EXCRESCENCE.—Any preternatural enlargement is so called; but it is principally, and most properly, applied to those of a spongy nature, asWARTSandWENS, as well as a polypus upon any particular part. In allwoundsofHORSES, if they are of considerable magnitude, fungous flesh increases very rapidly, and frequently disconcerts the young or injudiciousVETERINARIAN; who, erroneously adoptingcausticsandescharotics, too often renders the remedy more destructive than the disease.Fungousformation of this kind passes also under the technical denomination ofEXCRESCENCE, and is best reduced by superficial scarification in lines transverse and longitudinal; the dressings then consisting of strong red precipitate digestive ointment with lint, &c. Excrescences of thewartykind will always submit to repeated and persevering applications ofBUTTER OF ANTIMONY,OIL OF VITRIOL, or any other escharotic, but they are not to be laid on with too liberal a hand. Wenny deep-seated substances (erroneously called excrescences) require very warm stimulants, and powerful spirituous applications, for a great length of time, before any expectation of repulsion or obliteration can be entertained.
.—Any preternatural enlargement is so called; but it is principally, and most properly, applied to those of a spongy nature, asWARTSandWENS, as well as a polypus upon any particular part. In allwoundsofHORSES, if they are of considerable magnitude, fungous flesh increases very rapidly, and frequently disconcerts the young or injudiciousVETERINARIAN; who, erroneously adoptingcausticsandescharotics, too often renders the remedy more destructive than the disease.Fungousformation of this kind passes also under the technical denomination ofEXCRESCENCE, and is best reduced by superficial scarification in lines transverse and longitudinal; the dressings then consisting of strong red precipitate digestive ointment with lint, &c. Excrescences of thewartykind will always submit to repeated and persevering applications ofBUTTER OF ANTIMONY,OIL OF VITRIOL, or any other escharotic, but they are not to be laid on with too liberal a hand. Wenny deep-seated substances (erroneously called excrescences) require very warm stimulants, and powerful spirituous applications, for a great length of time, before any expectation of repulsion or obliteration can be entertained.
EXERCISE.—The great advantages resulting fromEXERCISE, to both man and beast, are now so universally understood, both in theory and practice, that animadversion here must be consideredmatter of superfluity: those, however, who wish for a more enlarged or scientific disquisition, will findfifty pagesin the second volume of theGentleman's Stable Directoryappropriated to this particular head.
.—The great advantages resulting fromEXERCISE, to both man and beast, are now so universally understood, both in theory and practice, that animadversion here must be consideredmatter of superfluity: those, however, who wish for a more enlarged or scientific disquisition, will findfifty pagesin the second volume of theGentleman's Stable Directoryappropriated to this particular head.
EXPEDIATE—is a term transmitted from one book to another by former writers, but is at present little used in eitherTHEORYorPRACTICE. It implies the cutting out the centrical ball of the foot of a dog, or such claws as shall totally prevent his pursuit of game. In earlier times, when theFOREST LAWSwere more rigidly enforced, the owner of any dog not expediated, living within the district, was liable to a fine for non-obedience.
—is a term transmitted from one book to another by former writers, but is at present little used in eitherTHEORYorPRACTICE. It implies the cutting out the centrical ball of the foot of a dog, or such claws as shall totally prevent his pursuit of game. In earlier times, when theFOREST LAWSwere more rigidly enforced, the owner of any dog not expediated, living within the district, was liable to a fine for non-obedience.
EXTRAVASATION—applies only to such fluids as may, from any accidental cause, or injury sustained, escape from the tubes or vessels in which they were confined; when they from such extravasation become stagnant, laying the foundation of an obstruction terminating in an enlargement, probably disagreeable to the eye, and some impediment to action. Extravasated lymph, oozing from ruptured fibres, lay most invariably the foundation of almost every tumefaction to which we can advert; and evidently demonstrates the necessity for reflection before we proceedto blows, when it is recollected what serious and lasting injuries by blows may be sustained.
—applies only to such fluids as may, from any accidental cause, or injury sustained, escape from the tubes or vessels in which they were confined; when they from such extravasation become stagnant, laying the foundation of an obstruction terminating in an enlargement, probably disagreeable to the eye, and some impediment to action. Extravasated lymph, oozing from ruptured fibres, lay most invariably the foundation of almost every tumefaction to which we can advert; and evidently demonstrates the necessity for reflection before we proceedto blows, when it is recollected what serious and lasting injuries by blows may be sustained.
EYES.—The state of theEYESin every horse constitutes so much of the value and excellence in respect to theirgoodorbadformation, that proper, nay extreme, circumspection ought to be used in the examination previous to purchase. The best and most experienced judges of horses are sometimes seriously disappointed, and not unfrequently deceived, in a superficial survey, and too hasty decision: in fact, there is nopointof theANIMALupon the merits of which (in a variety of instances) it is so difficult to form an accurate, at least aninfallible, opinion as upon the parts before us. If at first sight you are attracted by their bright, bold, prominent appearance, and observe they are sufficiently clear and transparent to reflect your own figure in the eye as you stand before it, and the horse neitherwinks,blinks, or rolls the orbs of the eyes about, as iffeeling for the lightwhen brought out of the stable, there is then every well-founded reason to believe they are not onlysafe, butPERFECTLY GOOD. On the contrary, when theEYEappearsflat, as if sunk in its orbit, with a palpable vacuum round the orb, between it and the eye-lid, it is a very unfavourable indication; particularly if there should be no defluxion (or inflammatory discharge) from the eye, to justify the idea of a temporary injury having been sustained by aBLOW,BITE, or some suchaccident, neither to be foreseen or guarded against. If there is a palpable indentation above the orbs, and a wrinkled contraction ofthe eye-lids towards the forehead, they are invariable symptoms, or certain signs, of impending danger, and the subject cannot be ventured upon without a very great probability of certain loss when he is again offered for sale.
.—The state of theEYESin every horse constitutes so much of the value and excellence in respect to theirgoodorbadformation, that proper, nay extreme, circumspection ought to be used in the examination previous to purchase. The best and most experienced judges of horses are sometimes seriously disappointed, and not unfrequently deceived, in a superficial survey, and too hasty decision: in fact, there is nopointof theANIMALupon the merits of which (in a variety of instances) it is so difficult to form an accurate, at least aninfallible, opinion as upon the parts before us. If at first sight you are attracted by their bright, bold, prominent appearance, and observe they are sufficiently clear and transparent to reflect your own figure in the eye as you stand before it, and the horse neitherwinks,blinks, or rolls the orbs of the eyes about, as iffeeling for the lightwhen brought out of the stable, there is then every well-founded reason to believe they are not onlysafe, butPERFECTLY GOOD. On the contrary, when theEYEappearsflat, as if sunk in its orbit, with a palpable vacuum round the orb, between it and the eye-lid, it is a very unfavourable indication; particularly if there should be no defluxion (or inflammatory discharge) from the eye, to justify the idea of a temporary injury having been sustained by aBLOW,BITE, or some suchaccident, neither to be foreseen or guarded against. If there is a palpable indentation above the orbs, and a wrinkled contraction ofthe eye-lids towards the forehead, they are invariable symptoms, or certain signs, of impending danger, and the subject cannot be ventured upon without a very great probability of certain loss when he is again offered for sale.
A smallpig-eyeshould be likewise carefully avoided, as they are seldom to be depended upon; the subject is frequently addicted tostarting, and the future state of the eye in generaldoubtful. A cloudy muddiness within the outer humour of the eye, (giving it an opaque appearance,) or a milky thickening of the surface, denote presentdefect, and great probability of approachingblindness. It becomes, therefore, in all cases of doubt, a matter of self-preservation, to have in memory this admonition, that it will be more advantageous (evidently more prudent) to reject an object of impurity and partial attraction, than to purchase in haste, and "repent at leisure."
FALLOW DEER—are the species ofDeerbred in parks for the production of venison, as well for the private use of the great and opulent, as for sale. The male is calledA BUCK; the female, aDOE; the offspring of both,A FAWN; and they vary some degrees in colour, but consist principally of a dark dingy brown, inclining to black, or a mottled sandy dun. TheBUCKis furnished with horns, which he sheds yearly: theDOEhas no such weapons for self-defence.
—are the species ofDeerbred in parks for the production of venison, as well for the private use of the great and opulent, as for sale. The male is calledA BUCK; the female, aDOE; the offspring of both,A FAWN; and they vary some degrees in colour, but consist principally of a dark dingy brown, inclining to black, or a mottled sandy dun. TheBUCKis furnished with horns, which he sheds yearly: theDOEhas no such weapons for self-defence.
TheBUCKsheds his horns from the middle ofAprilthrough the first weeks ofMay, which are in part regenerated by the month ofSeptember. TheDOEgenerally produces her young in the last week ofMay, or during the two first ofJune. The season forBUCK VENISONcommences inJuly, and goes out about Michaelmas; whenDOE VENISONcomes in, and continues tillJanuary. The time in which the act of procreation is carried on (calledrutting time) commences at the latter end ofAugust, and continues during the greater part ofSeptember.
The skins of both buck and doe are manufactured into the article of leather for breeches, sosuperior to every other kind for the purpose of riding, the produce of the whole kingdom is not equal to the demand, many thousand skins being annually imported from different parts of the world. For theLAWSrelating toDEER, seeDeer Stealers.
Buck huntingwas formerly a much more frequent sport than at present; and a dwarf kind of stag-hound (calledbuck-hounds) were kept for the purpose. The uncertainty and short duration of the chase, has, however, at length, nearly obliterated the practice, as there is hardly such a thing in the kingdom asa packkeptsolelyfor the purpose of huntingFALLOW DEER.
FALLOW LAND—is land so called when under no immediate cultivation, but ploughed up, and laid at rest, to acquire, from its exposure to the elements, additional strength for the production of future crops. Of these there are bothsummerandwinterfallows; upon the last of which, if dry,HARESmay generally be found in the months ofJanuary,February, andMarch, if there are any to be seen in the country.
—is land so called when under no immediate cultivation, but ploughed up, and laid at rest, to acquire, from its exposure to the elements, additional strength for the production of future crops. Of these there are bothsummerandwinterfallows; upon the last of which, if dry,HARESmay generally be found in the months ofJanuary,February, andMarch, if there are any to be seen in the country.
FALCONER.—AFALCONER, whose province it was totame,manage, and look afterFALCONS, and otherhawks, was formerly as great and conspicuous a character as the most celebratedHUNTSMANof the present day. The influence of fashion, and the changes wrought by time, have, however, so obscured bothSPORTandSPORTSMANin this way, that neitherhawk,falcon, orfalconer, are to be seen or heard of, unless in the northern parts of the kingdom, where it is also nearly buried in oblivion.
.—AFALCONER, whose province it was totame,manage, and look afterFALCONS, and otherhawks, was formerly as great and conspicuous a character as the most celebratedHUNTSMANof the present day. The influence of fashion, and the changes wrought by time, have, however, so obscured bothSPORTandSPORTSMANin this way, that neitherhawk,falcon, orfalconer, are to be seen or heard of, unless in the northern parts of the kingdom, where it is also nearly buried in oblivion.
FALSE QUARTER—is a defect in the hoof of a horse, originally sustained by some injury, producing a destruction of parts; asquittor,canker,wounds,treads,bruises, or suchformation of matter, by which a part of the hoof has been unavoidably destroyed, or necessarily taken away. In the regeneration of parts, the incarnation (from the rigid and horny nature of the hoof) is irregular and imperfect, forming a sort ofcleft(or artificial union) with the sound part upon the surface, productive of a sensible weakness underneath. This imperfect and defective junction renders suchquarter, as is it called, inadequate to the weight it is destined to bear; in which case, much judgment is required, and may be exerted, in the palliation, asperfect cureis not to be expected. Care must be taken in forming the shoe to relieve the tender part from pressure, byhollowingit at that particular spot, and letting the bearing be fixed entirely upon the sound parts. By constant attention in reducing the prominent edges of the irregular projection with the fine side of theRASP, and a few occasionalimpregnations withfine spermacæti oil, the hoof may be sometimes restored to its original formation.
—is a defect in the hoof of a horse, originally sustained by some injury, producing a destruction of parts; asquittor,canker,wounds,treads,bruises, or suchformation of matter, by which a part of the hoof has been unavoidably destroyed, or necessarily taken away. In the regeneration of parts, the incarnation (from the rigid and horny nature of the hoof) is irregular and imperfect, forming a sort ofcleft(or artificial union) with the sound part upon the surface, productive of a sensible weakness underneath. This imperfect and defective junction renders suchquarter, as is it called, inadequate to the weight it is destined to bear; in which case, much judgment is required, and may be exerted, in the palliation, asperfect cureis not to be expected. Care must be taken in forming the shoe to relieve the tender part from pressure, byhollowingit at that particular spot, and letting the bearing be fixed entirely upon the sound parts. By constant attention in reducing the prominent edges of the irregular projection with the fine side of theRASP, and a few occasionalimpregnations withfine spermacæti oil, the hoof may be sometimes restored to its original formation.
FAMILY.—SeeBlack LegsandBetting.
.—SeeBlack LegsandBetting.
FARCY,—except theGLANDERS, is the most unfortunate and destructive disease to which the horse is subject. It isinfectious, and may be communicated from one horse to another, or to the whole stable, where many stand together. As it frequently attacks different subjects in a different way, (according to thestateandconditionof the horse at the time of attack,) so it has afforded opportunity to thefertileandingeniousto extend and define it tovarious kindsofFARCY, though they are but different shades and gradations of the same disease.
,—except theGLANDERS, is the most unfortunate and destructive disease to which the horse is subject. It isinfectious, and may be communicated from one horse to another, or to the whole stable, where many stand together. As it frequently attacks different subjects in a different way, (according to thestateandconditionof the horse at the time of attack,) so it has afforded opportunity to thefertileandingeniousto extend and define it tovarious kindsofFARCY, though they are but different shades and gradations of the same disease.
The very first traits of this disorder are too distinguishing to be mistaken; although the attack may be made eitheroneway or theother. The subject is, in general,dull,heavy,sluggish, and seemingly oppressed withlassitudeanddebility, for some days previous to any external symptoms of disease; in a short time after which, smallpurulent pustulesappear, with a sort of seemingescharupon theapexof each, running along the veins in a kind of continuity, bearing no ill affinity or resemblance to a bunch of grapes a little diversifiedin size. Upon any of theseeschars, orscabs, being removed, they are followed by a thin bloody ichor in some; but in others, by a fœtid, viscid, corrupted matter, not unlike a mixture of honey and oil, when brought into all possible incorporation.
As the disorder advances to a more inveterate malignity, these pustules burst, the scab or eschar exfoliates, and each becomes a virulent, ill-conditionedulcer. In many instances the progress is extended with incredible rapidity; and the larger vessels, with their inferior ramifications, are soon universally affected; holding forth a very unpromising prediction of early extrication. A tolerable opinion may be formed of the mildness or threatened severity of the disease by the nature of the attack: if appearances are partial, (that is, attached to any particular spot,) without a speedy extension to different parts of the body, or its extremities, the case may be considered in its theninfantine statefavourable; and the proper means should not be delayed to counteract its farther contamination of the blood and juices: on the contrary, should a daily increase of the eruption be observed, spreading itself in various directions along the plate-vein, and down the inside of the fore-arm, under the belly, proceeding on both sides the sheath, and down the inside of each thigh, a cure may be considered verydistantanduncertain; involving a doubt for prudent deliberation,whether the alternative ofDEATHmay not be preferable to thechanceofcure, at an expence (if effected) very, very far exceeding the value ofTHE HORSE.
Experience, and attentive observation, tend to justify an opinion, that when theFARCYmakes its first appearance, in the way described, it is then of the species received byinfection, and that it has lain dormant some time in the circulation. When it makes its attack upon one particular part, in a previoustumefaction, and subsequentsuppuration, (extending no farther than the quarter in which it originates,) it may then be considered a degree of the same disorder, retaining within itself muchless virulencethan the former, and to have been produced by the morbid state of the blood, and predominant tendency to disease; holding forth a well-founded prospect ofCURE, if the case happens to fall into the hands of a judicious and scientific practitioner, who well knows the peculiarpropertyofmedicine, upon which alone the success depends.
Those writers who have industriouslydividedandsub-dividedtheFARCYinto so manydifferent diseases, have not noticed a disorder (or rather a complication) partaking of the joint symptoms of bothGLANDERSandFARCY; from which circumstance it has, by the best and most experienced practitioners, been denominated,FARCY GLANDERS, and is, in itsattack, progress, and termination, precisely as follows. One or more swellings appear upon some part or parts of the body, where, after attaining a certain size, they becomeindurated, making no farther progress towardmaturation. HereNATUREseems counteracted in her own efforts, and, by some inexplicablerevulsion, the head is almost immediately and severely affected;TUMEFACTIONSappear under thejaws; theSWELLINGSincrease in various parts and degrees about theeyesandmouth; a most incredible discharge comes on from the nostrils,discolouredandoffensivebeyond description; in which state, bidding defiance to every interposition ofART, or administration ofMEDICINE, the animal lingers a few days, and, if not previously dispatched, (as in fact it ought to be,)DIESamassof completeputrefaction.
FARRIER—is the appellation by which a person is known, whose occupation it has hitherto been considered to execute the joint office of furnishingshoesfor thePROTECTIONof theFEET, and theBODYwithMEDICINEfor thecure of disease. It has been, from its original formation as a business, the mostdangerous,laborious, andleast compensated, trade (or profession) of any in the kingdom; consequently none but the most indigent or illiterate (from theeavesof acottage, or thewallsof aworkhouse) could be prevailed upon to undertake it. In proof of which, it is a well known fact,that, for a century past, not more thanoneinTWENTYof its practitioners, in eithertownorcountry, has ever been enabled to leave aclear twenty poundsto his family at the time of their decease. Recent circumstances have, however, occurred, to give thePRACTICEofFARRIERYa new complexion; but, unluckily, in theextreme; for the appearance of "The Gentleman's Stable Directory" a few years since, and the success of its author in his indefatigable endeavours, and energetic exertions, to promote a reformation in the shamefully neglected,erroneous, andcruelsystem ofFARRIERY, constituted such a blaze of national emulation, that the institution, erection, and establishment, of aPUBLIC SCHOOL, has rendered practitioners inFARRIERY(newly ycleped "Veterinary Surgeons") as numerous as the necessitous medical adventurers in almost every town and village of the kingdom. SeeVeterinary College.
—is the appellation by which a person is known, whose occupation it has hitherto been considered to execute the joint office of furnishingshoesfor thePROTECTIONof theFEET, and theBODYwithMEDICINEfor thecure of disease. It has been, from its original formation as a business, the mostdangerous,laborious, andleast compensated, trade (or profession) of any in the kingdom; consequently none but the most indigent or illiterate (from theeavesof acottage, or thewallsof aworkhouse) could be prevailed upon to undertake it. In proof of which, it is a well known fact,that, for a century past, not more thanoneinTWENTYof its practitioners, in eithertownorcountry, has ever been enabled to leave aclear twenty poundsto his family at the time of their decease. Recent circumstances have, however, occurred, to give thePRACTICEofFARRIERYa new complexion; but, unluckily, in theextreme; for the appearance of "The Gentleman's Stable Directory" a few years since, and the success of its author in his indefatigable endeavours, and energetic exertions, to promote a reformation in the shamefully neglected,erroneous, andcruelsystem ofFARRIERY, constituted such a blaze of national emulation, that the institution, erection, and establishment, of aPUBLIC SCHOOL, has rendered practitioners inFARRIERY(newly ycleped "Veterinary Surgeons") as numerous as the necessitous medical adventurers in almost every town and village of the kingdom. SeeVeterinary College.
FARRIERY.—TheARTofFARRIERYconsists in the peculiar mode of discovering one disorder from another, by a discrimination of predominant symptoms, and the administration of medicine particularly applicable to that peculiar species of disease. It also comprehends and includes the operations ofBLEEDING,CROPPING,DOCKING,NICKING,BLISTERING,FIRING, &c. as well as the cure of wounds, and the long train ofillsandaccidentsto which the horse is incident. ThisART(or moreproperlyscience) now struggling to become respectable, has hitherto continued in a state of the mostwretched sterilityfor the reasons so clearly explained under the last head; to which may be added, the very impressive consideration, that itsPROFESSORShave not been permitted to retain the least personal weight in the scale of society; on the contrary, have been generally held in the most trifling estimation, and consequently destined to associate only with thelowestand least polished classes of every description.
.—TheARTofFARRIERYconsists in the peculiar mode of discovering one disorder from another, by a discrimination of predominant symptoms, and the administration of medicine particularly applicable to that peculiar species of disease. It also comprehends and includes the operations ofBLEEDING,CROPPING,DOCKING,NICKING,BLISTERING,FIRING, &c. as well as the cure of wounds, and the long train ofillsandaccidentsto which the horse is incident. ThisART(or moreproperlyscience) now struggling to become respectable, has hitherto continued in a state of the mostwretched sterilityfor the reasons so clearly explained under the last head; to which may be added, the very impressive consideration, that itsPROFESSORShave not been permitted to retain the least personal weight in the scale of society; on the contrary, have been generally held in the most trifling estimation, and consequently destined to associate only with thelowestand least polished classes of every description.
The degrading, dirty, and inferior offices to which themanualor operativeFARRIERmust incessantly become liable in the course of hisPRACTICE, renders it readily to be believed, that those whoseEDUCATIONhave been sufficiently liberal to qualify them for a scientific initiation in theSTUDYofPHYSICandANATOMY, as well as a perfect knowledge of thePROPERTYofMEDICINE, cannot be expected to descend to theroughandlaboriousbusiness of theFORGE, making,fittingandsettingtheSHOES, as well as many other equally difficult and hazardous operations to which the subordinate must perpetually become subject in the course of his practice. Hence it is fair to infer, that the liberal education, and acquired polish, of theVETERINARY SURGEON, will so ill accord with the sensations of theSHOEINGorblack smith, that they will be found incompatible witheach other; and,until a more extended idea, and generous compensation, is adopted by the public, to render theMEDICAL MONITOR, (or veterinary surgeon,) and commonshoeing-smithandoperative farrier, two distinct and separate branches, the practice ofFARRIERYandVETERINARY MEDICINEwill never attain the improvement of which it is so clearly capable.
FAWN—is the young of theBUCKandDOE, called a fawn during the first year. A fawn is secreted by the dam in thefern, orlong grass, with great care, during the first weeks, and seldom accompanies the mother but by night. In royalPARKSandCHACES, a certain number are annually killed whenfawnsof about three months old, to prevent the district from beingoverstocked; this is generally done byCOURSINGwithGREYHOUNDS, which is most excellent sport, the greyhounds being frequentlybeat.
—is the young of theBUCKandDOE, called a fawn during the first year. A fawn is secreted by the dam in thefern, orlong grass, with great care, during the first weeks, and seldom accompanies the mother but by night. In royalPARKSandCHACES, a certain number are annually killed whenfawnsof about three months old, to prevent the district from beingoverstocked; this is generally done byCOURSINGwithGREYHOUNDS, which is most excellent sport, the greyhounds being frequentlybeat.
FEATHER.—The centrical division, and different directions, of the surrounding hair in a horse's forehead is so called: they are also frequently seen upon the neck on one or both sides the mane, and sometimes upon the hind quarters, and are considered natural ornaments: their similitude to a feather of the first plumage has given them this appellation.
.—The centrical division, and different directions, of the surrounding hair in a horse's forehead is so called: they are also frequently seen upon the neck on one or both sides the mane, and sometimes upon the hind quarters, and are considered natural ornaments: their similitude to a feather of the first plumage has given them this appellation.
FEATHER WEIGHT,—in theSPORTING WORLD, signifies the lightest weight that can be put upon the back of aHORSE, in whateverMATCHhe may be engaged, and totally depends upon the will of the owner; who is not under the necessity of bringing hisRIDERto thescaleeitherbeforeorafterthe race, in an engagement where "feather weight" is particularly expressed. On the contrary, when a horse runs for anyPLATE,MATCH,SWEEPSTAKES, orSUBSCRIPTION, at afixed weight, according to hisAGE,HEIGHTH, orQUALIFICATION, hisRIDERmust be publicly weighed upon the courseprevioustostarting; and at the termination ofevery heat, if the riderdismountsbefore his horse is led up to theSCALES, (generally affixed to the starting-post,) or when there, not weighing his proper weight, theHORSEis deemeddistanced, and can start no more for the prize in question.
,—in theSPORTING WORLD, signifies the lightest weight that can be put upon the back of aHORSE, in whateverMATCHhe may be engaged, and totally depends upon the will of the owner; who is not under the necessity of bringing hisRIDERto thescaleeitherbeforeorafterthe race, in an engagement where "feather weight" is particularly expressed. On the contrary, when a horse runs for anyPLATE,MATCH,SWEEPSTAKES, orSUBSCRIPTION, at afixed weight, according to hisAGE,HEIGHTH, orQUALIFICATION, hisRIDERmust be publicly weighed upon the courseprevioustostarting; and at the termination ofevery heat, if the riderdismountsbefore his horse is led up to theSCALES, (generally affixed to the starting-post,) or when there, not weighing his proper weight, theHORSEis deemeddistanced, and can start no more for the prize in question.
FEEDER—is one essential part of aHUNTING ESTABLISHMENT, bearing no ill affinity to thebellows-blowerof anORGANIST; for if the hounds are notwellandproperlyfed, they can never be adequate to the fatigues and difficulties they have to go through. To theFEEDERis submitted the management of theHOUNDSin kennel; but he is always subject to the occasional directions of theHUNTSMAN, whose immediate subordinate he is, and whose dictation he must implicitly obey. He should not only beyoung,indefatigable, andalert,but fond of his employment; as well ashumaneandgood tempered, for the comfort of the poor animals entrusted to his care, who have not the power to expostulate whenill used, or to remonstrate if theirgrievancesstand in need ofredress.
—is one essential part of aHUNTING ESTABLISHMENT, bearing no ill affinity to thebellows-blowerof anORGANIST; for if the hounds are notwellandproperlyfed, they can never be adequate to the fatigues and difficulties they have to go through. To theFEEDERis submitted the management of theHOUNDSin kennel; but he is always subject to the occasional directions of theHUNTSMAN, whose immediate subordinate he is, and whose dictation he must implicitly obey. He should not only beyoung,indefatigable, andalert,but fond of his employment; as well ashumaneandgood tempered, for the comfort of the poor animals entrusted to his care, who have not the power to expostulate whenill used, or to remonstrate if theirgrievancesstand in need ofredress.
The department of theFEEDERis of more magnitude than may at first sight be believed. It is his particular business to keepTHE KENNELsweetandclean, and to execute this part of his trust at stated and invariable periods. Toboil,prepare, andmixthe different kinds of provision for theHOUNDS, according to the regulations of the establishment to which he belongs. When disengaged from the concerns of the kennel, he is expected to assist inthe stables; as well as toexerciseanddressthe spare horses of theHUNTSMANandWHIPPER-IN, on hunting days when they are absent. In extensive concerns, and large packs, two are required toFEED, in which case theHUNTSMAN(as is most proper) always renders assistance.
FEET.—TheFEETofHORSESbeing the very basis of support upon which the safety and expedition of the frame entirely depend, they are entitled to every possible degree ofCAREandATTENTION; more particularly in theWINTER SEASON, when, fromneglect, so many ills and inconveniencies are known to arise. The injuries, accidents, and diseases, to which theFEETare constantlyliable, consist ofCRACKSin theheels,SCRATCHESorlacerations,STUBSandbruisesof theouter sole, or upon thevergeof thecoronet, betweenhairandhoof,CORNS,SANDCRACKS,THRUSHES,CANKER,QUITTOR,RINGBONE, andFOOT-FOUNDER; exclusive of the frequent injuries sustained inSHOEING, by theignorance,indolence, orobstinacyof thoseSMITHSwho, having no professional reputation to support, are too innately confident in theirown abilityto bear instruction.
.—TheFEETofHORSESbeing the very basis of support upon which the safety and expedition of the frame entirely depend, they are entitled to every possible degree ofCAREandATTENTION; more particularly in theWINTER SEASON, when, fromneglect, so many ills and inconveniencies are known to arise. The injuries, accidents, and diseases, to which theFEETare constantlyliable, consist ofCRACKSin theheels,SCRATCHESorlacerations,STUBSandbruisesof theouter sole, or upon thevergeof thecoronet, betweenhairandhoof,CORNS,SANDCRACKS,THRUSHES,CANKER,QUITTOR,RINGBONE, andFOOT-FOUNDER; exclusive of the frequent injuries sustained inSHOEING, by theignorance,indolence, orobstinacyof thoseSMITHSwho, having no professional reputation to support, are too innately confident in theirown abilityto bear instruction.
As theDEFECTSthus enumerated will be found individually enlarged upon under distinct and separate heads, it becomes only necessary here to lay down such general rules for the regular management of theFEET, as may (properly attended to) prove the means of prudent prevention; not more in respect to thetroubleandexpenceofDISEASE, than of the most mortifying and repentant anxiety. These defects and disquietudes are seldom found but in the stables where theMASTERrarely or ever condescends toobtrudehisPERSONand commands upon thetenacious dignityof a self-important groom; the persevering industry of whose careful endeavours, and the pliability and elasticity of whose joints, if properly exerted, would prove the truest and mostinfallible preventivestoSWELLED LEGSandCRACKED HEELS, in preference to all thenostrumsever yet brought into private practice or public use. And those who unfortunately encounterthese ills, may generally, and with justice, attribute them much more to theconstitutionaltardiness of theprofessed groom(or occasional strapper) than any defect in the constitution of the horse.
TheFEETof differentHORSESvary exceedingly in what may be termed thetextureorpropertyof the hoof; and this is, in general, regulated by the colour of theLEGSandFEET. There are few horses withwhite heels, but what havewhite hoofsalso, and these are always more liable to, and susceptible of,DEFECTSandWEAKNESS, than those of an opposite description. The sound, firm, dark-coloured hoof, of theBAY,BROWN, orBLACKhorse, is seldom founddefective; but those of other coloured horses are the most subject to weak, thin soles, displaying a prominence on each side the frog, occasioned by a too feeble and inadequate resistance to the force of the membranous mass within; feet of which description are also frequently found to have the corresponding concomitant of abrittle hoof, the edges of which are incessantlysplitting, and throwing out a constant threatening ofSANDCRACKS, with the additional mortification of being subject to inveterateTHRUSHES, or an almost constantly diseased or putrefied state of the frog.
Feet, so exceedingly different in the nature of their construction, must certainly require as different a mode of treatment, according to such circumstances as happen to exist. To preserve feet perfectly sound, and free from the ills to which they are subject, cleanliness is the leading step. After exercise or use, so soon as the body is drest, thedirtorgravelshould be carefully taken from under the shoes with aPICKER, the feet well washed, the legs and heels rubbed dry, the bottom stopped withcow dung, and the hoofs oiled with a brush impregnated withSPERMA CÆTI OIL. Horses left withwet legsandheels, after a severe chace, or long journey, particularly in sharp easterly winds, or duringFROSTandSNOW, constitutecracksorscratchesto a certainty. So severe a rigidity is occasioned in the very texture of the integument, that it becomes partially ruptured or broken in various places, upon being brought into expeditious action; which, with thefrictionandirritationthen occasioned by the sharp particles of gravel in dirty roads, soon produce lacerations of the most painful description.
The state of theSHOESshould be constantly attended to. Permitted to continuetoo longupon theFEET, the growth of thehoofbrings the shoe forward, rendering it too short at theheel, when it begins to indent, andsinkingupon thefoot, soon presses upon theouter sole, constituting pain or disquietudein some horses, and laying the foundation ofCORNSin others. Horses, in moderate work, requireNEW SHOESonce a month upon an average, never varying more than two or three days from that time: indeed, it is not right they should go longer. The penurious plan ofremovingshoeshalf wornis truly ridiculous; they never render service adequate to the expence, and the practice only tends to a more frequent destruction of the hoof.Thrushesshould be counteracted upon their first appearance, without being permitted to acquire a corroding virulence.Swelled Legsare hardly ever seen in stables where a proper course of discipline, and regular routine of business, is observed; they proceed from a visced, sizey state of the blood, a languor in the circulation, a want of exercise out of the stable, or a sufficiency of friction, leg-rubbing, care, and attention within. SeeGrease.
FERN—is a plant abounding plentifully inCHACES,BEECHEN WOODS, andCOMMONS, and is a seeming diminutive resemblance of our native bulwark the hardy oak, not more in the similitude of its growth, than its appropriation to various purposes of utility. It not only constitutes excellent bedding for cattle in the winter, but has been considered so instrumental to thePRESERVATIONofGAME, that laws have beenframedto prevent its being wantonly destroyed, or unseasonably perverted,to the interested purposes of private individuals.
—is a plant abounding plentifully inCHACES,BEECHEN WOODS, andCOMMONS, and is a seeming diminutive resemblance of our native bulwark the hardy oak, not more in the similitude of its growth, than its appropriation to various purposes of utility. It not only constitutes excellent bedding for cattle in the winter, but has been considered so instrumental to thePRESERVATIONofGAME, that laws have beenframedto prevent its being wantonly destroyed, or unseasonably perverted,to the interested purposes of private individuals.
"Any person who shall unlawfullyset fire to,burn, ordestroy, or assist in so doing, anygoss,furze, orfern, upon anyFORESTorCHASEwithin England, he shall, on the oath ofonewitness before aJUSTICEof the peace, forfeit a sum not exceeding 5l. nor less than 40s. one moiety to the informer, the other to the poor of the parish. The same to be levied by distress; in want of which, the offender to be committed to the house of correction, or county gaol, for a time not longer than three months, nor less than one." In addition to which act, there are otherMANORIALrights andlocal customs, respectingFERNuponwastesandcommons, restraining those who have right of common (or other privileges) from cutting fern beforeHOLYROOD DAYin every year.
FERRET—is a useful little animal, well known toWARRENERSandRAT-CATCHERS, by whom they are principally bred, as necessary to their own occupations. Theferretis of great spirit, strength, and courage, for its size; is an inveterate enemy torabbits,rats, andpoultry; in the pursuit of which, it will encounter any difficulty or danger, when once put uponthe scent. The body is longer in proportion to its height, than almost any other animal, theweazelandstoatexcepted. The colourfrequently varies, even in the young of the same dam and the same litter; some being black, with white under the belly; some are of a faint straw-colour yellow, and others of a light sandy red. The head is, in its formation, not unlikethe mouse; the eyes are small, fiery, having the appearance of red-hot iron, and can consequently distinguish objects in the dark. It has a natural and instinctive propensity toburrowing, and where-everthe head can enter, the rest of the body can easily follow. Whenever theFERREThas secured the prey he is in pursuit of, he extracts thebloodwith extreme pleasure bysuction, but is totally indifferent to theflesh; with the exception of the head of eitherRABBITorRAT, the skull of which he directly destroys with his teeth, the better to enjoy an instantaneous and luxuriousfeastupon thebrains.
—is a useful little animal, well known toWARRENERSandRAT-CATCHERS, by whom they are principally bred, as necessary to their own occupations. Theferretis of great spirit, strength, and courage, for its size; is an inveterate enemy torabbits,rats, andpoultry; in the pursuit of which, it will encounter any difficulty or danger, when once put uponthe scent. The body is longer in proportion to its height, than almost any other animal, theweazelandstoatexcepted. The colourfrequently varies, even in the young of the same dam and the same litter; some being black, with white under the belly; some are of a faint straw-colour yellow, and others of a light sandy red. The head is, in its formation, not unlikethe mouse; the eyes are small, fiery, having the appearance of red-hot iron, and can consequently distinguish objects in the dark. It has a natural and instinctive propensity toburrowing, and where-everthe head can enter, the rest of the body can easily follow. Whenever theFERREThas secured the prey he is in pursuit of, he extracts thebloodwith extreme pleasure bysuction, but is totally indifferent to theflesh; with the exception of the head of eitherRABBITorRAT, the skull of which he directly destroys with his teeth, the better to enjoy an instantaneous and luxuriousfeastupon thebrains.
TheFERRETusually produces five or six young at each litter, after a gestation offorty days: the offspring continue blind forthirty days, and copulate in six weeks after they can see. They are not ravenous, (except in pursuit of their prey, after having been long fasted;) are easily supported upon bread, milk, and similar trifles, enabled by nature to exist a long time without food, which is in some degree compensated for by their great enjoyment of sleep. When used inWARRENS, they are hunted withmuzzles, that they may alarm theRABBITS,and drive them from theirburrowsto thenets, without having the power to injure them; for if they were enabled to seize themunder ground, they could never be prevailed upon to leave the earths.
FETLOCK.—The part so called is the next joint below the knee, and is formed by the union of the shank-bone, at itsbottom, with the upper part of the small bone passing from this junction to the coronary bone at itstop. TheTENDONS(commonly called theback sinews) have their lower seat of insertion at this joint, which is constantly liable to, and frequently susceptible of, the most seriousLAMENESS. As injuries of this joint are sometimes incurable, particularly when occasioned by a twist or ligamentary distortion, one precaution may be prudently retained in memory; that more horses are lamed byshort,sudden, andunnaturalturns in thenarrow stallsof an ill-constructedSTABLE, (particularly in the Metropolis,) than by any straitforward means whatever.Tendinous lamenesshas a much greater chance of early relief, and permanent cure, than an injury sustained at thejunction of the bones; for the relaxed tendons being restored to their original elasticity byCORROBORATIVE STIMULANTS,BLISTERING, orFIRING, frequently continuesoundduring the existence of the horse: on the contrary, aLIGAMENTARY LAMENESS, howeverit may be relieved, orapparentlyrestored, is always more subject to a relapse or repetition.
.—The part so called is the next joint below the knee, and is formed by the union of the shank-bone, at itsbottom, with the upper part of the small bone passing from this junction to the coronary bone at itstop. TheTENDONS(commonly called theback sinews) have their lower seat of insertion at this joint, which is constantly liable to, and frequently susceptible of, the most seriousLAMENESS. As injuries of this joint are sometimes incurable, particularly when occasioned by a twist or ligamentary distortion, one precaution may be prudently retained in memory; that more horses are lamed byshort,sudden, andunnaturalturns in thenarrow stallsof an ill-constructedSTABLE, (particularly in the Metropolis,) than by any straitforward means whatever.Tendinous lamenesshas a much greater chance of early relief, and permanent cure, than an injury sustained at thejunction of the bones; for the relaxed tendons being restored to their original elasticity byCORROBORATIVE STIMULANTS,BLISTERING, orFIRING, frequently continuesoundduring the existence of the horse: on the contrary, aLIGAMENTARY LAMENESS, howeverit may be relieved, orapparentlyrestored, is always more subject to a relapse or repetition.
FEVER,—HORSESare subject to, and frequently attacked with, originating in various causes, and acting upon different constitutions in a different way. Judicious discrimination should be made between what is (ab origne) aFEVERwithin itself, andsymptomaticfever, dependent upon, and arising from,anothercause. Extreme pain may produceFEVER, as in largeformationsofmatter, where tumours approach gradually to suppuration.Fevermay become attendant uponinflammatory cholic, or upon a severe fit of thestrangury, or spasmodic affection of the kidnies. In allINFLAMMATIONSof theLUNGS, the fever exceeds description; but these fevers are calledSYMPTOMATIC, as being a concomitant, or distinguishing trait, of theDISEASEupon which it isfounded, rather than a disease within itself.
,—HORSESare subject to, and frequently attacked with, originating in various causes, and acting upon different constitutions in a different way. Judicious discrimination should be made between what is (ab origne) aFEVERwithin itself, andsymptomaticfever, dependent upon, and arising from,anothercause. Extreme pain may produceFEVER, as in largeformationsofmatter, where tumours approach gradually to suppuration.Fevermay become attendant uponinflammatory cholic, or upon a severe fit of thestrangury, or spasmodic affection of the kidnies. In allINFLAMMATIONSof theLUNGS, the fever exceeds description; but these fevers are calledSYMPTOMATIC, as being a concomitant, or distinguishing trait, of theDISEASEupon which it isfounded, rather than a disease within itself.
The predominant symptoms ofFEVERare, an agitated lassitude and debility of the whole frame, with evident disquietude in every position; quick and strong pulsation; mouth parched and dry, with a burning heat to the fingers, when placed under the tongue; breath of a fleshy offensive smell; the eyes red, inflamed and prominent, as if propelled by internal inflammation; heavingmoreorlessin the flanks, according to the mildness or severity of the case. Frequent attempts are made toSTALE; the urine is veryredin colour, and comes away in small quantities: the dung is generally hard, voided in single or double globules, to each of which adheres aviscid slime, indicative of much internal foulness amidst the interstices of the intestinal canal. Loss of appetite, difficulty of respiration, a refusal of food, and impatient thirst for water, are amongst the most invariablediagnosticsoffever; and as these symptoms aremoreorlessviolent, may be estimated the severity andDANGERofDISEASE.
FIDGET,—the name of a horse of much celebrity, who won as many capital stakes as most horses of his time. He was bred byMr. Vernon; was got byFlorizel; dam byMatchem, out of an own sister toSweetbriar. In the possession of theDukeofBedford, he became a stallion at Wooburn, and was the sire ofAugusta,Cub,Victor,Frisky,Hamadryad,Nestler,Fantail,Zemise,Granadilla,Lady Sarah,St. Vitus; all winners; as well as a great number of colts and fillies, who won large stakes at three and four years old, but ran without a name.
,—the name of a horse of much celebrity, who won as many capital stakes as most horses of his time. He was bred byMr. Vernon; was got byFlorizel; dam byMatchem, out of an own sister toSweetbriar. In the possession of theDukeofBedford, he became a stallion at Wooburn, and was the sire ofAugusta,Cub,Victor,Frisky,Hamadryad,Nestler,Fantail,Zemise,Granadilla,Lady Sarah,St. Vitus; all winners; as well as a great number of colts and fillies, who won large stakes at three and four years old, but ran without a name.
FIGGING—is thesublime artof insinuating a profusion of false spirit, andartificial fire, into a horse, when offering him for sale. This is doneby privately introducing apieceofginger(previously bitten) within thesphincterof theanus, where, by its painful stimulus, it so irritates the animal, that he seems, by thecockingof his tail, the instantaneous erection of his ears, and thedeceptive spirithe displays in action, to be a horse of very superior appearance and value to what he turns out when thestimulusof thisdeceptionhas subsided.
—is thesublime artof insinuating a profusion of false spirit, andartificial fire, into a horse, when offering him for sale. This is doneby privately introducing apieceofginger(previously bitten) within thesphincterof theanus, where, by its painful stimulus, it so irritates the animal, that he seems, by thecockingof his tail, the instantaneous erection of his ears, and thedeceptive spirithe displays in action, to be a horse of very superior appearance and value to what he turns out when thestimulusof thisdeceptionhas subsided.
FILLETS—are, in more intelligible language, theLOINSof aHORSE, and seated above the flank, beyond the last rib, and in a transverse line with the hip-bone. A horse long in the back, narrow across the loins, and tucked up (greyhound like) in the carcase, is said to be badly made in theFILLETS, or, in other words,weakin theloins.
—are, in more intelligible language, theLOINSof aHORSE, and seated above the flank, beyond the last rib, and in a transverse line with the hip-bone. A horse long in the back, narrow across the loins, and tucked up (greyhound like) in the carcase, is said to be badly made in theFILLETS, or, in other words,weakin theloins.
FILLY,—the female produce of aHORSEandMARE: she is called aFILLY FOALthefirstyear; aYEARLINGthesecond; and aFILLYtillfouryears old.
,—the female produce of aHORSEandMARE: she is called aFILLY FOALthefirstyear; aYEARLINGthesecond; and aFILLYtillfouryears old.
FILM—appertains to a certainDEFECT, and properly used, applies only to a thickening of theoutercoat or humour ofTHE EYE; in which case relief from external applications may very frequently be obtained: but where any of the internal coverings are become opaque, (and sometimes erroneouslycalled films,) success from topical experiments must not be expected.
—appertains to a certainDEFECT, and properly used, applies only to a thickening of theoutercoat or humour ofTHE EYE; in which case relief from external applications may very frequently be obtained: but where any of the internal coverings are become opaque, (and sometimes erroneouslycalled films,) success from topical experiments must not be expected.
FIRETAIL—was a name given to three famous running horses in succession; the first got byChilders, the second bySquirrel, and the third byEclipse.
—was a name given to three famous running horses in succession; the first got byChilders, the second bySquirrel, and the third byEclipse.
FIRING—is an operation performed upon different parts ofA HORSEfor the promotion of any particular purpose, (according to the degree of injury sustained,) and in the following way. The horse being safely secured bytwitchesandcords, according to the methods in general use, theOPERATORhaving hisironsin the fire properly heated, and hisattendantready to supply him with another, as often as thefireof the previousironis exhausted, he proceeds with the edge of thered-hot ironto make longitudinal and transverse strokes in succession, over the whole part where injury has been sustained, and to such extent as circumstances may have rendered necessary; the depth and magnitude of theoperationdepending upon the severity of the injury, and the length of time since it was sustained.Firingis frequently adopted instrainsof theback sinews, where the subject is said to havebroken down; likewise forBONEandBLOOD SPAVINS,CURBS,SPLENTS, and partially to prevent a renewal or repetition ofSAND-CRACKS, as well as forRINGBONES, andLAMENESSin theround-bone; in the twolast, however, it has hardly ever been known of the least utility.
—is an operation performed upon different parts ofA HORSEfor the promotion of any particular purpose, (according to the degree of injury sustained,) and in the following way. The horse being safely secured bytwitchesandcords, according to the methods in general use, theOPERATORhaving hisironsin the fire properly heated, and hisattendantready to supply him with another, as often as thefireof the previousironis exhausted, he proceeds with the edge of thered-hot ironto make longitudinal and transverse strokes in succession, over the whole part where injury has been sustained, and to such extent as circumstances may have rendered necessary; the depth and magnitude of theoperationdepending upon the severity of the injury, and the length of time since it was sustained.Firingis frequently adopted instrainsof theback sinews, where the subject is said to havebroken down; likewise forBONEandBLOOD SPAVINS,CURBS,SPLENTS, and partially to prevent a renewal or repetition ofSAND-CRACKS, as well as forRINGBONES, andLAMENESSin theround-bone; in the twolast, however, it has hardly ever been known of the least utility.