STANDARD—is the name of an instrument by which the exact heighth of a horse is taken (to the eighth of an inch) when engaged to carryweightforinches, or entered to run for aGIVEandTAKEPLATE. The standard is about six feet six inches high, and so constructed with a line and pendulum, in the centre of a circle, that no mismeasurement, by fraud or imposition, can take place. The standard is one straight square piece of oak or mahogany, and divided, from the top to the bottom, in figured spaces offour incheseach; every space of which is termed aHAND; so that a horse of fifteen hands is preciselyfive feet high. From the standard branches horizontally a projecting arm, of about twenty inches, or two feet in length, which sliding upwards or downwards, is raised higher, or sunk lower, with the hand, till it rests easily upon the extreme point of the wither; when, by looking at the proper suspension of the pendulum and the figures at the same time, the heighth of the horse is instantly ascertained.
—is the name of an instrument by which the exact heighth of a horse is taken (to the eighth of an inch) when engaged to carryweightforinches, or entered to run for aGIVEandTAKEPLATE. The standard is about six feet six inches high, and so constructed with a line and pendulum, in the centre of a circle, that no mismeasurement, by fraud or imposition, can take place. The standard is one straight square piece of oak or mahogany, and divided, from the top to the bottom, in figured spaces offour incheseach; every space of which is termed aHAND; so that a horse of fifteen hands is preciselyfive feet high. From the standard branches horizontally a projecting arm, of about twenty inches, or two feet in length, which sliding upwards or downwards, is raised higher, or sunk lower, with the hand, till it rests easily upon the extreme point of the wither; when, by looking at the proper suspension of the pendulum and the figures at the same time, the heighth of the horse is instantly ascertained.
STAR—is the white centrical spot in the forehead of a horse, directly between, and rather above, the eyes. These are considered great natural ornaments inbays,chestnuts,browns, andblacks; inducingDEALERSto remedy the deficiencies of nature by the obtrusion of art. This is effected by scraping off the hair carefully with a razor, from the part where the intended star is to appear, when, by wetting the surface with oil of vitriol, an eschar will soon appear, when which exfoliates, it is followed by a growth of hair of the colour required.
—is the white centrical spot in the forehead of a horse, directly between, and rather above, the eyes. These are considered great natural ornaments inbays,chestnuts,browns, andblacks; inducingDEALERSto remedy the deficiencies of nature by the obtrusion of art. This is effected by scraping off the hair carefully with a razor, from the part where the intended star is to appear, when, by wetting the surface with oil of vitriol, an eschar will soon appear, when which exfoliates, it is followed by a growth of hair of the colour required.
STARING of the COAT.—This external appearance in a horse, so strikingly denotes himoutofcondition, ordiseased, that it never escapes the eye of the most superficial observer. It is originally occasioned by a sudden collapsion of the porous system, from an exposure to cold chilling rains, after having been previously heated; a change from a warm stable to one less comfortable, and a consequent viscidity of the blood; or from a low, impoverished, and acrimonious state of the circulation. SeeHidebound,Surfeit, andMange.
.—This external appearance in a horse, so strikingly denotes himoutofcondition, ordiseased, that it never escapes the eye of the most superficial observer. It is originally occasioned by a sudden collapsion of the porous system, from an exposure to cold chilling rains, after having been previously heated; a change from a warm stable to one less comfortable, and a consequent viscidity of the blood; or from a low, impoverished, and acrimonious state of the circulation. SeeHidebound,Surfeit, andMange.
STARTING,—in horses, is an imperfection, if it becomes habitual, that is of the most dangerous description. It is exceedingly different from a horseskittish,wanton, andplayfulonly, for which the rider is always prepared; and if a good horseman, it is generally as pleasing to one as to the other. But when a horse is eternally in fear, and alarmed at every object unlike himself, he not only sometimes snorts and stops suddenly in the midst of a rapid career of eithertrotorgallop, but, by an instantaneous spring of five or six feet, brings the rider over his head, or dismounts him on one side or the other. It is not at all matter of surprise, that most of the young horses brought from the country, should at first be alarmed at the infinite variety and velocity of carriages, as well as with other strange and unaccountable objects, to which they must have been entirely unaccustomedbefore they reached the environs of the Metropolis. Horses of this description, (good-tempered, and not viciously inclined,) are never known to be long so disposed, provided they are treated tenderly, and encouraged mildly to pass the object by which they have been so suddenly, accidentally, and perhaps unnecessarily, alarmed; but when the fools who ride them permitpassionandinhumanityto predominate over reason, obstinacy on one side often begets opposition on the other, and accident or death frequently ensues; in confirmation of which, the following fact may be applicably introduced, as a check to the impetuosity of thoseheroeson horseback, with which every road, and every country, so plentifully abound.
,—in horses, is an imperfection, if it becomes habitual, that is of the most dangerous description. It is exceedingly different from a horseskittish,wanton, andplayfulonly, for which the rider is always prepared; and if a good horseman, it is generally as pleasing to one as to the other. But when a horse is eternally in fear, and alarmed at every object unlike himself, he not only sometimes snorts and stops suddenly in the midst of a rapid career of eithertrotorgallop, but, by an instantaneous spring of five or six feet, brings the rider over his head, or dismounts him on one side or the other. It is not at all matter of surprise, that most of the young horses brought from the country, should at first be alarmed at the infinite variety and velocity of carriages, as well as with other strange and unaccountable objects, to which they must have been entirely unaccustomedbefore they reached the environs of the Metropolis. Horses of this description, (good-tempered, and not viciously inclined,) are never known to be long so disposed, provided they are treated tenderly, and encouraged mildly to pass the object by which they have been so suddenly, accidentally, and perhaps unnecessarily, alarmed; but when the fools who ride them permitpassionandinhumanityto predominate over reason, obstinacy on one side often begets opposition on the other, and accident or death frequently ensues; in confirmation of which, the following fact may be applicably introduced, as a check to the impetuosity of thoseheroeson horseback, with which every road, and every country, so plentifully abound.
Some few years since, a medical practitioner, of much celebrity in the town of Putney, not many miles from London, being suddenly called from home upon a professional occasion, happened to meet a broad wheel waggon upon the turnpike road, at which the horse being greatly terrified, immediately started, and sprung to a considerable distance, producing, in fact, no small degree of alarm and passionate mortification in the rider; who most inconsiderately adopted the usual mode of attempting to obtain byviolence, what might have been probably acquired in an equal space of time withpatienceandphilosophy. Not affording time to recollect that the horse had his sensations of joy,fear, surprise, and dread of danger, in an equal degree with himself, he immediately proceeded to the use ofwhipandspur, till the horse approached the waggon, which the poor complying animal no sooner did, in obedience to his master, than a sudden gust of wind passing under the tilt, raised it in such a manner just in the face of the horse, that so strange and aweful a renewal of the first alarm repeated the start, and with such violence, that the rider was dismounted, and the wheels going over his body, he lost his life upon the spot. A retention of this transaction in the memory of every juvenile or inexperienced reader, may, perhaps, prove an applicable preventive to unmanly passion at the very moment of its intentional exertion.
STERN.—The tail of theHOUND, orGREYHOUND, is sportingly so called.
.—The tail of theHOUND, orGREYHOUND, is sportingly so called.
STEW—is a small reservoir of water, to which fish are brought from larger receptacles where they are bred or caught, and there deposited for the daily use of the family, the supply being constantly kept up in proportion to the domestic consumption.
—is a small reservoir of water, to which fish are brought from larger receptacles where they are bred or caught, and there deposited for the daily use of the family, the supply being constantly kept up in proportion to the domestic consumption.
STIFLE.—The part of a horse called the stifle, is the projecting point of the hind-quarter, which comes forward under the flank towards the belly, forming an angular joint from the round bone above to the hock below. Injuries are not oftensustained at this junction; and when they are, it is much oftener by neglect, a blow, or inadvertence, than by unavoidable accident. Lameness in this part can receive no assistance from bandage; fomentation, embrocation, and rest, are the only means that can be adopted to obtainrelief; for when a lameness in the stifle is severe, or of long standing, a perfect cure is seldom obtained.
.—The part of a horse called the stifle, is the projecting point of the hind-quarter, which comes forward under the flank towards the belly, forming an angular joint from the round bone above to the hock below. Injuries are not oftensustained at this junction; and when they are, it is much oftener by neglect, a blow, or inadvertence, than by unavoidable accident. Lameness in this part can receive no assistance from bandage; fomentation, embrocation, and rest, are the only means that can be adopted to obtainrelief; for when a lameness in the stifle is severe, or of long standing, a perfect cure is seldom obtained.
STIRRUP—is the well-known polished iron convenience suspended from each side of the saddle; of a proper shape, make, and size, to receive and support the foot, for the joint promotion of ease and safety. Upon the length of the leather strap (called stirrup-leather) entirely depends the graceful position of the rider, and his command of the horse; if which istoo short, he is in danger, upon any start or sudden exertion of the horse, of being thrown over his head: if they aretoo long, he is in an equally aukward predicament; for having then no assisting support, but the internal part of the knees, they must, if the horse is a rough goer, be soon in a state of laceration. The proper length of the stirrup-leathers, for either field or road, is so as to be able, when sitting firm upon the saddle, to disengage the foot from the stirrup with one action of drawing back, and to receive it again with the reverse. In racing, the stirrups are required a degree shorter; as it is by the joint and correspondingsupport of the knees, and the strength of the arms and shoulders, that the horse is held to his stroke.
—is the well-known polished iron convenience suspended from each side of the saddle; of a proper shape, make, and size, to receive and support the foot, for the joint promotion of ease and safety. Upon the length of the leather strap (called stirrup-leather) entirely depends the graceful position of the rider, and his command of the horse; if which istoo short, he is in danger, upon any start or sudden exertion of the horse, of being thrown over his head: if they aretoo long, he is in an equally aukward predicament; for having then no assisting support, but the internal part of the knees, they must, if the horse is a rough goer, be soon in a state of laceration. The proper length of the stirrup-leathers, for either field or road, is so as to be able, when sitting firm upon the saddle, to disengage the foot from the stirrup with one action of drawing back, and to receive it again with the reverse. In racing, the stirrups are required a degree shorter; as it is by the joint and correspondingsupport of the knees, and the strength of the arms and shoulders, that the horse is held to his stroke.
STONE.—This is a sporting term upon theTURF, and used inmatches,plates, andsweepstakes, to denote or imply what weight each horse is to carry; that is, so manySTONE, so manyPOUNDS. Every stone isfourteenpounds, and this is called "horseman's weight," in contra-distinction to a common stone, ofeightpounds, by which meat, and other articles in trade, are sold.
.—This is a sporting term upon theTURF, and used inmatches,plates, andsweepstakes, to denote or imply what weight each horse is to carry; that is, so manySTONE, so manyPOUNDS. Every stone isfourteenpounds, and this is called "horseman's weight," in contra-distinction to a common stone, ofeightpounds, by which meat, and other articles in trade, are sold.
STOAT.—The stoat is a most mischievous little animal, very much resembling the weasel, and at a small distance, when running, not to be readily distinguished from each other. They abound near large farms surrounded with corn-ricks and faggot-piles, under each of which they ensure to a certainty never-failing protection. This diminutive pest, though but from two to three inches in heighth, (ten inches long, the tail half the length of its body, disgustingly hairy, and pointed with black, the edges of the ears and the toes both of a cream-coloured white,) is a most indefatigable, determined, and destructive enemy toGAMEin all itsforms, andPOULTRYin all itsbranches.
.—The stoat is a most mischievous little animal, very much resembling the weasel, and at a small distance, when running, not to be readily distinguished from each other. They abound near large farms surrounded with corn-ricks and faggot-piles, under each of which they ensure to a certainty never-failing protection. This diminutive pest, though but from two to three inches in heighth, (ten inches long, the tail half the length of its body, disgustingly hairy, and pointed with black, the edges of the ears and the toes both of a cream-coloured white,) is a most indefatigable, determined, and destructive enemy toGAMEin all itsforms, andPOULTRYin all itsbranches.
STRAIN.—SeeSprain.
.—SeeSprain.
STRANGLES—is a disorder to which young horses in general are always liable, and few or none escape, any more than children escape the small-pox, hooping-cough, or measles. It first displays itself in a heaviness of the head, a dulness of the eyes, a reluctance to action, a heat in the mouth, and a gradually declining appetite: this is followed by a swelling in the concavity beneath the under jaw, which being centrical, is sometimes surrounded by two or three tumefactions of smaller formation. These, in their progress to maturation, are frequently slow, and require patient perseverance in external application; for in all cases of suppuration,NATUREmay beled, but will never bedriven. During the time the matter is forming, and progressively getting into a state of concoction, aninternalsoreness of thethroatcorrespondingly comes on, and is followed by an almost or total refusal of food. When it is ascertained thatSTRANGLESis the true face of the disorder, care must be taken to avoid bleeding, and every kind of medical evacuants, which would tend to embarrass Nature in her own efforts, and protract the crisis of disease; upon which the very safety of the horse, and his expeditious cure, entirely depend.
—is a disorder to which young horses in general are always liable, and few or none escape, any more than children escape the small-pox, hooping-cough, or measles. It first displays itself in a heaviness of the head, a dulness of the eyes, a reluctance to action, a heat in the mouth, and a gradually declining appetite: this is followed by a swelling in the concavity beneath the under jaw, which being centrical, is sometimes surrounded by two or three tumefactions of smaller formation. These, in their progress to maturation, are frequently slow, and require patient perseverance in external application; for in all cases of suppuration,NATUREmay beled, but will never bedriven. During the time the matter is forming, and progressively getting into a state of concoction, aninternalsoreness of thethroatcorrespondingly comes on, and is followed by an almost or total refusal of food. When it is ascertained thatSTRANGLESis the true face of the disorder, care must be taken to avoid bleeding, and every kind of medical evacuants, which would tend to embarrass Nature in her own efforts, and protract the crisis of disease; upon which the very safety of the horse, and his expeditious cure, entirely depend.
The strangles is a disorder standing in much greater need of nursing, and constant stable attendance, than the least medical interposition: the system requires to be kept up by art, and everynutritious attention in proportion as the appetite has been observed to decline. In its earliest stage, no attempt whatever should be made at repulsion, (by external astringents, or any spirituous application whatever;) on the contrary, hot emollient fomentations to the part, (with two sponges dipt in the decoction alternately for a quarter of an hour daily,) followed directly with stimulative poultices of a proper heat,repeatedandpatientoffers of gruel and sweet-wort, mixed a little warm in a pail perfectly clean, and free from grease. Small quantities of mash (prepared of ground malt and bran, equal parts) should, at proper intervals, be placed in the manger: these and the gruel being constantly refused, the case will then require the additional adoption of a pectoral cordial ball, to be dissolved in a pint of gruel, and mildly insinuated about a third part with the horn at each time, till the whole is got down; and this should be repeated three times in every twenty-four hours, till the tumor is broke, and the crisis arrives; when which is observed, if the aperture is too small, it may be a little enlarged with the point of any instrument, that the matter may the more easily run off. To promote this, the poultice, covering a pledget of digestive ointment, should be continued for two or three days, when a cure is soon effected. Two or three doses of physic, or a course of alteratives, is always necessary after this disease.
STRANGURY—is a temporary suppression of urine in horses, brought on more by the indiscretion of their riders or drivers, than any morbid affection, or constitutional defect in the horse. It may proceed from a spasmodic stricture upon the sphincter, or the neck of the bladder, occasioned by a too long retention of urine; in continuing an immoderate length of time on the road, or in the field, during which the distrest animal has no opportunity to stale; as well as from a slight inflammation, or tendency to tumefaction, in the kidnies; likewise from calculous concretions in the bladder, jaggy particles of which may irritate, and painfully plug up the urinary passages. Some horses feel great pain when labouring under the suppression, which, when judiciously managed, seldom proves more than a temporary inconvenience. Instantaneous bleeding will sometimes, by unloading the vessels, take off the stricture, and produce instantaneous effect. If the horse is perpetually straining to stale, evacuating only a few drops, or partial dribblings, two or three cloves of a separated onion, or divided garlic, may be insinuated, and left within each side of the sheath; in addition to which, a large sponge, dipt in very warm water, and repeatedly applied to the neighbouring parts, will assist; those local applications proving salutary and expeditious substitutes for the more tedious process of medicine internally administered. In cases of long continuance, and increasing emergency, morecommanding means must be adopted; of whichDIURETIC BALLS, with a drachm ofcamphire, and a few grains ofopiumincorporated with each, and periodically repeated, will be found to answer the most sanguine expectation.
—is a temporary suppression of urine in horses, brought on more by the indiscretion of their riders or drivers, than any morbid affection, or constitutional defect in the horse. It may proceed from a spasmodic stricture upon the sphincter, or the neck of the bladder, occasioned by a too long retention of urine; in continuing an immoderate length of time on the road, or in the field, during which the distrest animal has no opportunity to stale; as well as from a slight inflammation, or tendency to tumefaction, in the kidnies; likewise from calculous concretions in the bladder, jaggy particles of which may irritate, and painfully plug up the urinary passages. Some horses feel great pain when labouring under the suppression, which, when judiciously managed, seldom proves more than a temporary inconvenience. Instantaneous bleeding will sometimes, by unloading the vessels, take off the stricture, and produce instantaneous effect. If the horse is perpetually straining to stale, evacuating only a few drops, or partial dribblings, two or three cloves of a separated onion, or divided garlic, may be insinuated, and left within each side of the sheath; in addition to which, a large sponge, dipt in very warm water, and repeatedly applied to the neighbouring parts, will assist; those local applications proving salutary and expeditious substitutes for the more tedious process of medicine internally administered. In cases of long continuance, and increasing emergency, morecommanding means must be adopted; of whichDIURETIC BALLS, with a drachm ofcamphire, and a few grains ofopiumincorporated with each, and periodically repeated, will be found to answer the most sanguine expectation.
STRING-HALT.—This defect in a horse is a kind of spasmodic jerk, or sudden twitching of one or other of the hind-legs in action, and has been, in different opinions, attributed to various causes, and probably by none to the right; as there is no one disorder, disease, defect, or imperfection, to which the horse is liable, upon the origin, progress, or cure of which so little has been introduced. It is conjecturally said by some "to be brought on by sudden colds, after severe riding or hard labour, particularly by washing a horse when hot with cold water; a practice too common, and erroneously ridiculous; and that it may also be produced by blows or bruises near the hock." All this may be well upon the score of speculative amusement, but it forms no feature of scientific disquisition. The string-halt, from its appearance, must palpably originate in a previous distortion of some part of the ligamentary junction; or a preternatural contraction, (or partial rupture,) of its muscular appendages; in either or both of which, no regular road to relief can be adverted to without a much greater probability of repentant trouble and mortifying disappointment.
.—This defect in a horse is a kind of spasmodic jerk, or sudden twitching of one or other of the hind-legs in action, and has been, in different opinions, attributed to various causes, and probably by none to the right; as there is no one disorder, disease, defect, or imperfection, to which the horse is liable, upon the origin, progress, or cure of which so little has been introduced. It is conjecturally said by some "to be brought on by sudden colds, after severe riding or hard labour, particularly by washing a horse when hot with cold water; a practice too common, and erroneously ridiculous; and that it may also be produced by blows or bruises near the hock." All this may be well upon the score of speculative amusement, but it forms no feature of scientific disquisition. The string-halt, from its appearance, must palpably originate in a previous distortion of some part of the ligamentary junction; or a preternatural contraction, (or partial rupture,) of its muscular appendages; in either or both of which, no regular road to relief can be adverted to without a much greater probability of repentant trouble and mortifying disappointment.
STUBBED.—A horse is said to have sustained this injury, when in hunting amongst the stumps of newly cut coverts and underwood, he is punctured, cut, or bruised, in any part of the foot, coronet, or fetlock, by some of the infinity of stubs with which newly cut copses so plentifully abound. When accidents of this kind happen, the applications must depend entirely upon the magnitude of the injury received. In all slight cases, amounting to little more than simple laceration, Friar's balsam, tincture of myrrh, or even common vinegar, may soon close the mouths of the vessels, harden the surface, and effect a cure. Where swelling and inflammation ensue, poultices must follow; andWOUNDSmust of course be treated assuch. Although misfortunes may frequently occur, and cannot, even by the most circumspect, be always avoided, yet it is certain, more horses are stubbed by the folly and indiscretion of those who ride them, than by any casual or inevitable occurrences of the chase.
.—A horse is said to have sustained this injury, when in hunting amongst the stumps of newly cut coverts and underwood, he is punctured, cut, or bruised, in any part of the foot, coronet, or fetlock, by some of the infinity of stubs with which newly cut copses so plentifully abound. When accidents of this kind happen, the applications must depend entirely upon the magnitude of the injury received. In all slight cases, amounting to little more than simple laceration, Friar's balsam, tincture of myrrh, or even common vinegar, may soon close the mouths of the vessels, harden the surface, and effect a cure. Where swelling and inflammation ensue, poultices must follow; andWOUNDSmust of course be treated assuch. Although misfortunes may frequently occur, and cannot, even by the most circumspect, be always avoided, yet it is certain, more horses are stubbed by the folly and indiscretion of those who ride them, than by any casual or inevitable occurrences of the chase.
STUD—is a term applicable to three distinct meanings, and is so used in its different significations. A stud, in its more extended acceptation, applies to an aggregate collection of horses, without giving priority to any particular sort; as the person having a great number of horses, is said to havea very large stud; but the term, in its divided and sub-divided state, proves more extensively comprehensive.One is in possession of a very expensiveRACING STUD; another has a numerousSTUDofHUNTERS; and a third, still more opulent, or still morefashionable, shall have aBREEDING STUD, to produce an annual supply for the two preceding. The management of eachindividually, is now so perfectly understood, by those perpetually engaged in the practice, that no information can be derived from literary or theoretic inculcation.
—is a term applicable to three distinct meanings, and is so used in its different significations. A stud, in its more extended acceptation, applies to an aggregate collection of horses, without giving priority to any particular sort; as the person having a great number of horses, is said to havea very large stud; but the term, in its divided and sub-divided state, proves more extensively comprehensive.One is in possession of a very expensiveRACING STUD; another has a numerousSTUDofHUNTERS; and a third, still more opulent, or still morefashionable, shall have aBREEDING STUD, to produce an annual supply for the two preceding. The management of eachindividually, is now so perfectly understood, by those perpetually engaged in the practice, that no information can be derived from literary or theoretic inculcation.
STUD-BOOK—is the hereditary deposit ofPEDIGREE, transmitted from one generation to another, and punctually preserved by the proprietor of everyRACING STUDof eminence in the kingdom; in which may be retraced the exact lineal descent of eachHORSEandMARE, from the earliest time in whichracing bloodbegan to bear a promise of estimation. From a most industrious and elaborate accumulative collection of these, Mr. Weatherby has given to the public, a full, clear, explanatory and well-authenticated pedigree of between four and five thousand of the best bred horses who have raced and covered in England, Scotland, and Ireland. This publication bears the title of "Weatherby's General Stud-Book;" and must, to every sportsman of taste and literature, prove a most useful and entertaining volume.
—is the hereditary deposit ofPEDIGREE, transmitted from one generation to another, and punctually preserved by the proprietor of everyRACING STUDof eminence in the kingdom; in which may be retraced the exact lineal descent of eachHORSEandMARE, from the earliest time in whichracing bloodbegan to bear a promise of estimation. From a most industrious and elaborate accumulative collection of these, Mr. Weatherby has given to the public, a full, clear, explanatory and well-authenticated pedigree of between four and five thousand of the best bred horses who have raced and covered in England, Scotland, and Ireland. This publication bears the title of "Weatherby's General Stud-Book;" and must, to every sportsman of taste and literature, prove a most useful and entertaining volume.
STUMBLING—is so great an imperfection in a horse, that it affects his intrinsic worth, in proportionto the readiness with which it is perceived. Horses having short forehands, large heads, and thick shoulders, are the most subject to this defect of any other formation: those low at the point of the withers, (which is called being lowerbeforethanbehind,) in addition to the deficiencies already mentioned, are the worst ofstumblers; the whole forming such a combination ofbad points, as not to leave one enlivening hope of reformation. A horse addicted tostumbling, occasions so many dreadful sensations to the rider, that he may almost as well encounter so many shocks of electricity. Those who unluckily get into possession of such, cannot separate too soon. The old sportsman never rides astumblermore thanonce, which he thinksoncetoooften.
—is so great an imperfection in a horse, that it affects his intrinsic worth, in proportionto the readiness with which it is perceived. Horses having short forehands, large heads, and thick shoulders, are the most subject to this defect of any other formation: those low at the point of the withers, (which is called being lowerbeforethanbehind,) in addition to the deficiencies already mentioned, are the worst ofstumblers; the whole forming such a combination ofbad points, as not to leave one enlivening hope of reformation. A horse addicted tostumbling, occasions so many dreadful sensations to the rider, that he may almost as well encounter so many shocks of electricity. Those who unluckily get into possession of such, cannot separate too soon. The old sportsman never rides astumblermore thanonce, which he thinksoncetoooften.
SURBATING—is a term getting into disuse, and with the last of the old school of farriery will in a few years be buried in total oblivion: this it well deserves to be, as a word without either meaning or derivation. Insignificant as it sounds, it has been, till within a very few years, used to signify a hoof sobattered,bruised, andworn, with bad shoeing, bad shoes, and sometimes withno shoes at all, that the horse, having hardly any feet to stand upon, was then said to besurbated; which, in more explanatory and comprehensive language, is neither more or less than the sole of the foot so completely destroyed, (by the means before-mentioned,) that ahorse in such situation is now said to be foot-foundered, who was formerly said to be surbated.
—is a term getting into disuse, and with the last of the old school of farriery will in a few years be buried in total oblivion: this it well deserves to be, as a word without either meaning or derivation. Insignificant as it sounds, it has been, till within a very few years, used to signify a hoof sobattered,bruised, andworn, with bad shoeing, bad shoes, and sometimes withno shoes at all, that the horse, having hardly any feet to stand upon, was then said to besurbated; which, in more explanatory and comprehensive language, is neither more or less than the sole of the foot so completely destroyed, (by the means before-mentioned,) that ahorse in such situation is now said to be foot-foundered, who was formerly said to be surbated.
SURFEIT.—In respect to the disease in horses so called, it seems, with most veterinary writers of the preceding and present time, to be an almost indefinite or undefined term. It is not only differently described, but attributed to various causes; without the superfluous investigation of which, it is only necessary to observe, that it is the effect of acrimonious morbidity in the blood, possessing gradational shades of progress, in a corresponding degree with what is denominated scurvy in the frame of the human species. In the first stage of what is professionally deemedSURFEIT, the horse's coat partially stares, and is in some parts nearly erect: under the raised parts is perceived a kind of blue dusty hue, which, not counteracted by medical means, or an increase of goodhealthy provender, soon degenerates to a palpable scurf; this continuing to extend itself over the surface, so hardens by time, that each becomes a pustule or eschar, which afterwards exfoliating, leaves alternate appearances of the bare skin and hair, somewhat similar to an advanced stage of themange, to which species of disease it is, in fact, no very distant relation. Its progress to inveteracy is not the same in all subjects, as it will continue its ravages with fixed scales, or dry barky scabs, in some, but will emit a sharp serous ichor from others.
.—In respect to the disease in horses so called, it seems, with most veterinary writers of the preceding and present time, to be an almost indefinite or undefined term. It is not only differently described, but attributed to various causes; without the superfluous investigation of which, it is only necessary to observe, that it is the effect of acrimonious morbidity in the blood, possessing gradational shades of progress, in a corresponding degree with what is denominated scurvy in the frame of the human species. In the first stage of what is professionally deemedSURFEIT, the horse's coat partially stares, and is in some parts nearly erect: under the raised parts is perceived a kind of blue dusty hue, which, not counteracted by medical means, or an increase of goodhealthy provender, soon degenerates to a palpable scurf; this continuing to extend itself over the surface, so hardens by time, that each becomes a pustule or eschar, which afterwards exfoliating, leaves alternate appearances of the bare skin and hair, somewhat similar to an advanced stage of themange, to which species of disease it is, in fact, no very distant relation. Its progress to inveteracy is not the same in all subjects, as it will continue its ravages with fixed scales, or dry barky scabs, in some, but will emit a sharp serous ichor from others.
This discharge is generally of such a sharp and acrid property, that the violent itching it occasions, keeps the poor object in a state of incessant misery; for when the disorder is far advanced, the time is so constantly appropriated to the indispensible office of rubbing, (for the attainment of temporary relief,) that very little is afforded to the purpose of subsistence, should pasture be furnished in plenty; which, with such unfortunate and unprofitable subjects, is very rarely the case. The first step to cure, is to alter and enrich thepropertyof theblood, by altering the aliment to a more nutritious and invigorating kind than it was before. In a week or ten days, when the frame is in a perceptible degree improved, a first bleeding may take place, followed by such antimonial alteratives, as may be found best adapted to the complexion of the case. Many instances there are, where, from long standing, and great malignancy, mercurial solutions, or vitriolic lotions, become so indispensibly necessary, that a cure cannot be perfectly insured without. When the system is in a certain degree restored, and visibly rising superior to the depredating effects of disease,bleedingmay be repeated, andantimonial powdersin mashes nightly administered, till indications of certain recovery appear, when a course of mild mercurial physic should be proceeded upon, that no doubt of obliteration may be entertained.
SWAINMOTE—is a peculiar court, appertaining solely to theLAWSof aforest, and held three times within the year. In this court theVerdererspreside in the official capacity of Judges; for although the Warden, or his deputy, may take their seats in the court, they have no judicial authority there. The court of Swainmote may enquire of offences, receive informations, and proceed to conviction; but judgment is not within the limits of this court; their province extends no farther than tohearandconvict; judgment cannot be given but from the judgment-seat, where theJusticeinEyrepresides as chief officer; and all associated with him, are called Justices of the Forest. This court being aCourtofRecord, can fine and imprison for offences within the forest; and therefore if the judgment is conceived erroneous, the record may be removed bywritoferrorinto the Court of King's Bench.
—is a peculiar court, appertaining solely to theLAWSof aforest, and held three times within the year. In this court theVerdererspreside in the official capacity of Judges; for although the Warden, or his deputy, may take their seats in the court, they have no judicial authority there. The court of Swainmote may enquire of offences, receive informations, and proceed to conviction; but judgment is not within the limits of this court; their province extends no farther than tohearandconvict; judgment cannot be given but from the judgment-seat, where theJusticeinEyrepresides as chief officer; and all associated with him, are called Justices of the Forest. This court being aCourtofRecord, can fine and imprison for offences within the forest; and therefore if the judgment is conceived erroneous, the record may be removed bywritoferrorinto the Court of King's Bench.
SWEAT—is the transpiration of perspirative matter through the skin by the effect of an increased circulation of the blood. This, in a moderate degree, is so conducive to thepromotionofHEALTH, that those horses who regularly enjoy exercise to a proper state of perspiration, occasionally, and at proper times, are always in the highest condition; provided they are taken care of in proportion to the exercise each has had, or the work he has undergone. By the appearance of a horse in a high perspiration,immediate judgment may be formed of the property of his blood; and in a collateral degree, of the state of his health; for when a horse in good condition is under a profuse perspiration, the sweat is so congenially incorporated with the coat, (particularly if the horse iswell bred,) that the hair lays so uniformly one way, that if the sun happens to shine, it seems a covering of satin: on the contrary, when a horse, after equal (or, in fact, much less) exertion, bears agreasykind of perspiration upon the surface, with the coat turning in different directions, bearing a gross matted appearance, and of a faint fœtid effluvia, the blood is in an improper state, and the horse in very bad condition.Sweatinga horse in thestable, by the administration of medicine, is a practice, the propriety of which has not hitherto been clearly ascertained; at least not perfectly demonstrated upon the true principles of science, uncontaminated by the obtrusive aid of deceptive speculation. See "Tartar Emetic."
—is the transpiration of perspirative matter through the skin by the effect of an increased circulation of the blood. This, in a moderate degree, is so conducive to thepromotionofHEALTH, that those horses who regularly enjoy exercise to a proper state of perspiration, occasionally, and at proper times, are always in the highest condition; provided they are taken care of in proportion to the exercise each has had, or the work he has undergone. By the appearance of a horse in a high perspiration,immediate judgment may be formed of the property of his blood; and in a collateral degree, of the state of his health; for when a horse in good condition is under a profuse perspiration, the sweat is so congenially incorporated with the coat, (particularly if the horse iswell bred,) that the hair lays so uniformly one way, that if the sun happens to shine, it seems a covering of satin: on the contrary, when a horse, after equal (or, in fact, much less) exertion, bears agreasykind of perspiration upon the surface, with the coat turning in different directions, bearing a gross matted appearance, and of a faint fœtid effluvia, the blood is in an improper state, and the horse in very bad condition.Sweatinga horse in thestable, by the administration of medicine, is a practice, the propriety of which has not hitherto been clearly ascertained; at least not perfectly demonstrated upon the true principles of science, uncontaminated by the obtrusive aid of deceptive speculation. See "Tartar Emetic."
SWEATING for the TURF—is a sporting ceremony with training-grooms, to which, in their opinion, no small probable consequence is attached; as is fully confirmed by the invariable punctuality with which it is performed. The two reasons assigned for the necessity of this operation, is to preserve theWINDin its proper state ofpurity, and to prevent a superfluous and improperaccumulationofFLESH. Horses in training are (in strict conformity withthis intent) sweated at certain periods, or intervals, of six, seven or eight days each; which are brought nearer to, or delayed farther from each other, by the increasing or reduced state of the subject so to be sweated. The ceremony is performed in the morning, soon after the dawn of day, under the ancient superstitious opinion, that theAIRis then morepurethan at any other part of the twenty-four hours; and with those whose department it is to execute the office, as muchimaginaryconsequence appertains to it, as to making up the most important national dispatches at the principal office of Administration.
—is a sporting ceremony with training-grooms, to which, in their opinion, no small probable consequence is attached; as is fully confirmed by the invariable punctuality with which it is performed. The two reasons assigned for the necessity of this operation, is to preserve theWINDin its proper state ofpurity, and to prevent a superfluous and improperaccumulationofFLESH. Horses in training are (in strict conformity withthis intent) sweated at certain periods, or intervals, of six, seven or eight days each; which are brought nearer to, or delayed farther from each other, by the increasing or reduced state of the subject so to be sweated. The ceremony is performed in the morning, soon after the dawn of day, under the ancient superstitious opinion, that theAIRis then morepurethan at any other part of the twenty-four hours; and with those whose department it is to execute the office, as muchimaginaryconsequence appertains to it, as to making up the most important national dispatches at the principal office of Administration.
The horse intended to be sweated, is previously loaded with a profusion of sheets, quarter-pieces, and horse-cloths; the number and weight judiciously proportioned to the quantity of perspirative matter it is intended he should lose: when all which is completely fixed in the stable, he is then brought to the exercise ground, with a light orfeather weightupon his back, where, after having been walked time sufficient to afford ample opportunities of unloading the carcase by excrementitious evacuation, he is permitted to start for a sweat oftwo,three,fourorfivemiles, according to his age, his strength, his state of flesh, and the kind of race (in respect to distance) he is in training for; as well as the sort of course he is intended to run over. It is a most judicious and confirmed rule in sweating, that the horse is to begin at a very slow rate, and so continuetill he has covered half the ground he is to go, when he should have his speed moderately increased during the third quarter, so that his fourth should be at a degree of speed very little short of his rate in racing.
Having ran his ground, and pulled up, he is walked in hand for a few minutes, to give time (in the language of the turf) for thesweat to come out, which, when the cloths are taken off, follows in copious streams that the animal seems to enjoy. At this moment two assistants are ready with each a thin wooden instrument, called ascraper, made of oak or ash, in shape resembling half the blade of a mowing scythe, (narrowed at the ends for the convenience of the hands,) with which they scrape the sweat from the neck, back, sides, belly, and quarters, so long as the least moisture is observed to appear; the moment which ceases, the scrapers are exchanged for wisps of soft straw, or separated hay-bands, 'till the body, and every part, is perfectly clean and refreshed. He is then furnished with dry sheets, hood, &c. brought to the ground for the purpose; when being led home to the stable, he is supplied with the necessary quantity of soft water, a little warm, previous to undergoing a regular and complete dressing, with greater nicety, than in the open air: when this is systematically gone through, he has a farther moderate supply of water, which is most commonly (though there are occasional deviations)followed by a warm and comfortable mash; upon depositing which in the manger, and setting the stable fair, the door is closed for adouble periodof the usual hours for going to stable when a horse hasnotbeen sweated; and although he undergoes the afternoon and evening routine of being fed, set fair, &c. he is neither stripped, or goes to exercise, any more on that day.
SWEATING of JOCKIES—is a ceremony which everyJOCKEYis under the necessity of going through when engaged to ride, and the horse is to carry less than his own natural weight. For the reduction of weight, jockies are obliged to encounter great inconveniencies, particularly when they have much to lose, and a very short time to lose it in. The means of reducing themselves to the weight required are various, and depend upon the greater or lesser quantity they wish to lose in a given time, and have to waste themselves accordingly. If they have buttwoorthreepounds to lose, they will waste that in a single day's abstinence, and a morning and evening's walking: should four or five pounds be required, a gentle laxative, followed by two or three days extra walking, with an additional waistcoat or two, will generally carry the point: if more is necessary to be lost, it is sometimes a hazardous reduction, and great exertions are made to effect it: additional purgation, continued abstinence, increased perspiration, and almost perpetual exercise, allwhich, if persevered in to an extreme, tend to undermine the natural stamen by which the frame is supported, and absolutely saps the constitution. Instances have been numerous, whereJOCKIEShave undertaken towastefourteen or sixteen pounds against the day of running; which having been at no great distance, they have, in addition to the evacuations already described, submitted their bodies to the debilitatingFUMESof ahot-bed; and what is still more extraordinary, to be immersed in thestenchandsteamof aDUNGHILLto effect their purpose, which so completely relaxed the solids, and deranged the system of the natural economy, thatconsumptionfollowed, andDEATHsoon closed the scene.
—is a ceremony which everyJOCKEYis under the necessity of going through when engaged to ride, and the horse is to carry less than his own natural weight. For the reduction of weight, jockies are obliged to encounter great inconveniencies, particularly when they have much to lose, and a very short time to lose it in. The means of reducing themselves to the weight required are various, and depend upon the greater or lesser quantity they wish to lose in a given time, and have to waste themselves accordingly. If they have buttwoorthreepounds to lose, they will waste that in a single day's abstinence, and a morning and evening's walking: should four or five pounds be required, a gentle laxative, followed by two or three days extra walking, with an additional waistcoat or two, will generally carry the point: if more is necessary to be lost, it is sometimes a hazardous reduction, and great exertions are made to effect it: additional purgation, continued abstinence, increased perspiration, and almost perpetual exercise, allwhich, if persevered in to an extreme, tend to undermine the natural stamen by which the frame is supported, and absolutely saps the constitution. Instances have been numerous, whereJOCKIEShave undertaken towastefourteen or sixteen pounds against the day of running; which having been at no great distance, they have, in addition to the evacuations already described, submitted their bodies to the debilitatingFUMESof ahot-bed; and what is still more extraordinary, to be immersed in thestenchandsteamof aDUNGHILLto effect their purpose, which so completely relaxed the solids, and deranged the system of the natural economy, thatconsumptionfollowed, andDEATHsoon closed the scene.
SWELLED LEGS.—SeeLegs Swelled,Humours, andGrease.
.—SeeLegs Swelled,Humours, andGrease.
SWELLING in theSheathorGroin,—of a horse externally in good health, and without any predominant symptoms of pain or disquietude, is sometimes of little consequence; denoting no more than a general plethora, or distension of the vessels, which immediate bleeding, followed by gentle friction, and moderate evacuants, may be expected to remove: but if it makes its appearance at the crisis of any inflammatory disorder, of either liver, lungs, or kidnies, it may be considered a very unfavourable prognostic, and the worst is yet to come;though the writer has seen many cases of extreme danger, where the patients have recovered by persevering in the medical means which were previously known to be right.
,—of a horse externally in good health, and without any predominant symptoms of pain or disquietude, is sometimes of little consequence; denoting no more than a general plethora, or distension of the vessels, which immediate bleeding, followed by gentle friction, and moderate evacuants, may be expected to remove: but if it makes its appearance at the crisis of any inflammatory disorder, of either liver, lungs, or kidnies, it may be considered a very unfavourable prognostic, and the worst is yet to come;though the writer has seen many cases of extreme danger, where the patients have recovered by persevering in the medical means which were previously known to be right.
SWAN.—The swan, as the most majestic and distinguished of all water fowl, is honoured with royal protection: those who disturb their nests, destroy their eggs, or injure, wound, or cripple the swans, are liable to imprisonment for twelve months, and a fine at the pleasure of the King. The corporate body of the City of London, asCONSERVATORSof theRiver Thames, have an annual aquatic excursion to Staines, (which is the western extremity of their boundaries,) in the most pleasant and most plentiful season of the year, with colours flying, music playing, and all the appropriate parapharnalia of the first and most opulent city in the universe. All the swans upon the Thames, within their district, are under the protection of the Conservators; and this display of civic grandeur is perpetuated from one generation to another, by the appellation of "Swan-hopping day."
.—The swan, as the most majestic and distinguished of all water fowl, is honoured with royal protection: those who disturb their nests, destroy their eggs, or injure, wound, or cripple the swans, are liable to imprisonment for twelve months, and a fine at the pleasure of the King. The corporate body of the City of London, asCONSERVATORSof theRiver Thames, have an annual aquatic excursion to Staines, (which is the western extremity of their boundaries,) in the most pleasant and most plentiful season of the year, with colours flying, music playing, and all the appropriate parapharnalia of the first and most opulent city in the universe. All the swans upon the Thames, within their district, are under the protection of the Conservators; and this display of civic grandeur is perpetuated from one generation to another, by the appellation of "Swan-hopping day."
TAIL.—Upon the uniform shape and setting on of a horse's tail, hisgoodorillappearance greatly depends. When the spine is continued in a curvilinear direction beyond the rump, and the basis of the tail is formedtoo lowin the quarters, the horse is termed "goose-rumped;" and nonicking, orsetting, will ever give him the figure of a handsome horsebehind. It has been a long-standing maxim, that "a good horse can't be of a bad colour;" and there may probably be some who think a good horse can't have abad tail; but a little experience, in buying and selling, will convince them, that the difference between the two will be little less thantenorfifteenpounds in a horse of no more than fifty pounds value. Great losses are sometimes sustained for want of a little circumspection at the moment of making a purchase; and this may sometimes proceed from the horse's having some peculiar points of attraction, in the fascinating survey of which the defects are totally absorbed; hence arises the pecuniary deficiency when the subject becomes again to be sold, particularly if to a more prudent and less hasty purchaser. The old sportsman, when going tobuy, looks at the horse as if it was really hisown, and he was going tosell; in doing which, he estimates hissaleablevalue with an eye of greater accuracy,makes a tolerably fair calculation what he ought with consistency tobid, that he may sustain no great loss, should he have future occasion to sell.
.—Upon the uniform shape and setting on of a horse's tail, hisgoodorillappearance greatly depends. When the spine is continued in a curvilinear direction beyond the rump, and the basis of the tail is formedtoo lowin the quarters, the horse is termed "goose-rumped;" and nonicking, orsetting, will ever give him the figure of a handsome horsebehind. It has been a long-standing maxim, that "a good horse can't be of a bad colour;" and there may probably be some who think a good horse can't have abad tail; but a little experience, in buying and selling, will convince them, that the difference between the two will be little less thantenorfifteenpounds in a horse of no more than fifty pounds value. Great losses are sometimes sustained for want of a little circumspection at the moment of making a purchase; and this may sometimes proceed from the horse's having some peculiar points of attraction, in the fascinating survey of which the defects are totally absorbed; hence arises the pecuniary deficiency when the subject becomes again to be sold, particularly if to a more prudent and less hasty purchaser. The old sportsman, when going tobuy, looks at the horse as if it was really hisown, and he was going tosell; in doing which, he estimates hissaleablevalue with an eye of greater accuracy,makes a tolerably fair calculation what he ought with consistency tobid, that he may sustain no great loss, should he have future occasion to sell.
TARTAR—was an excellent racer, and the most celebrated stallion of his time. He was bred byMr. Leedes, foaled in 1743; was got byPartner, out ofMeliora, who was got byFox, out ofMilkmaid.Tartarwas sire of the famousKing Herod,Beaufremont,Miner, and Colonel O'Kelly's mare the dam ofMaria,Antiochus,Venus,Jupiter,Mercury,Volunteer, &c. &c.
—was an excellent racer, and the most celebrated stallion of his time. He was bred byMr. Leedes, foaled in 1743; was got byPartner, out ofMeliora, who was got byFox, out ofMilkmaid.Tartarwas sire of the famousKing Herod,Beaufremont,Miner, and Colonel O'Kelly's mare the dam ofMaria,Antiochus,Venus,Jupiter,Mercury,Volunteer, &c. &c.
Tartar, called Wildman'sTartar, was a horse of some note likewise; he was bred by Sir J. Moore, foaled in 1758, and got by the above, out ofMiss Meredith, who was got byCadeout of the little Hartley Mare.
TARTAR EMETIC—is one of the most powerful, and, in respect to horses, one of the most prostituted medicines in the wholeMATERIA MEDICA: its name here is only introduced, and its properties described, that theSPORTING WORLD, as well as individuals, may be sufficiently guarded against its dangerous effects, if injudiciously administered, or secretly brought into use, by practitioners of little knowledge, and less celebrity, who, knowing no more of its preparation than its name, know less ofitseffectsthan its preparation. With farriers or veterinarians of this description, it is become a favourite medicine upon so many occasions, that it stands entitled to a fair, candid, and unequivocal investigation.Emetic tartar, when administered to the human frame, with a design of producing the forcible effect of a strong emetic, has never, by professional men, of the most learned, distinguished, and experienced ability, exceededsixorseven; and in truly critical cases of dangerous emergency,eightgrains may have been given.Tengrains have been known to operate so violently as to exciteconvulsions;twelve, to occasionDEATH.
—is one of the most powerful, and, in respect to horses, one of the most prostituted medicines in the wholeMATERIA MEDICA: its name here is only introduced, and its properties described, that theSPORTING WORLD, as well as individuals, may be sufficiently guarded against its dangerous effects, if injudiciously administered, or secretly brought into use, by practitioners of little knowledge, and less celebrity, who, knowing no more of its preparation than its name, know less ofitseffectsthan its preparation. With farriers or veterinarians of this description, it is become a favourite medicine upon so many occasions, that it stands entitled to a fair, candid, and unequivocal investigation.Emetic tartar, when administered to the human frame, with a design of producing the forcible effect of a strong emetic, has never, by professional men, of the most learned, distinguished, and experienced ability, exceededsixorseven; and in truly critical cases of dangerous emergency,eightgrains may have been given.Tengrains have been known to operate so violently as to exciteconvulsions;twelve, to occasionDEATH.
Amidst such incontrovertible facts, it naturally becomes a serious consideration, that men, knowing nothing of the property of medicine, should have the unrestrained privilege and permission of bringing into use articles of so much dangerous magnitude, not only without knowing theirbasis,preparation, and peculiarproperties, but without the power of prognosticating theirprobableeffects. It is a circumstance worthy the attention of those possessing a number of horses for either business or pleasure, (who must consequently have some occasionally labouring under disease,) how far it may be safe, proper, consistent, or discreet, to give a horsehalf an ounceofTARTAR EMETICatonedose, which, according to the above ascertained facts, will, if divided accurately into equal proportions, (and theexperiments made,) take away thelivesoftwentymen. Those who have ignorantly adopted this practice, as ignorantly and obstinately assert theimpossibilityof its doingany harm; without either not possessing the knowledge, or not giving themselves time to recollect, that ifsevenoreightgrains will distress and exhaust the human frame, by every kind of violent and sensible evacuation, to the appearance of, and in some cases to actual death; what must be the internally destructive ravages of twenty (or thirty) times that quantity, thrown into the frame of an animal, who, not having, like the human species, power to regurgitate, or throw off the offending consequence byvomit, has no alternative, but to stand a comparative barrel of combustibles, ready to burst with the effervescent conflagration raised within, and which must, in a variety of cases, be evidently productive of certain death. But such practitioners have no character tosupport, no reputation tolose; and they likewise well know, thatdeadhorses, any more thandead men, tell no tales.
TEAL—is a well-known wild fowl, much esteemed for the table. A teal is of the form, shape, and make of the wild duck and widgeon, but a degree smaller than the latter, which is equally so from the former.
—is a well-known wild fowl, much esteemed for the table. A teal is of the form, shape, and make of the wild duck and widgeon, but a degree smaller than the latter, which is equally so from the former.
TEETH—are the arrangement of small bones in the mouth of a horse, for the particular purpose of mastication; and by which theAGEalso may be ascertained. (SeeColt.) The teeth are of a much harder texture than any other bones in the body, which seems to have been necessary for the execution of the office they are assigned by Nature. A horse come to maturity, is in possession of forty teeth, (including the tushes,) which are thus distinguished: four-and-twenty of these are calledgrinders, and situate on the sides of the upper and lower jaws above thetushes, and are of no use in discovering the age. With respect to the other sixteen, twelve of them are calledcolt's teethtill upwards of two years old, (when they begin to shed;) and the remaining four are denominatedtushes; buttheynever make the least appearance till rising, or full five years old. The twelve colt's teeth are six in front above, and the same below; four of these (that is, two above, and two below) exfoliate annually, beginning at the middle two, and continue shedding the neighbouring two in succession for the next two years, till they are succeeded by the entire new set in front, when the horse is five years old.
—are the arrangement of small bones in the mouth of a horse, for the particular purpose of mastication; and by which theAGEalso may be ascertained. (SeeColt.) The teeth are of a much harder texture than any other bones in the body, which seems to have been necessary for the execution of the office they are assigned by Nature. A horse come to maturity, is in possession of forty teeth, (including the tushes,) which are thus distinguished: four-and-twenty of these are calledgrinders, and situate on the sides of the upper and lower jaws above thetushes, and are of no use in discovering the age. With respect to the other sixteen, twelve of them are calledcolt's teethtill upwards of two years old, (when they begin to shed;) and the remaining four are denominatedtushes; buttheynever make the least appearance till rising, or full five years old. The twelve colt's teeth are six in front above, and the same below; four of these (that is, two above, and two below) exfoliate annually, beginning at the middle two, and continue shedding the neighbouring two in succession for the next two years, till they are succeeded by the entire new set in front, when the horse is five years old.
These new teeth, upon their appearance, are distinguished by different appellations: the first four are callednippers; the next,middle teeth; and the last,corner teeth. The four nippers arethe centrical four, (that is, twoabove, and twobelow:) these he sheds when about two years and a half old, varying a little in the time, according as he may have been an early or a backward colt. The middle teeth, as they are called, one on each side the nippers above and below, exfoliate, and are followed by others about the same time the following year, when the colt is three and a half, (called, rising four:) in this state the teeth continue till the decline of the following year, when the corner teeth are shed likewise, and it is then said, he has lost all his colt's teeth: when the successors to the corner teeth are full shelled on both sides, the horse has then completed his fifth year. It is a practice withDEALERSin general, so soon as they have purchased afour year oldin a country fair, to immediatelywrench outthe corner teeth witha key, or some other convenient instrument, that its successor may have the credit of spontaneous appearance, upon which the horse is sold to an inexperienced purchaser as aFIVE YEAR OLD, though, in reality, no more thanfour.
The horse having completed his fifth year, will have a black cavity in every toothaboveandbelow: but the inner edge of the five year old tooth at the corners, is not completely grown up till the last half of the sixth year, as may be seen by a reference to the Plate, Fig. 3; "Rising Six." When the horse is about four or five months beyond his sixthyear, which is calledsix off, the black mark in the centrical teeth fill up by degrees; those standing next, fill up next in the same way; and in faint succession one pair to the other, till, at the seventh year, (when the horse is said to beaged,) the mark is fairly retained in only the corner teeth, which continues to decline during the year, and is generally obliterated by the time the horse is eight years old. The tushes begin to appear about four, or between that and the fifth year; they display themselves one above and one below, on each side, at a little distance from the corner teeth, without having been preceded by any colt's teeth inthat spotsince they were foaled. After a horse is eight years old, his age can only be guessed at by the length, and worn edges, of his teeth; which may always be nearly ascertained by any person a little accustomed to the examination.
TENDONS—are the elastic covering of the muscles, composed of an infinity of fibres, which, in their aggregate, form a substance of great strength, and appropriate contraction and elongation, for all the purposes of expansion and flexibility. The tendons in a horse most liable to injury and accident, are those passing down the shank-bone of the fore-legs, from nearly the back of the knee, to their seat of insertion at the fetlock joint, which are in general known by the name of theback sinews. These, and the accidents to which they are liable,have been so fully treated on under the heads ofLamenessandSprains, that enlarging here would only prove a repetition superfluous and unnecessary. A wounded or punctured tendon, by thorn, stub, stable-prong, or with any other instrument, is always attended with excruciating pain, and violent inflammation, producing the most dangerous symptoms. In such cases it has been too much the practice to have immediate recourse to turpentine, and other spirituous applications, which is only addingfuelto theFIRE, and rendering theremedyworse than theDISEASE. Warm, mild fomentations, emollient poultices, gentle digestives upon lint covered with tow, and recourse to the most judicious and experienced practitioner to be obtained, constitute the only sound basis upon which evenhopeof recovery can be entertained; as most cases of the kind, if serious and severe, have a very unfavourable termination; those few subjects who seem completely restored, being ever after incapable of any work of consequence, ranking only as invalids.
—are the elastic covering of the muscles, composed of an infinity of fibres, which, in their aggregate, form a substance of great strength, and appropriate contraction and elongation, for all the purposes of expansion and flexibility. The tendons in a horse most liable to injury and accident, are those passing down the shank-bone of the fore-legs, from nearly the back of the knee, to their seat of insertion at the fetlock joint, which are in general known by the name of theback sinews. These, and the accidents to which they are liable,have been so fully treated on under the heads ofLamenessandSprains, that enlarging here would only prove a repetition superfluous and unnecessary. A wounded or punctured tendon, by thorn, stub, stable-prong, or with any other instrument, is always attended with excruciating pain, and violent inflammation, producing the most dangerous symptoms. In such cases it has been too much the practice to have immediate recourse to turpentine, and other spirituous applications, which is only addingfuelto theFIRE, and rendering theremedyworse than theDISEASE. Warm, mild fomentations, emollient poultices, gentle digestives upon lint covered with tow, and recourse to the most judicious and experienced practitioner to be obtained, constitute the only sound basis upon which evenhopeof recovery can be entertained; as most cases of the kind, if serious and severe, have a very unfavourable termination; those few subjects who seem completely restored, being ever after incapable of any work of consequence, ranking only as invalids.
TERMS in SPORTING—are, in general, the same through every part of the kingdom; except some few provincial deviations in distant districts, remote from the centrical parts near the Metropolis. When going out with hounds in the morning, and reaching the place of meeting, wethrowoff (orcastoff) the hounds; werousea deer,unkennela fox,orstarta hare. When a hound challenges who can be relied upon, he has takenscentof a deer,dragof a fox, ortrailof a hare. If a houndquests(that is, gives tongue) without a cause, he is said tobabble. After finding, if thescentlies well, and the hounds run together, the scent is said to bebreast-high. When, during the chase, the hounds (in consequence of bad, dry, or stormy weather) are often at fault, and the huntsman is under the necessity of adverting to whatever advantages and assistance he can obtain, he has, perhaps, no other alternative, than to avail himself of thetrackof whateverGAMEhe has in pursuit; in either of which chases, heslotsa deer, hefootsa fox, or hepricksa hare.
—are, in general, the same through every part of the kingdom; except some few provincial deviations in distant districts, remote from the centrical parts near the Metropolis. When going out with hounds in the morning, and reaching the place of meeting, wethrowoff (orcastoff) the hounds; werousea deer,unkennela fox,orstarta hare. When a hound challenges who can be relied upon, he has takenscentof a deer,dragof a fox, ortrailof a hare. If a houndquests(that is, gives tongue) without a cause, he is said tobabble. After finding, if thescentlies well, and the hounds run together, the scent is said to bebreast-high. When, during the chase, the hounds (in consequence of bad, dry, or stormy weather) are often at fault, and the huntsman is under the necessity of adverting to whatever advantages and assistance he can obtain, he has, perhaps, no other alternative, than to avail himself of thetrackof whateverGAMEhe has in pursuit; in either of which chases, heslotsa deer, hefootsa fox, or hepricksa hare.
It was formerly the custom to say akennelof hounds; of beagles apack: it is now more usual to call them indiscriminately a kennel of hounds, when in the kennel; but all are equally called a pack in the field. Of greyhounds, pointers, and spaniels, when speaking of numbers, it is right to say abrace, (for two;) aleashof greyhounds, abraceandhalfof pointers and spaniels, (for three;) and two brace of either, for four. When a deer, during the chase, gets into the water, he is then saidto take soil: when so hard run, and so much distrest, that he turns round, and faces the hounds, he is then said tostand at bay. The head of the fox, when killed, is called thefront, (in someparts, thescalp;) his feet,pads; and his tail, thebrush; which is the distinguishing trait of honour for the day, that every fearless foxhunter rides for. When the game leaves covert, it is said to havegone away: when, in the heighth of the chase, the game makes a short turn to the right or left, and the hounds come to a fault, by having over-run the scent, the game is then said to haveheaded: if that is returned in a parallel line with the original chase, it is called adouble; and if it is brought again directly into the oldtrack, it is called runningthe soil.
Hounds at the commencement of a season, after so long a confinement and restraint, are inclined to chase every thing they see, or scent from apigto apolecat, in all which cases they are said torun riot. Houndsdrawfor a fox; theytryfor a hare. When greyhounds are removed from one country to another, they travel withcollars; hounds incouples. In shooting terms, we say, abraceof hares, aleashof pheasants, andtwo braceof partridges; abraceof snipes, acouple and halfof woodcocks, andtwo coupleof rabbits.