BREAKING the Herd—is the ceremony ofsinglingout a deer (either stag or hind) from the herd for the chase, which is thus performed with His Majesty's establishment inWindsor Forest. A survey being made of the herd, and the particular deer fixed on forseparation, the huntsmen, assisted by one of the yeomen prickers, ride at a hunting rate, gallop directly into the herd, continuing so to do (as the herd divide) at theparticular partto which the deer intended to be singled out continues to adhere. This ceremony is sometimes a very tedious business to the men, as wellas to the horses, as it is no uncommon thing, when they have detached, or reduced adividedpart of the herd to a leash or two brace, (amongst 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 disunite them more than to a singlebrace, and not at all to asingle deer. When this is effected, the hounds, who are in waiting at some distance, under the six remainingYEOMEN PRICKERS, arecapped forward, and laid upon the scent; when the brace finding themselves pursued, soondivide, under the impression of individual safety; and the selected deer being thus completelysingled out, the chase goes on, and continues till the deer is taken; unless, after a pursuit of proper length, for the sport of the day, he should regain the herd, where he is then permitted to remain, and the hounds are drawn off: but if it is either anold hind, ora calfdestined todeath, for the purpose ofblooding the hounds, a repetition of the original ceremony of separation takes place, when which is effected, the chase is immediately renewed till the object ofbloodis attained.
—is the ceremony ofsinglingout a deer (either stag or hind) from the herd for the chase, which is thus performed with His Majesty's establishment inWindsor Forest. A survey being made of the herd, and the particular deer fixed on forseparation, the huntsmen, assisted by one of the yeomen prickers, ride at a hunting rate, gallop directly into the herd, continuing so to do (as the herd divide) at theparticular partto which the deer intended to be singled out continues to adhere. This ceremony is sometimes a very tedious business to the men, as wellas to the horses, as it is no uncommon thing, when they have detached, or reduced adividedpart of the herd to a leash or two brace, (amongst 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 disunite them more than to a singlebrace, and not at all to asingle deer. When this is effected, the hounds, who are in waiting at some distance, under the six remainingYEOMEN PRICKERS, arecapped forward, and laid upon the scent; when the brace finding themselves pursued, soondivide, under the impression of individual safety; and the selected deer being thus completelysingled out, the chase goes on, and continues till the deer is taken; unless, after a pursuit of proper length, for the sport of the day, he should regain the herd, where he is then permitted to remain, and the hounds are drawn off: but if it is either anold hind, ora calfdestined todeath, for the purpose ofblooding the hounds, a repetition of the original ceremony of separation takes place, when which is effected, the chase is immediately renewed till the object ofbloodis attained.
BREAKING the Deer—is the act of cutting open the deer after the chase, that thepurchasedperquisites ofbloodandgarbagemay go to the hounds. It is also the term for cutting up and dressing thefallow deercalledBUCKSandDOES.
—is the act of cutting open the deer after the chase, that thepurchasedperquisites ofbloodandgarbagemay go to the hounds. It is also the term for cutting up and dressing thefallow deercalledBUCKSandDOES.
BREAST-PLATE,—an article in horse furniture of great utility with light carcased horses, who very frequently, in both hunting and racing,run through their girths. It is made of either spring web or soft leather, as most agreeable to taste or fancy, and is fastened by buckles to small loops screwed to the tree of the saddle, just under the upper saddle-flap behind the withers of the horse; from whence the two parts divide transversely, and one passes down each shoulder to the point of the breast, where they are united to a strong strap, having holes, a buckle and loop, through which loop one of the girths is passed when the saddle is put on, and being thus fixed, it is considered almost an impossibility that any alteration can take place in its situation, but by the manual assistance of master or groom.
,—an article in horse furniture of great utility with light carcased horses, who very frequently, in both hunting and racing,run through their girths. It is made of either spring web or soft leather, as most agreeable to taste or fancy, and is fastened by buckles to small loops screwed to the tree of the saddle, just under the upper saddle-flap behind the withers of the horse; from whence the two parts divide transversely, and one passes down each shoulder to the point of the breast, where they are united to a strong strap, having holes, a buckle and loop, through which loop one of the girths is passed when the saddle is put on, and being thus fixed, it is considered almost an impossibility that any alteration can take place in its situation, but by the manual assistance of master or groom.
BREEDING—is the production ofCOLTSin a stud principally or solely kept for that purpose. The methods of bringing up colts vary according to the purpose for which they are intended, whether for the turf, field, draft, or road. The breeders of opulent magnitude in the northern counties, most celebrated for the breed of horses in Britain, are too well skilled in the practical part to require the least aid from theoretic instruction. They are well convinced, by the unerring principle of well-founded experience, that soundsires, well shaped dams, good summer care, andwinter keep, arethe means (and the only means) to insure well-grown, strong and valuable stock for any of the before mentioned purposes to which they are afterwards to become appropriate.
—is the production ofCOLTSin a stud principally or solely kept for that purpose. The methods of bringing up colts vary according to the purpose for which they are intended, whether for the turf, field, draft, or road. The breeders of opulent magnitude in the northern counties, most celebrated for the breed of horses in Britain, are too well skilled in the practical part to require the least aid from theoretic instruction. They are well convinced, by the unerring principle of well-founded experience, that soundsires, well shaped dams, good summer care, andwinter keep, arethe means (and the only means) to insure well-grown, strong and valuable stock for any of the before mentioned purposes to which they are afterwards to become appropriate.
BRIDLE,—the well-known article by which we are enabled to ride, guide and regulate the speed and action of the most noble, spirited, powerful and valuable animal in the creation. They are of different kinds, as most applicable to the mouth and temper of the horse; consisting ofsnaffles,Pelhams,Hard-and-sharps,Weymouths, &c. There are also others of different constructions; but as they appertain principally to theMILITARY MANEGEand theRIDING-HOUSE, a minute description would afford neither use or entertainment to the sporting world, for whom this Work is more immediately intended.
,—the well-known article by which we are enabled to ride, guide and regulate the speed and action of the most noble, spirited, powerful and valuable animal in the creation. They are of different kinds, as most applicable to the mouth and temper of the horse; consisting ofsnaffles,Pelhams,Hard-and-sharps,Weymouths, &c. There are also others of different constructions; but as they appertain principally to theMILITARY MANEGEand theRIDING-HOUSE, a minute description would afford neither use or entertainment to the sporting world, for whom this Work is more immediately intended.
BRIDLE-HAND.—The left is so called, in contra-distinction to the right, which, in racing, is termedthe whip; and in military evolutions with cavalry, called thesword hand. Those who are deemed good sportsmen, or complete horsemen, manage the reins with equal dexterity, and one hand is generally as much in use as the other.
.—The left is so called, in contra-distinction to the right, which, in racing, is termedthe whip; and in military evolutions with cavalry, called thesword hand. Those who are deemed good sportsmen, or complete horsemen, manage the reins with equal dexterity, and one hand is generally as much in use as the other.
BROKEN WIND—remains in its long-standing state of professional ambiguity; for, notwithstanding frequent dissections must have affordedevery assistance to earnest investigation, yet no authenticated, well-established opinion has transpired, sufficiently attracting or corroborative to fix a criterion upon which scientific or public faith seem inclined to rely. Since the appearance of "The Gentleman's Stable Directory," (about fourteen years since,) a great variety of veterinarywriters, and veterinarypractitioners, have emerged from obscurity in the metropolis, as well as in different parts of the kingdom. One has definedbroken windto be "an inflammation, which continuing a length of time, throws a quantity of extravasated blood into thewindpipe, where it occasions a kind ofroaring": this was the opinion of an eminent veterinarian, delivered upon ahorse causetried before Lord Kenyon in the court of King's Bench. In this sublime description there certainly appears nobrilliantor satisfactory elucidation. A recent writer says, "Broken wind is a disorder that a horse is subject to when he is suffered to stand too long in the stable without exercise; by which means he contracts gross and thick humours in such abundance, that, adhering to the hollow parts of his lungs, they stop his windpipe." So much for the "sublime and beautiful." A third attributes it to "a relaxation or rupture of the phrenic nerves, which cause the motions of the diaphragm." A fourthsupposes"the disease to proceed from amorbidor obstructed state of the glands, and membranes of the head and throat, the enlargement of whichprevents a free passage to the wind." Doctor Darwin, speaking of humoural asthma, attributes it to "a congestion of lymph in the air cells of the lungs, from defective absorption."
—remains in its long-standing state of professional ambiguity; for, notwithstanding frequent dissections must have affordedevery assistance to earnest investigation, yet no authenticated, well-established opinion has transpired, sufficiently attracting or corroborative to fix a criterion upon which scientific or public faith seem inclined to rely. Since the appearance of "The Gentleman's Stable Directory," (about fourteen years since,) a great variety of veterinarywriters, and veterinarypractitioners, have emerged from obscurity in the metropolis, as well as in different parts of the kingdom. One has definedbroken windto be "an inflammation, which continuing a length of time, throws a quantity of extravasated blood into thewindpipe, where it occasions a kind ofroaring": this was the opinion of an eminent veterinarian, delivered upon ahorse causetried before Lord Kenyon in the court of King's Bench. In this sublime description there certainly appears nobrilliantor satisfactory elucidation. A recent writer says, "Broken wind is a disorder that a horse is subject to when he is suffered to stand too long in the stable without exercise; by which means he contracts gross and thick humours in such abundance, that, adhering to the hollow parts of his lungs, they stop his windpipe." So much for the "sublime and beautiful." A third attributes it to "a relaxation or rupture of the phrenic nerves, which cause the motions of the diaphragm." A fourthsupposes"the disease to proceed from amorbidor obstructed state of the glands, and membranes of the head and throat, the enlargement of whichprevents a free passage to the wind." Doctor Darwin, speaking of humoural asthma, attributes it to "a congestion of lymph in the air cells of the lungs, from defective absorption."
Others,harpingupon thesame string, constitute an echo ofnearlythesame sound: "In my ideas, a redundance of lymph being thrown upon the lungs, the quantity becomes too great for the capacity of the absorbent vessels; hence it stagnates, and choaks up the air conduits; and the theatre of its action being more confined, of course respiration must be more difficult and laborious." All which divested of the transposition of words, is the opinion of the present writer, promulgated in his Stable Directory, "that the disease originated in a sizey state of the blood, which at length becoming viscid and stagnant, occasioned obstructions in the first instance, lastlytubercles, by which respiration became imperfect, and one or both lobes of the lungs inadequate to the execution of their office." Howeverliterary speculatorsmay differ in either opinion or description, no great diversity of opinion can happen upon the subject of relief;palliationmay be obtained; perfectcuremustnot be expected.
BROOD,—a word almost indiscriminately used for the young ofany fowl. There is, however, a much nicer and more sporting-like distinction. To speak properly, we say, abroodof ducks, aclutchof chickens, asettingof gulls, acoveyof partridges, and anideof pheasants.
,—a word almost indiscriminately used for the young ofany fowl. There is, however, a much nicer and more sporting-like distinction. To speak properly, we say, abroodof ducks, aclutchof chickens, asettingof gulls, acoveyof partridges, and anideof pheasants.
BROOD MARE—is a mare kept solely for the purpose of breeding colts, and put to no other use whatever.
—is a mare kept solely for the purpose of breeding colts, and put to no other use whatever.
BROW ANTLER—the firstbranchfrom thebeamin the head of a stag.
—the firstbranchfrom thebeamin the head of a stag.
BUCK—the male of the fallow deer. In his first year he is calleda fawn; he is thena pricket; and lastlyA BUCK. In colour they are mottled, sandy, or a deep dingy brown, approaching to black. The males have horns; the does none. Buck venison is very superior to doe; and when well fatted, sells fromthreetofourguineaseach haunch. The season for it in the highest perfection is from June to September.
—the male of the fallow deer. In his first year he is calleda fawn; he is thena pricket; and lastlyA BUCK. In colour they are mottled, sandy, or a deep dingy brown, approaching to black. The males have horns; the does none. Buck venison is very superior to doe; and when well fatted, sells fromthreetofourguineaseach haunch. The season for it in the highest perfection is from June to September.
Buck hunting—has been of late years but little practised, very few of them affording chase enough to render it a matter of much sporting attraction; particularly if bred in a park, whence, from its being so much accustomed to the sight of the human frame, it becomes in some degree like a kind of domestic animal. They were much hunted by thelateand great (Culloden)Duke of Cumberland; but with his hounds (called buck hounds) he drew for and roused his outlying deer inCranbourne Chace,nearWindsor Great Park. When found in this way, they frequently went away well across the country, and sometimes afforded tolerable sport. The bucks shed theirhorns(called heads) annually in April or May, which, with the skins of bothbucksanddoeskilled within the year, (if a park is large,) make no inconsiderable perquisite to the keeper.
BULL DOG.—A bull dog, though inoffensive and harmless when properly domesticated, forms, to the eye of timidity, a most terrific appearance: the doubtful and designing leer of the eye, the tiger-like shortness of the head, the under-hung jaw, the wideness of the forehead, the width of the skull, the distension of the nostrils, and the almost constant sight of the teeth, hold forth a very emphatic specimen of the power they possess, when that power isangrilybrought into action. The breed is by no means so numerous as formerly, in consequence of the gradual decline of bull-baiting, and the great number taken abroad, for many of which very great prices were obtained. The natural ferocity, strength, and thirst for blood, in this animal, rendered them a formidable nuisance in their unrestrained state, and they are now seldom seen 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.
.—A bull dog, though inoffensive and harmless when properly domesticated, forms, to the eye of timidity, a most terrific appearance: the doubtful and designing leer of the eye, the tiger-like shortness of the head, the under-hung jaw, the wideness of the forehead, the width of the skull, the distension of the nostrils, and the almost constant sight of the teeth, hold forth a very emphatic specimen of the power they possess, when that power isangrilybrought into action. The breed is by no means so numerous as formerly, in consequence of the gradual decline of bull-baiting, and the great number taken abroad, for many of which very great prices were obtained. The natural ferocity, strength, and thirst for blood, in this animal, rendered them a formidable nuisance in their unrestrained state, and they are now seldom seen 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.
BULL-BAITING—was formerly not merely a pleasing pursuit, but anextatic diversion, of the most unfeeling, and least humane, part of the very lowest, and most abandoned, orders of the people. To such a pitch of prevalence had it arrived in some particular parts, and was so much considered to give additional callosity to the minds of its cruel and inconsiderate abettors, that the more polished and humane classes of society made strong and repeated efforts for itstotal abolition, by endeavouring to obtain an act of the Legislature for that purpose; which, however, unluckily failed of the intentional effect; for the bill being rejected by a very trifling majority in the House of Commons, it left the sport at the full liberty of everysubject to enjoy, who is not restrained by any more humane, sublime and manly sensations of his own, prompting him to believe it "more honoured in thebreachthan the observance." The towns ofStamford, inLincolnshire, andWokingham, inBerkshire, are now, perhaps, the only places of any note where the sport (as it is called) is obstinately persevered in, orenthusiasticallyandannually repeatedby the clamours of those unfeeling advocates forcustom, who, in the language of Shylock, claim "it as a right, and will not be deprived of it."
—was formerly not merely a pleasing pursuit, but anextatic diversion, of the most unfeeling, and least humane, part of the very lowest, and most abandoned, orders of the people. To such a pitch of prevalence had it arrived in some particular parts, and was so much considered to give additional callosity to the minds of its cruel and inconsiderate abettors, that the more polished and humane classes of society made strong and repeated efforts for itstotal abolition, by endeavouring to obtain an act of the Legislature for that purpose; which, however, unluckily failed of the intentional effect; for the bill being rejected by a very trifling majority in the House of Commons, it left the sport at the full liberty of everysubject to enjoy, who is not restrained by any more humane, sublime and manly sensations of his own, prompting him to believe it "more honoured in thebreachthan the observance." The towns ofStamford, inLincolnshire, andWokingham, inBerkshire, are now, perhaps, the only places of any note where the sport (as it is called) is obstinately persevered in, orenthusiasticallyandannually repeatedby the clamours of those unfeeling advocates forcustom, who, in the language of Shylock, claim "it as a right, and will not be deprived of it."
The first bull-bait in this country is supposed to have been at Stamford, in the year 1209, in the reign of King John, and at Tutbury, Staffordshire,in 1374. The introduction of it at Stamford was as follows.
"William, Earl Warren, Lord of this town, standing upon the walls of the castle, saw two bulls fighting for a cow in the castle meadow, till all the butchers' dogs pursued one of the bulls (madded with noise and multitude) clean through the town. This sight so pleased the Earl, that he gave the castle meadow, where the bull's duel began, fora commonto the butchers of the town, after the first grass was mowed, on condition that they should find amad bull, the day six weeks before Christmas-day, for the continuance of that sportfor ever."
"George Staverton, by will, dated May 15, 1661, gave the whole rent of his dwelling-house at Staines, after two lives, to buy a bull annually for ever; which bull he gave to the poor of the town of Wokingham, to be therebaited, then killed, and properly divided; the offal, hide, and gift money, to be laid out in shoes and stockings to be distributed among the children of the poor. The alderman and one Staverton (if one of the name should be living in the town) to see the work donehonestly, that one of the poor's piece did not exceed another in bigness."
These seem to have been the principal donations upon which the practice was originally founded, and afterwards continued upon the plea ofcharityfor its justification. To give it a degree of singularityin the town of Wokingham, St. Thomas (21st. Dec.) is thedaydedicated to thesport, and the market-place thespotdestined to thesacrifice.
Let the reflecting mind indulge one moment in awful rumination upon the dreadful scene and "note of preparation." On a day when every well informed mind, and duly disposed heart, must feel inclined to follow the dictates of religious inculcation; when a certain impressive silence pervades the whole; when the devout, the aged, and the infirm, await the signal by which they are summoned to receive every comfort and consolation from clerical benediction; it must be to all good hearts a mortifying circumstance, that the very bell which tolls to bring the moral and religious part of the inhabitants to their duty in the church, is also the signal for bringing a poor, harmless, unoffending animal (with his chain)to the stake. Incredible it must seem to those who have never witnessed the cruelty of the scene, that this very stake is fixed (and called the bull-ring) in the center of the market-place of a market town no more thantwelvemiles from the seat of Majesty, andthirtyonly from the metropolis of this great and enlightened kingdom.
Without enlarging much upon the "hellish practice" of thesport itself, it cannot be inapplicable to advert one moment to the effect a scene ofso much insatiate cruelty must inevitably produce upon the growing offspring of the lower classes, in towns where a custom so generally execrated is so shamefully carried on. Previous to the commencement, "every heart beats high with the coming joy;" not a window but is crowded with women and children; not a street, or an avenue, but is crowded withbrutes; the very scum and refuse of society from every part of the surrounding country; and then begins a scene of the most cruel and infernal practice that ever entered the heart of man, under the appellation ofsporting mirthto the multitude. 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 sermon was preached by the Rev. Doctor Barry, which sermon is since published, and where the following passages may be found.
"Gracious God! benevolent Parent of the universe, what a prodigy must he be in a Christian land, who could thus disgrace his nature by such gigantic infamy, at which the blood of a heathen, of a very Hottentot, might curdle! Two useful animals, the bull, who propagates our food, and the faithful dog, who protects our property, to be thus tormented! and for what purpose? Does it tend, as some have said,[2]to keep alive the spirit ofthe English character? In answer to this we must remark, that the barbarous sport (if sport it can be called) was unknown to the ancient bravery of our ancestors; was introduced into this country in the reign of abadking; and earnestly do I pray to Almighty God, that in the reign of a most pious and benevolent Prince, it may befor ever set aside! Cowards, of all men the least unmoved, can both inflict and witness cruelties."
"The heroes of a bull-bait, the patrons of mercenary pugilists, and the champions of a cock-fight, can produce, I should think, but few, if any, disciples brought up under their tuition, who have done service to their country either as warriors or as citizens; butabundantare the testimonies which have been registered at thegallowsof her devoted victims, trained up to thesepursuitsofBULL BAITING!!!"
Thus much upon its morality: now to a description of its practice. The bull being chained to the stake, which chain extends to about fifteen yards in length, and terminates in a very strong leather collar passing round the neck of the bull; and his horns having been previously muffled at the points (by the professional amateurs) with a composition oftow,tallow, andmelted pitch, the ceremony thus commences. Thosegentlemenbest calculated to appear in the character ofdesperadosbegin the attackby the most dreadful noises of different kinds,bellowings,hootings, andhissings, consisting of a complication horrid beyond description. Whilst the abandoned crew ofraggamuffinsare in this way, with theirhatsandhuzzaings, endeavouring to irritate himbefore, if the poor animal, partially submissive to his fate, remains unmoved, seeming (in the "mind's eye" of rumination) to say "I stand here an object moresinnedagainst than sinning," it rouses the infernal malice of the multitude to a certain degree of indignation, which is instantly displayed by the confederatesbehind, who being mostly provided with sharp-pointed sticks, proceed to thosepleasing punctures, and provokingtwistsof thetail, which rouse him from his state of humiliation to a temporary madness; when, in the midst of this horror and confusion, thefirstdog is suddenlylet loose: and this, to thetreble refinedand inexplicable sensations of a bull-baiter, is themost extaticmoment of his life; his very existence is absorbed in the magnitude of the concern; his whole soul is engaged; the mind or memory is no longer itself, and the tormentor is as completelymadas the unfortunate object of his persecution.
The scene now advances to a state of confusion exceeding allhumaneconception; the howling of the dogs, still in hand, anxious and eager to be let loose; the roaring and dreadful bellowings of the bull, (particularly if pinned by the nose to theground;) the dangerous pressings, and incessant hollowing and huzzaings of themob; the gallopingtramplingsof the enraged animal; all constitute a scene from which the thinking mind retreats with horror, and claims a chasm to renew the description. The first dog, perhaps, inadequate to the wishes of his adherents, and not being able to succeed farther than to increase the rage of the bull, is assisted by asecond, which instantly rousing the victim at the stake to an encreased exertion of rage and self defence, as evidently increases thehorrid happinessof the multitude to a degree beyond all power of imagination, and to which the descriptive pen must bow obedience, and acknowledge itsinability.
Should the poor persecuted animal, by every strenuous effort in its own defence, collect sufficient strength to keep its two inveterate foesat bay, and preserve its nostrils from the blood-thirsty fangs of its opponents, delay does but increase the determination of those previously determined; in which case resentment is seldom long without a remedy. Stimulated to a greater degree of cruelty by tedious disappointment, athird dog(should it be necessary) is let loose,as it were by accident, to assist the othertwo; when, under so severe a weight of accumulated oppression, exhausted nature sinks; the poor pitiable object ispinnedto the ground by the most irritable and tender part about him, bleeding andbellowing amidst the shameless shouts of a shameful victory, where five hundred greater brutes have brought a lesser to the ground.
Not to prolong so shocking a description beyond the length unavoidably necessary to its perfect comprehension, it must suffice to say, the cruelty is extended by every means that can possiblyassist the cause. Prizes are annually advertised for the best dogs, thereby inducing the owners to bring them any distance, not only to increase and lengthen the sport, but that theobjectofmiserymay not die tooeasyadeath! In the midst of his sufferings, if the minds of his hellish tormentors have not been sufficiently satiated with repetitions of what has past, collateral aids are called in to rouse his powers (already by an unwearied scene of persecution lulled to an apathy) of defence and resentment once more into action. Instances are common where fires have been made under the very body of the bull, when too much worn down, and exhausted by the jerks of the chain, longer to exert himself; patiently he stands, with the blood streaming from his nostrils, totally insensible to the twistings of his tail even to dislocation, the continued goring with sticks pointed with nails, and a long list of experiments equally to be abhorred, only tend to strengthen, most incontrovertibly, the dreadful effect such scenes (exultingly enjoyed) must have upon the rising generation, whose minds must, bya familiarity with the frequency of the scene, be rendered totally callous to every sensation of tenderness and humanity, even in the very hour of infantine infatuation.
[2]Mr. Windham in the House of Commons.
[2]Mr. Windham in the House of Commons.
BULL RUNNING—is a pursuit of the bull in a way no less cruel and disgraceful to the humanity of this enlightened country than what has been before described. By custom in the manor of Tutbury, in Staffordshire, as mentioned at almost the head of the last article, a bull was given by the prior to the minstrels. After undergoing the torture of having his horns cut off, his ears and tail cropped and docked to the very stump, his nostrils filled with pepper, and his body besmeared with soap, he was turned out in such a pitiable state to be hunted, (this was calledbull running;) and when taken, or held long enough to pull off some ofhis hair, he was then fastened to the stake, andbaited. To the great honour, however, of the Duke of Devonshire, (Steward of Tutbury,) and not less so of the people who petitioned against it, theBULL RUNNINGatTutburywas entirely abolished in the year 1778.
—is a pursuit of the bull in a way no less cruel and disgraceful to the humanity of this enlightened country than what has been before described. By custom in the manor of Tutbury, in Staffordshire, as mentioned at almost the head of the last article, a bull was given by the prior to the minstrels. After undergoing the torture of having his horns cut off, his ears and tail cropped and docked to the very stump, his nostrils filled with pepper, and his body besmeared with soap, he was turned out in such a pitiable state to be hunted, (this was calledbull running;) and when taken, or held long enough to pull off some ofhis hair, he was then fastened to the stake, andbaited. To the great honour, however, of the Duke of Devonshire, (Steward of Tutbury,) and not less so of the people who petitioned against it, theBULL RUNNINGatTutburywas entirely abolished in the year 1778.
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 instantly retire to for safety, upon the approach of danger.
,—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 instantly retire to for safety, upon the approach of danger.
CADE—was a horse of the bestblood,speed, andbottom, ever bred in the kingdom. He was foaled in 1734; got by theGodolphin Arabian; dam (Roxana) by the Bald Galloway. He beat most horses of his time, and was afterwards, as aSTALLION, the sire ofChangeling,Matchem,Young Cade,Mercury,Merryman,Cadormus,Bold,Bywell Tom,Victim,Turpin, and a long list ofet ceteras; through the channels of whose different progenies his blood is to be found in almost every stud of celebrity from one extremity of the kingdom to the other.
—was a horse of the bestblood,speed, andbottom, ever bred in the kingdom. He was foaled in 1734; got by theGodolphin Arabian; dam (Roxana) by the Bald Galloway. He beat most horses of his time, and was afterwards, as aSTALLION, the sire ofChangeling,Matchem,Young Cade,Mercury,Merryman,Cadormus,Bold,Bywell Tom,Victim,Turpin, and a long list ofet ceteras; through the channels of whose different progenies his blood is to be found in almost every stud of celebrity from one extremity of the kingdom to the other.
CADENCE,—divested of its mere technical idea in the manege, is, in horsemanship, whattimeis inmusic, uniformity in manners, or consistency in conduct: a horse complete in hiscadence, is to be considered perfect in his action.
,—divested of its mere technical idea in the manege, is, in horsemanship, whattimeis inmusic, uniformity in manners, or consistency in conduct: a horse complete in hiscadence, is to be considered perfect in his action.
CALKING, orCorking,—is the projecting part erroneously formed at theheelsof horse-shoes in general, particularly in frosty weather; at which time their utility may be admitted, and, in fact, cannot bedone without, where horses are in frequent use. These calkings, however, cannot be justified upon any scientific principle whatever, withoutchance of accident to the rider, and of lameness to the horse; for upon level ground the horse cannot move but in a distorted motion; and if the prominence in the shoe comes into immediate contact with a rolling-stone, or a projecting part in the pavement, ligamentary lameness probably ensues. If it is found necessary to bring them into use at all,even in frosty weather, both heels should be equally raised, as there will be much less danger in a double than a single calking.
,—is the projecting part erroneously formed at theheelsof horse-shoes in general, particularly in frosty weather; at which time their utility may be admitted, and, in fact, cannot bedone without, where horses are in frequent use. These calkings, however, cannot be justified upon any scientific principle whatever, withoutchance of accident to the rider, and of lameness to the horse; for upon level ground the horse cannot move but in a distorted motion; and if the prominence in the shoe comes into immediate contact with a rolling-stone, or a projecting part in the pavement, ligamentary lameness probably ensues. If it is found necessary to bring them into use at all,even in frosty weather, both heels should be equally raised, as there will be much less danger in a double than a single calking.
CALOMEL—is a medical article, well known by this name as the mildest preparation of mercury: it is in general use in private practice, and a certain specific for the obliteration ofwormsinHORSES, when added in proper proportions to the ingredients for purging-balls.
—is a medical article, well known by this name as the mildest preparation of mercury: it is in general use in private practice, and a certain specific for the obliteration ofwormsinHORSES, when added in proper proportions to the ingredients for purging-balls.
CAMPHIRE—is a vegetable concrete, unctuous to the touch, with a fragrant smell, somewhat like that of rosemary, and a bitter pungent taste, accompanied with a sense of coolness on the tongue. It is volatile, like essential oils, but without their acrimony: it burns in water; it receives no empyreumatic impressions; nor does it suffer any resolution from any degree of fire, to which it can be exposed in close vessels, though readily combustible in the open air. Camphire is known to be good, if, when it is put upon hot bread, it becomes moist; if dry, it is bad. It should be kept in a glass stopperbottle, or close tied in a bladder, not more to prevent it from losing its property, than to prevent the loss of the whole by exhalation. Used as a medicine, internally or externally, it has a narcotic effect, and greatly diminishes the irritability of the system; as an external, it is singularly useful, particularly in weakness, rheumatic pains, or spasmodic affections.
—is a vegetable concrete, unctuous to the touch, with a fragrant smell, somewhat like that of rosemary, and a bitter pungent taste, accompanied with a sense of coolness on the tongue. It is volatile, like essential oils, but without their acrimony: it burns in water; it receives no empyreumatic impressions; nor does it suffer any resolution from any degree of fire, to which it can be exposed in close vessels, though readily combustible in the open air. Camphire is known to be good, if, when it is put upon hot bread, it becomes moist; if dry, it is bad. It should be kept in a glass stopperbottle, or close tied in a bladder, not more to prevent it from losing its property, than to prevent the loss of the whole by exhalation. Used as a medicine, internally or externally, it has a narcotic effect, and greatly diminishes the irritability of the system; as an external, it is singularly useful, particularly in weakness, rheumatic pains, or spasmodic affections.
CAMPHORATED SPIRITS—is a prescription standing in the Dispensatory of the London College of Physicians, and is thus prepared. "Take of camphor two ounces; rectified spirit of wine, one quart; shake frequently till the camphor is dissolved." It is a very useful embrocation in slight strains, as well as to prevent the breaking of chilblains in the winter season.
—is a prescription standing in the Dispensatory of the London College of Physicians, and is thus prepared. "Take of camphor two ounces; rectified spirit of wine, one quart; shake frequently till the camphor is dissolved." It is a very useful embrocation in slight strains, as well as to prevent the breaking of chilblains in the winter season.
CAMOMILE.—The flowers are so useful in fomentations, that no good sportsman in the country should ever be without them in the house.
—The flowers are so useful in fomentations, that no good sportsman in the country should ever be without them in the house.
CANKER,—a diseased state of the foot of a horse, originating in a neglected thrush, which having acquired a corrosive property by its retention, continues to rot and destroy the surrounding parts, till, by a judicious separation of the fungus from the sound parts, fresh granulations may be promoted, and the cure confirmed.
,—a diseased state of the foot of a horse, originating in a neglected thrush, which having acquired a corrosive property by its retention, continues to rot and destroy the surrounding parts, till, by a judicious separation of the fungus from the sound parts, fresh granulations may be promoted, and the cure confirmed.
CANKER—in the ear of a dog, is mostly occasioned by injury from bushes in beating or hunting covert, and might be easily cured at first with a little Friar's balsam, or tincture of myrrh: this being omitted, a rigid eschar forms upon the surface, when which is separated by accident (as it repeatedly is) it leaves the wound larger than before. A very slight touch with thebutter of antimony, is the surest and best mode of destroying the foundation of inveteracy, and healing the wound.
—in the ear of a dog, is mostly occasioned by injury from bushes in beating or hunting covert, and might be easily cured at first with a little Friar's balsam, or tincture of myrrh: this being omitted, a rigid eschar forms upon the surface, when which is separated by accident (as it repeatedly is) it leaves the wound larger than before. A very slight touch with thebutter of antimony, is the surest and best mode of destroying the foundation of inveteracy, and healing the wound.
CANKER—in the mouth of a horse, invariably proceeds from an injury sustained from severe and improper jerks of the bridle by the passion and petulance of the rider: in the seat of the wound or laceration, is formed a sort of insensible slough, which either a little burnt alum, or borax powdered fine, and sprinkled upon the surface, will soon separate, and bring away: the part will afterwards promote its own cure.
—in the mouth of a horse, invariably proceeds from an injury sustained from severe and improper jerks of the bridle by the passion and petulance of the rider: in the seat of the wound or laceration, is formed a sort of insensible slough, which either a little burnt alum, or borax powdered fine, and sprinkled upon the surface, will soon separate, and bring away: the part will afterwards promote its own cure.
CANTHARIDES.—Spanish flies, the principal ingredient in every composition prepared for the purpose of blistering; some of which are in the form of ointments; others, less powerful, are applied as liquids, and called liquid blisters.
.—Spanish flies, the principal ingredient in every composition prepared for the purpose of blistering; some of which are in the form of ointments; others, less powerful, are applied as liquids, and called liquid blisters.
CAPARISON—is mostly used as a military term, appertaining to cavalry regiments, and applicable to the apparatus of every individual; thesaddle, bridle, housings, holsters, and trappings, of every distinction.
—is mostly used as a military term, appertaining to cavalry regiments, and applicable to the apparatus of every individual; thesaddle, bridle, housings, holsters, and trappings, of every distinction.
CALF—is the male produce of thestagandhind: they are the largest of the species in England, and known in the aggregate by the general appellation ofRED DEER; these are mostly the natives of forests and chaces, (as Windsor and the New Forests, Sherwood, Enfield Chace, &c.) in contra-distinction tofallow deer, bred in parks, and calledBUCKandDOE; their produce afawn.
—is the male produce of thestagandhind: they are the largest of the species in England, and known in the aggregate by the general appellation ofRED DEER; these are mostly the natives of forests and chaces, (as Windsor and the New Forests, Sherwood, Enfield Chace, &c.) in contra-distinction tofallow deer, bred in parks, and calledBUCKandDOE; their produce afawn.
CALLS—are instruments for imitating the call of partridges and quails; some of which are so admirably executed, that, with those who are adepts in the execution of the plan, and the management of the nets, it becomes a pleasing, if not a profitable, amusement.
—are instruments for imitating the call of partridges and quails; some of which are so admirably executed, that, with those who are adepts in the execution of the plan, and the management of the nets, it becomes a pleasing, if not a profitable, amusement.
CAPON;—a young cock divested of his testes (by incision and separation) so soon as he is large enough for the operation: the best time is at about three or four months old. The only useful intent is to acquire additional size and growth, as capons are frequently killed of seven, eight, and evenninepounds weight.
;—a young cock divested of his testes (by incision and separation) so soon as he is large enough for the operation: the best time is at about three or four months old. The only useful intent is to acquire additional size and growth, as capons are frequently killed of seven, eight, and evenninepounds weight.
CARP—are esteemed one of the richest fresh water fish we have in the kingdom: they are the principal stock of park canals and manor ponds,to the owners of which they afford considerable profit; particularly near populous cities, where they can be disposed of to advantage at the season when such ponds are drawn, and new stocked with stores. Much success depends upon the nature of the soil where the pond is situate: if in a soft marley kind of earth, or warm clay, impregnated with hazel earth, and a muddy bottom, they thrive beyond expectation; but upon a dead, black, moory gravel, or a flinty, chalky bottom, they are sterile beyond description, in both growth and propagation. They are a fish so exceedingly shy, (or so exceedingly cunning,) that they afford very little success to the angler, who ought to be one of the most patient adventurers that ever embarked in sporting speculation. They are but little found in running streams or rivers, notwithstanding very large quantities of small stores are constantly thrown in from the reservoirs and breeding ponds of gentlemen living in the vicinity of such rivers, not more to get rid of their own superflux, than to promote a friendly supply for the accommodation of their neighbours. In large ponds, well stocked, thepoachersare never deficient in means of procuring themselvesa share: this they effect by forming a paste of crumbled bread, flour, and treacle, to which they add some of the coculus indicus (an Indian berry) in powder: this being well incorporated, and thrown into the pond in various parts, about the size of common baits, in the latter partof the evening, the fish will be found at daylight in the morning floating upon the surface in a state of stupefaction, when they are taken out with the hand close to the bank without the least difficulty. This is a business carried on to a wonderful extent for thirty and forty miles round London, in which circle thesystemofsupplyis as regularly conducted as the first commercial concern in the metropolis; as will be seen when we come to a more minute description of theartunder the headPoaching.
—are esteemed one of the richest fresh water fish we have in the kingdom: they are the principal stock of park canals and manor ponds,to the owners of which they afford considerable profit; particularly near populous cities, where they can be disposed of to advantage at the season when such ponds are drawn, and new stocked with stores. Much success depends upon the nature of the soil where the pond is situate: if in a soft marley kind of earth, or warm clay, impregnated with hazel earth, and a muddy bottom, they thrive beyond expectation; but upon a dead, black, moory gravel, or a flinty, chalky bottom, they are sterile beyond description, in both growth and propagation. They are a fish so exceedingly shy, (or so exceedingly cunning,) that they afford very little success to the angler, who ought to be one of the most patient adventurers that ever embarked in sporting speculation. They are but little found in running streams or rivers, notwithstanding very large quantities of small stores are constantly thrown in from the reservoirs and breeding ponds of gentlemen living in the vicinity of such rivers, not more to get rid of their own superflux, than to promote a friendly supply for the accommodation of their neighbours. In large ponds, well stocked, thepoachersare never deficient in means of procuring themselvesa share: this they effect by forming a paste of crumbled bread, flour, and treacle, to which they add some of the coculus indicus (an Indian berry) in powder: this being well incorporated, and thrown into the pond in various parts, about the size of common baits, in the latter partof the evening, the fish will be found at daylight in the morning floating upon the surface in a state of stupefaction, when they are taken out with the hand close to the bank without the least difficulty. This is a business carried on to a wonderful extent for thirty and forty miles round London, in which circle thesystemofsupplyis as regularly conducted as the first commercial concern in the metropolis; as will be seen when we come to a more minute description of theartunder the headPoaching.
CARMINATIVES—are all such warm aromatic seeds or medicines as expel wind, amongst which may be justly ranked most of the spices; likewise aniseed, carraways, cardamoms, ginger, grains of paradise, &c. They are excellent aids in the flatulent disorders of horses; but should not, if possible, have been too longin the shop, as some of them lose their property by long keeping.
—are all such warm aromatic seeds or medicines as expel wind, amongst which may be justly ranked most of the spices; likewise aniseed, carraways, cardamoms, ginger, grains of paradise, &c. They are excellent aids in the flatulent disorders of horses; but should not, if possible, have been too longin the shop, as some of them lose their property by long keeping.
CARROTS—are, after the fair experiments of late years, become an article of very considerable consumption, as a collateral kind of food for the support of horses employed in agriculture. The most candid attention, and minute observation, at length admits, that horses having a proportion of carrots, washed, cleaned, dried, and cut either alone, or mixed with the barn chaff, do their work as well, look as firm in their flesh, and fine in theircoat, as those who are kept upon corn, chaff, and hay. Although their utility in this way cannot be denied, yet it must be remembered, they are not sufficiently nutritious for horses inhardorexpeditiouswork upon the public and posting roads; they require a more firm, substantial support: for horses in easy, slow, and moderate work, they answer well, incorporated with other articles; or even alone, in small quantities; but if giventoo largely, they attenuate the blood, and impoverish the frame.
are, after the fair experiments of late years, become an article of very considerable consumption, as a collateral kind of food for the support of horses employed in agriculture. The most candid attention, and minute observation, at length admits, that horses having a proportion of carrots, washed, cleaned, dried, and cut either alone, or mixed with the barn chaff, do their work as well, look as firm in their flesh, and fine in theircoat, as those who are kept upon corn, chaff, and hay. Although their utility in this way cannot be denied, yet it must be remembered, they are not sufficiently nutritious for horses inhardorexpeditiouswork upon the public and posting roads; they require a more firm, substantial support: for horses in easy, slow, and moderate work, they answer well, incorporated with other articles; or even alone, in small quantities; but if giventoo largely, they attenuate the blood, and impoverish the frame.
CART HORSES.—The horses so called are principally the horses employed in drawing farmers' waggons, carts, and the plough; as well as the infinity employed with waggons upon the turnpike road, in the conveyance of articles in trade from one part of the kingdom to another. The incredible number supported in the metropolis, and its environs, by the merchants, breweries, coal merchants, carmen, and the proprietors of wharfs, exceed the utmost conception of those not accustomed to such prospects, or to such calculations. Of cart horses this kingdom has to boast different kinds, and those kinds are most judiciously appropriated to the different work, and different countries, for which they seem to be more particularly or individually adapted. Great pains have been taken, and no expence spared, to improve this peculiar and most useful breed of horses to the utmostpossible pitch of perfection. The sorts mostly in use, are the large heavy blacks, for which Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and the midland counties, are the most remarkable; the little stout, uniformpunchesfrom Suffolk; and some of the strong, hardysturdiesfrom Clydesdale, in North Britain. The former of the three sorts, when well shaped, and uniform, constitute as perfect beauties to the contemplative eye of the patriotic agriculturist, as the best bred blood horses can possibly do to the most enthusiastic admirer of the turf. From these midland blacks of the largest size, strength, and uniformity, are selected all the capital stock of the most opulent firms and manufactories in and round the metropolis. Those one degree inferior in height, strength, uniformity, and price, constitute thebell teamsof the farmers inBerkshire,Hants, andWilts; at the principal market towns of which, asReading,Wallingford,Abingdon,Basingstoke,Alton,Alresford,Winchester, &c. may be seen some of the strongest, handsomest and finest teams of draft horses in the kingdom without exception.
.—The horses so called are principally the horses employed in drawing farmers' waggons, carts, and the plough; as well as the infinity employed with waggons upon the turnpike road, in the conveyance of articles in trade from one part of the kingdom to another. The incredible number supported in the metropolis, and its environs, by the merchants, breweries, coal merchants, carmen, and the proprietors of wharfs, exceed the utmost conception of those not accustomed to such prospects, or to such calculations. Of cart horses this kingdom has to boast different kinds, and those kinds are most judiciously appropriated to the different work, and different countries, for which they seem to be more particularly or individually adapted. Great pains have been taken, and no expence spared, to improve this peculiar and most useful breed of horses to the utmostpossible pitch of perfection. The sorts mostly in use, are the large heavy blacks, for which Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and the midland counties, are the most remarkable; the little stout, uniformpunchesfrom Suffolk; and some of the strong, hardysturdiesfrom Clydesdale, in North Britain. The former of the three sorts, when well shaped, and uniform, constitute as perfect beauties to the contemplative eye of the patriotic agriculturist, as the best bred blood horses can possibly do to the most enthusiastic admirer of the turf. From these midland blacks of the largest size, strength, and uniformity, are selected all the capital stock of the most opulent firms and manufactories in and round the metropolis. Those one degree inferior in height, strength, uniformity, and price, constitute thebell teamsof the farmers inBerkshire,Hants, andWilts; at the principal market towns of which, asReading,Wallingford,Abingdon,Basingstoke,Alton,Alresford,Winchester, &c. may be seen some of the strongest, handsomest and finest teams of draft horses in the kingdom without exception.
The Suffolk punches are a considerably coarser kind of horse, less uniform in shape, and less constant in colour; they run greatly into a mealy chesnut, or roan sorrel, having mostly a blaze in the face, with a white mane and tail; they are very staunch to their work, and the hardiest, perhaps, of any horse brought into use. These qualificationsdestine them to the possession of small farmers, having the least money, and, in general, to countries having the least keep. By the account of a previous writer, they are entitled to a more pre-eminent situation. He says, "they are nimble walkers and trotters: they have ever proved themselves the truest and best drawers in the world, as well as the hardiest and most useful cart and plough horses. Their nimbleness, it should seem, is owing to their moderate size; and their immense powers in lifting weight, to the same cause, combined with the low position of the shoulder, which occasions weight to be acted upon in a just and horizontal direction. Their superiority over all other horses, at drawing dead pulls, is, no doubt, in some measure owing to early training, as in no county is such pride taken in teaching horses to draw; and it is well known, that a team of Suffolk horses, the signal being given, will all down upon their knees, and leave nothing behind them, that is within the power of flesh and blood to draw away."
Of the Clydesdale or Scotch horses it is said, "they are probably as good and useful a draft horse as any we are possessed of; larger than the Suffolk punches, being from fifteen to sixteen hands and a half high; strong, hardy, and remarkable true pullers; a restive horse being rarely found amongst them. In shape, plain made about the head, sides, and hind legs; mostly grey or brown; said to havebeen produced from the common Scotch mare and Flanders horses, a hundred years ago." The same writer also recommends "the mixing a little racing blood with the cart flock; enlarging also upon the wonderful exertions in carting business upon the road by the Cleveland bays, a sort of coach horses. Although bred horses are, of all others, the most sluggish; yet it is well known, that across of their bloodgives spirit and activity to the heavier kind of horses."
CASTING NET.—In a half extended form, (when in part suspended from the ground, and resting on the leads fixed to its bottom,) it resembles a bell in its shape; but whencastin thewater, or spread on the ground, it constitutes a complete circle. They are made of different dimensions; and so constructed, as to be completely grasped by the right and left hand, having the centre of the net spread over the left shoulder; when, by a sudden exertion, (in which there must be great expertness,) the net is so cast as to fall upon the water in itsutmost circular extent; where sinking with all possible expedition, by the weight of the lead affixed to its edges, which now becoming the bottom, incloses within it all the fish in the space so covered, and from whence no one can escape. To the centre of the net is fixed a line of ten or twelve feet long, which line, in throwing (or casting) the net, is of course extended, the extremity being previously fastened to the wrist: when the leads havereached the bottom of the water, and rest on the ground, the fish rise into the bell part of the net; then the person 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 fish; and those, particularlyroach,perch, andgudgeons, are sometimes caught in great abundance. The person casting the net should use a round frock, or a jacket without buttons; for want of using which precaution, many a sportsman of this description has received a complete and dangerous ducking, to which he did not seem to think himself fully entitled.
.—In a half extended form, (when in part suspended from the ground, and resting on the leads fixed to its bottom,) it resembles a bell in its shape; but whencastin thewater, or spread on the ground, it constitutes a complete circle. They are made of different dimensions; and so constructed, as to be completely grasped by the right and left hand, having the centre of the net spread over the left shoulder; when, by a sudden exertion, (in which there must be great expertness,) the net is so cast as to fall upon the water in itsutmost circular extent; where sinking with all possible expedition, by the weight of the lead affixed to its edges, which now becoming the bottom, incloses within it all the fish in the space so covered, and from whence no one can escape. To the centre of the net is fixed a line of ten or twelve feet long, which line, in throwing (or casting) the net, is of course extended, the extremity being previously fastened to the wrist: when the leads havereached the bottom of the water, and rest on the ground, the fish rise into the bell part of the net; then the person 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 fish; and those, particularlyroach,perch, andgudgeons, are sometimes caught in great abundance. The person casting the net should use a round frock, or a jacket without buttons; for want of using which precaution, many a sportsman of this description has received a complete and dangerous ducking, to which he did not seem to think himself fully entitled.
CASTING the Hair;—an almost obsolete (or provincial) term for a horse's shedding his coat.
;—an almost obsolete (or provincial) term for a horse's shedding his coat.
CASTRATION—is the loss of the testicles by extirpation, which requires a very nice eye, and steady hand, in the operator: for, although it has, in general, been performed by Vulcanians of the inferior order, who are strangers to the delicate structure and formation of the parts, yet it is now to be anxiously hoped, we are fast emerging from former ignorance, and that we shall become as expert and dexterous in this art (if not so famous) as theItalians. There are two modes of operation; one of those not of long standing: the original manner of operating was by first casting the horse upon a bed of straw, properly prepared for thepurpose; then securing the testes by bandage, and making an incision longitudinally through the scrotum; laying bare the testicle, and, after making firm a waxed thread around the spermatic cord, the testicle was then extracted by the knife, and the farther effusion of blood prevented by the hot iron, or actual cautery. This is the method still in use in most parts of the kingdom, and most probably where the greater number of colts are bred; but in the present increase of veterinarians, some verification of the old adage, "New lords, new laws," must be expected; and they proceed in a different way.
—is the loss of the testicles by extirpation, which requires a very nice eye, and steady hand, in the operator: for, although it has, in general, been performed by Vulcanians of the inferior order, who are strangers to the delicate structure and formation of the parts, yet it is now to be anxiously hoped, we are fast emerging from former ignorance, and that we shall become as expert and dexterous in this art (if not so famous) as theItalians. There are two modes of operation; one of those not of long standing: the original manner of operating was by first casting the horse upon a bed of straw, properly prepared for thepurpose; then securing the testes by bandage, and making an incision longitudinally through the scrotum; laying bare the testicle, and, after making firm a waxed thread around the spermatic cord, the testicle was then extracted by the knife, and the farther effusion of blood prevented by the hot iron, or actual cautery. This is the method still in use in most parts of the kingdom, and most probably where the greater number of colts are bred; but in the present increase of veterinarians, some verification of the old adage, "New lords, new laws," must be expected; and they proceed in a different way.
Presuming upon the possibility of the cauterized eschar coming away by chance or accident, and the profuse hæmorrhage that might probably follow, before the apparatus could be again collected, and the horse reduced to a proper position for securing the arteries from a farther effusion of blood, the following mode is now adopted. The horse being cast, and the incision made through the scrotum, as before described, the spermatic cord is then secured by passing across it a slit stick up close to the body, which is secured at each end with the waxed thread used by shoemakers: this acting as a tourniquet upon the artery, the separation and dissection is then made with the knife; after which a few pledgets, of warm digestives, are introduced; no cautery at all applied; a trifling inflammation, withconsequent discharge, ensues; the superfluous parts slough off, and ten days or a fortnight terminates the whole.
In respect to theageandseasonmost applicable, and best adapted, to the operation, custom and experience seem to have left no room for improvement: twelve or thirteen months old is the best time to perform the operation, and in the months ofApril,May, orJune, that either extreme of heat or cold may be equally avoided. In the last seven years, several practitioners of the new school (to shew the superiority ofartoverNATURE) held forth the theory of castrating horses ofany age, without the least confinement or rest, the subject being permitted to go directly about his business as usual. This proposition was too surprising, and too alluring, not to obtain converts; numbers acquiesced; theory was in a variety of instances reduced to practice; and the practice soon proved (to the mortification of the owners) the truth of the adage, "Dead men tell no tales."
CATARACT,—the technical term for a defect of the eye, to which no particularcauseoforiginhas been yet decisively ascertained. The faculty define it, "an opacity of the crystalline humour of the eye, which prevents the rays of light passing to the retina, and of course preventing vision."Doctor Huntersays, "it is when an inflammation inthe coat of the crystalline humour hath rendered it opaque." ButMr. St. Yvesseems to be of opinion that the crystalline humour swells. He also divides the cataract into thetrue, thedoubtful, andfalse: the true he subdivides again intothree; the doubtful intofour; and the false into the glaucoma, and the shaking cataract. All this division and sub-division seems little regarded even by the most curious and indefatigable in anatomical researches; particularly as it is much to be regretted, that, with every professional and energetic endeavour, no medicines, external or internal, have ever been discovered, that are known certainly capable of removing this disorder. In the human frame, methods of operating on the crystalline humour were successfully practised bySharp,Daviel, and others: little, however, is to be expected with the horse. In such case, perhaps, it may be "better to bear those ills we have, than venture upon those we know not of."
,—the technical term for a defect of the eye, to which no particularcauseoforiginhas been yet decisively ascertained. The faculty define it, "an opacity of the crystalline humour of the eye, which prevents the rays of light passing to the retina, and of course preventing vision."Doctor Huntersays, "it is when an inflammation inthe coat of the crystalline humour hath rendered it opaque." ButMr. St. Yvesseems to be of opinion that the crystalline humour swells. He also divides the cataract into thetrue, thedoubtful, andfalse: the true he subdivides again intothree; the doubtful intofour; and the false into the glaucoma, and the shaking cataract. All this division and sub-division seems little regarded even by the most curious and indefatigable in anatomical researches; particularly as it is much to be regretted, that, with every professional and energetic endeavour, no medicines, external or internal, have ever been discovered, that are known certainly capable of removing this disorder. In the human frame, methods of operating on the crystalline humour were successfully practised bySharp,Daviel, and others: little, however, is to be expected with the horse. In such case, perhaps, it may be "better to bear those ills we have, than venture upon those we know not of."