FIRING-IRON,—the instrument with which theOPERATIONofFIRINGis performed. It is a piece of iron about fifteen inches long, with a stem terminating in a wooden handle atoneend, having a blade of three inches long, and two wide, at theother. This blade is forged flat, and is at the back half an inch in thickness, becoming graduallythinnertowards theedge, which is not more thanone thirdwhat it is at the back. They are formed of different dimensions for different occasions, andthreeorfourare kept in the fire, and used to expedite the operation, where it is carefully and expertly performed.
,—the instrument with which theOPERATIONofFIRINGis performed. It is a piece of iron about fifteen inches long, with a stem terminating in a wooden handle atoneend, having a blade of three inches long, and two wide, at theother. This blade is forged flat, and is at the back half an inch in thickness, becoming graduallythinnertowards theedge, which is not more thanone thirdwhat it is at the back. They are formed of different dimensions for different occasions, andthreeorfourare kept in the fire, and used to expedite the operation, where it is carefully and expertly performed.
FISH.—Reasons are adduced under the head "Angling," why it has been thought unnecessary to enter upon so copious a subject in a work of this kind; but asFISH,FISH PONDS, andFISHERIES, have been found repeatedly worthy the attention of the legislature, for the preservation ofPROPERTYandPERSONAL RIGHTS, a concise abstract of theLAWS, as they now stand, respecting those rights, will constitute the whole that can be required, or thought necessary, upon this subject.
.—Reasons are adduced under the head "Angling," why it has been thought unnecessary to enter upon so copious a subject in a work of this kind; but asFISH,FISH PONDS, andFISHERIES, have been found repeatedly worthy the attention of the legislature, for the preservation ofPROPERTYandPERSONAL RIGHTS, a concise abstract of theLAWS, as they now stand, respecting those rights, will constitute the whole that can be required, or thought necessary, upon this subject.
By the 5th Eliz. c. xxi. s. 2, it is provided, That if any person shall unlawfullyBREAKorDESTROYanyheadordamof aFISH POND, or shall wrongfully fish therein, with intent totakeorkill fish, he shall, on conviction at theASSIZESor sessions, at the suit of the King, or the party injured, be imprisonedthree months, and pay treble damages; and after the expiration of the said three months, shall find sureties for good behaviour forSEVEN YEARSto come.
By 31st Henry Eighth, c. ii. s. 2, If anyevil-disposed personsshall fish in the day-time, from six in the morning till six in the evening, in anyPONDS,STEWS, orMOATS, withnets,hooks, orbait, against the will of the owners, they shall, on conviction thereof, at the suit of the King, or the party aggrieved, suffer imprisonment for the space of three months, and find security for their good behaviour.
By 22d and 23d Charles Second, c. xxv. s. 7, it is enacted, That ifany personshall, atany time, use anycasting-net,drag-net,shove-net, orother net whatever; or anyangle,hair,noose,troll, orspear; or shall lay anywears,pots,nets,fish-hooks, orother engines; or shalltakeany fish byany means whatsoever, in anyRIVER,STEW,MOAT,POND, or other water,or shall be aidingthereunto, without the consent of theOWNERof theWATER, and be convicted thereof before aJUSTICE, by confession, or theOATHofonewitness, withinone monthafter theoffence committed, such offender shall give to the party injured such satisfaction as theJUSTICEshall appoint, not exceedingtreble damages; and shall, over and above, pay down presently unto theOVERSEERSof thePOOR, such sum, not exceeding 10s.as theJUSTICEshall think fit: and indefaultofpayment, the said penalties to beLEVIEDbyDISTRESS; and for want thereof, the offender to be committed to thehouse of correction, for a term not exceedingone month, unless the party offending enter into bond, with surety, to the party injured, in a sum not exceeding 10l.never to offend in like manner.
Justicesare also authorized totake,cutinpieces, anddestroy, all such articles as before recited and adapted to the taking of fish, as may be found in the possession ofOFFENDERSwhen taken. Persons aggrieved mayappealto theQUARTER SESSIONS, whose judgment shall befinal. Although this power is vested in aMAGISTRATE, yet the owner of thewater, orfishery, cannot justify such a measure, but can only take themdamage feasant, as is particularly expressed in various clauses of different acts of Parliament upon this subject. And by the 4th and 5th William and Mary, it is enacted, That no person (except makers and sellers of nets, owners of a river or fishery, authorized fishermen, and their apprentices) shallkeepany net, angle, leap, pike, or other engine for taking ofFISH.
The proprietor of any river or fishery, or persons by them authorized, may seize, and keep to his own use, anyenginewhich shall be found in the custody of any person fishing in anyriverorfishery, without theCONSENTof theOWNERorOCCUPIER. And such owner, occupier, or person, authorized byeither, sanctioned by the consent of anyJUSTICE, in the day-time, may search the houses, or other places, of any person prohibited to keep the same, who shall be suspected to have such nets, or other engines, in his possession, and the same to seize, and keep to their own use, orcut in piecesanddestroy.
By the 5th George Third, c. xiv. s. 1, it is enacted, That if any person shall enter into anyPARKorPADDOCKinclosed, or enter into anygarden,orchard, oryard, belonging to, or adjoining to, any dwelling-house, wherein shall be anyriver,pond,moat, or otherwater, and, by any means whatsoever, (without the consent of the owner,)steal,kill, ordestroy, anyFISH, bred, kept, or preserved therein, or shall be assisting therein, or shallreceiveorbuyany such fish, knowing them to be such, shall, upon conviction, betransportedforseven years. Persons makingconfessionof such offence, and giving evidence against an accomplice, who, in pursuance thereof, shall be convicted, will be entitled to a free pardon.
And by the same Act, s. 3, it is enacted, That if any person shall take, kill, or destroy, orATTEMPTto take, kill, or destroy, any fish in anyriverorstream,pool,pond, orother water, (not being in any park or paddock enclosed, or in any garden, orchard, or yard, belonging or adjoining to a dwelling-house, but in any other enclosed ground,being private property,) such person, being thereof convicted by confession, or the oath ofone witnessbefore aJUSTICE, shall forfeitfive poundsto the owner of the fishery of such river or other water; and in default thereof, shall be committed to the house of correction for a time not exceedingsix months.Stealing fishindisguiseis madeFELONYby the 9th George the First, c. xxii. If any personarmedanddisguised, shall unlawfullysteal, ortake away,anyFISH, out of any river, or pond, or (whether armed or not) shall unlawfully andmaliciouslybreak down the head or mound of anyFISH-POND, whereby the fish shall belostanddestroyed, or shall rescue any person in custody for any such offence, or procure any other to join him therein, he shall be guilty ofFELONY, withoutbenefitofclergy.
FISTULA.—Any ulcer having aSINUSor pipe of uncertain termination, the inside of which has acquiredcallosity, and from whence a matter or bloody sanies flows, or may be pressed out, iscalled aFISTULA. In its more immediate application, it appertains principally to the injury sustained upon theWITHERSofHORSES;pinchedby thesaddle, orbruisedby theharness; in long and severe chases or journies withone, or long continued weight and friction with theother. A repetition of thefirst causegenerally lays the foundation of great trouble; some expence, and no small share of anxiety: attended to upon thefirst injury, the inflammation frequently submits (andsometimes speedily) to the mildest class ofREPELLENTS: a fomentation of hot vinegartwiceorthrice, for ten minutes each time, or a few applications of strongVEGETO MINERAL, incorporated with a proportion of camphorated spirits, will generally prevent any farther cause of disquietude.
.—Any ulcer having aSINUSor pipe of uncertain termination, the inside of which has acquiredcallosity, and from whence a matter or bloody sanies flows, or may be pressed out, iscalled aFISTULA. In its more immediate application, it appertains principally to the injury sustained upon theWITHERSofHORSES;pinchedby thesaddle, orbruisedby theharness; in long and severe chases or journies withone, or long continued weight and friction with theother. A repetition of thefirst causegenerally lays the foundation of great trouble; some expence, and no small share of anxiety: attended to upon thefirst injury, the inflammation frequently submits (andsometimes speedily) to the mildest class ofREPELLENTS: a fomentation of hot vinegartwiceorthrice, for ten minutes each time, or a few applications of strongVEGETO MINERAL, incorporated with a proportion of camphorated spirits, will generally prevent any farther cause of disquietude.
There is no onedisease, orinjury, to whichTHE HORSEis incident, more perplexing to theVULCANIANSof theold schoolorVETERINARIANSof thenew, than aFISTULA; the formation and process of which is precisely thus. A repetition of the bruise and friction, or painful pressure upon the wither, having excited inflammation,NATUREmakes aneffortin herownfavour; tumefaction or swelling ensues, and suppuration follows of course. From the bony structure of this particular part, a copious secretion of matter is in the first instance never obtained, or, indeed, to be expected. From the great difficulty of securing poultices so as to retaintheir situation, theprogressofmaturationis always tardy, and ultimately bothpartialand imperfect: the aperture, ifself-made, is always exceedingly small, from which may be immediately traced with the probe,oneormorepipes orSINUSSESin different directions, becoming more and morecallous internally, according to the length of their standing, or the injudicious mode in which they may have been treated.
Various modes of treatment, and different directions for a certainty of cure, have been laid down by successive writers uponFARRIERY, and frequently withlittlesuccess.Theory, it must be admitted, isonething; the execution inPRACTICEisanother. TheVOLUMEofEXPERIENCEopens to the mind of rumination, and professional emulation, anew pageevery day; that page now demonstrates thefact, that the most inveterate and long-standingFISTULAis to be firmly and infallibly cured, and the parts perfectly restored, by a mode easy in execution, and invariable in effect. Let a silver probe be passed in every possible direction, that theSINUSSESmay be precisely ascertained; this done, let the probe be properlyarmedwithlint, then plentifully impregnated withBUTTERofANTIMONY, and carefully introduced in such state intoeach distinct sinus, (whichever way they divide or ramify;) when there, give the probe a turn, that every part may be equally affected; artificial inflammationwill succeed, the internalCALLOSITYwill bedestroyed, and slough off in a few days from the sound parts. Thevacuummay then be cleansed with equal parts ofFRIAR'S BALSAM, andTINCTUREofMYRRH, by a long-necked syringe, once in three or four days; and theWOUNDbeing daily dressed with theprecipitate digestive ointment, insinuated withlintrolled round theprobe, and when properly inserted, slipt off with the force of the finger and thumb into the wound, and covered with a sticking plaister to keep it firm, incarnation will be gradually promoted, andCOMPLETE CUREcertainly follow.
FLANK of a HORSE—is the part lying between the lastRIBand theHIND QUARTER, reaching from the part of theLOINSnearest thehip-bone, to the bottom of the belly nearest theSTIFLE. If a horse is well ribbed up, his flank nothollow, but circularly prominent, and hisBACK SHORT, he is then called a "good barrelled horse," and is very seldom deficient in other respects which constitute attraction.
—is the part lying between the lastRIBand theHIND QUARTER, reaching from the part of theLOINSnearest thehip-bone, to the bottom of the belly nearest theSTIFLE. If a horse is well ribbed up, his flank nothollow, but circularly prominent, and hisBACK SHORT, he is then called a "good barrelled horse," and is very seldom deficient in other respects which constitute attraction.
FLEAM, the well-known instrument used forBLEEDING HORSES. Lancets are preferred by some withthin-skinnedand blood-horses. Different kinds ofSPRING-FLEAMShave been invented also; but no one has been produced of sufficient merit or utility to entirely supersede the established custom.
, the well-known instrument used forBLEEDING HORSES. Lancets are preferred by some withthin-skinnedand blood-horses. Different kinds ofSPRING-FLEAMShave been invented also; but no one has been produced of sufficient merit or utility to entirely supersede the established custom.
FLESHY-FOOTED.—A horse is said to beFLESHY FOOTED, when that part of thebottom of the footon each side theFROG(called theOUTER SOLE) is preternaturally prominent, constituting a convexity above thewallorcrustof theHOOF, where the shoe should have its proper bearing upon theFOOTof theHORSE. In feet of this description, the outer sole, from repeated bruising and battering in constant work upon hard roads, or from an injudicious and destructiveparing awaywith the butteris, are so exceeding thin as to indent with the slightest impression, and being too weak to resist the membranous expansion within, compulsively submit to the internal propulsion, and are thrown into the projecting form already described. Great care is required in shoeing horses with this defect: the inner part of the web of the shoe should be so completely hollowed as not to admit the least chance of bearing upon the prominent part; if it does, tenderness and disquietude (if not lameness) must inevitably ensue. In cases of this kind, neither thebutterisordrawing-knife, should be permitted in hand; they only render theREMEDYworse than theDISEASE.
.—A horse is said to beFLESHY FOOTED, when that part of thebottom of the footon each side theFROG(called theOUTER SOLE) is preternaturally prominent, constituting a convexity above thewallorcrustof theHOOF, where the shoe should have its proper bearing upon theFOOTof theHORSE. In feet of this description, the outer sole, from repeated bruising and battering in constant work upon hard roads, or from an injudicious and destructiveparing awaywith the butteris, are so exceeding thin as to indent with the slightest impression, and being too weak to resist the membranous expansion within, compulsively submit to the internal propulsion, and are thrown into the projecting form already described. Great care is required in shoeing horses with this defect: the inner part of the web of the shoe should be so completely hollowed as not to admit the least chance of bearing upon the prominent part; if it does, tenderness and disquietude (if not lameness) must inevitably ensue. In cases of this kind, neither thebutterisordrawing-knife, should be permitted in hand; they only render theREMEDYworse than theDISEASE.
FLORIZEL—was a horse of muchcelebrityupon theTURF, beating most horses of his time; and was afterwards a stallion in great repute for many years. He was got byHerod, dam byCygnet; bred by Mr.C. Blake, and foaled in 1768.He was the sire ofBerwick,Crookshanks,Diomed,King William,Experiment,Fox,Ulysses,Bustler,Dash,Fidget,Fortunio,Hope,Lee Boo,May Fly,Mouse,Mulberry,Nimble,Pig,Prizefighter,Tongs,Hope,Spendthrift,Tick,Tickle,Wonder,Brother to Fidget, (who won 2000 guineas in 1791,)Eager,Hopeful,Lilliput,Nameless,Quick,Terror,Tartar,Hermia, andWilliam; all winners; exclusive of others too numerous to recite.
—was a horse of muchcelebrityupon theTURF, beating most horses of his time; and was afterwards a stallion in great repute for many years. He was got byHerod, dam byCygnet; bred by Mr.C. Blake, and foaled in 1768.He was the sire ofBerwick,Crookshanks,Diomed,King William,Experiment,Fox,Ulysses,Bustler,Dash,Fidget,Fortunio,Hope,Lee Boo,May Fly,Mouse,Mulberry,Nimble,Pig,Prizefighter,Tongs,Hope,Spendthrift,Tick,Tickle,Wonder,Brother to Fidget, (who won 2000 guineas in 1791,)Eager,Hopeful,Lilliput,Nameless,Quick,Terror,Tartar,Hermia, andWilliam; all winners; exclusive of others too numerous to recite.
FOAL—is the produce ofHORSEandMAREin a general sense, including both male and female; but when a more particular description is required, it is customary to say either aCOLT, or aFILLYfoal.
—is the produce ofHORSEandMAREin a general sense, including both male and female; but when a more particular description is required, it is customary to say either aCOLT, or aFILLYfoal.
FOAM.—SeeFROTH.
.—SeeFROTH.
FODDER.—The winter provender forHORSESandCATTLEis so called, and consists ofbarleyandoat straw,peas haum, the shortrakingsof thebarn floorafter threshing the corn, andpreviousto cleaning it; all which, with good shelter in the most severe and dreary part of the season, constitute noillaccommodation; particularly thoseFARMYARDSin the country that are well managed, from whenceHORSES, after awinter's run, frequently come upFIRMinFLESH, and not veryfoulincondition. On the contrary, those who are advocates for theSTRAW-YARDSwithintenorfifteenmiles oftheMetropolis, had bettercut the throatsof theirHORSESthan make the experiment: they barely exist in a state of wretched starvation, are brought up in the months of April and May objects of dreadful emaciation, and commonly occasion more expence to generate flesh, and render them fit for use, than they are afterwards worth. An insufficiency of sweet, good, and healthyFODDER, or even a profusion ofstinking oats, ormusty hay, will inevitably impoverish the blood, and lay the foundation ofSURFEIT,MANGE,FARCY, and other disorders.
.—The winter provender forHORSESandCATTLEis so called, and consists ofbarleyandoat straw,peas haum, the shortrakingsof thebarn floorafter threshing the corn, andpreviousto cleaning it; all which, with good shelter in the most severe and dreary part of the season, constitute noillaccommodation; particularly thoseFARMYARDSin the country that are well managed, from whenceHORSES, after awinter's run, frequently come upFIRMinFLESH, and not veryfoulincondition. On the contrary, those who are advocates for theSTRAW-YARDSwithintenorfifteenmiles oftheMetropolis, had bettercut the throatsof theirHORSESthan make the experiment: they barely exist in a state of wretched starvation, are brought up in the months of April and May objects of dreadful emaciation, and commonly occasion more expence to generate flesh, and render them fit for use, than they are afterwards worth. An insufficiency of sweet, good, and healthyFODDER, or even a profusion ofstinking oats, ormusty hay, will inevitably impoverish the blood, and lay the foundation ofSURFEIT,MANGE,FARCY, and other disorders.
FOIL,—a term used inHARE HUNTING. When, during the chase, a hare, after aheadordouble, runs over the ground she hasran before, she is then said to berunning the foil, and with strict truth, for nothing can so muchfoiltheHOUNDSas a chase of this description.Old hares, who have speed enough to break away, and get considerably a-head, almost invariably throw themselves out to therightorleft,double, andQUAT; particularly if ahedge-row,hedge,fern,furze, or anykind of covertpresents itself favourably for the purpose. TheHOUNDScontinuing to run the scent to the spot where she made her head,over-run the hare, and having no continuance of scent, are of courseat fault; during which delay oftrying forward,trying back, making a cast tothe right, then a cast tothe left, theHAREslips into herfoil; by repeatedly running of which with the same instinctive sagacity,she as repeatedly saves her life; without which, and many similarinnate shiftsto avoid their numerous enemies, there would not long be aHAREleft in the country.
,—a term used inHARE HUNTING. When, during the chase, a hare, after aheadordouble, runs over the ground she hasran before, she is then said to berunning the foil, and with strict truth, for nothing can so muchfoiltheHOUNDSas a chase of this description.Old hares, who have speed enough to break away, and get considerably a-head, almost invariably throw themselves out to therightorleft,double, andQUAT; particularly if ahedge-row,hedge,fern,furze, or anykind of covertpresents itself favourably for the purpose. TheHOUNDScontinuing to run the scent to the spot where she made her head,over-run the hare, and having no continuance of scent, are of courseat fault; during which delay oftrying forward,trying back, making a cast tothe right, then a cast tothe left, theHAREslips into herfoil; by repeatedly running of which with the same instinctive sagacity,she as repeatedly saves her life; without which, and many similarinnate shiftsto avoid their numerous enemies, there would not long be aHAREleft in the country.
FOLDING-NET.—SeeBat Fowling.
.—SeeBat Fowling.
FOMENTATION—is, perhaps, the most generally useful of all external applications in a great variety of cases, and cannot of course be too well known, or too much encouraged. It is a process but littleprescribedorpractisedbyFARRIERSorVETERINARIANS; either because its efficacious property is very little known; or the persevering patience required in the act, is too great forconstitutional indolence. In all inflammatorytumoursandenlargementsarising fromSTRAINS,BLOWS,BRUISES, and various other injuries, the efficacy of hot and perseveringFOMENTATIONcan only be known to those who have repeatedly experienced its salutary effects. In fact, its properties aretwofold, in as much as it assistsNATUREin whichever is her most predominant effort, either forabsorptionorsuppuration.
—is, perhaps, the most generally useful of all external applications in a great variety of cases, and cannot of course be too well known, or too much encouraged. It is a process but littleprescribedorpractisedbyFARRIERSorVETERINARIANS; either because its efficacious property is very little known; or the persevering patience required in the act, is too great forconstitutional indolence. In all inflammatorytumoursandenlargementsarising fromSTRAINS,BLOWS,BRUISES, and various other injuries, the efficacy of hot and perseveringFOMENTATIONcan only be known to those who have repeatedly experienced its salutary effects. In fact, its properties aretwofold, in as much as it assistsNATUREin whichever is her most predominant effort, either forabsorptionorsuppuration.
Fomentationsare prepared by boiling three or four double handsful of the different kinds ofaromaticgarden herbs insix quartsortwo gallonsof water, occasionally stirring them for a quarter of an hour; then let the part affected be patientlyFOMENTEDwithspongesorflannels, alternately dipped in theDECOCTION, as hot as it can be consistently used withoutinjuryto thehair. If theTUMOUR, or enlargement, does not threatensuppuration, the absorption may be assisted by a gentle persevering friction inhand-rubbing, previous to the application of suchREPELLENTas may be thought applicable to the case: on the contrary, should a formation of matter have evidently taken place, the intention of nature cannot be too expeditiously promoted; anEMOLLIENT POULTICEshouldinstantlyfollow theFOMENTATION, and both be repeatedonceortwicea-day, according to the magnitude of the emergency.
The herbs chiefly in use forFOMENTATIONS(and from which any three or four may be selected) areRomanandCOMMON WORMWOOD,MALLOWSandMARSHMALLOWS,LAVENDERleaves and flowers,Rosemaryleaves,CAMMOMILEflowers,Elderflowers, andBayleaves. These are articles not always to be readily obtained; and as they are in allHUNTINGestablishments likely to be wanted upon the most sudden emergencies,GENTLEMENin the country will find the convenience of giving orders for anannualsupply to be provided, and properly dried, in the summer, that no disappointment may be experienced in the winter, when their use is more likely to be required. They are kept ready mixed at theBOTANICAL SHOPSin thedifferent marketsof the Metropolis, and may always be had in any quantity under the denomination ofFOMENTATION HERBS.
FOOT.—The foot of a horse extends from theFETLOCK-JOINTto theOUTER SOLEat the bottom of thehoof: it includes theCORONARY-BONE, theNUT-BONE, theCOFFIN-BONE, and the inner sole, (or membranous mass,) in which it is deposited; as well as thefrogand thewallorhoofsurrounding and supporting the whole.—SeeFeet.
.—The foot of a horse extends from theFETLOCK-JOINTto theOUTER SOLEat the bottom of thehoof: it includes theCORONARY-BONE, theNUT-BONE, theCOFFIN-BONE, and the inner sole, (or membranous mass,) in which it is deposited; as well as thefrogand thewallorhoofsurrounding and supporting the whole.—SeeFeet.
FOOT-FOUNDERED.—A horse is said to beFOOT-FOUNDEREdwhen there is an evident defect in action, and a palpable tenderness, which prevents him from putting his feetfreelyandboldlyto the ground. This malady seems never to have been clearly comprehended, or perfectly explained, by any of those who have written upon the subjects included in the general practice ofFARRIERY. It is to be observed, thatHORSESlabouring under thisinfirmity, have become graduallycontractedin thehoof, and proportionallynarrowedat theheels, putting their feet before each other with as much fear and caution, as if they were moving upon asheet of red-hot iron; theRIDERof any such horse, being constantly in thehappyexpectation of the horse'spitchingupon hishead, and probably breaking the rider's own neck.
.—A horse is said to beFOOT-FOUNDEREdwhen there is an evident defect in action, and a palpable tenderness, which prevents him from putting his feetfreelyandboldlyto the ground. This malady seems never to have been clearly comprehended, or perfectly explained, by any of those who have written upon the subjects included in the general practice ofFARRIERY. It is to be observed, thatHORSESlabouring under thisinfirmity, have become graduallycontractedin thehoof, and proportionallynarrowedat theheels, putting their feet before each other with as much fear and caution, as if they were moving upon asheet of red-hot iron; theRIDERof any such horse, being constantly in thehappyexpectation of the horse'spitchingupon hishead, and probably breaking the rider's own neck.
The very few reasons hitherto assigned for the origin of this defect, "as being watered whentoo hot, then setting the horse uponcoldplanks withoutlitter;" "heats and colds, which disorder the body, and excite malignant humours, that inflame the blood, melt the grease, and make it descend downward to the feet, where it settles, and causes a numbness in the hoofs;" are so truly nugatory, that they are not for a single moment entitled toSCIENTIFICdisquisition. The only twoRATIONAL CAUSESwhich can be assigned for this disorder (if it can with propriety be so termed) seem never to have attracted professional observation or reflection. That it has its foundation inlongandhardriding (or drawing) upon thehardandhotroads in the summer months, will not admit of a single doubt; which foundation once laid, is not only increased by everyrepetitionof the original cause, but a formidable addition made to it by theshamefulanddestructivepractice of fittingred-hot shoes, fromTHE FORGE, to thefootofthe horse; an unrelenting act of cruelty, constantly and obstinately persevered in at almost everyshoeing-shopin the kingdom, by which infernal act alone,hundredsof horses are annuallyFOOT-FOUNDERED; to crush which evil,THE LEGISLATUREwould not find itselfdegraded, by enacting a prohibitoryLAW, any more than bycondescendingto protect the persons of the outside passengers upon aSTAGE COACH.
To justify what is advanced upon the subject ofFOOT-FOUNDER, let it be recollected, that perseveringfrictionwill producefire; of which we have repeated proofs in the number of carriages known to have taken fire upon the roads, and to have been totally consumed. We are convinced a piece ofcold iron, struck with a hammer five or six times in succession upon an anvil, will quickly afford a communication offireto amatch; this being reduced to an incontrovertible certainty, what must be the excess ofheatproduced by theEFFECTofATTRITIONbetween theshoeofa horseand thehardnessof theroadin the summer months, the animal going aFIFTEENorTWENTYmiles stage, at the rate oftwelveorfourteenmiles an hour?
Why, the effect is precisely this; that, by the time the horse has travelled afew miles, theRIDERdismounting, will find, uponinstantaneousexamination, the shoe has acquired (by the attrition already described) adegreeofheatbeyond his power to bear with his hand, without being seriously burned. The effect of heatwithout, being the samewithin, acts so powerfully (in proportion to the continuation of the journey, and the state of the road) upon the foot of the horse, particularly those of the weakest texture, and the most susceptible, that theINNER SOLE(or membranous mass in which thecoffin-boneis lodged) becomesin time, and byrepetition, partially divested of its moisture, the verysource of sensation; upon which contraction of theinternalparts, theHOOFlosing its means and support ofexpansion, contracts in a corresponding degree, constituting theimpoverished appearance,brittle-hoof, andnarrow heel, previously described.
Those who have been so exceedingly sparing, or so accidentallysterile, in respect to thecausesof thisDEFECT, have, nevertheless, been sufficiently liberal in directingA CURE. "First, pare all the horse's soles so thin that you may see the quick; then bleed him well at every toe; after which stop the vein with tallow and resin melted together; and having tacked some hollow shoes slightly on his feet, stop them with bran, tar, and tallow, melted together, and poured into the feet as hot as can well be born; repeat this every other day for a week or nine days, after which give him proper exercise daily; or, what is still better, turn him out for six weeks, if it is a proper season for so doing."
Whether this mode, so strenuously recommended, and copied byonewriter fromanother, is likely to effect a cure, every reader will enjoy the privilege of judging for himself: it is, however, most likely that those who rely upon any professional exertions for total obliteration, will be disappointed, and that occasional palliation is all that can be reasonably expected. There is, however, no doubt, but frequent and plentiful impregnationsof thewhole hoof, andbottomof thefoot, withSPERMA CÆTI OIL, made warm over the fire, will contribute as much to the expansion of the hoof, and the regeneration of membranous moisture in its contents, as any other means whatever.
FOREHAND—implies that part ofA HORSEextending from theearsto thewithers; which, to be handsome, should be long, and rise gradually from the upper point of the shoulder-blade to the very extremity of the ear. AFOREHANDof this description adds greatly to the majestic appearance and value of the horse. But a horselow before, with ashort forehand, andindented crest, can never become an object of attraction.
—implies that part ofA HORSEextending from theearsto thewithers; which, to be handsome, should be long, and rise gradually from the upper point of the shoulder-blade to the very extremity of the ear. AFOREHANDof this description adds greatly to the majestic appearance and value of the horse. But a horselow before, with ashort forehand, andindented crest, can never become an object of attraction.
FOREHEAD.—The forehead is the front of the horse's head; to observe theformandeffectof which, it will be necessary to get before him. It is the space extending from therootsof theears, and between the eyes, which beingBROADandFLAT, having afeatherorstarin the center, constitutes a degree of beauty, and may be supposed to have a cross ofthe Arabianin the blood. If a horse, having a wide flat forehead, has the advantage of a full prominent spirited eye, they at the first approach afford no small indication of excellence; and, upon nearer inspection, a corresponding symmetry is expected to follow.
.—The forehead is the front of the horse's head; to observe theformandeffectof which, it will be necessary to get before him. It is the space extending from therootsof theears, and between the eyes, which beingBROADandFLAT, having afeatherorstarin the center, constitutes a degree of beauty, and may be supposed to have a cross ofthe Arabianin the blood. If a horse, having a wide flat forehead, has the advantage of a full prominent spirited eye, they at the first approach afford no small indication of excellence; and, upon nearer inspection, a corresponding symmetry is expected to follow.
FORE-LEGS.—The fore-legs of a horse begin at the lower extremity of theSHOULDER-BLADEbefore, and theELBOWbehind: they consist of what are termed theARMS, (or fore thighs,) which extend to eachKNEE; theshank-bonefrom the knee to theFETLOCK JOINT; the fetlock-bone is continued from thence to theCORONARY-BONE, into which it isinserted; the coronary-bone in part fills the cavity, or box of the hoof, being lodged in theCOFFIN-BONE, supported by thenut-bonebehind; these last are deposited in the membranous mass denominated theINNER SOLE; the whole being terminated by the bottom of thehoof, thefrog, and theouter sole. TheFORE-LEGS, to be uniform, (in a front view,) should bewideat the upper part next thebreast, strong and broad in theARM, bony below theKNEE, free fromSPLENTS, a broad soundHOOF, firmSOLE, and aFROGwithoutthrushes.
.—The fore-legs of a horse begin at the lower extremity of theSHOULDER-BLADEbefore, and theELBOWbehind: they consist of what are termed theARMS, (or fore thighs,) which extend to eachKNEE; theshank-bonefrom the knee to theFETLOCK JOINT; the fetlock-bone is continued from thence to theCORONARY-BONE, into which it isinserted; the coronary-bone in part fills the cavity, or box of the hoof, being lodged in theCOFFIN-BONE, supported by thenut-bonebehind; these last are deposited in the membranous mass denominated theINNER SOLE; the whole being terminated by the bottom of thehoof, thefrog, and theouter sole. TheFORE-LEGS, to be uniform, (in a front view,) should bewideat the upper part next thebreast, strong and broad in theARM, bony below theKNEE, free fromSPLENTS, a broad soundHOOF, firmSOLE, and aFROGwithoutthrushes.
FOREST.—AFORESTis a large tract of land in pasture, many miles in extent and circumference, the property ofTHE CROWN, mostly well stocked with timber, (from whence the navy is supplied,) as well as with a variety ofunderwood,furze,fern, &c. for the breeding and preservation of bothVENISONandGAME. Forests are of great antiquity, and their immunities are protected by laws peculiarly and solely adapted to their preservation; the execution of which are lodged in principal officers, and their subordinates, as follows;JUSTICESinEYRE,CHIEF WARDENS,VERDERERS,REGARDERS,FORESTERS,WOODWARDS,AGISTORS,RANGERS,BEADLES, andKEEPERS.
.—AFORESTis a large tract of land in pasture, many miles in extent and circumference, the property ofTHE CROWN, mostly well stocked with timber, (from whence the navy is supplied,) as well as with a variety ofunderwood,furze,fern, &c. for the breeding and preservation of bothVENISONandGAME. Forests are of great antiquity, and their immunities are protected by laws peculiarly and solely adapted to their preservation; the execution of which are lodged in principal officers, and their subordinates, as follows;JUSTICESinEYRE,CHIEF WARDENS,VERDERERS,REGARDERS,FORESTERS,WOODWARDS,AGISTORS,RANGERS,BEADLES, andKEEPERS.
AFORESThas its foundation under a commission bearing the great seal of England, and when proclaimed through the county in which the land so appropriated lies, "that it isA FOREST, and to be governed by theLAWS OF A FOREST," it then becomes a forest uponrecord, and theOFFICERSbefore mentioned are appointed. A forest has its "BOUNDARIES," its "PURLIEUS," its "PROPERTIES," its "COURTS," with a variety of regulations equally uninteresting and unentertaining, except to those who are resident within its precincts; to whom a variety of enlarged particulars will be useful, and may be found in "Daniels' Rural Sports," a recent publication of merit and celebrity.
There are said to have beenSIXTY-NINE FORESTSin England, of which theNew Forest,Windsor Forest,Sherwood Forest, and theForest of Dean, have always been considered the principal. His Majesty'sSTAG HOUNDSare kept at the kennel uponAscot Heath, inWindsor Forest, where he has for some years enjoyed the pleasures of the chase.
The beasts of forest, in all ancient records, were denominated "BEASTS OF VENERY," and consistedof theHart,Hind,Hare,Boar, andWolf: the complete extinction of the two latter has, however, long since rendered the term unnecessary, if not entirelyobsolete, and the whole is generally comprehended under the appellation ofGAME, and theLAWSenacted to prevent its destruction.
FOREST LAWS—are the laws framed for the protection ofVERTandVENISONwithin the precincts of a forest. It is the business, and the duty, of allsubordinateofficers, to apprehend offenders of whatever description, and present them to theFOREST COURTS, in order to their being punished according to the magnitude of the offence they may have committed.
—are the laws framed for the protection ofVERTandVENISONwithin the precincts of a forest. It is the business, and the duty, of allsubordinateofficers, to apprehend offenders of whatever description, and present them to theFOREST COURTS, in order to their being punished according to the magnitude of the offence they may have committed.
FOREST COURTS—are the courts occasionally held for executing theFOREST LAWS. The principal of which is, the Court of theChief JusticeinEyre; this is a court ofrecord, and is held only once inthree years. The Court ofSwainmoteconsists of the verderers, who, in some degree, are theJUDGES; as they receive presentments, and hear evidence, as well as enquire ofoffencestoconvict, but cannot pass judgment, that power being reserved to the Court of theChief Justice(called "JUSTICE SEAT") alone. The Court of Swainmote can only be heldthree times a year. TheCourt of Attachmentis likewise a meeting of theVERDERERS,and held once insix weeks, being called the "FORTY DAYS COURT."
—are the courts occasionally held for executing theFOREST LAWS. The principal of which is, the Court of theChief JusticeinEyre; this is a court ofrecord, and is held only once inthree years. The Court ofSwainmoteconsists of the verderers, who, in some degree, are theJUDGES; as they receive presentments, and hear evidence, as well as enquire ofoffencestoconvict, but cannot pass judgment, that power being reserved to the Court of theChief Justice(called "JUSTICE SEAT") alone. The Court of Swainmote can only be heldthree times a year. TheCourt of Attachmentis likewise a meeting of theVERDERERS,and held once insix weeks, being called the "FORTY DAYS COURT."
During the time of the great camp uponBagshot Heath, theDukeofRichmondhaving taken up his temporary residence at theRose Inn,Wokingham, inWindsor Forest, where the courts were occasionally held, and seeing the regulations respecting theCourtofAttachmentfixed in the room, his Grace wished to obtain some information upon the subject; but finding none to be derived from the waiter, he desired "a person might be sent up who knewsomething of the matter." In a few minutes appeared the son of the landlady, who mostsagaciouslyinformed theDuke, that the "Forty Days Courtwas anANNUAL MEETING, held everysix weeks;" with which very clear and explanatory account, his Grace condescendingly expressed himself "perfectly satisfied."
FORM—is the spot in which theHAREtakes herseatat the dawn of day, to secrete herself, after making her various work in the night (or rather in the early part of the morning) to avoid discovery. When foundsitting, she is said to be in herFORM. Ifshotas she sits, without being previously disturbed, she is then said to have beenshot in her form.Haresvary their sitting according to theseason, thesun, and thewind. Soon after harvest they are found in wheat, barley, and oat stubbles, as wellas in rushy grassy moors; after these get bare, they retire tocoverts,banks,hedges, andhedge-rows. After Christmas, and in the spring months,dry fallows, particularly those laying towards the sun with an ascent, are seldom without hares, if there are any in the neighbourhood.
—is the spot in which theHAREtakes herseatat the dawn of day, to secrete herself, after making her various work in the night (or rather in the early part of the morning) to avoid discovery. When foundsitting, she is said to be in herFORM. Ifshotas she sits, without being previously disturbed, she is then said to have beenshot in her form.Haresvary their sitting according to theseason, thesun, and thewind. Soon after harvest they are found in wheat, barley, and oat stubbles, as wellas in rushy grassy moors; after these get bare, they retire tocoverts,banks,hedges, andhedge-rows. After Christmas, and in the spring months,dry fallows, particularly those laying towards the sun with an ascent, are seldom without hares, if there are any in the neighbourhood.
FOUL-FEEDERS—SeeAppetite.
—SeeAppetite.
FOWL.—Fowl, properly arranged, may be classed under three distinct heads; asDOMESTIC FOWL, consisting of cocks, hens, geese, and ducks.Wild fowl, comprehending, in the general sporting acceptation, only birds of flight and passage, as sea-gulls and geese, wild ducks, widgeon, teal, curlews, plover, woodcocks, and snipes.Game fowl, in the earliest Acts of Parliament, for its preservation, were extended to a very long list, including even the "Heron," the "Mallard," the "Duck," and the "Teal:" these, however, seem to be buried in a legal oblivion, and the whole at present to centre in thePHEASANT, thePARTRIDGE, theGROUSE, or red game, and theHEATH FOWL, or black game; the laws respecting which individually, will be found under their distinct and separate heads.
.—Fowl, properly arranged, may be classed under three distinct heads; asDOMESTIC FOWL, consisting of cocks, hens, geese, and ducks.Wild fowl, comprehending, in the general sporting acceptation, only birds of flight and passage, as sea-gulls and geese, wild ducks, widgeon, teal, curlews, plover, woodcocks, and snipes.Game fowl, in the earliest Acts of Parliament, for its preservation, were extended to a very long list, including even the "Heron," the "Mallard," the "Duck," and the "Teal:" these, however, seem to be buried in a legal oblivion, and the whole at present to centre in thePHEASANT, thePARTRIDGE, theGROUSE, or red game, and theHEATH FOWL, or black game; the laws respecting which individually, will be found under their distinct and separate heads.
FOWLING—is a term in some degreePROVINCIAL, being used in a different sense inonecounty to what it is inanother. In fenny countries,FOWLINGapplies generally to the pursuit ofwater fowl, and the act of obtaining or taking them with eitherNETorGUN. In other parts,FOWLINGappertains only to the sport of taking partridges with aNETandSETTING DOG. WithFARMERS, and the middling class of rustics, particularly in remote parts,fowlingandshootingare synonimous terms.
—is a term in some degreePROVINCIAL, being used in a different sense inonecounty to what it is inanother. In fenny countries,FOWLINGapplies generally to the pursuit ofwater fowl, and the act of obtaining or taking them with eitherNETorGUN. In other parts,FOWLINGappertains only to the sport of taking partridges with aNETandSETTING DOG. WithFARMERS, and the middling class of rustics, particularly in remote parts,fowlingandshootingare synonimous terms.
FOWLING-BAG, or NET.—A bag or net is so called, which hangs by the side of aSPORTSMAN, suspended from a leathern belt passing round the neck over his shoulder, for the purpose of receiving suchGAMEas he may be able "to bag," or "bring tonet."
—A bag or net is so called, which hangs by the side of aSPORTSMAN, suspended from a leathern belt passing round the neck over his shoulder, for the purpose of receiving suchGAMEas he may be able "to bag," or "bring tonet."
FOWLING-PIECE—has been generally used to imply aGUNofanydescription, so far as it was applicable to the purpose of killingGAME, or, in fact,WILD FOWLofanykind. It is, however, now more properly applied to those offiveorsixfeet in thebarrel, principally made use of for killingSEAandWATER FOWL, asWildorSolan Geese,Wild Ducks,Widgeon,Teal, &c.
—has been generally used to imply aGUNofanydescription, so far as it was applicable to the purpose of killingGAME, or, in fact,WILD FOWLofanykind. It is, however, now more properly applied to those offiveorsixfeet in thebarrel, principally made use of for killingSEAandWATER FOWL, asWildorSolan Geese,Wild Ducks,Widgeon,Teal, &c.
FOX.—TheFOXis that well-known native animal of this country whose instinctivecunninghas rendered it proverbial: they are common in most parts of the kingdom, (as well as in Scotland,) but vary so much insize, that a late writer has extended his description to three different anddistinctkinds. He says, "There are three varieties of fox withus, differing in form, but not in colour, except thecurFOX, whose tip of the tail is black: they are distinguished by the names of theGREYHOUND FOX, which is the tallest and boldest, and is chiefly found in the mountainous parts of England and Scotland, and will attack a well-grown sheep. TheMASTIFF FOXis less, but his limbs more strongly formed. TheCUR FOXis the least, the most common, and is the most pernicious toGAME, approaches nearer to the habitations of mankind, lurks about the out-houses of theFARMER, and destroys all thePOULTRYit can get at."
.—TheFOXis that well-known native animal of this country whose instinctivecunninghas rendered it proverbial: they are common in most parts of the kingdom, (as well as in Scotland,) but vary so much insize, that a late writer has extended his description to three different anddistinctkinds. He says, "There are three varieties of fox withus, differing in form, but not in colour, except thecurFOX, whose tip of the tail is black: they are distinguished by the names of theGREYHOUND FOX, which is the tallest and boldest, and is chiefly found in the mountainous parts of England and Scotland, and will attack a well-grown sheep. TheMASTIFF FOXis less, but his limbs more strongly formed. TheCUR FOXis the least, the most common, and is the most pernicious toGAME, approaches nearer to the habitations of mankind, lurks about the out-houses of theFARMER, and destroys all thePOULTRYit can get at."
Without descending to a minute examination of this "VARIETY," which probably may arise from the force of a too fertile imagination, or the differentgrowthofFOXESindifferent counties, where thedeficiencyof food, or thedifficultyofobtainingit, may occasion as great and proportional a variation in thesizeof theANIMAL, as may be observed with theHORSESofScotlandandWales, when brought into competition with those produced in a more fertile part of the kingdom; it must suffice to explain his natural history as ofone speciesonly.
TheFOX, whentamedand subject to nice inspection, is one of the most beautifully formed animals in the creation; and when thatformis critically surveyed, thepossibilityof his perseveringspeedbefore such immense bodies offleetpursuers,for so great a length of time, becomes matter of the greatest admiration. Foxes are in colour of a yellowish red, or rather yellow brown, having on the forehead, the shoulders, as far as the root of the tail, and the outside of the hind legs, a tinge of dirty white or ash colour: the edges of the lips, the cheeks, and the throat, are white; and a stripe of the same runs along the under side of the legs: the breast and belly are a lightish grey: the tips of the ears and feet (sportingly termedPADS) are black: the tail (calledBRUSH) reddish yellow, with a blackish hue upon the surface; the tip itself pure white.
The fox in formation has great resemblance to thedog, but with some variations; his head is larger in proportion to his body; his ears are shorter; his tail thicker, and the hair longer: he has a broad flat forehead, narrowing to a picked nose; ears erect, and sharp at the point; eyes small, and fiery in aspect, by which are easily observed whether he is influenced byAFFECTION,ANGER, orFEAR. His sense of smelling is so instinctively exquisite, that he canwindeither hispreyor his enemy at a very considerable distance.
The sagacity of this animal, in the pursuit of his prey, as well as his various modes of obtaining it, are almost beyond description: his favourite objects areGAMEof every kind,RABBITS,POULTRYwithout exception,BIRDS, and the smaller quadrupeds. In extreme hunger he will eatmice,frogs,snails, andinsects: some kinds of fruits and berries also are not refused.Honeyhe is remarkably fond of; and, it is said, will even attack theHIVES, and hazard the event ofa battle, rather than relinquish the chance of so luxurious and delicious a repast. The same sagacity regulates all his proceedings in respect to bodily safety: when laying above ground, it is generally in the most sequestered and unfrequented places, and the most difficult of access; whenat earth, it is generally in the strong hold of hard ground, exceedingly deep, of which someBADGERhas been dispossessed, (by theFOX'Scunning of depositing his excrement there,) or under the roots of trees, by the diverse ramifications of which he is shielded from every chance of extermination.
In his nocturnal depredations, he is in some degreesystematic, frequently selecting for his concealment those small grassy-bottomedCOVERTSnear the smallhovelsandthatched cottagesof the labouring poor, where his lurking-place is the least suspected. Here, in his recluseKENNEL, he enjoys the various cackling of the different kinds of poultry, and exultingly anticipates the intentional devastation. When unrestrained, and in a state of liberty, he seizesPOULTRYwith a rapturous eagerness, and ravenous rapacity, absolutely incredible; his joy inpossession is demonstrated by the most inexpressibletwistingsandflirtingsof theTAIL, with other wantongesticulations, indicative of the highest possible gratification. The first and most pressing sensations of presenthungerbeing satisfied, he prudently provides for theuncertaintyof thefuture: after the annihilation (or safe deposit) of afirst, he returns for thesecond; that safely secured, either in a hole dug for its reception, and covered with earth, or secreted in hiskennel, he comes fora third, which is concealed in a similar manner, but not in the same place, well knowing the impolicy of placingallhistreasureinONE BANK, wisely recollecting, that shouldBANKRUPTCYhappen inone place, it can prove nobad maximto haveEFFECTSin another.
Fortunenot always favoring him at thesame points, he has hisALTERNATIVES: as it is themisfortuneannexed to his veryNATUREto affordsporttoothers, so, with all the retaliation in his power, he frequently findssportforhimself. To the helpless, inoffensiveLEVERETS, during the early part of the season, he frequently gives chase, particularly on moon-light nights, with too much success. In this pursuit he vents a sensation of pleasure, partaking more of ayelping whimperthan a distinctbark: he seizes oldHARESin theirforms; perseveringly digsrabbitsout of theirburrows; is indefatigable in the search after, and discovery of,PHEASANTSandPARTRIDGESupon theirnests, whichhe instantly destroys. The fatigue he undergoes by night in quest of prey, occasions him to sleepmuch, and sometimes exceedinglysound, byDAY: instances have been frequent ofHOUNDSdrawing up to, and killing themin kennel, withouta drag; as well as of their being found sleeping in the sunny banks of hedge-rows, and shot byFARMERS, (basking as they lay,) without being previously disturbed.
The naturally rank and offensive smell of theFOXrenders it a richscenttoHOUNDS, which they evidently evince when itlays well, and they are runningBREAST HIGH; at which time thecrows,magpies, andjays, (who consider him an invincible and cruel enemy,) give clamorous proofs of his presence, by hovering over him with their screams of exultation at his impending fate, so long as they can keep himin view. They copulate (or go toclicket, as it is called) in the winter, and produce cubs during the month of April, and the first week in May: they have but one litter a year; anOLD VIXENfrequently bringing fromsixtoninecubs; aVIXENof thefirstorsecondyear not so many. They are known to grow for eighteen months, and to live, even in atame state, for fourteen or fifteen years.
Doubts have arisen, and opposite opinions have been strenuously supported, upon the question whether theFOXandDOGwill generate anOFFSPRINGtowhich theprolificpowers shall continue in successive perpetuity: this seems to be positively ascertained in theAFFIRMATIVE, with one exception, which is, that the act of copulation will be effected only by theDOG FOXwith abitchof theCANINE SPECIES.
Instances of the extremecunning, and innatesagacity, ofFOXES, when hunted, and in returningtwentyandthirtymiles to the coverts where they have been first found, are upon record, and almost innumerable. TheirCOURAGE, as well as thestrengthof theirjaws, are beyond conception: they defend themselves to the last extremity; no blows deter them from their hold: their bite is severe and dangerous, as they make their teeth meet through a strong and thick hand. When caught by theHOUNDS, they are silently resolute even inDEATH; for revengefullyseizingupon thefirstassailant, their hold is never relinquished but with the last gasp.