PACE—is an expression to signify the motion, or progressive action, of a horse, as well as one of the human species. When speaking of a man's pace, it is usual to say, hewalks, heruns, or he goes agood pace; which becomes applicable to either, meaning, that he is an expeditiousWALKER, a fleetRUNNER, or perhapsboth. A horse has a great variety ofPACES, as awalk,trot,amble,canter,gallop,rating-gallop, andat speed;someof which many horses have in great perfection, and are exceedingly deficient inothers; as for instance, a horse shall be a most excellentTROTTER, who happens to be a shuffling, execrableWALKER; he shall be a gay, airy, light figure in aCANTER, and wonderfully deceptive inspeed. GoodGALLOPERSare very frequently badTROTTERS; and perfection is very difficult to obtain.
—is an expression to signify the motion, or progressive action, of a horse, as well as one of the human species. When speaking of a man's pace, it is usual to say, hewalks, heruns, or he goes agood pace; which becomes applicable to either, meaning, that he is an expeditiousWALKER, a fleetRUNNER, or perhapsboth. A horse has a great variety ofPACES, as awalk,trot,amble,canter,gallop,rating-gallop, andat speed;someof which many horses have in great perfection, and are exceedingly deficient inothers; as for instance, a horse shall be a most excellentTROTTER, who happens to be a shuffling, execrableWALKER; he shall be a gay, airy, light figure in aCANTER, and wonderfully deceptive inspeed. GoodGALLOPERSare very frequently badTROTTERS; and perfection is very difficult to obtain.
Some years after the death of that famous horseEclipse, which happened on the 27th of February, 1789,Mr. Charles Vial De Sainbel, Professor of theVeterinary College, published a work, to prove the unprecedented speed, and astonishing powers, ofEclipse, proceeded from the peculiarity of his construction. The work was embellished withANATOMICAL,GEOMETRICAL, andMECHANICALdrawings, to establish and confirm an opinion, that the motion of the horse became proportionally accelerated, by the precise proportions of the subject geometrically described. The work itself was elaborate, sublime, and so remotely abstruse, that its contents were very superior to common comprehension; and as it communicated but trifling information, (and that founded upon conjecture,) it established no satisfactory data to engage public attention. Whatever was advanced upon the supposed effects of the geometrical proportions ofEclipse, would but ill apply to the action of the species in general; it being a fact well ascertained by those who are the most practically concerned, and personally interested, that ill-shaped horses of equal blood frequently exceed those of the fairest proportions; and that horsesinferiorinSIZEshall provesuperiorinSPEED.
PAD—is a common rustic term for aGALLOWAY, or small horse.
—is a common rustic term for aGALLOWAY, or small horse.
PADDOCK,—in earlier times, signified aPADDOCKenclosed with a wall or paling of an immense height, a mile in length, and a quarter of a mile broad, in whichDEERwere coursed withGREYHOUNDS, in the same manner asHARESare coursed at present, but with numerous variations in respect to the coursing rules now in use, These paddocks, from their great extent, were seldom seen, but in theROYAL PARKS, or upon the demesnes of the most opulent and distinguished subjects. The sport itself has been a long time discontinued, and is most probably buried in oblivion; the word paddock applying, in the present time, only to a small enclosure of pasture, having a pale to protect it; or to a small tract of land, surrounding, or appertaining to, a rural mansion, where a few brace ofFALLOWdeer may be kept, but not of magnitude sufficient to acquire the appellation of aPARK.
,—in earlier times, signified aPADDOCKenclosed with a wall or paling of an immense height, a mile in length, and a quarter of a mile broad, in whichDEERwere coursed withGREYHOUNDS, in the same manner asHARESare coursed at present, but with numerous variations in respect to the coursing rules now in use, These paddocks, from their great extent, were seldom seen, but in theROYAL PARKS, or upon the demesnes of the most opulent and distinguished subjects. The sport itself has been a long time discontinued, and is most probably buried in oblivion; the word paddock applying, in the present time, only to a small enclosure of pasture, having a pale to protect it; or to a small tract of land, surrounding, or appertaining to, a rural mansion, where a few brace ofFALLOWdeer may be kept, but not of magnitude sufficient to acquire the appellation of aPARK.
PALATE.—The entire roof of the horse's mouth, amongstFARRIERSandSMITHS, is generally distinguished by the simple unmeaning appellation ofPALATE; theridgescrossing which are called theBARS: these, when they become too luxuriant and fleshy just behind the nippers, (the upper front teeth,) are then said to constitute a defect called theLAMPAS, which are reduced by repeated scarifications with a lancet, or extirpated by means of a red-hot iron, called theACTUAL CAUTERY. (SeeLampas.) In all cases of emergency, particularlyupon inflammatory disorders, coming suddenly on in the night, when circumstances may renderBLEEDINGin thenecka matter of inconvenience, the operation may be instantly and expeditiously performed by lancet, bistoury, fleam, or even a common pen-knife, by passing either three or four times moderately across the bars, when the blood will be observed to flow most plentifully, and by beingswallowed, is admitted by most of those who have attended toEFFECTS, to have been almost invariably attended with immediate advantage, particularly in the cholic, or a suppression of urine.
.—The entire roof of the horse's mouth, amongstFARRIERSandSMITHS, is generally distinguished by the simple unmeaning appellation ofPALATE; theridgescrossing which are called theBARS: these, when they become too luxuriant and fleshy just behind the nippers, (the upper front teeth,) are then said to constitute a defect called theLAMPAS, which are reduced by repeated scarifications with a lancet, or extirpated by means of a red-hot iron, called theACTUAL CAUTERY. (SeeLampas.) In all cases of emergency, particularlyupon inflammatory disorders, coming suddenly on in the night, when circumstances may renderBLEEDINGin thenecka matter of inconvenience, the operation may be instantly and expeditiously performed by lancet, bistoury, fleam, or even a common pen-knife, by passing either three or four times moderately across the bars, when the blood will be observed to flow most plentifully, and by beingswallowed, is admitted by most of those who have attended toEFFECTS, to have been almost invariably attended with immediate advantage, particularly in the cholic, or a suppression of urine.
PALSY—is a disorder, or rather a species of disorder, so nearly allied to the various degrees of staggers, apoplexy, or deprivation of sense, that the best Veterinary writers do not seem to have laid down any fixed rule, or unerring diagnostic, by which the discriminating shades, or predominant traits, ofeachare to be precisely ascertained. As the causes may be different of either, so the disorder may be more or less violent, according to the gradational excess of the cause. One attack of the species may arise from a too great and sensible flux of the blood to the brain, producing a severe and rapid inflammation: this, of course, might be introduced by extra exertions of continued speed, or in drawing loads of unreasonable weight; as well as from cruel and inhuman blows about the head; and from the two latter it is, that most of these disquietudescertainly proceed. Where the whole frame is affected, it is then natural to conclude theBRAINis more particularly theSEATofDISEASE, and that the whole system is from thence universally affected; but where the attack is partial, affecting only one limb and extremity, or any single part of the frame, it has then more the appearance of spasmodic affection, acting solely upon the muscles of the precise spot so far as they extend; and in the latter case, lay more readily open to a chance of relief by topical application, than where the entire frame and system is affected.
—is a disorder, or rather a species of disorder, so nearly allied to the various degrees of staggers, apoplexy, or deprivation of sense, that the best Veterinary writers do not seem to have laid down any fixed rule, or unerring diagnostic, by which the discriminating shades, or predominant traits, ofeachare to be precisely ascertained. As the causes may be different of either, so the disorder may be more or less violent, according to the gradational excess of the cause. One attack of the species may arise from a too great and sensible flux of the blood to the brain, producing a severe and rapid inflammation: this, of course, might be introduced by extra exertions of continued speed, or in drawing loads of unreasonable weight; as well as from cruel and inhuman blows about the head; and from the two latter it is, that most of these disquietudescertainly proceed. Where the whole frame is affected, it is then natural to conclude theBRAINis more particularly theSEATofDISEASE, and that the whole system is from thence universally affected; but where the attack is partial, affecting only one limb and extremity, or any single part of the frame, it has then more the appearance of spasmodic affection, acting solely upon the muscles of the precise spot so far as they extend; and in the latter case, lay more readily open to a chance of relief by topical application, than where the entire frame and system is affected.
In the former, plentiful bleeding, followed by immediate hot fomentations, prepared from the various aromatic well-known garden herbs; succeeded by almost incessant friction with two able men, whose persevering efforts should alternately relieve each other; rubbing in occasionally stimulative embrocations of camphorated spirits, incorporated with essential oils; will frequently relieve in a very short space of time. In cases where the whole frame is affected, more reliance must be placed upon internal administrations; because the same means applicable to a single limb, or extremity, cannot be brought into perfect use with the whole.Bleeding, and perseveringFRICTION, are as strictly proper in one as in the other; but the extreme irritability of the nervous system should be acted upon and reduced with all possible and proper expedition: camphire,assafœtida, and gum ammoniacum, a drachm each, blended with small proportions of opium, and formed into small balls, with a sufficient quantity of mithridate, or London philonium, should be introduced everythreeorfourhours, till there is a termination of the case one way or the other. The ancient and well-founded axiom, that "dangerous diseases require desperate remedies," cannot be more completely verified than in the different species of this; where no hope or expectation of cure can be derived, but from indefatigable exertion, and the most patient perseverance.
PARK,—in its plain construction, is an extensive tract of ground, or country, enclosed withWALLorPALING, well variegated withWOODandWATER, for the support of cattle, and preservation ofVENISONandGAME. It becomes a park by the privilege of prescription, or by the King's grant. There are many parks in possession of the Crown, (as well as of opulent individuals,) of whichWindsor Great Parkis the largest in the kingdom. It is upon record, that the Park ofWoodstockwas thefirstinEngland, formed and enclosed about the year 1124, and bounded by a stone wallseven milesin circumference. The example was followed by HenryEarlofWarwick; after which park-making became a common practice in different parts of the country.
,—in its plain construction, is an extensive tract of ground, or country, enclosed withWALLorPALING, well variegated withWOODandWATER, for the support of cattle, and preservation ofVENISONandGAME. It becomes a park by the privilege of prescription, or by the King's grant. There are many parks in possession of the Crown, (as well as of opulent individuals,) of whichWindsor Great Parkis the largest in the kingdom. It is upon record, that the Park ofWoodstockwas thefirstinEngland, formed and enclosed about the year 1124, and bounded by a stone wallseven milesin circumference. The example was followed by HenryEarlofWarwick; after which park-making became a common practice in different parts of the country.
PARTNER.—There were five famous horses of this name in succession, fromOld Partner, in 1718, toLittle Partner, in 1745. The first was calledCroft's; the second,Moore's; the third,Grisewood's; the fourth,Bright's; and the last,Pearson's.Old Partnerwas got byJigg, out of a sister toMixbury; he was a most excellent runner, and produced an astonishing progeny of winners; from whom his blood is ramified through most of the studs in the kingdom. He was sire ofSedbury,Tartar,Cato,Traveller,Badger,Grisewood'sPartner,Little John,Larkin'sLooby,Duke of Bolton'sLittle John,Barforth, theWitherington Mare,Vane'sLittle Partner,Parker'sLady Thigh,Grisewood'sLady Thigh,Lodge'sRoan Mare, &c. &c.
.—There were five famous horses of this name in succession, fromOld Partner, in 1718, toLittle Partner, in 1745. The first was calledCroft's; the second,Moore's; the third,Grisewood's; the fourth,Bright's; and the last,Pearson's.Old Partnerwas got byJigg, out of a sister toMixbury; he was a most excellent runner, and produced an astonishing progeny of winners; from whom his blood is ramified through most of the studs in the kingdom. He was sire ofSedbury,Tartar,Cato,Traveller,Badger,Grisewood'sPartner,Little John,Larkin'sLooby,Duke of Bolton'sLittle John,Barforth, theWitherington Mare,Vane'sLittle Partner,Parker'sLady Thigh,Grisewood'sLady Thigh,Lodge'sRoan Mare, &c. &c.
PARTRIDGES—are those well known timid, harmless, inoffensive branches of the feathered creation, the beautiful variegations of whose plumage, and the nutritive property of whose flesh, have entitled them to the distinguished appellation ofGAME, and the honour of parliamentary protection. They begin to pair off from the fragmental remains ofCOVIES, about the last week inFebruary, and through the month ofMarch; make their nests upon the ground, in hedges, and the banks of hedge-rows principally; though they are sometimes found in fields ofCLOVER, but very rarely in standingCORN. The hen usually depositsfrom fifteen to twenty eggs, and produces mostly a bird from every egg she lays. They hatch about the second or third week in June. The young in the aggregate are calledCOVIES, and they are known torunalmost as soon as they arehatched. Although they are sometimes reduced byVERMIN, or unexpectedtorrentsofrain, yet fromSIXtoEIGHT BRACEare generally brought up to fly with the old ones. They are included in every Act of Parliament for the preservation of the game; and the penalty for killing a partridge by any unqualified person, isFIVE POUNDS: if such unqualified person kills a partridge, without having taken out anANNUAL CERTIFICATEfrom theClerkof thePeacefor the county in which he resides, (or where such partridge may have been killed,) he is then liable to a farther penalty of twenty pounds; making a forfeiture ofTWENTY-FIVE POUNDSin the whole.
—are those well known timid, harmless, inoffensive branches of the feathered creation, the beautiful variegations of whose plumage, and the nutritive property of whose flesh, have entitled them to the distinguished appellation ofGAME, and the honour of parliamentary protection. They begin to pair off from the fragmental remains ofCOVIES, about the last week inFebruary, and through the month ofMarch; make their nests upon the ground, in hedges, and the banks of hedge-rows principally; though they are sometimes found in fields ofCLOVER, but very rarely in standingCORN. The hen usually depositsfrom fifteen to twenty eggs, and produces mostly a bird from every egg she lays. They hatch about the second or third week in June. The young in the aggregate are calledCOVIES, and they are known torunalmost as soon as they arehatched. Although they are sometimes reduced byVERMIN, or unexpectedtorrentsofrain, yet fromSIXtoEIGHT BRACEare generally brought up to fly with the old ones. They are included in every Act of Parliament for the preservation of the game; and the penalty for killing a partridge by any unqualified person, isFIVE POUNDS: if such unqualified person kills a partridge, without having taken out anANNUAL CERTIFICATEfrom theClerkof thePeacefor the county in which he resides, (or where such partridge may have been killed,) he is then liable to a farther penalty of twenty pounds; making a forfeiture ofTWENTY-FIVE POUNDSin the whole.
If a person qualified to kill game in right of his property, (that is, by inheritance of aFREEHOLDlanded estate of the clear yearly value ofONE HUNDRED POUNDSper annum, or aLEASEHOLDofONE HUNDREDandFIFTYin his own, or hisWIFE'Sright,) does so at any one time without having taken out an annual certificate as aforesaid, and for which the sum ofTHREE GUINEAShas been previously paid, he is then liable to a penalty of twenty-pounds. Andanyperson qualified, or unqualified, killing anyPARTRIDGEbetween thefirstofFebruaryandthefirstofSeptember, in any year, is liable to an additional penalty ofFIVE POUNDSto those already recited for each offence. It is natural to conceive, that the various modes of punishment annexed to a transgression of what are termed theGAME-LAWS, would have operated to a perfect and complete prohibition: that it maynowhave nearly reached the zenith of that effectby day, is admitted; but that a total suppression of theNOCTURNALdepredators can ever be accomplished, the annual destruction, and almostpublic sale, of game, leave very little reason to expect.
Partridges, in their natural and infant state, accompany the hen in search of food, obey the cluck of the mother, and are protected by the clutch of her wings, in the same manner as chicken, and other domestic fowl. The hen is so instinctively attached to her young, that she will encounter every difficulty, and face death in every form, to insuretheirsafety: although stupidly timid, and rendered almost insensible by her own fears, uponotheroccasions, yet great sagacity is observable in her endeavours to preserve her offspring. When they are very young, and unable to save themselves by flight; and in all cases of danger, when approached by that fatal enemy the dog; the hen will rise, and lead him on, by short flights, or rather hoverings, of twenty and thirty yards, but just above the ground, till, having induced him to followa sufficient distance from the seat of all her fears, she takes a long, and more circuitous route at her next flight; where, after finding she has completely baffled her pursuer, another effort brings her to her young in safety. When separated by danger (whether the approach of the dog and gun in the sporting season, or by other means) even to a great distance, they are invariably brought again together by the inherent property ofCALLING, which they possess in so powerful a degree, as to insure a very expeditious recovery of each other. The imitation of thiscallhas been brought to great perfection by the fraternity ofPOACHERS, who avail themselves of the birds' too great credulity, which is frequently the cause of their destruction.
PASTERN.—The pastern of a horse is the distance between the fetlock and the coronet, which terminates at the junction of hair and hoof. The pastern should be short, strong, and uniform; when long, it is proportionally weak; and the nearer the fetlock is to the ground, the more liable such horse is to be let down in the back sinews, and become lame.
.—The pastern of a horse is the distance between the fetlock and the coronet, which terminates at the junction of hair and hoof. The pastern should be short, strong, and uniform; when long, it is proportionally weak; and the nearer the fetlock is to the ground, the more liable such horse is to be let down in the back sinews, and become lame.
PATTEN-SHOE—was a shoe formerly used with lame horses; but from the palpable absurdity of its adoption, seems now to be nearly banished from modern practice. This shoe was constructed with a ring, circular, or nearly oval, at the bottom,which being fixed upon theSOUNDfoot, its intentional use was tocompelthe horse inallinjuries to stand upon the lame leg, that a contraction of the muscular parts might be prevented. Happily such ridiculous and ill-founded notions are gliding into oblivion.
—was a shoe formerly used with lame horses; but from the palpable absurdity of its adoption, seems now to be nearly banished from modern practice. This shoe was constructed with a ring, circular, or nearly oval, at the bottom,which being fixed upon theSOUNDfoot, its intentional use was tocompelthe horse inallinjuries to stand upon the lame leg, that a contraction of the muscular parts might be prevented. Happily such ridiculous and ill-founded notions are gliding into oblivion.
PATTERN-SHOE—is a shoe formed upon rational principles, and of a scientific construction, for transmission to any part of the world, as aPATTERNby which theARTofSHOEINGmay be universally improved, and reduced to one general standard of purity and perfection.
—is a shoe formed upon rational principles, and of a scientific construction, for transmission to any part of the world, as aPATTERNby which theARTofSHOEINGmay be universally improved, and reduced to one general standard of purity and perfection.
PEDIGREE.—The pedigree (or genealogical descent) of a horse is in the present day so fabricated byhearsay, or framed byfiction, that nothing less than a well-authenticated certificate, under the hand of theBREEDER, can with propriety be received as an indisputable proof of thePURITYof hisBLOOD: and this is the more evidently necessary to aSPORTSMAN, lest he should be induced (relying upon hisdeceptivepedigree) to enter into a racing engagement, and that too, perhaps, for a sum of much magnitude; the whole of which, with the additional training expences, might be lost for want of that very blood he has been villainously taught to believe he has got in possession. To such an enthusiastic pitch has the desire of pedigree attained, under the fashionable sporting phrenzy of the time, that ahorse is absolutely considered of neither value or utility, unless his pedigree is properly attested, and he is known to "carry the catalogue of his endowments by his side." TheDEALERS(as well as others) are so well aware of this partiality forbloodandpedigree, that every common roadster has thereportof hisgetready prepared, and no purchaser need be without it. Upon the subject of authenticated pedigrees, for near a century past,Mr. Weatherby's Stud Bookis, beyond a doubt, the first publication extant.
.—The pedigree (or genealogical descent) of a horse is in the present day so fabricated byhearsay, or framed byfiction, that nothing less than a well-authenticated certificate, under the hand of theBREEDER, can with propriety be received as an indisputable proof of thePURITYof hisBLOOD: and this is the more evidently necessary to aSPORTSMAN, lest he should be induced (relying upon hisdeceptivepedigree) to enter into a racing engagement, and that too, perhaps, for a sum of much magnitude; the whole of which, with the additional training expences, might be lost for want of that very blood he has been villainously taught to believe he has got in possession. To such an enthusiastic pitch has the desire of pedigree attained, under the fashionable sporting phrenzy of the time, that ahorse is absolutely considered of neither value or utility, unless his pedigree is properly attested, and he is known to "carry the catalogue of his endowments by his side." TheDEALERS(as well as others) are so well aware of this partiality forbloodandpedigree, that every common roadster has thereportof hisgetready prepared, and no purchaser need be without it. Upon the subject of authenticated pedigrees, for near a century past,Mr. Weatherby's Stud Bookis, beyond a doubt, the first publication extant.
The great merit andCREDITof aPEDIGREE, consists in its continued and undivided chain of proofs on the distinct sides of bothSIREandDAM, up to such links as are eminently connected with the known authority, where no contamination could have taken place. A pedigree of one single descent is amply sufficient, where the reference terminates oneachside, in aSIREandDAM, whose pedigrees and performances are previously known. Instance:Jupiterwas got byEclipse, dam byTartar; he is own brother toMercury,Venus, andVolunteer; sire ofCardock,Halkin,Thunderbolt,Confederacy,Terror,Contest, &c.
PHEASANT.—The pheasant is not only the most beautiful bird in plumage of any bred in this kingdom, but the first in estimation; not more for the sport it affords in the field, than its delicious attractionfor the table. They are about one fourth less in size than common poultry, lay nearly the same number of eggs, and bring up their young in the same manner. They principally frequent theWOODSand hedge-rows, are seldom found in the fields, and then but very rarely far fromcovert: when uponWING, they are so exceedinglyslowin flight, that he must be an exceedingbadmarksman who does notHIThisBIRD. The pheasant is included in every successive Act for the preservation of the game; and although they are less liable thanHARESandPARTRIDGESto the destructive depredations of thePOACHERS, they suffer considerably byFOXES,MARTERNS,POLE-CATS, and other vermin.
.—The pheasant is not only the most beautiful bird in plumage of any bred in this kingdom, but the first in estimation; not more for the sport it affords in the field, than its delicious attractionfor the table. They are about one fourth less in size than common poultry, lay nearly the same number of eggs, and bring up their young in the same manner. They principally frequent theWOODSand hedge-rows, are seldom found in the fields, and then but very rarely far fromcovert: when uponWING, they are so exceedinglyslowin flight, that he must be an exceedingbadmarksman who does notHIThisBIRD. The pheasant is included in every successive Act for the preservation of the game; and although they are less liable thanHARESandPARTRIDGESto the destructive depredations of thePOACHERS, they suffer considerably byFOXES,MARTERNS,POLE-CATS, and other vermin.
Persons of every description, qualified and unqualified, stand exactly in the same state with respect toPHEASANTSas withPARTRIDGES, so lately described under that head, but with this difference in the legalseasonfor taking or killing: it is enacted by two distinct legislative Acts of the present reign, That any person who shall, under any pretence whatever,take,kill,destroy,carry,fell,buy, orhave in his possession, anyPHEASANT, between thefirstday ofFebruaryand thefirstday ofOctober, (unless such pheasant shall have been taken in the proper season, and kept in a mew or breeding-place,) shall forfeitFIVE POUNDSfor everyPHEASANTso taken, to be paid to the informer, with full costs of suit.
PHÆNOMENON—was one of the most celebrated sons ofHerod, both as aRACERand aSTALLION. He was bred bySir J. Kaye, and foaled in 1780; was got byHerod, dam (Frenzy) byEclipse, grand-dam byEngineer, out ofLass of the Mill, who was got byTraveller. His performances upon theturfso strictly corresponded with his name, that the infinity of mares brought to him in the first seasons of his covering, afforded him an opportunity of adding to his reputation in a degree almost beyond former example. He covered in Yorkshire at 10 guineas a mare, and in 1791 produced the following winners: Lord A. Hamilton's Chesnut Colt, who won two fifties;Freeholder, who won 100 guineas at York, and a 50 at Stockton;Mongrel, who won 25 guineas at Lewes;Pigeon, who won 200 guineas at York, 50 at Manchester, 50 at Wakefield, 50 at Boroughbridge, and 50 at Northallerton;Roman, 140 guineas at York;Rosalind, 700 guineas, and 300 guineas, at York, 300 guineas at Doncaster, and 50l.at New Malton; andStride, 600 guineas at York.
—was one of the most celebrated sons ofHerod, both as aRACERand aSTALLION. He was bred bySir J. Kaye, and foaled in 1780; was got byHerod, dam (Frenzy) byEclipse, grand-dam byEngineer, out ofLass of the Mill, who was got byTraveller. His performances upon theturfso strictly corresponded with his name, that the infinity of mares brought to him in the first seasons of his covering, afforded him an opportunity of adding to his reputation in a degree almost beyond former example. He covered in Yorkshire at 10 guineas a mare, and in 1791 produced the following winners: Lord A. Hamilton's Chesnut Colt, who won two fifties;Freeholder, who won 100 guineas at York, and a 50 at Stockton;Mongrel, who won 25 guineas at Lewes;Pigeon, who won 200 guineas at York, 50 at Manchester, 50 at Wakefield, 50 at Boroughbridge, and 50 at Northallerton;Roman, 140 guineas at York;Rosalind, 700 guineas, and 300 guineas, at York, 300 guineas at Doncaster, and 50l.at New Malton; andStride, 600 guineas at York.
In 1792, Lord A. Hamilton's Brown Colt, 120 guineas at Doncaster, and 50l.at Penrith;Charactacus, 50l.at Tenbury;Comet, 50 at York, 50 at Hull, and two 50's at New Malton;Forester, 50 at Carlisle;Freeholder, 50 at Durham;Heroine, 300 guineas at Newmarket, 100 guineas and 50 at ditto;Huby, 400 guineas and 50l.at York, 50l.and50 guineas at Carlisle, and 100l.at Doncaster;Lizard, 50l.at Preston;Pigeon, 50l.at Catterick Bridge;Rosalind, 150 guineas at York, the King's Plate, and 50l.at Lincoln;Squirrel, 125 guineas at York, 160 at Wakefield, and 100 guineas at Doncaster.
In 1793,Cometwon 80 guineas, the Stand Plate, and the King's Plate, at York;Heroine, the Queen's Plate at Chelmsford, the King's Plate and 70 guineas at Lincoln;Huby, 400 guineas at Newmarket, 175 guineas and 295l.at York;Messenger, 50l.at Manchester;Restless, 50l.at York, 100 guineas at Preston, and the King's Plate at Carlisle. In 1795,Ambush, 50 guineas at Wakefield;Charmer, 50l.at Catterick Bridge, 50l.at Lamberton, and 50 guineas at Stockton;Gay Deceiver, 300 guineas at Doncaster;Heroine, 50l.and 50 guineas at Newmarket, and the King's Plate at Lincoln;Huby, two 50's at Stockton, and the King's Plate at Dumfries;Sheperdess, 100 guineas at York.
To these excellent runners, in the successive years have been addedLaura,Roseberry,Caroline,Bellissima,Wonder,Stella,Stripling,Tartar,Hyale,Jupiter, (Mr. Hawke's,) and many others who won large stakes asCOLTSandFILLIES, but were never named.
PHYSIC—is a term sometimes given (particularly in the country) to every kind ofMEDICINEthat can be administered to eitherMANorHORSE: the more polished and general acceptation confines it solely to the operation ofPURGING, in which sense alone it can be properly understood. It is but a few years (since the appearance of "The Gentleman's Stable Directory,") that the general necessity for, and palpable utility of, occasionallyPHYSICING HORSES, became almost universally admitted. Its salutary effects stand, however, upon too firm a basis to be again shaken by the obtrusion of speculative opinions: there are butfew, ifany, remaining, who will presume to arraign or challenge the consistency of annually cleansing fullthirtyyards of the intestinal canal, replete withINTERSTICES, and appropriated to little other purpose than the excretion offilth.
—is a term sometimes given (particularly in the country) to every kind ofMEDICINEthat can be administered to eitherMANorHORSE: the more polished and general acceptation confines it solely to the operation ofPURGING, in which sense alone it can be properly understood. It is but a few years (since the appearance of "The Gentleman's Stable Directory,") that the general necessity for, and palpable utility of, occasionallyPHYSICING HORSES, became almost universally admitted. Its salutary effects stand, however, upon too firm a basis to be again shaken by the obtrusion of speculative opinions: there are butfew, ifany, remaining, who will presume to arraign or challenge the consistency of annually cleansing fullthirtyyards of the intestinal canal, replete withINTERSTICES, and appropriated to little other purpose than the excretion offilth.
Physicis prepared of different proportions, and of different ingredients, according to the purposes for which it may be designed. If only to soften and remove the accumulated contents of the bowels, and preventPLETHORA, and its probableeffects, theMILDESTdegree will be sufficient. If the carcase is evidently enlarged, the vessels perceptibly distended, the horsedull,heavy, andinactive, aSTRONGERmust be brought into use. In cutaneous diseases,SWELLED LEGSof long standing, tendency toGREASE, old obstinateCOUGHSandWORMS, mercurialphysic had better be adopted; letting the extra care be proportioned to the mildness or severity of the season in which it is given. Under judicious and proper management, there is no more danger in the operation ofMERCURIALthan in anyotherphysic, provided it is faithfully prepared, and of the proportions by which safety is in a great degree to be insured; but if given inimmoderatequantities, and little attended to during the progress of its operation,dangeranddeathmay probably ensue. Neither one, or the other, are, however, known to happen, where a proper degree of circumspection is used by those whose business it is to superintend the subordinates.
PICKER.—A horse-picker is a small iron instrument, so truly convenient upon many emergencies, that a prudent traveller, or experienced sportsman, is hardly ever seen without one annexed to the handle of a knife which he carries in his pocket: its use is to extract stones, pebbles, or flints, from the bottom of the foot, when they are picked up in hunting, or upon the road. They are sometimes so firmly fixed between the inner edge of theSHOEand theFROG, that nothing but very violent force with a hammer can remove them; in such cases, horses are sometimes led a considerable distance to some dwelling-house, before the stone can be extracted; and the foot is probably bruised, or sustains a serious injury, for whatmight be obtained at a trifling expence, and carried with little inconvenience.
.—A horse-picker is a small iron instrument, so truly convenient upon many emergencies, that a prudent traveller, or experienced sportsman, is hardly ever seen without one annexed to the handle of a knife which he carries in his pocket: its use is to extract stones, pebbles, or flints, from the bottom of the foot, when they are picked up in hunting, or upon the road. They are sometimes so firmly fixed between the inner edge of theSHOEand theFROG, that nothing but very violent force with a hammer can remove them; in such cases, horses are sometimes led a considerable distance to some dwelling-house, before the stone can be extracted; and the foot is probably bruised, or sustains a serious injury, for whatmight be obtained at a trifling expence, and carried with little inconvenience.
PIGEONS—are the well-known domestic birds, of which there are onlyTWOsorts entitled to attention here, as affording equally nutritious support for the frame, butneithercalculated to excite sport in the field, or emulative attraction in their destruction. The two different kinds are distinguished under the denomination ofWILDandTAME; the former are bred inCOTESandDOVE-HOUSES, (such as are seen at the rustic mansions of the great, and at large farms in open countries;) the latter in less numbers upon a smaller scale, and in receptacles of smaller construction, affixed to out-offices, barns, stables, or upon a pedestal; in either of which situations, they have their provision mostly before them. TheWILDor dove-house pigeons, as they are called, breed only once a yeargenerally; though there are many in the same flock who produce a second, or what is termed a harvest or autumn flight. Those calledTAMEpigeons, who are still more domesticated, have a greater degree of fecundity, and continue to breed a pair every month or five weeks during the year, except the three most severe and dreary months of winter.
—are the well-known domestic birds, of which there are onlyTWOsorts entitled to attention here, as affording equally nutritious support for the frame, butneithercalculated to excite sport in the field, or emulative attraction in their destruction. The two different kinds are distinguished under the denomination ofWILDandTAME; the former are bred inCOTESandDOVE-HOUSES, (such as are seen at the rustic mansions of the great, and at large farms in open countries;) the latter in less numbers upon a smaller scale, and in receptacles of smaller construction, affixed to out-offices, barns, stables, or upon a pedestal; in either of which situations, they have their provision mostly before them. TheWILDor dove-house pigeons, as they are called, breed only once a yeargenerally; though there are many in the same flock who produce a second, or what is termed a harvest or autumn flight. Those calledTAMEpigeons, who are still more domesticated, have a greater degree of fecundity, and continue to breed a pair every month or five weeks during the year, except the three most severe and dreary months of winter.
For the protection of this species of property against the wanton attacks of the idle and ill-designing, it is enacted, by the 2d of George theThird, c. xxix. That any person who shallshoot at, or by any means kill or take, with a wilful intent to destroy, anyPIGEON, he shall, on conviction thereof, by confession, or oath of one witness, before one Justice, forfeit 20s.to the prosecutor; and if not immediately paid, such Justice shall commit him to the house of correction, for any term not exceeding three months, nor less than one, unless the penalty be sooner paid. Persons who are convicted on this Act, shall not be convicted on any former Act; and prosecutions underthismust be commenced withinTWO MONTHSafter the offence was committed.
PIGEON-SHOOTING—is a sport principally resorted to at that season of the year when guns are laying dormant, and game of every other kind is, by the privilege of Parliament, permitted to enjoy its rest. Pigeon-shooting is a match between two individuals, or any fixed number on each side, and is decided by one, or the other, killing the greatestNUMBERofPIGEONSwithin anequalnumber of shots. The match made, and the place agreed on where it is to be decided, the dove-house pigeons are provided in proportion to the parties who stand engaged to shoot; of which there are generally four, five, or six, on each side; and as every individual feels disposed to shoot at least five or six times, less than eight or ten dozen are hardly ever procured for the occasion.
—is a sport principally resorted to at that season of the year when guns are laying dormant, and game of every other kind is, by the privilege of Parliament, permitted to enjoy its rest. Pigeon-shooting is a match between two individuals, or any fixed number on each side, and is decided by one, or the other, killing the greatestNUMBERofPIGEONSwithin anequalnumber of shots. The match made, and the place agreed on where it is to be decided, the dove-house pigeons are provided in proportion to the parties who stand engaged to shoot; of which there are generally four, five, or six, on each side; and as every individual feels disposed to shoot at least five or six times, less than eight or ten dozen are hardly ever procured for the occasion.
Previous to the commencement of the match, an open spot is fixed on, agreeable to the arbitrators, one appointed byeachside; hereTWENTY YARDSare measured with accuracy, and both extremities correctly marked. At one end a hole is made in the earth, in which is deposited a small box, about eight inches deep, six inches wide, and a foot long; its surface two inches above the level of the ground, with a sliding-lid running in a groove: to the front of this lid is affixed a string, or small cord, of one or two-and-twenty yards in length, which extended, will reach a little beyond the precise distance oftwenty yards, where each of the parties concerned will afterwards stand to shoot. The preliminaries adjusted of having takenthe toss, to determine which side is to takethe lead, and all parties ready, aPIGEONis lodged in theBOX, and the runner (as he is called) resuming his post, by the side of the person whose turn it is to shoot, he is there ready to pull theSTRINGannexed to theSLIDER, and give liberty to the bird, the moment he is ordered by theSHOOTERso to do. It is a fixed rule, that theGUNis never to be advanced to theSHOULDERtill the bird is uponwing; this is to be decided (as well as every other cause of dispute) by the persons appointed; and every pigeon so shot at, must fall to the ground withinONE HUNDRED YARDSof theBOX, or it is not admitted aBIRD KILLED, but ashot missed. The first person having shot, (hitormiss,) he is succeeded by one of the opposite side; andthey continue to shoot in alternate rotation till the match is decided according to the original terms upon which it was made, in respect to the number of pigeons to be shot at by each distinct party, when those who kill the most are declared the winners, and entitled to the stakes made.
PILOT.—There have been three horses of this name; two of which were excellent racers, and esteemed equal, as plate horses, to any of their time. The first was bred bySir Charles Bunbury; foaled in 1762; got bySnap, dam byCade, grand-dam byCrab, out of Lord Portmore'sAbigail. The second was bred by Sir H. Harpur; foaled in 1770; got byDainty Davy, dam byBlanck, grand-dam (Dizzy) by the famous and originalDriver. The third was bred by the late Counsellor Lade; foaled in 1782, and got by the above, dam byMarske, grand-dam byRegulus. The two last won a great number of fifty-pound plates annually for several years in succession, and afterwards proved very excellent country stallions.
.—There have been three horses of this name; two of which were excellent racers, and esteemed equal, as plate horses, to any of their time. The first was bred bySir Charles Bunbury; foaled in 1762; got bySnap, dam byCade, grand-dam byCrab, out of Lord Portmore'sAbigail. The second was bred by Sir H. Harpur; foaled in 1770; got byDainty Davy, dam byBlanck, grand-dam (Dizzy) by the famous and originalDriver. The third was bred by the late Counsellor Lade; foaled in 1782, and got by the above, dam byMarske, grand-dam byRegulus. The two last won a great number of fifty-pound plates annually for several years in succession, and afterwards proved very excellent country stallions.
PLAY or PAY,—a description ofBETso made. Whether the subject of suchbetbeMANorHORSE; the objecta race, or aboxingmatch; either party being present at the time and place appointed, ready to performtheirpart of the engagement previously entered into; the othernotappearing, or appearing, andthenandthererefusing to enter intothe contest, upon the event of which the article or bet was originally formed, can lay no claim whatever to the stakes deposited; and the holder stands justified in handing such stakes over to theWINNER, having sufficient evidence in justification on his own part, to prove that it wasbona fidea "PLAYorPAY" bet.
,—a description ofBETso made. Whether the subject of suchbetbeMANorHORSE; the objecta race, or aboxingmatch; either party being present at the time and place appointed, ready to performtheirpart of the engagement previously entered into; the othernotappearing, or appearing, andthenandthererefusing to enter intothe contest, upon the event of which the article or bet was originally formed, can lay no claim whatever to the stakes deposited; and the holder stands justified in handing such stakes over to theWINNER, having sufficient evidence in justification on his own part, to prove that it wasbona fidea "PLAYorPAY" bet.
PLAY or PAY,—the name of a horse of much recent and racing celebrity, the property ofMr. Durand. He was bred byMr. Parker, and got byUlyssesout ofTiffany'sdam. In 1794, at three years old, (in the name ofMars,) he won 50l.at Epsom, beatingsixothers. At Stockbridge, a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, nine subscribers. At Winchester he walked over the Course for a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, eight subscribers. In 1795, when four years old, he beat Mr. Turner'sTim Tartlet, two miles for 200 guineas. The next day he beat Mr. Cauty'sAlderman, two miles for 50 guineas. He won also 50l.at Guildford; a sweepstakes of 15 guineas each at Stockbridge, seven subscribers: the next day a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, six subscribers. At Winchester, a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, eight subscribers. At Egham he walked over for a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, five subscribers. The next day he won a 50l.plate, beatingPandolphoandSerpent. In 1796, when five years old, he won the Craven stakes, of 10 guineas each, at Newmarket, beatingelevenothers. 50l.at Ascot Heath. In 1797, then six years old, he won 50l.at Epsom, beating five others. 50l.at Lewes, beatingGohannaandKeren-happuch. 50l.at Abingdon, beatingKeren-happuch,Paroquet, andRoland. In consequence of having been sohard runforFOURyears in succession, he startedSEVENtimes in 1798 withoutoncewinning. In 1799, he won 50l.at Epsom, beatingYeomanandMidnight. 50l.at Guildford, beating Mr. Lade'sDavid, and two others; and 50l.at Egham, beating Lord G. Cavendish's horse byJupiter; after which he was purchased by Mr. Dashwood, in whose possession, at nine years old, in 1800, he beat Mr. Whaley'sPost Boy, four miles over Ascot, for 100 guineas, and walked over at Egham for a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, three subscribers: after which he appeared no more on the turf.
,—the name of a horse of much recent and racing celebrity, the property ofMr. Durand. He was bred byMr. Parker, and got byUlyssesout ofTiffany'sdam. In 1794, at three years old, (in the name ofMars,) he won 50l.at Epsom, beatingsixothers. At Stockbridge, a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, nine subscribers. At Winchester he walked over the Course for a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, eight subscribers. In 1795, when four years old, he beat Mr. Turner'sTim Tartlet, two miles for 200 guineas. The next day he beat Mr. Cauty'sAlderman, two miles for 50 guineas. He won also 50l.at Guildford; a sweepstakes of 15 guineas each at Stockbridge, seven subscribers: the next day a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, six subscribers. At Winchester, a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, eight subscribers. At Egham he walked over for a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, five subscribers. The next day he won a 50l.plate, beatingPandolphoandSerpent. In 1796, when five years old, he won the Craven stakes, of 10 guineas each, at Newmarket, beatingelevenothers. 50l.at Ascot Heath. In 1797, then six years old, he won 50l.at Epsom, beating five others. 50l.at Lewes, beatingGohannaandKeren-happuch. 50l.at Abingdon, beatingKeren-happuch,Paroquet, andRoland. In consequence of having been sohard runforFOURyears in succession, he startedSEVENtimes in 1798 withoutoncewinning. In 1799, he won 50l.at Epsom, beatingYeomanandMidnight. 50l.at Guildford, beating Mr. Lade'sDavid, and two others; and 50l.at Egham, beating Lord G. Cavendish's horse byJupiter; after which he was purchased by Mr. Dashwood, in whose possession, at nine years old, in 1800, he beat Mr. Whaley'sPost Boy, four miles over Ascot, for 100 guineas, and walked over at Egham for a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, three subscribers: after which he appeared no more on the turf.
PLEURISY—is a disorder in the horse so nearly allied to anINFLAMMATIONof theLUNGS, that probably the most judicious and experiencedVeterinarianwould not, without much difficulty, be enabled to distinguish between one and the other. The predominant symptoms are sudden and violent: he first becomes heavy, dull, and oppressed; soon shews great difficulty of respiration, pants exceedingly; is distressed with an almost incessant painful endeavour to cough: the mouth continues, from the commencement of the attack, hot, parched, anddry: at this time he is exceedingly restless, frequently laying down, and as suddenly rising; but as the disorder advances, he stands in his stall so overwhelmned with fever, pain, and bodily oppression, that he displays no wish or desire to vary his position, but stands fixed in one posture, resigned to his fate. As the disease approaches nearer its crisis, a slimy saliva appears in the mouth, and a ropy viscid discharge from the nostrils. This being one of the disorders so rapid in its progress, and so destructive in its effects, as sometimes to set all efforts to relieve at defiance, every necessary means of counteraction should be most expeditiously adopted upon the first discovery of the attack.
—is a disorder in the horse so nearly allied to anINFLAMMATIONof theLUNGS, that probably the most judicious and experiencedVeterinarianwould not, without much difficulty, be enabled to distinguish between one and the other. The predominant symptoms are sudden and violent: he first becomes heavy, dull, and oppressed; soon shews great difficulty of respiration, pants exceedingly; is distressed with an almost incessant painful endeavour to cough: the mouth continues, from the commencement of the attack, hot, parched, anddry: at this time he is exceedingly restless, frequently laying down, and as suddenly rising; but as the disorder advances, he stands in his stall so overwhelmned with fever, pain, and bodily oppression, that he displays no wish or desire to vary his position, but stands fixed in one posture, resigned to his fate. As the disease approaches nearer its crisis, a slimy saliva appears in the mouth, and a ropy viscid discharge from the nostrils. This being one of the disorders so rapid in its progress, and so destructive in its effects, as sometimes to set all efforts to relieve at defiance, every necessary means of counteraction should be most expeditiously adopted upon the first discovery of the attack.
It is in general produced by some sudden and powerful revulsion; as an instantaneous change fromheattocold, in which the perspiration becomes so severely checked by a collapsion of every pore, thatNATUREsustains a shock, productive of almost immediate and perceptiblemorbidity. Journies of speed, and afterwards standing still in cold rains, or sharp winds, as well as being supplied withwaterwhen in a high state ofPERSPIRATION, are probably the principal causes from which the disorder is mostly known to arise. The direct road to cure is too plain and unequivocal to admit of different opinions.Bleeding, and that both largely and repeatedly, must be submitted to, ifcircumstances require it; no hope of relief can be expected without it. It is no uncommon thing to bleed a horsefourorfivetimes in as many days, and his recovery to be justly attributed to that important mode of subduing inflammation. Gruel, impregnated with small quantities ofNITREandGUM ARABIC, should be the common drink. Mashes, of ground malt and bran, should be placed in the manger boiling hot, that the head, throat, and glands, may derive every possible advantage fromFUMIGATION, to assist in taking off the pulmonary stricture, and promoting a plentiful discharge from the nostrils, which is one of the leading proofs that the disease has reached its crisis, and may be considered the first indicative expectancy of recovery. In the greatest bodily debility, when no food is taken, a cordial ball, dissolved in gruel, should be given (with a horn in small quantities at a time) twice a day. Equal parts of the wort squeezed from the malt, and good clean-boiled sweet gruel, should be patiently held before the horsetwiceorthricein every hour for some minutes: from the great internal heat, he is frequently induced to swallow a quart or two at each time; although, if offered and taken awayin haste, he might invariably decline it. It is only by such persevering attention, bothNIGHTandDAY, any expectation of cure can be entertained.
PLUMAGE.—The feathers upon every kind of fowl, wild or tame, is so termed: if speckled, or interspersed with different streaks, or opposite lights and shades, it is then called variegated plumage. If aGAME COCKis bred perfectlyWHITE, he is called aSMOCK.
.—The feathers upon every kind of fowl, wild or tame, is so termed: if speckled, or interspersed with different streaks, or opposite lights and shades, it is then called variegated plumage. If aGAME COCKis bred perfectlyWHITE, he is called aSMOCK.
POACHERS—are those determined destructive nocturnal depredators, by whom the game is so shamefully reduced in opposition to allLAW, and defiance of allORDER, from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. This head cannot be better elucidated, than by transcribing literally, from the recent work of a writer of much celebrity, his judicious remarks upon the subject.
—are those determined destructive nocturnal depredators, by whom the game is so shamefully reduced in opposition to allLAW, and defiance of allORDER, from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. This head cannot be better elucidated, than by transcribing literally, from the recent work of a writer of much celebrity, his judicious remarks upon the subject.
"It is, perhaps, among that description of persons well known by the name ofpoachers, that the greater number of those are trained to rapine, who infest every rural neighbourhood with their petty thefts, and whose dexterity almost bids defiance to precaution. Accustomed, in the ensnaring of game, to the secresy of fraud, and committing their depredations amidst the silence of night, those horrors, and that consequent dread, which frequently deters from the commission of great offences, gradually lose their effect. Solitude and darkness, which have wherewithal to appal the human mind in its first deviations into guilt, are divested of theirterror in those pilfering pursuits; and the consequence is sufficiently well known to all, who, in the capacity of magistrates, are called to sit in judgment on the delinquency of public offenders. It is to this initiation they ascribe their subsequent enormities.
"When guilt, however venal, becomes, by repetition, familiar to the mind, it is not in the power of the ignorant and uneducated to restrain its excesses; they cannot arrest their career of iniquity; they cannot chalk out the line of wrong beyond which they will not pass. Confining their first nocturnal excursions to the snaring ofHARES, and netting ofPARTRIDGES, whenever they have a less booty thanusual, they are tempted to compensate the deficiency by petty plunder of some other kind, and thelog-pile, thestack, thefold, thehen-roost, all in turn, pay tribute to the prowling vagabond, who fills as he can that void in his "capacious bag," which has been left by his want of success as aPOACHER.
"The great evil is, that a culprit of this class, feeling no compunction in the early stage of his guilt, proceeds carelessly to a state of the most complete degeneracy.Gameis a species of property of which he has so indistinct a conception, that he scarcely thinks he has committed a moral injustice in the various stratagems by which he hascontrived to obtain it; he sees not that the claim of a stranger is better than his; he knows not whence that absolute right in another to that which he has taken is derived; his companions, to whom he recounts his manœuvres, are more likely to applaud his cunning than to reprove his crime. Thus the remorse of conscience being but slight and feeble in the outset, the wretch is encouraged by degrees to trample on the laws with greater boldness, and at last suffers as aFELON."
That these facts are fairly stated, and the natural inferences judiciously drawn, must be candidly and universally admitted. Previous, however, to the conclusive remarks requisite under this head, it becomes directly applicable to introduce a few passages from another writer of equal eminence, who, in his animadversion upon the well-founded principle of theGAME LAWS, observes, "that, in a highly cultivated, well-peopled country, no animal can properly be considered as wild; all are supported by the property and labour of those who cultivate the soil. Some, from their peculiar instincts, are, indeed, less capable than others of being appropriated, and therefore, like lands uninclosed, are held as a joint property. But he who has no land, and consequently contributes nothing to their maintenance, is no more entitled to any use of them, than the inhabitant of one parish is to a right of commonage on the waste lands of another; and hewho chuses to reside in a town, and to keep his property in money, has no more a pretence to seize to his own use aHARE, or aPARTRIDGE, than a sheep or a goose, from him who has chosen to vest his property in land. In the former, as in the latter case, he ought to tempt the owner to sell what is wanted."
Thus much is introduced from the speculative opinions of respectable writers upon the political and equitable basis of theGAME LAWS, which every rational observer, and good subject, will probably admitought to be obeyed; although the great and infinite body ofPOACHERS, and that much greater infinity theirABETTORS, seem to be of a direct opposite opinion. However just, proper, and political, such laws may have been in their formation, and laudable in their continuance, little reliance can be placed upon thedeceptiveexpectation of a reduction in the number ofPOACHERS, sanctioned and supported, as they are, bythousandsin theMetropolis, and the middle classes of people in everyCITY,TOWN, andVILLAGE, from one extremity of the Island to the other. If there is one of his Majesty's subjects so weak or inexperienced, as to suppose any one species of game isdifficultto be obtained, he must be deplorably ignorant in the common occurrences of life, and requires to be informed, that the wholesaleartandtradeof poaching is carried on almost "as public as the noondaysun" during the whole of the season; and no one of that commercial and opulent body in the city, or epicure in the suburbs, sits down without game at his table whenever he pleases to order it: it is not the business of a steward, butler, or housekeeper, to expostulate upon what may be immediately obtained forMONEY, with a consolatory verification of the school-boy's well-known adage, that "one good turn deserves another;" and money in one hand can invariably procure game for the other.
There have always been two opinions held respecting the policy and prudence of theGame Laws, between two classes of people equally opposite to each other, theHIGHESTand thelowest; in support of which, it has been the persevering practice of the former, to enact laws for the protection of what they conceive theirRIGHT; and the latter have been as invariably engaged (from one generation to another) in devising plans to counteract and undermine it: thus thecunningof one is engaged in a perpetual war with thePOWERof the other, and most probably centuries only can ascertain the victory. Here the eye of impartiality will naturally advert to a passage from a writer lately quoted who is of opinion, that "a person havingno land, and who chooses to keep his property inmoney, has no more right to aHAREorPARTRIDGE, than he has to thesheeporgoose, from him who has chosen tovest his property inLAND." This writer, probably, in his hasty zeal to exalt theLANDEDinterest above its proper weight in the scale ofWEALTH, had totally forgotten (or never knew) that great national depositary of immensity, called theBankofEngland, situate in theCityofLondon; the millions eternally in motion through the medium ofCOMMERCE, and moving in all directions, to every quarter of the globe; as well as theEastandWest Indiapossessions, to an extent of riches beyond conception.
All these, to gratify theself-importanceof the holders of alittle land, the learned writer had found it convenient to bury in oblivion.Sir Roger de Coverleywould most probably have said, (could he have been at this moment consulted upon the subject,) "Muchmay be said onBOTHsides." In saying which, he would have spoken wisely; for it cannot be conceived, that every individual of the infinity ofSTOCK-HOLDERS, who loyally place an implicit faith in the stability of Government, and embark all their property to support it, (in many instances fromFIVEtoFIFTYor aHUNDRED THOUSANDpounds each,) does not feel himselfequallyaffected with the appetites of aGENTLEMAN, as he who possesses 100l.a year inLAND; and not feeling more disposed to sacrifice at theshrineofSELF-DENIALthan his neighbour, finds it necessary to avail himself of all the comforts and advantages tobe derived from hisMONEY, that the other does from hisLAND; under which candid and impartial consideration it is fair to conclude, that so long as there shall be a natural propensity to good living, and the delicacies which Providence has so plentifully bestowed; so long as the moniedTHOUSANDSof theMetropolisshall incline to believe they areentitledto aparticipation; and so long asGAMEshall bebred, and human degeneracy in the lower classes of society continue; so long willPOACHERScontinue undiminished, in opposition to every means that the utmost limits of human wisdom can suggest for their extirpation.