a course of hard or regular work. Blisteringfirst, andfiringafterwards, was the practice of farriers of the old school, 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 spade, the terrier, or the person attempting to take him, makes a sudden spring, andgoes off, he is then saidto have bolted; when, of course, the chase is continued with the hounds. The term is also applicableto a rabbit from its burrow, or the badger from his earth.
.—When a fox, laying at earth, has been dug to, and, upon the approach of the spade, the terrier, or the person attempting to take him, makes a sudden spring, andgoes off, he is then saidto have bolted; when, of course, the chase is continued with the hounds. The term is also applicableto a rabbit from its burrow, or the badger from his earth.
BORING;—one of the formerhumaneoperations in farriery for what is now called a lameness, then termeda wrenchin the shoulder: it consisted in making a small orifice, or superficial incision, through the integument near the part affected: into this is insinuated a small tube or pipe; by the operator's breath through which the part is inflated, directly in the way a butcher swells his veal: a flat piece of iron, of small dimensions, is then introduced between the ribs and the shoulder in different directions, to produce some effect hitherto unexplained, and never understood. The seeming cruelty, and evident uncertainty, of the operation, has long since buried it in oblivion, at least with scientific practitioners; and it is very little seen or heard of, except amongst the rustic Vulcans in remote corners of the kingdom.
;—one of the formerhumaneoperations in farriery for what is now called a lameness, then termeda wrenchin the shoulder: it consisted in making a small orifice, or superficial incision, through the integument near the part affected: into this is insinuated a small tube or pipe; by the operator's breath through which the part is inflated, directly in the way a butcher swells his veal: a flat piece of iron, of small dimensions, is then introduced between the ribs and the shoulder in different directions, to produce some effect hitherto unexplained, and never understood. The seeming cruelty, and evident uncertainty, of the operation, has long since buried it in oblivion, at least with scientific practitioners; and it is very little seen or heard of, except amongst the rustic Vulcans in remote corners of the kingdom.
BOTTS—are differently described by different writers; a certain proof many of them wrote more fromtheory,copy, andhearsay, than from attentive practice, or personal observation. Some have observed, they were of one shape; a second, of another; a third has said their seat was invariably upon oneparticular part; but the present Author has told you, in his former Works, and now repeats the fact, that they are equally inhabitants of thestomach before,as they are ofthe rectumbehind; and are as constantly found in the former after the death of the subject, as they are seen adhering to the sphincter of the rectum during his life; and that horses, who have fallen victims to the ravages of these destructive diminutives, had both the stomach and rectum loaded with numbers in a degree to be fairly concludedincredible, unless the proof had been personally confirmed by sight and individual conviction. The mode by which they are conveyed into the body (or how they are engendered there) may possibly long continue a matter of conjecture and ambiguity: Not so withthe effect; when there, they soon continue to increase, and to occasion constant disquietude; sometimes violent pain. A horse labouring under their persecuting pinchings, is frequently eating, and without appetite, in a hope of relieving himself from thegnawing sensationswithin: he is generally rough in the coat, low in flesh, depressed in the stable, and not elated when out. Various remedies are in use; but mercurial physic is the only certain mode of extirpation.
—are differently described by different writers; a certain proof many of them wrote more fromtheory,copy, andhearsay, than from attentive practice, or personal observation. Some have observed, they were of one shape; a second, of another; a third has said their seat was invariably upon oneparticular part; but the present Author has told you, in his former Works, and now repeats the fact, that they are equally inhabitants of thestomach before,as they are ofthe rectumbehind; and are as constantly found in the former after the death of the subject, as they are seen adhering to the sphincter of the rectum during his life; and that horses, who have fallen victims to the ravages of these destructive diminutives, had both the stomach and rectum loaded with numbers in a degree to be fairly concludedincredible, unless the proof had been personally confirmed by sight and individual conviction. The mode by which they are conveyed into the body (or how they are engendered there) may possibly long continue a matter of conjecture and ambiguity: Not so withthe effect; when there, they soon continue to increase, and to occasion constant disquietude; sometimes violent pain. A horse labouring under their persecuting pinchings, is frequently eating, and without appetite, in a hope of relieving himself from thegnawing sensationswithin: he is generally rough in the coat, low in flesh, depressed in the stable, and not elated when out. Various remedies are in use; but mercurial physic is the only certain mode of extirpation.
BOWEL-GALLED—is a laceration occasioned by the tightness and heat, or friction, of the girths, just behind the elbows of the fore legs, and is soon hardened and obliterated by two or three applications of a soft sponge, impregnated with common vinegar.
—is a laceration occasioned by the tightness and heat, or friction, of the girths, just behind the elbows of the fore legs, and is soon hardened and obliterated by two or three applications of a soft sponge, impregnated with common vinegar.
BOWLS—is a game played upon a fine smooth grassy surface, either square, circular, or oblong, used solely for the purpose, and called aBOWLING-GREEN. The party may consist of two, four, six, or eight, and is generally chosen alternately, after tossing up a coin to decide who shall have the first choice. The sides being selected, each player has two bowls, which bowls have numerical figures, thereby ascertaining to whom they belong. The leader sends off a smaller bowl, calledthe jack, to what distance he pleases, it being (by the toss) his privilege so to do: this he follows with his first bowl, getting as near the jack as possible: he is then followed by one of the adverse party, the partner of the first following, and so in rotation till all the bowls are played; when as many of the bowls, on either side, as are nearer tothe jackthan theneareston the opposite side, so many do the successful party score that time toward the game, and so on in succession, till one side or the other have won the match. Sometimes great disappointment happens in the play, when a ball laying very nearthe jack, is removed to a distance by the hit of an adversary's bowl, which remains nearer the jack than the bowl it has driven away; this is called a rub, and gave rise to the long-standing adage, "he that plays atbowls, must expectrubs."
—is a game played upon a fine smooth grassy surface, either square, circular, or oblong, used solely for the purpose, and called aBOWLING-GREEN. The party may consist of two, four, six, or eight, and is generally chosen alternately, after tossing up a coin to decide who shall have the first choice. The sides being selected, each player has two bowls, which bowls have numerical figures, thereby ascertaining to whom they belong. The leader sends off a smaller bowl, calledthe jack, to what distance he pleases, it being (by the toss) his privilege so to do: this he follows with his first bowl, getting as near the jack as possible: he is then followed by one of the adverse party, the partner of the first following, and so in rotation till all the bowls are played; when as many of the bowls, on either side, as are nearer tothe jackthan theneareston the opposite side, so many do the successful party score that time toward the game, and so on in succession, till one side or the other have won the match. Sometimes great disappointment happens in the play, when a ball laying very nearthe jack, is removed to a distance by the hit of an adversary's bowl, which remains nearer the jack than the bowl it has driven away; this is called a rub, and gave rise to the long-standing adage, "he that plays atbowls, must expectrubs."
BRAN—would not have been entitled to notice in a work of this kind, had it not been in a certaindegree of conditional use with horses of different descriptions, in sickness as well as in health.Branis an article almost generally known to be the coarser part of the skin or covering of the grain calledwheat, from the body of whichflouris manufactured, andbreadmade. With some people (particularly in the country parts of the kingdom, who are desirous of keeping their horses at little expence) bran constitutes a principal part of their food; in consequence of which, it becomes necessary to advert concisely to its known effects. From its nutritive property having been taken away, it contains little more than the means of distending the frame, without the generative quality of enriching the blood, or contributing to the formation of flesh. Not calculated to become a primary object of support, it may in some ways be brought into use as a collateral of utility. Horses belonging tobakersandmealmen, who have been principally subsisted upon this article, with the addition of a few split beans, (or peas,) have become pursive and thick-winded; then asthmatic; lastly, dull, heavy, and inactive; dying at nine or ten years old; when a large ball, ormealy concretion, (of different sizes in different subjects,) has been found in the stomach or intestinal canal, of a most impenetrable hardness, to the weight of ten or twelve pounds. Though not proper for food in its dry state, it is a most useful article in mashes withmalt, to disunite and prevent the satiating richness of that articlealone; or to assist in common mashes with oats, (when a horse is in physic,) as well as to incorporate with a proper impregnation of honey in the mashes for colds during the severity of the winter season.
—would not have been entitled to notice in a work of this kind, had it not been in a certaindegree of conditional use with horses of different descriptions, in sickness as well as in health.Branis an article almost generally known to be the coarser part of the skin or covering of the grain calledwheat, from the body of whichflouris manufactured, andbreadmade. With some people (particularly in the country parts of the kingdom, who are desirous of keeping their horses at little expence) bran constitutes a principal part of their food; in consequence of which, it becomes necessary to advert concisely to its known effects. From its nutritive property having been taken away, it contains little more than the means of distending the frame, without the generative quality of enriching the blood, or contributing to the formation of flesh. Not calculated to become a primary object of support, it may in some ways be brought into use as a collateral of utility. Horses belonging tobakersandmealmen, who have been principally subsisted upon this article, with the addition of a few split beans, (or peas,) have become pursive and thick-winded; then asthmatic; lastly, dull, heavy, and inactive; dying at nine or ten years old; when a large ball, ormealy concretion, (of different sizes in different subjects,) has been found in the stomach or intestinal canal, of a most impenetrable hardness, to the weight of ten or twelve pounds. Though not proper for food in its dry state, it is a most useful article in mashes withmalt, to disunite and prevent the satiating richness of that articlealone; or to assist in common mashes with oats, (when a horse is in physic,) as well as to incorporate with a proper impregnation of honey in the mashes for colds during the severity of the winter season.
"On the 15th of November, 1799, died, after having been disordered some days, a horse belonging to Mr. Ransom, of Hitchin. The cause of his death was owing to a substance found in his stomach, of a brown colour, exactly resembling a large pebble stone, very smooth and hard on the surface, and weighed 11 lbs. 14 oz. avoirdupoise. It is nearly spherical, and measures just two feet in circumference, being about the size of a man's head. It is supposed to have been occasioned by his eating ofbran, that having been his constant food."—Sporting Magazine.