HAYS—are a particular kind of nets for takingRABBITSandHARES, the use of which are proscribed in almost every Act to be found in the penal statutes for thePRESERVATIONofGAME. They are made from sixty to one hundred and twenty feet long, and six feet deep; constituting the most destructive engine of any ever yet invented tostrip a country, by the mode in which they are used. They are only in the possession ofPOACHERSof the first magnitude, (in the neighbourhoods ofPARKS,HARE WARRENS, andPRESERVES,) by whose desperate and determinednocturnalexertions theWHOLESALEtrade of the metropolis is invariably supplied.
—are a particular kind of nets for takingRABBITSandHARES, the use of which are proscribed in almost every Act to be found in the penal statutes for thePRESERVATIONofGAME. They are made from sixty to one hundred and twenty feet long, and six feet deep; constituting the most destructive engine of any ever yet invented tostrip a country, by the mode in which they are used. They are only in the possession ofPOACHERSof the first magnitude, (in the neighbourhoods ofPARKS,HARE WARRENS, andPRESERVES,) by whose desperate and determinednocturnalexertions theWHOLESALEtrade of the metropolis is invariably supplied.
HAYWARD—is a manorial parochial officer, appointed to preserve the privileges, and protect the rights, immunities, and cattle, of those who are entitled to commonage of certain lands, wastes, &c. He derives from his appointment, authority to drive his district at stated periods, well known in its vicinity; to impound strays, and to prevent nuisances of diseased cattle; or any other impropriety of cattle breaking bounds, and destroying fences, of which it comes within the intent of his office to take cognizance. To all which there are certain localfees appertaining, according to the custom of the country, for the support of an office very wisely instituted to prevent trifling law-suits and paltry litigations.
—is a manorial parochial officer, appointed to preserve the privileges, and protect the rights, immunities, and cattle, of those who are entitled to commonage of certain lands, wastes, &c. He derives from his appointment, authority to drive his district at stated periods, well known in its vicinity; to impound strays, and to prevent nuisances of diseased cattle; or any other impropriety of cattle breaking bounds, and destroying fences, of which it comes within the intent of his office to take cognizance. To all which there are certain localfees appertaining, according to the custom of the country, for the support of an office very wisely instituted to prevent trifling law-suits and paltry litigations.
HAZARD—is, beyond a doubt, the most fashionable and fascinatingGAMEever yet invented for the expeditious and instantaneous transfer of immense sums from one hand to another. It is aGAMEofCHANCE; and, whenfairlyplayed, is theFAIRESTupon which a stake can possibly be made, fromoneguinea to aTHOUSAND, or to any amount whatever; the winning or losing of which is decided with so much rapidity, that the adventurer can never be more than a few moments insuspense, although he may be many years inREPENTANCE. Hazard is the game ofnocturnalcelebrity, by which the best estates have been impoverished, and immense property destroyed: it is played with a box and pair of dice, and is of considerable antiquity, as noticed byShakespearein Richard the Third, whom he has made to say,
—is, beyond a doubt, the most fashionable and fascinatingGAMEever yet invented for the expeditious and instantaneous transfer of immense sums from one hand to another. It is aGAMEofCHANCE; and, whenfairlyplayed, is theFAIRESTupon which a stake can possibly be made, fromoneguinea to aTHOUSAND, or to any amount whatever; the winning or losing of which is decided with so much rapidity, that the adventurer can never be more than a few moments insuspense, although he may be many years inREPENTANCE. Hazard is the game ofnocturnalcelebrity, by which the best estates have been impoverished, and immense property destroyed: it is played with a box and pair of dice, and is of considerable antiquity, as noticed byShakespearein Richard the Third, whom he has made to say,
"Slave, I have set my life upon aCAST,"And I will stand theHAZARDof theDIE."
The person holding theBOXis called theCaster, who having beensetas much money by the surrounding company (or any individual) as he proposesto throw for, and theSTAKEorSTAKESbeingdeposited within a centrical circle upon the table, he then throws thedicefrom theBOX, and whatever number appears upon the surface is termed "theMAIN;" and so vociferated loudly by a person called theGroom Porter, who stands above the rest, and whose business it is to call themainandchance, furnish freshdicewhen demanded, and to receive the money for abox-handwhen due. So soon as themainis declared, which, in fact, is the number by which the Caster's opponents must abide for themselves, the Caster throws a second time, and this number is called thechance, being hisownchance against themainpreviously thrown; and so named, because it is the number of theMAINof thePLAYERSagainst thechanceof theindividualwho is theCaster, and makes stakes against the whole, or any part of the rest.
Themainandchancebeing proclaimed by theGroom Porter, odds are generally laid between the throws (upon the termination of the event) according to the numbers opposed to each other, and according to the scale by which allbetsupon the game are regulated, and strictly observed. The Caster may, or may not, engage in any of these bets, which he very frequently does, as a hedge (or fence) to his own stakes, when the odds aresixtofour, orTWOtoONE, in his favour: at any rate, he continues to throw the dice in succession, till either themainorchanceappears: if the main isfirstthrown, those who "set the Caster" draw their money; the Caster is then said to have "thrown out," and passes the box to his next neighbour: on the contrary, should he have thrown hisown chance first, he is then the winner, and of course not only draws all the money hestakedandbetted, but continues toHOLDtheBOX, and throw a "new main" forany sumhe wishes to beset, in which a Caster is never known to be disappointed.
When aCasterhasthrown in(that is, has won) three times in succession, it is termed "aBOX HAND," and he then payshalf a guineato theGroom Porter, for the privilege of playing, the use of box and dice, negus, &c. provided for the accommodation of the company. The box continues in the Caster's possession so long as he continues tothrow in, (paying an additional half guinea everythirdtime of winning;) but the first time he loses, he resigns the box to the player sitting next to him, unless he requests, and is permitted to renew hisown play, which is then called taking "a back hand." There are more minute distinctions, as well as a fixed table of the odds during the play; but they are too long for insertion; and could not be so clearly comprehended by theory, as understood by practice.
HEAD.—The correct formation of a horse's head is so indispensibly necessary to the strikingsymmetry and corresponding uniformity of the whole, that its make should never be inadvertently overlooked in a hasty purchase. The head, the crest, the curve of the neck, and the entire of the forehand, are what may be termed the predominant features, or distinguishing traits, whichalone seen, hold forth, in general, a tolerably just idea of what may be expected to follow. In the present state of equestrian improvement, the beauty of a horse's head is too well known to require a literary description: nor would the word itself have been introduced, but to remind every class of sportsmen, that those who purchase a horse toothick in the jole, or a headtoo largefor theBODY, must never expect to be complimented upon the beauty of the acquisition.
.—The correct formation of a horse's head is so indispensibly necessary to the strikingsymmetry and corresponding uniformity of the whole, that its make should never be inadvertently overlooked in a hasty purchase. The head, the crest, the curve of the neck, and the entire of the forehand, are what may be termed the predominant features, or distinguishing traits, whichalone seen, hold forth, in general, a tolerably just idea of what may be expected to follow. In the present state of equestrian improvement, the beauty of a horse's head is too well known to require a literary description: nor would the word itself have been introduced, but to remind every class of sportsmen, that those who purchase a horse toothick in the jole, or a headtoo largefor theBODY, must never expect to be complimented upon the beauty of the acquisition.
HEAD, pain in.—Horses, it is supposed and admitted, may be subject to pains in the head; and that such pains may proceed from causes it is impossible to explore. As, therefore, every attempt at definition must rest upon conjecture, it is evidently better not to advance opinions founded upon uncertainty, by whichmanymay bemisled, none eitherINSTRUCTEDorENTERTAINED. For symptoms, seeEars.
.—Horses, it is supposed and admitted, may be subject to pains in the head; and that such pains may proceed from causes it is impossible to explore. As, therefore, every attempt at definition must rest upon conjecture, it is evidently better not to advance opinions founded upon uncertainty, by whichmanymay bemisled, none eitherINSTRUCTEDorENTERTAINED. For symptoms, seeEars.
HEAD of a DEER. SeeAntlers.
. SeeAntlers.
HEAD-STALL—is the part of a caveson, bridle, or hunting-rein halter, which passes round,and on each side the head of the horse, and to which the reins of either are affixed, for use in the field or on the road, and for safety in the stable.
—is the part of a caveson, bridle, or hunting-rein halter, which passes round,and on each side the head of the horse, and to which the reins of either are affixed, for use in the field or on the road, and for safety in the stable.
HEATH-FOWL—are a species ofGROUSE, (passing under the denomination ofBLACK GAME,) of which there are different sorts, individually expressed in the various acts of successive Parliaments for the preservation of the game; as "GROUSE,HEATH-COCK,MOOR-GAME, or any such fowl." To prevent the general destruction that must evidently follow, if game of this description was pursued and taken at all seasons of the year without restraint, the Legislature has wisely provided a remedy by the following prohibition, exclusive of the penalties annexed to other Acts for killing without the necessary qualifications.
—are a species ofGROUSE, (passing under the denomination ofBLACK GAME,) of which there are different sorts, individually expressed in the various acts of successive Parliaments for the preservation of the game; as "GROUSE,HEATH-COCK,MOOR-GAME, or any such fowl." To prevent the general destruction that must evidently follow, if game of this description was pursued and taken at all seasons of the year without restraint, the Legislature has wisely provided a remedy by the following prohibition, exclusive of the penalties annexed to other Acts for killing without the necessary qualifications.
By the 13th George Third, c. lv. s. 2, No person shallkill,destroy,carry,sell,buy, or have in hispossession, anyHEATH-FOWL, commonly calledblack game, between thetenthday ofDecemberand thetwentiethday ofAugust; nor anyGROUSE, commonly calledred game, between thetenthday ofDecemberand thetwelfthday ofAugust; nor anyBUSTARDbetween thefirstday ofMarchand thefirstday ofSeptember, in any year, upon pain of forfeiting, for theFIRST OFFENCE, a sum not exceedingTWENTY, nor less thanten pounds; and for theSECOND, and everysubsequentoffence, a sumnot exceedingTHIRTY, nor less thantwenty pounds: One moiety thereof to go to theINFORMER, the other to the poor of the parish.
HEAVIER.—ASTAGdeprived of his testicles byCASTRATION, is then called aHEAVIER, which operation is occasionally performed, that a supply may not be wanting for theCHASEduring the time ofrutting; in which theSTAGis perpetually ranging from oneHINDto another, for three weeks or longer; not allowing himself the comforts ofFOOD,SLEEP, orREST. Towards the termination he becomes lean, languid, and dejected; when, having executed the task prescribed byNature, he withdraws himself from society, to seek repose and food. At this period he is so ill-adapted forSPORTwith theHOUNDS, that the operation of castrating was adopted as an alternative to the temporary suspension of theROYAL CHASE.
.—ASTAGdeprived of his testicles byCASTRATION, is then called aHEAVIER, which operation is occasionally performed, that a supply may not be wanting for theCHASEduring the time ofrutting; in which theSTAGis perpetually ranging from oneHINDto another, for three weeks or longer; not allowing himself the comforts ofFOOD,SLEEP, orREST. Towards the termination he becomes lean, languid, and dejected; when, having executed the task prescribed byNature, he withdraws himself from society, to seek repose and food. At this period he is so ill-adapted forSPORTwith theHOUNDS, that the operation of castrating was adopted as an alternative to the temporary suspension of theROYAL CHASE.
It is worthy of remark, that if a stag undergoes the operation when his horns areSHED, theynevergrow again; on the contrary, if it is performed while the horns are in perfection, they will never exfoliate; and it is equally remarkable, that being deprived of onlyonetesticle, the horn will not regenerate onthatside, but will continue to grow, and annually shed on theother, where the single testicle has not been taken away.Heaviersare of great strength, and stand a long time before hounds; forwhich reason the hunting establishment of hisMajestyinWindsor Forestis never without a regular succession.
HEAVY in HAND.—A horse is said to be heavy in hand, when, from want of spirit, he goes sluggishly on, bearing his whole weight upon theBIT; as if the hand of the rider alone prevented his pitching upon his head; and this to a good horseman is one of the most unpleasingdefectsaHORSEcan possess. Horses of this description should be rode in a Weymouth bridle, (seeBit,) and constantly made to feel theCURBrein; when at the same moment, that useful monitor thespurshould be brought into brisk and sudden contact with the body; a perseverance in which practice will be found the only mode to remedy the inconvenience. SeeHand.
.—A horse is said to be heavy in hand, when, from want of spirit, he goes sluggishly on, bearing his whole weight upon theBIT; as if the hand of the rider alone prevented his pitching upon his head; and this to a good horseman is one of the most unpleasingdefectsaHORSEcan possess. Horses of this description should be rode in a Weymouth bridle, (seeBit,) and constantly made to feel theCURBrein; when at the same moment, that useful monitor thespurshould be brought into brisk and sudden contact with the body; a perseverance in which practice will be found the only mode to remedy the inconvenience. SeeHand.
HEELS.—The heels of a horse, critically speaking, imply only that part of the hoof which is the very reverse of the toe; seated behind, and forming the back of the foot, across the widest end of the frog, extending from one point of the heel to the other. Custom has, however, so far extended both the idea and the expression, that in the present general acceptation of the word, it is admitted to include the feet as high as the fetlock-joint; so that the heels are subject to accidents, inconveniencies, defects, and blemishes, asCRACKS,SCRATCHES,OVERREACHES,GREASE, &c. The heels of a horse, to be good, should be high, (that is, of a proper length from the hair above to the ground below,) firm, and substantial, open on each side the frog, and never should be cut downtoo lowby the destructive instrument of theSHOEING-SMITH; an error in both judgment and practice, to which may be justly attributed the frequent failure in the back sinews; for where the heels are unnaturally reduced, and the tendons in part deprived of their support, they have evidently to encounter a preternatural distension, by which the elasticity is partially destroyed, and some of the fibrous coats consequently ruptured.
.—The heels of a horse, critically speaking, imply only that part of the hoof which is the very reverse of the toe; seated behind, and forming the back of the foot, across the widest end of the frog, extending from one point of the heel to the other. Custom has, however, so far extended both the idea and the expression, that in the present general acceptation of the word, it is admitted to include the feet as high as the fetlock-joint; so that the heels are subject to accidents, inconveniencies, defects, and blemishes, asCRACKS,SCRATCHES,OVERREACHES,GREASE, &c. The heels of a horse, to be good, should be high, (that is, of a proper length from the hair above to the ground below,) firm, and substantial, open on each side the frog, and never should be cut downtoo lowby the destructive instrument of theSHOEING-SMITH; an error in both judgment and practice, to which may be justly attributed the frequent failure in the back sinews; for where the heels are unnaturally reduced, and the tendons in part deprived of their support, they have evidently to encounter a preternatural distension, by which the elasticity is partially destroyed, and some of the fibrous coats consequently ruptured.
HEELS NARROW—is a defect, or inconvenience, to whichHORSESare constantly subject; but they are produced much more by the officious obtrusions ofART, than any deficiency in the original formation ofNATURE. Horses with narrow heels are generally those who have had very little attention paid to the state of the feet, by eitherMASTERorman, during the operation ofSHOEING; and where the journeyman smith too often, from absolute idleness, affixes a shoetoo narrowto theFOOT, and then, to increase the injury, reduces theFOOTto the dimensions of theshoe.
—is a defect, or inconvenience, to whichHORSESare constantly subject; but they are produced much more by the officious obtrusions ofART, than any deficiency in the original formation ofNATURE. Horses with narrow heels are generally those who have had very little attention paid to the state of the feet, by eitherMASTERorman, during the operation ofSHOEING; and where the journeyman smith too often, from absolute idleness, affixes a shoetoo narrowto theFOOT, and then, to increase the injury, reduces theFOOTto the dimensions of theshoe.
This grievance is much easier prevented than remedied; for when once adestructionofpartshasbeen inconsiderately occasioned, aREGENERATIONmay not be easily obtained. The cruel and invincible practice of applying thehot shoeto theFOOT(by way of fitting it) during the act of shoeing, contributes in no small degree to the contraction of the heel; and when this injury is once sustained, great care and constant attention become necessary to solicit a renovation. Whether it has been occasioned by the fatal operation of thecutting-knife, the fashionable back-stroke friction of therasp, or the fiery effect of thehot shoewhen conveyed from theFORGEto thefoot, the direct road to relief is precisely the same: nightly stopping with any applicable composition calculated to mollify the bottom of the hoof, and to promote its expansion, with a plentiful impregnation of sperma-cæti oil daily, are the only sure and certain means by which the heels can be restored to their original and proper formation.
HEELER—is the person who affixes the deadly weapon calledA SPUR(made of either steel or silver) to the heel of aGAME COCK, when taken from the pen previous to his being carried to theCOCK-PITto fight his battle. A hard-hitting cock, who is perpetually fighting with effect, and gives his adversary no time to stand still, or look about him, is likewise calledA HEELER.
—is the person who affixes the deadly weapon calledA SPUR(made of either steel or silver) to the heel of aGAME COCK, when taken from the pen previous to his being carried to theCOCK-PITto fight his battle. A hard-hitting cock, who is perpetually fighting with effect, and gives his adversary no time to stand still, or look about him, is likewise calledA HEELER.
HELPS, or AIDS,—are terms appertaining solely to theMANEGEandRIDING-SCHOOL, little known elsewhere, and totally unconnected with the sports of the field.Professorstechnically describesevenhelps necessary to complete the lesson given to a horse; as theVOICE,WHIP,BIT,CALVESof theLEGS, theSTIRRUPS, theSPUR, and theGROUND.
,—are terms appertaining solely to theMANEGEandRIDING-SCHOOL, little known elsewhere, and totally unconnected with the sports of the field.Professorstechnically describesevenhelps necessary to complete the lesson given to a horse; as theVOICE,WHIP,BIT,CALVESof theLEGS, theSTIRRUPS, theSPUR, and theGROUND.
HEROD,—commonly calledKing Herod, was the first horse of his time asA RACER, and afterwards asA STALLION. He was bred by the thenDukeofCumberland, and got byTartarout ofCypron, who was got byBlaze; he was foaled in 1758, and, after beating every horse that could be brought against him at four, five, and six years old, he became a stallion of the first celebrity, and transmitted a greater progeny to posterity, than any other horse in the whole annals of sporting, unlessEclipseandHighflyer(his son) are admitted upon the score of equality.
,—commonly calledKing Herod, was the first horse of his time asA RACER, and afterwards asA STALLION. He was bred by the thenDukeofCumberland, and got byTartarout ofCypron, who was got byBlaze; he was foaled in 1758, and, after beating every horse that could be brought against him at four, five, and six years old, he became a stallion of the first celebrity, and transmitted a greater progeny to posterity, than any other horse in the whole annals of sporting, unlessEclipseandHighflyer(his son) are admitted upon the score of equality.
HIDEBOUND—is an impoverished state of the frame and system to which horses are frequently reduced, and partakes much more of neglect in food and stable discipline, than of constitutional defect, or acquired disease. A horse said to beHIDEBOUNDhas the appearance of being emaciated; the coat is of a dingy variegated hue, staring different ways, with a scurfy dust underneath; the skin is of an unpliable rigidity, seeming to adhere closely to theinternal parts, denoting a deficiency of the fluids, an obstruction of the porous system, and a languor in the circulation.
—is an impoverished state of the frame and system to which horses are frequently reduced, and partakes much more of neglect in food and stable discipline, than of constitutional defect, or acquired disease. A horse said to beHIDEBOUNDhas the appearance of being emaciated; the coat is of a dingy variegated hue, staring different ways, with a scurfy dust underneath; the skin is of an unpliable rigidity, seeming to adhere closely to theinternal parts, denoting a deficiency of the fluids, an obstruction of the porous system, and a languor in the circulation.
The whole, or any part of these, may originate in various causes; as a short allowance ofgoodand healthy food, or a profusion ofbad. Nothing will produce it sooner thanhardwork withbadkeep, and a constant exposure to all weathers, in the severity of the winter season. Musty oats, mouldy hay, and winter straw-yards, are generally the harbingers of this appearance, which in all cases is very easily removed: good stable discipline, in wisping and dressing, regular daily exercise, a few mashes nightly of ground malt and bran, equal parts, followed by a cordial ball every morning, or an antimonial alterative powder nightly in the mash, will soon be found to answer every expectation, and restore the subject to good condition.
HIGHFLYER—was the name of a late celebratedHORSE, that, taken "for all in all," (as aRACERand aSTALLION,) far exceeded any other ever known in this kingdom. He was foaled in 1774; was got byHerodout ofRachel, who was got byBlank; her dam byRegulus, &c. He was purchased of the breeder, when a colt rising two years old, by the lateLord Bolingbroke, and was then thought to be getting too large and unpromising for any capital performances upon theturf. It was, however, observed by the training groom, that he displayed astonishing powers in some of his first trials; and it was uponhissuggestionHighflyerwas immediately named in the most capital sweepstakes and subscriptions then open; winning all which with the greatest ease, he was at the very zenith of his celebrity asA RACER, whenLord Bolingbroke, disgusted with the villainous deceptions and variegated vicissitudes ofTHE TURF, as well as declining daily in his health,Highflyerwas purchased of his Lordship byMr. Tattersal, who fixed him as a stallion at a farm of his own near Ely, in Cambridgeshire, where his success soon stamped the spot with the name ofHighflyer Hall, which it will most probably ever retain. Here he covered for some years atTHIRTY GUINEAS; and from the almost incredible number of mares he was permitted to cover, it was concluded he produced to his owner no less than from fifteen hundred to two thousand pounds a year, for many years in succession. His progeny of winners only exceededTHREE HUNDREDin number, who received, in subscriptions, plates and sweepstakes, above aTHOUSAND PRIZES. Amongst the most celebrated of his get wereEscape, (who once sold for 1500 guineas,)Euphrosyne,Bashful,Maid of all Work,Plutitia,Sir Pepper,Sir Peter Teazle,Skylark,Skyrocket,Skyscraper,Spadille,Rockingham,Toby,Thalia,Walnut,Old Tat,Vermin,Skypeeper,Grouse,Oberon,Screveton,Diamond,Sparkler,Guildford,Moorcock, andStickler: of whom several are now stallions in the highest reputation at ten and fifteen guineas each.
—was the name of a late celebratedHORSE, that, taken "for all in all," (as aRACERand aSTALLION,) far exceeded any other ever known in this kingdom. He was foaled in 1774; was got byHerodout ofRachel, who was got byBlank; her dam byRegulus, &c. He was purchased of the breeder, when a colt rising two years old, by the lateLord Bolingbroke, and was then thought to be getting too large and unpromising for any capital performances upon theturf. It was, however, observed by the training groom, that he displayed astonishing powers in some of his first trials; and it was uponhissuggestionHighflyerwas immediately named in the most capital sweepstakes and subscriptions then open; winning all which with the greatest ease, he was at the very zenith of his celebrity asA RACER, whenLord Bolingbroke, disgusted with the villainous deceptions and variegated vicissitudes ofTHE TURF, as well as declining daily in his health,Highflyerwas purchased of his Lordship byMr. Tattersal, who fixed him as a stallion at a farm of his own near Ely, in Cambridgeshire, where his success soon stamped the spot with the name ofHighflyer Hall, which it will most probably ever retain. Here he covered for some years atTHIRTY GUINEAS; and from the almost incredible number of mares he was permitted to cover, it was concluded he produced to his owner no less than from fifteen hundred to two thousand pounds a year, for many years in succession. His progeny of winners only exceededTHREE HUNDREDin number, who received, in subscriptions, plates and sweepstakes, above aTHOUSAND PRIZES. Amongst the most celebrated of his get wereEscape, (who once sold for 1500 guineas,)Euphrosyne,Bashful,Maid of all Work,Plutitia,Sir Pepper,Sir Peter Teazle,Skylark,Skyrocket,Skyscraper,Spadille,Rockingham,Toby,Thalia,Walnut,Old Tat,Vermin,Skypeeper,Grouse,Oberon,Screveton,Diamond,Sparkler,Guildford,Moorcock, andStickler: of whom several are now stallions in the highest reputation at ten and fifteen guineas each.
HIND—is the female of the species calledRED DEER, the male of which is termedA STAG: the offspring of both is, during its first year, calledA CALF; and these only are the deer hunted by theKing's stag-hounds.
—is the female of the species calledRED DEER, the male of which is termedA STAG: the offspring of both is, during its first year, calledA CALF; and these only are the deer hunted by theKing's stag-hounds.
HIP-SHOT.—TheDEFECTso termed is an injury frequently sustained in theHIP JOINT, but not always with the same degree of severity. It is a ligamentary twist, or distortion, by which thejunctionof thebonesis materially affected, but not amounting to absoluteDISLOCATION; although it may proceed from a variety of causes, in sudden shocks from the different prominences of, or cavitiesin, an uneven and irregular pavement;BLOWS,STRAINS, orWRENCHES, (in drawing heavy loads,) as well as bySLIDING, orFALLING; yet there is little doubt but it occurs much oftner fromcarelessness,inattention, andbrutality, either by a violent blow from the post of the stable door, in being hastily led in or out, than by any other means whatever. Let what will be the cause, a cure is seldom completely effected; for as the injury is not only deeply, but critically seated, so if the horse, after any medical means have been used, is turned out to obtain strength, a repetition of work generallyproduces a relapse of the injury originally sustained.
.—TheDEFECTso termed is an injury frequently sustained in theHIP JOINT, but not always with the same degree of severity. It is a ligamentary twist, or distortion, by which thejunctionof thebonesis materially affected, but not amounting to absoluteDISLOCATION; although it may proceed from a variety of causes, in sudden shocks from the different prominences of, or cavitiesin, an uneven and irregular pavement;BLOWS,STRAINS, orWRENCHES, (in drawing heavy loads,) as well as bySLIDING, orFALLING; yet there is little doubt but it occurs much oftner fromcarelessness,inattention, andbrutality, either by a violent blow from the post of the stable door, in being hastily led in or out, than by any other means whatever. Let what will be the cause, a cure is seldom completely effected; for as the injury is not only deeply, but critically seated, so if the horse, after any medical means have been used, is turned out to obtain strength, a repetition of work generallyproduces a relapse of the injury originally sustained.
HOCK, or HOUGH.—The joint of the legbehind, corresponding with the kneebefore, is so called. Its office, in sustaining the principal weight, and various turns of the body, renders it liable to injuries, which, when they happen, are not unfrequently both severe and permanent.Bone spavins,BLOOD SPAVINS, andCURBS, are of this description.
.—The joint of the legbehind, corresponding with the kneebefore, is so called. Its office, in sustaining the principal weight, and various turns of the body, renders it liable to injuries, which, when they happen, are not unfrequently both severe and permanent.Bone spavins,BLOOD SPAVINS, andCURBS, are of this description.
HOLD—is a term of trifling import, yet, as it appertains to the important act of propagation between theHORSEand theMARE, its emphatic signification cannot be omitted. When a mare has taken the horse, that is, when copulation is completed, a doubt generally arises, whether theMAREwillhold; that is, whether she sufficiently retains the male semen to constituteCONCEPTION. The mare being brought to the horse on theninthday, from the first time of covering, if she again receives the horse, that alone is held a sufficient proof shedid not holdbefore: she is, nevertheless, brought again to the horse at the end of another nine days, and when she has refusedtwiceto take the horse, she is then said to beSTINTED, and no doubt entertained of her being inFOAL.
—is a term of trifling import, yet, as it appertains to the important act of propagation between theHORSEand theMARE, its emphatic signification cannot be omitted. When a mare has taken the horse, that is, when copulation is completed, a doubt generally arises, whether theMAREwillhold; that is, whether she sufficiently retains the male semen to constituteCONCEPTION. The mare being brought to the horse on theninthday, from the first time of covering, if she again receives the horse, that alone is held a sufficient proof shedid not holdbefore: she is, nevertheless, brought again to the horse at the end of another nine days, and when she has refusedtwiceto take the horse, she is then said to beSTINTED, and no doubt entertained of her being inFOAL.
HOOF.—The hoof of a horse is that hard and horny substance at the lower extremity of the legs, coming into contact with the ground, and upon which are placed shoes, made of iron, for the preservation of the feet. The hoof, to be perfect and uniform, should nearly circumscribe five eighths of a circle, with a transverse line from one point of the heel to the other, as if a segment of three eighths was taken away; in addition to which form, it should be solid in substance, smooth to the hand, and free from the contracted rings, or wrinkles, similar to those upon the horns of cattle, by which the age is ascertained.
.—The hoof of a horse is that hard and horny substance at the lower extremity of the legs, coming into contact with the ground, and upon which are placed shoes, made of iron, for the preservation of the feet. The hoof, to be perfect and uniform, should nearly circumscribe five eighths of a circle, with a transverse line from one point of the heel to the other, as if a segment of three eighths was taken away; in addition to which form, it should be solid in substance, smooth to the hand, and free from the contracted rings, or wrinkles, similar to those upon the horns of cattle, by which the age is ascertained.
Hoofsare very different in both property and appearance, and a great deal of this depends upon the manner in which they are treated. The well-known and well-founded adage, that "Doctors differ," was never more verified than in the subject before us; previous to the necessary remarks upon which, it will be proper to point out the distinct or opposite texture and property of such hoofs, before we advert to the most applicable mode of treatment for each. The hoofs of some horses are so naturally dry, and so defective in animal moisture, that they gradually contract, become apparently compressed, and narrow at the heel, as well as acquire a degree ofbrittlenesshardly to be believed; in which statesplintersare frequently scaling off from theEDGESof theHOOF,at many places where the nails are unavoidably inserted to secure the position of theSHOE, for the preservation of theFOOT.
These are the species of hoof much more susceptible of injury than any other, particularly ofSANDCRACKS; defects which, when they happen, very much reduce the value of the horse if offered for sale; not more in respect to theBLEMISH, than the perpetual apprehension and expectation of his becoming irrecoverablyLAME. Hoofs of this description should be plentifully impregnated with sperma-cæti oil every night all round the foot; and the bottom should be stopped with a composition of stiff cow-dung, and the skimming of the pot in which fat meat has been boiled, previously preserved, and well incorporated for that purpose. It has been asserted by those who speculate, and propagate the report offancyforFACT, that "unctuous or greasy applications are prejudicial to the feet," of which indefinite, vague and imperfect expression, theweakandwaveringhappily avail themselves, and boldly declare, under sanction of the equivocal mutation in meaning, that every thinggreasyis injurious to theHOOFS.
It is a degree of justice that so egregious an absurdity should be exposed. Without descending to a minute and scientific analyzation of the hoof in its animated state, to ascertain how far it is, oris not, aPOROUSsubstance, it becomes only necessary to demonstrate its possessing the property ofABSORPTIONfromexternalapplication. That this may be the more clearly comprehended, let it be remembered, if a single drop ofSPERMA-CÆTI OILis left upon a quire of white paper, it will, by its penetrative property, pass through each leaf of the quire, till every particle of its moisture is exhausted, where it terminates in a space little larger than the point of a needle: from whence it is fair to infer, this article, in a state of perfect liquefaction, will insinuate itself into, or go through, any possible substance where a liquid can be supposed to pass: this admitted, upon clear and indisputable proof, it becomes necessary to proceed to its effect upon thedry,hard,contracted,brittlehoof of theHORSE.
If the foot is held up from the litter with the hand, and with the stable-brush well impregnated withoil, so as to be left tolerably wet upon the surface, persevering patience (by holding the foot from the ground a few minutes) will prove, that the oil with which the hoof was so plentifully basted, has nearlyDISAPPEARED, althoughno drophas fallen to the ground. What will therigiddisputant, orcynicalSceptic, oppose to this fact, when asked what is become of theOILso recently laid on? From the fertile resources of "EXHALATION," "EVAPORATION," or even "runningoff," he can derive no assistance to support him in the erroneous opinion he has formed; and perhaps an obstinacy, from time and custom become habitual, will not permit him (till his judgment is more matured by experience) to admit, that it is lost to the eye, and taken up byABSORPTION. This, however, is the fact, and to the incredulous, who are open to conviction, and willing to make the experiment, it will appear, that this treatment of the hoof, and theSTOPPINGpreviously mentioned, (if nightly persevered in,) will, inlessthanTHREE SHOEINGS, completely restore and improve the most brittle and battered hoofs in the kingdom. So much cannot be said ofunctuousorgreasysubstances; for, from their confidence, not possessing the property of penetration, they can addnoneto theEXPANSIONof theHOOF; from the dry and preternaturally contracted state of which the defect generally arises; and by the additional growth and distension of the hoof alone can be relieved.
HOOF-BOUND.—SeeCompressionandHeels Narrow.
.—SeeCompressionandHeels Narrow.
HORSE—is the name of the most beautiful, the most useful, and the most valuable, animal, this or any other nation has to boast: the majestic extent of his formation, the graceful ease of every motion, the immensity of his strength, the smoothand glossy surface of his skin, the pliability of his temper, and, above every other consideration, his rapidity of action, and general utility, render him highly worthy the care, attention, and pecuniary estimation he is now held in from one extremity of the earth to the other. He is the most spirited and most powerful of all creatures; yet the most generous, docile, grateful and obedient to the purposes of man as an individual, as well as to all theagriculturalandCOMMERCIALadvantages of society at large. He may be justly termed the great main-spring ofPLEASUREto one class, and ofPROFITto the other; without whose aid, the eternal routine ofbothmust come to immediate termination, constituting aCHAOSvery far beyond the most fertile imagination to conceive or describe.
—is the name of the most beautiful, the most useful, and the most valuable, animal, this or any other nation has to boast: the majestic extent of his formation, the graceful ease of every motion, the immensity of his strength, the smoothand glossy surface of his skin, the pliability of his temper, and, above every other consideration, his rapidity of action, and general utility, render him highly worthy the care, attention, and pecuniary estimation he is now held in from one extremity of the earth to the other. He is the most spirited and most powerful of all creatures; yet the most generous, docile, grateful and obedient to the purposes of man as an individual, as well as to all theagriculturalandCOMMERCIALadvantages of society at large. He may be justly termed the great main-spring ofPLEASUREto one class, and ofPROFITto the other; without whose aid, the eternal routine ofbothmust come to immediate termination, constituting aCHAOSvery far beyond the most fertile imagination to conceive or describe.
The natural history, the form, and general utility, of the horse, is become so perfectly familiar to every eye, that the less will be required upon those points in explanation. The various pleasurable purposes, and useful talks, to which horses are appropriated in this country, has long since demonstrated the consistency of cultivating, by select and judicious propagation, each particular kind of stock, so as to render it individually applicable to the use for which it is intended. The numbersannuallyproduced, andannuallydestroyed, within the circle of our own isle (even in time of peace) exceed common conception, and ofwhich no computation can be tolerably formed. The long list constantly bred for, and engaged upon, theTURF; theSPORTSof theFIELD; the national establishment ofMILITARY CAVALRY; the carriage horses of the opulent, rattling through every street of every city and large town in the kingdom; thethousandsemployed inAGRICULTURE, as well as all theDRAFTwork of theMETROPOLIS; in addition to theinfinityannexed toMAILandSTAGE COACHES, as well as to thePOST WORK, and those useful drudges denominatedROADSTERS, in the possession of every class of people, constitute an aggregate that in contemplation excites the utmost admiration.
The constantly increasingOPULENCE, or the constantly increasingLUXURY, has rendered the demand for horses so very superior to the example of any previous period, that no comparative statement of former and present value can hardly be ascertained. The fashionable rage for expeditious travelling, and of being conveyed at the rate ofEIGHTorNINEmiles an hour from one part of the kingdom to another, is the absolute furor of the times, and supported at an immense expence by those whose peculiar personal pride prompts them to display the advantages resulting from opulence, and the privileges from ostentation; to the incessant misery and premature destruction of thousands, whose services would be insuredfor yearsby amore moderate andHUMANEmode of treatment. The incredible increase of light carriages of every description, has opened such a field for the use of horses of airy form, and easy action, that they are now in eternal request, at more thandouble, and in many purchasesTREBLE, what they were to be obtained for no more than twenty years since.
The different kinds of horses bred for various purposes, pass under the denomination ofRUNNING HORSES,HUNTERS,CARRIAGE HORSES,CART HORSES,ROADSTERS, andHACKS. The first are propagated in the racing studs of the most opulent characters, and appropriated entirely to the decision of sporting engagements upon theTURF; many of which, after having displayed their powers in this way, then becomeHUNTERSof thefirst class, and are frequently sold at three and four hundred guineas each.Carriage horses, with which the gay and fashionable are now whirled through the western streets of the metropolis with the most incredible velocity, were formerly considered the good, safe, substantialEnglish hunter, and mightforty yearssince have been purchased for thirty or five-and-thirty pounds, which was at that time about the current value: they are notnow, however, from the constantly accumulating demand, and incessant destruction, to be procured in a state of youth and purity, at lessthan nearlythreetimes that sum.Cart horsesof great size, strength, and adequate powers, are principally furnished by the midland and northern counties, for the coal and corn trade, as well as the commercial purposes of the city and suburbs, where they command an incredible price: small and inferior sorts are bred in, and dispersed through, almost every other county in the kingdom.RoadstersandHACKSmay be supposed to include that great infinity of all sizes, descriptions, and qualifications, with which every road, every common, and every pasture, seem so plentifully to abound.
If superior judgment and circumspection were ever truly necessary in the selection and purchase of aHORSE, they are become doubly so, when the object of pursuit is proportionally difficult of attainment. To direct the eye, to form the judgment, and to check the natural impetuosity of the young and inexperienced purchaser, some few remarks are indispensibly necessary to shield him from the rock of fascination, upon which so many have repentantly foundered. The mind of man should never be more itself, never more adequate to the task of cool deliberation and patient observation, than in the simple examination of a horse for sale.Deceptionindealingis so trulysystematic, and so truly honorable in the present age, that the mind cannot be too closely fortified forall events: whether the subject is to be sold byAUCTION, or byprivate contract, the property of aGENTLEMAN, or the offer of adealer, the ground of self defence should be precisely the same.
It is the fixed and invariable rule with everyDEALER, to affect, atfirst, a perfect indifference respecting the horse he wishes most to get rid of; and he always makes a point of never giving theunequivocalprice of any horse till he has been seen out of the stable; during which time ofshewing out, he, as well as his emissaries and attendants, are occasionally engaged in watching most attentively every trait of the intentional purchaser's countenance, anxious for a single sign of approbation, by which to regulate the magnitude of his demand; askingfive,ten,fifteen, ortwentyguineas more than he originally intended, in proportion as he finds the enquirer fascinated with his object of perfection, and disposed to purchase. Before the horse is brought out, it is in vain to entreat the ceremony of "figging" may be dispensed with; it is declared acustomofhonoramongst the fraternity, and must be complied with.
This prelude performed, and hissternthrown upon his back like the tail of a squirrel, he is literallydriveninto action; theWHIP(with which he is privately alarmed in his stall twenty times a day) cannot be permitted to lay dormant evenupon the present occasion, particularly when itsflaggellating flourishcan be displayed to so great an advantage; the irritating severity of the lash, so retentively dreaded, hefuriouslyflies from, and affords an attractingspecimenofspeedyou may look for in vain upon any future occasion. After this curiousexhibitionof hisACTION, the horse still trembling with a dread of thedeadly instrumentwaving in his sight, it will be proper to make a minute and careful examination of his shape, make,PROBABLE PERFECTION, or possibleblemishesanddefects, if the horse is permitted by theDEALERto stand quiet, a favor which is notalwaysto be obtained.
This done, place yourself directly opposite to the horse's head at two yards distance, in which position, casting your eyes upon his ears, and dropping them gradually from one point to another, you command, at a single view, the effect of his countenance, thegoodorbadstate of hisEYES, the breadth of his breast, thefateof hisKNEES, the appearance ofSPLENTS, as well as the growth and uniformity of theFEET. Changing your place to a side view, at similar distance, you have there thecurveof theCREST, the circumference of theBONE, the depth of theCHEST, the length of theBACK, the strength of theLOINS, the setting on of theTAIL, and the fashionable finish of the hind quarter; without which, individually perfect,he cannot be in possession of the symmetry that is known to constitute a handsome and well-bred horse.
Looking at himbehind, it is instantly perceived, whether he stands well upon his legs, and is formed wide, firm and muscular across theGASKINS, or narrow and contracted, bearing what is termed a "bandy-hocked" or "cat-hammed" appearance. The same moment affords opportunity to observe, ifBLOOD SPAVINSare perceptible within side,BONE SPAVINSwithout, orCURBSon the back of theHOCK; as well asSPLENTSupon any one of the legs, and whether he cuts either behind or before. If blood or bone spavin is observed, it is necessary to recollect (however attracting the object may be in other respects) they sooner or later produceLAMENESSto acertainty; and although they are not deemed absolutelyincurable, they open a field to the disquietude and anxiety ofBLISTERING,firing, &c. with the additional and consolatory ultimatum of a farrier's bill.Splentsare by no means so critical, or dangerous, if seated forward upon theshank-bone, and not likely to interfere with, or vibrate in the action of the tendon, passing under the denomination of the "back sinews;" in which case, a good and otherways valuable horse need not be declined for so slight a cause, where no injury is like to be sustained.
Having proceeded thus far in the examination with strict attention, it becomes equally necessary to descend minutely to theFEET, in search ofCRACKS,CORNS,THRUSHES,COMPRESSIONof theHOOF,NARROW HEELS, or fleshy protuberances of theinner, and consequent projection of theouter sole. The state of theWINDis next the object of enquiry, which is done by making the customary and critical experiment of pinching theGULLETorwindpipewith considerable force, nearly close to, and just behind the jaw-bone: should the horse, upon such pressure, force out a sound substantial cough, (which is sometimes repeated,) the safety of the wind is ascertained: on the contrary, should nothing be produced but a faint hollow wheezing, with a palpable heaving of the flanks, the state of the wind may be justly suspected. Should any doubt arise upon the decision, (which sometimes happens with the best and most experienced judges,) let the horse be put into brisk action, and powerful exertion, when the roaring at a distance, the laboured respiration, and the preternatural heaving of the flank, after a brisk gallop oftwo thirdsof aMILE, will determine the state of the wind, without the least chance of being mistaken.
TheEYES, that were only superficially noticed as matter of course in the front view, when the horse was first brought out of the stable, now become the necessary objects of minute, patient, andjudicious investigation. If they are clear, full and prominent in the orb, reflecting your own figure from the pupil, without any protrusion of the haw from the inner corner, any inflammatory enlargement of the lids, or any acrid weeping from either, there is then every well-founded reason to believe they are not onlysafe, butGOOD. On the contrary, should there appear a seeming sinking of the orbs, with a perceptible indentation, and a wrinkled contraction above the eyelids, they are very unfavorable symptoms, indicating impending ill, and should not be encountered, but with an expectation of certain loss. A smallpig eyeshould be examined with great caution; they are better avoided, if possible, as their future state is not only to be considered exceedingly doubtful, but they are always objected to, and productive of vexatious rebuffs, when a horse is again to be sold. A cloudy muddiness beneath the outer covering of the eye, or a milky thickening upon the surface, denotes presentdefect, and probability of future blindness; in all which cases, prudence should prevent such subject from becoming an object of attraction.
TheAGE, if asked of a dealer, is declared "rising six" or "rising seven;" for it must be held in remembrance, that their horses are never acknowledgedyoungerthan "FIVE," orolderthan "SIX OFF"; and what is still more extraordinary, in additionto thisconvenience, they possess the solePATENTfor regeneration, having it always in their power to make atenyears old horseSIX, with the very desirable advantage to a purchaser, that he shall never be more (by the mouth) so long as he lives. This extra effort ofART, or renewal ofage, passes under the denomination of "BISHOPING," (which see,) where a description of the operation will be found. TheAGEof aHORSEby the mouth is not dissimilar to abstract points in politics with coffee-house politicians,largelytalked of, butlittleunderstood; which circumstance alone has laid open a perpetual field for this eternal and remorseless imposition: to remedy which, as much as the nature of the case will admit, and that a matter of so much utility may with very little attention be perfectly understood, aPLATEis annexed, and accompanied with such explanatory matter, as will render it easy to every comprehension. SeeColt.
Having gone through, with precision, all that can possibly present itself upon the score of examination, in respect to age, shape, make, figure, and action, we arrive at the veryultimatumof enquiry, respecting theWARRANTYof his being perfectlySOUND. What that warranty is, and how far it is toextend, requires a more correct and limited line of certainty than seems at present to be understood.BLEMISHESandDEFECTSare supposed bysome not to constituteunsoundness, provided theACTIONof the horse is not impeded by their appearance; whilst, on the contrary, it is as firmly urged by the impartial and disinterested, that no horse ought to besold as, orWARRANTED"perfectly sound," but in a state of natural and unsullied perfection. This criterion is the more necessary to be ascertained, and laid down by some principle of law, because the numerous litigations in every successiveTERMdemonstrate, that various opinions prevail, according to theINTEREST,CAPRICE, orPECUNIARYconvenience, of individuals concerned; to carry, support and confirm which, even the prostitution ofTRUTHandHONORmust become subservient. And this "glorious uncertainty of the law" is so clearly comprehended by the Gentlemen of the Long Robe, that when aHORSE CAUSEis coming on in any of the Courts, an observation immediately follows, that "whoeverSWEARSthehardestwill obtain it."
To prevent suits of such description, (which sometimes happen between gentlemen of equal honor, and strict integrity,) it is much to be wished, some direct and unequivocal mode of distinction could be legally ascertained, how far a general "warranty of soundness" is to extend, and where the line of perfection or imperfection is to be drawn; as for instance, to establish, byLAWorCUSTOM, some fixed and invariable rules, by whichthesoundnessof a horse might so far be insured betweenBUYERandSELLER, as to render unnecessary suchLAW-SUITSas are invariably supported by a subornation of perjury ononeside or theother. Nothing, perhaps, could conduce more to a cause so desirable, or tend more to constitute a criterion of equity between all parties, if once established, and mutually understood; that no horse should be deemedSOUND, and sold with suchWARRANTY, but in a state ofPERFECTION, entirely free fromlameness,blemish, anddefect, not only at the time of transfer, but never known to have been otherways: admitting which mode of dealing to form the basis of equity between one man and another, an additional observation naturally presents itself, as a collateral consideration clearly implied, though not particularly expressed; that a horse soldbona fidesound, and admitted on both sides to be so at the time of purchase, should havenoright to bereturnedunder any plea whatever; for it is universally known, that any horse so sold, must be as liable tofall lame, becomediseased, or even todie, inone hourafterDELIVERY, as in any other hour of life. Then where can be the equitable consistency of returning a horse positivelySOUNDwhensold, upon the plea of lameness or disease, when the time of attack has been merely a matter of chance between one and the other?