FOX-HUNTING—has been for time immemorial a favourite sport with the natives of this kingdom, particularly in the prime of life; the pleasing exercise, and bodily exertion, contributing greatly to thePRESERVATIONofHEALTH; but thefatigueanddangerrender it but ill-adapted to theAGED, theINFIRM, and theVALETUDINARIAN. The persevering speed and fortitude of theGAME, the constantlyimproving high mettled excellence of theHOUNDS, the invincible spirit of theHORSES, and the unrestrained ardour of theirRIDERS, have given it a decided superiority over every otherFIELD SPORTever yet known to the people of this country. Its salutary effect upon both theBODYandMIND, has established its enjoyment upon a basis too broad ever to be shaken, even by time itself: the superlative pleasure of every scene, the diversities of the aggregate, and the extacy with which the whole is embraced by its infinity of devotees, have reduced the sport to a system of perfection never before known; and in this some of the mostLEARNED, the mostEMINENT, and the mostOPULENTcharacters are principally and personally engaged in nearlyevery county, from one extremity of the kingdom to the other.
—has been for time immemorial a favourite sport with the natives of this kingdom, particularly in the prime of life; the pleasing exercise, and bodily exertion, contributing greatly to thePRESERVATIONofHEALTH; but thefatigueanddangerrender it but ill-adapted to theAGED, theINFIRM, and theVALETUDINARIAN. The persevering speed and fortitude of theGAME, the constantlyimproving high mettled excellence of theHOUNDS, the invincible spirit of theHORSES, and the unrestrained ardour of theirRIDERS, have given it a decided superiority over every otherFIELD SPORTever yet known to the people of this country. Its salutary effect upon both theBODYandMIND, has established its enjoyment upon a basis too broad ever to be shaken, even by time itself: the superlative pleasure of every scene, the diversities of the aggregate, and the extacy with which the whole is embraced by its infinity of devotees, have reduced the sport to a system of perfection never before known; and in this some of the mostLEARNED, the mostEMINENT, and the mostOPULENTcharacters are principally and personally engaged in nearlyevery county, from one extremity of the kingdom to the other.
Fox-huntingseems to be possessed of acharm, or magical inspiration, within itself, that even the most serious, the most cynical, and the most singular, cannot, with all the firmness of their resolves, summon resolution to withstand. It is the very kind of rapturous gratification to which every effort of the pen becomes inadequate in its attempts at description; it must beseento beunderstood; it must beFELTto beENJOYED. AFOX-HUNTING ESTABLISHMENTconsists, in general, of what it has done for the last century past, at least with thosePACKSmost celebrated for theEMINENCEandOPULENCEof theirOWNERS. The principal and secondHUNTSMAN, the first and secondWHIPPER-IN, three horses kept foreachof thefirst, and twoeachforboththelast; fromTWENTY-FIVEtoTHIRTY-FIVEcouple ofHOUNDS,terriers,helpers,earth-stoppers,dog-feeders, and a long list ofet ceteras, too numerous for minute description. Those who wish to acquire asystematicknowledge of theSPORT, (so far as it can be obtained fromTHEORY,) will do well to peruse attentively "Mr. Beckford'sThoughts upon Hunting, in a Series of familiarLetters to a Friend."—They are so truly the effusions of sound judgment, and so replete with the useful remarks of an experienced sportsman, that there is no room for any thingNEWorADDITIONALto be introduced upon the subject.
FREE WARREN.—AFREE WARRENis a term totally distinct fromFOREST,CHACE,PARK,MANOR, orWARREN; it is afranchisederived originally fromthe Crown; and the person having a grant of free warren over certain lands, possesses aSOLE RIGHTofpursuing,taking, andkillingGAMEof every kind within its limits; although there may be noone acreof land hisown propertythrough the whole district where he is possessed of this right. There are instances where a variety of circumstances render manorial rights and privileges so complex, andseeminglyindefinite, as to produce litigation without personal enmity, but merely that therightshall beLEGALLYascertained. It appears that whereMANOR LANDSare situate in, and surrounded by, aFREE WARREN, the owner of such lands maykill gamewithin hisownmanor, but he cannot introduce even a qualified person toKILL GAMEtherealso, without the consent of the owner or possessor of the privilege ofFREE WARRENover the whole; if so, the person introducedkilling game, will be liable to an action for trespass, which action will lie.
.—AFREE WARRENis a term totally distinct fromFOREST,CHACE,PARK,MANOR, orWARREN; it is afranchisederived originally fromthe Crown; and the person having a grant of free warren over certain lands, possesses aSOLE RIGHTofpursuing,taking, andkillingGAMEof every kind within its limits; although there may be noone acreof land hisown propertythrough the whole district where he is possessed of this right. There are instances where a variety of circumstances render manorial rights and privileges so complex, andseeminglyindefinite, as to produce litigation without personal enmity, but merely that therightshall beLEGALLYascertained. It appears that whereMANOR LANDSare situate in, and surrounded by, aFREE WARREN, the owner of such lands maykill gamewithin hisownmanor, but he cannot introduce even a qualified person toKILL GAMEtherealso, without the consent of the owner or possessor of the privilege ofFREE WARRENover the whole; if so, the person introducedkilling game, will be liable to an action for trespass, which action will lie.
A curious cause came on to be tried before a jury at the summer assizes of the present year, 1802, held atAbingdon, for the county ofBerks, whereinJohn Westbrook, Gent. of the parish ofBray, (situate in Windsor Forest,) wasPLAINTIFF, and a Game-keeper of his Majesty's theDEFENDANT. The action was brought to try theRIGHTof theDEFENDANT, as one of his Majesty's keepers, toKILL GAMEwithin theenclosed groundsof thePLAINTIFF, situate in, and surrounded by, thewastes,commons, and within the boundaries of the saidFOREST. When, without adverting to thelawsrelative to forestsonly, (with which the question was totally unconnected,) the Court held it good, thatthe King, possessing aFREE WARRENover theWHOLE, possessed likewise the privilege of appointing aKEEPERto kill game uponany, and withinevery, part of the saidFREE WARREN, without the least exception as toenclosed lands, the property ofothers;when the jury instantly found for thedefendant, by which the right is fully confirmed.
This being a question ofprivilege, tried on the part of an individual against the prerogative ofthe Crown, it might be fairly considered conclusive upon the subject ofFREE WARREN; but as it cannot be too clearly understood, for the prevention of ill neighbourhood, and expensive litigation, another decision is subjoined, which took place about the same time, though in a different county.
On the 12th of July, in the same year, a writ of inquiry was executed before the Under Sheriff at Hertford, in an action whereinHenry Browne, of North Mimms, Esq. wasPLAINTIFF, andThomas Greenwood, the Younger,DEFENDANT. The action was brought for a trespass committed by theDEFENDANT, inshooting gamewithin theFREE WARRENbelonging to thePLAINTIFF, who isLordof theManorof North Mimms, and entitled to free warren through the whole of the Manor. It appeared, that the land on which the trespass was committed, and thegame killed, by theDEFENDANT, wasnot, in point of fact, the land of thePLAINTIFF, but, on the contrary, belonged toJustinian Casamajor, Esq. However, as it was proved to be within the Manor of North Mimms, and the right of free warren extending over the whole of the Manor,the Jury, after consideringthe circumstances of the case, and the defendant's conduct, who persisted in shootingafter being warned to the contrary, gave a verdict ofTEN POUNDSwith costs.
FRET.—The disorder which (in the country) is called by this name, is theFLATULENT CHOLIC, and occasioned from a retention of wind, and a rarefaction of air in the intestinal canal. It is immediately discoverable by the fulness and extreme tension of the carcase, the agonizing pain of the horse, the rumbling of the confined air, the partial and very trifling expulsions of wind, the laboured respiration, frequent groaning, suddenly laying down, and as hastily rising, constant looking back to the flank on one side or the other, as if soliciting relief from those who surround him. The great and leading object is, to promote a plentifulEXPULSIONofWIND: this is in general followed by excrementitious discharges, by which ease is obtained, and the disorder near at an end. Warm, spicy, aromaticCARMINATIVES, blended withANODYNES, are the medicines best adapted to this species ofCHOLIC, and to which it speedily submits; more particularly if plenty ofASSISTANTSare at hand to bestow the necessary portion offlank rubbing, (and belly wisping,) to an unceasing perseverance in which, success isequallyto be depended upon with the administration ofMEDICINE; as in most caseslittle is to be expected from one without collateral aid from the other.
.—The disorder which (in the country) is called by this name, is theFLATULENT CHOLIC, and occasioned from a retention of wind, and a rarefaction of air in the intestinal canal. It is immediately discoverable by the fulness and extreme tension of the carcase, the agonizing pain of the horse, the rumbling of the confined air, the partial and very trifling expulsions of wind, the laboured respiration, frequent groaning, suddenly laying down, and as hastily rising, constant looking back to the flank on one side or the other, as if soliciting relief from those who surround him. The great and leading object is, to promote a plentifulEXPULSIONofWIND: this is in general followed by excrementitious discharges, by which ease is obtained, and the disorder near at an end. Warm, spicy, aromaticCARMINATIVES, blended withANODYNES, are the medicines best adapted to this species ofCHOLIC, and to which it speedily submits; more particularly if plenty ofASSISTANTSare at hand to bestow the necessary portion offlank rubbing, (and belly wisping,) to an unceasing perseverance in which, success isequallyto be depended upon with the administration ofMEDICINE; as in most caseslittle is to be expected from one without collateral aid from the other.
FROG,—inHORSES, is the centrical soft kind of horny substance at the bottom of the foot, spreading wide from the heel, having a cleft in the middle, and terminating in a point toward the toe. To the internal parts the lower extremity of theTENDONSare attached, and theFROGis the basis by which theirelasticityis supported, and from whence is derived thedeceptivereasoning, that theFROGmust indispensibly (in action)touchtheground. The frog is subject to a defect, called theFRUSH, orTHRUSH, and this, when become virulent, is termedrunning thrush: it sometimes arises from internal heat, by standing too much uponfoul hot litter, (particularly in the livery stables of the Metropolis,) as well as from aSTAGNANTstate of theFLUIDSin the extremities, for want ofproper exercise, leg rubbing, and keeping the feet clean.
,—inHORSES, is the centrical soft kind of horny substance at the bottom of the foot, spreading wide from the heel, having a cleft in the middle, and terminating in a point toward the toe. To the internal parts the lower extremity of theTENDONSare attached, and theFROGis the basis by which theirelasticityis supported, and from whence is derived thedeceptivereasoning, that theFROGmust indispensibly (in action)touchtheground. The frog is subject to a defect, called theFRUSH, orTHRUSH, and this, when become virulent, is termedrunning thrush: it sometimes arises from internal heat, by standing too much uponfoul hot litter, (particularly in the livery stables of the Metropolis,) as well as from aSTAGNANTstate of theFLUIDSin the extremities, for want ofproper exercise, leg rubbing, and keeping the feet clean.
FROTH.—AHORSEdisplaying a profusion ofFROTHwhen champing upon theBIT, either inactionupon theroad, or in theFIELDwithHOUNDS, may be considered a distinguishing, and almost invariable sign of both good spirit and sound bottom; for adull jade, or aHORSEof thesluggish cart breed, is very rarely to be seen with this appearance. It is also no inferior criterion ofHEALTH, and may, in general, be considered trulyindicative ofCONDITION: few, if any, horses of this descriptionflagupon a journey, ortirein the field.
.—AHORSEdisplaying a profusion ofFROTHwhen champing upon theBIT, either inactionupon theroad, or in theFIELDwithHOUNDS, may be considered a distinguishing, and almost invariable sign of both good spirit and sound bottom; for adull jade, or aHORSEof thesluggish cart breed, is very rarely to be seen with this appearance. It is also no inferior criterion ofHEALTH, and may, in general, be considered trulyindicative ofCONDITION: few, if any, horses of this descriptionflagupon a journey, ortirein the field.
FRUSH.—A disorder or defect in the centrical cleft of theFROG, at the bottom of the foot, was formerly so called; but is now more generally known under the denomination ofThrush, whichSEE.
.—A disorder or defect in the centrical cleft of theFROG, at the bottom of the foot, was formerly so called; but is now more generally known under the denomination ofThrush, whichSEE.
FUMIGATION—is a most usefulPROCESSin all cases where theDISEASESofHORSESparticularly affect theHEAD. In recentcolds, obstinatecoughs, glandulartumefactionsunder thejaws,STRANGLES,INFLAMMATIONof theLUNGS, low fevers, and even in dulness, over-fatigue, or when a horse is off his appetite, and refuses food, it is very frequently of perceptible utility.Horsesmay be fumigated by boilingROSEMARY,LAVENDER,MARSHMALLOW LEAVES, andCAMMOMILE FLOWERS, in a few quarts of water over the fire for a quarter of an hour, then straining off the liquor, and strewing thehot herbsfrom one end of the manger to the other, fastening the horse's head up with therack rein, by which means he cannot evade theEFFLUVIA. In want of these, or where they are difficult to obtain, a mash made ofGROUND MALT, with boiling water, is a very substantial and proper substitute, into which stir two ounces of aniseed, and two ounces of carraway seeds, both fresh, andpreviously beaten to powder in a mortar. This mash mostHORSESwill afterwardsEAT, when sufficientlycoldfor the purpose; which, with the effect of thefumesupon theTHROAT, theNOSTRILS, theGLANDS, and theHEAD, in general will promote a discharge, and relieve the subject.
—is a most usefulPROCESSin all cases where theDISEASESofHORSESparticularly affect theHEAD. In recentcolds, obstinatecoughs, glandulartumefactionsunder thejaws,STRANGLES,INFLAMMATIONof theLUNGS, low fevers, and even in dulness, over-fatigue, or when a horse is off his appetite, and refuses food, it is very frequently of perceptible utility.Horsesmay be fumigated by boilingROSEMARY,LAVENDER,MARSHMALLOW LEAVES, andCAMMOMILE FLOWERS, in a few quarts of water over the fire for a quarter of an hour, then straining off the liquor, and strewing thehot herbsfrom one end of the manger to the other, fastening the horse's head up with therack rein, by which means he cannot evade theEFFLUVIA. In want of these, or where they are difficult to obtain, a mash made ofGROUND MALT, with boiling water, is a very substantial and proper substitute, into which stir two ounces of aniseed, and two ounces of carraway seeds, both fresh, andpreviously beaten to powder in a mortar. This mash mostHORSESwill afterwardsEAT, when sufficientlycoldfor the purpose; which, with the effect of thefumesupon theTHROAT, theNOSTRILS, theGLANDS, and theHEAD, in general will promote a discharge, and relieve the subject.
FUNGUS—is the too-fast shooting granulations of new flesh during the incarnation ofWOUNDS, particularly inHORSES, with whom it is invariably exuberant, and requires some degree of judgment in the suppression: it is too frequently attempted byRoman vitriol,corrosive sublimate, and other caustics; but they are only productive of disappointment, in constitutingan escharupon the surface, and leaving the cure at a more remote and uncertain distance, than before their application. Slight scarifications, both transverse and longitudinal, with aLANCETorBISTORY, is a far preferable mode of treatment, and that followed by a dressing of lint covered with proper digestives.
—is the too-fast shooting granulations of new flesh during the incarnation ofWOUNDS, particularly inHORSES, with whom it is invariably exuberant, and requires some degree of judgment in the suppression: it is too frequently attempted byRoman vitriol,corrosive sublimate, and other caustics; but they are only productive of disappointment, in constitutingan escharupon the surface, and leaving the cure at a more remote and uncertain distance, than before their application. Slight scarifications, both transverse and longitudinal, with aLANCETorBISTORY, is a far preferable mode of treatment, and that followed by a dressing of lint covered with proper digestives.
FURNITURE HORSE.—In many parts of the United Kingdom, theSADDLE,BRIDLE,CLOTHS, and every other part appertaining to the body of the horse, passes under the denomination ofhorse furniture.
.—In many parts of the United Kingdom, theSADDLE,BRIDLE,CLOTHS, and every other part appertaining to the body of the horse, passes under the denomination ofhorse furniture.
GALLS, or GALLING.—Lacerations occasioned by the too tight pressure and friction of an uneasy and ill-fitted saddle, or heavy harness, are so called. They are seldom seen with either the judicious or the enlightened; experience having taughtbothhow to appreciatePREVENTION. The prudentSPORTSMANwill never take his horse to the field, nor the humane driver his carriage-horse to the road, till personal examination has convinced him the necessary apparatus is not onlyfirm, but proportionallyeasy; and this should become the more predominant in memory, because it is natural to conclude, no man existing would, by neglect or inattention, givepainto the very animal from whose exertions he is to derive his ownPLEASURE.
.—Lacerations occasioned by the too tight pressure and friction of an uneasy and ill-fitted saddle, or heavy harness, are so called. They are seldom seen with either the judicious or the enlightened; experience having taughtbothhow to appreciatePREVENTION. The prudentSPORTSMANwill never take his horse to the field, nor the humane driver his carriage-horse to the road, till personal examination has convinced him the necessary apparatus is not onlyfirm, but proportionallyeasy; and this should become the more predominant in memory, because it is natural to conclude, no man existing would, by neglect or inattention, givepainto the very animal from whose exertions he is to derive his ownPLEASURE.
Injuries of this description, if unexpectedly sustained, should be immediately attended to; a repetition, andthat soon, upon the part so injured, is frequently productive of trouble, expence, loss of time, and disappointment. When the side of a horse isgalled, as it sometimes is, by the girth-buckle having been most improperly placed upon theedgeof thepad, it is not unlikely, for want of early or proper attention, to terminate in aSITFAST, and then can only be completely cured byextirpation withthe knife. TheWITHERSbeing affected in the same way, and the saddle or harness continued in use by which the injury was originally occasioned, the foundation ofFISTULAmay be laid, and will be likely to ensue. In all slight and superficial galls, two or three moistenings of the part with cold vinegar will allay the inflammation, and harden the surface; but where the long-continuedheatandfrictionhas occasioned a destruction of parts, it must be dressed and managed as a wound, which can only be completely cured by incarnation.
GALLOP—is one pace ofTHE HORSE, well known by that general name; though it will admit of gradational distinctions. ACANTERis the slowest gallop, in which a horse bears most upon his haunches, but lightly on the bit; it is a pace which spirited, good-tempered horses seem to enjoy, and is peculiarly calculated for the accommodation of a lady. ARATING-GALLOPis the increase of action to such pace, as the particular horse may or can go with easeat his ratein common stroke without being exertedto speed; and this is theHUNTING GALLOPof thoroughBRED HORSES, who will always lay by thesideofHOUNDSat it, without being in the least distrest. ABRUSHING GALLOPupon theTURF, implies an increased degree of velocity, but not equal to utmost speed.
—is one pace ofTHE HORSE, well known by that general name; though it will admit of gradational distinctions. ACANTERis the slowest gallop, in which a horse bears most upon his haunches, but lightly on the bit; it is a pace which spirited, good-tempered horses seem to enjoy, and is peculiarly calculated for the accommodation of a lady. ARATING-GALLOPis the increase of action to such pace, as the particular horse may or can go with easeat his ratein common stroke without being exertedto speed; and this is theHUNTING GALLOPof thoroughBRED HORSES, who will always lay by thesideofHOUNDSat it, without being in the least distrest. ABRUSHING GALLOPupon theTURF, implies an increased degree of velocity, but not equal to utmost speed.
GALLOPADE—is a term in theMILITARY MANEGE.
—is a term in theMILITARY MANEGE.
GALLOWAY—is the appellation given to that useful kind of small horse fromTHIRTEENtoFOURTEEN HANDShigh; they are rarely to be seen of exactSYMMETRY, uniformSTRENGTH, and adequateACTION; but, ifwell-bred, their qualifications, and endurance of fatigue, exceeds description.
—is the appellation given to that useful kind of small horse fromTHIRTEENtoFOURTEEN HANDShigh; they are rarely to be seen of exactSYMMETRY, uniformSTRENGTH, and adequateACTION; but, ifwell-bred, their qualifications, and endurance of fatigue, exceeds description.
GAMBLERS—consist of two sets; first, those whose thirst forGAMING, (calledPLAY) is insatiate, and who havePROPERTYtoLOSE; these areGENTLEMEN, who, possessing a refined sense ofHONORthemselves, never meanly descend to suspect theINTEGRITYofothers. An accurate description of their opponents will be found under the head "Black Legs," where the practices of "the family" are more fully explained.
—consist of two sets; first, those whose thirst forGAMING, (calledPLAY) is insatiate, and who havePROPERTYtoLOSE; these areGENTLEMEN, who, possessing a refined sense ofHONORthemselves, never meanly descend to suspect theINTEGRITYofothers. An accurate description of their opponents will be found under the head "Black Legs," where the practices of "the family" are more fully explained.
GAME—for the preservation of which such a succession ofLAWShave been enacted, were, in many of the former preambles to the differentACTSofParliament, extended to "theHeron,Pigeon,Mallard,Duck,Teal,Widgeon, or anysuch Fowl;" but in the present construction,GAMEis generally considered to imply no more than theHARE,PHEASANT,PARTRIDGE,HEATH-FOWL, andMOOR GAME, which are the whole of what is intentionally includedin theGAME LAWS; and what persons possessed ofcertain qualifications, as well as anANNUAL CERTIFICATE, are empowered to kill.Deerof every description are also denominatedGAME; but they are protected byLAWSappropriate to their peculiar preservation.Rabbitswere also included in many of the earliest acts relating toGAME, but are now considered of no consequence, except inWARRENS, where being private property, and productive of annual profit, they haveLAWSfor the security ofTHE OWNER, with very heavy penalties annexed to their destruction.ProprietorsofDOVE-HOUSE PIGEONShave likewise legal means of redress, upon their pigeons beingwantonlyshot at or destroyed. Themallard,wild-duck,widgeon,teal, &c. are not withoutLAWSfor their increase, and proportional preservation. SeeDecoy.
—for the preservation of which such a succession ofLAWShave been enacted, were, in many of the former preambles to the differentACTSofParliament, extended to "theHeron,Pigeon,Mallard,Duck,Teal,Widgeon, or anysuch Fowl;" but in the present construction,GAMEis generally considered to imply no more than theHARE,PHEASANT,PARTRIDGE,HEATH-FOWL, andMOOR GAME, which are the whole of what is intentionally includedin theGAME LAWS; and what persons possessed ofcertain qualifications, as well as anANNUAL CERTIFICATE, are empowered to kill.Deerof every description are also denominatedGAME; but they are protected byLAWSappropriate to their peculiar preservation.Rabbitswere also included in many of the earliest acts relating toGAME, but are now considered of no consequence, except inWARRENS, where being private property, and productive of annual profit, they haveLAWSfor the security ofTHE OWNER, with very heavy penalties annexed to their destruction.ProprietorsofDOVE-HOUSE PIGEONShave likewise legal means of redress, upon their pigeons beingwantonlyshot at or destroyed. Themallard,wild-duck,widgeon,teal, &c. are not withoutLAWSfor their increase, and proportional preservation. SeeDecoy.
GAME COCK.—The true-bredGAME COCKis a species of fowl almost peculiar to this country; his natural and instinctive courage will never permit him to yield to an opponent, however he may be superior inWEIGHTandSTRENGTH; but he will, even under those disadvantages, continue to fight till literallycut to pieces. After theloss of eyes, with the body wounded and perforated in every part, when even theuseof hislegsaregone, and he is no longer able to stand, but lays extended uponthe sod, with his victorious opponent exultinglyCROWINGover his mangled frame, he will continue toshew fightwith hisbeak, to the last remains of life.
.—The true-bredGAME COCKis a species of fowl almost peculiar to this country; his natural and instinctive courage will never permit him to yield to an opponent, however he may be superior inWEIGHTandSTRENGTH; but he will, even under those disadvantages, continue to fight till literallycut to pieces. After theloss of eyes, with the body wounded and perforated in every part, when even theuseof hislegsaregone, and he is no longer able to stand, but lays extended uponthe sod, with his victorious opponent exultinglyCROWINGover his mangled frame, he will continue toshew fightwith hisbeak, to the last remains of life.
ThoseNOBLEMENandGENTLEMENwho have (from hereditary rule, and local custom) continued the sport ofCOCKING, in the neighbourhoods where their country mansions and landed estates lay, have been, and are, exceedingly circumspect and cautious in theBREED, lest any chance of contamination shouldcreep in, by an injudicious, improper, or unlucky,cross in the blood; for as someHUNDREDSofPOUNDSare frequently depending uponONE MAIN, and that main upon the battle ofa single cock, no such money can be betted with a probable or equalchanceofwinning, unless the unsullied purity of theBREEDis most accurately ascertained. In confirmation of which remark, it is to be observed, that whenever aCOCK, inFIGHTING, declines the battle, no longer faces his adversary, but repeatedlyturns tail, andruns away, his blood is no longer to be relied on; and such cock has not only his neck broke in the Pit, but the whole of that breed are destroyed, to prevent farther contamination, as well as future loss, disgrace, and disappointment.
Game cocksare bred of various colours, according to the fancy or opinion of differentAMATEURS, many of whom have their favourite plumage;their colours are technically described by the variations in feather, and are as follow: The black or pheasant-breastedRED; the black-breastedGINGER; the speckle-breastedginger dun; the black-breastedYELLOW DUCKWING; the turkey-breastedDITTO; theSMUTTY DUN; theBRASS-WINGED BLACK; and theSMOCK, which is amilk-white, having the appearance of a commonbarn-door fowl; and the odds are proportionally against them whenever they are broughtto Pit, which is now but seldom, the breed being nearly or quite destroyed.
Two opinions have always been, and still are, entertained respectingTHE COCKSmost proper to breed from, admitting the standard ofbone,strength,weight, andstanding, to be just the same. Some prefer breeding fromA COCKwho hasWONmanyhard-foughtbattles, by which hisown bloodis so fairly proved; whilst others maintain the consistency of breeding only from thefull brothersof such, (who are calledMAIDEN COCKS, as never having fought,) under an impression, that the former must have sustained material injury by thewoundsreceived, and theblood lost, in the battles he had formerly fought. However those whoBREED GAME FOWLmay differ upon this particular point, it is an opinion nearly unanimous, that if you breed entirely for the Pit, that no cock should be bred from younger thanTWO, or more thanSIX,years old. Although it is right to breed from a strong, bony, close-made, majestic, high-standing cock, yet it is by no means prudent so to do from cocksmuch abovematch weight; that is to say, never to exceedFOUR POUNDS, TWELVE OUNCES, at the utmost; for should theHENSprove large also, theprogenymight run still more intosizeandbone, and never fall into any match whatever.
In breedingGAME CHICKEN, to breed with success, there are some general rules, which should be strictly attended to, and invariably persevered in. NoBROOD-COCKshould walk with more thanfour hens; three being, in fact, fully sufficient.Game hensshould never be permitted to bring forth a clutch of chickens before thelastweek inFebruary, nor after thefirstweek inMay; those hatched inMarchandAprilare only adapted tothe Pit, and are always preferable, inSIZEandGROWTH, to those hatched atany otherseason of the year. Hens after hatching should becooped asunder, where the chickens cannot intermix; as the hens will not onlykilltheyoungofeach other, butFIGHT THEMSELVESwith the same inveteracy asTHE COCKS. If a game hen, with chicken, retreats when attacked by another in the same state, her produce has been suspected to prove, in future,defective in courage; this opinion has, however, been founded upon false principles; because it is a very common circumstance for the younger hen togive place to an older, as it always is forTHE STAGto submit to theOLD COCK, who must and will continue master of his walk.
During the first year after being hatched, they are called individuallyCHICKEN; from twelve months to two years old, they are termedSTAGS, and from that period calledCOCKS, being then thought intheir prime; but they are probably more soAT THREE, if properly walked.Cock chickensshould never be permitted to run too long together, but be separated as soon as they begin fightingwith each other; and this ought to be the more strictly attended to, because it frequently happens, that out of awhole clutch, by neglect or inattention, what withscalped heads,loss of eyes,broken beaks, ordeformed feet, not one has ever been brought to the scale.
Cock chicken, when first removed, atthreeorfourmonths old, are placed where they continue to walk under anOLD COCK, and will continue obedient and submissive tillnineandten, or sometimesTWELVE MONTHSold; the experiment is nevertheless too hazardous to be made; they had much better be taken to aMASTER-WALKin proper time, to avoid the probability of eitheroneorbothbeingSPOILED. The most eminentBREEDERS, as well as the most enthusiasticBETTERS, have one mode of endeavouring to fix a criterion, how farthey can depend uponthe heel,the fight, andthe blood, of any particularBREEDorCROSSthey may have been induced to adopt. This experiment (dreadfullycruelas it is) is termed "CUTTING OUT," and consists inpittingsuchCHICKENofseven,eight, orninemonths old,unarmed, against their own brothers, or others of superiorage,weight, andstrength, havingSILVER SPURS; if the chicken, so unarmed, and without the least chance of success, continues the combat till completelydeprived of life, without displaying the least tendency to cowardice, or consciousness of defeat, more of his brothers have the same severe and "fiery ordeal" to undergo, when, if the result is just the same, thecrossis admitted to begood, and theBREEDis persevered in, till, from circumstances, the blood is thought to degenerate, when new crosses are adopted, and new experiments made. SeeCocking, Cock-match, andCockpit.
GAMING—is that destructive vice which has annihilated some of the most princely fortunes in this, and, perhaps, in every other kingdom: it is a whirlwind of devastating infatuation, which destroys every thing before it: like the effect of unrestrained fire, it continues its ravages so long as there is a single combustible to feed the flame. The mostMAGNIFICENT MANSIONS, the mostLORDLY POSSESSIONS, the mostMAJESTIC"towering woods," and the most extensiveFERTILE VALES, have beeninone night swept awayby this infernal and definitive propensity. Thousands, educated inAFFLUENCE, and left in a state of the most flourishingINDEPENDENCE, have been reduced to thegreatest want, and diedmiserable repentantswithin the drearyCONFINESof aPRISON, by the certain effect of an attachment to this most dreadful ofall vices, which the unitedWISDOMof theLegislaturehas so strenuously endeavoured to suppress.Lawshave been framed, and are rigidly enforced, for itsprevention; heavySTAMP DUTIEShave been laid uponCARDSandDICE, that those who use them may voluntarily contribute to the support of the State, by which both person and property are protected; and, as a farther proportional prohibition, noGAMING DEBTis recoverableBY LAWwhere the sumsued forshall exceedTEN POUNDS. SeeBetting.
—is that destructive vice which has annihilated some of the most princely fortunes in this, and, perhaps, in every other kingdom: it is a whirlwind of devastating infatuation, which destroys every thing before it: like the effect of unrestrained fire, it continues its ravages so long as there is a single combustible to feed the flame. The mostMAGNIFICENT MANSIONS, the mostLORDLY POSSESSIONS, the mostMAJESTIC"towering woods," and the most extensiveFERTILE VALES, have beeninone night swept awayby this infernal and definitive propensity. Thousands, educated inAFFLUENCE, and left in a state of the most flourishingINDEPENDENCE, have been reduced to thegreatest want, and diedmiserable repentantswithin the drearyCONFINESof aPRISON, by the certain effect of an attachment to this most dreadful ofall vices, which the unitedWISDOMof theLegislaturehas so strenuously endeavoured to suppress.Lawshave been framed, and are rigidly enforced, for itsprevention; heavySTAMP DUTIEShave been laid uponCARDSandDICE, that those who use them may voluntarily contribute to the support of the State, by which both person and property are protected; and, as a farther proportional prohibition, noGAMING DEBTis recoverableBY LAWwhere the sumsued forshall exceedTEN POUNDS. SeeBetting.
GAMING-HOUSES—are those infamousNOCTURNAL RECEPTACLESof the most abandonediniquity, where such scenes of villainy are in perpetual practice, that the most fertile pen must be inadequate to even a tolerable representation. These houses in the Metropolis, are, by theSPORTING WORLD, denominated "Hells;" and so truly are they entitled to that sublime distinction, that the wholeFORCEofMAGISTRACYhas been most laudably and successfully exerted against them without exception. Houses of this description are appropriated only to thepurposesofplay, and that of themostunfairdescription. They are kept bySYSTEMATIC DEPREDATORS, "who shun the light;" men who have nocredittosupport, noreputationtolose; and who are as completely lost to every sense of shame, as they are completely banished from the respectable classes of society. Here it is where the young, the inexperienced, the injudicious, and the inconsiderate, sacrifice not only theirOWN, and often the property ofOTHERS, butprostitutealso that most invaluableGEMtheirINTEGRITY, and with it aPEACEofMINDnever to be restored.
—are those infamousNOCTURNAL RECEPTACLESof the most abandonediniquity, where such scenes of villainy are in perpetual practice, that the most fertile pen must be inadequate to even a tolerable representation. These houses in the Metropolis, are, by theSPORTING WORLD, denominated "Hells;" and so truly are they entitled to that sublime distinction, that the wholeFORCEofMAGISTRACYhas been most laudably and successfully exerted against them without exception. Houses of this description are appropriated only to thepurposesofplay, and that of themostunfairdescription. They are kept bySYSTEMATIC DEPREDATORS, "who shun the light;" men who have nocredittosupport, noreputationtolose; and who are as completely lost to every sense of shame, as they are completely banished from the respectable classes of society. Here it is where the young, the inexperienced, the injudicious, and the inconsiderate, sacrifice not only theirOWN, and often the property ofOTHERS, butprostitutealso that most invaluableGEMtheirINTEGRITY, and with it aPEACEofMINDnever to be restored.
From thefirst momentof entering such an iniquitous sink ofPOLLUTION, such a complication ofVILLAINY, and such a combination of the most desperate and abandonedTHIEVES, every infatuated adventurer may date the origin offuture misery. Whether it beCARDS,DICE, E. O. or whateverGAMEorNAMEthe speculative sport may be, thecredulous, unsuspecting dupehas no oneCHANCE TO WIN, but inevitably every chanceto lose, under thecertaintyof their systematic depredation. Thus far in explanation of thoseHells, legally considered nuisances to society, as being prejudicial to the morals, and destructive to the property, of such individuals as unhappily fall within the vortex of so fashionable an influence; but there are otherGAMING HOUSESof a superior order, and of the most magnificent description, supported in all the styleofEASTERN SPLENDOR, byannualcontribution from the first characters in the kingdom, and called "SUBSCRIPTION HOUSES," to which none but their ownINDIVIDUAL MEMBERSare admitted under any plea whatever; and these, as private houses, beingABOVE THE LAW, any member possesses, of course, the privilege ofruining himself, and reducing hisfamilytobeggary, without transgressing theLAWSofHIS COUNTRY, or incurring thecensureof his best and most fashionable friends.
GAME-KEEPERS—are persons delegated by legal prescription, to provideGAMEfor the purposes of those by whom they are appointed, toPRESERVEandPROTECTit against a class of adventurers (denominatedpoachers) by night, as well as an unfair or improper destruction of it by day. EveryLORDorLADYof aMANORare authorized, by writing under their hands and seals, to empower aGAME-KEEPERto killwithin the said manor, anyHARE,PHEASANT,PARTRIDGE, or other game. If, however, such game-keeper shallsellordisposeof the game he shall so kill, without theknowledgeorconsentof the saidLORDorLADY, and shall be convicted, upon the oath ofonewitness, before a Justice of Peace, he shall be committed to the house of correction, and kept to hard labour for three months.
—are persons delegated by legal prescription, to provideGAMEfor the purposes of those by whom they are appointed, toPRESERVEandPROTECTit against a class of adventurers (denominatedpoachers) by night, as well as an unfair or improper destruction of it by day. EveryLORDorLADYof aMANORare authorized, by writing under their hands and seals, to empower aGAME-KEEPERto killwithin the said manor, anyHARE,PHEASANT,PARTRIDGE, or other game. If, however, such game-keeper shallsellordisposeof the game he shall so kill, without theknowledgeorconsentof the saidLORDorLADY, and shall be convicted, upon the oath ofonewitness, before a Justice of Peace, he shall be committed to the house of correction, and kept to hard labour for three months.
OneGAME-KEEPERonly can be appointed to kill game within one manor; in which he is authorizedand empowered, by hisDEPUTATION, to take and seize all guns, bows, greyhounds, setting-dogs, lurchers, ferrets, trammels, low-bells, hays, or other nets, hare-pipes, snares, or other engines, for the taking and killing ofHARES,PHEASANTS,PARTRIDGES, or other game, within the precincts of such manor, in the possession of any person not qualified to keep the same. It does not appear by this act (23d Charles Second, c. xxv. s. 2) that aGAME-KEEPERis empowered to seizeTHE GAME, although he is authorized to take all instruments in use for the destruction of it.
By the 25th George Third, c. v. s. 2, everydeputationof aGAME-KEEPERgranted to any person, by anyLORDorLADYof anyMANORin England or Wales, shall beregisteredwith theClerkofthe Peaceof the county in which such manor lies; where he shall receive a certificate of such registry, upon payment ofONE GUINEA, and one shilling to the Clerk, for the same. A game-keeper omitting to register his deputation, and to take out his certificate, fortwenty days, to forfeitTWENTY POUNDS. The certificate must be renewedannually; and upon the appointment of aNEW GAME-KEEPER, anew certificatemust be taken out; and the person formerly acting under the old certificate is no longerqualifiedtokill game, but liable to all the penalties of this act.
In addition, a few general remarks may be useful. AGAME-KEEPERhaving no other qualification than hisdeputationandcertificate, is not entitled toKILL GAMEout of the precincts of the manor for which he is appointed. Nor is he empowered to demandTHE NAME, or aSIGHT, of theCERTIFICATEof any qualified personoutof hisowndistrict; unless he is qualified to kill game in hisOWN RIGHT, (exclusive of his deputation,) and is possessed of hisTHREE GUINEAcertificate; in which case he may do either or both. But let it be remembered, that, although he isQUALIFIEDtoKILL GAMEin his own right, and acts under adeputationfor a certain specifiedMANOR, he is liable to the penalty prescribed by the Act, if he is informed against for, and convicted of, killing game out of that manor, without being previously possessed of the three guinea certificate. AnyGAME-KEEPERkilling or taking a hare, pheasant, partridge, or other game, under colour of being for the use of the Lord of the Manor, and afterwardsSELLINGandDISPOSINGthereof, without the consent of the saidLordof theManor, upon conviction, on the complaint of such Lord, and on the oath of one witness, before a Justice, shall be committed to the house of correction for three months, and there kept to hard labour.
GAME LAWS.—The laws framed for thePRESERVATIONofTHE GAME, are, by the differentActsofParliament, during several successive reigns, become so truly voluminous, and in many instances thought so truly complex, that it is impracticable to reduce any moderate abridgement of the whole within the intentional limits of this Work. But as many of the former Acts (at leastmanyof theclausesin those Acts) though unrepealed, are in practice almost obsolete, it is proposed (divested of legal tautology) to bring a review of the existing parts of theGAME LAWSas they now stand, and as they are now acted upon, into as concise a point of view as the subject will admit; and so perfectly free from ambiguity, as to be rendered perfectly clear to the most moderate comprehension: at least as much so, as can be expected uponLAWS, that, after all the refinement ofCENTURIES, after all the investigation and deliberation of the differentLegislatures, and the advantages derived also from the sage opinions of the most learned inTHE LAW, are certainly less respected, and less effectual, than any other part of the code to be found in the statute books of this realm. Whether it is, that they are less understood, less palatable to those interested in their effect, or but feebly and partially executed, is a matter only to be ascertained by time, and such future arrangements as may probably take place.
.—The laws framed for thePRESERVATIONofTHE GAME, are, by the differentActsofParliament, during several successive reigns, become so truly voluminous, and in many instances thought so truly complex, that it is impracticable to reduce any moderate abridgement of the whole within the intentional limits of this Work. But as many of the former Acts (at leastmanyof theclausesin those Acts) though unrepealed, are in practice almost obsolete, it is proposed (divested of legal tautology) to bring a review of the existing parts of theGAME LAWSas they now stand, and as they are now acted upon, into as concise a point of view as the subject will admit; and so perfectly free from ambiguity, as to be rendered perfectly clear to the most moderate comprehension: at least as much so, as can be expected uponLAWS, that, after all the refinement ofCENTURIES, after all the investigation and deliberation of the differentLegislatures, and the advantages derived also from the sage opinions of the most learned inTHE LAW, are certainly less respected, and less effectual, than any other part of the code to be found in the statute books of this realm. Whether it is, that they are less understood, less palatable to those interested in their effect, or but feebly and partially executed, is a matter only to be ascertained by time, and such future arrangements as may probably take place.
Persons held legally qualified to kill game, must be in the full and undisputed possession of aFREEHOLD LANDED ESTATE,producing a clear 100l.per annum; or possessed of a lease, or leases, for ninety-nine years, or any longer term, of the clear yearly value of 150l.other than the heir apparent of an Esquire, or other person of higher degree.Esquires, as defined byLAW, are the younger sons ofNoblemen, and their heirs male for ever: the four Esquires of the King's body: the eldest sons ofBaronets, ofKnightsof theBath, of Knights Bachelors, and their heirs male in the right line. AJusticeof thePeaceis also an Esquire for the time he is in the commission, but no longer.
Persons of higher degree than Esquires, areColonels,Serjeants at Law, andDoctorsin the three learned Professions; but neither Esquires, nor any of these, are qualified to kill game, unless they have the requisite estate mentioned; though theirSONSare qualified withoutanyestate. This, however unreasonable it may seem, has been fully decided to be the true construction of the Act. In addition to every necessaryQUALIFICATIONbyESTATE, according to the construction of all former Acts, it is enacted, by 25th George Third, c. 1. s. 2, That every person in Great Britain who shall use any dog, gun, net, or other engine, for the taking or destruction of game, shall every year, previously to his using the same, deliver in a paper, or account in writing, containing his name and place of abode, to theClerkofthe Peaceof the countywhere he shall reside, (or his deputy,) and annually take outA CERTIFICATEof having so done, for which he is to payTHREE GUINEAS, and one shilling to the Clerk for his trouble in making out the same; which certificate shall bear date on the day whereon it is issued, and remain in force from thence until the first day of July then after, and no longer. Such certificate may be demanded by theunqualifiedas well asQUALIFIED; and if the Clerk of the Peace shall refuse to grant such certificate when demanded, he is liable to the penalty ofTWENTY POUNDS.
Any person, qualified or unqualified, who shall be in pursuit of game, without having obtained such certificate, shall be liable to the penalty ofTWENTY POUNDS. It is also provided in the said Act, That every person having obtained a certificate, who shall findany otherperson in pursuit of game also, it shall be lawful for him (after having produced his own certificate) to demand from such other person, the certificate to him issued of having conformed to the said Act; and on such demand, such person shall produce such certificate, and permit the same to be inspected; and on refusing to produce the same, and also refusing to give hisChristianandSurname, and place of residence, or givinga false nameor place of residence, he shall forfeit the sum ofFIFTY POUNDS.