A. B.C. D.WitnessC. H.
A. B.
C. D.
Witness
C. H.
InMATCHING(with relation to the battles) it is an invariable rule, that, after theCOCKSof theMAINare weighed, theMATCH BILLSare compared, to see that they are equally correct.
InWEIGHING, it is to be observed, that everyPAIRofCOCKSofdeadorequalweight falling together, are to be separated, and matched against others coming within the limited weight of each other; provided that it appears the main can be enlarged, by adding thereto, either one battle or more thereby.
InFIGHTING, it is to be mutually understood, that theMAIN BATTLESbegin to be fought with thelightestpair of cocks, proceeding in succession with the next in weight upwards to the end; so that every lighter pair may fight earlier than those that are heavier.
In farther elucidation of thisSPORT, SeeCocking,Cock-Match,Cockpit Royal, andGame Cock.
MALLENDERS.—TheDEFECTorDISORDERso called, is a large flat scab, or more properly anaccumulation of eschars, (more or less inveterate,) seated at the hinder part of the fore-legs, directly behind the knee, just where the back sinews have their insertion at that joint. They are seldom seen with horses who are properly managed, but merely with those of an inferior description, that are little attended to. If discovered, and proper means of counteraction adverted to in their early state, little or no inconvenience ensues; but if suffered by time to become inveterate, with deep-seatedcracks, from whence oozes a greasy kind ofichor, with bristly hairs making their way through the hardened scabs upon the surface, they are productive of much trouble before a perfect cure can be obtained. When advanced to this stage, they are not only exceedingly painful in action, but constitute such a stricture upon the part, as to affect theelasticityof theTENDONS; in which state the horse is retarded in progress by the preternatural rigidity of the joint, with the additional danger of stumbling and falling in every effort he makes to avoid it.
.—TheDEFECTorDISORDERso called, is a large flat scab, or more properly anaccumulation of eschars, (more or less inveterate,) seated at the hinder part of the fore-legs, directly behind the knee, just where the back sinews have their insertion at that joint. They are seldom seen with horses who are properly managed, but merely with those of an inferior description, that are little attended to. If discovered, and proper means of counteraction adverted to in their early state, little or no inconvenience ensues; but if suffered by time to become inveterate, with deep-seatedcracks, from whence oozes a greasy kind ofichor, with bristly hairs making their way through the hardened scabs upon the surface, they are productive of much trouble before a perfect cure can be obtained. When advanced to this stage, they are not only exceedingly painful in action, but constitute such a stricture upon the part, as to affect theelasticityof theTENDONS; in which state the horse is retarded in progress by the preternatural rigidity of the joint, with the additional danger of stumbling and falling in every effort he makes to avoid it.
Those horses having the greatest quantity of hair upon their legs are the most subject to this malady, where it remains a long time obscured from the eye of theMASTER; as it is not to be expected, a discovery will be made, and communicated, by a servant, in palpable proof of his ownneglectandindolence. If the part inveterately affected is covered with hair, either totally or partially, it must be taken off asclose as possible, before any attempt at cure is made; that done, a patient fomentation of hot gruel, a decoction of linseed, or mallow roots and leaves, should be persevered in for a quarter of an hour daily, letting, however, the process of soft soap and warm water be adopted on the first day, continuing one of the before-mentioned fomentations every day after. When the scabs or eschars are completely softened, got loose, and begin to exfoliate, the parts may be well impregnated with camphoratedSPERMA CÆTI LINIMENTevery day after the fomentation; but not before the part is made properly dry to receive it. If the subject is supposed to have an acrimonious tendency in the blood, or displays the least appearance of cutaneous eruption in any other part of the body, the best method will be to put him upon a course ofANTIMONIAL ALTERATIVES, which he will consume with his corn without farther trouble.
MALLOWS,—as well asMARSH-MALLOWS, are ingredients so useful and efficacious in fomentations, and emollient cataplasms, upon various unexpected emergencies, that the house of aSPORTSMANin the country should never be without them.
,—as well asMARSH-MALLOWS, are ingredients so useful and efficacious in fomentations, and emollient cataplasms, upon various unexpected emergencies, that the house of aSPORTSMANin the country should never be without them.
MALT, GROUND—is an article of the utmost utility when incorporated with an equal quantity of bran, and given in a mash to horses labouring under cough, bodily debility, (from over fatigue,) ordisease; it possesses the property of invigoration, is highly nutritive; and, by its attracting fragrancy, horses are induced to take it in small quantities, during the progress of dangerous diseases, when they refuse every other kind of food. Mashes thus made, and given nightly, are useful in promotingCONDITION, as well as a proper vehicle forALTERATIVEpowders, or during the operation ofPHYSIC.
—is an article of the utmost utility when incorporated with an equal quantity of bran, and given in a mash to horses labouring under cough, bodily debility, (from over fatigue,) ordisease; it possesses the property of invigoration, is highly nutritive; and, by its attracting fragrancy, horses are induced to take it in small quantities, during the progress of dangerous diseases, when they refuse every other kind of food. Mashes thus made, and given nightly, are useful in promotingCONDITION, as well as a proper vehicle forALTERATIVEpowders, or during the operation ofPHYSIC.
MANEGE.—TheMANEGEis a term used in a synonymous sense with equestrian academy, or riding school; implying not only the receptacle itself, but the instructions there to be derived from those who profess to teach theARTofHORSEMANSHIPby riding the great horse. There are many of this description, and of much celebrity, in and round the Metropolis, replete with every convenience for the accommodation of gentlemen, and the breaking of horses; and for ladies also, who have the advantage of riding under cover at all seasons of the year. In everyMANEGEa centrical spot is appropriated to the regulating the round or volts, in which is fixed a pillar; and to this horses are occasionally fastened in their first lessons. Other pillars are likewise placed in pairs at the sides of the manege, for the more perfect completion of their volts and airs.
.—TheMANEGEis a term used in a synonymous sense with equestrian academy, or riding school; implying not only the receptacle itself, but the instructions there to be derived from those who profess to teach theARTofHORSEMANSHIPby riding the great horse. There are many of this description, and of much celebrity, in and round the Metropolis, replete with every convenience for the accommodation of gentlemen, and the breaking of horses; and for ladies also, who have the advantage of riding under cover at all seasons of the year. In everyMANEGEa centrical spot is appropriated to the regulating the round or volts, in which is fixed a pillar; and to this horses are occasionally fastened in their first lessons. Other pillars are likewise placed in pairs at the sides of the manege, for the more perfect completion of their volts and airs.
TheMANEGEmay be properly divided into theGREATERand theLESSER; or, in the precise wordsof a modern writer, "the grand and petit manege: the former, or management of the great horse, intended purely for the purposes of parade and shew; the latter, confined solely to theutileof military tactics. The grand manege consists in teaching a horse, already perfectly broke in the common way, certain artificial motions, the chief of which are called theterra a terra,demi-volt,corvet,capriole,croupade,balotade, and the step and the leap; which last is a motion compounded of three airs; namely, theterra a terra,corvet, and theleap, by which the motion is finished. When a horse is perfect in all these, he is styled a full dressed, or maneged horse.
"Thepetit manegeis that drilling, or training, by which the army riding-masters fit the horse for military service in the ranks. The chief objects of it are, to set him upon his haunches, and make him rein well; to give him a cadenced pace; to teach him to rein back, or retreat; to move sideways, to stand fire, and to leap. After these, a horse will soon become capable of all the necessary military evolutions. The common business of our town riding-schools, is to teach grown gentlemen and ladies, and to set ill-broken horses upon their haunches. It is well known that the grand manege has been long out of fashion in this country; and farther, that it has for years past been upon the declinein every other. I look upon it as a relict of that superstition in all things, which is the characteristic of barbarous times. It is unnecessary to any good or useful purpose, because all such, whether of parade or business, may be fully answered by the common, rational, and uninjurious management; whereas there is always more or less cruelty practised in completing the full-dressed horse; such, for instance, as severe whippings, the meaning of which the horse cannot possibly comprehend, and which are therefore unnatural and illegitimate measures; the labour and irritation also are excessive; and, after all, the natural paces of the horse are spoiled, and he is rendered unfit for common business; the only compensation for which is, that he has learned sundry harlequin tricks; two of which are, toskiplike aGOAT, and kick upbehindlike anASS."
MANE—is the name by which the long hair is called hanging from the neck of a horse, and extending from the back of his ears to his withers: a handsome full mane adds much to the natural beauty of a well-formed horse, and is of course preserved, not more in respect to ornament, than its utility in mounting, to the ease and agility in which it affords material assistance.
—is the name by which the long hair is called hanging from the neck of a horse, and extending from the back of his ears to his withers: a handsome full mane adds much to the natural beauty of a well-formed horse, and is of course preserved, not more in respect to ornament, than its utility in mounting, to the ease and agility in which it affords material assistance.
MANGE in HORSES.—The disorder so called, and with which only horses of the inferiorsort are affected, originates in an impoverished state of the blood, occasioned by a want of proper healthy food, and a constant exposure to the elements in the severity of the winter season. When arrived at a certain degree of virulence, it becomes infectious, particularly as the warmer months of summer advance; and of this contagious property no doubt can be entertained; theLAWhaving provided a remedy, that no such horse shall be suffered to go at large, upon any lair, common, or parochial pasture, where there is a possibility of communicating the infection. The subjects of it are generally in a state of wretched emaciation, bearing the external appearance of leprosy, or partial excoriation: the leading symptoms are a perpetual itching behind the ears, down the mane on each side the neck, and at the insertion of the tail near the rump. These parts, from incessant rubbing to allay the irritation, are soon divested of the hair, to which a dirty kind of scurf appears, bearing upon its surface a malignant oily sort of moisture, which soon degenerates into variegated-coloured scabs, constituting a confirmed mange; which, the longer it is permitted to continue unrestrained in its progress, the more difficult a cure is to be obtained.
.—The disorder so called, and with which only horses of the inferiorsort are affected, originates in an impoverished state of the blood, occasioned by a want of proper healthy food, and a constant exposure to the elements in the severity of the winter season. When arrived at a certain degree of virulence, it becomes infectious, particularly as the warmer months of summer advance; and of this contagious property no doubt can be entertained; theLAWhaving provided a remedy, that no such horse shall be suffered to go at large, upon any lair, common, or parochial pasture, where there is a possibility of communicating the infection. The subjects of it are generally in a state of wretched emaciation, bearing the external appearance of leprosy, or partial excoriation: the leading symptoms are a perpetual itching behind the ears, down the mane on each side the neck, and at the insertion of the tail near the rump. These parts, from incessant rubbing to allay the irritation, are soon divested of the hair, to which a dirty kind of scurf appears, bearing upon its surface a malignant oily sort of moisture, which soon degenerates into variegated-coloured scabs, constituting a confirmed mange; which, the longer it is permitted to continue unrestrained in its progress, the more difficult a cure is to be obtained.
As theMANGEis principally a cutaneous disease, by which the skin only is materially affected, so the cure must chiefly depend upon external applications;prescriptions for which may be amply supplied from eitheroldbooks, ornewVeterinarians; neither of these being now difficult of attainment. If the disease has arisen from an impoverished state of living, and a consequent acrimonious state of the blood, altering its property, by a change of aliment, and more liberal invigoration of the system, will greatly tend to the promoting a speedy obliteration. Should a horse in highHEALTH,FLESH, andCONDITION, have received the disease by infection,BLEEDING, evacuants, or alteratives, should be brought into use in aid of external applications.
MANGE in DOGS—will be found fully treated on under a continuation of the headHounds, in page 485 of the first Volume.
—will be found fully treated on under a continuation of the headHounds, in page 485 of the first Volume.
MANGER—is the name by which the trough is called that is fixed in all stables, and from whence a horse eats his corn or mashes; it is usually placed under his rack, from which he receives his hay; and this, in well-managed stables, is not deposited there in large quantities, but in light proportions, and at stated periods. It is an excellent and healthy custom, though, perhaps, not much in practice, to let allMANGERS, in constant use, have a substantial scrubbing with soap, brush, and boiling water, once a month; the absolute necessity for which may be seen by making an occasional observation upon thefilthystate of mangers in general, particularlyatINNSupon theROADS, andLIVERY STABLESin theMetropolis.
—is the name by which the trough is called that is fixed in all stables, and from whence a horse eats his corn or mashes; it is usually placed under his rack, from which he receives his hay; and this, in well-managed stables, is not deposited there in large quantities, but in light proportions, and at stated periods. It is an excellent and healthy custom, though, perhaps, not much in practice, to let allMANGERS, in constant use, have a substantial scrubbing with soap, brush, and boiling water, once a month; the absolute necessity for which may be seen by making an occasional observation upon thefilthystate of mangers in general, particularlyatINNSupon theROADS, andLIVERY STABLESin theMetropolis.
MARE—is the well-known feminine of theHORSE, but not held of equal value with the masculine in respect to the gender, which is not only troublesome, but found to be productive of temporary debility at certain seasons of the year. Mares are evidently weaker, and less adequate to severe work, during the time they give proof of a desire to copulate, than at any other; which, perhaps, is the principal reason whyGELDINGSare so generally preferred, as far as they can be obtained. Notwithstanding this partiality,MARESare not without their advocates, and have their conveniencies: in cases ofLAMENESS, or other occurrences in the long list ofcasual ills, they, of course, become appropriate to the purpose ofPROPAGATION, without much loss being sustained. Those, however, who expect to derive either pleasure, emolument, or a gratification of ambition, fromBREEDING, must be a little prudent and circumspect in the shape, make, distinct points, and general symmetry, of theMARE, before they too hastily embark in so critical, and so truly expensive, an undertaking. Although it is a maxim universally admitted, that an equal degree of precaution should be used in respect to theHORSE, it is doubly and trebly necessary with the mare; because strict observation has demonstrated, that nearly, or fulltwoout of everythreeFOALS, display, in their appearance, more of theDAMthan theSIRE: and that there are moreFILLIESthanCOLTSfallen every year, will not admit of a doubt.
—is the well-known feminine of theHORSE, but not held of equal value with the masculine in respect to the gender, which is not only troublesome, but found to be productive of temporary debility at certain seasons of the year. Mares are evidently weaker, and less adequate to severe work, during the time they give proof of a desire to copulate, than at any other; which, perhaps, is the principal reason whyGELDINGSare so generally preferred, as far as they can be obtained. Notwithstanding this partiality,MARESare not without their advocates, and have their conveniencies: in cases ofLAMENESS, or other occurrences in the long list ofcasual ills, they, of course, become appropriate to the purpose ofPROPAGATION, without much loss being sustained. Those, however, who expect to derive either pleasure, emolument, or a gratification of ambition, fromBREEDING, must be a little prudent and circumspect in the shape, make, distinct points, and general symmetry, of theMARE, before they too hastily embark in so critical, and so truly expensive, an undertaking. Although it is a maxim universally admitted, that an equal degree of precaution should be used in respect to theHORSE, it is doubly and trebly necessary with the mare; because strict observation has demonstrated, that nearly, or fulltwoout of everythreeFOALS, display, in their appearance, more of theDAMthan theSIRE: and that there are moreFILLIESthanCOLTSfallen every year, will not admit of a doubt.
A variety of opinions are held, and occasionally propagated, upon the best and most proper age for putting a mare to horse: that aFILLYcovered in her third year, will produce a fine healthy foal in herfourth, is sufficiently known; and thatBROOD MARESbring forth excellent stock from theirtwentiethto theirtwenty-fifthyear, is equally true; but if the two extremes are avoided (when it can be conveniently done so) the produce may most likely come some few shades nearer perfection. In thefirstinstance it is fair to infer, that the component parts may not have reached the extreme points ofSTRENGTHandMATURITY; and that in thelatter, from the natural effect ofAGE, the frame is verging upondecay; and that theLACTEALSfrom whence theNUTRIMENTfor theFOALis to be obtained, must becontractedin proportion.
The best and most approved season for letting the mare take the horse, where the produce is bred for general purposes, is from the first week inMayto the last inJune; as then the offspring is dropt inAprilorMayin the following year, and are the properest months a foal can fall in, to have the advantage of all the summer for growth and expansion,preparatory to the drawback ofWEANING, and the ensuing severity of the winter. Mares during the time ofGESTATION, are liable, but very little subject toABORTION; reasonable work, and moderate exertions, affect them but slightly in that way; nor does the disappointment but seldom happen, unless by some severe, cruel, or inhuman treatment.Maresare the most uncertain of all animals in bringing forth from the time of conception. Numerous attempts have been made to discover the precise time of a mare's carrying her foal, which, however, does not yet appear to have been ascertained to a certainty. Long-standing opinions and authority, transmitted from one posterity to another, has established at eleven months and as many days as the mare happens to be years old: strict attention, in a variety of instances, to both theLUNARandCALENDARmonths, has proved the uncertainty of this calculation, and left them, in those events, dependent upon neitheroneor theother. Certain it is, they go many days longer with aCOLT FOALthan they do with aFILLY; and cases frequently occur, where a mare carries her foal within a few days of the twelve months.
MARK!—a term used bySPORTSMEN, particularly inCOVERT SHOOTING, where they are necessarily separated from each other; when one of the party, havingsprungaPHEASANT, orflushedaCOCK, (at which he either did not get ashot, or missed hisaim,) he then vociferates the signal,MARK!in a hope his companion may get a shot, ormarkthe spot near where he alights, to insure a better chance of his recovery. It is also used in partridge shooting, where hedges or hedge-rows interrupt the sight, or divide the parties.
—a term used bySPORTSMEN, particularly inCOVERT SHOOTING, where they are necessarily separated from each other; when one of the party, havingsprungaPHEASANT, orflushedaCOCK, (at which he either did not get ashot, or missed hisaim,) he then vociferates the signal,MARK!in a hope his companion may get a shot, ormarkthe spot near where he alights, to insure a better chance of his recovery. It is also used in partridge shooting, where hedges or hedge-rows interrupt the sight, or divide the parties.
MARK in the MOUTH.—The black cavity in theTEETHof aHORSE, by which his age is correctly known till seven years old, is called themark; when which is obliterated, the age can be no longer precisely ascertained.Dealersadopt a successful mode ofdeception, by which the young and inexperienced are frequently imposed upon. SeeBishopingandColt.
.—The black cavity in theTEETHof aHORSE, by which his age is correctly known till seven years old, is called themark; when which is obliterated, the age can be no longer precisely ascertained.Dealersadopt a successful mode ofdeception, by which the young and inexperienced are frequently imposed upon. SeeBishopingandColt.
MARK ANTHONY,—the name of a horse of some celebrity as aRACER, and equal to any horse of his time: he was bred byMr. C. Blake, and foaled in 1767: he was got by that known good horseSpectator(who was got byCrab) out ofRachel, (who was got byBlank;) her dam byRegulus, grand-dam bySoreheels. He acquired some reputation as aSTALLION, and was the sire of several good runners.
,—the name of a horse of some celebrity as aRACER, and equal to any horse of his time: he was bred byMr. C. Blake, and foaled in 1767: he was got by that known good horseSpectator(who was got byCrab) out ofRachel, (who was got byBlank;) her dam byRegulus, grand-dam bySoreheels. He acquired some reputation as aSTALLION, and was the sire of several good runners.
MARSK—was a horse whose distinguished celebrity arose more from chance than any peculiar merits of his own. He was bred by the thenDukeofCumberland; was foaled in 1750; got bySquirt, (who was got by Bartlet'sChilders;) dam byBlacklegs, grand-dam byFox Cub. Although his blood and racing ability stood fairly admitted, yet, so far from having acquired any reputation as aSTALLION, he was permitted toCOVERcommon mares at the Lodge, in Windsor Great Park, for onlyhalf-a-guinea, which was theGROOM'S FEE. Precisely at this period (in the year 1763)Spilletta, the dam ofEclipse, having provedbarrenfor two or three years in succession, a new experiment was made, and she was covered by bothShakespeareandMarskin the same season; when stinted, and some time after perceptibly in foal, it was uncertain who was to be declared theSIRE, till the produce falling to correspond with the last leap fromMarsk, he became (fromEclipse'sastonishing powers) loaded with honours, publicly acknowledged the sire with an enhanced reputation, and a constantly increasingseraglio; from which time he continued a stallion of the first eminence, and produced a progeny of winners by much too long for introduction under this head.Spillettaafterwards producedProserpinebyMarsk, foaled in 1766; and that well-known horseGarrick, foaled in 1772; both excellent runners.
—was a horse whose distinguished celebrity arose more from chance than any peculiar merits of his own. He was bred by the thenDukeofCumberland; was foaled in 1750; got bySquirt, (who was got by Bartlet'sChilders;) dam byBlacklegs, grand-dam byFox Cub. Although his blood and racing ability stood fairly admitted, yet, so far from having acquired any reputation as aSTALLION, he was permitted toCOVERcommon mares at the Lodge, in Windsor Great Park, for onlyhalf-a-guinea, which was theGROOM'S FEE. Precisely at this period (in the year 1763)Spilletta, the dam ofEclipse, having provedbarrenfor two or three years in succession, a new experiment was made, and she was covered by bothShakespeareandMarskin the same season; when stinted, and some time after perceptibly in foal, it was uncertain who was to be declared theSIRE, till the produce falling to correspond with the last leap fromMarsk, he became (fromEclipse'sastonishing powers) loaded with honours, publicly acknowledged the sire with an enhanced reputation, and a constantly increasingseraglio; from which time he continued a stallion of the first eminence, and produced a progeny of winners by much too long for introduction under this head.Spillettaafterwards producedProserpinebyMarsk, foaled in 1766; and that well-known horseGarrick, foaled in 1772; both excellent runners.
MARTIN, or MARTERN,—is an animal inhabiting woods and bushy coverts, rather inferior in size to a domestic cat, but longer in the neckand body, having a head and tail corresponding in make and shape with theFOX, but not so sharp-pointed in the ears. They are nearly as expert in climbing trees, and leaping from one to another, as a squirrel; they breed in the hollows of trees, and produce four, five, and even six, young at a time. They live upon poultry, game, and birds: most probably the casual food of theFOXis taken by theMARTINalso. As, by their great agility in climbing, they become a most destructive enemy toPHEASANTS, so by theirSCENTthey are frequently the subject of much mortifying disappointment to a field of expectant sportsmen. When found amidst the bushes, the general burst of the finding hounds is as great as when aFOXisunkenneled, and so continues, till, being closely pressed, some friendly tree (probably clothed with ivy) suddenly terminates thedeceptivechase.
,—is an animal inhabiting woods and bushy coverts, rather inferior in size to a domestic cat, but longer in the neckand body, having a head and tail corresponding in make and shape with theFOX, but not so sharp-pointed in the ears. They are nearly as expert in climbing trees, and leaping from one to another, as a squirrel; they breed in the hollows of trees, and produce four, five, and even six, young at a time. They live upon poultry, game, and birds: most probably the casual food of theFOXis taken by theMARTINalso. As, by their great agility in climbing, they become a most destructive enemy toPHEASANTS, so by theirSCENTthey are frequently the subject of much mortifying disappointment to a field of expectant sportsmen. When found amidst the bushes, the general burst of the finding hounds is as great as when aFOXisunkenneled, and so continues, till, being closely pressed, some friendly tree (probably clothed with ivy) suddenly terminates thedeceptivechase.
MARTINGAL.—The article so named is of two kinds; one of which is termed aHEADSTALLmartingal; the other, simply, a martingal: each consists of a long strip of leather, about an inch and a half wide, passing between the fore-legs, with a loop or wide noose at its extremity, through which the hinder girth is to pass, and by which it is secured at that end: at the front of the breast it divides into two equal branches; and havingSWIVEL RINGSat the extremity of each, they are slipt on upon the bridoon (or snaffle) rein, and areused to keep down the head of a hard-mouthed orhigh-staringhorse, that he may see the ground upon which he is to move with less danger to theneckof theRIDER. The headstall martingal is of similar construction, except its having a headstall the same as a bridle, to which the divided branches before described are united at the cheek on each side; but this is a hazardous practice, and should only be used withCOLTSin breaking; for if a horse oncestumblesin action, he is so confined, that his sudden exertion to raise his head, and to recover himself, being counteracted, he almost inevitably comes to the ground.
.—The article so named is of two kinds; one of which is termed aHEADSTALLmartingal; the other, simply, a martingal: each consists of a long strip of leather, about an inch and a half wide, passing between the fore-legs, with a loop or wide noose at its extremity, through which the hinder girth is to pass, and by which it is secured at that end: at the front of the breast it divides into two equal branches; and havingSWIVEL RINGSat the extremity of each, they are slipt on upon the bridoon (or snaffle) rein, and areused to keep down the head of a hard-mouthed orhigh-staringhorse, that he may see the ground upon which he is to move with less danger to theneckof theRIDER. The headstall martingal is of similar construction, except its having a headstall the same as a bridle, to which the divided branches before described are united at the cheek on each side; but this is a hazardous practice, and should only be used withCOLTSin breaking; for if a horse oncestumblesin action, he is so confined, that his sudden exertion to raise his head, and to recover himself, being counteracted, he almost inevitably comes to the ground.
MASH—is a name given to a kind of universalPANACEAfor horses during a course ofPHYSIC, or labouring underCOUGH,COLD, orDISEASE. Mashes are differently made, according to the necessity which occasions their being brought into use: some are made withBRANandHONEY; others with equal parts ofOATSandBRAN, with or without honey; but the most fragrant, useful, attracting, and invigorating, is made fromGROUND MALT, with such proportion ofBRANas will disunite the glutinous adhesive property of theMALT, and reduce its sweetness enough to prevent a satiety by its clamminess in mastication. Malt mashes (and the liquid pressed from them) horses will generally take in different dangerous disorders, asFEVERS,INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS,STRANGLES, &c. when theywill take (spontaneously) no other kind ofFOODorNUTRIMENT. Mashes should be always made of ingredients perfectlySWEET, without the least taint ofmustiness, and in pails or vessels free from every possibility ofgrease; they should also be prepared with waterboiling hot, which being once stirred together, may then be covered down till of a proper warmth to be placed in the manger; which should never be of greater heat thannew milkfrom the cow, unless in cases where aFUMIGATIONmay be required to relax and take off a stricture from the glandular parts, and promote a discharge from the nostrils.
—is a name given to a kind of universalPANACEAfor horses during a course ofPHYSIC, or labouring underCOUGH,COLD, orDISEASE. Mashes are differently made, according to the necessity which occasions their being brought into use: some are made withBRANandHONEY; others with equal parts ofOATSandBRAN, with or without honey; but the most fragrant, useful, attracting, and invigorating, is made fromGROUND MALT, with such proportion ofBRANas will disunite the glutinous adhesive property of theMALT, and reduce its sweetness enough to prevent a satiety by its clamminess in mastication. Malt mashes (and the liquid pressed from them) horses will generally take in different dangerous disorders, asFEVERS,INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS,STRANGLES, &c. when theywill take (spontaneously) no other kind ofFOODorNUTRIMENT. Mashes should be always made of ingredients perfectlySWEET, without the least taint ofmustiness, and in pails or vessels free from every possibility ofgrease; they should also be prepared with waterboiling hot, which being once stirred together, may then be covered down till of a proper warmth to be placed in the manger; which should never be of greater heat thannew milkfrom the cow, unless in cases where aFUMIGATIONmay be required to relax and take off a stricture from the glandular parts, and promote a discharge from the nostrils.
MASTER of the HORSE—is an office of high honor and great trust, seldom conferred upon any but some distinguished individual of the peerage, in possession of hisMajesty'sconfidence, and honored with his personal approbation. The department of theMASTERof theHORSEis of very considerable magnitude, possessing a greater extent of patronage than almost any other appointment in theGIFTof theCrown. The Master of the Horse is the supreme superintendant of every thing appertaining to the establishment of theKing's stablesand their contents. It is within his official department to take cognizance of every part of the royal retinue in whichHORSES,CARRIAGES, and their requisite attendants, are concerned; as well as personally to attend upon his Majestywhenever they are employed; but more particularly upon all public occasions, and in allPROCESSIONSofSTATE. He also appears in personal attendance upon his Majesty in the chase; unless upon some occasions, by the King's permission, or particular desire, that official service is dispensed with. Subordinate to the Master of the Horse in the stable establishment, are the equerries, pages of honor, clerk of the stables, yeomen riders, mews-keepers, coachmen, footmen, grooms, postillions, and helpers, exclusive of saddlers, coach, harness, and bit-makers. The establishment of theROYAL HUNTis also officially announced in the department of the Master of the Horse; although the patronage and appointments remain of course with the Master of the Stag Hounds.
—is an office of high honor and great trust, seldom conferred upon any but some distinguished individual of the peerage, in possession of hisMajesty'sconfidence, and honored with his personal approbation. The department of theMASTERof theHORSEis of very considerable magnitude, possessing a greater extent of patronage than almost any other appointment in theGIFTof theCrown. The Master of the Horse is the supreme superintendant of every thing appertaining to the establishment of theKing's stablesand their contents. It is within his official department to take cognizance of every part of the royal retinue in whichHORSES,CARRIAGES, and their requisite attendants, are concerned; as well as personally to attend upon his Majestywhenever they are employed; but more particularly upon all public occasions, and in allPROCESSIONSofSTATE. He also appears in personal attendance upon his Majesty in the chase; unless upon some occasions, by the King's permission, or particular desire, that official service is dispensed with. Subordinate to the Master of the Horse in the stable establishment, are the equerries, pages of honor, clerk of the stables, yeomen riders, mews-keepers, coachmen, footmen, grooms, postillions, and helpers, exclusive of saddlers, coach, harness, and bit-makers. The establishment of theROYAL HUNTis also officially announced in the department of the Master of the Horse; although the patronage and appointments remain of course with the Master of the Stag Hounds.
MASTER of the STAG HOUNDS. SeeKing's Hounds.
. SeeKing's Hounds.
MATCH COCK.—A cock intended to fight in aMATCH, must not be less in weight than three pounds six ounces, or exceed four pounds eight: if either less than thefirst, or more than thelatter, he cannot be shewn or brought to theSCALE. SeeMainofCocks.
.—A cock intended to fight in aMATCH, must not be less in weight than three pounds six ounces, or exceed four pounds eight: if either less than thefirst, or more than thelatter, he cannot be shewn or brought to theSCALE. SeeMainofCocks.
MATCH in RACING—is aBETmade between theOWNERSwhere onlytwohorses are concerned, one of which must become the winner. For explanatoryparticulars, seeHorse Racing. Horses are said toMATCH(for a carriage) when they correspond, and constitute a similitude in height, marks, action, and color. AHUNTING MATCH(generally termed a steeple chase) is made by parties, to ride their own horses across a country to some point agreed on, encountering all difficulties, and taking theLEAPSinstroke: this kind of match is, upon most occasions, run with a few couple of hounds; a person going forward with aDRAGto the spot appointed where the match is to be decided.
—is aBETmade between theOWNERSwhere onlytwohorses are concerned, one of which must become the winner. For explanatoryparticulars, seeHorse Racing. Horses are said toMATCH(for a carriage) when they correspond, and constitute a similitude in height, marks, action, and color. AHUNTING MATCH(generally termed a steeple chase) is made by parties, to ride their own horses across a country to some point agreed on, encountering all difficulties, and taking theLEAPSinstroke: this kind of match is, upon most occasions, run with a few couple of hounds; a person going forward with aDRAGto the spot appointed where the match is to be decided.
MATCHEM—was a horse the most eminent of his time as aRACER, and for many years was the most esteemedSTALLIONin the kingdom. He was bred byMr. Fenwick, foaled in 1748; got byCade, dam byPartner, grand-dam byMakeless, great grand-dam byBrimmer, &c. &c. He produced an annual succession of winners (many of them excellent runners) too long for enumeration.
—was a horse the most eminent of his time as aRACER, and for many years was the most esteemedSTALLIONin the kingdom. He was bred byMr. Fenwick, foaled in 1748; got byCade, dam byPartner, grand-dam byMakeless, great grand-dam byBrimmer, &c. &c. He produced an annual succession of winners (many of them excellent runners) too long for enumeration.
MERCURY—is become an article of so much medical utility withHORSES, as well as with the human species, that it seems entitled to some mention here, being a specific much talked of, but not universally understood. Mercury (alias quicksilver) is an opaque silver-colored mineral fluid, appearing to the eye like meltedTINorLEAD; itis heavier than any other fluid, and does not congeal in the greatest degree of natural cold ever yet known. This mineral is met with in its fluid form in the earth, or extracted by art from certain metallic ores. There are considerable mines of it inHungaryandSpain; but the greatest quantities are brought from theEast Indies. The use of mercury was but little known till within the last century; and its more subtle preparations, with their efficacious properties, of a much later date. The ancients looked upon it as a confirmed corrosive poison, though perfectly void of acrimony, taste, and smell. Experiments have been made, and instances proved, of its having been lodged for years in cavities of both bones and fleshy parts, without the least injury, or smallest sensible or perceptible effect. Taken into the human body in its crude and undivided state, it passes through the intestinal canal unchanged, and has not been found to produce the least inconvenience.
—is become an article of so much medical utility withHORSES, as well as with the human species, that it seems entitled to some mention here, being a specific much talked of, but not universally understood. Mercury (alias quicksilver) is an opaque silver-colored mineral fluid, appearing to the eye like meltedTINorLEAD; itis heavier than any other fluid, and does not congeal in the greatest degree of natural cold ever yet known. This mineral is met with in its fluid form in the earth, or extracted by art from certain metallic ores. There are considerable mines of it inHungaryandSpain; but the greatest quantities are brought from theEast Indies. The use of mercury was but little known till within the last century; and its more subtle preparations, with their efficacious properties, of a much later date. The ancients looked upon it as a confirmed corrosive poison, though perfectly void of acrimony, taste, and smell. Experiments have been made, and instances proved, of its having been lodged for years in cavities of both bones and fleshy parts, without the least injury, or smallest sensible or perceptible effect. Taken into the human body in its crude and undivided state, it passes through the intestinal canal unchanged, and has not been found to produce the least inconvenience.
Notwithstanding themildnessandinactivityofQUICKSILVERin its crude and undivided state, yet, when resolved byFIREintoFUME, or otherwise divided into very minute particles, and prevented from re-uniting by the interposition of proper substances, or combined with mineral acids, it has very powerful effects, affording the most violentPOISONS, and yielding the most excellent andsalutary remedies, of any with which the medical world are acquainted. There are now (introduced upon the broad basis of experimental practice) a variety of mercurial preparations, some of which are given internally; others are introduced (or rather insinuated) into the habit by external application, either in a liquid solution, or in an unctuous form: in whatever way it be administered internally, or applied externally, it evidently possesses the power of solving all stagnant fluids, liquifying the viscid juices which obstruct the finer vessels, and most minute passages; and has been known, by patient perseverance, to obliterate cancerous affections, and schirrosities of dangerous magnitude. The fundamental effects of mercury (or rather mercurial preparations) do not depend upon the increase of the sensible evacuations; as its gradual introduction into the habit (or system) of either man, or beast, may be so managed, by judicious proportions, as to promote excretion through the different emunctories, without perceptibly deranging the frame of one or the other.
Thus much being introduced upon the properties of mercury and its preparations, as applicable to the convenience of those who may not have entered into medical disquisition, it becomes necessary to advert to its use, now become so evidently efficacious in many of the disquietudes and disorders to which horses (as well as ourselves) are so constantlyliable. The only modes by which it can be with prudence and safety administered to a horse, is either in a course ofPURGATIVES, in the form ofCALOMELincorporated with the cathartic ingredients, or introduced as anALTERATIVE, by throwingdailyvery small quantities of that article into the system; or the better alternative (if meant as an alterative) of giving theÆTHIOP'S MINERAL, in doses of two drachms each, every morning, mixed up with a cordial ball. MuchDANGER, and manyLOSSES, having recently occurred with individuals from a too free use ofcalomelinPURGING BALLS, where horses, from a certain degree of constitutional irritability, or a want of proper care and attention during their physic, have died in the most excruciating agonies, with onlytwoorthreedrachms (unless erroneously weighed in the shops) of calomel; it certainly will be the mostPRUDENT, evidently the mostSAFE, to adopt the three gradational quantities of a drachm, a drachm and a half, or two drachms, according to the size, strength, and constitution, of the horse, taking care never to exceed that quantity even with the strongest.
MERCURY—was the name of a horse, that, as aRACER, and afterwards aSTALLION, stood very high in sporting estimation. He was bred by the lateColonel O'Kelly; foaled in 1778; was got byEclipseout of aTartarmare, who was likewise the dam ofWhitenose,Maria,Antiochus,Venus,Jupiter,Adonis,Lilly of the Valley,Volunteer,Bonnyface, andQueen Mab. After having acquired considerable celebrity as a good runner, and proved himself equal to any horse of his time, he became a favouriteSTALLIONin the possession ofLord Egremont, where he has produced a numerous progeny, including a very great number of winners, many of much note; and amongst the rest, the following celebrated horses, some of whom are stallions in high reputation:Calomel,Sublimate,Hippolyta,Mercutio,Old Gold,Precipitate,Quicksilver,Young Mercutio,Felix,Cinnabar,Mother Bunch,Hermes,Pill Box,Silver,Transit,Gohanna,Caustic,Stadholder,Buckingham, &c. &c.
—was the name of a horse, that, as aRACER, and afterwards aSTALLION, stood very high in sporting estimation. He was bred by the lateColonel O'Kelly; foaled in 1778; was got byEclipseout of aTartarmare, who was likewise the dam ofWhitenose,Maria,Antiochus,Venus,Jupiter,Adonis,Lilly of the Valley,Volunteer,Bonnyface, andQueen Mab. After having acquired considerable celebrity as a good runner, and proved himself equal to any horse of his time, he became a favouriteSTALLIONin the possession ofLord Egremont, where he has produced a numerous progeny, including a very great number of winners, many of much note; and amongst the rest, the following celebrated horses, some of whom are stallions in high reputation:Calomel,Sublimate,Hippolyta,Mercutio,Old Gold,Precipitate,Quicksilver,Young Mercutio,Felix,Cinnabar,Mother Bunch,Hermes,Pill Box,Silver,Transit,Gohanna,Caustic,Stadholder,Buckingham, &c. &c.
MESHES—are the vacancies in all kinds ofNET-WORK, of which there are various sorts, with their meshes of different dimensions; as thegate-net,flue-net,tunnel-net,drawing-net,casting-net, &c. &c. as adapted to their distinct uses, for taking eitherFISHorFOWL.
—are the vacancies in all kinds ofNET-WORK, of which there are various sorts, with their meshes of different dimensions; as thegate-net,flue-net,tunnel-net,drawing-net,casting-net, &c. &c. as adapted to their distinct uses, for taking eitherFISHorFOWL.
MEUSE—is the opening at the bottom of quick-set and other hedges, as well as in the bushy underwood ofCOVERTS, through whichHAREStake theirtrack, when going to, or coming from,FEEDduring thenight. At these meuses the expert and experiencedPOACHERfixes hiswires(commonly called snares) with so much security, and confidence of success, that he generally insures a tolerable proportionto his own share, according to the stock of the country.
—is the opening at the bottom of quick-set and other hedges, as well as in the bushy underwood ofCOVERTS, through whichHAREStake theirtrack, when going to, or coming from,FEEDduring thenight. At these meuses the expert and experiencedPOACHERfixes hiswires(commonly called snares) with so much security, and confidence of success, that he generally insures a tolerable proportionto his own share, according to the stock of the country.
MEWING—is an old forest term for aSTAG'Sshedding his horns.
—is an old forest term for aSTAG'Sshedding his horns.
MEWS—is a receptacle for horses and carriages, appropriated to no other use whatever. The buildings consist of stables and coach-houses only, with conveniencies above for the residence of coachmen and their families. In all the newly-erected squares and streets at the western extremity of the Metropolis, most of the houses are so constructed, that the master and servants have access to the stables by a communication at the back of the dwelling-house, without the inconvenience of passing through the streets.
—is a receptacle for horses and carriages, appropriated to no other use whatever. The buildings consist of stables and coach-houses only, with conveniencies above for the residence of coachmen and their families. In all the newly-erected squares and streets at the western extremity of the Metropolis, most of the houses are so constructed, that the master and servants have access to the stables by a communication at the back of the dwelling-house, without the inconvenience of passing through the streets.
MOLTEN GREASE.—This disorder is defined by every writer in succession, a solution of theFATwith which a horse may abound, when brought into sudden andexcessiveaction; that in its state of liquefaction, a great part falls upon the intestines, there becomes in a certain degree incorporated with the contents, and is more or less discharged in an oily state with the excrements. This is proved by long experience to be a well-founded description of both the case and the cause, which very frequently prove fatal, and that in a short time, without the lest relief or alleviation to beobtained from medicine. The leading symptoms are preceded by an agitated trembling, with sudden starts or motions, as if frightened in the stall; this is succeeded by violent fever, with great heat and clamminess of the mouth, a shortness of breath, and difficulty of respiration, beyond description, bearing no ill affinity to the most distinguishing symptoms of a horse labouring under an inflammation of the lungs. The great hope of cure must depend upon plentiful bleeding without delay, and that to be repeated at short intervals, till the blood is divested of its sizey, viscid, and inflammatory appearances. If not soon relieved by such medical interposition as may be thought most applicable to the state he is in, great bodily debility speedily ensues, the frame gradually declines in flesh, and becomes emaciated, the skin adheres to the ribs, the solids begin to relax, the legs to swell; and if the blood and juices are not properly corrected, by a judicious mode of medical management, a general decay may be expelled inglanders,farcy, or some one of the diseases which terminate fatally.
.—This disorder is defined by every writer in succession, a solution of theFATwith which a horse may abound, when brought into sudden andexcessiveaction; that in its state of liquefaction, a great part falls upon the intestines, there becomes in a certain degree incorporated with the contents, and is more or less discharged in an oily state with the excrements. This is proved by long experience to be a well-founded description of both the case and the cause, which very frequently prove fatal, and that in a short time, without the lest relief or alleviation to beobtained from medicine. The leading symptoms are preceded by an agitated trembling, with sudden starts or motions, as if frightened in the stall; this is succeeded by violent fever, with great heat and clamminess of the mouth, a shortness of breath, and difficulty of respiration, beyond description, bearing no ill affinity to the most distinguishing symptoms of a horse labouring under an inflammation of the lungs. The great hope of cure must depend upon plentiful bleeding without delay, and that to be repeated at short intervals, till the blood is divested of its sizey, viscid, and inflammatory appearances. If not soon relieved by such medical interposition as may be thought most applicable to the state he is in, great bodily debility speedily ensues, the frame gradually declines in flesh, and becomes emaciated, the skin adheres to the ribs, the solids begin to relax, the legs to swell; and if the blood and juices are not properly corrected, by a judicious mode of medical management, a general decay may be expelled inglanders,farcy, or some one of the diseases which terminate fatally.
MOON EYES.—Horses said to haveMOON EYES, or to beMOON-BLIND, is one of the relics of former superstition, when certain defects of the eyes were ridiculously supposed to have been influenced forbetterorworse, by the increasing or declining state of theMOON. Such opinions seem now to be wearing away, and verging upon oblivion,in proportion as the structure of the parts, as well as the remedies to relieve, become more perfectly comprehended by the indefatigable researches ofVeterinarianinvestigation.
.—Horses said to haveMOON EYES, or to beMOON-BLIND, is one of the relics of former superstition, when certain defects of the eyes were ridiculously supposed to have been influenced forbetterorworse, by the increasing or declining state of theMOON. Such opinions seem now to be wearing away, and verging upon oblivion,in proportion as the structure of the parts, as well as the remedies to relieve, become more perfectly comprehended by the indefatigable researches ofVeterinarianinvestigation.
MOOR GAME.—SeeGrouse,Heath Fowl, andGame.
.—SeeGrouse,Heath Fowl, andGame.
MORTIFICATION.—This state, in aPHYSICALsense, with eitherMANorBEAST, is the total cessation of vital heat in any part of the body or extremities, which then becomes, insensible, and is followed by putrefaction. When a mortification arises from some external injury done to the part, it is not preceded by a gangrene, but is produced by an absolute stagnation of the blood and juices, and all the injured parts become insensible and putrid at the same time, without any previous inflammation. A mortification arising from some internal cause, or a deficiency of natural heat, comes on in the same manner, but is more tardy in its progress, although it exhibits similar appearances; but the nature of the disease may be readily discovered. When an external injury is the cause, if an incision is made early in the diseased part, it will be found insensible, and nothing but extravasated blood will be discharged. In all cases ofMORTIFICATION, the disease, with its concomitant symptoms, proceeds with a rapidity that sets every medical interpositionand exertion at defiance, tillDEATHcloses the scene.
.—This state, in aPHYSICALsense, with eitherMANorBEAST, is the total cessation of vital heat in any part of the body or extremities, which then becomes, insensible, and is followed by putrefaction. When a mortification arises from some external injury done to the part, it is not preceded by a gangrene, but is produced by an absolute stagnation of the blood and juices, and all the injured parts become insensible and putrid at the same time, without any previous inflammation. A mortification arising from some internal cause, or a deficiency of natural heat, comes on in the same manner, but is more tardy in its progress, although it exhibits similar appearances; but the nature of the disease may be readily discovered. When an external injury is the cause, if an incision is made early in the diseased part, it will be found insensible, and nothing but extravasated blood will be discharged. In all cases ofMORTIFICATION, the disease, with its concomitant symptoms, proceeds with a rapidity that sets every medical interpositionand exertion at defiance, tillDEATHcloses the scene.
MOTION.—A horse is said to be of easy motion, when he has a fine length of forehand, goes off the ground lightly with his head up, gliding his hind-legs under his carcase in action, without the straddling spring for which rough-going horses are so remarkable.
.—A horse is said to be of easy motion, when he has a fine length of forehand, goes off the ground lightly with his head up, gliding his hind-legs under his carcase in action, without the straddling spring for which rough-going horses are so remarkable.
MOUTH.—The good or bad mouth of a horse depends upon the pliability of his temper, and his obedience to the bit. Some horses (particularly those of violent and refractory dispositions) are so truly insensible to every effort of even the best riders, that hardly any kind of bit can be invented to reduce them to subjection; while, on the contrary, there are those, and even blood horses, of such good temper, and constitutional docility; that they may be regulated instantaneously to any purpose, by the most tender bearing of a common snaffle.
.—The good or bad mouth of a horse depends upon the pliability of his temper, and his obedience to the bit. Some horses (particularly those of violent and refractory dispositions) are so truly insensible to every effort of even the best riders, that hardly any kind of bit can be invented to reduce them to subjection; while, on the contrary, there are those, and even blood horses, of such good temper, and constitutional docility; that they may be regulated instantaneously to any purpose, by the most tender bearing of a common snaffle.
MULE.—TheMULEis that well-known cross-bred animal, generated between anASSand aMARE. Some are, but very rarely, produced by theHORSEwith aSHE ASS; but they are smaller, weaker, and of less utility, consequently not bred with design. The mule has all the good qualities of the ass, without its bad ones; it is as patient, and as permanentunder labour; it can bear the most incessant fatigue, with the lead sustenance; is without the instinctive stupidity of the ass, and is equally tractable with the horse. The mule, when well descended, and well fed, is adequate to a variety of services, and will, if taken the same care ofwhen young, nearly reach the size of a moderate horse. Many have measured fifteen hands high and upwards, are exceedingly strong and sure-footed, which qualities render them very valuable in the different parts of Europe where the countries are mountainous, and the roads stony, as they will travel with the greatest ease and security where a horse would be very likely to break his neck. They are likewise exceedingly useful in harness, and will draw immense weights for long journies without displaying the least fatigue.
.—TheMULEis that well-known cross-bred animal, generated between anASSand aMARE. Some are, but very rarely, produced by theHORSEwith aSHE ASS; but they are smaller, weaker, and of less utility, consequently not bred with design. The mule has all the good qualities of the ass, without its bad ones; it is as patient, and as permanentunder labour; it can bear the most incessant fatigue, with the lead sustenance; is without the instinctive stupidity of the ass, and is equally tractable with the horse. The mule, when well descended, and well fed, is adequate to a variety of services, and will, if taken the same care ofwhen young, nearly reach the size of a moderate horse. Many have measured fifteen hands high and upwards, are exceedingly strong and sure-footed, which qualities render them very valuable in the different parts of Europe where the countries are mountainous, and the roads stony, as they will travel with the greatest ease and security where a horse would be very likely to break his neck. They are likewise exceedingly useful in harness, and will draw immense weights for long journies without displaying the least fatigue.
TheMULESbred inSpain, with a proper attention to their intentional use, whether for travelling or shew, are bred between very large he-asses and Spanish mares; these are exceedingly tall, stately, and their colour inclining to black. A still larger kind are, however, produced by these asses out of Flanders mares, some of which have been known to reach seventeen hands high, and of equal apparent strength to our common carriage horses; but they are much stronger than horses of their own size, will bear infinitely greater hardships, and are kept at a much less expence; as well as an additionalrecommendation, that they are not so subject to diseases, which is a material consideration to the justification of their more general use. They are found equally fit for the saddle, as for the more laborious employments of draft and agriculture; they are remarkably docile, are easily broke, and walk or trot with ease to themselves and to the rider.
It has been already remarked, under the headMare, that foals more frequently take after theDAMthan theSIRE, and this is perceptibly striking inMULES; for those bred between anASSand aMARE, invariably partake more of the nature of thelatterthan the former; being in general of good formation, lively, swift, and tractable; inheriting only the good qualities of the ass, as his strength, patience, and perseverance, under fatigue; while, on the other hand, those bred betwixt a horse and a she-ass, are more of the nature of the latter, dull, heavy, sluggish, ill-formed, and small in size. What few mules are produced in this kingdom, at least the major part, may be probably bred more from chance than design, by the common intermixture and unrestrained association of asses with mares, upon the large wastes and commons in various parts of the country, where they are frequently seen in the act of propagation. Of mules, it is to be observed, that, although such intermediate animal is produced between the two whichgenerate the third, there the prolific property ceases, and propagation goes no farther. Thus it is with a part of the feathered creation; it is known by those who breed, that a cock goldfinch, or a linnet, will pair with a hen canary, and produce young; but in that offspring the power of procreation entirely ceases, and they are therefore termedMULES.
MUTE—is a sporting term, applied to aHOUNDwhen he pursues hisGAMEby the scent, without givingtongue. As some are by much too free, and give tongue too hastily, when in a state of uncertainty, acquiring thereby the degrading denomination of ababbler; so there are others equally tardy in proclaiming the certainty when known. Hounds of each description are considered injurious to the discipline and desirable excellence of the pack, and are generally rejected so soon as their imperfections are known, and too much confirmed for reformation.
—is a sporting term, applied to aHOUNDwhen he pursues hisGAMEby the scent, without givingtongue. As some are by much too free, and give tongue too hastily, when in a state of uncertainty, acquiring thereby the degrading denomination of ababbler; so there are others equally tardy in proclaiming the certainty when known. Hounds of each description are considered injurious to the discipline and desirable excellence of the pack, and are generally rejected so soon as their imperfections are known, and too much confirmed for reformation.