HOUGH-BONY

Horsesdrawnbetween any of the heats, before the plate isWON, are distanced.

Horses are deemeddistanced, if theirRIDERScross and jostle, when theARTICLESdo not permit it.

If a horseWINSthe first heat, and all othersdraw, they are not distanced, if he starts no more; but if he starts again by himself, the drawn horses are distanced.

WhenBETSare made after a heat upon a subsequent event, if the horse so betted upon does not start, theBETSso made arevoid.

When three horses haveEACHwon aHEAT, they only must start for a fourth, and the preference between them will be determined by it, there having before been no difference between them.

No horse can be distanced in a fourth heat.

When the words "play or pay" are included in aBET, it is thus decided: the horse which does not appear, and be ready to start, at the time appointed, is theloser; and the other is theWINNER, although he goes over the Course by himself.

In running heats, if it cannot be decided which isfirst, the heat is then called aDEAD HEAT, and they may all start again; unless it should happen in thelastheat, and then it must be between the two horses which, ifeitherhadWON, the race would have been decided; but if between two, that by either winning the race would not have been determined, then it is no heat, and the others may all start again.

Betsmade upon horsesWINNINGany number ofPLATESwithin the year, remain in force till theFIRST DAYofMay.

Moneygiven to have a betlaid, not returned, if not run.

To propose aBET, and say "done"firstto it, the person who replies "done" to it, makes it a confirmed bet.

MatchesandBETSare void on thedeceaseof either party before they are determined.

THEEXACT DISTANCESOF THEDIFFERENT COURSESatNEWMARKETARE AS FOLLOW.

The New Roundabout Course on the Flat is nearly a mile and three quarters.

The great and leading qualification of a horse bred for theTURF, is the purity of his blood, which can only be insured by the verity of hisPEDIGREE, and this, to be authentic, must be signed by theBREEDER, and is in purchase and sale always transferred with the horse. The most distinguishing trait of judgment in racing, is first to ascertain the exact speed of the horse, and then to discover of what precise weight he is master; that he may not be retarded in one, by being overloaded with the other. Attentive experience with thePROFESSORSandAMATEURSfor a series of years, has long since fully demonstrated, upon practical proof, (for the trials have been repeatedly made even to thekeyof the stable-door,) that the celerity is, in certain degrees, to be increased or impeded by the weight the horse has to carry. It will, therefore, be readily conceived, if two horses are tolerably equal in speed, strength, blood, and bone, as well as of the same year, the horse which carries the least weight by onlythree pounds, must, in the course ofFOUR MILES, display the advantage he has over his antagonist; particularly as the longer the race, the more will the horse be affected by the weight he carries; and those who are the best and most experienced judges, hesitate not to affirm, that the addition ofseven poundsweight carried by one, where both are thought of equal speed, will, if the ground is run honestly over, make the difference of aDISTANCE(two hundred and forty yards) in the four miles only.

The racing weights most in use for half a century past, have been according to age and qualifications, from about seven stone seven, to nine stone twelve, or ten stone; except in matches with two years old, and yearlings at light orfeatherweights, and theKing's hundreds, for which (till some trifling alterations lately adopted) they carried at six years oldTWELVE STONE. There are, however, someNEW CLUBS, lately instituted byNOBLEMENandGENTLEMENof the first distinction, who hold their meetings atBiburyandKingscote, in Gloucestershire, where the weights are advanced beyond former example to twelve or thirteen stone, upon a well-founded principle of exciting emulation inBREEDERSto pay some attention toBONEas well as toBLOOD; a most judicious and salutary improvement, considering the infinity ofweedsthat are annually drafted and destined to the hammer of a repository, as objects of neither value, utility, or attraction.

Raby Castle, March 1, 1803.

I hereby certify that my Bay Colt,Hap Hazard, got bySir Peter Teazle, Dam byEclipse, was bred by me, and that he was no more than Four Years old last Grass.

D——

October 12, 1798.

Sir H. T. Vane's B. Horse Hambletonian, got by King Fergus, Dam by Highflyer, now Six Years, carrying 8st. 3lb. is matched against Mr. Cookson's B. Horse Diamond, by Highflyer, (out of the Dam of Sparkler,) now Five Years old, carrying 8st. over the Beacon Course at Newmarket, on Monday in the next Craven Meeting, for 3000 Guineas, Half forfeit; with a Power reserved to alter the Day and Hour, or either, by consent.

H. T. V.J. C.

This match was run on Monday, March 25, 1799, and won by Hambletonian, (five to four in his favour at starting.)—SeeDiamondorHambletonian.

FOR SPRING MEETING, 1803.

The Produce of Sir T. Gascoigne's Golden Locks, covered by King Fergus, against the Produce of Mr. Fox's Dam of Calomel, covered by Beningbrough, for 200 Guineas each, Half forfeit. Colts to carry 8st. Fillies 7st. 11lb. Last Mile and a Half. No Produce no Forfeit.

Produce Matches, and Produce Sweepstakes, are generally made and entered into during the time such Mares are in Foal.

OF 200 GUINEAS EACH.

Colts to carry 8st. 7lb. Fillies 8st. 4lb.

Each to bring the Produce of one to run over Knavesmire when Four Years old.

Oxford, ——

We whose Names are hereunto subscribed, do agree to run for a Sweepstakes of 50 Guineas each, over Port Meadow, on the last Day ofOxford Races next ensuing; the Horses to carry theGold CupWeights, viz. Four Years old, 7st. 7lb. Five Years old, 8st. 7lb. Six Years old, 9st. and aged, 9st. 4lb. one Four Mile Heat. The Winner of the Gold Cup to carry 7lb. extra. The Subscribers to name their Horses to theClerkof theCourseon or before the first Day of March next; and the Subscription to close on that Day. The Stakes to be paid into the Hands of the Clerk of the Course before starting, or the Subscription to be doubled. Five Subscribers, or no Race.

Rochester, ——

A Sweepstakes of 10 Guineas each, for Hunters (carrying 12st. one Four Mile Heat, to be rode by Gentlemen) that have never started forPlate,Match, orSweepstakes, and to be bona fide the Property of Subscribers, and which have been regularly hunted the preceding Season asHunters, and not merely to have obtained the Name; and that, have never had a Sweat with an Intention to run before the first of May next ensuing. Certificates of their having hunted regularly to be produced (if required) from the Owner or Owners of the Hounds with which they have hunted; and to be named to the Clerk of the Course on or beforethe first of April next; and the Stakes to be deposited at the same Time, or the Horse not permitted to start.—Six Subscribers, or no Race.

SeeJockey Club,King's Plate,Training, andTurf.

HOUGH-BONY—was a term formerly used to signify an enlargement of the cap of a horse's hock, whether it was only a thickening of the integument, generally termed a callosity, or an ossification just below it. The phrase, however, is now considered entirely obsolete; and the distinction in those defects much better understood by the appellation ofBLOOD SPAVIN,BONE SPAVIN, orCURB, as the case may happen to be.

—was a term formerly used to signify an enlargement of the cap of a horse's hock, whether it was only a thickening of the integument, generally termed a callosity, or an ossification just below it. The phrase, however, is now considered entirely obsolete; and the distinction in those defects much better understood by the appellation ofBLOOD SPAVIN,BONE SPAVIN, orCURB, as the case may happen to be.

HOUNDS—are the well-known objects ofSPORTING ATTRACTIONfrom one extremity of the kingdom to another; possessing within themselves a fascinating power, or exhilarating property, to which all liberal minds, of congenial sensibility, become imperceptibly and irresistibly subdued; forming that kind of inexplicable temptation, that indescribable vibration of pleasure upon human irritability, that none but those of the most stoical apathy, the greatest mental fortitude, or personal self-denial, can summon sufficient resolution to avoid.

—are the well-known objects ofSPORTING ATTRACTIONfrom one extremity of the kingdom to another; possessing within themselves a fascinating power, or exhilarating property, to which all liberal minds, of congenial sensibility, become imperceptibly and irresistibly subdued; forming that kind of inexplicable temptation, that indescribable vibration of pleasure upon human irritability, that none but those of the most stoical apathy, the greatest mental fortitude, or personal self-denial, can summon sufficient resolution to avoid.

The great variety of hounds with which the country formerly abounded, seem now, by the judicious crosses of succeeding generations, to have been principally reduced to a much more contracted point of view, and center entirely in the denomination ofSTAGhounds,FOXhounds,HARRIERS, andBEAGLES; each of the four being a degree less in size than the other, with such variations in strength, speed, colour, and tongue, as may have been adopted by the judgment or fancy of theBREEDER. We have been taught, by a maxim of long standing, to believe, "there is no rule without an exception." An author of much celebrity, however, in respect to the breeding of hounds, pays due respect to rule, but does not advert to exception. It is his opinion, "that there are necessary points in the shape of a hound, which ought always to be attended to; for if he be not of a perfect symmetry, he will neither run fast, nor bear much work: he has much to undergo, and should have strength proportioned to it. Let his legs be straight as arrows; his feet round, and not too large; his shoulders back; his breast rather wide than narrow; his chest deep; his back broad; his head small; his neck thin; his tail thick and brushy; if he carry it well, so much the better."

Without animadverting upon theSIZEof any particular kind of hound, as applicable to any particularsort of chase, or to any particular kind of country, but with a view to the aggregate in a general sense, there are, as in all other matters ofFANCY,FASHION, orCAPRICE, a variety of opinions. Some there are who profess themselves strenuous advocates for what they term the "busy bustlers," or small hounds, upon a plea, that they are always at work, lose no time, climb hills fast enough for any horse, and get through coverts quicker than any other. Sportsmen of a bolder description are equally strenuous, and perhaps with a greater shew of reason, in the support of large hounds, justly affirming, they will make their way in any country, get better through the dirt than a small one; and that their pursuit can be but little obstructed by whatever fence may present itself in the course of the chase.

Mr. Beckford, whose opinion, and perfect practical knowledge of the subject, has been implicitly bowed to, and acquiesced in, by the best and most experienced judges in the kingdom, has given a decided preference to "hounds of aMIDDLE SIZE;" saying, "he believes all animals of that description are the strongest and best able to bear fatigue;" in corroboration of which he quotes fromSomerville, as would have been also done in this place, in confirmation of the same opinion.

———— "But here a meanObserve, nor the large hound prefer, of sizeGigantic; he in the thick-woven covertPainfully tugs, or in the thorny brake,Torn and embarrass'd, bleeds: but if too small,The pigmy brood in every furrow swims;Moil'd in clogging clay, panting they lagBehind inglorious; or else shivering creep,Benumb'd and faint, beneath the shelt'ring thorn.For hounds of middle size, active and strong,Will better answer all thy various ends,And crown thy pleasing labours with success."

Next to the consideration ofSIZEandSYMMETRY(whatever that may be) should follow a corresponding uniformity of the whole. A pack, to be handsome, should vary little or none in height, and have a pleasing affinity to each other in colour: to be good, they should run well together; and the unison of their musical tongues should constitute a perfect harmony, without a single note of discord. It is well known, that it is not always the lot of the most complete and best selected packs to kill in proportion to their seeming excellence; some are very much superior in qualifications to what they may promise to a stranger atfirstview; for though of various sizes, and picked up in different counties, (as well as from the hammer,) without the least appearance of consanguinity, or one distinguishing trait of attraction, yet they seldom miss their game.Mr. Beckfordmentions a pack of this description who killedtwenty-ninefoxes without intermission; that when they were running, there was along string of them, and everyfaultwas hit off by an oldSOUTHERN HOUND. When sufficient time has been employed in forming a pack of hounds, they can never be considered in a state of excellence or superiority, unless they go as if they were in harness; that is, when they are runningbreast high, they should run nearly alla breast; or, in other words, when clear of covert, and crossing a country, the body might nearly be covered with a sheet.

Nothing is a greater disgrace to theMASTER, theHUNTSMAN, or the pack, than to see a parcel of stragglingtailhounds, labouringin vain; except a leading hound loaded with aleaden necklace, to restrain his speed, and depress the instinctive impulse of his nature to a level with those who are not his equals. This is a truly unsportsman-like stretch of authority, bordering upon cruelty; and would be much more "honored in the breach than the observance." Hounds of either description had better be parted with, than to encounter constantly a mortification so easily to be removed; and both will be the less likely to happen, the more moderate the number taken to the field. The taking out too many hounds is a frequent error in judgment, always productive of trouble, and sometimes to a most vexatious diminution of sport, to the incessant employment of the whipper-in,whose horse is the greatest sufferer upon the occasion.

Hounds differ much in their properties, according to the crosses in blood, and this is plainly perceptible to a nice observer, as well in their endeavours to find, as in the pursuit of their game; for those retaining most of the southern hound in their blood, are always the most constitutionally tardy in action. The north country beagle, (now called harrier,) with a cross of theDWARF FOX HOUND, has produced a direct contrast to the former, and are generally in use in those open countries where horses can lay by the side of them. The delight of the old southern hound is todwellupon thescent; the extatic eagerness of the latter is topress it before him. When the former come to a fault, and can carry the scent no farther, they stick their noses to the ground as close together as a swarm of bees, making few or no efforts oftheir own, unlesslifted alongby the helping hand and encouraging voice of theHUNTSMAN. The exertions of the latter are instantaneous and indefatigable; they make their cast in different directions, without a moment's pause, and every individual pants with emulation to become the happy instrument of recovery: oncehit off, the general struggle for pre-eminence constitutes a scene by far too luxurious for the inadequate representation of literary description.

Opposite as these chases are, they are not without their distinct and different votaries: the tempers of some men, and the age or infirmities of others, render their minds as gloomy as the atmosphere of thewinter's dayin which theyHUNT; to these the solemn knell of theSOUTHERN HOUNDis somusically mechanical, that it seems to vibrate in unison with the somniferous melancholy of their own sensations. But with those in the health and pride of manhood, who enjoy the obstacles, and surmount the difficulties, ofCROSSINGaCOUNTRY, in direct contrast to the ruminative pleasure ofwhippingathistle, or riding a few rings round a barn, fleet hounds will always have the preference. Hounds of this description, it must be candidly confessed, are, however, drawn too fine in their formation, and so critically refined to speed, that the game, whatever it may be, can stand but a little time before them: unless, from stormy weather, or some other accidental cause, much cold hunting should intervene. And this, in the present rage for improvement, is so much the case withHARRIERSin general, that, in the early part of the season, half the hares found are run up to in thefirst view; and even after Christmas, when they are supposed to get strong; average chases do not exceed from twenty minutes to half an hour; and by the unprecedented speed of hounds, as they are now bred, the fox chase is contracted in proportion.

Although the breeding, entering, feeding, airing, and general management of hounds, is an entire system, dependent upon personal practice, from a strict and attentive attachment to whichalone, excellence can be derived; yet, such rules and salutary regulations as stand high in sporting estimation, may be introduced for the information of those, who, in the infancy of initiation, are anxious to improve their judgment, by blending the theory of the closet with the practice of the field. The spring months are the best in which puppies can be produced; they have then the whole summer to expand and grow in. Some circumspection is necessary in the business of propagation, to prevent an unnecessary destruction; attention should be paid to shape, size, colour, disposition, and qualification, of both the dog and bitch intended to breed from; if the perfection of sire or dam are wished, or expected, to be retained, and displayed, in the offspring. The sporting world are enjoined by the best authority, "on no account to breed from one that is notstout, that is nottender nosed, or that is either ababbleror askirter: it is the judicious cross that makes the pack complete. The faults and imperfections in one breed, may be rectified in another; and if this be properly attended to, no reason can be suggested, why the breeding of hounds may not improve, till improvement can go no further."

Amidst general remarks, it may be remembered, that none but healthy and strong hounds should be bred from: old dogs should never be put to old bitches; and good whelps should never be put to bad walks: stinted in their earliest growth, (by a want of proper nutriment,) the frame becomes impoverished, the loins weak, and they are the less able to encounter that terrible foe, thedistemper, whenever it may make its attack. This generally happens from the sixth to the ninth or tenth month, and proves incredibly destructive, which probably may be chiefly owing to the little that is done upon those occasions, by the way of either prevention or cure. Various are the opinions respecting the number of hounds it may be necessary to keep in kennel during the hunting season; and these must be regulated by the kind of country they have to hunt, as one may tire or lame hounds more than another: slippery, marley clay will do the one; the rolling flints ofSurrey,Oxfordshire, orHampshire, never fail to do the other. Those who are prudent, will never take more than from twenty to five-and-twenty couple to the field; to exceed which, would not only be ratherunfair, but probably do moreharmthanGOOD. The number necessary to be taken, is not so material a matter of consideration, as their conjunctive qualifications when there; thirty-five couple of settled, steady, seasoned hounds, will, therefore, admit of hunting three (occasionally four) days a week.

It is a well-founded opinion, that every kennel should have a proper annual supply of young hounds; if this is neglected fortwoorthreeseasons, the pack will soon be overloaded with old hounds, and suddenly fall into decay. Industrious, hard-working hounds, seldom continue in fullvigourand speed longer thanfiveorsixseasons; though there are not wanting instances of deserving favourites having continued thecrackhounds of the pack for eight or nine years in succession. A little of this difference may probably proceed fromtwocauses, a variation in constitution, and a contrast in the discipline of theKENNEL; from whichMr. Beckfordcandidly confesses he never was long absent, without perceiving a differencein their looksat his return. It is also his opinion, that from eight to twelve couple of young hounds, bred annually, would sufficiently supply an establishment not exceeding forty couple; but it is always best to have a reserve of a few couple more than wanted, in case of accidents; since, from the time the draft is made, to the time of hunting, is a long period, and their existence at that age and season very precarious: besides, when they are safe from the distemper, they are not always so from each other; and a summer seldom passes without some losses of that kind. At the same time he hints the absurdity ofenteringmore than are necessary to keep up the pack, as a greater number would only create useless trouble, and more vexation.

No one subject, perhaps, has so nearly exhausted the fertility of human invention, as the infinity of names bestowed uponHOUNDSandHORSES; which have been so numerous and diversified, that a single name can hardly be adopted, which has not been before brought into use. In proof of which, the writer just mentioned has given a list of more thaneight hundredappellations, or terms by which hounds may be known: but as the name of each hound should as nearly as possible correspond with the sport, (as well as the most apparent qualification of the individual,) such only are introduced here as are the most musical, and from which a variety for evenTWOorTHREE PACKSmay be selected.

DOGS.AgentAimwellAmorousAnticAnxiousArcherArdentArdorArtfulAtlasAtomAwfulBachelorBellmanBluecapBluemanBlusterBoasterBouncerBraggerBrawlerBrazenBrilliantBrusherBustlerCaptainCaptorCarverCasterCavillerChallengerChampionCharonChaserChaunterChimerComforterComusConquerorConstantCoronerCottagerCountrymanCoxcombCraftsmanCriticCrownerCruiserCryerDamperDangerDabsterDarterDasherDashwoodDaunterDingerDreadnoughtDriverDusterEagerEarnestEnviousFactiousFearnoughtFerrymanFinderFlagrantFoamerFoilerForemanForemostForesterGainerGallantGalloperGamboyGazerGeniusGimcrackGiantGlancerGliderGoblinGrowlerGuardianGuiderHardyHarlequinHarrasserHeadstrongHeartyHectorHeedfulHopefulHotspurHurtfulJerkerJinglerJostlerJovialJumperLasherLasterLeaderLevellerLifterLightfootListenerLoungerLurkerLustyManfulMarksmanMarplotMatch'emMaximMeanwellMedlerMenderMentorMercuryMerlinMerrymanMightyMinikinMonitorMounterMoverMungoMutinousNervousNestorNewsmanNimrodNobleNonsuchNoxiousPageantParagonPartnerPerfectPetulantPhœbusPilgrimPillagerPilotPincherPlayfulPlunderPrattlerPrestoProdigalProwlerProphetProsperProsperousRacerRamblerRampantRandomRangerRanterRattlerRavagerRavisherRectorRegentRenderRestiveRevellerRiflerRigidRingwoodRioterRockwoodRouterRoverRumourRuralRusticSamplerSampsonSauceboxSaunterScamperSchemerScramblerScufflerSearcherSharperShifterSignalSkirmishSocialSongsterSpankerSpeedwellSplendorSpoilerSpokesmanSportsmanSquabblerStatesmanSteadySticklerStormerStrangerStriplingStriverStrokerStrotterStrugglerSturdySurlyTalismanTamerTartarTattlerTaunterTeazerThrasherThreatenerThundererTicklerTomboyTormentTorrentTouchstoneTragicTramplerTransitTravellerTrimbushTrimmerTriumphTrojanTruantTruemanTrustyTrialTurbulentTwingerTyrantVagabondVagrantValiantValorousVaulterVaunterVentureVerminVictorVigilantVillagerViperViolentVoucherWandererWarriorWell-bredWhipsterWhynotWilfulWisdomWoodmanWorthyWranglerWrestlerBITCHES.ActiveActressAiryAudibleBanefulBashfulBaubleBeautyBeldamBlamelessBlithesomeBlowzeyBluebellBonnyBonnylassBoundlessBrimstoneBusyBucksomeCaptiousCarelessCarefulCautiousCharmerChearfulComelyComfortCraftyCrazyCredulousCroneyCruelCuriousDaintyDaphneDarlingDauntlessDiannaDiligentDoubtfulDoubtlessDoxyEasyEchoEndlessFairmaidFairplayFamousFancyFavouriteFearlessFestiveFickleFidgetFlightyFlourishFretfulFriskyFrolicFuryGambolGamesomeGamestressGaylassGhastlyGiddyGladsomeGracefulGracelessGraciousGratefulGuilesomeGuiltlessGuiltyHastyHandsomeHarlotHarmonyHeedlessHelenHeroineHideousHostileJollityJoyfulJoyousLaudableLavishLawlessLightningLightsomeLivelyLoftyLovelyLuckylassMadcapMagicMatchlessMerrylassMinionMischiefMusicNeedfulNimbleNoisyNotableNovicePastimePatiencePhœnixPhrenzyPlacidPlayfulPleasantPliantPositivePreciousPrettylassPriestessPrudenceRacketRallyRantipoleRapidRapineRaptureRarityRattleRavishReptileRestlessRhapsodyRiotRivalRummageRuthlessSapphoSkilfulSpeciousSpeedySpitefulSpitfireSportiveSprightlyStrumpetSymphonyTattleTelltaleTempestTermagantTerribleTestyThoughtfulToilsomeTragedyTrifleTrollopTunefulVengeanceVenomousVenusViciousVigilanceVixenVocalVolatileVolubleWantonWastefulWatchfulWelcomeWhimseyWishful

Houndsare constantly liable to those distressing disorders theDISTEMPERandCANINE MADNESS, as well as to that vexatious and troublesome disease called theMANGE. As well with hounds as with horses,prevention, in all cases, is preferable toCURE: unfortunately, there is as yet no mode discovered by which either of the former can be prevented. Thedistemper, if attended to upon itsfirstappearance, may with as much certainty be counteracted, in the severity of its symptoms, by medical interposition, as the variolus matter is divested of its malignant miasma by the alleviating preparatives previous to inoculation. The only specifics by which a purpose so desirable can be effected, are the preparations ofMERCURYblended with small proportions ofEMETIC TARTAR, as the judicious practitioner may find applicable to the predominant appearances of the case. It has been observed, and with great reason, that as the universality of thedistemperhas evidently increased during the last twenty or thirty years, so the more destructive calamity ofMADNESSamongst thespecieshas evidently declined.

As it is certain thedistempermay be arrested, in the severity of its progress, by timely intervention, so the first symptoms of its appearance cannot be too perfectly explained. It is preceded by a husky dryness in the throat; as if a small bone, or some similar obstruction, was fixed there, from which the animal, by an incessant kind of straining and half cough, seems constantly endeavouring to relieve itself.This is soon followed by a slimy discharge from the nostrils; and an adhesive gummy matter exudes from the eyes: food of every kind is refused; the eyes become sunk and glassy: the carcase, behind the ribs, is invariably contracted, and a stricture is to be observed upon the abdominal muscles, as if bound with a cord. As the disorder becomes more inveterate in its progress, other symptoms ensue; every day demonstrates additional debility and emaciation; eternal strainings to vomit, and those severe and violent, producing nothing more than a mere viscid phlegm or slimy mucus from the glands: a frequent tenesmus, or straining to evacuate by stool, without effect, is also attendant: to this succeeds a distressing weakness of the loins, occasioning a twisting and distortion of the hinder extremities, as if a disjunction of the vertebræ had taken place. If the disorder is not counteracted at or before itsCRISIS, spasms and twitchings become perceptible about the head and neck; the discharge from the nose and eyes assume adryandbarkyappearance, forming a kind of matted eschar upon the surface; the eyes become more and more sunk, till nearly closed: a ropy slime oozes from each side the jaws, which seem nearly fixed; a drooping dizziness, and frequent disposition to turning round, is commonly seen during this stage; and fits soon follow, which, more or less, continue till, during some one of these paroxysms,DEATHcloses theSCENE.

In the earlier stages of the distemper, the well-known powder ofDoctor Jameshas been brought into use with success. It may, however, be necessary to premise, that no good effect is to be expected from small and ineffectual doses; they must be large to be efficacious: no relief can be obtained, but by taking off the general stricture, removing the obstructions, promoting the various secretions, and constituting revulsion. When it is so evidently ascertained, that all dogs labouring under the distemper, have both the stomach and intestinal canal disordered, and in a state of extreme irritation, it is natural to advert a little to thefilth,dirt,gravel,sand,dry grass,straw, and various other extraneous particles, youngDOGSandPUPPIESravenously swallow with the chance food they happen to pick up: and it is equally worthy attention, that the prelude to visible amendment is generally the discharge of an induratedMASSorPELLETfrom theANUS, which, when broken to pieces is found to consist of the before-mentioned articles; and, beyond a doubt, by retarding some secretions, and obstructing others, contributes in no small degree to increase the inveteracy of disease. For explanatory remarks uponCANINE MADNESSandHYDROPHOBIA, seeDogs.

TheMANGE, when it has once found its way into a kennel, is a most troublesome, loathsome, and infectious disorder: if it has not been introducedby the latter, it must have originated in anacrimoniousand vitiated state of theBLOOD, arising from too long a perseverance in some impoverished orputrifiedkind of food; a want of properAIRorEXERCISE; or a culpable deficiency incleanliness; without all which, health and strength need not long be expected. The mange is a disorder too well known not only inHOUNDS, but every otherkindofDOG, to require description; and for the cure of which,AUTHORS,COMPILERS, andEDITORS, of every class, have furnished means in abundance, sulphur vivum, oil of turpentine, gunpowder, ginger, train oil, foot, and a tediousCOMBINATIONofCOMBUSTIBLES, (with various alternatives, in cases of failure,) are recommended to extirpate what may be completely eradicated without half the nastiness or trouble. All thatexternalscan do, may be expected from three plentiful bastings of a very cheap and easily-procured composition, consisting of sulphur vivum, four ounces; white hellebore powder, two ounces; black pepper, very finely powdered, one ounce; sal armoniac, (finely powdered likewise,) half an ounce; oil of tartar, one ounce; and common olive oil, one pint; with which the diseased subject should have every affected partfullyandforciblyimpregnated with the hand at three different times, three days apart during which process, at the same equal distances of time, threeMERCURIAL PURGING BALLSof a proper strength (proportioned to theage,size, andstrength, of the dog) should be administered, if a sure and speedy cure is to be expected.

The disorder called theRED MANGEdoes not appear to be nearly allied to what is so well known by the common appellation ofMANGE, but to be a species of disease within itself, seated in the skin, and not always infectious amongst dogs laying together, but almost invariably communicated by aBITCHto herLITTERofWHELPS, particularly if she had it upon her during the time she was in pup. This disorder is most malignant in its effect; the incessant and severe itching, which, from all observation, seems accompanied by aburning heat, and this too increased by the perpetual biting and scratching of the tortured animal, gives such parts of the frame as are severely affected, the appearance of having beenscaldedby some boiling liquor, with a consequent loss of hair. It is this distinct kind ofMANGEthat so constantly bafflesDOG-DOCTORSanddog-mongersof every description, and reduces them to theirne plus ultra, where the fertility of invention can go no further. It is, perhaps, the most deceptive disorder to which any part of the animal world can become unluckily subject; for when it has (seemingly and repeatedly) submitted to, and been subdued by, some of the combination of combustibles before described, it has as suddenly, as repeatedly, and as unexpectedly, made its reappearance with all its former virulence. Greatcare, nice attention, and long experience, can discover but one infallible mode of perfect eradication. Let half an ounce ofCORROSIVE SUBLIMATEbe reduced in a glass mortar to an impalpable powder; to this, by a very small quantity at a time, add two ounces (half a gill) of spirits of wine; and, lastly, one pint of rain or river water, and, with a sponge dipt in the solution, let every part palpably affected be well washed, every third day, till thrice performed; then leave three clear days, and repeat the former ceremony of thrice as before; letting threeMERCURIAL PURGING BALLSbe given at the equal distances stated in the common mange, and no doubt of cure need be entertained, if the mode prescribed is properly and judiciously attended to.

However opinions may vary upon the manner ofFEEDINGhounds, as well in respect to time, as the occasional changes in, andpropertyof, theFOODbest adapted to the purpose of nutritiousSUPPORT, no opposition whatever can arise to the general inculcation ofCLEANLINESS, as indispensibly conducive to the preservation ofHEALTH, and consequent exclusion ofDISEASE. In the acceptation of the wordcleanliness, may be included the true intent and meaning of both internal and external circumspection and attention, as well inPHYSIC, and inFOOD, as in the neat and judicious arrangement of theKENNEL; where the conjunctive force of which is wanting, what a train ofdisease,misery, andwretchedness, frequently ensues! To avoid all which, at the times and seasons found most proper for their introduction,ANTIMONIAL ALTERATIVES, andMERCURIAL PURGATIVES, should be brought into use. Upon this practiceMr. Beckfordhas given his opinion in the following words.

"I am not fond ofbleedinghounds, unless they want it; though it has long been a custom tophysicthem twice a year; after they leave off hunting, and before they begin. It is given in hot weather, and at an idle time. It cools their bodies, and, without doubt, is of service to them. If a hound be in want of physic, I prefer giving it in balls.[3]It is more easy to give in this manner the quantity he may want, and you are more certain that he takes it. In many kennels, they also bleed them twice a year, and some people think that it prevents madness. The anointing of hounds, ordressingthem, as huntsmen call it, makes them fine in their coats: it may be done twice a year, or oftener, if found necessary."

The necessity of introducing something medicinal for the preservation of health, and prevention of disease, is thus admitted upon the best of all foundations,practical experience; but as medical precision cannot be expected from those who have not made the profession their study, soMr. Beckfordseems to have applied "physic" in a general sense to every kind ofMEDICINE, as well toALTERATIVESas toPURGATIVES; though the term, when used technically, is conceived to imply the latter only. According to this construction, it is to be presumed, Mr. Beckford administered the balls as "physic," when, in fact, they can only be termed antimonial alteratives, calculated to obtund acrimony, and alter the property of the blood. Mercurial purgatives perfectly cleanse the intestinal canal, and correct morbidity at the same time. External applications, called "dressings," are more particularly directed to bodily eruptions, and cutaneous diseases of the skin: in all these,SULPHURis a principal ingredient, and looked upon as a specific: in fact, its efficacy is too well known to admit of a doubt upon the occasion.

Hounds, as well asHORSES, are rendered subservient instruments to the support of Government, and exigencies of the State. Persons keeping them pay a tax ofTHIRTY POUNDSper annum.

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