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L O'N'D Oir. T H OW A S K E I . L Y

THE

COMPLETE FARRIER

BRITISH SPORTSMAN:

CONTAINING

A SYSTEMATIC ENQUIRY INTO THE STRUCTURE AND ANIMAL

ECONOMY OF THE HORSE,

THE CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND MOST-APPROVED METHODS OF PREVENTION AND CURK OF ALL THE VARIOUS

DISEASES TO WHICH HE IS LIABLE :

WITH SOME SELECT AND

APPROVED ORIGINAL RECIPES FOR VARIOUS DISEASES.

INCLUDING A FAITHFUL DELINEATION OF THE VARIOUS DOGS USED IN THE SPORTS OF THE FIELD.

WITH

CANINE PATHOLOGY.

INTERSPERSED WITH SPORTING ANECDOTES, AND AN ACCOUNT OF THE MOST CELEBRATED HORSES
DOGS, &c. &c. &c. EQUALLY IMPORTANT AND INTERESTING TO THE

BRITISH SPORTSMAN,

AS TO INN-KEEPERS, COACH-MASTERS, LICENSED HORSE-DEALERS, FARMERS,

OWNERS OF STAGE-WAGGONS, &c.

x:niBx:x.z.xsHED wxtk a sbrzes of engilavzngs,

EXECITED BY EMINENT ARTISTS, FROM ORIGINAL DRAWINGS IN THE POSSESSION OP NOBLEMEN AND GENTLEMEN OF THE TUBP.

BY RICHARD LAWRENCE,

VETERINARY SURGEON,
Author of ' An Enrjuiri/ into the Structure and Animal Economy of the Horse,' Sf-c.

AN APPENDIX,

CONTAININO V

A MfNUTE ANATOMICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE BONY STRUCTURE, OR SKELETON OF THE HORSE; THE MOVING POWERS OR MUSCLES OF THAT
NOBLE ANIM\L; AND THE DIFFERENT VISCERA OR INTERNAL PARTS SCIENTIFICALLY EXPLAINED AND ILLUSTRATED.

TOOETHKH WITH

AN ABSTRACT OF THE GAME ACT OF 1831, &c. &c.

LONDON:
PRINTED FOR THOMAS KELLY, PATERNOSTER ROW,

BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET.

TO THE

NOBLEMEN AND GENTLEMEN

OF THE

LEICESTERSHIRE HUNT.

Gentlemen,

The distinguished style in which the Members of the
Leicestershire Hunt have long pursued the pleasures of the
Chase, is so well known to the sporting world in general, as to
require neither comment nor eulogium on the present occasion.

It was the manifestation of this superior excellence Avhich
convinced me, that, in seeking for Patrons to whom I should take
the liberty of dedicating* the following Treatise, I could not pay a
higher compliment to my own judgment, nor excite a greater interest
in the public mind in behalf of my Work, than to offer it to your
consideration and protection.

At the same time I cannot but be aware that I am presenting
myself before a tribunal of no ordinary character ; but the candour
and urbanity of British Gentlemen will ever afford the best secu-
rity against malevolent criticism or unqualified censure.

IV

Treatises on the Veterinary A rt have multiplied so greatly of
late years, that the subject can admit but of little or no novelty. A
Work, however, comprising in one view all that is most important
on the Treatment of Horses appeared to me to be wanting-. I have,
therefore, in the prosecution of my object, attempted to adopt a
general system, with the view of rendering it more familiar and less
irksome to unprofessional readers. And, in order to relieve the dry
detail of a scientific essay, I have occasionally introduced miscella-
neous remarks and anecdotes relating to sporting affairs, deeming
such a variety as the most likely means of making it more interesting,
as well as a pleasant hour's relaxation, on the evening of a hard day.

With every sentiment of respect,
I have the honour to be

Your most obedient servant,

RICHARD LAWRENCE.

TO THE READER.

In presenting a new work to the Public, it
has generally been considered necessary to '
offer a few prefatory observations, for the
purpose of explaining the nature of its con-
tents, as well as to solicit the indulgence of
the reader in regard to its defects. In com-
pliance, therefore, with such an established '
custom, the author of the present treatise
ventures to claim the same privileges that
have been granted to those who have pre- '
ceded him ; and the best pledge he can hold
out for the validity of his pretensions will be
the assurance that he has spared no pains in
his endeavours to render it worthy of their
attention and patronage.

In the prosecution of his object he has
avoided, as much as possible, the use of tech-
nical terms, from the conviction that no essay
on the subject in question can be really use-
ful except it be treated in such a manner as
to be perfectly familiar to readers in general.
The diseases of the horse (notwithstanding
some of them are incurable by any process
hitherto discovei'ed) are few and simple, and
the aflFectation of using a high-flown and mys-
terious style of expression in describing their
progress and effects, is as ridiculous on the
one hand as the gross ignorance and vulga-
rity of the common farriers is disgusting on
the other. It was the original object of the
establishment of a Veterinary College in this
country to bring the practice of Farriery to
some settled system, built upon the founda-
tion of good sense, and a close attention to
the laws of nature.

It happens, however, unfortunately, that
there ever has existed in the public mind a
greater or less propensity to become the
dupes of imposition and quackery ; and there
never will be wanting individuals wlio are
ready to seize every o])portunity of enriching
themselves by the credulity of the rest of
mankind. To such an extent indeed has
this evil been carried, that no man need de-
sire a better income tlian the value of those
horses and cattle that are annually destroyed
through the bad effects of publications which,
if they were written by regular veterinary
surgeons, would be not only a disgrace to
themselves, but to the profession at large.
The enormous increase in the number of
horses employed in the service of the public,
and especially by innkeepers and coach pro-
prietors, renders it highly essential to the
interests of those persons that the best means
of providing against the bad consequences
of the extraordinary degree of labour to
which they are exposed sliould become ge-
nerally diffused, as well as the best mode of
preventing those diseases which too often
arise from the neglect, or, what is worse, from
the obstinacy and self-conceit, of their ser-
vants. The common treatment of this class
of horses is but too generally founded on old
and erroneous maxims, except in some few
instances where the proprietor has the good
sense, or ratlicr the courage, to judge for him-
self, and to rescue his property from the
hands of the blacksmith, who, amongst other
notable expedients for the improvement of

B

6

TO THE READER.

his own treasury, employs his Sunday morn-
ings in bleeding the poor animals all round,
whether old or young, healthy or diseased,
that he may have the opportunity of charg-
ing one shilling per head. In consequence
of this absurd and injurious practice, and
the slovenly and unskilful manner in which
it is generally executed, there are almost
always to be found in the stables of inn-
keepers or coach-masters one or more horses
Avith diseased necks, which in nine cases
out of ten ends in the loss of the vein ; and it
happens not unfrequently, with those which
work at night in the mail-coaches, that the
I^in which closed the orifice in the skin is
forced out by the bearing rein, and the ani-
mal bleeds till he drops down before the ac-
cident can be discovered by the driver.

The foregoing constitute but a small part
of the evils to which horses of this descrip-
tion are liable, and of which a more ample
exposition will be given in the body of the
work ; but the author conceives that even
these would be sufficient to prove the neces-
sity of a reformation in that department. In
hunting and racing stables the poor animal
is but too often doomed to endure the perni-
cious effects of systems that are at direct va-
riance with the plain and self-evident dictates
of natui-e. The absurdity of the system
adopted in this higher branch of stable affairs,
notwithstanding it is clothed with a certain
affectation of superior skill, and a knowing
significance of deportment, is equally detri-
mental as that of the drunken and brutal
blacksmith, and, according to present appear-
ances, is quite as difficult to be eradicated or
even counteracted. Nor are the baneful
consequences of ignorance and jirejudice
confined to the horse alone, as may clearly

be perceived in regard to the diseases of
horned cattle and sheep. If it were possible
to descend lower in the scale of human abi-
lity than that which belongs to the country
blacksmith, it must be in the qualifications of
the cow-doctor. The monstrous and incon-
ceivable mixture of folly and stupidity which
directs the operations of these men is almost
too ridiculous for belief; and in adverting to
this circumstance the author thinks, without
much presumption, that he is not likely to
incur the imputation of envy or jealousy, or
to be accused of attempting to pull down the
fame of others to establish his own. The
system to which he alludes is such as to defy
all comparison ; and, so far from being capa-
ble of amelioration, it ought, in justice to
common sense, to be abolished altogether,
ere any attempts are made to establish a
more rational mode of treatment.

In regard to the prescriptions which the
author has recommended, his principal care
has been to simplify them as much as possi-
ble, so as to avoid the consequences which
must frequently take place when a numerous
mixture of drugs is prescribed, namely, the
counteraction of the properties of each other.

Nor has he been less attentive to the quan-
tity, so as to prevent those fatal effects which
often ensue from too large doses.

In his endeavours to accomplish the fore-
going objects, the author has occasionally
referred to such writers as have thrown any
light on the subject ; and he should regret
losing the present opportunity of paying a
just; tribute to the sterling merit of some of
liis cotemporaries, especially to Mr. Bracy
Clarke, whose labours have been constantly
and so successfully directed to the promotion
and improvement of the veterinary art.

THE COMPLETE FARRIER;

AND

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

ON THE HORSE.

In the year 1790, a few noblemen and
gentlemen, desirous of effecting a reforma-
tion in the art of Farriery, established a Ve-
terinary College in this country, under the
management and direction of Mr. St. Bell, a
native of Lyons in France.

The institution Avas considered to be of
such national importance, that great num-
bers of persons resident in distant parts of
the kingdom, although not likely to have the
benefit of sending their horses when dis-
eased, subscribed to it very readily.

Some of the principal medical and chirur-
gical lecturers on the human subject most
liberally and honourably contributed to its
advancement by granting permission for a
gratuitous attendance at their lectures to the
young men who were entered as pupils to
study the Veterinary art. Amongst the fore-
most of these medical patrons were Mr.
John Hunter, Dr. Baillie, Dr. George For-
dyce, Mr. Cline, Mr. Astley Cooper, and
Mr. Abernethy.

These have been succeeded by others,
who, much to their honour, still patronize
the institution in the same laudable manner.
In process of time several })U})ils, who had
gone through a regular course of study, and
had obtained a proper certificate of their
qualifications, settled themselves in various

parts of the country, and, in spite of the
obstacles they experienced from the hos-
tility of the old Farriers, succeeded in
their endeavours to establish a proper esti-
mate of the improved system which it was
their business both to promulgate and to
practise. Since that period a jjrogressive
advancement in Veterinary knowledge has
certainly taken place. Treatises have been
published, which have thrown much light
upon the subject, particularly upon shoeing ;
and it is not unreasonable to expect that a
still greater degree of improvement may
eventually arise. But much must depend
on the patronage and support of those gen-
tlemen who take the lead in all matters re-
lating to the turf or the field ; and from this
source it is that the question must ultimately
be decided, whether the Veterinary Practi-
tioner or the Groom is to take precedence in
pretensions to Veterinary skill, and also wlie-
ther the profession shall be invested Mitli
that importance and respectability to which
it is fairly entitled, or whether it shall sink to
its former state of ignorance and degrada-
tion.

That the profession has sufi'ered from the
incapacity and imjjropriety of conduct of
some who have received diplomas from the
College, as well as from the impositions prac-

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

tised upon the public by others who style
themselves Veterinary Surgeons, but who
never received any instruction from the Col-
lege whatever, is unfortunately but too true.
But these are evils to which other professions
are also subject, and it would be unjust to
expect more infallibility and perfection in the
Veterinary department than in any other
which is cari'ied on by a great number of
individuals. The greatest obstacle, however,
to the prosperity of the Veterinary practice,
is the almost universal influence of persons
possessing no qualifications in matters relat-
ing to the stable.

Their education from their first entrance
into the stable is little else than a series of
lying and tricking, and their first and princi-
pal object is to gain an ascendancy. In order
to effect this, they have recourse to those
means of making every thing go wrong with
which their situation unfortunately so amply
supplies them, until at length the master,
tired out by constant and secret opposition,
yields up his better judgment, and submits to
all the nonsisnse and imposition of his suc-
cessful opponent. Hence it may be truly said,
that from the first moment the horse is do-
mesticated, the contest betwixt nature and
the groom takes place.

The celebrated Earl of Pembroke, in a
small Essay upon Shoeing, which he pub-
lished several years ago, very justly remarks,
that " whoever permits his groom to talk to
him about shoeing or physicking his horses,
will very shortly and very absurdly find him-
self on foot." The truth of this observation
is manifested every day, as many proprietors
of horses can, to their sorrow, testify. Nor
are the bad consequences of this pretended
skill confined to the huntmg or racing stable :

even the waggon-team must partake of the
blessings ai-isiug from this insatiable propen-
sity to interfere Avith and to interrupt the
course of nature. Hence the waggoner,
not content with robbing his master's granary
of corn to stufi" his horses, has recourse to
certain old nostrums to give a fine and sleek
coat, amongst which it is not an uncommon
practice to thrust a new-laid egg in the shell
down the animal's throat. An instance of
this kind occurred a few years ago in the
county of Warwick, where an egg was
lodged half-way in a horse's throat, and the
animal would have been choked had not the
waggoner confessed the fact, upon which
declaration the practitioner who was present
broke the shell, by pressing the distended
part of the gullet, and the animal was in-
stantly relieved. A farmer in the same
county, about three years since, lost four fine
waggon-horses in consequence of their being
subjected to these pernicious practices on the
part of the waggoner, who, it appeared, had
daily given them a considerable dose of box
and mandrake, with the view, as he said, of
improving their condition. Such instances as
these must be fully sufficient to point out the
necessity of putting a stop to such silly
schemes and idle notions respecting the ani-
mal economy. The changes which unavoid-
ably take place in the animal's constitution
from the artificial and unnatural custom of
being kept in a stable, are quite adverse
enough to his health without the addition of
deleterious drugs, administered according to
the whim or the judgment of the ignorant
person who has the charge of him.

The working ox fortunately escapes all
these clever attempts at improvement. It is
true he does not labour so hard in general as

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BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

the horse, but he is much worse fed, and
when his day's work is over, he is turned into
the straw-yard to take his chance. The re-
sult of this natural mode of treatment is, tliat
he never requires bleeding or medicine, as is
so often the case witli the pampered horse.
His work, indeed, is so beneficial to his con-
stitution that he is supposed to be, at the
expiration of his labour, more susceptible of
becoming fat, and tliereby of better answer-
ing the purposes both of the grazier and the
butcher.

In succession to these preliminary obser-
vations, the first object which demands the at-
tention of the reader is a proper knowledge
of the Structure of the Horse, for upon this
point the comfort of those who employ the
animal, either for business or for pleasure,
very materially depends. It is a fact, pretty
well known to experienced horsemen, that
there is not above one horse in fifty that is
worth the expense of his keep.

They labour, it is true, but they perform
the services required of them in such an im-
perfect mamier that all pleasure is lost to
the rider from the constant apprehension of
his danger.

Vigour of constitution certainly does not
wholly depend on the external form of the
animal ; but it is a positive fact, notwithstand-
ing some few occasional exceptions, that
there is a certain shape and disposition of the
body and limbs indispensably necessary to
produce good and safe action. Dealers and
others, whose business it is to ncll liorses, will
tell a purchaser that " they Avill go in all
forms;" but, notwithstanding this doctrine
may suit their owii convenience at a particu-
lar moment, they know better than to trust to
such an assertion themselves ; for they will

always give the preference to a good-shaped
horse, whenever they can find one.

Perfection, however, is but a comparative
quality ; and the happy state of ignorance of
an unskilled proprietor of a horse may almost
be envied, when he is seen riding with the ut-
most confidence and composure on tlie back
of an animal whose every step tlireatens a
speedy collision with his mother earth.

The motion of animal bodies is produced
by the means of muscles acting upon bones in
various directions. These are disposed in such
a way as to suit the purpose for which the
animal was intended. Hence a very percep-
tible difference of form exists between the
pug-dog and the greyhound. Still they are
both of the same species ; and if a peculiarity
of form were not essential to speed, the former
Avould of course have been as fleet as the
latter. This is sufficient to prove the neces-
sity of a certain conformation to produce cer-
tain properties ; and every man well skilled in
horses knows from experience that there is a
particular shape which gives good action
combined with sjjecd, althougli he is incapa-
ble of accounting for it on anatomical or me-
chanical principles. It is certain that the
strength of an animal docs not depend en-
tirely on his bulk ; and this is a very impor-
tant point to be considered in regard to tlie
waggon-horse ; because it must be evident to
the most common understanding, that if the
weight of an animal body, and the muscular
strength which is to set it in motion, be not in
an equal proportion to each other, the size
and weight must be an encumbrance instead
of an advantage.

The thorough-bred, or what is called tlie
blood-horse, is indisputably the strongest
animal of his weight known in the creation.

10

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

His strength therefore does not depend on his
bulk, but upon a certain form and disposition
of his limbs, as may be readily perceived in
his full and close loin, low hips, and muscular
haimches and thighs ; a shape very rarely met
with in the great black waggon-horses which
it has been so many years the fashion to breed
in this country. Such indeed is the bulk and
weight of these fleshy and unwieldy animals,
that they appear, at a first view, to have been
bred more for the butcher than for the wag-
gon ; and the mistaken notion of strength de-
pending upon size has hitherto been and still
continues to be the cause of such a compara-
tively useless breed being adhered to by
farmers in general.

The annual consumption of the produce of
the earth by horses in this country is, when
compared with its limited extent, enormous
in the extreme ; and it certainly is a matter of
the first consequence that the greatest atten-
tion should be paid to the selection of the
best breeds in regard to form and properties,
with the view, if possible, of performing the
same quantity of labour with a considerable
reduction in the number kept for that pur-
pose.

But it generally happens that every farmer
who possesses a mare, whether well or ill
shaped, is determined to breed from her,
under the idea that if she produces anything
in the form of a horse it will find a ready
sale. Hence it occurs that the country is
stocked with a race of animals fit for little
else than to consume the produce of the
earth.

The principal object to be attended to in
breeding of horses, is to attain strength Avith-
out superfluous weight; and this maxim holds
good in every respect, whether the horse is

intended for the waggon, the coach, or the
saddle.

The true Arabian horse, which is the pa-
rent stock of all our blood breed, although
he may appear to be slight to a superficial
observei', is in reality the strongest horse in
nature of the same size and weight. There
is a peculiar elasticity of fibre in his compo-
sition, and a certain disposition of his limbs,
that give him a quality of strength which
does not immediately meet the eye, but which
is easily discovered on a trial.

In describing the proper shape of a horse,
it will be necessary to begin with the

HEAD,

which should be small and lean in proportion
to the body ; and this is particularly essential,
on account of the neck being horizontal with
the ground, and the head becoming thereby
heavier than if it was supported in a perpen-
dicular direction, as in the human figure. The
most beautiful character in the head is mani-
fested when it describes a strait line from the
top or vertical bone down to the nostril. This
is peculiar to the Arabian horse. The fore-
head should be broad and flat, the eyes pro-
minent, and the eye-lids elevated, lean, and
flexible.

The ear should be placed rather back-
wards, which gives a greater boldness to the
forehead.

The horse's ear, like that of the cow, the deer,
the sheep, the hare, and all other quadrupeds
that save themselves from danger by flight, is
moveable backwards and forwards, so as to
catch sound in every direction ; and it is re-
markable that a horse, whilst sleeping, keeps
his ears in constant motion, one of them be-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

11

ing generally inclined forward and the other
backward at the same time.

To the credit of the present day, tlie fool-
ish custom of cropping is nearly, if not en-
tirely, exploded ; and it is to be hoped that the
equally absurd practice of trimming out the
hair from the inside of the ears will eventually
share the same fate. Tlie branches of the
lower jaw-bone should be open and expanded,
so as to give room for the trachea or wind-
pipe, and to facilitate the bringing in of the
head close to the neck. This conformation
is particularly necessary to carriage and mili-
tary horses, which are generally required to
carry their heads liigh and reined up.

The nostrils should be thin, large, open,
and flexible, the mouth small, and the lips
deep and pliable. IMuch of the good or bad
manner of a horse's carrying his head depends
on this last circumstance.

THE NECK

is a very important part, as far as it relates to
the carriage of the liead, and also in regard
to its influence on the action of the shoulders.
Its lower extremity should issue high out of
the chest, as the opposite form produces what
is called an ewe neck, in wliich case the ani-
mal, when pulled by the bridle, constantly
throws iq) his bead witli his nose straight out,
so as to be prevented from seeing his road, a
circumstance particularly dangerous in an
impetuous or run away horse. A thick neck is
generally a sign of strengtii, and it is always
much tliicker in a stallion than in a gelding :
hence it is customary with some breeders to ,
let their colts be three years old before they
are castrated, with a view to give them a
fuller and more elevated crest. Tlie neck
being composed of seven distinct bones, ad-

mits of being moved in various directions.
It is also longer in grazing animals than in
others, for the i)urpose of reaching the ground
for their food. The sliape of tlie neck, how-
ever, is much influenced by extraneous cir-
cumstances, and, in old coach-horses that
have been accustomed to be reined up several
hours in the day, it becomes so fixed and
rigid as to prevent tliem from reaching the
ground with their moutlis wlien turned to
grass. The German breeders have a custom
of feeding tlieir colts out of higli mangers,
so as to oblige the animal to bend his neck in
an arch-like form ; and this practice, being
persisted in for a certain lengtli of timc^, gives
the neck and forehead a more elevated and
grander appearance.

THE SHOULDERS

are so essential to the purposes of the whole
animal machine, that their conformation be-
comes a matter of the first imi)ortance. Their
connexion Avith the body is most admirably
contrived both for support and motion, from
being joined to tlie trunk by muscles only,
and not by any joint, as is the case with the
hind quarters. The fore part of the body,
therefore, is simply slung between the shoul-
ders by means of muscles, the lower ends of
which are fixed between the ribs ; and the
upper ends, uniting in one mass, are attached
to the inside of the shoulder-blade. By this
arrangement the shoulders possess a free mo-
tion botli backwards and forwards, and they
also escape in a consideralile degree that per-
cussion or shock which arises from the body
being propelled forA^ards upon them, and
which would have been much increased had
they been attached to the trunk by a fixed
joint. It is generally considered a good point

12

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

in a horse when the shoulder-blades lie in an
oblique direction towards the back, so as to
permit the legs to stand well advanced before
the body ; and this position of the shoulders
is thought to be indispensably necessary to
speed. But it is doubtful whether this
should be taken as an absolute rule, because
the deer, which is a swift animal, has its shoul-
ders upright, and the fore-legs much inclining
under the body. It nevertheless is very
essential to good and safe action, particu-
larly in the road-horse. The blade-bones
should not approach each other too closely
at the top of the withers, so as to be narrow
before the saddle.

Whenever this is the case there is a want of
substance in the muscles, and a consequent
diminution both of strength and action.
Eclipse, and several other celebrated horses,
were what is called thick-shouldered, but
still their blade-bones were oblique, and not
perpendicular.

The action of the shoulder may be much
impeded by the pressure of the fore part of
the saddle, when it is placed too forward :
hence the necessity of attending to that cir-
cumstance whenever the horse is saddled.
The chest should be moderately broad, and
the muscles of the breast bold and prominent.

When the chest is too broad, the horse goes
with a rocking motion from side to side, very
unpleasantly to the rider ; and, when it is too
narrow, the fore-legs will be too close to each
other, and more liable to cut and bruise the
fetlock-joint during progression. The back
part of the chest, which is called the brisket,
should be broad and full, so as to keep out
the elbows in a strait line with the body.
When the brisket is too narrow, the elbows
always incline inwards ; and in that case it

frequently happens that one fore-leg strikes
the other on the inside of the knee, occasion-
ing what is called the speedy cut, and which
is very apt to throw a horse down when going
fast in the trot. A narrow brisket also lets
the girths of the saddle slip forwards, so as
not only to alter the position of the saddle,
but to gall the skin of the elbows, by their
rubbing against that part. The fore-legs
should be straiglit in every point of view, and
approaching each other a little at the feet.
The upper part, called the arm, should be
broad, prominent, and muscular, to enable
it to bend the leg with vigour and celerity.
The knee should be well marked, broad, and
flat. The lower part of the leg, called the
shank, should be broad and flat in a side
view, particularly behind the knee ; the ten-
dons should be distinct from the bone, and
feel firm and elastic to the touch. The fet-
lock-joint should be broad and bold, the
pastern neither too upright nor too long.
The oblique or sloping position of the pas-
tern lessens the percussion or shock of the
body during progression, and renders the
horse's motion easier to the rider.

THE BODY

should be round and capacious ; the back
descending from the withers in a concave
line nearly to the middle.

The loins broad, full, and straight, and the
croupe gradually sloping in a slight degree
towards the tail, which should issue high out
of the croupe in an arch-like form. A thick
dock, or root of the tail, is generally sup-
posed to denote superior strength, and with
some reason, because it proves that the back-
bone must be large in the same proportion.
The back-bone of the horse, as is the case

IJUrriSH SPOIITSMAIV

13

with all quaclrnpcds iiitciHlod to carry bur-
thens, possesses very little llexibility, but this
want of flexion is compensated by the length
of his neck, which enables him to reach his
hind-quarters and thighs with his month
whenever he chooses.

But the lion, and all the cat tribe as well
as the dog, which have all short necks and
which have occasion for much lateral motion
or quick turning of their fore parts in catch-
ing their prey, have the power of bending
their backs to a very great degree, but this
faculty of course disqualifies for bearing
burthens.

The last rib should approach very close to
the hips. This closeness, however, (which
is called being "ribbed home,") is not pro-
duced by any extension of the rib but by the
"greater advancement of the hip-bone, for,
horses of this shape are always short in the
back and long in the quarters. The body,
or trunk, is merely passive, and is moved only
by the quarters, hence, the shorter the body,
the greater will be the size of the quarters
and their proportionate strength.

The hips should be low and not too pro-
jecting^, and although this form gives the
animal an appearance of narrowness when
compared with one that has high and promi-
nent hips, yet there is an equal quantity of
muscular substance, the difference consisting
only in its being compressed into a more cir-
cular shape. The lower part of the haunches
when viewed behind should project as widely
as the hips. The thighs should be broad
and muscular in a side view, and the large
tendon terminating at the hock should l)e
well detached from the bone.

The hocks should be at such a distance
from each other as to place the le"^ or

shank bone in a perfectly upright position.
When they approach too closely thev
throw out the feet wider apart from each
other, and render the attitude of the leg
ol)rK|ue, producing what is termed " cat
hammed." Horses of this make frequently
possess superior speed, but they arc certainly
we^aker in that part, and their hocks are more
liable to diseases, such as curbs, spavins,
and thorough pins. This form is generally
met with iti fast ti'otters.

THE FOOT

may justly be considered as the most impor-
tant part of the whole machine, for, upon its
sound and healthy condition, the utility of
the animal chiefly depends. From the uni-
versal frequency of its diseased state, it
might almost be supposed that it was more
defective in its original construction than any
other part; but such a conclusion is not war-
ranted by the evidence of Nature in any of
her primordial arrangements. The fact is
that the surface of the earth, which, in its
original state is soft and yielding, is rendered
hard and inelastic by the substitution of
denser materials in the composition of arti-
ficial roads.

The constant and inordinate degree of
labour which the cupidity of commerce and
the calls of luxury have imposed upon the
animal, is such as would consume the foot
much more rapidly than it could grow or be
reproduced, were it unprotected by the shoe,
ft is to these causes, therefore, that we should
look for the source of nine-tenths of tiie
lamenesses with which the horse is so often
ii niicted. For however skilfully the shoe may
be formed and applied to the hoof, still the
result of shoeing will ever be pernicious in

14

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

a greater or less degree, because the foot
must be subjected to an unnatural restraint,
counteracting' the radical principles of its
constitution and economy. The hoof of a
colt, antecedently to its being shod, des-
cribes nearly a circular form, and is widest
at the lateral parts or quarters. The utility
of this shape must be self-evident, inasmuch
as it increases the basis upon which the foot
stands, and thereby gives greater stability to
the animal during progression. The external
parts of the hoof are usually divided into
three, namely, the wall or crust (which is
that part issuing from the pastern to the
ground), the sole, and the frog. At its up-
permost part, which is called the coronet,
the hoof begins, either by a gradual change
of the skin into horn, or by some peculiar
vessels which {)roduce that transformation.
The coronet therefore is softer, more flexi-
ble, and more sensible than the lower part of
the hoof, which increases in density and in-
sensibility as it approaches nearer to the toe.

The horse's hoof may be said to be par-
tially cleft, as the heels are divided from each
other, the intermediate space being filled up
by an elastic substance called the frog. From
this arrangement the heels possess, in a
small degree, the power of expansion and
contraction, but which action is almost to-
tally prevented by the confinement occasion-
ed by the shoe.

The difference of shape between the foot
of the horse and that of all other quadru-
peds of the herbiverous tribe is well wortliy
the attention of the naturalist, as it very dis-
tinctly points out the purposes for which he
was created. Hence, had the hoof been
cloven throughout like that of the ox, the

doer, the sheep, or the goat, he would not
have been so well adapted for carrying bur-
thens, nor for drawing lieavj substances, as
he is by its solid and circular form in front,
which affords him a greater point of resist-
ance than he could have obtained from the
more flexible and yielding motion of the
cleft hoof

The sole is composed of the same horny
material as the wall, but is somewhat more
elastic. It would be partially worn away by
friction against the ground, if the animal
were unshod, but it would be re-produced by
its own natural growth in the same manner
as is the case with the wall. A moderate
degree of friction and pressure against the
earth is essential to its healthy state ; hence,
by being constantly elevated above the
ground by the shoe it becomes more tender,
and more susceptible of injury.

The surface of the sole, in its natural
healthy state, is somewhat concave. This
shape not only gives the foot a greater hold
of the ground, but removes the principal
part of the pressure arising from the weight
of the body to the edges of the wall and to
the frog. The sole, like the rest of the hoof,
is constantly growing, but this perpetual in-
crease would be kept down sufliciently by
friction were the horse unshod and in a state
of nature. But the sole being raised consi-
derably above the ground by the shoe, no
part of its surface is worn away ; hence the
superfluous part detaches itself in scales,
which becoming dead and destitute of mois-
ture, break otf spontaneously. Horses whose
feet are weak, generally have the sole flat,
and sometimes even convex, by which the
original plan of the hoof is completely sub- .

HlUTISIl SPORTSMAN

15

verted both in regard to the proper pohits of
support as well as to the firmness of its po-
sition oil the ground.

The frog- is a very important part of the
hoof, inasniiich as it forms an clastic cushion
for the protection of tliat part of the tendon
of the leg' which terminates and attaches it-
self to the inferior surface of the cofTni-bone
by a broad expansion of its fibres called^
anatomically, the aponeurosis.

Its form is that of a wedge^, and whicli is
admirably adapted to give the foot stability
by its resistance when indented in the earth.
It has been supposed to be esseniial to the
pmpose of keeping the heels at a proper dis-
tance from each other, and thereby to pre-
vent contraction ; but this opinion does not
appear to be well founded, becanse the frog-
is composed of a substance much softer than
the heels, and consequently less capable of
performing that office than if it were more
dense in its texture.

It is very subject todisease when the horse
is kept in the stable, and it is also frequently
found in an imperfect state even amongst
colts at grass. It is generally larger and
halfhier in flat feet than in those that are
concave, and this arises from its being more
exposed to pressure, by which means its
healthy action is maintained, and any accu-
mulation of superfluous moisture is prevented
from taking place. The natural shape of the
hoof is kept up solely by an equal growth
in all its parts. Whenever this growth be-
comes irregular and unequal, an alteration
of form necessarily ensues. Thus, when
the wall is too strong, it overpowers the
resistance of the sole, which in consequence
is rendered more concave, and the heels arc
forced closer towards each other. But when

the wall is too weak, the sole, in process of
time, descends to the ground and becomes
flat and sometimes convex. In this case the
foot is more expanded at the bottom, but in
proportion with that expansion, it will be
more or less contracted above at the coronet.
These changes in the shape of the hoof are
brought on by slow degrees ; and thus es-
cape observation until they have j)roceeded
to such an extent as to lay the foundation of
l)ermancnt and incurable disease. It is cer-
tain that the chief cause of injury to the
hoof arises from the stable, to which may
be added the bad consequences of shoeing,
even when executed in the most proper auf*
judicious manner.

That these effects manifest themselves,
more or less, in different subjects is doubt-
less true to a certain extent, but this may be
in some measure attributed to an original
difference of constitution.

Many ingenious theories have been pub-
lished on the best means of obviating this
inevitable evil, and a long list of hoof oint-
ments have been recommended by regulars
as well as quacks, all of which may serve to
amuse the curious or to impose upon the
credulous part of mankind, but w hich, upon
trial will prove eventually to be but falla-
cious preventatives. There is a strange pro-
pensity in the human mind to ascribe every
thing to some mysterious source, even though
the origin of any particular circumstance
stares them in the face as plain as the sun at
noon-day. Hence it is that practitioners, in
almost every profession, have tound it not
only convenient to administer to this pro-
pensity, but absolutely necessary, in order to
obtain any credit for skill and experience,
from their employers. And so long as thir>

16

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

oacunce of good sense and independence of
mind is conducted on the mere principles of
neo-ative deception^ and harmless acquies-
cence, it is not so deserving- of censure or re-
proach, as when it is practised to the positive
injury of mankind in the more important
concerns of life.

It is a remarkable fact, and one well at-
tested by all travellers, that there is no part
of the world where so many lame horses are
to be found as in Great Britain, and this too
in a country where we boast of superior
skill in shoeing and treatment of the foot.
Whence can this inconsistency arise but
from the constant attempts of art to turn us
aside from the contemplation of nature. The
original constituent parts of the horse's hoof,
and the means by which it is nourished and
supported, are precisely the same through-
out every part of the habitable globe. The
particular changes, therefore, which it under-
goes in difterent countries are to be ascribed
to adventitious circumstances, and not to
any natural imperfection in the foot itself.

There is now scarcely a village throughout
England that is not blessed or rather cursed
with some very knowing practitioner in the
art of shoeing, whose sign-board blazons
forth to the public, " Horses shod on im-
proved and scientific principles," or, " Horses
shod on the principles of the Veterinary Col-
lege," although the party himself has never
seen a horse shod at that place in his life,
nor if he had, would he in reality adopt it ;
his object in the declaration on his sign-
board being rather to catch by its popularity
than to promote any new system differing
from his own profound ideas.

The only real distinction between the
workmanship of one of these pretenders to

superior skill and thai of his less assuming
brethren in the art, consists in giving a
greater degree of finish in the constructioh
of the shoe, and in cutting and rasping the
hoof so as to adapt it more closely to the
shape which he has been pleased to give it ;
and thus he fancies that the shape and ap-
pearance, which this cutting and rasping has
produced, is the natural form of the hoof,
and his unsuspecting employers, captivated
by the great neatness evinced in this opera-
tion, are but too much inclined to believe
that his pretensions are well founded.

The foregoing are to be considered as
general observations only, a more particular
detail on the practice of shoeing will be
given in a distinct chapter appropriated to
that purpose.

ON THE EYE.

One of the most important parts of the
animal machine is the eye, and at a first view
it appears extraordinary that no quadruped
is so subject to blindness as the horse.

There certainly is a great and very per-
ceptible difference in the original construc-
tion of the eye as well as in any other part,
amongst different horses, and undoubtedly
the predisposition to disease in that organ
will be greater or less in proportion to the
degree in which that difference exists. Still
there must be other causes for such a preva-
lent infirmity, and the most evident and ra-
tional one is the artificial manner in which
the animal is treated in his domesticated
state. The eye of the horse is placed more
on the side of the head than in front, and this
position is common to all quadrupeds that
save themselves from danger by flight It
also enables him to kick at any object with

STATES OF PJ, fl2-Et'T Sc DISEASED EYES.

'' >Cx^A f '/

PERFECT EYES.

'^mm

«f/.r.„.

/.A

'^>-.

.c*

BISEASJEBEYES.

-res^r:

'•'^A

>.

.1; '^'^

f^l^'S-'^

a 'jiy.X'OTar.

/•

Zf.

BRITISH SPOllTSMAN

17

greater ccrlaiiity of effect. The pupil is ob-
long-, which is a form peculiar to all the
giaziug- tribe, and which enables the eye to
take in objects not only in a strait direction,
but also those which are either before or be-
hind it. It has the power of contracting- or
expanding itself to a great extent, so as to
adapt its capacity to the degree of light in
which the animal may happen to be placed.
This faculty of expansion or contraction
furnishes one of the best criterions forjudg-
ing of its perfect or imperfect state. The
eye-ball is moved in various directions by
means of muscles, which are six in number.
Grazing animals, however, have a seventh
which is situated immediately at the back of
the eye, and which appears to have been
destined for the purpose of drawing it in-
wards to protect it from injury. There is
also a large gland, called the lachrymal
gland, which constantly supplies a fluid for
keeping the surface of the eye moist and
transparent. Within the anterior corner of
the eye is placed a thin gristly membrane,
whose inner surface is concave, so as to fit
the outer convex surface of the eye-ball.
This membrane, in the language of anatomy,
is called the membrana nictitans, and is pe-
culiar to all quadrupeds as well as birds. It
can be brought over the eye at the w ill of
the animal, and serves both for the purpose
of defence as well as to wipe off' any extra-
neous substance that may have lodged upon
it. But so gross has the ignorance of anatomy
been, and is to this day, amongst the gener-
ality of common Farriers, that they mistake
this natural and useful appendage to the eye
for a disease, and actually remove it by ex-
cision whenever the eye is inflamed or dis-
ordered in any other way. Surely this cir-
2

cumstance alone is sufficient to prove the ne-
cessity of a regular education in anatomy
and physiology to cpialify a man to practice
the veterinary art. Still there is not a groom
in any racing or hunting stable, but will talk
of the " Mawes in the eye," (the vulgar name
which has been given to this membrane) and
will contend most strenuously for the neces-
sity of its extirpation. The bleeding and
superficial irritation which takes place on
cutting away this membrane, sometimes re-
lieves the eye when affected w ith a deep seated
disease ; but the consequence is that the
animal is ever after irreparably de[)rived of
a part which is indispensably necessary to
keep the eye clean and to assist in protecting
it from injm-y. The faculty of clear and dis-
tinct vision depends greatly on the external
form of the eye. When it is either very large
and globular, or, on the other hand, when it
is comparatively small and flat, the animal
will be near-sighted, and, in consequence of
seeing objects imperfectly, will be inclined to
start and turn round very unexpectedly and
unpleasantly to the rider. The best propor-
tion, therefore, is the middle size.

Dealers call the small eyes in a horse,
" buck-eyes." This is certainly not a very
appropriate application of terms, because
the buck has a very large and prominent eye.
The small eye, however, is generally consi-
dered as objectionable, and experience shews
that it is naturally more disposed to disease
than others of a different description. The
best mode of examining a horse's eye is to
place him just within the stalile-door with
his head fronting the light. In this position
the light being confined to one point, the in-
ternal part of the eye is better seen than
when the lii^ht enters it in various directions.

M

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : 4nd

Tlie person who examines should then stand
within the stable, close behind the eye, and
look through it towards the light, and this is
not only the best mode of ascertaining whe-
ther the outer coat of the eye is clear and
tiansparent, but it will also enable him to
discover any specks within the pupil, whicli
denote the beginning of a cataract, and
which indicate, beyond a doubt, that the eye
has been diseased at some former period.

It is also necessary to notice whether the
pupils are both of the same dimensions, and
whether they diminish in size as the horse is
brought into a stronger light. As most
stables are more or less dark, the pupils of
the eyes are larger in the stable than out of
doors, hence when the animal is brought out
they contract as he approaches the light.
But if either of them does not contract, it is
a certain proof that he is blind of that eye.
On tlie other hand, a too great contraction
of the pupil also denotes disease. This con-
traction is sometimes so remarkable that a
pin's head would scarcely pass between the
two lines of the iris, and this state of the
eye occurs when it is inflamed, and when, in
consequence of its irritable condition, the
entrance of light becomes highly painful to
the animal.

It has been considered an unfavourable
circumstance when a deep wrinkle or furrow
appears in the skin of the upper eye-lid. But
this peculiarity has no connection with the
internal parts of the eye, and consequently
has no influence upon it whatever. It is ge-
nerally more apparent in old horses than in
others. The Upper eye-lid is furnished with
eye-lashes for the purpose of a shade, so as
to moderate the action of the light from
above Some foolish grooms, in their great

fondness for using the scissars^ trim these
eye iashes by cutting them off nearly close
to the lid. The consequence of this absurd
practice is that the animal suffers great in-
convenience from the sun whilst he is travel-
ling, and thereby is more apt to shy from
seeing objects imperfectly owing to the daz-
zling glare of light which he has not the
means of intercepting.

Dark stables are very pernicious to the
eyes, as the sensibility of the retina or optic
nerve becomes weaker, and in some degree
paralysed for want of a sufficient stimulus
from the light. The winkers of the bridle in
coach or waggon harness also occasion much
inconvenience if they are not well fitted, so
as to avoid any pressure against the eye, or
impediment to the motion of the eye-lids, but
even this inconvenience is in some degree
balanced by the winker proving a defence
against those blows which the brutality of
the driver sometimes inflicts in the moments
of his violence and caprice. The barbarous
custom of keeping coach-horses reined up
tight with the gag rein for two or three hours
without intermission, occasions such a pres-
sure against the jugular veins as to impede
the free circulation of the blood through the
head, and furnishes another cause of disease
in the eyes, which is not generally suspected
by those who have not attended to that cir-
cumstance.

The eye is generally of the same colour in
all horses, with the exception of some that
have what are called wall-eyes, and others
that have eyes of the same colour as those of
the ferret. The wall-eye is occasioned by
the iris or pupil being partly coloured with
white, and the ferreu-eye is produced by its
beins: of a reddish cast. The kind's Hanove-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

19

riaii cream-coloured liorses have eyes of tliis
description. There is a vulfi;ar notion that
wall-eyes never become blind, but as no an-
atomical or phisiological difference exists
between those eyes and others, it must be
pretty evident that such a tlieory is built
upon no rational basis whatever.

At the anterior corner of the lower eye-lid is
placed the orifice of a small duct which runs
down the inside of the nose and opens about
two inches above the nostril. It is through
this tube that the tears or the fluid which is
furnished by the lacrymal gland for the pur-
pose of keeping the surface of the eye moist,
empties itself into the nose. But it some-
times happens that the lower orifice of the
duct or tube is choaked up with dust so as to
prevent the passage of the fluid, and in that
case it overflows at the eye, and occasions
considerable inconvenience to the animal.
The best mode of removing this is by forc-
ing up some plain water with a small syringe,
vhicli may be introduced at the lower orifice
within the nostril.

The common Farriers are totally ignorant
both of the existence and the seat of this tube,
and instances have occurred where the orifice
within the nostril has been mistaken for an
ulcer, and the horse in consequence pro-
nounced to be glandered. Some horses are
subject to what is called moon blindness,
which is a periodical inflammation of the '

eyes, and thence it has been supposed to be
dependant on the changes of the moon
The eyes may be suddenly affected during a
hard chase, and a temporary blindness
brought on by the blood being determined
with groat force to the head.

This sometimes occurs, and is very pro-
bably one cause of those dangerous mistakes
which horses make at their leaps when in
that condition. The sharp efliuvia which
arises from the litter in stables that are not
well cleansed is very irritating to the eye,
and frequently produces inflammation.

But the principal source of disease in the
eye, is the high feeding upon dry food which
occasions constant state of costiveness in
the intestines, and the consequences of thi.s
high feeding are sometimes much aggravated
by want of exercise, and in proof of this fact
it often happens that horses which have
been subject to periodical disease in the eye,
have perfectly recovered by daily labour in a
post-chaise or a mail-coach.

Whenever the system becomes overcharg-
ed by high feeding the animal will be more
disposed to inflammatory attacks ; and, to ob-
viate this consequence of excess, he must be
reduced either by purging and bleeding, or
by constant labour; and the last is certainly
the most natural, as well as the least hazard-
ous mode of effecting that object

20

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

ON THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF HORSES.

Although the horse is common to most
parts of the habitable globe, yet there is a
considerable difference in his external form
and physical properties, and it is a matter
well worth the attention of every British
sportsman to investigate and to understand
wherein the difference consists.

Much of this variety may be attributed
to peculiarity of soil and climate, especially
in regard to size, which it is reasonable to
conclude must depend greatly on the abun-
dance or the scarcity ot pasturage. The
huge Flemish horse and the Shetland pony
furnish a sufficient contrast to warrant such
a conclusion. The extremes of heat and
cold are alike adverse to the production
of herbage in any luxuriant degree, nor
are they so favourable to the growth of
animal bodies as the more temperate
climates. It is supposed that the common
Welsh pony was originally the only breed
peculiar to Great Britain, and that our blood-
horses have been produced by an inter-
mixture with the Arabian, and our cart-
horses with the Flemish. Whether this
position be well founded or not, it is cer-
tain that the English blood-horse combines
the properties of symmetry, speed and strength
in a degree superior to any other in the
known world.

The Arabian horse, in proportion to his
size, possesses these qualities in an equal
degree, and the only difference is that we
procure them on a larger scale by cross-

ing him with mares of this country. Still, as
the Arabian horse is undoubtedly the parent
stock from whence this excellence arises, he
ought in justice to take precedence of all
others.

But there exists a great difference in the
degree of excellence amongst them as well
as amongst any other breed, and it is certain
that the major part of those which have been
brought to England are of a very inferior
description, and were probably selected by
persons who were not qualified to judge of
those matters.

And it also happens that every foreign
horse which is introduced into this country
is called an Arabian, whether he be Spanish,
Barb, Turk, or Hanoverian, whereas, in
truth, there is as much real difference be-
tween the true Arabian horse and any one of
those just mentioned, as there is betwixt
gold and brass.

The Spanish horse is the worst of his
species in the creation. He has neither
strength, speed, nor durability. His form
is the very reverse of excellence in every
point. A long head, narrow front, small
eyes, a large bony and prominent nose,
small nostrils, thick leather lips, narrow
jaws, thick throat, heavy and fleshy neck,
upright and thick shoulders, small chest,
short and thin arm, long and slight shank,
small joints, long sloping pasterns and narrow
hoofs, flat ribs, hollow back, short quarters,
small round thighs, weak hocks, cat hammed.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

2)

round croupe, and a coarse bushy tail,
appearing- as if it were stuck into the rump.
And in regard to his action, he raises his
fore-leg high in a perpendicular direction
without advancing his shoulder, throwing
his feet outwards every time they are sus-
pended in the air.

The reader, who is a judge of horses, and
who has ever seen one of the Spanish breed,
will know full well that the above description
is in no deijree cxa£:"erated.

The Barbary horse is somewhat less ob-
jectionable than the Spanish, both in regard
to speed and bottom, as is proved by tracing
some of our best racing blood to a cross
with that breed; but his external form is by
no means well adapted for general purposes,
being high on the leg, and narrow in his
body and croupe. His action however is tne
reverse of that of the Spanish horse, as he
moves with a strait leg, and very near the
ground.

The Turkish horse is a strong, sprightly
little animal, with good and safe action, and
when crossed with large English half-bred
mares is likely to produce a very serviceable
stock, either for the coach or the saddle.
The racing calendar enumerates some Turk-
ish stallions in the different pedigrees which
it contains.

The Hanoverian horse is of a srood size,
with rather high action, and in general grand
in his forehand, though somewhat light in his
ribs. When crossed with English blood
mares he gets good hackneys, and excellent
coach-horses. The regiment of the Scotch
Greys some years ago had a Hanoverian
stallion which travelled with them to their
different quarters round the coimlry. Seve-
ral farmers' mares were sent to this horse

whilst the reijinient was stationed in War-
wickshire, and although he was by no means
a superior horse in his shape or appearance
still he got some very useful well-formed
stock, and with good and safe action. The
German and Danish horses have a pretty
close affinity with the Hanoverian. Holstein
is said to produce a very excellent breed.
The common French horse is a very indiffer-
ent animal, the best are bred in Normandy
The Russian horses, especially those upon
which the Cossacks are mptinted, are very
strong both in make and constitution, but
they have no pretentions to beauty, having
rather coarse bony heads, with strait necks,
and being what is called ragged hipped, and
cat-hammed, that is to say, with their hocks
standing close together. But they have
clean flat legs with little hair at their heels,
and certainly have better blood in them than
their external appearance testifies.

They are evidently well adapted for the
description of service in which they are used,
perhaps better than those of any other coun-
try whatsoever.

The horse which Platoff rode as his
cnarger, and which he brought with him to
England, is one of the strongest animals of
his height, without useless weight, that can
be conceived. Although he was twenty
years old and had been ridden in several
very severe campaigns, yet his legs were as
clean and perfect as on the day he was
foaled. His arms and thighs were remark-
ably muscular, and his chest deep and capa-
cious. His action was firm and nimble,
and he could walk at least five miles in the
hour.

There was also another capital hor&e
ridden by one of the private Cossacks who

22

THE COMPLETE FARRIER • and

was here in attendance upon PlatofF, and
which was sold to an English gentleman for
one hundred guineas.

The Persian horses are large and bony^
shewing much blood. They are bred from
Arabian horses^ and owing to the good pas-
turage of most parts of Persia, they attain
a larj^er size than the latter. Sir Gore
Ousely has lately brought some to this
country, which may be considered as good
specimens of the breed.

It is very probable that some good
horses misjht be found amongst those which
run wild in South America, but at present
we possess but little information respecting
them, except that they may be bought for a
dollar each, being caught and slaughtered
merely for their skins.

The superior excellence of the English
'olood-horse may be ascribed to the care and
attention bestowed upon breeding for the turf,
and which system has been uniformly kept up
for a great number of years. Still it is
doubted by some old sportsmen whether the
present race is equal to those w hich existed
at the time of the Godolphin Arabian, and
which were his first produce. It is thought,
and perhaps with some reason, that the pre-
sent custom of running them so young, has
led to a slighter breed than formerly, as small
light horses are known to acquire their
streno'th much earlier than those of a lars:er
frame.

If this be the fact, it is a circumstance
much to be deplored, because it must have a
tendency more or less to deteriorate the breed
for general purposes.

There is, however, at least one antidote to
such an evil^ to be found in the Prince Re-
genl's stud at Hampton-court, at which place

the greatest pains are taken to breed tho-
rough-bred horses of large size and bone,
and if conclusions are to be drawn from the
specimens which the young stock exhibits,
it is evident that those exertions have been
crowned with the greatest success. Indeed,
the whole of that establishment is conducted
on such an admirable and judicious system
as cannot fail of attaining the object it has
in view, as far as it is possible to be accom-
plished.

As it is pretty well ascertained that our
best breed of horses has been produced trom
Arabian stallions, it becomes a matter of
some consideration whether a more frequent
recurrence to a first cross trom horses of that
country than is generally practised would
not be beneficial, in regard to keeping up the
original blood. But there is a very preva-
lent opinion amongst gentlemen on the turf,
that the first cross from an Arabian stallion
seldom answers the expectation of the
breeder, and as they breed for immediate
use, few of them choose to incur the expense
of waiting for the produce ot a second cross.
That this opinion may in some degree be
well-founded, is by no means improbable,
especially when we reflect on the very infe-
rior qualities both in shape and action ex-
hibited by many of those horses which are
imported as Arabians, but which, as has be-
fore been observed, have no real claim what-
ever to that appellation.

That there are occasionally some capital
horses i)rought over from that country there
can be no doubt. There is one in the Prince
Regent's possession called the Cole Arabian,
which though apparently a small animal. Is
in reality one of the strongest and largest
horses of his compass ever seen, shewing, at

BRITISH SPOllTSiMAN.

-is

the same time the hijjhest blood possible,
with excellent legs and well fixed to the
body. The Earl of Dartmouth has also a
very capital Arabian at his scat at Sandwell,
near Birmingham, and there is one belong-
ing to Mr. Weston, horse-dealer, of London
Wall, Moorficlds, which is most excellent in
his shape and action, and which promises to
get stock every way adapted both for strength
and speed. The importation of an Arabian
horse is attended not only with considerable
difficulty, but with such an expense as few
|Mivate individuals choose to bear;* the most
likely means therefore of obtaining any va-
luable animals of that breed, would be by a
subscri[)tion amongst a certain number of
breeders, and by sending out a person to that
country properly skilled and qualified to
make a judicious selection.

INIr. Moorcroft, veterinary surgeon, late
of Oxford-street, but now in the service of
the East India Company, has been stationed
in that country for some time, and it is to be
hoped he will avail himself of the opportu-
nity which his occupation affords him of pro-
curing some of the very best specimens of
that race of horses. The maintaining the
acknowledged superiority of English horses
is an object of national importance, especi-
ally in regard to the mounting of our cavalry,
as the ever memorable day of Waterloo will
sufficiently testify.

One cause of the increase of a bad breed
of horses in the country arises from the want
of proper stallions. The major part of those
which are led about from one market-town

* Tlic Earl of Klgiii, wliilst in Tiirkov, offered to ;i iiutive, in
a tiT)- humble station, live hnndrcd pounds for an Arul>iiin
mare uliirh he lodc, but was refuseiL

to another, consist of ill-formed and mon-
grel-bred animal.s, made extremely fat for
the purpose of concealingthe natural defects
in their shape, added to which they are often
blind, lame, and broken-winded. They are
generally in the possession of some low fel-
low, who can just raise money enough to
purchase an inferior blood-horse, that hat:
nni once or twice for country sweepstakes,
totally disregarding his natural form and pro-
perties. These generally cover at one gui-
nea, or one guinea and a half, and it is to
such horses as these that the farmers con-
stantly send their mares, and one conse-
quence of this low price is, that the horse
has more mares put to him than he ought to
have, and the stock is weak and undersized
in proportion to the excess. It is certainly
not worth the while of any person to keep a
good stallion at a lower rate than four or five
guineas a mare ; still such is the parsimony
of the farmers in this respect, that they will
not go beyond the old low price, although
they have the conscience to ask eighty or a
hundred guineas for their colts at four years
old.

It is not more than two or three years ago
that one of these country stallions, called.

Alligator^

was in great vogue in War-

wickshire and Staffordshire. The legs of this
horse were naturally very badly formed, and
they exhibited every disease that is incident
to that part of the animal machine, having
spavins, curbs, and ring-bones. Yet, as he
stood sixteen hands high, these defects were
disregarded, in the expectation that the size
of his produce would com[)ensate for all risk
in otner respects. It is customary with some
of the agricultural societies to otter premiums
for the best cart stallion, and though the

"^i

THE COMPLETE EARRIER; and

prize is generally (and very erroneously)
give to one of those unwieldy, black, hairy-
leojied brutes with which the country
abounds, still it excites some emulation,
and would, if directed by good judgment,
have very beneficial effects. If the same
system were adopted in regard to saddle-
stallions it would tend to establish a greater
and more extensive reformation in the choice
of proper horses to breed from, than any other
means whatever, because, by bringing toge-
ther all the stallions in the neighbourhood
before such a general assemblage of country
gentlemen and farmers as attend agricultural
meetmgs, it would afford an opportunity of
making critical observations on the compa-
rative merits of the different animals, and
would thereby expose the defects of those
that were inferior, and probably prevent their
further propagation.

The foregoing may be considered as radi-
cal errors in the present system of breeding,
but these errors, adverse as they are, must
be greatly aggravated by the too prevalent
custom of starving colts for a year or two,
until the time of their beiu": broug-ht into
work. This is, undoubtedly, a most mis-
taken economy, because it must impede the
growth of the animal at a period when nature
requires an extra supply to support the con-
stant increase of the whole machine. And
moreover, it is a very serious injury to the
interest of the public, as it reduces the power
and utility of an annual that is indispensably
essential both to the necessities and luxuries
of life. It is a folly, however, which in some
measure carries its own punishment with it,
by lessening the value of the horse when
brought to market.

In bleeding of horses it is very probable

that certain local circumstances, in regard to
soil and pasturage, have a considerable in-
fluence on the size and natural properties of
the animal.

Light soils, and a hilly surface of ground,
generally produce clean, vigorous, and active
horses, and probably there is no county m
England where a better sort are bred than in
Shropshire. Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are
celebrated for carriage-horses, and many
very good ones are reared in those districts,
but the major part are more or less deficient
in those qualities both of form and constitu-
tion which distinguish the Shropshire breed
from most others.

The chief radical point to be attended to
in breeding is a proper adaptation between
the horse and mare. With a view to give
size to coach-horses, it is very usual to cross
with thoroughbred stallions and cart mares.
But this plan seldom succeeds in producing
an equal combination of the form and quality
of both.

The two animals are too remote from
each other in all their natural properties,
and the produce is very often a light car-
cased horse with a large coarse head and
long slight egs.

A horse sixteen or seventeen hands hi<»h
certainly has a grander efl^ect in harness
than one of a lower size, but it is a fact
pretty well known by all persons conversant
with the subject that the proportion of good
middle-sized horses with ffood ones of larger
dimensions is at least as one hundred to one.
The strenffth of the animal does not consist
in superior height but in the disposition and
size of the muscles of the body, and this
ou2:ht to be the first consideration in the
practice of breeding; for, in reality, the

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

25

length of the Ic^s has* nothiiij;- to <Io with tlie
size of the body, as horses of fourteen hands
high are very frequently niueh larger than
those that arc one or two hands higher.

Ill the selection of a stallion^ the first
object to be attended to is, that he shall
have no superfluous weight in his body. The
head, too, is a very material point, as it is
strongly indicative of the natural qualities o^
the animal, it being a very rare occurrence
to meet with a bad horse with a light and
well-formed head.

la proof of this argument, it may generally
be observed, that great fleshy-legged horses
have coarse lar^e heads with narrow fore-
heads, small eyes and nostrils, and in conse-
quence of their soft and relaxed texture, are
almost universally affected with swelled legs
and greasy heels. On the contrary, a small
light head, bold prominent eyes, and large
open nostrils, generally accompanies strength
of bodv and vigour of constitution.

This kind of head is almost invariably
peculiar to the Arabian horse, and to most
others that are bred in hot climates.

In crossing the breed, it has generally
been supposed that opposite proportions in
the horse and mare are necessary to produce
good .stock — thus, it is very common to put
a long backed mare to a short backed stallioTi,
and vice versa, in the expectation that the
offspring will possess the happy medium
between both. But such an expectation
is almost always fallacious, and seldom an-
sweis the purpose intended. It is always a
hazardous si)eculation to breed from an indif-
ferent animal on either side, and it is cer-
tainly a more judicious employment of time
and trouble, and more likely to be crowned
tvith sucee.ss, to breed from two animals

originally perfect, than to propagate where
one of them is radically defective.

Still, breeders of every description of
horses talk about large roomy marcs,
which in general are nothing but great-
bellied and long-backed animals, with
scarcely any quarters or legs.

This capaciousness of belly is supposed
to be essential to the production of large
colts, but such an opinion ought not
to be considered as absolute, for it fre-
quently happens that these large roomy
mares, as they are called, bring the smallest
colts. The size of the foal is most probably
dependant on secret and invisible causes,
such as strength or weakness of constitution
in the sire or dam.

A propensity to particular diseases may be
very reasonably concluded to be hereditary,
especially in regard to blindness and broken
wind; and it certainly is an injudicious
course of breeding to propagate from horses
that are labouring under those defects. In
the choice of a stallion, the legs and feet are
of the first importance, for however excellent
the natural properties of his produce may
be in respect to speed, wind, and constitution,
yet the use of those qualifications will be but
of short duration if the legs and feet are
imperfect

There is naturally a very great difference
in the physical constitution of horses' feet ;
some being so prone to dryness and inflam-
mation as never to be perfectly sound and
healthy whilst kept in the stable. Horses
with feet of this description, generally begin
to fail even at six or seven years old, and
consequently become a source of constant
vexation and disappointment to the owiiei.

The temper of a stallion is also a subject

96

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

for consideration. The use of horses, even
lliose of the most gentle dispositions, is
always attended with son\e risk and danger,
but where they are naturally vicious, of
ecarse that danger must be increased in a
great degree.

All these considerations, however, are too
frequently sacrificed to pedigree ; hence,
breeders very often attend more to name
than to any visible properties. The preva-
lent custom of castrating so many horses in
this country, leaves but very few stallions,
and of course diminishes the number to
chuse from, as well as the chance of a good
selection, and how often is it a matter of
regret when we see a remarkably fine and
excellent gelding, that such an animal should
have been deprived of the means of conti-
nuing his species.

In some parts of Germany the breeding of
horses is deemed of such importance that
the government provides stallions for the
different districts. Such a system, when con-
ducted and regulated by good judgment,
must he highly beneficial, and it might very
easily be carried into effect in this country
by attaching to every regiment of cavalry one
or more stallions of superior form and qua-
lities, which should be stationed with the
regiment wherever it might happen to be
quartered, and which should cover a certain
number of farmers' mares free of expence.
The Scotch Greys adopted this plan some
years ago, and with good effect.

The most favourite stallions for the turf of
late years have been Eclipse and Highflyer,
and the preference has been given to each
alternately, according to the prevailing opi-
nion of the day. Mercury was got by
Eclipse, and has been the progenitor of a

long list of excellent horses, remarkable for
their power, both in make and constitution.
Sir Peter Teazle was got by Highflyer, and
has also ijiven birth to a e^reat number of
capital horses, but they do not generally
shew that high blood and that clean and
vigorous form which are so evident in the
Mercury breed. Meteor, one of this breeds
was perhaps the strongest and most beauti-
ful horse of his size that ever existed.

In breeding for the turf it is customary to
arrange it so that the foals may be dropped
in the winter, by which means an additional
half-year is obtained in the age, as the time
of calcuUiting the age is always from the
month of May.

But this is a complete inversion of the or
der of nature, and the consequence is that the
dams are seldom so well furnished with milk
as they are at a period when the weather is
warmer, and the grass in a growing state,
and upon that account the foal is reared
with more risk and difficulty, as the milk has
not that purgative quality which is necessary
to cleanse its intestines soon after it is drop-
ped, whence an extreme costiveness some-
times ensues, which is often fatal to the
young animal.

Carrots, or any other succulent roots, con-
stitute proper food for the mare, and assist
considerably in the production of milk.

Mares, especially those selected for breed-
ing for the turf, continue to breed to a very
advanced age; but it is a matter of some
doubt, whether the produce is so strong and
vigorous as those which are generated at an
earlier age. Very old mares do not graze
well on account of their teeth, and there-
fore require to be supported by artificial
means, hence their natural resources ior

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BUITlSll SrOIlTSMAN.

^7

siipplyliij;- the foal witli nutrition must be
much diniiiiishod.

Tlic colour of horses has been supposed
by some to be an object of importance. It is
pretty certain there are fewer thorouj;li-brctl
black horses than of any other colour.

It has been remarked, and with some
truth, that the chesnut colour is generally
accompanied with more irritability and im-
petuosity of temper than any other; they are
also considered to be more delicate in their
constitution.

But there is an old adage, that a good
horse cannot be of a bad colour, and per-
haps it is not a circumstance of much radical
importance in breeding, provided the animal
be excellent in his general properties.

The combination between the horse and
the ass produces the mule, which is certainly
a very useful animal, particularly in hilly or
rocky countries. They are not so strong as
the horse in bodily powers, but they are
much hardier in constitution, and are much
less subject to disease, and live and arc
capable of being useful to a far more ad-
vanced age, some of them reaching forty
and even nearly fifty years. They are, how-
ever, incapable of propagating from a self-
evident law of nature, which is necessary to
keep up a distinction of species amongst
difierent animals, which otherwise would be
totally lost or confounded by such intermix-
tures. Bnffon, and other French naturalists,
speak of an animal engendered between the
horse and the cow, and which they call, " a
Jumart." If such an animal can be produ-
ced, (which, however, is very doubtful) it
must be of veiy little use for any of the
purposes in which either of its progenitors
arc usually employed.

By partaking of the properties of the
horse it must become no longer a proper
article of food for man, and if of the cow it
must be much less adapted for labour, espe-
cially for the saddle.

The breeding of horses to be rendered
generally useful, should be conducted on a
more settled and defined system than it now
is. It is an universal complaint, that good
saddle or road-horses arc very scarce. The
first qualification of a road-horse should be
that of safe and pleasant action, and this is
very rarely met with in thorough-bred horses,
for the animal may have great speed, and
may perhaps avoid stumbling w hen going at
his greatest exertion, but may be very care-
less and unsafe in his slower paces. The
country stallions, as has been before observ-
ed, almost universally consist of thorough-
bred horses that have been selected more fot
their pedigree and racing performances than
for any other properties. JNIany of these
are very badly formed in their legs, and
shew evident signs of bad action by the
scars on their fetlock-joints, occasioned by
striking one leg against another.

As this is the description of horses to
which the farmers' mares are generally sent,
it is not very surprising that so few good
road-horses are to be found in the country ;
and as fox-hunting is become so prevailing an
amusement in almost every county in Eng-
land, the farmer's object is, more to breed
hunters than i ackneys, on account of their
obtaining a higher price for the produce ;
because, from some very unaccountable rea-
son, few riders will give above sixty or seventy
guineas for a road-horse, when in lact a good
one of that description is worth more money
than three-fourths of tiic hunters put together.

9.S

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

The proper stallion for breeding road-
hoises should be what is called half-bred,
with a small head, a well-turned neck, issu-
ing high out of his breast, shoulders deep,
and not too narrow at the upper part or
withers, rather a broad chest, especially
behind the elbow, long muscular arm and
short shank. He should go light in hand,
'vith great liberty in his shoulders, and the
knee should be elevated and advanced dur-
ing the trot, so as to be seen by the rider,
projecting beyond the breast. His back
should be short and ribbed home, his girth
Jarge, and his belly round. His hind-quar-
ters should be bold and muscular, and not
too long in the thigh and leg. This is a
kind of stallion but too seldom to be met
with, yet it is from such as these that good
road and cavalry-horses are chiefly to be
expected, and it would be highly advanta-
geous to the service, if such a stallion could
be attached to each regiment on the plan
suggested in a former part of this chapter.
There was a horse in Lincolnshire a few
years ago, known by the name of the " use-
,ful Cub," which was a strong half-bred ani-
mal, and a very fast trotter. Many very
useful and excellent hackneys were bred
from him, and it is to be lamented that
there are not more stallions of the same
description, but it is very seldom that half-
bred horses are kept not castrated, from the
idea, and certainly a very erroneoiis one,
that they are not worth breeding from. The
high rent which land has borne of late
years, has undoubtedly operated very pow-
erfully against the rearing of middle-priced
horses, as little or no profit could arise from
a horse kept until he was four or five years
oiii, when sold under sixty guineas, especi-

ally as he could not be made useful, as cart
colts are at two years old, by working them
at plough a few hours daily. Indeed it is f.
matter of surprise, how it has been possible
to supply the regiments of cavalry at the
regidation price, and it is to this cause that
may be ascribed the circumstance of so many
undersized weak animals having been ad-
mitted into several corps of light-dragoons,
the bad consequences of which were expe-
rienced at the late ever-memorable battle, by
their being unable to make any serious im-
pression in their charges for want of suffi-
cient strength and substance.

The French veterinary writers and natu-
ralists have written several voluminous trea-
tises on the subject of breeding. One of the
latest of these authors, a Monsieur Hugard,
setting aside the verbosity so common to
writers of that country, has given some use-
ful and pertinent remarks. He supposes that
the general race of horses throughout the
globe has sprung from one common stock,
the Arabian horse. He then proceeds to state,
that all the improvement in the breed of
French horses arose from those foreign stal-
lions which were brought into France after
the crusades, and that their excellence would
not have degenerated or disappeared but
from the omission of returning occasionally
to the original source which their neighbours
had known how to turn to such advantage.
He says, " It is scarcely two ages ago that
we were greatly superior to them in this re-
spect, and that Henry IV. sent to queen Eli-
zabeth some beautiful horses, from the stud
at Berri, which were much finer than any
that England possessed at that period. We
have also seen in our own time, Bourgelat
and Chabert send stallions from Normandy

BlirnSIl SPORTSMAN.

yii

into Kngiaud of an excellent (inulity, which
were disici^ aided and undervalued by us, but
\Mneh tlie Enj^lish, wlio were better judges
llian (jurscIvcSj knew well how to appreciate.
We are at this day behind-hand upon
this point with almost all the rest of Europe.
Above all, llie En<>lish have not only far sur-
passed us, but they have had the address to
profit by our negligence and our indolence,
to v\hich may also be added our ignorance,
in turning- to their own use horses which we
despised, or of the properties of which we
were incapable of forming a just estimate.
The stallion known by the name of the Go-
dolphin Arabian, was bought at Paris for
eighteen louis d'or, as a horse of little value,
and from which we had obtained no stock.
He produced afterwards in England, Babra-
ham, Mask, Regulus, and several other ex-
cellent race-horses, for the descendants of
which we have since paid enormous prices.
It is therefore to be hoped, that, become
more enlightened, and more sensible of our
true interests, and favoured by the beauty of
our atmosphere, and the salubrity of our
climate and our pasturages, we shall hasten
to regain what we have lost by our apathy,
and employ, in the improvement of the breed
of our horses, those excessive sums which
we are obliged to export in the purchase of
tliose of which we are in want."

This is certainly a very candid admission
for a Frenchman, especially one of (he pre-
sent day. Another French author, Preseau
de Dampierre, speaking of English horses,
says, "their draught-horses are not better
than our Norman horses, and the inferiority
of the English breed, when unmixed with
•he Arabian, proves the necessity of the
pains which they have taken for an improve-

H.

ment in that respect. I'he re<jeiieralion.
however, of English horses has been carrfea
to its gieaiest height, as is tlie oj)inion of
one of the writers of that nation. In the
year 1794, George CuUey states, that lat-
terly very few Arabian or other foreign
horses have been imported into England ;
breeders of race-horses liaNing discovered
that they could obtain a better stock by
using the best English stallions only, that is
to say, of the improved race, and known by
the appellation of blood-horses." Preseau
de Dampierre then goes on to state, " It must
not be supposed, as several writers on the
subject have pretended, that it is to chance,
or to the excellence of the mares, or to cli-
mate that England owes the improvement of
her breed, and to prove this assertion, let us
refer to Richard AV'all, who speaks as follows
on this subject : ' The English are well
convinced, that so far from leaving the
breeding of horses to chance alone, it re-
quires, on the contrary, the' greatest precau-
tions, and ought to be conducted on the result
of close attention and observation.' Tliis
remark of Wall's, from which his country-
men appear to have profited, is useful to the
majority of our French breeders, who un-
doubtedly have the opportunity of profiting
by it also. He add.s, however, an absurd
opinion, which, as well as many others, exist
in England, in regard to France, that she
cannot rear horses so well as England. It
is certain, however, that France, which
abounds in forage as well as England, may
have excellent horses of all descri|)tions, and
the only reason why she has not, arises
from her having hitherto pursued a wrong
method for that purpose. The English
liorses," he contiinies, " are the most cele-

30

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

brated in Europe, but their establishineuts
for breeding being not so complete as ours,
and their climate in no part of it to be com-
pared with the south of Prance, we evidently
have many advantages which they do not
possess.

" The crossing of the Arabian and other
Asiatic horses with the English breed, and
the farther crossing of their produce with
each other, has naturally produced a divi-
sion into five classes, which are very distinct
and have been well preserved.

" The first is the race-horse, proceeding di-
rectly from either an Arabian or Barb with
an English mare that has been bred by a si-
milar cross. This is what the English call
their highest blood.

" The second is the hunter, arising from a
blood-horse and a half-bred mare. This
class is very numerous — they are stronger
than the first and capable of undergoing
ffreat fatigue.

" The third is the result of a cross of the
hunter with mares of a more common de-
scription, these constitute the coach-horse.
It is from these two classes that the English
export so many throughout Europe, and par-
ticularly to France.

" The fourth is the draught-horse, the pro-
duce of the former with the strongest mares
of the country. There are some of this
breed of the greatest size, and in their form
and character not unlike the horses which
are seen cast in bronze.

" The fifth has no particular character,
being the result of accidental crossing among
the rest. Still, notwithstanding this mix-
ture, the influence of the Arabian blood
may be traced in some degree even amongst
the most common sort.

" The English have procured Arabian
horses, and have devoted the greatest at-
tention and care to their system of breedinjf,
particularly by publishing the genealogy of
those which they considered as their best
produce. They have well understood the
importance of this publication, for, by these
means, they have been able to have re-
course to stallions and mares that approached
the nearest to tlie original blood, for the pur-
pose of breeding, and thereby to preserve
the breed from degenerating.

'' Such is the state of breeding-horses in
England, where they pretend that they have
no occasion to return to Arabian horses, an
opinion which appears to be founded rather
on the estimation in which the English hold
their own breed, or the fictitious value which
they wish to put upon them, than upon fact.

" The race-horse is, in England, a grand
object of luxury and expense. Many rich
families have been ruined by the enormous
wagers which take place at their races, a.s
well as the expence of keeping the horses
It will hardly be believed that they have car-
ried their system to such an excess as to cover
lohole fields with sand, in order to produce a
more delicate lierbage, and more assimilated
to that which grows in Arabia from whence
the blood of these race-horses originated,
from the apprehension that the coarser sort
of "-rass would affect their wind, and that
five or six grooms, at six guineas per month
each, are employed to take care of one horse,
and that they warm the water for the horse
to drink in winter, with other ridiculous cus-
toms unknown even to the Arabs."

It is usually supposed that the mare has
conceived when she shews no farther desire
for the horse, but it is difticuU to ascertain

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

31

the fact with any certainfy until the sixth
mouth.

About this period, by looking attentively
at the mare's flanks immediately after she
lias drunk any considerable quantity of water,
some convnlsive motions or jerks may be per-
ceived. These movements arc occasioned
by the struggling of the colt, from its experi-
encing some inconvenience, either on ac-
courit of the coldness of the water producing
a sympathetic impulse on the matrix, or from
the stomach suddenly occupying more space
in the abdomen than it did whilst it w as empty.
The length of time that the mare carries her
foal is not more certain than it is in animals
of other species. It is generally, however,
twelve months. Cart-inares, and some also
of the hackney-kind, work constantly until
within a short time of their foaling, and pro-
vided their labour does not exceed the bounds
of moderation, it is undoubtedly beneficial
both in regard to the health of the mare as
well as to the growth of the foal that is within
her.

In womankind the advantages of bodily
labour are peculiarly manifest, and hence the
rustic mother escapes many of the evils and
inconveniencies attending the process of
child-bearing to which the more exalted part
of her sex are generally subject; nor is the
difference in their respective offspring less re-
markable in the qualities of health, size, and
strength.

Breedinsr-mares that are used in harness
should not be exposed to any violent exer-
tion, such as are called dead-pulls at a heavy
load or in bad roads, as the effect might be
dangerous and might bring on abortion.

It is customary to put the mare to the horse
about nine days after she has foaled. There

are some doubts, however, respecting the
propriety of this j)ractice from the consider-
ation that it is exacting too much from the
mare to oblige her to nourish her foal and to
support another within her at the same time,
and upon this account it is imagined that
either one or both ituist sufl'er by such a divi-
sion of their natural nutriment.

On the other hand, as the mare voluntarily
shews a desire for the horse so soon after foal-
ing, it may be presumed that nature would
not have dictated such a course without sup-
plying the means of accomplishing her object.
At all events, it is most prudent to allow an
interval of twelve months with old mares,
which naturally cannot have the same powers
as those that are younger.

The approach of the period of foaling is
indicated by the dropping of the flanks, and
by the enlargement of the udder. As soon
as these symptoms appear the mare should
be separated from other horses, and should
be left at perfect liberty. Should she expe-
rience any difficulty in foaling, proper assist-
ance should be given to her, but not until
it is absolutely necessary, as much harm may
be done by premature officiousness.

When it is sufficiently evident that the
mare cannot foal w ithout help, an examina-
tion by the hand should take place to ascertain
if the foal presents itself in a proper position,
which is with the head and fore legs foremost.
In ease the legs are bent, or out of a strait
line with the head, they must be placed right,
and the rest left to nature, but if the difficulty
still continues, the mare must be assisted by
taking hold of the legs of the foal and pull-
ing gently every time the mare makes an ef-
fort, which may be seen by the temporary
profusion of the nose and feet, but the assist-

32

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

ant must not pull except the nose of the foal
is visible as well as the legs, and then only
at the same moment that the mare makes an
effort of her own accord.

The custom of giving- the mare certain
drinks for the imaginarypurpose of strength-
ening her, or increasing her milk, are not
only ridiculous but often dangerous. After
foaling she cannot be left too quiet. There
is an absurd notion that the first foal is sel-
dom so large as the rest, on account of
the mare's belly not being so much distended
and so capacious as it afterwards becomes.
Such an idea, however, is founded upon no
rational basis whatsoever.

When the colt is about three months old
it should be accustomed to be handled, and
to have its legs taken up and the feet gently
hammered ; it should also be haltered, and
led about a few minutes every day. By
these means it becomes familiar with man,
and submits much more readily to the pro.
cess of shoeing and being broke ; it is also
of great advantage in case of its being
attacked with disease, or of receiving any
bodily wound or hurt in its limbs, as it
renders it much easier to give it medicine
internally, or to use external applications.

It is the custom with some breeders to
dock the tails of their colts at six or nine
months old, as it is said to prevent the ne-
cessity of nicking, but even if such be the
result, it is a matter of some doubt whether
this practice, by depriving the young animal
of a part of his natural defence against the
Hies in the summer, is not detrimental to his
growth, by exposing him to the perpetual
torment arising from that source, and of
course reducinsr his means of taking in a
quantity of food in a given time, sufficient
for his support.

It sometimes occurs, that colts, notwith-
standing they are well fed, do not thrive.
In this case they are generally hidebound^
and their coats stare. This state of body is
very frequently produced by worms, and
until they are dislodged from the intestines
by medicine, no change for the better can
possibly take place. As nothing except pur-
gatives will remove worms, two drachms of
Soccotrine Aloes, mixed up with the same
quantity of Castile soap, may be given at a
dose, to a colt not under a year old, increasing
the dose two drachms, if two years old,
and two more if three years old. The
dose may be repeated once or twice, as
occasion may require, at intervals of a
week or ten days. The same medicine,
and in the same proportions, may be given
also after the colt has recovered from the
strangles, at which period it is useful to
carry off any remains of that disease which
may be left lurking in the habit. At two
years and a half old, colts shed two of
their front teeth, viz. the two centre teeth.
When this takes place they are rendered
for a time incapable of biting the grass so
well as they did before, and this inconve-
nience must exist in a greater or less de-
gree, until the new teeth grow up to a
level with the rest. In this case it is be-
neficial to give them mashes made of bran,
with either hay or straw cut into chaff.

At a year old, at latest, the colts and
fillies should be separated and kept apa-t
from each other, until the colts are cas-
trated. This precaution should be attended
to, to prevent any premature attempts to
procreate their species.

The best season of the year for per-
forming the operation of castration is lu
' the month of May, at which time the tempe-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

33

ralurc of the atmosphere is {^ciieriiUv mild j
and etiual. Some breeders defer the opera-
tion until the colt is three years old, with the
view of giving- him a fuller and loftier crest
and forehand, and it doubtless has consider-
able influence in the form and size of those
parts of the animal. It also gives a stronger
and more decided character to the limbs, es-
pecially the joints, and it renders the coat of
a deeper and brighter tone of colour than is
founed in the gelding. The operation is
performed by country practitioners with
great dexterity, and is very seldom attended
with the loss of the patient. They almost
invariably use the actual cautery or hot iron.
There are, however, some Veterinary Sur-
geons in London, who prefer ligature, par-
ticularly Mv. Field, who pursues this method
with the greatest success on stallions of all
ages, and with less inconvenience to the ani-
mal than generally attends the use of the
actual cautery. If the colt is two or three
years old, (or indeed at any age subsequent
to that date) and is full of flesh, it will be
prudent to reduce him a little by purgatives
previously to his undergoing the operation.
Castration is practised more in England

than in any other part of Europe. It cer-
tainly renders the animal more tractable, and
it gives the opportunity of turning him to
grass with mares as well as with horses with
less danger of mischief. But it enfeebles
him both in make and constitution, for the
gelding is certainly more delicate and less
capable of bearing the extremes of heat and
cold, and it is worthy of observation that
even the stallions which work in the brewers'
drays in London, and which are never
cloathed in the stable, and are often obliged
to stand many hours in the streets, are alway.s
fuller of flesh and finer in their coats than the
geldings of the same description. In the
shape and character of the head there is a
very evident difference between the stallion
and the gelding. In the stallion the fore-
head is broader; and the eyes bolder and
more prominent; the nostrils are larger and
capable of greater expansion ; the windpipe,
or trachea, is larger ; and hence, very proba-
bly, may be traced the cause why they are
generally better winded than geldings. In
neighing, also, the voice of the stallion is
more deep and sonorous.

a

34

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

THE MULE.

Before closing the chapter upon breeding,
it will be necessary to make some remarks
on the nature and properties of this useful
animal.

Mules are not bred in such great numbers
in England as they are in some other parts
of Europe, especially in Spain and Portugal.
This has arisen, most probably, from our
possessing such excellent horses of all des-
criptions ; nevertheless mules, when properly
bred, are most serviceable animals for several
branches of labour, and with the exception
of not being capable of propagating their
species, must be equally profitable to the
agriculturist as the horse, as they are cer-
tainly much hardier, less subject to disease,
and possess their strength and vigour to a
much more advanced age.

The mule may be produced either by the
anion of the horse with the female ass, or
the male ass with the mare. The first, which
is a more rare production than the latter,
partakes more of the figure of the horse than
the ass, and is much smaller, and conse-
quently not so useful an animal.

In some parts of Prance great pains have
been bestowed on the breeding of mules.
The best sort have been reared in Franciie
Comte, Dauphiny, L'Auvergne, Languedoc,
and Poitou. Monsieur Husard, in his treatise
on horses and mules, refers to a memorial
published by the council in the year 1717,
which describes a species of asses found in
Poitou which stood as high as the largest

sized mule, but were not of the same shape
They are described as having a coat of hair,
four or five inches in length all over the
body, with their legs and hocks as large as
those of a coach-horse.

These animals bore a great price, some
being sold as high as five hundred crowns
each. They Avere generally black, and the
grey ones were not considered as so excellent.
The cause of their high price was attributed
chiefly to the difl[iculty of rearing them until
three years of age, an age which three-
fourths of theni never reached. Several
parts of Italy, and Egypt, and Malta, are in
possession of a fine large breed of asses*
These are the only sort proper to breed from,
as the common English ass is very inferior
to these both in size and strength. The late
Mr. Skey, of Bewdley, in Worcestershire,
bred mules for many years from a Spanish
ass, and which animal, although he was "hot
very ren\arkable for size or strength, pro-
duced, when crossed with large waggon-
mares, mules sixteen hands high and of great
bone and substance, and of equal strength
with most waggon-horses of a middling size.
There is now in the vicinity of London a
team of four middle-sized mules, which fre-
quently draw a waggon laden with lime,
weio-hina: in the whole four tons, with great
resolution and steadiness.

Mules are particularly useful in military
service, for transporting baggage and othe.
appurtenances of an army. They live much

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

35

harder than the horse, and will eat a a^reat
variety of coarse herbage and plants, which
the cattle will not touch. They are much
less susceptible of disease, particularly of the
inflammatory kind, and their hoofs are so
hard and tough as not to want shoeing when
employed in any labour that requires only a
slow pace, or in any situation where the
roads are soft or sandy.

The officers of the British army were sen-
sible of their utility on the continent, and, at
the conclusion of hostilities in the Peninsula,
great numbers were brought to England and
sold at good prices. Some of these now
work in the hackney-coaches in the metro-
polis, and are undoubtedly superior in every
respect to the wretched, undersized, and
lame horses with which those vehicles abound.
Such indeed is the life of a hackney-coach-
horse that it is wonderful how he exists at all
under the evils to which he is unavoidably
exposed. For he seldom comes to that mi-
serable employment until he has been ren-
dered by disease of some description or other
unfit for any of the more elevated pursuits of
luxury, and in this reduced condition he is
subjected to all the extremes of cold, hunger,
and fatigue.

The Zebra and the Quagga are both evi-
dently of the asinine species. They are both
animals with whose natural properties we are
hut little acquainted, as very few of them are
brought to this country.

The first of these, the Zebra, is remark-
able for the beauty and regularity of the
stripes which pervade his head, neck, body,
and legs. This animal is singularly stronj;^^
in proportion with his size, especially in his
loins and hocks, and has every indication of
possessing great .speed.

The Quagga is not so beautiful in regard
to colour, but is shaped more like a horse.
The Earl of Morton has some Quaggas on
his estate in Scotland which are remarkably
handsome and well-proportioned. It is not
yet ascertained with certainty whether either
of these animals will engender with the horse,
but there can be no doubt, if such a thing-
be feasible, that the produce would be excel-
lent for a great variety of purposes. In that
case why should not the Zebra, crossed with
a thorough-bred mare, get a good racer ?
Such an experiment is at least worth the
trial.

It is a remarkable fact that the ass, let his
breed or his colour be what it may, is inva-
riahly marked with a long stripe down hi«
back, and with another across the withers, ex-
tending about half-way down the shoulders
There is a popular superstition attached to
this circumstance in Catholic countries, which
ascribes it to have been intended as a memo-
rial of our Saviour's having entered Jerusa-
lem riding on an ass, and that this mark re-
presents the cross.

36

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

ON SHOEING

It being unavoidably necessary, in conse-
quence of artificial roads, to protect the
hoof from injury or from a too rapid con-
sumption, by the application of an iron
shoe, it becomes a matter of the first impor-
tance that it should be constructed in such a
way as to adapt itself as nearly as possible
to the shape of the foot, so as neither to
impede the natural action of the leg by any
false bearing upon the ground, nor to cramp
or confine the elasticity of certain parts of
the hoof. There are so many opinions upon
this subject, that it might almost be supposed
that there never had been any two horses in
existence whose feet were alike. That there
is sonie radical difference in the substance of
the hoof, as well as a greater or less propen-
sity to disease in different horses, cannot be
denied, but the external form of it in the
colt before he is shod is universally circular,
the widest part being at the quarters. This
form is evidently the best calculated for the
office which the foot has to perform, for it
gives the animal a firmness and stability, by
increasing the surface upon which he has to
stand, a circumstance of very material im-
portance during his progression. The foot
\)f the colt therefore being invariably circti-
lar in its healthy state, it might reasonably ,
be supposed, that such a self-evident factjl
would be sufficient to remove all doubt
respecting its natural form, as well as to
point out the necessity of preserving that
form as nearly as possible.

But extraordinary as it may appear, it is
almost impossible to persuade a blacksmith
to give the shoe the same shape, as he
always makes it narrower at the quarter
than the hoof, under the pretence that the
horse would otherwise cut his fetlocks in
going. It is probable also that the force of
habit has no small influence on this occasion,
for being accustomed to make shoes for aged
horses, whose feet are straiter and narrower
at the quarters, he can scarcely bring his
hand to mould them in a more circular form.
This custom, therefore, of making the shoe
narrower than the hoof, in process of time,
contracts the quarters and brings on all the
bad consequences arising from such an un-
natural alteration.

This shews how necessary it is that every
owner of a colt should be peremptory in his
orders to the blacksmith to shape the shoe
precisely according to the hoof, for the evils
arising from a contraction in the feet are
never thoroughly or permanently removed
by any means hitherto known or practised.

The hoof of a colt is so firm and leastic
as to feel no inconvenience, even from the
hardest or roughest road. The only use,
therefore, of applying a shoe, is to prevent
its being worn away too rapidly by friction,
and the narrower the shoe is in its surface the
better; indeed, there is no occasion for its
being wider than just to admit the nails.
This also reduces the weight, which is evi-
dently in object of consequence. And in

IJUri ISII SPORTSMAN.

37

addition to this circumstance, it gives the foot
a hrinor liold of the ground^ especially upon
turf or upon soft slippery roads. The plates
with which race-horses are shod before run-
nine are of this construction.

It has been before observed^ in a former
part of this treatise, that the practice of
shoeinjr, even when conducted on the best
and most scientific principles, is always more
or less injurious to the foot. The principal
cause of the mischief arises from the intro-
duction of the nails, hence it would be a very
desirable object to discover some mode of
fixing the shoe without having recourse to
that practice. Mr. Bracey Clarke, whose
labours and researches have so long and so
usefully been directed to the elucidation and
improvement of the veterinary art, has made
many strenuous but hitherto unsuccessful
efforts to accomplish this object.

Whether his endeavours upon this point
be ultimately attended with success or failure
the public are indebted to him in no small
degree, but there appears to be a radical and
insurmountable obstacle existing in the form
of the hoof, which must render all attempts
to fix the shoe without nails hopeless and
unavailing.

The hoof exhibits an inclined plane from
the coronet to the ground, both in front and
behind, both lines taking the same direction ;
hence, it is impossible to keep the shoe
attached to it without great circular com-
pression, especially upon the quarter and
heels; and this compression, by preventing
the elastic expansion of the heels, would be
quite as hurtful as the nails. Had the hoof
been shaped like a cone, expanding in all
directions towards its base, there would have
been a greater probabilitv of some method

being devised for accomplishing such an im-
provement iti the system of shoeing, but had
such been the shape of the hoof, the horse
would have been iu constant danger of over-
reaching the heels of his fore-feet with the
toes of his hind-feet, in consequence of the
heels extending backwards instead of for-
wards. The oblique direction of the hoof
forwards from the coronet t« the ground is a
very necessary ordination, because the pres-
sure upon it during progression is not per-
pendicular, but slanting; hence, the fibres of
the horn taking the same oblique direction
resist the shock produced by the weight of
the body in a more equal degree. The
animal is also much less liable to stumble
than if the hoof stood perpendicular with
the ground.

One of the radical evils arisin": from
shoeiuij consists in confinin": the foot to a
certain boundary allowed it by the shoe.
This restraint prevents that elasticity of
action which the heels would possess if the
animal were unshod, and undoubtedly is the
principal cause of corns, and running thrushes
or diseased frogs.

In the natural state, the bottom of the
hoof would undergo a certain degree of
friction against the ground. This friction is
essential to the health of the horny substance,
by keeping up a proper circulation of the
fluids by which it is nourished, and by thus
distributing an equal portion of internal
moisture to every part, it preserves that
elasticity in its fibres without which it can-
not possibly be in a healthy state. But
when the horse is shod, all that part of the
wall of the hoof which lies between the shoe
and the clenches of the nails is so strongly
compressed as to interrupt, if not totally

S8

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

stop, the circulation of fluid through the
hom. Hence all that part becomes in a
manner dead and more brittle than the rest
of the hootj and very frequently breaks off
in taking off the shoe. Each nail must also
displace as much horn as its own bulk
occupieSj and on this account must con-
tribute largely to the compression of the
adjacent parts.

There is a very material difference be-
tween the English and French manner of
driving the nails. The English blacksmith
endeavours to drive the points as high up the
wall as passible, so as to leave but a very
small portion of the nail for the clench.
This mode requires considerable dexterity
to avoid touching the quick, and in order to
escape this evil, the point of the nail is
introduced as near as possible to the out-
ward surface of the wall, and is then driven
nearly in a parallel direction with its fibres
above half-way up the foot. But as the
foot increases in sensibility the nearer it
approaches the coronet, it is evident that the
nail by going so high before its point comes
out at the side of the wall, must occasion
some inconvenience to the animal in a greater
or less degree, according to the thickness or
thinness of the wall. This mode of driving
the nails is considered as a mark of great
skill in the blacksmith, but it is always
attended with some danger, and especially
during those periods of drunkenness in which
that class too frequently indulge. The
French blacksmiths are neither so neat nor
so handy in their operations.

In England one man alone holds the foot
and pares the sole, and nails on the shoe
without any assistance whatever, whilst in
France the same operation requires two.

one man holding the foot, whilst the other
affixes the shoe.

In driving the nails, the French blacksmiths
pursue the opposite course to that adopted
by the English, as they do not drive them
near so high as the latter, but they introduce
them much nearer to the edge of the sole,
and drive them so obliquely outwards that
the pomts come out at about three quarters
of an inch above the shoe. By this method
the nail has hold of a much thicker portion
of horn, and is equally firm, if not firmer
than if it were driven higher up, and is cer-
tainly less liable to produce inconvenience
in the upper and more sensitive part of the
foot.

To prepare the foot for the application of
the shoe, the following plan should be pur-
sued, provided the hoof be of its natural
form and in a healthy state, viz. to pare the
wall just sufficient to make it level ; to pare
the sole as much as will be necessary to
remove the dead surface which endeavours
to detach itself by scaling olf spontaneously;
the frog to be cleared of its ragged edges,
the heels not to be scooped out nor notched
in any way whatever. In performing this
operation it has generally been customary to
use the buttress, but even the most skilful
hand has not that command over it as is
necessary to regulate the exact quantity of
surface that ought to be taken away. This
difficulty may be obviated by the use of the
drawing-knife, but the extent of its use
should be limited to the rules just mentioned.
The wall of the foot returns inwards from
the heel to the point of the frog, forming
what is termed, the bars or binders. These
bars inclose the posterior points of the sole
and completely separate them from the frog

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

39

They constitute, in fact, the same division as
takes place in the cloven foot of the ox and
other animals of that tribe, except that tlie
cleft does not extend above half-way through
the foot. If suffered to grow down to the
ground, as in their natural state, they take a
considerable share of the weight of the body
from the wall and frog, and they likewise
afford great protection to that part of the
foot, by being harder than the sole, and more
capable of resisting injury. But black-
smiths in general appear to be totally igno-
rant of the use of the binders, hence they
generally cut them away and even make a
considerable notch between them and the
heels, an operation which they term " open-
ing the heels," but which invariably produces
ultimately the opposite effect.

The frog is a very necessary part, and
was evidently intended by nature to bear
some share of the pressure thrown upon the
foot. It fills up a large hollow space be-
tween the heels which arises in that part
from the concavity of the coffm-bone, and
is a strong defence to the tendon of the foot
at a part where it is inevitably exposed to
much danger of injury from Irard or sharp
substances.

In its sound healthy state it is generally
almost as hard as the sole, and assumes the
form of a wedge. It thereby gives stability
to the foot, and serves as a basis to the
flexor tendon of the legs, and assists the
elasticity of the posterior parts of the hoof.
But the common method of paring it away
even to the quick frustrates completely all
these intentions of nature, and being also
kept very high above the ground by thick
heeled shoes, it is deprived of that degree
of pressure which it was intended to bear.

and becomes soft from the accumulation of
the natural fluid which it secretes in great
abiuidance, from the fatty suljstance which
lies immediately above it.

This superabundant accumulation of fluid
at length makes its escape through the fis-
sure of the frog, and acquires, by exposure
to the atmosphere, a fetid smell and an
acrimonious quality sufficient to erode the
adjacent parts.

In this state the frog becomes so sore and
tender as not to endure pressure without a
very painful sensation. But the mischier
does not terminate tl ere, for as the frog very
probably contributes some share in keeping
the heels at a proper distance from each
other, its means of accomplishing that object
must naturally be reduced in proportion as
its size is diminished. A diseased state of
the frog may however occur even in a state
of nature, as appears sometimes in the feet
of colts at grass and which have never been
shod. But this rareiy happens, except where
the wall of the hoof is exceedingly strong,
thereby preventing the heels from being
sufficiently worn down, so as to bring the
fros: into contact with the earth. Soft and
wet pastures likewise contribute to produce
this diseased state. Previously to shoeing,
the ragged edges of the frog may be cut
away, but no greater quantity of it should
be removed upon any pretence whatever.
In order to save trouble, it is customary \\ith
blacksmiths to apply the shoe hot, and to
burn down the hoof until it fits the shoe.
This system is very pernicious, and should
never be suffered by any one w ho sets any
value on his horse's feet, for it causes a great
evaporation of moisture, and consequently
renders the horn drv and brittle and less

40

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

capable of holding the nails in their respec-
tive situations. The shoe, for a perfect
formed hoof, should not be above three
quarters of an inch broad. It should be of
the same thickness throughout, both at toe
and heel, whereby it will the nearer approach
to the natural position of the foot upon the
ground. It was the practice for some time,
at the Veterinary College, to make the heels
of the shoe extremely thin, with the view of
bringing the frog to the ground, and thereby
*.o give it that degree of pressure which is
necessary to its healthy state. But although
the intention was good, the means were
founded on a very erroneous principle, as
must be self-evident on a moment's conside-
ration. If the toe of the shoe be made
double or treble the thickness of the heel,
it must have the effect of throwing the foot
completely out of its natural position, by
raising the toe and lowering the heel. The
consequence of this unnatural position must
be to increase the angle of the pastern joint,
and to keep the tendons more upon the
stretch, and thereby to produce great fatigue
and inconvenience to the muscles of the
leg.

Attempts were made to obviate this- evil,
by paring the toe of the hoof to a greater
degree, and by leaving the heels untouched,
Ijut this plan was equally fruitless, because
in that case, the heels, by being permitted
to grow to such a height still kept the frog
from the ground as much as would have
been the case with a thicker-heeled shoe.
Another expedient to produce pressure upon
the frog, was also attempted at the college,
and with no better success. This was to be
effected by fixing a piece of iron, of the
same shape as the frog, immediately under

it, and by compelling the horse to stand
upon it, such a degree of pressure was to
he kept up as was judged necessary for the
purpose intended. But it seems not to
have been considered by the projector,
that the casual and moderate pressure
which the frog receives in a state of
nature when the foot is unshod, must be
very different to that partial and unremitted
pressuie which must arise from the frog
being obliged to bear on a hard and inelastic
substance, especially when it was so thick
and prominent as to take off the weight of
the body from almost every other part of the
foot. The consequence of the experiment
was such as might naturally have been anti-
cipated, from the sudden and unqualified
exposure of a part rendered tender, by dis-
ease, to such a painful process, namely, the
production of considerable inflammation in
that part of the foot. Experiments in all
matters relative to the veterinary art are
not only justifiable but praise-worthy, but
they should never be undertaken without
the most mature and ample reflection, and
should never be held out to the public until
their success has been well established by a
sufficient trial, because every failure that
attends any new system or theory, and espe-
cially in regard to those which emanate
from the fountain head, the college, has the
adverse eflTect of bringing not only that
institution, but the science in general, into
doubt and disrepute.

But to return to the subject. The shoe
should be perfectly flat and of an equal
thickness from toe to heel. It is customary
with Eno:lish blacksmiths to make a furrow
all round the under surface of the shoe, lor
the purpose of admitting the heads of tlie

BRITISH SPURTSMAN

41

nulls to a level with it. This is called
•• /ullering ." The French blacksmiths do
not adopt this plan, but leave the surface of
the shoe quite smooth and equal, and instead
of the "fuller," they make holes vvitli a
punch sufficiently large to bury the head of
«he nail, and this is certainly a better prac-
tice than the other, because the "fuller"
leaves two sides of the head of the nail
exposed to any hard substance that the foot
may strike against in going, and the nail is
thereby more liable to be drawn than when
its head is equally defended all round. It
also leaves a greater substance of iron to
the shoe, and consequently prevents its
being worn away so rapidly as in the other
instance. The shoe has not so neat an
appearance, but that is a matter of little
consequence when set in the scale against
the advantages of the French method.

The foregoing directions being laid down
principally for shoeing a good foot, it will
be necessary to point out what deviations
are required in regard to the various altera-
tions of form which are produced by a
diseased state of the hoof. The sole acquires
two very opposite alterations in its form and
appearance from certain causes operating on
the hoof. The one is a too great concavity
or hollowness, the other a too great con-
vexity or fullness of its surface.

The first generally takes place where the
wall of the hoof is remarkably strong and
dry. In this case the heels, by being pro-
tected from friction by the shoe, grow to an
immoderate height, and by their compres-
sion, force up the horny sole against the
fleshy sole which lies immediately above it,
and this produces a greater or less degree of
pain, according to the quality of pressure.

Tlie French veterinary writers call this
disease an encastclated hoof. This disease
it is obvious must be increased greatly by
the heat and dryness of the litter in the
stable. It is also generally accompanied
by corns, and ruiuiing thrushes or diseased
frogs, and a very evident contraction in
the heels. This contraction, however, never
takes place suddenly, as the internal parts
of the foot will resist it as long as
possible, but the continued pressure of
the quarters will ultimately produce an
absorption of the sides of the coffin-bone,
which is obliged in this manner to adapt
itself to the diminished capacity of the hoof.
In preparing a foot of this description for
shoeing, the heels should be pared as low
as possible, and the quarters rasped, and
the same shoe may be used as has been
recommended for the good foot.

On the other hand, when the sole is flat
or convex, a very diffigrent shoe must be
applied. This alteration in the sole is
sometimes produced by inflammation, or
what is called fever in the feet, and very
frequently by a continued series of bad
shoeing. When it is the result of inflam-
mation, the horse is said to be foundered
and the coffin-bones sunk. This disease
never admits of a cure. But when the
convexity of the sole is brought on by
bad shoeing only, some relief may be ob-
tained by adopting a better system. As
it arises in a great degree from partial
pressure on the wall of the hoof by hollow
webbed shoes, it requires a strict attention
to their proper construction in that respect.
In feet of this description, the wall is ge-
nerally thin and weak. In this case the
heels grow very little, comparatively with

42

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

the rest of the foot, the weight of the
body being sufBcient to prevent their in-
crease and to throw the new horny matter
more profusely to the toe. Here it is evi-
dent that the heels should never be pared,
and that the use of the drawing-knife should
be confined solely to the toe, which should
be kept as short as possible. The frogs
in feet of this description are generally large,
hard, and sound, owing to the greater de-
gree of pressure which the lowness of the
heels occasions.

The sole of the convex hoof being more
exposed than it would be in its natural state,
consequently requires a greater defence. The
shoe, therefore, must be broader, and its in-
ternal surface must correspond in some mea-
sure with the convexity of the sole, but not
more than is absolutely necessary to admit a
picker between them. The surface of the
shoe next the ground may be flat, and this may
be effected by bevelling the shoe from the
outer edge of the web to the inward edge, so
ds to leave a sufficient space between the
shoe and the sole. The caution against ap-
plying a hot shoe is particularly necessary to
be attended to in the present case. It is the
practice with blacksmiths to use a bar shoe
tor feet of this description. This plan pal-
Hates the evil for a time, but the shoe is ge-
nerally so badly formed, by being made hol-
low at the heels, that the foot is placed, as it
were, in a bowl, and the pressure on the heels
is still kept up, although in a different direc-
tion, and the disease is thereby ultimately in-
creased. A bar-shoe should never be used
except in very bad cases of corns, where it is
necessary to eradicate them by cutting away
the heel. There is, however, a great temp-
tatjon to blacksmiths to recommend them ; J

namely, the opportunity of charging a greater
sum than they do for the common shoe.

Various descriptions of shoes have been
invented for the purpose both of curing and
preventing contraction of the feet. Amongst
these was one recommended at the college,
and for which the professor obtained a pa-
tent. This shoe, which was intended to pre-
vent contraction of the heels, differs in no-
thing from the common shoe except in having
a clip at the inner edge of each heel which
turns over the binder and prevents its moving
inwards towards the frog. But the confine-
ment occasioned by this clip over the binders
totally prevents the elastic action of the
heels, and it is certain that as much pain and
inconvenience may be occasioned to the ani-
mal by keeping the heels constantly on the
stretch outwards as by compressing them in-
wards towards each other. Indeed, all at-
tempts to produce any sudden change in the
form of the hoof will be found totally use-
less, if not injurious. The disease comes on
gradually, the remedy therefore should be
gradual, as the texture of the horn is too firm
and tenacious to yield hastily to artificial im-
pressions. Horses which turn their feet either
inwards or outwards are very liable to strike
the fetlock joint of the opposite leg in going.
The usual remedy for this defect is to make
the shoe on the inside narrower than the foot.
It is also customary to attempt to place the
foot in a strait position, by making the shoe
thicker on the side opposite to that towards
which the toe may happen to incline. But
this practice must in some degree distress the
pastern joints by forcing them out of their
usual direction. When adopted in regard U
a colt it may be found useful, as his legs and
feet will grow according to the inclination

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

43

given them by the shoe, but in an aged horse
those parts are become too fixed and rigid to
be susceptible of any alteration.

l^he shoe, for any description of foot,
should not be longer than the heels, as it en-
dangers the horse in his going by overreach-
infr the heel of his fore-foot with the toe of
his hind-foot, and the consequence is, that if
the shoe is not forced off, the feet become
locked together, and the animal falls upon
his head.

In regard to waggon -horses, the common
method of shoeing them is detrimental in the
highest degree. The shoe is not only enor-
mously heavy, but is made so broad in the
web as nearly to cover the whole of the sole.
The surface next the ground is g;enerally
round, or convex, and the bad result arising
from this form is sufficiently obvious for the
following reasons ; for the stones of the
pavement being round and convex also on
their surfaces, but a very small portion of the
shoe can touch the ground. Hence the ani-
mal cannot stand so firm and steady as he
should do, nor can he have sufficient hold
for his feet when he is exerting his strength
in drawing a heavy load. He also slips about
continually, and is thereby deprived of the
means of employing his strength to the best
advantage.

This extraordinary weight of iron is there-
fore not only perfectly useless, but is also the
source of great inconvenience to the animal,
and if a narrow-webbed-shoe is useful in any
case, it is particularly so to the London cart-
horse, for it must give his feet a greater hold
of the ground and thereby increase his sta-
bility. It is pretended that the great breadth
of shoe just alluded to is necessary to keep
it on (he foot, and to prevent it from being

twisted. But so far from increa.singrthe firm-
ness of its attachment to the hoof, it mu.st be
more likely to loosen it, by the great and un-
necessary weight of iron of which it con-
sists, whilst the narrow-webbed-shoe, by sit-
ting closer to the hoof, and having no hollow
space between its own surface and that of the
foot, must evidently be less liable to be bent
than one of the description just mentioned.
Notwithstanding the foregoing observa-
tions, it must be admitted that the practice
of shoeing has been pretty generally im-
proved throughout the country, but it is evi-
dent that much still remains to be done be-
fore a thorough reformation can be accom-
plished. With a view to effect so desirable
an object, counlry-gentlenien have taken the
trouble to study the subject, to enable them
not only to ascertain whether their horses are
well or ill-shod, but also to give a certain
decree of instruction to the blacksmiths in
their neighbourhood. And in order to eluci-
date their precepts by ocular demonstration,
they have procured shoes made in London,
either at the Veterinary College, or at the
forge of some eminent practitioner. But it
has sometimes occurred unfortunately that
they have confined themselves to patterns for
a good fdot, without making any provision for
those variations of form produced by bad
shoeing or by disease; and from this circum-
stance has arisen much inconvenience, if not
the total failure of their laudable intentions.
For if a gentleman provides himself with a
pattern shoe for a good foot only, and insists
upon having a similar shoe applied to each
of his own horses, without taking into consi-
deration the state or form of the foot, the
most probable result will be lameness in a
greater or less degree.

44

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

On such an occasion as this the village
blacksmith has experience enough to know
beforehand, that a shoe for a good foot can-
not be fixed on to a pumied or convex foot
without causing lameness. He, therefore,
very reasonably remonstrates against the use
of it in that particular instance, but owing
to the little credil he has with his employer
for any knowledge whatsoever on the subject,
his remonstrance is seldom or ever attended
to, and the consequence is, that his predic-
tion as to the lameness is verified, and the
owner of the horse not only abandons all the
information he had before acquired, but con-
demns the whole London system of shoeing
and the Veterinary College altogether.

The period at which the foot of the horse
receives the greatest injury is from the first
time he is shod until he is six years old. For
supposing that he is shod at three years old,
the hoof must be for three years under the
constant confinement of the shoe, a circum-
stance which must evidently obstruct its
growth in a relative proportion with the rest
of the animal.

The custom adopted in China to keep the

feet of their women within a certain diminu-
tive and unnatural scale, is conducted much
upon the same principle as that just alluded
to, and the consequences are quite similar,
namely, a hobbling and imperfect gait, whicli
no subsequent means can remedy or over-
come.

It is therefore at the time of first shoeing
the colt that the greatest attention is requi-
site. Hence particular care should be taken
that the shoe be the full size of the foot, as
well as to put on new ones at least once a
month. In this case the pattern-shoe for a
good foot may be closely adhered to, in spite
of any objections on the part of the black-
smith, and without any danger of an unfa-
vourable result. But the most important
object to be borne in mind is the treatment
I of the foot at the time of shoeing, and one
inflexible rule should be strictly adhered to,
viz. never to permit the Ijlacksmith to shape
the foot to the shoe, but to oblige him to
shape the shoe to the foot, nor to suffer him
to cut away more of the hoof than would
naturally be worn away were the animal in
a state of nature.

DISEASES OF THE FEET.

The most general disease by which the
foot of the horse is affected is that of con-
traction, especially of the heels. This alter-
ation of the form and size of the hoof is, in
a great measure, the offspring of bad shoeing.

Other circumstances, however, may tend to
produce it, for instance, a natural propensity
to hardness and dryness in the horn, and
whicli must be greatly aggravated by stand-
ing on dry litter in the stable, or it may

HHITISII SPORTSMAN.

45

.sometimes occur by the horse's not pressing'
on the foot in consequence of lameness in
some other part of the leg.

The necessity of detecting the propensity
to tliis disease in its infancy must be siifTi-
cicntly obvious when it is a certain tact, that
if tlie contraction has existed any great
length of time a perfect cure is not to be
effected. The contraction never takes place
all at once, because the parts which are con-
tained witiiin the hoof do not yield iumiedi-
ately to the compression from without; but
when this compression is continued, an ab-
sorption of the coffin-bone begins and goes
on until it in some degree adapts itself to
the diminished capacity of the hoof.

As the groat strength and thickness of the
wall of the hoof is one of the primary causes
of the contraction, it must be evident that
it is a very injudicious practice to pare the
sole too thin, the consequence of which is
the lessening that degree of resistance which
the sole allords, and which is necessary to
keep up an equal and uniform action in
every part of the foot. The disposition to
contraction in the heels must be greatly
increased by the use of hollow-webbed shoes,
which do not sit flat at the heels, and in this
case the frog, for want of pressure upon the
ground, will become diseased, and by its
consequent soreness will render the horse
very unsafe in his going when he happens to
tread upon any hard projecting substance in
the road. Feet of this description are also
generally affected with corns, owing to the
heels being bound both by the strength of
the walls as well as by the bad form of the
shoe. When the contraction exists to a great
degree, the sole is sometime pressed against
6o strongly at its edges by the quarters, as to

ascend against the fleshy part of the foot
w hich lies immediately above it, and thereby
to create great pain and inconvenience to the
animal.

Many attempts have been made to expand
tiie hoof to its original dimensions, and as
the contraction was supposed to have been
occasioned by the compression of the circu-
lar fibres of the horn, some practitioners
have attempted to obviate this evil by divid-
ing those fibres cross-ways, by scoring deep
furrows almost to the quick, from the coronet
to the bottom of the wall. Others, with the
view of expanding the heels, have applied a
shoe with a hinge at the toe, and a repellnig
screw at the heels, for the purpose of forcing
the heels outward. But if this shoe be nail-
ed on at the toe as well as at the heels, it is
clear that its expansion must be stopped at
the first nail from the hinge, and that its
principal action will therefore be against the
front of the hoof and not against the heels.
Independently of this circumstance, such a
mode of attempting to expand the heels
must produce very bad consequences, be-
cause the external parts of the foot have
naturally a close adhesion to the internal
parts, and therefore if the horn of the hoof
is pulled outwards in a lateral direction, the
internal substance cannot follow it, and
consequently all the laminated fibres being
kept on the stretch, great pain and inflam-
mation must ensue.

But it happens in nine cases out of ten, in
contracted hoofs, that the internal parts of
the foot have underiione some irrevocable
alteration in their structure; such as an
anchylosis, or union between the lower pas-
tern-bone, and the coifin-bone, so that
the use of the joint is completely destroyed

M

46

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

Or it may happen that the cartilages or
gristly substance which is placed within the
coronetj just over the quarters^ may have
become ossified or converted into bone, so as
to have lost that elastic action which na-
turally belongs to it.

In either of these cases it is evident, that
even if it were possible to expand the hoof
by any of the artificial methods before-men-
tioned, such an expansion would be of no
service whatever, because it could not restore
the internal parts to their original shape and
properties.

Another practice resorted to by the com-
mon farriers in cases of contracted feet is to
draw the sole, that is, to tear off the horny
sole from the fleshy sole. But the extreme
barbarity of this practice has nothing to
defend it whatsoever, for so far from its prov-
ing the means of resisting the contraction of
the walls, it serves but to increase it by
removing, (until the growth of the new sole
is completed,) one of the chief obstacles to
such a tendency. The disposition to con-
traction in the heels must be greatly increas-
ed from the want of sufficient pressure upon
them whilst the horse is in the stable, owing-
to the pavement of the stall being almost
universally formed with a declivity back-
wards. From the horse beino- thus obliged
to stand constantly up-hill, the weight of the
body is thrown principally upon the toe, in
which case the heels bearing little or no
share in the pressure must be more subject
to contraction.

As the want of sufficient moisture is un-
doubtedly one cause of this troublesome dis-
ease in the feet, the evil may in some degree
be palliated by tying wet woollen rags loosely
over the coronet, and keeping them wet by

frequently dipping them in water during the
day, but the use of the sponge-boot will an
swer the purpose equally well, and these may
be procured at most of the sadlers' shops in
the kingdom.

But the njost eflfectual way of stopping
the progress of contraction in the hoof, is to
turn the horse to grass or to straw-yard per-
fectly barefoot both in his fore and hind
feet. The common practice is to take off
the hind shoes only, or to shoe the fore-feet
with tips, from the apprehension of the
hoofs being broken if not protected in some
way or other. The folly of this practice is
self-evident, because one of the principal
sources of relief to a contracted hoof, must
consist in leaving it free and uncon fined on
its surface so as to undergo a gradual ex-
pansion, but if the hoof is still fettered by a
shoe, it is obvious that no expansion can
take place.

It is true that when the animal is turned
out barefoot, the hoof generally chips off as
high as the clenches of the old nail-holes,
because that part of the horn has become
dead and brittle, by the pressure it has un-
dergone between the shoe and the clenches ;
but the hoof is constantly growing down-
wards, and consequently these broken parts
will disappear in a short space of time, es-
pecially as the hoof increases much faster
when the animal is out in the field, owing
to the moisture as well as the friction which
it receives from the earth. Contracted feet
are very frequently attended with corns,
which in the horse are very different from
those in the human being, the latter bein^
an increased hardness of the part alTected,
whereas, in the horse it is attended with an
unnatural so^'tness so as to admit blood be-

I5UITISII SPOirrSJMAN

47

tween the horny fibres of the sole and to
give it a red appeiH'aiice, at tlie same titiic
reiulcriiig that part of the foot very tender
and painful. Here also tlie advantage of
the foot's bcinfj unshod is very great, as it is
the only certain means of eradicating- the
disease ; for the equal and regular pressure
on every part of the foot, although it may
increase the pain at first, ultimately hardens
the part where the corn appeared, and brings
it to the original state of the rest of the
hoof.

Previously to turning the horse to grass it
is advisable to blister him once or twice
round the coronet. This may be done with
the following blister : —

Viz. Cantharides finely powdered, two
drachms ; sweet oil sufficient to make
it the consistence of treacle.

The hair may be cut close off all round the
coronet, and the blister rubbed well on for
ten minutes at least. The horse's head
must be tied to the rack for twenty-four
hours after the application of the blister, to
prevent him from rubbing the part with his
mouth, and the coronet may be dressed on
the following and on every third day, with
hogs'-lard until he is turned out, which should
not take place until he has been prepared for
it by leaving off his cloathing by degrees
and not currying his hide. In regard to
blistering, a very erroneous opinion exists
that it can hardly be too violent in its opera-
tion. Hence corrosive sublimate, euphor-
bium, and oil of origanum, are generally
added to the cantharides in order to pro-
duce a stronger effect. But the consequence
of these strong blisters is almost always to
blemish the part, leaving the skin ever after

as hard and insensible as horn. The object
of a blister should be simply to bring on ait
increased action in the vessels, and this is
best accomplished by the mild composition
before recommended, and which never occa-
sions a blemish, even if the horse should
happen to rub it; but the violent blister just
alluded to goes beyond the mere effect of in-
creasing the action of the vessels, for it ab-
solutely destroys them altogether, and con-
sequently defeats the object intended.

The hoof, before turning out, should be
pared as thin as possible, especially at the
heels ; the toe should be shortened and the
quarters rasped to a considerable degree. It
will be needless to observe that soft and
moist pastures are most conducive to restor-
ing the natural pliancy of the horn.

The opposite disease to the one just treated
on, is the pumied or convex state of the sole.
This is very frequently produced by inflam-
mation, called fever in the feet, but more
frequently from a natural thinness in the
wall of the hoof, as well as by bad shoeing.
When the disease has occurred in conse-
quence of inflammation, the coffin-bones are
said to be sunk. In this state a cure is not
to be expected, and therefore all attempts to
effect it will be but a waste of time and
trouble. But in those instances where the
disease has arisen from bad shoeing, a par-
tial, if not a complete restoration may be
accomplished.

In the pumied or convex sole, the -walls of
the hoof are generally so thin and weak that
the weight of the body pressing upon them
is alone suflicient to prevent their increase,
so that the new horny matter is forced for-
wards towards the toe, which is generally of
an immoderate length.

48

IliK CUMi^LKTli FAKKlliK; and

The front of the foot also, instead of pre-
serving a strait uniform line to the ground,
sinks in, more or less, in the middle, and oc-
casions a series of horny rings or projections
one over the other. The heels, as has been
before observed, never increase in heijiht in
consequence of their weakness ; hence the
sole descends, and the pressure falls upon it
instead of the heels. When the foot has ar-
rived at this state, the shoe is made hollow,
or convex, in order to sit clear of the sole,
but the consequence of this form in the shoe
is to increase the pressure on the quarters,
and to increase the disease. All attempts to
restore a pumied foot will be useless without
turning the horse to grass barefoot, in which
state the pressure being thrown entirely on
the sole and frog, the quarters are left at
liberty to grow down to their original depth.
In this case the coronets should also be blis-
tered with the mild blister, and the toe cut
as short as possible, but the heels should
never be touched. The shortening of the toe
should be repeated at least once a month,
and the horse should remain at grass bare-
foot at least six months to produce any per-
manent benefit.

THE SAND CRACK

IS a partial division of the wall of the hoof,
beginning at the coronet, and generally ex-
tending half-way down the wall. When it is
suffered to increase to any great extent it
produces lameness, and requires a consider-
able length of time to be eradicated. As
that part of the hoof where the crack or fis-
sure shews itself is dead and incapable of
uniting at the edges, it must be cut away with
a drawing-knife down to the quick, and a
pledget of tow dipped in tar may be applied

and bound on to the hoof by tape : a blister
round the coronet will also be beneficial, and
if the crack runs down to the bottom of the
foot, a bar-shoe should be nailed on so as tc
take the pressure from the heel and thereby
prevent the quarter from springing. An old
and inveterate sand-crack sometimes termi-
nates in a quittor, or ulcer in the coronet of
the hoof, and which, if neglected, occasions
a carious or diseased state of the cartilae-es
and bones of the foot. A quittor may also arise
from treads or overreaches, or from the foot
beuigpricked in shoeing, and the matter fore -
mg itselt through the coronet, that being the
part where it meets with the least resistance
When, however, the ulcer has arrived at
this state, the original cause will be immate-
rial, as the treatment must be the same,
namely, to get to the bottom of the sinus,
the depth and direction of which may be as-
certained by the probe. As soon as these
points are ascertained, the best mode of
treatment is to introduce a tent prepared in
the following manner.— Take a small piece
of thin India paper, spread some butter or
lard over it, then sprinkle about ten grains
of corrosive sublimate, finely powdered, over
the surface of the paper, and roll it up into
as thin a 1 oil as possible, and introduce it
into the quittor as far as it will go. The
horse's head should then be tied up for a few
hours to prevent him from rubbing it with
his mouth, and the tent should be left within
the ulcer for three or four days, at the expi-
ration of which time it may be taken out,
and the diseased part will follow it ; after
which it becon.es a simple wound, and re-
quires nothing more than to be kept clean and
defended from the air by a bandage round it
A quittor frequently leaves a deformity in

HRITISH Sl'OKTSMAN.

49

liie i^niwlli of" (lie roof, one side of rhe in-
dented part beinj;; higher than the other.
This is called a false (|uarter. It is of little
consequence, and is vf-y sinular to the irre-
gularity which takes place in the human
nail after it has received any material injury.

When the froji^ hecomes diseased, it is
called a running thrush. This may proceed
from the froj;- wantnij^- pressure, owing- to its
being- kept ofl' the ground, or from a dispo-
sition to inllammation in the foot increased
by standin*^ on stale litter. When the frog
is not sufficiently pressed upon, it becomes
soft from the accumulation of the fluid which
it naturally secretes in great abundance from
the fatty substance which lies immediately
under the aponeurosis of the flexor tendon
of the foot. This accumulation of fluid at
length makes its escape through the cleft of
the frog and heels, and becomes fetid by ex-
posure to the atmosphere, and so acrimoni-
ous as to destroy the adjacent parts. In this
state the frog becomes so sore and tender as
not to endure pressure without a painful
sensation, and the horse consequently will
be more or less unsafe in his going.

The discharge may be stopped by astrin-
gent applications, but it is not prudent to
check it too suddenly, as such a course some-
times produces general inflammation in the
foot, attended with lameness, and, in this
case, the discharge generally breaks out
again with redoubled violence. Colts at
grass are sometimes subject to running
thrushes. This happens where the walls of
the hoof are exceedingly strong in which
case the heels do not wear away sufficiently
to let the frog touch the ground. Soft and
wet pastures also contribute to this disease.
To obviate this inconvenience, the heels

should l)c pared dow n very frequently. The
frog should be cleared of all the ragged and
diseased parts, and after being well washed
with soft-soap and warm water, it may be
dressed either with spirits of turpentine or
vcrdigrease dissolved in water.

When the disease has existed so long as
to have insinuated itself between the hornv
and fleshy soles of the foot, it is then called
a canker, and must be treated in the follow-
ing manner, namely, first to cut away all that
part of the hoof which is detached from the
parts within, and to dress the diseased sur-
face with butter of antimony, upon which
should be laid a pledget of dry tow, covered
with powdered lime; and this dressing should
be repeated every day until the surface is
cleared of the foul stinking fungus, and puts
on a red healthy appearance, after which it
may be treated as a common wound, dressing
it simply with common digestive ointment,
sprinkled with verdigrease.

Pressure also will be useful in preventing
Ihe granulations of the new flesh from rising
too luxuriantly, and which must otherwise
be kept under by caustic, a practice which
puts nature to a great deal of trouble in pro-
ducing a new surface. During the process
of curing any of the above-mentioned dis-
eases of the feet, it is advisable to give
some purging medicine, which tends to ac-
celerate the healing of the ulcers, by increas-
ing the action of the absorbent vessels. The
following ball may be given with safety, viz.
Barbadoes aloes ... 8 drat hms
Castile soap .... 2 drachms
mixed into a ball with syrup.

Previous to takinsir this ball, the horse
should be prepared by bran-mashes on the
preceding day, and these mashes may be

50

THECOMPLETE FARRIER: a^d

given cold, as a more likely mode of induc-
ing him to eat them. Indeed, the practice of
giving mashes too hot is very injudicious, as
the horse may happen to scald his mouth,
and in that case he generally refuses to touch
one ever after.

It is also very essential that the horse
should be thoroughly cleaned and dressed
during his lameness, as it is too often the
practice to neglect this salutary operation,
from the idea that it is unnecessary because
he does not work.

THE GREASE

Is a disease of the lower end of the legs, and
generally occupying the hollow, or the back
paurt of the fetlock-joint. The nature of the
discharge is very similar to that of the run-
ning thrush and the canker. It generally
begins by a swelling of the limb, produced
by the want of exercise, or from a want of a
proper action in the absorbent vessels. It
more generally attacks cart-horses, (especi-
ally those of a large heavy breed, with round
fleshy legs,) than blood-horses. The most
prevalent source of this disease is debility,
and this may arise from very opposite causes.
The healthy state of all animals is consti-
tuted by a due and vigorous circulation of
the blood, and a regularity in the natural
evacuations of the body. Whatever disturbs
any of these functions will produce debility.
In a full plethoric habit the blood-vessels be-
come oppressed by being overloaded, and
are thereby rendered incapable of perform-
ing their office. Hence debility ensues, and
Uie legs being the part most remote from the
heart, which is the centre of the circulation,
become swelled for want of the accustomed

absorption. On the other hand the circula-
tion of the blood may also be rendered feeble
from the animal being weak and emaciated
either from immoderate labour, or from a
want of a sufficient quantity of food.

The disposition to this disease is also
greatly increased at particular seasons of the
year, such as the spring and autumn, or by
want of regular exercise and thorough clean-
ing. The pavement of the stalls of the
stable being on an ascent, and obligmg the
horse to stand on the stretch, is another very
probable cause of the grease.

In the healthy state of the animal, the in-
sensible perspiration is carried on in a regu-
lar manner, as may be ascertained by the
glossy appearance of his coat, as well as by
the softness and pliability of the skin. On
the contrary, when this natural evacuation
is suspended by disease, the coat is hard and
dry, and the skin almost immoveable.

There are many circumstances which may
cause a suspension of the insensible perspi-
ration, but the principal one arises from a
sudden chanse from heat to cold. This
may be produced by the horse standing in
the open air whilst in a sweat from exeioise,
or it may arise from washing him all over
with cold water whilst in that state, or from
the still more abominable custom of taking
him into a brook up to his belly, and riding
him round for a considerable length of time,
so that he has to pass through a fresh succes-
sion of cold water every time he goes round.
This practice is very common amongst post-
boys, and horse-keepers to stage-coaches,
and very frequently brings on the most vio-
lent inflammatory attacks on the lungs or no
the intestines, and every coach-proprietor
and inn-keeper who suft'ers this practice to

niiiTisii sl»()iirsMAN

51

be carried on is but little aware of the risk
he runs; or of the injury which the animal
sustain?! oven if he survives it. As this class
of stablemen are all the creatures of habit,
it is in vain to attempt to reason with them
on the impropriety of their conduct; it must
remain, therefore, with the masters to force
them to relinquish so hurtful a custom.

Although the animal may escape any violent
and dangerous disease, yet the probability
is very great that he will be attacked either
by the grease or the farcy, or perhaps by
both. In addition to the foregoing cause
of the grease, it may be asserted, with great
truth, that the practice of trimming the hair
close off the horse's heels contribute'* greatly
to the production of that disease.

It is a general, but a very erroneous
opinion, that the hair harbours dirt, and
consequently pronrntes the disorder. But
the contrary is the fact. From the hair
being longer at the heels than in any other
part of the leg, it is clear that nature had
some particular reason for that difference,
and that reason is, on a moment's considera-
tion, self-obvious; namely, for the defence
of a part which is more exposed to friction
than the rest of tlie limb. This hair, by ly-
ing close to the skin, shields it from the ac-
tion of the dirt, which, when the heels are
trimmed close, always insinuates itself, and
by rubbing the skin irritates it and inflames
it to a considerable degree ; for when the
hair is cut close, that which is left does not lie
smooth, but stands out endways, like a brush,
and thus easily admits nmd, and clay, and
every other kind of dirt. The skin secretes
a natural oily fluid, for the purpose of keep-
ing it soft and flexible, but when it is thus ex-

posed by trimming off" the hair, this fluid is
rubbed off by friction, and the .skin becoming
hard and dry, soon cracks, and the greaj>e
ensues.

That this hair is a protection to the heels may
be easily ascertained, by laying it aside and
examining the surface of the skin, which in
that case will be found clean and dry, even
after travelling the whole of the day through
the dirtiest roads. The thorough-bred horse
it is true has but little hair on his heels, but
it should be remembered, that he is origi-
nally a native of a hot climate, where the
soil is light and sandy, and free from moisture.

Horse-dealers knew so well the utility of
leaviuff the hair on the heels of horses that
work hard, that they never trim their own
hacknies which they ride to fairs ; and
coach-masters and inn-keepers would find it
beneficial to adopt the same plan.

The Grease, as has been before observed,
generally begins with a swelling of the limb,
and it happens more frequently in the hinder
than in the fore-leg. If the inflammation is
not speedily subdued, the swelling increases,
and the skin cracks, and a serous discharge
ensues. In this state the limb becomes so
stiff and sore that the horse will not lie down
from the pain it gives him to bend his leg,
and the consequence is, that the swelling
increases, and with it ihe disease.

When the attack is not very violent, it
may be sufficient to give such medicines in-
ternally as will increase the insensible per-
spiration, and the discharge by urine. For
this purpose the following ball may be given
every other night for four or five nights: —
Emetic Tartar 2 drachms

Venice Turpentine ^ ounce.

52

THE COiMPLETE FARRIER; and

Liquorice-powder sufficient to make the
ball of a proper size — the whole to be mixed
thoroughly together.

The heels may be dressed with the foUovv-
Uig' lotion after being fomented with warm-
wate, viz.

Golard's Extract, 1 drachm
White Vitriol, 1 drachm.

Water, 1 quart.

Mixed.
If the disease has acquired a considerable
degree of virulence, purges must be given,
and the following ball will be found well
adapted for that purpose:

Aloes Barbadoes 9 drachms.
Ginger - - - 1 drachm.
The horse to have bran-mashes on the
day previous to taking the ball, and to be

continued with warm water to drink durinjr
its operation, to be cloathed warm and to
have walking exercise ; should the cracks oi
ulcers be very foul they may be poulticed
with a turnip poultice, or one made with oat-
meal and beer grounds, and they may also
be dressed with the foUowins: lotion : viz.
Blue Vitriol, powdered, 1 ounce.
Dissolved in a pint of water ; or the mel
Egyptiacum which is prepared and sold at
the druggists' shops in general. It is necessary
that the horse should be well cleaned every
day, and it will be beneficial, to him to be
turned into a loose box where he may move
at pleasure, and where he will be more in-
clined to lie down than when confined in a
stall.

OV THE STABLE

The principal cause of most of the dis-
eases to which the horse is subject, may be
attributed to the custom of keeping him in
the stable, but as that custom is conducive
to convenience, and as the animal is thereby,
in some respects, better prepared for the pur-
poses of labour, it is thought necessary to
adopt that system, however unnatural, and
it only remains to consider what are the best
means of obviating those evils which are in-
separably attached to it.

Jn the first place, it is evident that the
horse, in this domesticated state, undergoes
a great change in his natural habits, both in
regard to his food and his lodging, and, until

nature in some measure adapts herself to this
change, he must experience a greater or less
deranffement in the natural functions of his
body. Hence it is that young horses are
more affected by such an alteration in their
habits than old ones, and consequently they
are more subject to swelled legs, grease, and
inflammatory attacks on the eyes, all of which
diseases arise principally from that costive-
ness which is the result of feeding wholly
upon dry food, as well as from the wantot
that reaular and constant exercise of which
he is deprived by being confined to a stall,
perhaps, for eighteen hours out of the twenty-
four. Another cause also of disease is the

RRITISII SP(3KTSMAN.

63

want of a sufiiciciit quantity of fresli air in
the stable. In regard to tlie extraordinary
labour vvliicli a certain classof horses under-
go ill this country, it is no less singular than
dis"racefui to our national character, tliat
the common feelings of humanity should not
induce us to lessen those suirerings which arc
imposed on a mute and patientanimal, either
from the thirst of gain, or from the inconsi-
derate pursuits of luxury and pleasure.

A certain poilion of labour is essential to
the health of all animal bodies, but when
that labour is carried beyond a certain ex-
tent, debility nuist ensue, and the machine,
by excessive use, must be worn out much
sooner than it would be in the regular course
of nature. But as the animal becomes the
property of some individual from the mo-
ment he enters on his existence, there is un-
fortunately no law to prevent the proprietor
from using him according to the dictates of
his own caprice or inhumanity, and the only
check that remains against this evil, is the
consideration of self-interest, which some-
times interposes by pointing out the risk of
losing the animal altogether.

The first point to be attended to in regard
to the stable, is its construction, for upon this
much of the welfare of the horse will depend.
The principal defects in most stables consist
in the want of sufficient space, particularly
in regard to the height of the cieling, in the
deficiency of light, the narrowness of the
stalls, the declivity of the pavement, and
the confinement of the vapour or steam
arising from the bodiesof the animals. The
want of ventilation in apartments wherein a
multitude of human beings are crowded to-
gether, such as manufactories, hospitals, and
A^orKUouses, is generally productive of dis-

ease, or at least it prevents that healthy and
vigorous state which is visible in those who.se
occupations oblige them to pa.ss most of their
time in the open air.

The elHuvia of animal bodies, like all the
other excretions, is constantly running into a
putrifactive state, and this must point f)ut
very forcibly the necessity of a proper de-
gree ofventilation in stables, especiallv when
it is considered that the dung and urine add
greatly to the evil. But the desire of giving
a horse a fine coat in winter induces those
who have the care of him to keep the .stabit
as hot as possible, by excluding to the utmcst
of their power the external air. As far as
appearance goes this custom certainly has the
desired effect; but the consequences are
that the animal is rendered more delicate,
and more liable to catch cold whenever he
happens to stand in a colder situation than
that to which he is accustomed. Stables that
are kept hot and not sufficiently ventilated
are always extremely damp. I'his arises
from the breath and the vapour of the horse's
body becoming condensed on the surface of
the walls, and running down them in a liquid
state.

When this moisture has remained for a
certain length of time it acquires an unplea-
sant and sickly smell, and which must be
peculiarly offensive to an animal destined in
a state of nature to be surro\ni(led with pure
and wholesome air. In a state of health a
certain evaporation from the surface of the
body is constantly going on. This is called
the insensi!)le perspiration. This vapour is
absorbed by the surrounding atmosphere,
and the quickness or slowness of the ab-
sorption will be in proportion to the change
which tlie nir undergoes by circulation

54

THE COMPLETE FARRlEll ; and

Thus if the horse be exposed to the open air
the evaporation is much more rapid than
when he is confined in the stable. This
evaporation unloads the vessels of the skin,
invigorates the circulation of the blood, and
gives a general tone of health and spirit to
the whole animal machine. Upon this ground,
therefore, the necessity of attending to the
proper means of ventilation in the con-
struction of the stable must be sufficiently
evident.

The simplest and best mode of effecting
this desirable object, is by carrying a tube of
six inches diameter from the centre of the
cieling through the roof

The next circumstance of importance is to
have a proper degree of light. In the gene-
rality of stables the windows are very small
and some are without any whatever.

The heahhy and vigorous state of the vari-
ous faculties with which the animal is fur-
nished depends greatly on their being kept in
a certain degree of action, hence the stimulus
ot light is necessary to strengthen the eye,
and to preserve vision. But when the horse
is confined for the major part of the day in a
dark stable, the faculty of sight will be con-
siderably weakened, as may be perceived by
his winking his eyelids, and from being una-
ble to bear a sudden increase of light on
being led out of the stable.

Light has a very extraordinary influence
upon vegetable and animal bodies, and it has
been proved by experiment, that when de-
prived of its presence they are neither so
perfect in their colours nor so strone: and
healthy in their constitutions. This is strik-
mgly manifest in the difference between the
birds of the northern regions and those of
tlie south: the plumage of the latter being

being much more brilliant. It is a curious
fact, that blind horses are seldom so fine and
glossy in their coats as others. Whether
this circumstance has any connection with
the one just alluded to must of course be
matter of conjecture only.

The next object to be attended to is, that
the stalls shall be of a proper width. The
body of a horse of fifteen hands height is
generally about five feet long. The stall
therefore should be six feet wide to allow
him sufficient room to turn round in, especi-
ally as the back-bone of a horse possesses
but little flexibility. It is certain that many
horses have been irrecoverably injured in
their backs from the want of a proper atten-
tion to this circumstance, as well as from the
hasty and inconsiderate way in which grooms
require them to turn. The length of the
stall should be nine feet in order to prevent
horses from kicking, and the height should
be such as to hinder them from smelling or
biting each other.

The custom of paving the slall with a
descent backwards is productive of great
inconvenience to the animal. This is done
for the purpose of letting the urine run off
from the litter. Dealers also adopt it to
shew their horses to advantage, as it makes
them look larger and higher in their fore-
hands. But, by being obliged to stand con-
stantly up-hill he becomes so nuich fatigued
that he is half tired before he commences his
daily labour. For the ligaments of his joints
and the flexor muscles of his legs are kepi
perpetually on the stretch. The paiji and in-
convenience arising from this position may
be easily ascertained by any one standing a
short time with his toes higher than his heels,
in which case the calves of his ie^s will

BRITISH SPOllTSMAN

ti'j

be so much affected as to satisfy hirn of the
truth of this observation. Hence when the
horse is not eating, he always endeavours to
find a levf I standing, either by placing him-
self acioss the stall, or by retreating as far
back as his halter will allow, so that his
hind legs may reach the opposite side of the
channel. He is also obliged to balance
himself by standing with his fore-logs farther
under his body, which gives him a bad
habit of going, and also by removing the
])ressure from the heels to the toes, tends to
increase that contraction to which the feet,
in the stable, are always more or less dispos-
ed. The hind-legs, too, are always more in-
clined to swell from this circumstance, and
the horse when lying down frecpiently slips
backwards in such a manner, that, beins: at
the utmost length of his halter, he is unable
to rise on his legs owing to the confinement
of his head and neck.

The ground surface of the stall, therefore,
should be perfectly level both ])efore and
behind, and in order to carry off the urine
a drain may be made imdcr the surface with
a grate about six inches square in the centre,
and which part of the surface should be ra
ther lower than the rest.

The manger should be so contrived as to
slide into the wall, so that when he is not
feeding he may have nothing to bite at
whilst he is being cleaned, which habit often
teaches them to become crib-biters. The
racks should be made of cast iron, in which
case no splinters can rise to wound the ani-
mal's lips. They should be perpendicular
with the wall, because by hanging over hay
seeds sometimes get into the horses eyes, a>id
produce great inconvenience. The door of
the stable should be at least seven feet hii>h,

ill whicli case the horse will be less liable to
strike his head against it in passing through
it.

Stables appropriated to horses that work
in stage-coaches, or post-chaises, are seldom
divided by stalls. The partition is generally
made by a bale, namely, a circular wooden
bar, suspended by a chriin both at the man-
ger and at the post. When this bale is con-
fined to a certain extent of motion, by the
shortness of the chain at the post, and tlit
horse, when lying down, happens to havt
his body cross-ways under it, if he rises up
suddenly in that direction, he is in great
danger of injuring, if not absolutely break-
ing his back, by forcing it against the bale,
and which, by being confined by the short-
ness of the chain, does not allow height
enough to enable him to get upon his legs.
This accident occured some years ago very
frequently at the barrack-stables at Birming-
ham, and several of the troop-horses were
so much injured as to becf)me totally useless,
and were in conse(|uence destroyed.

In those cases where there is no division
whatever, much inconvenience often arises
from horses kicking, as veil as by standing
so close together as to prevent each othei
from lying down. It also enables a greedy
horse to devour his neighbour's corn as well
as his own, in whicli case both suffer, more
or less ; the one from having too much to
eat, and the other too little.

They are more liable also to infection by
smelling to each other, as well as to injuries
in the eyes, by bites either in play or in
earnest. Inn-keepers and coach-masters,
therefore, would find it to their interest to
separate their horses from each other by
stalls, such as have just been described.

^6

THE COMPLETE PWIIRIER ; and

The foregoing- are the principal points to
be attended to in the structure of the stable,
and the next object to be considered is the
i!iana<remeiit of the horse in re<;ard to clean-
ing, food and water. The horse, although
he is a quadruped of the herbiverous class,
docs not chew the cud, as is the case with
those that have cloven feet, as such a process
would have interrupted, in a very material de-
a^ree, the purposes for which he is generally
employed. His stomach, therefore, is smaller
and is confined to one bag only^ whereas in
those animals that chew the cud, it is gcme-
rally divided into four partitions, and occu-
pies a much larger portion of the abdomen,
or belly. But as he receives but a small
quantity of food at one time, he makes up
the deficiency in space, by filling it more fre-
quently^ so that, in fact, he is almost always
eatniff whilst he is in a state of rest. His
digestion also is very rapid and less complete
than is the case with quadrupeds that chew
the cud, fdr in those animals, the food is
thrown up again into the mouth, and chewed
into a pulp, whereas in the horse it passes
quickly from the stomach into the intestines,
which in him are very large, particularly the
caecum, or blind-gut.

It is probable that the food undergoes
very little alteration in the stomach of the
horse, perhaps little more than being com-
i)ined with the gastric juice, as it is gene-
rally found in the duodenum very little
cnanged m its appearance, or substance ;
and, indeed, a great number of oats may
frequently be discovered in the d\mg in a
whole and undigested state. The caecum, or
blind gut, is extremely large, and terminates
in a point called its appendix. This termi-
nating: end is sometimes filled with stones of

large dimensions. Some have been tound
so large as eight inches in diameter. These
stones probably are formed from the accu
mulation of the earthy particles received
with the food, and which being lodged at
that end of the gut through which there is
no passage, collect together, and in process
of time form one solid mass. These stones,
whilst they remain fixed and immoveable, do
not nmch disturb the action of the intestines,
but if they happen to shift their station to-
vvards the mouth of the gut, death some-
times ensues. The stomach is an elastic bajf
so as to adopt its capacity to the quantity of
food contained in it, whence it may be said
to be always full, so long as any thing remains
within it; and when it is quite empty it col-
lapses close together, so as to leave no space
whatever It sometimes happens, when the
digestion is imperfect, or when the horse has
eaten food disposed to fermentation, that a
considerable quantity of wind occupies (he
stomach, so that it becomes distended in a
greater degree than is necessary to contain
the quantity of food or water that may iiap-
pen to be within it. In this case when the
horse is put into a brisk trot, the water and
Che wind are constantly displacing- each
other within the stomach, and this circum-
stance is the cause of that rumbling- noise
which is often heard in horses that are put
into action immediately upon being taken
out of the stable, and which noise has been
erroneously supposed to exist in the pressure
or sheath.

The strength and direction of the muscles
of the stomach give it a great power in
forcing its contents into the intestines, and
they are so constructed as to prevent regurgi-
tation or vomiting. The fibres of the mu.s-

BRITISH SPORTSINIAN.

57

cles that surround the cardiac, or receiving-
orifice of tlie stomach, cross each other so as
to close it like the mouth of a purse, and
completely prevent any thing from return-
ing This prevention from vomiting was
necessary on account of the peculiar forma-
tion of the horse's mouth, which has a natural
obstruction to the return of either solids or
fluids through the mouth, and which, if the
stomach had been capable of throwing them
up, must have passed through the nose.

At the back part of the roof of the mouth
there is a membrane, or curtain, which drops
down and lies upon the tongue. It is styled in
anatomy. Velum Pulati. This membrane in the
human being ends in a point, called the uvula,
but in the horse it has one regular form.

When the horse swallows, the food or
water, in its passage to the throat, raises up
this membrane, but as soon as it has passed,
it drops again upon the tongue and prevents
any thing from returning. This incapability
of vomiting, whatever may have been the
original reason for it, may in one respect be
considered a disadvantage, as it deprives the
animal of one way of unloading his stomach
when it is overcharged or when it contains
any thing that disagrees with it. This cir-
cumstance, therefore, shews the necessity of
regulating the quantity of tbod to be given
at one time.

When the horse is at grass and has the
opportunity of helping himself to food when-
ever he pleases, he eats frequently and in a
Tioderate degree, but when he is confined
mthe stable, and is kept for any great length
of time without food, he eats so voraciously
as sometimes to overload the stomach, and
this happens more particularly in stables
where they stand together without any parti-
5.

tion. The consequence is, that the stomach
becomes distended to a great degree, and its
digestive process is impeded, if not totally
destroyed, and as there is a great sympathy
between the stomach and the brain, this
state of indigestion produces apoplexy, or
what is called the staggers, and which is ge-
nerally an incurable disease.

This disease is certainly more prevalent
amongst waggon and post-horses than any
others, and this sufficiently proves the bad
consequences of not attending to a proper
regulation in regard to diet. The quantity
of food given to a horse ought to be regulat-
ed in some degree by the extent of the labour
which he has to perform. Eighteen to
twenty pounds of hay, and a peck of oats
daily, will in general be found fully sufficient,
but in cases where the animal works hard,
for instance, in a mail-coach, or post-chaise,
another half-peck of oats may be added.

It is very frequently the practice in farmers'
stables to give new hay to their horses, but
the hay in that state is very unwholesome by
its bein"' verv dillicult of digestion, for
by not having undergone a sufficient degree
of fermentation, or what is called sweating,
in the rick, it has a husky wiry quality, and
is not so easily divided by mastication. The
consequences of eating hay in this state are
sometimes similar to the staggers, and equal-
ly fatal. Chaft' or cut straw helps to fill the
stomach, but much nutriment is not to be
expected from it. Green vetches and clover
are a useful change of diet in the spring of
the year for horses that caimot be turned to
grass, but they should be given in moderd-
tion, as their effect is sometimes dangerous
from swelling in the stomach by the rarefac-
tion of the air contained.

V

58

THE COMPLETE FARRIER and

Carrots are both wholesome and nutritious,
and are said to be beneficial lo thick-winded
horses. Swedish turnips also constitute a
very excellent food for horses employed in
agricultural purposes.

A small quantity of hay should^ however,
be given with them. They are gently
diuretic, and on that account prevent in some
degree the swelling in the legs, to which cart-
horses are more subject than others. In
seasons when hay is scarce, it is a good prac-
tice to cut unthreshed oats from the rick in
a chaff-cutter, and to give them in the same
way as bran and chaff. Let the food, how-
ever, be what it may, it is best to give it in
small quantities at a time, and often. By
pursuing this plan, there is much less wasted,
and the horse does not blow upon it, which
is often the case when he has more than he
can eat at once. The stomach of the horse
being small requires to be filled more fre-
quently, hence he is almost always eating
when he has the opportunity.

Horses always prefer soft water, and will
drink it even when it is thick and muddy.
When out at grass in a state of nature, they
drink but a small quantity at once, but when
in the stable it is customary to give them
water twice during the day, a pailful at each
time. But this is not so judicious a plan as
to water them more frequently, and with a
smaller quantity. The practice of giving
warm-water, as is generally the case in
hunting-stables, is attended with consider-
able danger, as it renders the animal liable
to be griped whenever he drinks it in any
other state. It doubtless is improper to give
cold water to a horse in a sweat, but other
periods may be found when he may drink it
with safety. It is a foolish practice to gallop

a horse immediately after drinking. This
is very ^frequently done under the pretence
of warming the water in the stomach, but
it is productive of considerable inconveni-
ence to the animal, as the action of respira-
tion must be more or less impeded in conse-
quence of the increased pressure of the .sto-
mach against the diaphragm from its being
distended with water.

There is a very general, but erroneous
idea, that the suffering a horse to drink as
much as he is inclined to take, endangers
his wind. But so far from this idea being
founded in fact, it is much more probable
that.the want of a sufficient quantity of wa-
ter has a tendency to produce what is called
broken-wind. For it should be borne in
mind that the animal, when in the stable,
lives upon dry food entirely, and conse-
quently requires more fluid to give the food
that degree of moisture in the stomach
which is necessary to assist digestion.
It should be recollected also, that horses
which work hard throw off a great quantity
of perspirable fluid through the skin, and
the blood in consequence becomes more
thick and sigy, and more disposed to an in-
flammatory .state, and, for this reason, it is
evident that they require more water.

It is customary in racing and hunting-sta-
bles to keep the horse fasting several hours
before he commences his labour. It would
certainly be injudicious to buffer him to fill
himself immediately before starting ; but, on
the other hand, there is a certain degree of
debility occasioned by long fasting, which
must more or less reduce the powers of the
animal for accomplishing the labour he has
to perform.

A hunting-horse generally quits the stable

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

59

at an earlv hoin- in the moniiiig-, and ha\ iiij;-
had but one small feed of corn and very little
or no water, he is fVetiuently ridden for seven
or eiy-ht hours witliout intermission. In this
state he must become sooner exhausted than
if he liad been better prepared by food and
water in a proper quantity ; for whatever he
might take previously to going out in the
morning, (provided he was fed early) would
undergo the process of digestion, and would
probably be so disposed in the intestines as
to occasion no inconvenience whatever. But
the bad consequences of long fasting do not
end here, for when it is combined with ex-
cessive fatigue, the stomach loses its tone,
and the appetite does not return until the
following morning.

When this occurs, cordial balls are gene-
rally given, with a view to strengthen the
stomach, but this practice, in regard to the
horse, is as bad as dram-drinking in the
human being, and is generally attended with
the effect of weakening instead of strength-
ening the animal.

The proper method of cleaning a horse is
so well known as to require little or no re
mark, still the due and regular performance of
it is highly essential to the health of the
animal. During thj spring and autumn, at
both which seasons the horse sheds his coat,
the currycomb should not be used, as it
would force off the hair more rapidly than
nature can afford. During those periods,
ihereforej the horse should be rubbed only
with a whisp of straw and a brush. Post-
boys and others, who have the care of stage-
coach horses, have a practice of washing
them all" over immediately after they have
run a stage, and this is very frequently done
by riding them into a river or pond above

their bellies, and afterwards leaving tliom lo
dry in the stable and sometimes even out of
doors. It might be supposed, that a moment's
reflection would point out the impropriety
and danger attendant on this practice^ espe-
cially when the horse is in a state of violent
perspiration. For the pore.5 of the skin are
not only closed by the sudden application of
the cold water, but a great degree of cohl is
produced by the evaporation which is going
on whilst the skin is becoming dry. That
they outlive the effects of this treatment is no
proof of its being harndess, for it merely
shews the power of resistance to injury with
which the animal is endowed by nature.
But although it does not always destroy the
life of the horse, still it is very frequently
the cause of several diseases, such as inflam-
mation of the lungs, or the intestines, and if
the animal escape these dangerous attacks.
he is still liable to the grease and farcy.
Old horses, that have been subject to this
treatment, become so stiff and inflexible
in their limbs, from the cold which is thus
applied to their bodies, that they do not get
the free use of them until they have gone at
least two or three miles.

It sometimes happens that horses, after
they have been hard ridden, although, they
have been thoroughly cleaned and dried,
break out aij-ain into a sweat in the stable,
and this arises from the vessels of the skin
having been so much distended in the act of
throwing out the perspirable matter, that
they do not immediately recover their
contractile power, and hence the heat of the
stable is sufficient to occasion a fresh per-
spiration. The dung should never be suf-
fered to remain in the stall, as the effluvia
arising from it is not only unwholesome but

60

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

also very irritating to the eyes and lungs.
It is also very necessary to scrape and
scour the rack-staves and mangers at least
once a mouthy as a great quantity of filth is
collected, from the saliva and breath of the
animal becoming condensed on their sur-
faces. There are few grooms who would
rhnse to eat oflTthe same plate unwashed for
two days together, yet they seldom reflect
that the horse is in fact obliged to submit to
such a nauseating circumstance for many
months without intermission. For the same
reason, the bit of the bridle should be kept
perfectly bright and clean, and the oil should
be thorouglily wiped off" before it is put into
the mouth, as the horse has a natural aver-
sion to any thing greasy. It is also condu-
cive to the health and comfort of the animal
to wash the horse-cloaths frequently. The
padding of the saddle should also be tho-
roughly dried by exposing it either to the
sun or to the fire. The feet should be
picked and washed after exercise, and if
hard and dry, should be stopped with clay,
but never with cow-dung, which last appli-
cation, from its putridity, has a natural ten-
dency to render the frog of the foot diseased
and rotten At those periods of the day
when the horse is in the stable, the litter
should be removed entirely from under him,
that he may stand on the bare pavement.
This practice is beneficial to the legs and
feet,, which are always heated more or less
by standing buried in the straw. As the
horse, however, is accustomed to stale or
evacuate his urine on the litter, it often hap.
pens that that custom has such an influence
on the action of the urinary organs as to ren-
der him incapable of discharging his urine
on the bare pavement, and on this account it

is necessary to place a small quantity of
litter under his belly, to induce him to at-
tempt it, and to save him the pain and incon-
venience of holding his water. The effect
of association of certain actions in the ani-
mal oeconomy is very remarkable, thus it is
usual to whistle to a horse when he shews an
inclination to stale, and it is certain that the
whistling has a considerable influence on
that occasion. But it would be absurd to
suppose that any connection exists originally
between the sound of whistling and the
sensibility of the bladder ; the cause of such
an effect, therefore, must arise from begin-
ning to whistle to the animal whilst he is a
colt whenever he is perceived in the attitude
of discharging his urine, and hence, in pro-
cess of time, the two habits become so asso-
ciated as to produce an inclination to stale
whenever he hears the whistle. The same
want of reflection which so commonly marks
the generality of riders and drivers in regard
to the natural properties of the animal is
strongly manifested in the cruel and unthink-
ing custom of forcing him to travel on, when
he has occasion to stale. From this circum-
stance the sphincter of the neck of the blad-
der acquires the habit of contracting so for-
cibly as to resist the stimulus of the fluid
within it, and on this account there are
but few aged horses that are not afflicted
more or less with stranguary.

An opinion formerly existed, and is still
maintained in some places, that the keeping a
goat in stables has the faculty of preventing
infectious diseases. If such an opinion had
nothiuff more attached to it than its ab-
surdity, it would not be worth noticing on
the present occasion. But the fact is, that,
instead of having any such effect as the one

IJRiriSil SPOllTSMAN

61

ascribed to it, it is the cause of introducinj^ a
very unpleasant odour, which arises tVom tlie
body of the he-goat, into the stable, and
which must naturally be very offensive to
the horse, and probably causes him frequently
to refuse his food, especially after the goat
has jumped into the manger, which they

constantly do to eat up whatever reniaaos-
A tame fox in a stable-yard is nearly am
great a nuisance as the goat. In fact, the
horse is a very cleanly and delicate animal,
and has a strong aversion to every thing that
is disagreeable either in smell or taste.

ON COLT BREAKING.

This necessary preparation of the horse,
without which he is of no service to mankind,
is of the utmost importance, because on its
being accomplished on proper principles his
future utility chiefly depends. At a first
view it appears wonderful that an animal
possessed of such great strength, as well as the
power of being mischievous and dangerous,
should be so soon brought under subjection,
especially when the means generally em-
ployed for that purpose are duly considered.
In most parts of the country the persons to
whom this task is assigned, are generally of
a violent and brutal disposition, and which
is not a little aggravated by habitual drunk-
enness. Possessing no system, their operations
are carried on not only with violence, but often
in direct opposition to the economy of the
animal; and hence it is not surprising that so
many colts become restive and ever after
unmanageable. The mental powers of qua-
drupeds are confined to certain limits, just
sufficient for the purposes of their existence.
The principal source of their understandin"-
IS memory, but their memory never acts
abstractedly, that is to say, without the pre-

sence of the objects which they have been
accustomed to see ; and this constitutes the
chief difference between reason and instinct,
for reason gives the faculty of associat-
ing ideas and drawing conclusions inde-
pendently of any local or concurrent cir-
cumstances.

The most ferocious animals recollect the
person who feeds them, and shew a great
attachment to him, but this attachment
arises simply from the recollection of re-
ceiving their food from his hands. The
groom of Darius, king of Persia, appears to
have been well aware of this power of recol-
lection in animals ; for it having been agreed
amongst a few of the principal commanders
of the Persian army, that he, whose horse
should neigh the first, should be elected
king; Darius's groom gave his master's horse
a mare over night on the spot where the
election was to take place, and in conse-
(juence of that scheme, the horse, when
brought there in the morning, recollected
what had taken place on the preceding night,
and neighed immediately, in token of his
satisfaction.

Q

62

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

If. as was recommended in a former chap-
ter, the colt has been handled and haltered
from a very early aj^e, a great deal of the
danger and difficulty of breaking him will be
prevented ; for it is impossible for him to
know what is intended to be done to him
when he is first taken in hand. This, there-
fore^ shews the necessity of beginning with
the utmost coolness and gentleness in order
to convince him that no harm is meditated
towards him. When the first lesson is over,
and which should, by no means, be very
long, it will be adviseable to feed him
immediately after taking off" his bridle, and
by constantly following up this practice, he
will associate the two actions together, and
will remember the bridling as the forerunner
of the feeding, and will thence become soon
reconciled to that process. In the applying
the bridle and saddle to a colt, it should be
remembered that he is more tender and sen-
sitive than an old horse that has been accus-
tomed to the pressure and constraint of those
articles.

The bit, therefore, should be a plain
snaffle, and much thicker than the common
ones which are afterwards used^ and in the
centre or hinge of it a small plate with
moveable beads should be fixed^ so as to lie
upon the tongue. This is called a slabber-
ing-bitj and the centre part of it lying
loosely upon the tongue excites the horse to
move his jaws, and prevents him from bear-
ing heavily upon it so as to deaden his
mouth. When he is thus bridled, he is
reined up to the surcingle that goes round
his body. But this should be done not too
tightly at first, nor for too long a period of
lime, as the confinement of the head and
neck occasions great pain when too long

continued. It is customary to lead the colt
at first with a cavesson, which is buckled
round the nose ; but this is a very harsh and
severe mstrument if not used with gentleness;
and instances have occurred where the bones
of the nose have become diseased from being
pinched and bruised by the sudden and
violent jerks given by the hand of an impa-
tient and unskilful breaker. In fixing on the
saddle great attention should be paid to the
placing it in the proper part of the back,
fo r if it is placed too forwards it will press
against the hinder part of the shoulder-
blades, and by impeding their free motion,
it will not only baulk the colt in his action,
but will luake him restless and uncomfort-
able. The same attention should be paid to
the girthing, which should not be tighter
than just sufficient to prevent the saddle
from turning round. The crupper also should
not be too short, that it may not gall the tail.
When the colt is led in or out of the stable,
his head should not be reined up, but should
be at perfect liberty. Prom not attending to
this circumstance it frequently happens that
he hangs back from the natural apprehen-
sion of striking his head against the upper
part of the door In this case he is gene-
rally whipt by some persons standing behind
him, and he then rushes forwards in an
irregular manner, and often bruises his hips
in going out or coming in. However trifling
these things may appear, still much of the
quietness and tractability of the animal de-
pends upon a due attention to them ; for
although a dull and sluggish colt will sub-
mit without much resistance, yet one that is
hiffh mettled or fearful will not so soon
accommodate himself to such harsh and
inconsiderate treatment. When a coi« \^

BIUTlSll SPOllTSMAN

(>:$

shy about his hoad^ the greatest <>entleiiess
should be used in putting- on the bridle, for
if he is once alarmed by improper haste or
violence, he most probably will never forget
it, and will always be more or less trouble-
some in that respect. When any thing is
done to his head, he should never be held
by the lower \ydil of his nose, because, as the
horse breathes only through his nostrils, and
not through his mouth, the pressure of that
part of the nose stops his breathing, and he
naturally becomes impatient from the dread
of beiu"' suffocated.

Another circumstance, which is frequently
the cause of shyness about the head, arises
from accidentally burning the inside of the
ear, during the foolish operation of trimming
out the hair. The same thing may occur
also in singeing the under part of the lower
jaw. In handling his legs and feet, especi-
ally at the first time of his being shod, the
greatest care sliould be taken that no vio-
lence is used, for many a horse is rendered
vicious and difficult to be shod for want of a
due attention to this circumstance.

It is a good practice to let him eat some
corn held in a salver by the groom whilst he
is being shod, and by repeating it he will
begin to associate the two actions together,
and will thence have no dislike to the
operation. '

When young horses are first brought info
work, (heir age, size, and constitution should
be taken into consideration. Small horses
are generally more capable of enduring
fatigue at an early age than large ones,
because they sooner reach their natinal
growth, and are more united in their form
and action.

A long-legged cross-made colt has nianv

disadvantages to struggle v.ith, especiallv il'
his nuiscular strength is disproportioned to
the size of his body. Thorough-bred colts
acquire strength comparatively at a mucli
earlier age, and it is customary to begin to
race them at two years old, but their future
growth is perhaps considerably impeded by
the violent treatment which they undergo in
training ; indeed, it is no unconunon event
for some of them to die from being over-
purged or sweated. It frequently happens,
also, that they suffer a good deal at tliis age
from their teeth, as well as from the
strangles ; and when this is the case, great
caution is required not to add to their weak-
ness by an immoderate use of purgatives or
exercise. But there is a too prevalent opi-
nion in racing stables that a purge is of no
service except it operates in a violent degree.
The principal use of a purgative at that age
is to bring away worms, as colts, whilst tney
are growing, are seldom very fat. It should
also be recollected that their joints are not
sufficiently firm to bear much galloping, and
that thence they are more liable to break
down from violent or too long-continued
exertion.

The first lesson in breaking a colt is to
lounge him in a circle. For this purpose a
cavesson is fixed on his head, with a long-
thin cord attached to it. This cord beuig
held by the breaker, the colt trots roimd him
in as large a circle as the length of the cord
will admit. The celebrated Duke of New-
castle, in his treatise on horsemanship,
describes this lesson of the circle, best
adapted to give ease and pliancy to the
shoulders, and there can be no doubt of his
opinion being well founded. When the
animal is trotting in a ring, his inside iega

()4

THE COMPLETE fWRRIER ; axb

and outside legs move on two different cir-
cles, the outside one of which must of course
be the largest. It follows, therefore, that the
outside legs have to cover more ground than
those of the inside, and consequently a
greater extension of the shoulder and fore-
leg is required. Whilst going in a circle the
horse is obliged to incline his body inwards
towards the centre, and when the circle is
very small he leans so much that if he were
going in a strait line he would fall on his side.
This leaning, therefore, brings that side of
the body which is within the circle nearer to
the ground than that which is on the outside,
and he is therefore obliged to shorten his
inside legs to accommodate them to this
position, by bending the joints in a greater
degree, and thereby raising the limbs nearer
to the body.

But in order to give the animal the true
benefit arising from this lesson, his head and
neck should be perfectly at liberty, and not
reined up to the circingle, as is the practice
with country colt-breakers in general. It is
however a very severe and fatigueing lesson,
and should not be continued too long at a
time.

It is a common and a just observation, that
very few horses walk well ; and this proves
that certain natural qualifications in regard
to form and the position of the legs is abso-
lutely necessary to enable the animal to exe-
cute this pace in a free, graceful, and vigorous
style. The walk consists of an alternate
sinking of the fore and hind quarters. Thus,
when one of the fore-legs is advanced, the
fore-quarters must sink until the body is
brought forwards, when the leg will recover
its perpendicular position. The same takes
place in regard to the hind-quarters

The horse should move light, firm, and
quick. The knee should be somewhat lient
and the leg remain suspended in the air for
an instant, and the foot should alight per-
fectly flat upon the ground. This temporarj
suspension of the leg in the air, during the
walk, is one of the best proofs of soundness,
because if the horse felt any pain in his feet,
he would not support himself so long upon
one leg, but would bring the other to the
ground as quick as possible for relief.

In order to walk well, a horse must be well
shaped, particularly in his fore-quarters, for if
he is not firm and well on his centre of gra-
vity whilst he is standing still, he never can
be firm and elastic during progression. For
tJiis purpose his shoulders should be oblique
and lie well towards his back, and the fore-
legs should be perfectly perpendicular from
the chest to the ground ; for if they incline
too much under the body the horse will step
short and on his toe. They should also be
of a proportionate length with the hind-legs,
that the motion of both the fore and hind-
quarters may be in unison.

The chest should not be too narrow, nor
the toes turn outwards, in which case the legs
are very apt to strike each other in going,
especially on an uneven road. On the other
hand, if the chest be too wide, the horse will
tread principally gn the outer-quarter of the
foot, and will therefore be more unsteady
than if he pressed equally on every part.
Wide chested horses generally have a rolling
motion in their gait, which is in some degree
unpleasant to the rider. It is a great auxili-
ary to a light and airy style of walking that
the neck should issue high out of the chest,
and the head be well united to it, so as to
give it the greatest possible liberty.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

65

The hiiul-(niarter.s, though not so essen-
tial to good iiclioa in a slow pace as to speed,
shoidd be well eoustrueted. For this pur-
pose the hind-legs should not stand too far
backwards from the body. The shank-bone
below the hock should be perpendicular and
within the line which falls Ironi tlic end of
the croupe to the ground. Such a position
of the hind-legs enables him to bring them
tjuickly under the body, and thereby to acce-
lerate (lie motion of the fore-legs, by sustain-
ing a great part of the weight, whilst the
fore-quarters are in action. Young horses
that are eager and high couraged require
some pains to confine them to the walk, and
this is only to be done by the greatest cool-
ness and perseverance on the part of the
rider.

They should therefore be restrained with
a light and firm liand, and should never be
roughly checked by the bridle, or chastised
witii whip or spur, as such practices only
render them more impatient and unsteady.
A young horse, if possible, should always be
ridden with rather a loose rein, straitei:ing it
oidy when he is likely to change into the
trot.

A tight rein is sure to spoil the mouth of a
young horse, tor it teaches him to bear upon
the hand, and consequently throws much of
his weight on the shoulders, thereby imped-
ing their action in a very considerable de-
gree, besides deadening his mouth and ren-
dering it more difficult to stop him when it
is necessary.

In the walk the horse moves his legs dia-
gonally, that is to say, a fore-leg and a liiud-
leg of the opposite side. Thus, if he leads
with the left or near fore-les:, the ri"ht or
off hind-leg follows in succession, but before

the foot of the hind-leg reaches the ground
the fore-foot of the same side is lifted up
to make room for it ; and this action is car-
ried on on both sides alternately.

If the horse moves a fore-leg and a hind-
lejiofthe same side at the same time, it is
called " avibling." This is seldom a natural
pace, but it is taught the animal in
some countries where it is preferred to the
walk, on account of its occasioning less mo-

tion to the rider; because the rising and fall-
ing of both the fore and hind-quarters takes
place at the same time, and not alternately
as in the walk. Some horses will amble at
the rate of six miles an hour, but it is a very
ungraceful action, and is probably less safe
than the walk. It generally happens that if
a horse walks well, he goes well in every other
pace. In the walk the legs are moved in
succession, one after the other; but, in the
trot the horse moves two at once, that is to
say, a fore-leg and hind-leg at the same
time, but on opposite sides. To perform
this pace well, the knee should be elevated
and advanced so as to be seen by the rider,
projecting beyond the point of the shoulder,
and the hind-quarters should bend well,
particularly in the stifle and hocks, by which
means the elastic spring of the whole machine
is increased. When the trot is accelerated to
a "Teat decree, there is a moment of time
when all tlie legs are oft' the ground at once,
and during this period the horse advances
not only the distance which he embraces
l)y the cxten>ion of his limbs, but also some
distance by the momentum of his body whilst
all his legs are in the air. It sonietimes
occurs when a horse, (particularly a young
one) is forced in the trot beyond his powers,
that he gets into a confused pace, namely, to

66

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

trot with his fore-legs and to canter with his
hind-legs, or vice versa.

In this case he should be stopped instantly,
because such an imperfect action not only
reduces his speed, but renders him unsafe in
his going. When the horse is badly formed
in his fore-quarters, and goes heavily on his
shoulders, he is very apt to strike the
shoe of his fore-foot with the toe of his
hind-foot. This occasions an unpleasant
noise, and also endangers his falling in
case the toe of the hind-foot should catch
the heel of the shoe on the fore-foot, which
sometimes occurs. This may be remedied, in
some measure, by throwing him more on his
iiaunches, and by keeping the toes of his
hind-feet as short as possible.

A horse, whose fore-legs are not of a pro-
portionate length with his hind-legs, or
whose back is short in comparison with the
rest of his frame, generally trots with his
hind-legs so widely separated from each
other, as to alight on the outside of the fore-
feet at every time they reach the ground, or
else he goes obliquely like a dog, by which
means the fore and hind-legs move in two
different lines of direction, so that one hind-
foot alights on the outside of the fore-foot,
and the other hind-foot between the two
fore-feet, and by this method the horse
avoids overreaching. The long darting trot
is not so speedy as the short quick trot,
but it shews great muscular power and
elasticity, and is more peculiar to thorough-
bred horses than to any others.

Some horses have been said to have trotted
even eighteen miles within the hour, but
their pace partakes more of a run than a re-
gular trot, as they move their legs separately
as'ni the walk, and not a fore-leg and hind-

leg at the same time, as in the trot. Horses
that are kept solely to trotting, can hardly be
made to gallop, and this occurs from the
muscles being constantly employed in one
peculiar action, so that they cannot adapt
themselves to any other.

THE CANTER

is a very easy and pleasant pace to the rider
when it is well performed. It is not, how-
ever, a natural pace. When the horse has
occasion to shift his station, he generally
does it with a velocity in proportion to the
occasion.

If he is inclined to move faster than the
trot, he changes into the gallop, and not
into the canter, which, in fact, is not more
speedy than the trot. The manner in which
the horse is taught to perform this pace, is,
by shortening the gallop. But it is first ne-
cessary that he should be well shaped in his
hind-quarters, and .stand with his hind-legs
rather under his body; he should also Le
high in his fore-quarters, as it is very difficult
to make a horse canter well that is low
before, or long-backed, with his hind-legs"'
standing far behind biin.

The Canter is divided into four motionss,
which is the cause of its being so much
easier to the rider than any other pace.
Thus, if the horse leads with the off fore-leg,
the feet will come to the ground in the
following order, nan.ely, the near hind-leg,
the off hind-leg, the near fore-leg, and the
off fore-leg, and during this succes.sion ol
action, there is a moment when three feet are
on the ground at the same time, and in the
same order as in the walk ; for instance, the
two hind-feet, and the near fore-foot will be

1=1

^

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

in

o!i tlie "Touud just prior to tlie instant wlicii
Ihe ort" fore-foot aliglits, which having taken
place, the near hind-foot rises, Icavinj? the
other three, viz. two fore-feet and tlie olf
hind-foot stationary.

in the Canter tlie horse moves obliquely,
by advancing either his right or left shoulder
in conformity with the loading leg. Thus, if
he leads with the right fore-leg, the right
hind-leg nmst follow, and be advanced more
under the body than the left leg. By this
inclination of the body, the fore and hind-
legs move in two different lines of direction,
so that if the horse leads with the oft' fore-
leg, the near hind-leg takes the line between
the two fore-legs, by w hich means his croupe
is thrown outwards to the same side on
which he leads, and the reverse of this will of
course take place if he leads with the left leg.
When the horse leads with the right or oft"
fore-leg, and follows with the left or near
hind-leg, he is said to canter false. This
renders his motion both irregular and unsafe,
and is particularly unpleasant to the rider.
Whenever this false action occurs, the horse
should be stopped instantly.

Horses are generally taught to lead with
the off fore-leg, because it is easier to the
rider, who, when holding the reins in the left
hand, inclines his body somewhat to the left
side, and which inclination agrees with the
oblique direction of the horse's body. But
he should be suffered to lead with either leg
occasionally, because if the animal is con-
tined always to lead with the same leg, the
opposite limbs become so contracted in their
action as to lose much of their natural elas-
ticity ; besides that, the fore-leg which does
not lead comes to the ground first and re-
ceives principally the weight and shock of

the body, thereby wearing itself out taster
than the other.

If the horse is required to lead with the
oft' fore-leg, it will be necessary to shorten
the near or left-hand rein, and to pres- the
horse's side with the left leg, and to apply
the spur if necessary. By shortening tlie
left rein, his head and neck will be inclined lO
the left or near side, which will confine the
motion of his near or left shoulder, and
force him to advance the oft" shoulder at the
same time the pressure of the rider's left leg
throws otf the croupe to the right side, and
obliges the hind-quarters to take the same
direction as the fore-quarters If he is re-
quired to lead with the near or left leg, the
right hand and heel nmst be employed for
that purpose. A horse that cantcis well
must have a light mouth, for if he bears
heavily on the hand of the rider, he must go
on his shoulders, and consequently his action
will become more unsafe.

THE (JALLOP

is the swiftest pace of which the animal is
capable, and diff'ers in nothing from the can-
ter except in its velocity. When this pace is
to beexecuted the body is carried perfectly in
a horizontal posture, and w ith very little mo-
tion either upwards or downwards, but it
requires great muscular power in the limbs
to preserve this strait line in the motion of
the body, because as the body sinks nearer
to the ground during the gallop, the legs
must bend very considerably at every joint,
in order to clear themselves from the ground,
every time they are advanced to take a fresh
stroke. There is a considerable diff'erence
between the gallop of the horse and of thosr

fi8

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

animals that have flexible spines or back-
bones, such as the dog, cat, and the hare.
These animals gallop with their fore and
liiiid-legs extended at the same period,
so that every time the legs recover themselves
to take a fresh impulse they cross each other,
that is to say, the hind-legs come beyond the
fore-legs when they meet under the body.

Hence at this period of gathering the legs
together, the back forms an arch, by which
means the hind-quarters are brought more
under the centre of the body, and this is the
chief cause of the comparative swiftness of
those animals in proportion with their size.

But the gallop of the horse is very differ-
ent, for had his back possessed such a degree
of flexibility as to have formed an arch
alternately with the action of his legs, it
would have been impossible for the rider to
have kept his seat during such an alternate
elevation and depression of the back-bone.
The horse, therefore, never extends his fore-
legs and his hind-legs at the same time,
during the gallop, hence all the representa-
tions of that action in pictures of race-horses
are false and erroneous, for the hind-legs and
fore-legsfoUow each other; for instance, when
the hind-legs are at their utmost extension
backwards, the fore-legs are under the belly
and just quitting the ground to throw them-
selves forwards, but the hind-legs instant'.y
follow, so that when the fore-legs are extend-
I'd forwards the hind-legs are brought under
the body to take a fresh spring.

The legs, however, do not alight all at the
same moment, but in a regular succession
and nearly in a line, and at equal distance
from each other. The late Mr. St. Bell, who
certainly understood well the paces of the
horse, divides the gallop into three. The

common gallop, he says, contains three times.
If, for example, the horse begins his gallop
on the right, the left hind-foot beats the first
um«, the right hind-foot and left fore-foot
beat the second time together, and the right
fore-foot beats the third. In the gallop of
four times, the feet strike the ground in the
same order as in walking. Supposing the
horse galloping on the right, the left
hind-foot beats the first time, the right hind-
foot beats the second time, the left fore-foot
beats the third, and the right fore-foot beats
the fourth. This gallop is regular, but con-
fined, and little adapted for speed. The
gallop at two times is faster than at three or
at four. The legs follow in the same order
as in the trot, so that the two sounds are
given by the left hind-foot and right fore-
foot striking the ground together, and by the
right hind-foot and left fore-foot also strik-
ing the ground together.

In galloping, the horse may lead with
which fore-leg he pleases; but whichsoever it
be, the hind-leg of the same side must fol-"
low next, otherwise the legs are said to be
disunited and the gallop to be false. To
remedy this disorder, the rider must slay the
horse a little on the hand, and help him with
the spur gently on the contrary side to that
on which he is disunited. As for example,
if he be disunited on the right side, he should
help him with the left spur, by staying him
as before on the hand a little, and also help-
ino" him at the same time with the calves of
the legs. When galloping in a circle the
horse is obliged to lead with that leg which
is on the inside of the "ircle, because he
leans inwards, and consequently requires
that leg to be more advanced for the pur-
pose of supporting the weight of the bodv.

BRITISH SI'OlirSMAN.

ay

Horses in fjalloping- sometimes change the
leading leg whilst they are going. It has
a very beautiful effect when well performed,
and is a proof of great strength and com-
mand of their limbs, it is necessary, how-
ever, that the hind-leg on the same side
should change also, or else the horse will
gallop false.

It is a common practice with most grooms
and jockies to teach horses to pull against them
in the gallop, and it is supposed that a horse
cannot go at speed in any other way. But
when the animal bears thus upon the hand
of the rider, a .considerable portion of the
power which should be concentrated in his
body for the purpose of maintaining his
equilibrium is directed forwards, and hence
he becomes more liable to fall, in case of
meeting with any casual obstacle. There
is indeed a very prevalent idea with most
riders, that the bridle has the effect of keep-
ing ahorse from falling; hence, whenever
•the animal trips, the rider pulls hard with
the rein, and the consequence is, that if it
happens to he a curb-rein, it draws the
horse's head inwards towards his chest, and
by thus confining the action of his head and
neck, is more likely to accelerate his fall
than to prevent it. If the rider were seated
Oil any other body except that of the horse
upon which he rides, he might have the
power of assisting the animal by pulling
against his mouth, as for instance, a
coachman on a coach-box, but when seated
on the horse's back, he becomes as it were
a part of the animal, and his own body must
go with that of the horse in whatever direc-
tion it may happen to be.

The best and most pleasant action is when
the horse carries his head moderately high.

0.

and occasionally plays with the hand of his
rider. It is also essential that he should
have perfect liberty in the action of his
hocks, so as to enal>le iiim to bring his hind-
quarters well under the body, by which
means a great portion of the weight is
taken off the fore-quarters, and their action
thereby assisted. Speed does not depend so
much on the length of ground which the
legs cover at every stroke, as it does by the
quick repetition of motion.

And this is proved by comparing the grey-
hound and the hare, both of which are very
litile inferior in speed to the horse, yet cover
but a very small portion of ground compara
lively with the latter.

During the gallop there is a period of
time when all the legs are in the air at once,
and at that instant the body moves on by its
own momentum, like a hall discharged from
a gun, so that the horse not only advances
the space of ground which his legs cover
w hen extended, but gains also an additional
space by the impetus with which his body is
propelled forwards, and this impetus or mo-
mentum will of course be in proportion with
the power of the hind-quarters from whence
all motion proceeds.

S[)ortsmen have a curious but mistaken
idea, that a horse when going over a leap
can increase his impetus whilst he is in the
air, in case he finds the ditch on the other side
wider than he e.\pected But the hind-quar-
ters cannot act unless the feet have some
fixed point to spring from ; the degree of
action therefore in the leap must depend on
the force employed in quitting the giound,
for the animal cannot find any point oJ
resistance from which he might make a
fresh spring, or increase the origmal one.

w

THE COxMPLETE FARRIER: and

whilst all his legs are in the air. It is a bad
practice to hold a tight rein whilst taking off
at a leap, as it confines the horse's fore-
quarters, and consequently checks him.

Riders do it for the purpose of obliging
the horse to collect himself before he takes
off, but it is probable that the animal is in
general better able to calculate the extent of
his own powers than his rider, and it is a fact
pretty well known to experienced sportsmen,
that one half of the falls which happen in
the field are occasioned by the irresolution
of the rider, and the consequent baulking
of the Iv^rse at a time when he should be
left to himself.

There is another pace very useful to the
horse, although it is not a natural one, which
is what is called passaging. It consists in
moveing nearly sideways, so that the fore-
legs and hind-legs go in two different lines
of direction. It must be practiced along the
side of a wall or a hedge, and generally with
the head facing the wall. The body should
not be quite at a right angle with the wall,
but somewhat oblique, with his fore-quarters
a little turned towards the line in w hich he is
moving. Thus if he is passaging to the
right, his shoulders should incline the same
way; but in order to prevent him from going
in a strait line, the rider's left leg must be ap-
plied to the flank so as to force his croupe out-
wards, and at the same time the right-hand
rein should be rather straitened. The horse
then crosses his left leg over the right, in
both fore and hind-legs, and if he is going
to the right, the reverse takes place.

It is a very useful pace to carriage-horses,
as it enables them to turn with greater
Vacility, and prevents them from treading on
liuir coronets w hilst crossinjj their leo:s.

It is taught to all horses employed for
military purposes, and it is upon this account
that old troop-horses are so easily broke to
harness, and are so handy in their turning.
There is another pace, called the passage,
on a strait line, practiced very much both in
Germany and Italy. For this they chuse a
temperate horse, that has good action, and
leading upon a strait line, on a walk or a
trot, they teach him to lift two legs together,
one before and one behind, in the form of a
St. Andrew's cross, and in setting those two
to the ground, to raise the other two alter-
nately and keep them a long while in the
air, and in such a maimer, that at every ac-
tion he does not gain above a foot of ground
forwards.

The beauty of this pace consists in hold-
ing the legs a long time in the air. The
motion, however, of the legs is the same as
in the walk or the trot, for they go in the
same order, and the only difference is, that
in passaging upon a strait line the legs are
kept longer in the air. It is very difficult to
teach a horse this pace, and so much art and
patience are required, that a horse is two or
three years in training to it.

Amongst other paces it is very essential to
teach a horse to back either in or out of
harness, for many aukward situations occur
which render it necessary. But the common
treatment of the horse in harness, especially
in light carriages, is such as to render it a
matter of wonder that the animal can be
brought to understand in the least degree
what is required of him.

The obvious use of the whip is to urge
the animal to proceed, and a high-mettled
horse very seldom requires any stimulus of
that sort, but what must be the result when

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

71

he IS wlupf to make him stand still, for the
animal must be endowed with more than
liuman perception, if he can make any dis-
tinction when the same means are (;mpU)) ed
to make him go on, and also to stand quiet.
The custom also of reining- the head up
so high with the gag-rein as is the
common practice, has a very pernicious
effect on the animal, especially if he is thick
in his throat at the setting on of his head to
his neck, for it occasions such a pressure on
the jugular veins as almost to stop the circu-
lation of the blood from the head, and very
|,Mobably contributes in a great degree to
produce most of those diseases of the eyes
with which coach-horses are affected. It
also, by raising the head so high, throws the
tore-quarters out of the line of draught, and
consequently deprives the horse of the means
of applying his strength mechanically to the
best advantage, independently of the unea-
siness and pain which it produces in the
bones and muscles of the neck by keeping
them confined to one posture for such a
length of time. Hence when coach-horses,
reined up in this maimer, are standing in the
street, it may generally be observed, that
they put out their fore-legs as much as
possible, so as to lessen the angle between
their necks and their fore-quarters.

But the {greatest evil to which carriag-e-
horses are exposed, takes place in the mode
6*" harnessing theru to stage coaches, and
such is the danger attending it, that very
few travellers would hazard their lives in
those vehicles were they at all sensible of
the risk to which they are exposed. The
evil alluded to is the practice of driving the
wheel-horses without a brichin, in which
case all the weight of the carriaac in ffoin<r

down hill is resisted by the collar only, and*
when it is considered that all the pressure is
acting upon the end of the neck, close to
tlie withers, and consequently pulling the
horse downwards towards the ground; and
when it is also considered, that the majoi
part of the horses used in stage-coaches are
lame or tender in their feet, and scarcely able
to support even their own weight, how much
nnist the danger be increased when the
weight of three tons is pressing against them
down a hill covered with loose gravel or un-
even in its surface. But independently of
the danger of the animal being thrown down,
all the weight before mentioned is resisted
only by a small leather strap, which buckles
the harness together at the upper part of the
collar, and which in case of its breaking or
becoming loose would let th ■ hames fly
asunder, and the horse would be immediately
overrun by the carnage, and the consequences
of such an accident may very easily be cal-
culated. But strange as il may appear, all
this danger is incurred every day, merely
because the coachman considers a brichin to
be old-fashioned, and beneath his taste ami
dignity.

Amongst other improprieties in the treat-
ment of the horse during his labour, the fol-
lowing is a very common one, and well wor-
thy of notice. It is very usual with inconsi-
derate riders to pull up a horse suddenly
«hen on the gallop. The danger attending
this practice is very great ; for the shock
which the limbs undergo, by being unex-
pectedly required to stop the momentum of
the !)ody instantaneously, is such as to exposfi
the joints to the risk of dislocation, or even
to fracture the bones.

A very extraordinary case of this descnp*

7Sf

THE COMPLETE FAIIRIER. ; and

t*oii occurred a few years ago. A groom whilst
galloping a horse in Hyde Park, pulled him
up very suddenly. Immediately afterwards
the animal was perceived to be lame, and
apparently in all his legs. With some diffi-
culty he was led to Mr. Moorcroft's infirmary,
in Oxford-street, and being placed in a
loose box such remedies were applied lo the
limbs generally as were thought necessary.
On entering the box on the following morning
the horse was discovered lying down, and
making several fruitless efforts to rise, and
on a close examination it was ascertained
that the shank-bones of all his four legs were
broken.

It is evident that the bones had not disunit-
ed immediately, by the horse having been
able to walk from Hyde Park into Oxford-
street, and which might be owing to the legs
being kept in a perpendicular direction ; but
when the horse lay down, and afterwards
attempted to rise, the legs being then in an
horizontal or oblique position, the weight of
the body, together with the exertion used in
attempting to rise, was sufficient to separate
the parts which had been cracked, and if it
had been possible to have known the nature
of the injury the horse might perhaps have
been saved by suspending his body in such a
way as to take oft^some of the pressure, and
by preventing him from lying down until an
jnion of the fractured parts had taken place.
The forejioina: instance of the bad conse-
quences of the practice before-mentioned
IS by no means a solitary one; for it is
within the recollection of the author of this
treatise that he was once called upon to
attend a post-horse whose thigh-bone had
been fractured by being stopt suddenly in
driving up to an inn-door. Yet this is con-

stantly done by all coachmeij and post-bov.a
for the sake of a flourish, and for an oppor-
tunity of shewing their dexterity.

But even if its consequences are not so
fatal as the two cases just alluded to, still it is
evident that it must distress the joints, parti-
cularly the hocks, to a great degree, and
more so when in harness, because the horse
has then not only to stop his own body, but
also the momentum of the carriage which is
following him.

Before closing these observations! it will
not be irrelevant to offer a few remarks on
the present mode of harnessing horses, as
well as on the construction of harness in
general. The collar is certainly the best
adapted for the purposes of draught, because,
if properly filed, it carries an equal pressure
against the shoulder almost throughout, but
the custom of fixing the ends of the traces to
an immoveable splinter-bar defeats in a great
measure the benefit which would otherwise
arise from it, which consists in the motion of
the collar adapting itself to the play of the
shoulder , as they are alternately advanced
one beyond the other during progression.

The horses, however, which run as leaders
in stage-coaches have this advantage, be-
cause the swino'le-tree bars are fixed in the
middle, and are moveable in all directions^
but some of the sapient coachmen who drive
them seem determined to counteract this
benefit, by fixing the inside traces of the two
leaders across each other, and attaching them
to the opposite bars, so as to prevent their
lateral motion altogether. The danger of
driving stage-coach horses without brichins
has been before observed, and the legislature
would do well to enforce the use of them in
regard to those vehicles, by inflicting a heavy

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

73

penalty for the omission. The circiunstaiice
of fixiii": the swinftlc-ti-ee bars to the end of
the pole is also not without danger; for tlie
pole is set so horizontal and low at that end
to which the bars are attached, (for the pur-
pose of its being in the same line as the
traces of the leaders,) that when the
whccl-horses are in the act of stopping the
carriage, or of resisting its pressure when
going down-hill, they must pull the end of
the pole upwards, at the great risk of loose-
ening it or breaking it in the socket, and the
consequences of such an accident may be
easily calculated, when the horses would be
overrun by the carriage without the possibi-
lity of stopping it. A very considerable
degree of danger is also attached to the
present mode of hanging stage-coaches.
Formerly they were suspended by a perpen-
dicular spring at each corner, but the present

system is to fix them with horizontal springs
under the body.

In the former mode, when the wheels were
going on the side of a road, and were con-
sequently in a slanting or oblique position,
the body still preserved its perpendicular
direction by the swinging of the braces, and
therefore did not incline sideways at the
roof, as is the case when it is lixed upon
springs bearing ordy on the centre, for
whenever the carriage is going with one
wheel higher than the other, the body is not
only obliged to take the same direction, but
absolutely hangs over more than the wheels,
in consequence of its meeting with no sup-
port at the sides, and there is certainly a
peculiar providence protecting these vehicles
when all these circumstances are taken into
consideration.

ON THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

THE STRANGLES

may with propriety be considered as gene-
rally the first disease by which the horse is
attacked, and it appears to be so ingrafted
in his nature, that he seldom or ever escapes
It at some period of his life.

The French and other foreign vrriters
have compared it to the small-pox in the
liuman race, and as the small-pox is more
incident to children than to grown persons,
so it has been observed by these writers.

that the strangles chiefly aflects colts or
young horses previous to six years of age,
though this is by no means an invariable
rule, as some have the. disease at a mticli
more advanced period. It is also compared
to the small-pox because it never attacks
horses more than once, whereas many other
distempers, arising from common causes and
accidents, will return as often a.s the causes
which produce them.

It may however be considered a critical
disease, by which something obnoxious to

74

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

the constitution is thrown off, and when it
goes through its regular course thoroughly,
the animal is generally improved in his
health by its operation.

This disease generally begins with a
swelling between the upper part of the jaw-
bones next the throat, sometimes lower and
immediately under the muscles of the tongue,
attended with great heat, pain, and inflam-
mation, and sometimes to such a degree
that the horse is scarcely able to swallow
till the tumour suppurates or forms matter.
It frequently happens, that colts have the
strangles whilst at grass, and the whole pro-
cess goes on naturally without any assistance
whatever. In this case, the abscess breaks
of its own accord, a copious discharge
ensues, and the animal generally recovers
in the course of a few days But it some-
times occurs, that in consequence of internal
weakness from the colt having been starved
in winter, as is but too often the case, the
constitution has not strength sufficient to
throw it out, and in that case the disease
lurks in the habit, and sometimes produces
so much general derangement as to destroy
the animal in spite of every attempt to re-
lieve him.

Those colts, however, that escape the
strangles at grass, are liable for the most
part to be seized when they are first taken
up into the stable, and the tendency to the
disease may be increased by the violence of
exercise in breaking as well as by the pres-
sure on the parotid glands when he is first
remed up with the bridle The first attack
is usually denoted by a considerable degree
of fever, and sometimes accompanied with
a cough, and a loss of appetite, as well as a
great difficulty in swallowing. When the

swelling takes place on the inside of the
jaw-bone, it is much longer in coming to
maturity than when it begins more towards
the middle. The most favourable situation
is between the jaw-bones, because the swell-
ing meets with less resistance, and is not so
liable to press on the jugular vein as when
it is situated at the angle of the jaw with the
neck. Sometimes the parotid glands are
affected, and swell up as high as the root of
the ear. This is what is called the vives, in
the language of the old farriers. It arises
from the same cause as the other, and of
course requires the same treatment. The
degree of swelling under the throat is some-
times so great as to expose the horse to the
danger of suffocation. In this case he stands
with his nose out, his nostrils distended,
and his breathing laborious and accompanied
with a considerable noise in his throat. When
the disease has arrived at this extraordinary
degree of violence, and the tumour feels
hard and not likely to form matter immedi-
ately, the last resource to prevent suffocation
is the operation of bronchotomy, or cutting
out a piece of the wind-pipe about the size
of a shilling, through which aperture the
horse can breathe with the greatest ease and
safety. This operation has been frequently
performed by Mr. Field, Veterinary Surgeon,
Oxford -street, with the greatest success.
The Strangles, however, seldom prove dan-
gerous unless from the causes before-men-
tioned. On the first appearance of the
disease, if the attack is violent, and the
colt strong and full of flesh, it will be ad-
viseable to moderate the inflammation by
taking about two quarts of blood, and by
opening the bowels by a gentle purge, such
as the following : —

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

75

Aloes Barbadoes 3 draclims
Castile-soap .... 4 drachms

Giiifjer i drachm

in a ball
If the colt is more than three years old,
another drachm of aloes may be added.
In the mean time, the swellinj^ should be
fomented frequently uilh a decoction of
mash-mallows, as warm as the haud can
bear, and a poultice made of bran may
be also applied. The swelling will soon
begiu to point, that is to say, it w ill become
softer in the most pramincnt part, but it
should uot be opened until nearly the whole
of it is soft, and yields to the finger. When
the tumour is opened, or breaks of itself, the
orifice should be made of a sufficient size to
let the matter discharge freely, and it may
then be dressed with common digestive oint-
ment, taking care first to press out all the
matter, and to keep the surrounding parts
of the orifice clean with a sponge and warm
water.

Sometimes the strangles are confined
principally to a discharge from the nose. In
this case the disease is generally of longer
duration, and occasionally ends fatally, by
a gradual wasting of the animal, which dies
consumptive, from the lungs being more or
less affected. It has been said, that the
strangles sometimes terminate in glanders,
but such an opinion is very doubtful, if not
totally unfounded. It is very possible for
colts at grass to catch the glanders by com-
ing into contact with any diseased horse
that may happen to run in the same pasture,
and the discharge may be at first mistaken
for tho strangles. The author has known
two or three instances of this kind occur in
pastures that have been situated by the side

of a canal, as tiie boatmen sometimes take
the liberty of turning their boat-horses U>
graze dining the nigiit, and many of them,
it is well known, are glandered, and, on that
account, are bought for a very small sum.

About twenty years ago a farrier at Bir-
mingham introduced the practice of inocu-
lating colts with the strangles, and, it is said,
with success, although the practice does not
appear to have extended to any other pari
of the kingdom.

The process was very simple, merely by
a slight scratch within the nostril, and depo-
siting a small quantity of matter from an
abscess in a diseased horse. But it was
attended with some risk in the hands of un-
skilful persons, because it was possible that
the disease by which the matter was furnish-
ed might be the farcy, which is also a glan-
dular disease, and the consequences of such
a mistake would most likely be fatal.

At the close of the strangles, when the
discharge has ceased, and the abscess is heal-
ed, the following purge may be given, pro-
vided the horse be not very weak and much
reduced in flesh.

Aloes Barbadoes 4 drachms
Emetic tartar . . . -| drachm
Castile-soap .... 2 drachms

Gingrer 1 drachm

in one ball,
to be given with the usual preparation
of bran-mashes and warm water

ON LAMENESS.

Althouo-h, in nine cases out of ten, lame-
ness is confined to the hoof, yet there are
several circumstances which may produce it
in other parts oi ttie limb, such as the
muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones

76

THE COMPLETE FARRIER,

Diseases in the bones and joints of the leg
may arise either from externa,! injury^ or
from some internal canse. They generally
consist of —

Splents,
Ring-bones,
Stiff joint or anchylosis.
Bone spavin.

Ossified cartilages of the foot
Tlie first of these (the splent) is a very
common disease, and more generally attacks
young horses, especially if they are brought
into hard work at an early age. The splent
occurs more frecpiently on the fore-legs
than on the hinder ones, and this arises
probably from their being more exposed to
concussion, from the weight of the body being-
thrown upon them during progression.

It most commonly appears on the inside
of the shank-bone, sometimes in the middle,
and sometimes just below the knee. It is
also frequently situated immediately under
the suspensor ligament of the leg, or under
a tendon, and consequently displaces them
more or less in proportion to its bulk. It is
generally attended, and most probably al-
ways preceded by inflammation, and many
of those secret and temporary lamenesses,
with which young horses are often affected,
may be attributed to this cause.

During the inflammatory state of the splent
an increased secretion of bony matter is
brought on in the part affected, and an
enlargement of the bone consequently takes
place. In this state the bone becomes ex-
tremely sensible, and the pain which the
animal experiences from the concussion of
the limb, when it alights on the ground, is
sufficient to occasion lameness.

This sensibility of the bone will contin ie

until the membrane which surrounds it, and
which is called the periostium, yields, and
adapts itself to the increased substance which
is contained within it. The lameness is
certainly increased if the splent takes place
under a tendon or a ligament, for it in some
measure forces them out of their natural
direction, and thereby impedes their action
until they adapt themselves to their new
situation. In young horses, splents some-
times disappear of their own accord. In
this case, they are absorbed by the naturaj
action of the vessels. But it is most prudent
not to wait for such an uncertain event.
Warm stimulating embrocations certainly
assist the absorption, but the most eflicacious
remedy is either blistering or firing. When
blistering is resorted to, the following may
be used with safety and advantage.
R— Cantharides pulverised half-an-ounce.
mix with sweet oil to the consistence of
treacle.
Let the hair be cut off close, not only from
the part affected, but also all round the leg,
and the blister be well rubbed in with the
hand for ten minutes. By applying the
blister all round the leg a greater surface is
acted upon than when it is confined to the
part affected. When the blister is rubbed
on, let the horse's head be tied short to the
rack for twenty-four hours at least.

On the following day, the blistered part
may be dressed with hog's lard, and the
horse may be walked in a clean road for
a few minutes to take off the stiffiiess. His
head also may be loosed to the usual
length of his halter, but he must be watched
so as to ascertain that he does not attempt
to bite the part, in which case his head
' mnst again be tied short to prevent it. A

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RRITISII SPORTSMAN.

neck-cradle will liiiuler the horse from rc:ich-
ing his hind-leg, but it is of no use for a
fore-le"-. In a few days, when the inflamma-
tion arising from the blister has entirely sub-
sided, a bandage may be applied over the
part, which will, in some degree, assist the
absorption of the bony matter.

THE RING-BONE

is an enlargement of the lesser pastern-bone,
at a small distance from the coronet of the
hoof, and sometimes occasions a stiff" joint.
It "-enerally beguis on the front of the coro-
net, and extends sometimes to the quarters.

The cartilages of the foot, which are situ-
ated just above the quarters, are also some-
times diseased and converted into bone. It
is, however, a distinct disease from the ring-
bone, though it is equally productive of
lameness.

The ring-bone attacks both fore and hind
legs, but the ossification of the cartilages is
generally confined to the fore-feet only. Re-
peated blistering will be necessary in either
case, and even firing. But unfortunately the
disease is very often suffered to gain ground
from the lameness being attributed to the
shoulder, and the remexlies are consequently
applied to the wrong part.

STIFF JOINT, OB ANCHYLOSIS.

This disease generally arises from some
accidental wound in the joint, in which case
the synovia, or liquid, which is supplied for
the office of lubricating or keeping moist
the surfaces of the heads of the bones in their
action with each other, escapes outwards.
This escape of the synovia, " or the running
of joint-oil," as it is called by the common
farrier, occasions great irritation and inflam-

mation, and if the orifice of the wocmd is
not soon clo.sed, the membranes begin to
thicken, bony matter is thrown out from the
heads of the bones, thereby uniting them in
one mass, and the use of he joint is thence-
forth irrecoverably gone. It is therefore evi-
dent that no time ought to be lost on such
an occasion. The common practice with
farriers is to introduce a tent dipped in some
strong stimulating mixture into the wound,
but such a practice is most injurious, because
it prevents the lips of the wound from clos-
ing, which is the first object necessary in
order to stop the discharge.

The inflammation from a wounded joint is
very different to that which takes place in any
muscular part, and requires a very diflferent
mode of treatment. For as ligaments are
not so vascular as muscles, they are conse-
quently much slower in forming granulatiojis,
or, in other words, they possess not so per-
fectly the powers of regeneration. When a
joint, therefore, is wounded and perforated,
the lips of the wound should be touched with
a little butter of antimony, or they may be
seared slightly by the application of the hot-
iron. The external surface may then be
covered with a pledget of fine tow, and the
whole kept from the air as much as possible.
No poultices should be applied to the pait
affected, but the adjacent parts may be occa-
sionally fomented to take off the swelling
and stiff'ness. The fomentation may consist
of marshmallows boiled in water, or bran and
w ater, as warm as the hand can bear it. The
butter of antimony may be applied every
other day until the wound is closed— a very
small quantity on the end of a feather is suf-
ficient, and it should by no means be iulr«»-
duced within the wound,
u

78

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

THE BONE-SPAVIN

is generally situated on the upper end of the
shank-bone of the hind-leg, sometimes be-
low and sometimes on the middle of the hock-
joint. Horses that stand with their hind-
legs much bent at the hock, or that are what
is called cow-hocked, are more subject to
this disease than others, because the stress is
increased upon that part by its angularity.
The lower part of the hock-joint is composed
of several small bones, which fit together in
one common cavity. These bones possess
some degree of distinct motion, which al-
though it is very trifling, is still sufficient to
increase the elasticity of the joint. When
the spavin is once formed, these bones are
generally united into one solid mass, and
their former elasticity is consequently lost,
in which case lameness ensues, and as it is
impossible to disunite these bones again after
they are once diseased, it shews the necessity
of early means being resorted to for the pur-
pose of a cure. The lameness arising from
this disease will shew itself generally before
the enlargement of the bone takes place,
and this is the only period when a cure is
likely to be obtained. But owing to an al-
most universal propensity in the common
farriers to ascribe all lameness in the hind-
legs to some affection of the stifle, or the
whirl-bone, the true seat of the complaint is
overlooked, and so much time is wasted in
applying the remedy to the wrong part, that
the favorable period for removing the spavin
escapes, and the lameness is irrecoverable
by any means whatsoever. Many violent
and tormenting systems are adopted in this
case, such as strong caustics, and even the
mallet and chissel, but owing to the impossi-
bility ot separating the small-bones which

have been united into one mass, all such at-
tempts will be fruitless. In the first attack
of a bone-spavin, during its inflammatory
state, the lameness disappears after the horse
has been exercised for a short time, but re-
turns again when he is at rest. And this cir-
cumstance distinguishes it in a great degree
from lameness in any other part of the limb,
which generally increases from exercise.
Hence, whenever the lameness in a hind-leg
disappears from exercise, it may fairly be
supposed to be seated in the hock, although
the spavin has not yet made its appearance,
and this is the only period when any attempts
at a cure are likely to be attended with sue
cess. The same blister may be used as ha ;
been recommended in the case of the splint
and rinsT-bone, and it will be attended with
increased effect if it be applied all round the
hough, so as to raise a superficial inflamma-
tion to as large an extent of surface as pos-
sible. The same precautions in regard to
tying up the horse's head, and dressing the
part with hog's lard to be attended to.

LAMENESS IN THE LIGAMENTS
AND TENDONS,

may be comprised under the following heads.

Strains of the sheath of the tendons.

Rupture of the suspensor ligaments of
the legs.

Thorough pins.

Blood spavins.

Curbs,

Windgalls,

Injuries in the coffin-joint.

Injury in the whirl-bone.

Injury in the stifle.
The strain of the sheath of the tendonfe
is commonly called, " Strain in the back

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

79

sinews," and ijeiicrally occurs just above the
t'eflock-joint.

It is produced either by a violent exertion,
or l)y galloping- on a hard road, and soine-
linies by a blow from the toe of tlie hind-
foot, which may happen in hunting; over a
heavy country, where the fore-leg is kept too
Jung on the ground by sticking in the clay.
The injury, however, seldom exists in the
tendon itself, but is more commonly confined
to the sheath which surrounds it.

If the injury is of a recent date, and is at-
tended with much inflammation in the part
affected, it will be necessary to abate it by
fomentation with bran and water, or the ap-
plication of a bran poultice for two or three
days; and at the expiration of that time, if
there is no heat remaining in the part, as-
tringent lotions may be used, such as the fol-
lowing,

R — Crude sal ammoniac
Vineffar

I ounce
1 pint,

mixed in a bottle.

The part may be rubbed with some of this
mixture twice daily, and a bandage dipped
in cold water may be bmnid round the leg-
moderately tight, or camphorated spirits of
wine may be used together with the ban-
dage, and if neither of the above should
prove sufficiently stimulating, the following-
may be resorted to, viz.

Cantharides pulverised . 1 drachm

Spirits of wine . ... 2 ounces

mixed.

The above embrocation may be rubbed on
the part, but the horse's head must be tied
up for a few hours, whilst it is operating,
which it does as a very mild blister. The

horse may have walkinj? exercise, but must
on no account be worked during the process,
nor even for some time after he is recovered,
as tendons and ligaments, w hen once strained,
are very easily injured again, and require a
considerable length of time to recover their
orig'inal tone and firmness.

The rupture of the suspensor ligament is
what is called breaking down. This is a
much more serious accident than the former,
as it is seldom or ever cured. The disease
has generally and improperly been supposed
to occupy the tendons ; but in fact is totally
unconnected with them. When these liga-
ments are ruptured, the fetlock-joint, instead
of preserving its natural oblique position,
sinks down and nearly touches the ground.
But still the tendons preserve the power of
bending^ the leg, which they could not do if
they were ruptured. As it is almost impos-
sible to confine the limb in such a way as to
bring the ends of the divided ligament into
contact with each other, and thereby to faci-
litate their re-union ; the limb never reco-
vers the natural position of the fetlock, ajid
as a great deal of mechanical power is lost
from that circumstance, of course the animal
decreases much in value. The same reme-
dies may be resorted to as in the case of
strained tendons ; and, lastly, firing ; but it
is seldom productive of much benefit.

THE THOROUGH PIN

is a soft flexible swelling, appearing on the
two opposite sides of the hock-joint, from
whence it gets its name of Thorough Pin,
being supposed to go through the joint.
When pressed by the finger it yields and dis-
appears, but when the finger is removed it
immediately returns. It consists of a par-

so

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

tjal relaxation of the ligament which sur-
rounds the joint. It very seldom occasions
lameness, although it is a sign of the hock
having been distressed by too much exertion.
The blistering liniment (Cantharides and
spirit of wine) will be the best application.

THE BLOOD SPAVIN

is a relaxation of that part of the thigh -vein
which passes over the bend of the hock. It
is a disease which very rarely occurs, but
there is another disease which is commonly
mistaken for it, and which is called a bog-
spavin.

The blood-spavin is of no consequence
whatever, it being nothing more than a
trifling deformity, and never occasions lame-
ness. It has, however, been a practice with
some farriers to take it up by ligature, a
practice which creates more inconvenience
than the disease itself, until the smaller
branches of the vein become sufficiently
large to supply the loss of the main trunk,
in carrying on the circulation of the blood
through the limb. The bog-spavin consists
of an inflammation and enlargement of the
bursa mucosa, or the membraneous cells in
which the synovia is contained, and this
swelling, by forcing out the vein which
passes over it, has given rise to the mistaken
idea that the disease existed in the vein. Re-
peated blisters are in this case also necessary.

THE CURB

shews itself by a swelling on the back part
of the hock.

The disease consists of a strain in the
sheath of the tendons, through which the
tendons pass in their course down to the foot.
|i occasions lameness during its mflamma-

tory state, and it attacks young horses, espe-
cially those that are what is termed — cow-
houghed, more than any others. The blis-
tering liniment may be applied, and in ohl
and inveterate cases firing may be resort-
ed to.

WINDGALLS

are of the same nature as the thorough-pin
and bog-spavin. They consist of small puffy
swellings just above the fetlock-joint, and
arise upon both the fore and hind-legs, but
most frequently on the former. They are
produced generally by working the horse
too young, or by immoderate labour, and,
perhaps, in a great degree, by the bad con-
struction of the pavement of the stalls which
obliges the animal to stand up-hill, and con-
sequently keeps the joints on tlie stretch, at
a time when they ought to be at rest. Blis-
tering and a winter's run at straw-yard are
the best remedies.

LAMENESS IN THE COFFIN-JOINT

may be considered generally as a ligamen-
tary lameness. In this disease the horse
usually stands with his toe pointing forwards
so as to keep the pastern in a strait line with
the leg, and thereby to take off the tension
of the ligaments. Early remedies are essen-
tially necessary, for if the complaint exists
any great length of time it is almost always
incurable. In the last stage of the disease
the ligaments which unite the coflin-bone
with the iower pastern-bone become ossified
and ihe use of the joint is lost entirely.

It also frequently happens that the end of
the flexor-tendon of the leg, which is attach-
ed to the under surface of the coflBn-bone,
and which is called the aponeurosis of the

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

81

tendon, becomes ossified to that extent as to
impede its action within the circular sheath
by which it is inclosed.

Repeated blisters round the coronet fur-
nish the only probable chance of a cure.

LAMENESS IN THE WHIRL-BONE,
OR ROUND-BONE.

This part constitutes the hip-joint, and it
may sometimes, though very rarely, occur
that the ligaments which confine the head of
tlie thigh-bone in its socket are injured. The
hip-joint is surrounded by such large and
powcrfid muscles, that it seems almost im-
possible that it should sustain any injury.
When this, however, is the case, the horse
drags the leg after him on the toe. Cam-
phorated spirits of wine, or the blistering
liniment, will here be useful.

Lameness in this joint is very often mis-
taken for lameness in the hock, but the signs
of it are totally diHerent.

LAMENESS IN THE STIFLE
very rarely occurs except from a blow or a
kick from another horse. The same treat-
ment as in the case of the whirl-bone may
be resorted to.

THE STRING-HALT

consists of a sudden catching up of the hind-
leg higher than is necessary during progres-
sion.

The cause of this infirmity is exceedingly
obscure, and it is difficult to account for it
on any other principle than that of the an-
tagonist or extensor muscles having lost in
some degree their natural power, and thence
being unable to counterbalance the action
of the flexor-muscles when the limb is in
(notion It is considered as incurable.

LAMENESS IN THE SHOULDER
comes more properly under the class of mus-
cular disease. It is a very favourite seal of
lameness with grooms and farriers, especi-
ally when no visible cause appears in any
other part.

Whenever it does occur, (which is not
often) it is generally produced by the over
distension of the pectoral muscles, from the
leg slipping sideways from the body. It is
easily distinguished from lameness in any
other part of the limb by the peculiar mo-
tion, or rather the want of motion in the leg,
for the horse drags his toe, and in order to
make up for the deficiency in the bending
of the knee, he moves his foot in a circle
outwards at every step. On the first appear -
ance of the complaint, a fomentation of bran
and water, or camomile flowers, applied to
the lower part of the chest, within the arm,
will be found useful. It may afterwards be
rubbed with camphorated spirits of wine, or
a drachm of oil of origanum, mixed with
two ounces of sweet oil. Rest will also be
necessary to promote a cure.

Although lameness in general arises from
accidental causes, still it is certain that a
particular natural formation of the limbs will
render the animal more subjectto lameness of
one kind or another. Thus horses with short
pasterns, and whose legs are much inclined
under the body, are most subject to bony en-
largements, such as ring-bones, splents, and
ossification of the cartilages of the foot, and
as these diseases arise in a great measure
from concussion, it is evident that a horse
with short pasterns must experience a greater
degree of concussion from their possessing
less elasticity than those that are longer.

X

82

THE COiMPLETE FARRIER : and

Short pasterns also are generally accompa-
nied with contracted heels fronri the weight
of the body being thrown principally on the
toe. On the other hand^ horses with long
pasterns are more liable to ligamentary lame-
ness than others^ but they are less subject to
those diseases of the bones before mentioned.

Horses that are cow-hocked are more fre-
quently affected with spavins, curbs, and
thorough pins than others. In all cases of
lameness the tendency to disease is much
increased by the bad construction of the
stall of the stable, and especially by work-
ing the animal when too young. For it is a
common practice to begin riding them at
three years old, and in consequence of such
an injudicious custom it is a certain and la-
mentable fact, that there are very few horses
perfectly sound at six years old.

For hunters, and other horses that work
hard, it is a good practice to bandage their
legs at night, as it takes off a good deal of
the uneasiness arising from the excessive ac-
tion which the tendons have undergone
during the day. But previous to applying
the bandage, the legs of hunters should be
thoroughly searched for thorns, and which
should be extracted as soon as possible, as
thorns very often create great inllammation
and swelling, especially if near any of the
joints. In case they are inserted so deep as
not to be extracted, a poultice should be ap-
plied, which, by softening the skin, will
greatly assist their removal.

If the thorn remains in the limb for any
great length of time, the skin thickens
around it, and forms a kind of bag, and in
this state the thorn, so long as it remains
stationary, occasions but little inconvenj-
ence

ON WOUNDS.

If there is one part of the old practice of
Farriery more defective and injurious than
another, it is that which relates to the treat-
ment of wounds, and this is the more extraor-
dinary VI hen we consider that there must be
less doubt and uncertainty in cases which
are visible to the eye, than in those which
are internal, and, consequently, less apparent.

If any doubt should arise respecting the
justice of this remark, the reader may be
convinced by turning to several popular
works on Farriery, of which the following is
a pretty good specimen. In a book upon
Farriery, published under the name of Fran-
cis Clater, the following observations upon
wounds will be found. Speaking of cases
where a horse has been staked in going over
a fence, he says " it will be proper to exa-
mine the place where the accident happened,
in order that the operator may be better able
to judge of the nature and extent of the
wound and its consequences." This is cer-
tainly a very wise proceeding, especially if
the place happens to be at any considerable
distance, in which case the poor animal must
remain with his wound undressed until the
return of the practitioner.

But it becomes a question whether his ab-
sence is not more desirable than his return,
when the following plan of treatment is
taken into consideration, Ecce signwn!

R — Compound tincture of benzoin, and
tincture of aloes with myrrh, of
each one ounce

Nitrous acid (aquafortis) two drachms,
mix in a bottle for use.

After sewing up the wound, the above is the

Hiirnsn sportsman.

83

Application which Mr. Clatcr recommends
by the way of healing it by the first inten-
tion. For, he says, "this will be found a
valuable tincture for wounds of every des-
cription, where a cure is intended to be per-
formed without bringing it to a state of sup-
puration." It would be an insult even to the
most uninformed reader in the action of me-
dicine, to point out the gross absurdity of
applying one of the strongest destroyers of
animal substances to a wound which is in-
tended to be healed by bringing the divided
parts together as close as possible. Yet
such is the basis of the practice of nine-
tenths of the common Farriers throughout
the kingdom.

In all recent wounds the first step neces-
sary is to probe them, to ascertain whether
any extraneous substance, such as splinters
of wood, be left in the inside. These should
be instantly and carefully removed, for the
wound cannot heal whilst any substance of
that description remains within it ; and, in-
deed, the inflammation is sometimes so much
increased from that circumstance, that mor-
tification ensues, and, with it, the death of
the animal. If the wound arises simply
from a cut, or from laceration, w ithout being
accompanied by any bruise, -the divided
edges should be brought together as soon
as possible, by sewing them with com-
mon brown thread and the application of a
bandage, and the external inflammation may
be moderated by simple fomentations of bran
and water. For there is generally inflam-
mation enough in the injured part to carry
on the healing process without having re-
course to stimulating applications, and caus-
tics are wholly unnecessary and improper in
all fresh wounds. But the almost invariable

practice of country Farriers is to introduce
a tent of tow dipped in some strong oils, in
which case the inflammation is increased,
and nature, in making fruitless efforts to
close the wound, whilst it is thus kept asun-
der by the interposition of the tent, is excited
to an excessive degree, and a great quantity
of proud flesh, or superfluous granulations,
arise at the edges, which soon become dis-
eased, and that which was at first but a sim-
ple healthy wound is converted, by injudi-
cious treatment, into afoul and callous ulcer.
The benefit of healing wounds by the first
intention is particularly manifest in cases of
overreaches on the heels of the fore-feet from
the shoes of the hind-feet. For in these
cases nothing more is necessary than to wash
the part thoroughly with warm-water, so as
to remove all sand or dirt whatever, and then
to keep the divided parts together by a ban-
dage, and not to remove it for three or four
days at least. The coagulable lymph will
then be thrown out from the mouths of the
vessels and the surfaces will be found glued,
and this constitutes what is called, healing
by the first intention, atid this process may
generally be adopted with success where the
wound is of a simple nature. In compound
wounds, where the bone has been injured as
well as the muscular parts, it is morediflScult
and sometimes impossible to heal by the first
intention; first, because the consequent in-
flammation is more violent, and, secondly,
because the fractured parts of the bone be-
come, when detached, extraneous substances,
and must be brought away before the wound
can thoroughly heal. Hence it sometimes
happens that the surface of the wound heals
w hilst the bottom or internal part is unsound,
ovsinij to the circumstance of the bone not

84

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

having exfoliated, and the irritation being
still kept up^ a fresh degree of inflammation
ensues, and the wound suppurates and breaks

out agam.

In this case (and in this only) the mouth
of the wound may be kept open by the in-
troduction of tents ; and if the abscess has
not a sound, healthy appearance, such caus-
tic applications may be used as will destroy
the diseased surface, and produce a healthy
action in the part, which is always manifested
by red granulations, and the secretion of pure
white matter of a proper consistence.

But the great error which prevails amongst
the common Farriers, consists in the immo-
derate and injudicious use of violent caustics,
and in employing stimulating applications to
a fresh wound, with the view, as they pro-
fess, of making it discharge thick matter
immediately. Now, as it generally requires
at least four days to elapse before a fresh
wound can form matter of that description,
it follows, that all attempts to produce what
the course of nature has denied, by violent
and stimulating dressings, can have no other
effect than to increase the inflammation to
such a degree as not only to disturb the na-
tural process, but sometimes to produce a
mortification and the death of the animal.
For there is always sufiicient action in a
wounded part for its own restoration ; and
most veterinary practitioners who are well-
grounded in the science of their profession.
Know that this action produces granulations,
or what is termed proud flesh, so abundantly
as to require constant attention in keeping
ii down either by pressure or by escharotics.
It is therefore evident, that it is in general
more necessary to moderate the action of a
fresh wound than to increase it. The im-

portance of a wound will depend much on
its situation, and on its connection with the
vital functions of the principal viscera, for
the nearer it is to a vital part the more dan-
gerous it is.

Wounds in the joints are healed with dif-
ficulty, as well as those which happen in any
part that is subject to constant motion, as in
the lungs, or belly. Other circumstances
also increase or diminish the danger. If a
principal artery in a limb is divided, there
will be danger of a mortification from the
limb not being supplied with its usual quan-
tity of blood. The dividing of a tendon
takes away the motion of the muscle to which
it belonged. A wound in the spinal-marrow
causes death if it occurs above the branch of
nerves which go to the heart and lungs, and
if below it produces a palsy and want of mo-
tion in the lower parts. An excessive sup-
puration and discharge of matter sometimes
weaken the patient so much as to bring on
hectic fever, and death. Great loss of blood
may occasion a dropsy. When a small ar-
tery is wounded, if it be quite divided it re-
tracts, and the bleeding generally stops, es-
pecially if the artery has been torn asunder,
and not divided by a sharp instrument. Some
very extraordinary proofs of this fact have
occurred in cases where the arm of a man
has been torn off from the shoulder, by ac-
cidentally being entangled in machinery;
and in this case the artery, although of very
considerable magnitude, has collapsed, and
no hcemorrage has ensued. When the artery
is punctured only, the blood will continue
to flow from the wound, except a ligature is
applied above the punctured part, for it is
hardly safe to trust to pressure alone.

When a nerve is wounded, it is often

RRITISH SPORTSMAN.

85

aUended with the most dangerous conse-
quences, such as fever, and locked-jaw. It
is sometimes considered a good practice in
this case, to divide the nerve entirely ; but
it seldom or never succeeds in removing that
dreadful complaint. The accident is soon
discovered by the sharp ichor which issues
from the wound, and excoriates the adjacent
parts. When a tendon is wounded the same
violent symptoms do not attend it as in the
former case. Swelling takes place to a cer-
tain degree, and a very considerable inflam-
mation and the restoration is never so rapid
as it is in regard to wounded muscles. The
proper mode of treating wounds of this de-
scription is to foment them with warm fo-
mentations of bran and water. The most
common applications, however, to wounded
tendons have been of the spirituous kind, but
tliey are for tlie most part improper.

The principal inconvenience which attends
a wounded tendon arises from the constant
discharge of the fluid which is secreted with-
in its sheath, and which is somewhat similar
to the synovia or joint-oil.

If the wound shews no disposition to heal
quickly, the edges may be touched with
butter of antimony, on the point of a feather,
which will stinmlate it, and produce that de-
gree of action in the tendinous fibres which
is necessary to heal it. A moderate degree
of pressure must be used, and the surface
may be covered by a large pledget of tow
with digestive ointment, and bound on with
a bandage. Poultices are useful for the fust
day or two to abate the inflammation, but
they should not be continued too long, as
they produce a flabbiness and relaxation in
Uie part which prevents it from healing.

Wounds in the joints, though apparently
7.

small and trifling, are sometimes attended
with great danger. The consequences are
generally great irritation, arising from the
constant discharge of synovia, and attended
with symptomatic fever in a greater or less
degree.

In cases of this description it is almost the
invariable practice of common Farriers not
only to introduce a tent into the wound, l)ut
even to syringe some stimulating injection
into the cavity of the joint. ' The result of
this practice is pernicious in the highest de-
gree ; for the tent, by keeping the edges of
the wound separated from each other, pre-
vents it from healing, and in conjunction
with the action of the stimulating injection
keeps on the discharge of the synovia, and
by increasing the irritation, and consequent
fever, almost always occasions the death of
the patient. The first object to be attended
to in wounded joints is to heal the wound as
soon as possible, and the reason of their be-
ing so difficult to be healed arises probably
from the synovia in its discharge washing off
the coagulable lymph which is thrown out
by the wounded part for the purpose of heal-
ing. The only method to overcome this dif-
ficulty is to increase the secretion of lymph
by exciting the edges of the wound, either
with butter of antimony, or the actual cau-
tery applied slightly to the surface, which
last practice, although it appears at a first
view harsh and barbarous, is nevertheless the
shortest and most efl^ectual mode of relief,
and seldom requires a second application.
Until the wound is healed it is necessary that
the horse should move as little as possible,
Ijecause the discharge of the synovia is in-
creased every time he bends the limb. When
I it is perfectly healed a pledget of tow, dipped

8ti

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

in the tbllowinglQtion, may be applied to the
joint, and bound on moderately tight with a
Pannel bandage : viz.

Golard's extract ... I drachm.
Vineg-ar half-a-pint.

To be mixed in a quart bottle, and filled up
afterwards with water.

In cases wheer the wound is a long time
in healing and the animal survives it, it
sometimes happens that, in consequence of
the protracted inflammation, bony matter is
thrown out in the cavity of the joint, and the
heads of the bones uniting with each other
a stiff" joint ensues, and beyond the possibility
of ever being removed. Amongst wounds
in the joints may be classed those of broken
knees, wtiich are sometimes of very serious
consequence.

If the injury be but slight, a fomentation
with warm water, or a decoction of marsh-
mallows, will in general prevent much inflam-
mation, after which a pledget of tow dipped
in some golard water may be applied with a
bandage. But if the cut be very deep into
the joint, a poultice of bran may be used for
two or three days, and afterwards the fol-
lowing dressing, viz.

Verdigrease 2 drachms.

Common digestive ointment 2 ounces.

This should be mixed well on a marble
slab with a spatula, and the wound may be
dressed with some of it daily. The best mode
of applying the poultice is by means of the
leg of an old worsted stocking, which may
be drawn up over the knee and tied with a
bit of list both above and below, but care
should be taken that the ligatures be not too
light, which would tend to increase the

swelling of the part. In case the granula-
tions, or what is called the proud flesh, should
arise too abundantly, the part may be touch-
ed once every other day with butter of an-
timony, as long as any necessity remains for
using it.

Broken knees are sometimes very tedious
in their recovery, owing to their being bruis-
ed as well as cut ; but in all cases the appli-
catiou of strong caustic dressings is highly
improper, and not only retards the cure,
but generally leaves the part hard and cal-
lous, and less capable of a free motion in the
joint.

Ulcers sometimes occur in the neck from
bad management in bleeding. They are
generally preceded witli swelling and hard-
ness in the skin along the course of the ju-
gular vein up to the part where it divides into
two branches, the one entering the upper
part of the neck, and the other running under
the jaw and from thence over the side of the
face, forming wlmt is called the angular vein.

If fomentations are used early and very
frequently, the swelling will generally dis-
appear, but if any spirituous embrocations
are applied, or caustic introduced into the
wound, the inflammation will be thereby in-
creased, and suppuration must ensue, the
abscess breaking out in different places up
the neck. When the wound has arrived
at this state, then, and then only, will caus-
tics be necessary. Each abscess may there-
fore be touched with a little butter of an-
timony, but a bran poultice must be ap-
plied regularly every day until the swelling
and hardness of the skin abates.

Whenever the injury has proceeded to the
length above-mentioned it is generally at-
tended with the loss of the jugular vein, and

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

87

although the smaller branches enlarf^e in
time sufficient to carry on the circuhitioiij
yet the liorse can never afterwards be turned
to ^rass without experiencing considerable
inconvenience, because the blood does not
circulate through the head so freely, when
the principal vein on one side of the neck is
lost. Hence this loss of the vein may very
justly be considered an unsoundness, and
rendering- the horse liable to be returned,
unless the defect be specified.

Gun-shot wounds, although they seldom
occur except on military service, ought to
be treated upon in a work of the present de-
scription. An author of some celebrity makes
the following judicious observations on this
subject, viz. "Gun-shot wounds can be con-
sidered in no other light than as contused
wounds. In those made by a musket, or a
pistol-ball, the most immediate considera-
tions are to extract the ball or any other ex-
traneous body which may have lodged in the
wounded part, and to stop the hoemorrhage,
if there be an effusion of blood from the rup-
ture of any considerable artery. It is fre-
quently necessary to enlarge the wound, in
order to extract the ball, and if it has gone
quite through (provided the situation of the
part wounded will admit of its being done
with safety) the wound is to be laid open
freely through the vvhole length of it, by
which means any extraneous body will be
more readily removed, and the cure facili-
tated. In order to get at the ball, or any
other foreign matter, probing is to be used
as sparingly as possible, and this must evi-
dently appear necessary to every one who
will only consider the nature of the symp-
toms attendant on penetrating wounds of the
chest or the belly, either from a bullet or a

sharp instrument ; the thrusting in a probe
to parts under such circumstances being un-
avoidai)ly a fresh stab on every repetition of
such practice. If probing be necessary, the
finger should be preferred as the best and
truest probe, where it can be used, and
where it cannot, a bougie may answer the
purpose. If a ball, or any other foreign bo-
dy, hajipens to be lodged near the orifice, or
can be perceived by the finger to lie under
the skin, though at some distance from the
mouth of the wound, we should cut down
to it, and take it out ; but when it is sunk
deep, and lies beyond the reach of the finger,
it must appear evident, upon the least reflec-
tion, that the thrusting first a long probe in
quest of the bullet, and then, as has been
practised likewise, a larger pair of forceps,
either with or without teeth, into a wound
of that kiTid, ttiough with a sort of certainty
to extract it, must either contuse or irritate
and inflame the parts to a greater degree,
and consequently do as much or more mis-
chief than the ball did at first by forcing its
passage such a length of way. And should
the forceps, at the same time, lay hold of any
considerable artery or nerve along with the
ball (which can scarcely fail to happen) what
injurious consequences must attend such a
proceedings. Nor would attempts of this
sort be less injurious, in case a bullet should
happen to be lodged in the cavity of the
belly or the chest. Such attempts are the
less necessary because a great niunher of
instances have occurred, where balls have
quietly lodged in several parts of the body,
till, after many years, they have worked
themselves a passage towards the surface,
and were very easily extracted ; and many,
where balls have been entirely left behind

88

THE COMPLETE FARRIER and

'vithout occasioning any inconvenience. In
case the wound be occasioned by a musket
or pistol-shot, and of course but small, it will
be deemed necessary to dilate it without de-
lay, provided the nature of the part will admit
of this with safety ; for in wounds near a joint,
jr in very membraneous or tendinous parts
the knife, as well as forceps, should be put
under some restraint, nor should any more
opening' be made than what is absolutely ne-
cessary for the free discharge of the matter
lodged within. Where the wounded animal
has not suffered any great loss of blood (and
this is generally the case) it will be advisea-
ble to open a vein immediately, and take a
considerable quantity, and to repeat bleed-
ing on the second, or even the third day,
shouhl occasion require. The letting of
l)lood in some of these cases is attended with
great benefit, for it prevents a good deal of
inflammation, and lessens any feverish at-
tack, forwards digestion, and seldom fails to
obviate imposthumations, and a long train
of complicated symptoms which are apt
otherwise to interrupt the cure, and often to
endanger the life of the patient. Where the
feverish symptoms run high, and even when
there is almost a certainty that matter is
forming, bleeding is very frequently of great
advantage. If it so happen that a gun-shot
wound has penetrated any of the large joints,
and in passing through them fractured the
ends of the bones, it will then be found for
the most part impossible to effect a cure, or
even to save the life of the patient ; and
therefore it is the best and most humane
course to destroy the animal to save him from
pain and misery."

Gibson, in his treatment of gun-shot
wOunds, makes the following remarks :

" Where a ball," says he, '■ has penetrated
quite through any part, both orifices must
be kept open till the wound is filled up with
new flesh, and no bad symptoms remain, as
pain, swelling, or inflammation, which in
those gun-shot wounds that enter the bones
as well as the flesh, would denote the exis-
tence either of extraneous matter, or of splin-
ters, which must be removed by gradually
enlarging the most convenient orifice. But
in most internal wounds this is unnecessary,
because the bullet can seldom be brought
out the same way by which it entered. I
have known leaden bullets lie many years in
men, especially in the abdomen, without
any great pain or danger, and those that have
gone deep in the flesh and beyond reach,
make their way sometimes from places where
they could never be expected to appear.
Many extraordinary instances of this kind
are upon record in the surgical transactions
of different parts of Europe." He says fur-
ther, " I have known bullets pierce through
both flesh and bones in men, making a
round smooth passage like an auger hole,
and been as easy of cure as a flesh
wound, except when they have penetrated
or grazed the joints. In these cases horses
may be rendered useless even though the
wound be cured.

If the bones are splintered the case will
always be dangerous, especially if the prac-
titioner has not had experience to know both
the time and manner how they are to be
treated ; for loose splinters should not be
suffered to remain where their continuance
would endanger a gangrene, nor be removed
while their removal would occasion an exce.ss
of pain. But in such circumstances emol-
lient poultices are the most likely to prepare

BlUTISH SPORTSMAN

89

tliem forsepiiiatiori, so as they may at length
be brought away with little or no inconveni-
ence only by the use of a common digestive.
If a bullet^ a splinter, or any other extra-
neous body that has been driven a great
way downwards from its entrance, can be
felt on the outside, acountei opening in that
case will be necessary, and this both facili-
tates the cure, and renders it expeditious.
Bat in all such operations regard must be
had to the situation of the part to avoid as
much as possible wounding the nerves, ten-
dons, or larger blood-vessels.

In dressing gun-shot wounds it is necessary
to avoid all unctuous applications which en-
courage the growth of fungous flesh. The
wound should be dressed with turpentine
mixed with honey or the yolks of eggs. This
is the most safe and efficacious method in the
gun-shot wounds of horses, and if fungous
flesh arise, to which some constitutions are
more liable than others, the part may be strew-
ed with a little red precipitate finely powder-
ed, or dressed with lint dipped in vitriol water,
and squeezed dry, or precipitate may be
mixed with the digestive, and this in a suit-
able proportion to the luxuriancy of the gra-
nulations. When a bullet chances to enter
the cavity of the body, and to be lost there,
if it happen to slide on the principal viscera
without wounding them, especially those of
the abdomen, there will scarcely be any
thing farther necessary than to cure the ex-
ternal wound.

If a symptomatic fever arise, which often
happens in gun-shot wounds, bleeding is
proper with laxative clysters, and the diet
should be chiefly scalded bran with water-
gruel. Sometimes nitre, cream of tartar,
and such like opening and cooling remedies,

may also be given : and if the wound l)e-
comes an ulcer, which frequently happens in
gun-shot wounds near the joints and mem-
i)ranous parts, it must be treated according
to the directions laid down for tlie cure of
ulcers in general.

Previous to closing our observations on
wounds, it will be necessary to describe the
symptoms and eflfects of that disease, which
is denominated

LOCKED-JAW,

Because it very frequently arises from wounds
in the foot, in consequence of a nail being
driven into the quick, or from nicking or
docking. It sometimes, however, arises from
cold, but the symptoms are always the same,
and generally fatal. The progress of this
disease is not always equally rapid, but it
commonly begins with some degree of fever.
As it increases, the neck becomes stiff, and
the head fixed and immoveable, and some-
what elevated, with the ears erect and mo-
tionless ; there is a general contraction of
the muscles of the face, particularly about
the mouth, so that the teeth appear very
visible : the eyes also express a peculiar
animation and anxiety, and the membrana
nictitans, or hawe, is drawn partly over the
eye-ball ; the nostrils are distended, and the
animal breathes with considerable difficulty:
the jaws likewise become fixed. From this
state the disease rapidly increases, until the
legs become nearly incapable of motion,
from the impossibility of bending the joints :
the tail also is fixed and erect.

In tlie course of tw enty years practice the
author of this treatise has seen many cases
of locked-jaw, but never one of them cured.
When the disease arises from a wounded

9a

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

nerve or tendon, or from nicking or docking,
it has been recommended to enlarge the
wound, and in the latter case, to cut off a
fresh portion of the tail. These practices,
however, are ineffectual, because the effects
of the injury are no longer local, but having
been communicated to the general nervous
system, a diseased action is brought on
throughout the nerves, totally independent
of the original local injury, and which action
continues, even if the limb be cut off far
above the w ound, as is well known in cases
of locked -jaw in the human subject. It seems,
therefore, most rational that all attempts at
relief should be applied as directly as possible
to the brain itself, from whence all the nerves
originate.

Various systems have been pursued, and
both cold and hot bathing have been resort-
ed to, but without success. Opium has been
given in large quantities both by the mouth
and by clyster, but without any apparent
effect. The connnon opinion that the lock-
ing of the jaws and the being incapable of
receiving any sustenance is the cause of tlie
animal's death, is a very erroneous one ; for
a horse would live treble the time without
food that they do live when afflicted with
this disease. The fact is, that the animal dies
by suffocation as soon as the rigidity reaches
the muscles of the ribs, in which case their
expansion is prevented, and the breathing
is in consequence entirely stopped. It is
probable also that the action of the heart
and arteries is suspended from the same
cause. The contraction and rigidity of the
muscles evidently begin at the head, in which
is .he seat of the brain. Hence the jaws be-
come fixed, and immoveable. But it is use-
less to force them open for the purpose of

giving medicine even if it were practicable,
because as the same contraction exists in the
aesophagus, or gullet, as well as in the epi-
glottis, the animal could not swallow, and
would incur the risk of being suffocated by
the substances, or fluids, received at the
mouth, entering the windpipe.

A modern Veterinary author treating upon
this subject, writes thus : " Notwithstanding
we have not yet been lucky enough to wit-
ness the success of the application of cold
water to the surface of the bodies of horses
labouring under locked-jaw, our hopes of its
beneficial tendency are still sanguine, and
we are induced to think the more favourably
of it from the encouraging reports commu-
nicated to us by others.

" In similar diseases of the human sub-
ject, its use has been attended with the most
beneficial consequences. Immersion in cold
water is readily accomplished, but perhaps
the most efficacious method would be that
of pouring large streams of water on the
animal after the manner so successfully prac-
tised by Mr. Moorcroft. This process should
be continued for a considerable time, per-
haps ten or fifteen minutes, and should are-
mission of the spasm ensue, it will afford no
little encouragement in the pursuit, and in
this interval of ease a favourable opportu-
nity will present itself of passing medicine
by the gullet.

" When the complaint returns with any
degree of violence, the cold water is to be
repeated. The longer and the more frequent
the remissions become, the nearer of course
will be the prospect of a cure. Immedi-
ately after the application of the cold water,
let the skin undergo a diligent and general
friction until it is dry ; let the animal be then

BRITISH .srORTSiMAN.

91

moderately closed. We have already hinted
that horses sulleriiig from the above disease
Jiave generally the inclination, though per-
haps they have not the power, to eat. They
are therefore to be supported by substantial
gruel, given, when incapable of swallowing,
by the anus. If this circumstance is sulh-
ciently attended to, the animal may be kept
alive many days.

" Here, however, a question occurs, whe-
ther in any case of locked-jaw, either in the
human or the brute species, the throat is ab-
solutely inaccessible to nutritious lluids. We
think not; but that milk, gruel, broths, &c.
might be conveyed by injection between the
intervals of the teeth, and drawn in by the
patient, provided the power of swallowing
remain.

" We have here endeavoured to describe
such means of relief as have appeared to us
to offer the greatest prospect of success.

" All rational experiments towards the re-
moval of a malady usually fatal in its termi-
nation, are certainly praiseworthy, and he
who is the most fortunate in his researches
will have a weighty claim indeed on the gra-
titude of society. The introduction of mer-
cury into the system in persons affected with
spasmodic diseases, by frictions on different
parts ot the body with strong ointment of
quicksilver, so as to produce and support a
degree of salivation, has been sometimes at-
tended with success. We have never heard
of this experiment being tried on the horse,
but certainly it leserves the practitioner's at-
tention. The warm -bath in spasmodic dis-
eases has many advocates. Perhaps it might
be ()eneticial, if it could be used to that ex-
tent with the horse which it admits of with
the human subject. When lof ked-jaw is

conjectured to have arisen from the operation
of docking, it is usually considered prudent
to remove a fresh portion of the tail, atter-
wards applying such dressings as are most
likelv to hasten a free discharffc of matter
from the stump. The same dressings may
be used when nicking is suspected to be the
cause of the disease, and the extremity may
also be surrounded with a large poultice.
Few owners of saddle-horses, however, would
allow of a total amputation of the tail, and
probably even that would not be followed
by the slightest benefit. When the disease
arises from the foot having been pricked in
shoeing, the wound should be opened freely
to the bottom with a drawing-knife, the ac-
tual cautery may then be applied, and the
part dressed with a little turpentine. All
punctures should be laid well open and di-
gestives applied, and when an inflammation
and swelling attend, fomentations are requi-
site. Let it be remembered, however, that
these topical means alone are never to be
depended upon, but ought invariably tobe
combined with internal medicine. Should it
be imagined that the bots or other worms
lodged in the stomach or intestines, have
produced the disease (a circumstance how-
ever which it is extremely difficult to deter-
mine) a drachm of calomel may be given in
one of the balls, or an ounce of strong mer-
curial ointment may be dissolved in the first
anodyne clyster.

" In conclusion we may observe, that we
have witnessed the recovery of a few mild
cases of locked-jaw, in which scarcely any
means of relief have been employed, except
turning the horse into the cold air. Indeed
such cases so frequently terminate fatally,
that the owners of horses thus diseased

92

THE COMPLETE TARRIER; anb

generally leave them to their fate. In the
slight cases above alluded to, considerable
rigidity existed in the inuscles, the act of
swallowing was slightly obstructed, but not
prevented, and the jaws were only partially
drawn together. On these occasions the
complaint could seldom be traced to any
particular source."

The foregoing remarks are here given for
the sake of shewing the opinions of others
upon this terrible disease ; but little faith is
to be placed in any of the plans recommend-
ed, because the author of the present work
has witnessed their failure in numerous in-
tances in the course of his practice.

Opium has generally been considered as
the only medicine capable of giving relief,
and it is very probable that, if given at an
early period of the disease,, it might have
the desired effect. But the disease is
seldom discovered until the rigidity of
the muscles has taken place in a very con-
siderable degree, and the possibility of

giving any thing by the throat is totally
lost. When, however, it is practicable to
give medicine internally, it is very probable
that either the powder of white hellebore,
or the digitalis or fox-glove, might be equally
if not more efficacious than opium. They
are both very powerful narcotics, and the
digitalis has the faculty of producing the
prostration of strength in a very remark-
able degree. The dose should be large, as
it is fruitless to trifle with a disease, the
continuance of which we know must inevi-
tably end in the death of the animal.

The dose, therefore, of either should be
at least half an ounce, and to be repeated
as occasion might require. It might, in cases
where it is impracticable to introduce it into
the stomach, be thrown up in a clyster of
warm gruel, and one or two rowels might
be cut in any convenient part of the body,
and the same quantity of the powder may
be introduced into the rowel.

ON THE DISEASES OF THE LUJVGS.

Under this head may be comprised coughs,
pleurisy, or inflammation of the lungs, and
asthma, or broken wind. There are but few
horses that escape coughs at some time of
the year. This certainly arises from the ir-
regular treatment to which they are sub-
jected in their domesticated state, for they
are rendered more tender and susceptible of
cold by warm cloathing and the unnatural
heat of the stable than they would be in a
state of nature

But previously to entering on the diseases
of the lungs, it will be necessary to give an
anatomical and physiological description of
those viscera. The body of the horse is
divided into two cavities, the one anterior,
the other posterior. The anterior one is
called the chest, and contains the heart and
lungs ; the posterior one contains the sto-
mach, the liver, the spleen, the kidnies, the
bladder, and the intestines. The division
between these two cavities is effected by a

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

93

stronij muscular curtain called thediaphraj^m,
and which is comparatively stronger and
more muscular in the horse^ and is situated
more obliquely than in the human being-, by
which means the stomach lies below it, al-
though the body is in an horizontal position.
This oblique position of the diaphragm ren-
ders the resistance of the stomach and in-
testines less powerful than if it were placed
in a more perpendicular direction. The
lungs are divided into two masses^ or lobes,
but connected at one end by the termination
of the trachea or windpipe. This pipe is
composed of circular rings of cartilage, or
gristle, which surround it for about two-
thirds of its circumference, the back part
being- plain, smooth, and even, that it may
not incommode the oesophagus, or gullet,
which passes down immediately behind it,
and on which it lies. At its entrance into the
chest,it is divided into two principal branches,
called its bronchia, and is afterwards sub-
divided into innumerable other branches, the
extremities of which compose an infinite num-
ber of small-cells, or air-bladders, which,
with the ramification of the veins, arteries,
nerves, and lymphatics, make up the whole
inasSj or substance of tlie lunges. These
cells, or vesicles, are always filled with air,
and distended in inspiration, or the act of
drawing m air, and empty, or collapsed, in
expiration, and receive from the blood-ves-
sels a quantity of lymph, or perspirable
matter, which not only keeps the lungs from
orynig-, out makes a large and necessary dis-
charge from the blood. The lungs may
justly be considered as the most important
organ of the body, as without the free use
or' them no anima! can exist.

There is some difference, however, in the
8.

action of breathing between the horse and
other quadrupeds, and also the human being ;
which i.s, that he breathes entirely through
his nose and not through his mouth, and the
cause of this peculiarity arises from the fol-
lowing circumstance : — The posterior part of
the mouth, or throat, of the horse is so con-
structed as almost entirely to prevent the re-
turn of air through its cavity, or, in other
word.s, precludes expiration.

TluLS, although he can receive air through
his mouth, he returns it only through his
nose, and on this account he always shews
great uneasiness when he is held by the nos-
trils, as, imder those circumstances, he natu-
rally dreads suffocation. At the posterior
end of the roof of the mouth a membrane
descends, the extreme edge of which lies on
the surface of the tongue. This membrane
is called Velum palati, and one of its uses is
to prevent the food and water from returning
through the nose in their passage to the sto-
mach. This membrane, in the human being,
terminates in a descending point, called the
uvula, but in the horse it preserves one re-
gular form, on which account the animal has
no uvula, the whole of the Velum palati
reaching down to the root of the tongue and
resting upon it. Immediately behind the
Velum palati there is a gristly substance of
a triangular shape, having its base attached
to the root of the tongue in the horse, this
substance is called the epiglottis. Its office
is to cover the orifice of the trachea, or wind-
pipe, in the action of swallowing. It is
always raised by its own elasticity, and never
covers the trachea, or windpipe, except at
the moment when it is pressed down by the
food passing over it into the oesophagus,

or gullet

» A

y*

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

When it is elevated it turns back with its
upper surface immediately against and be-
hmd the Velum palati, with which it enters
into close contact in such a manner that it
forms a valve, preventing; the return of air,
or any substance through the mouth. For
it may always be perceived that the horse,
even during- the most violent exertions, or
even at the termination of a severe race,
never opens his mouth for the purpose of
breathing, but performs it solely through his
nose, on which account his nostrils are more
capacious and flexible than in any other
quadruped. But all the ruminating class,
or animals that chew the cud, breathe through
the mouth when hard pressed for breath, as
may be seen by their opening their mouths
and panting with their tongues. The nos-
tril of the horse differs from those of other
quadrupeds by being divided by a septum,
on one side of which is a channel through
which the air passes and repasses to and
from the lungs, and on the otlier side is a
cavity which extends upwards about four or
five inches, but terminates in a cul de sac.

It is not easy to account for this peculiar
formation of the nostril in the horse, though
there is no doubt it was designed for some
jseful purpose in the animal economy.

When the horse draws in air, this part be-
comes inflated, and gives that bold animated
expression so perceptible in a fine well-
formed head of a blood-horse.

In other respects there is but little differ-
ence between the organs of respiration in the
horse and those of the man, except that the
diaphragm is much more muscular and situ-
ated more obliquely, by which construction
the stomach lies under it and occasions much
less resistance to the action of the diaphragm

than would have been the case under a dif-
ferent formation

The capacity of the chest is never station-
ary. It is alternately expanded and con-
tracted in unison with the action of drawing
in air or expelling it.

The expansion of the chest is performed
by the action of the intercostal muscles which
separate the ribs wider from each other, whilst
at the same time the diaphragm straitens and
forces back the stomach and intestines. The
action of breathing being performed in this
way, it is easy to imagine how it must be im-
peded by the saddle being girthed too tight,
or too far towards the flank, and this obstruc-
tion is occasioned not only whilst theanima
is saddled, but also whilst he is in the stable,
in consequence of the surcingle being gene-
rally girthed tight to prevent it from slipping
into the flank.

When this is the case, respiration is per-
formed chiefly by the diaphragm, as the r bs
cannot expand to their proper extent in con-
sequence of the confinement which they ex-
perience. Hence it frequently happens that
a young horse, when girthed too tight, will
not move forward when required, or else by
a sudden expansion of the ribs, accompa-
nied by a violent plunge, he breaks them
short asunder and gets rids both of the sad-
dle and his rider at the same moment. But
old horses have the cunning to hold their
breath so as to swell out the chest whilst they
are being girthed, by which trick the girths
become slack when the chest returns to its
natural dimensions.

The particular use of respiration is to ex-
tract a certain part from the atmospheric air.
which in the language of chemistry is called
oxygen, and without which no animal can

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

95

live. This oxygen is combined with the
blood by some process not thoroughly un-
derstood, but it is certain that the whole of
the blood contained in the body and ex-
tremities circulates throuivh tlie lungs in a
given period, and by taking up the oxygen
becomes fit for the purposes of supplying
every part with its vivifying principle. During
this process, however, the blood parts with a
considerable portion of its watery principle,
which is carried oft' by the air wliich returns
from the lungs, and which when it alights
on any substance colder than itself is con-
verted into steam or water, as is apparent
on the walls of the stable in winter, which
are generally wet from this cause.

It is also perceptible in a cold morning,
when it may be seen issuing from the nos-
trils in the form of smoke, but it is never
visible on a hot dry day.

The chest, in all quadrupeds endowed with
great speed, is comparatively large in pro-
portion to their general bulk. This is a very
necessary ordination to enable them to go
upon wind, because, as a certain quantity of
oxygen must be presented to the blood in a
given time, and as the circulation is much
increased during any violent and rapid mo-
tion, a larger mass of lungs become neces-
sary, for the purpose of transmitting the blood
according to its increased velocity.

Under all these circumstances it is not
very surprising that these organs are so sus-
ceptible of disease, when it is considered
how much they are exposed to injury from
ill-treatment of every description.

The principal and, indeed, the primary
symptom of disease in the lungs, is inflam-
mation in a greater or less degree. Tlie ex-
citing cause is immateriaU as the conse-

quences are dependant wholly on the de^iee.
or the duration of the inflammatory attack
Thus when the attack is extremely violent, if
relief is not speedily obtained, a mortidcatioii
will take place in a few hours, and this is by
no means extraordinary when tlie great vas-
cularity of the lungs is taken into consider-
ation. But even if the animal escapes this
unfortunate termination of the disease, it
generally lays tlie foundation for a perma-
nent cough, or broken-wind.

This may be brought on by an effusion of
water in the chest, or by lymph being thrown
out into the air cells of the lungs, or by the
destruction of some part of the lungs in con-
sequence of the inflammation.

In any of these cases the animal will
breathe with more or less difficulty, and con-
sequently will become much reduced in his
value and utility.

On examining broken-winded horses after
death, the most usual appearance of th«
lungs is an universal thickening of their
substance, by which means much of their
elasticity is lost, and their weight specifi-
cally increased, whilst, at the same time, their
capacity for receiving air is diminished.

During life, the lungs entirely fill the ca-
vity of the chest, so as to leave no space be-
tween their outward surface and the inward
surface of the ribs; thus they expand and
contract, following up by their own elasticity
the action of the ribs and diaphragm.
Hence it is probable that adhesions of the
lungs to the ribs are not so injurious to
respiration as might be imagined. If the
chest is punctured in the dead subject, the
external air rushes in and the lungs col-
lapse, but if the lungs do not collapse it
shews that the horse was broken-winded.

96

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; Atip

and that they have lost their elasticity. This
srate of the lungs sufficiently accounts for the
difficulty of breathings for as their property
of dilatation is destroyed^ the ribs cannot
expand without forming a vacuum in the
chest, which the pressure of the external air
prevents, and which may be readily perceiv-
ed in the case of broken-wind, for then the
intercostal muscles are so strongly retracted
as to form a deep furrow between every rib,
is well as a depression in the flanks. If there
is water in the chest, the horse never lies
down, as the pressure which would take
place in that situation would cause suffoca-
tion immediately.

Broken-wind has been ascribed by some
veterinary writers to a rupture of the air-
cells of the lungs. When this is the case,
(^they observe) the lungs never completely
empty themselves in expiration, and hence
a less quantity of air circulates through them
in a given time.

It is true, that on dissection, cases have
occurred where the membraneous lining of
the cells has been separated from the sub-
stance of the lungs, and air has been found
between, occasioning the same appearance
as emphysema, or the air which forms be-
tween the skin and the flesh in a particular
state of wounds, or when mortification has
taken place. But whatever may be the cause
of the disease, it is a pretty certain fact that
hitherto it has been found to be incurable.
The difficulty of breathing experienced by
broken-winded horses is, however, not al-
ways the same, as it varies much in conse-
quence of the season of the year, or of the
mode in which the allowance of their food
and water is regulated.

Indeed there are periods when it is diffi-

cult lor a stranger to discover that a horse
is broken -winded, especially after two or
three hours exercise, when the stomach and
intestines have emptied themselves of their
contents, and the vessels have been unloaded
by a copious perspiration from the skin. At
this period no greater motion is perceived in
the flanks of a horse that is broken-winded
than of one that is sound, nor is the respira-
tion more difficult when the animal is put
into action. But if the stomach be again
suddenly filled with water, the difficulty of
breathing instantly returns, and the horse
becomes incapable of any active exertion,
without the danger of being suffocated and
dropping down lifeless. It is a matter of
some conjecture whether this is produced
merely by the sudden and mechanical effect
of distending the stomach, and thereby in-
creasing its resistance to the action of the
diaphragm, or by the action of cold on the
nerves of the stomach, occasioned by the
sudden admission of a large quantity of cold
water.

It is probable, that it may be occasioned
in some degree by both. It is, however,
from observing this extraordinary effect, that
persons who have the care of broken-winded
horses always keep them very short of wa-
ter, and, indeed, would, if it were possible,
deprive them of it altogether.

The disease of broken -wind seldom comes
on suddenly, but is generally preceded by
habitual coughs and colds, and these causes
are considerably aggravated by over-feeding
and want of sufficient exercise. In regard
to coughs there is this perceptible difterence
between those which are recent and inflam-
matory, and those which are chronic or of
long standing. In the first there is generally

ijiurisii hPours.MAN.

97

some discharj;e from the lungs, hvt in llio
latter there is seldom any discharge what-
ever.

As the horse does not expectorate thronj^h
the mouth, the nnicus is coughed up into
the nose, from whence it is afterwards dis-
charged by (he action of sneezing. But in
ihe old or dry cough, as there is no mucus
coughed up, so the horse does not sneeze
after coughing, and much reliance is placed
on this circumstance by dealers in forming
their opinion as to the state of a horse's
lungs.

It is, therefore, their custom to pinch the
upper part of the trachea, or windpipe, to
force the horse to cough, so as to eiialile them
to ascertain whether he is sound in his wind,
and although this is by no means an infalli-
ble criterion, still there is a very manifest
difference between the cough of a sound
horse and one that is broken-winded, inas-
much as the first is clear, full, and sonorous,
whilst the latter is short, and generally at-
tended with a wheezing noise, and mostly
accompanied by a discharge of wind from
the fundament, in consequence of the sud-
den contraction of the abdominal muscles
in the effort to expel air from the lungs.
Many curious tricks are said to be practised
by the lower class of horse-dealers, such as
giving the animal a large quantity of oil,
and sometimes a quantity of leaden shot,
both equally ridiculous and unavailing ; but
the most absurd practice of all is the custom
of making an artificial and additional open-
ing to the anus, with a view of more easily
letting out the wind with which horses in this
state are particularly troubled. This flatu-
lency or collection of air in the intestines has
no comiection whatever with the cavity of

the chest, and the only inconvenience which
it occasions arises from its distending the
belly, and conse{piently impeding in some
degree the action of the lungs. It is pro-
duced entirely from that indigestion whicn
always accompanies more or less a diseased
state of the lungs ; for as a free and perfect
respiration is essential to the general health
and vigour of animal bodies, so the wa>it of
it must naturally impair the action of the
stomach and produce the inconvenience
above-mentioned.

There is, however, a great difference in
the powers of respiration, even in a healthy
state, amongst different horses, and this is
one of the principal features that constitutes
the distinction between a blood-horse and
one of a common breed. The reader may
easily ascertain this fact by examining a set
of horses in a mail coach when just arrived
at the end of a stage, when it will almost
invariably be found (provided they are all
equally sound in their lungs) that the best
bred horse will blow the least. Sportsmen
are in general pretty well acquainted with
the superiority of the blood-horse in regard
to wind, for there is no test more severe or
more unerring than that to which a hifnter
is exposed.

But the principal trial of wind is at the
first burst, when the fox goes away gallantly,
and when the hounds, being fresh, pursue
him at the top of their speed. If this lasts
for ten minutes without a check and over a
deep country, it will often happen that the
speediest horse does not always take the
lead, but is sometimes forced to yield it to
one that is better winded though less speedy

The breathing also is much interrupted
by every leap w hich is taken over fences and
2b

98

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

other obstacles ; because at the moment
wlien the horse collects all his strength to
make his spring, the whole of the muscles
of the abdomen are in a violent state of con-
traction, so as to stop the action of the ribs
altogether, and the animal is obliged in con-
sequence to hold his breath until he alights
again upon the ground. The lungs are then
obliged to act with redoubled quickness to
make up for the time which has been lost
during the temporary suspension of breath-
ing ; because, as the circulation of the blood
is still going on, it must be supplied by in-
creased efforts with that quantity of oxygen
which is necessary to give it its vital prin-
ciple.

Trainers of race-horses and sportsmen en-
tertain an opinion that a horse, to be in tho-
rough condition, should not sweat when
undergoing a severe gallop. But this is a
very erroneous opinion, and totally in oppo-
sition to the laws of nature, as appears from
the following data. The heat of all animal
bodies cannot exceed a certain degree with-
out occasioning death. This heat is increas-
ed by exercise ; but when it reaches the ut-
most limits above-mentioned, nature has the
faculty of restraining its farther increase by
a very simple process, and this process is
per.spiration. Thus when the blood-vessels
of tlie skin have thrown out such a portion
of the watery part of the blood as to moisten
the surface of the body, evaporation begins
to take place, and the air of the atmosphere
absorbs the superfluous heat, and the animal
is relieved. Hence it is that during a burst
in a tox chace, a horse's breathing is always
considerably relieved as soon as he begins
lo sweat

ROARING.

This is an imperfection which naturally
conies under the title of diseased res])iration.
It consists of a peculiar noise which takes
place in the breathing of some horses during
quick motion. Many speculative opinions
have been held in regard to the origin of
this disease ; some ascribing it to the lungs,
and others to an obstruction in the upper
end of the trachea, or windpipe, occasioned
by coagulable lymph having been thrown
out during inflammation, and forming a
thickening of the surface. At all events, no
horse that is affected with this infirmity can
be considered sound. Dealers attempt to
discover the disease by striking the horse
under the belly with a whip and turning him
round suddenly at the same time. If the
horse grunts during this process, it is gene-
rally considered a proof that he is a roarer.
This grunting is occasioned by the sudden
contraction of the muscles of the abdomen
forcing out the breiith from the lungs through
the windpipe with greater rapidity, in con-
sequence of the sensation of the whip, and
also from the bending of the ribs in the ac-
tion of turning round in a small compass.

The disease sometimes begins by a whist-
ling noise, but when it reaches a more con-
firmed state the breathing becomes so deep
and loud as to be heard at a considerable
distance. It is possible that the orifice of
the windpipe may be sometimes injured by
being pinched, to discover, by the manner
of couohiu"-, whether or not a horse is sound
in his wind.

Confirmed roaring, however, should be
distinguished from that temporary noise

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

9()

which is made in breathing- when the aninuil
isaffeetcd with a cohl or with the strangles.

CRIU-BITING.

So called t'roni tlie habit which some horses
acquire of biting their manger, accompanied
with a convulsive motion of the wind|)i[)o.

During this action, it is supposed that the
horse sucks air into the stomach, but it is
difficult to conceive how this can be the fact,
because the air being perfectly elastic is al-
ways propelled to that part where it meets
with least resistance. Now, as the horse's
mouth remains open during this apparent
action of sucking in air, it must follow, that
when the fauces contract in the act of swal-
lowing, the air must be forced back again
out of the moij«h, and not into the oesopha-
gus, which is always cl'^se and collapsed ex-
cept when food or water are passing through
it. Neither air nor any fluid can be sucked
into the mouth without room being made for
its reception by the lungs drawing in the air
already contained in the mouth. In this case,
therefore, whatever air might be drawn into
the mouth by this action of sucking, or crib-
biting, must necessarily pass into the lungs
which act like a pair of bellows, drawing in
air t}ie moment they are expanded.

It is certain, however, that crib-biters
generally have their intestines much distend-
ed by wind ; but this may arise, as in the
case of broken-wind, from imperfect diges-
tion ; for during the crib-biting a great deal
of saliva escapes from the mouth, and the
stomach is consequently robbed of a great
portion of a fluid which is a considerable
agent in the digestive process. The disease
perhaps is nothing more than a spasmodic
aflcction of the musclesof the larynx excited

by some sympathy with the muscles of the
jaws. It is, however, incurable, and may
very properly be said to render a horse un-
sound. Grooms have a custom of buckliti";
a strap round the upper part of the necks ol
horses that are crib-biters, with a view to
prevent the movement of the windpipe.

Broken-winded horses, and those which
are in any degree affected in their lungs, have
in general a greater thirst for water than
others ; and, from a prevailing idea that
water is injurious to them, many persons
would, if it were possible, deprive them of
it altogether. But this is in some degree a
very mistaken notion, and it is probable that
the circumstance of keeping a horse too short
of water may sometimes be (he means of
bringing on the disease they are so anxious
to prevent. The imperfect digestion of
horses that are thick-winded produces fer-
mentation, and an unnatural heat in the sto-
mach, and on this account horses of (liat de-
scription are more eager for water, and that
in proportion to the privation they experi-
ence. Independently of this circumstance it
should also be considered, that the food
which the horse takes in the stable is quite
destitute of moisture, and very different from
that which he would find in a state of na-
ture, consequently he requires more fluid
for the purposes of digestion.

It should also be born in mind, that the
harder a horse works, the more he will per-
spire, and this increased consumption of the
perspirable fluid of the body, requires a lar-
ger supply of water to repair it. It certainly
vvoidd be injudicious to suffer the animal to
drink a great quantity immediately before
he commences his lal)our. He should, there
fore, have a small (piantity at ouce, and more

100

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

frecjuently, in which case he would be in-
clined to drink less than when he has been
kept, as is the common custom, for several
hours without it. Having thus endeavoured
to describe the various diseases of the lungs,
it will be necessary to enter on the proper
mode of treatment.

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS

Is undoubtedly the primary cause of most
of the diseases of that organ. It is generally
produced by cold applied to the skin, or by
being exposed to a current of air in a state
of perspiration, a certain degree of inflam-
mation may also be brought on by too long
or too violent exertion. Be the cause what
IL may, it is generally very rapid in its effects,
for the lungs are more vascular than any
other part, and being confined within a cir-
cumscribed case, they have no space for tliat
swelling which always accompanies inflam-
mation. Hence the swelling takes place in-
ternally until the air-cells are nearly olilite-
rated, and this is probably one of the causes
of the difhcnity of breathing which always
attends this disease. It is generally preceded
by a shivering, the animal appearing dull
and drooping his head. The ears and legs
are extremely cold, and the latter are re-
markably fine, and free from swelling. As
ttie disease advances the breathing becomes
more difficult, as may be perceived by the
slioit and quick motion of the flanks. The
mouth also feels hot, the animal attempts to
cough, but is prevented by the soreness of
the lungs. He refuses all food whatsoever,
and seldom or never lies down. In this state
if he is not speedily relieved the inflamma-
tion goes on so quickly as to produce mor-
tification in a few hours, or else to occasion

an abscess which, altiiough not so rapid in
its effects, is equally fatal.

On the first attack of inflammation in the
lungs, at least four quarts of blood should
be taken at once, and even six if the horse
be very fleshy, and the difficulty of breathing
should require it. A glyster should then be
given, composed of thin gruel, in which
about four ounces of Epsom salts have been
dissolved, and this may be repeated every
third hour until the bowels are moderately
open. It is customary with some veterinary
practitioners to give purges in this disease,
but as no other drug except aloes will have
any certain effect, it is very doubtful whether
the action of the aloes on the stomach and in-
testines does not do harm, by keeping too
great a quantity of blood about the centre
of the body, and preventing it from being
determined to the skin and the extremities,
and thereby unloading the lungs.

After the horse has been bled, and has had
the glyster administered, tlie following ball
may l)e given.

11— Emetic Tartar . . 1 drachm.
Assafoetida .... I drachm.
Liquorice powder sufficient to make the

ball of a proper size.
The whole to be made up with syrup.

This ball may be repeated in twelve hours
In about an hour after, a small quantity of
bran-mash may be given, and some water to
drink, with the chill taken off.

The horse should be warmly cloathed if
the weather is cold, but there should be a
free circulation of air in the stable. Attention
should be paid to the surcingle, by which the
body cloaths are kept on, in order that it
may not be girthed too tight, a circumstance

BRITISH SI'URTSMAN

W\

which must be very injurious to IIk; auiuiul
in case of any soreness in (he chest, us well
as iletriuiental to his breathing- in conse-
quence of its confining- the action of the ribs.
The luodern treatment of inilanunation of
the lungs, at the Veterinary College, as well
as that adopted by some practitioners, is to
expose the horse to cold in a loose box with
all the apertures left open, and this too with-
out any regard to the season of the year.
The author of the present treatise having
never mustered resolution sutHcient to act
upon such a bold system of practice, of
course cannot speak to its eli'ects in any case
immediately under his own care, but he has
certainly witnessed its failure in several casis
in his own neighbourhood ; and has also
heard of similar instances of want of success
in other quarters.

The old practice of smothering the animal
with cloaths, and excluding air as much as
possible from the stable, must, on a moment's
reflection, be not only absiu'd but highly in-
jurious; but the impropriety of one extreme
is no justification for running into another
that is directly opposite, and at least it ap-
pears very paradoxical, that a disease which
is produced by cold should have the continu-
ance of cold adopted for its cure. It will
perhaps be urged in reply to this remark,
tliat the body, during the state of fever, is
labouring under a preternatural degree of
heat, and that the application of cold nuist
be beneficial in reducing it to its healthy
standard. This may be very just in regard
to fever alone, and the practice has un-
doubtedly been adopted in human medicine
with great success, but in inflammation of
the lungs the case is very different ; for a.s

a.

the disease arises from suppressed perspira-
tion, owing to the rigidity and preternatural
contraction of the vessels of the skin, the
blood is prevented from diffusing itself in so
great a proportion on the surface of the body,
and the heart and lungs are in consequence
overloaded, and thrown into increased action
in an attempt to relieve themselves. In this
state it must be obvious that the first process
towards a cure should l)e to produce such a
relaxation in the vessels of the skin as to
restore the natural perspiration, and prepare
them for the reception of that blood which
has been impeded in its circulation ; and the
usual course to effect this object is, by ad-
ministering such medicines internally as are
known to be diaphoretic, and to assist their
action by warm cloathiug and a temperate
atmosphere. Hence it is not easy to con-
ceive how such a salutary process can take
place when the animal is exposed to extreme
cold, the natural consequence of which must
be an increased contraction of the skin, as
well as the keeping up that extreme fineness
in the legs which always attends the worst
period of this disease.

It has been before observed, that copious
bleeding is necessary on the first attack ;
and it very frequently happens, that bleed-
ins alone is sufficient to remove the disease
in a few hours, and this clearly takes place
by unloading the blood vessels, and thereby
relieving the heart and lungs. But when the
disease has existed a considerable length of
time without bleeding having been had re-
course to, it happens (if the danger of mor-
tification has been escaped) that nature at-
tempts to relieve herself by an increased se-
cretion of mucus from the lungs, and by
2 c

10?

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

discharging- it from the nose. When this
process has begun, and is not attended by
any excess of fever^ bleeding is improper,
and such means only are necessary as will
tend to keep up the discharge ; for if that be
suddenly stopped, a fresh inflammation takes
place, and which mostly proves fatal. During
the discharge from the nose, the legs gene-
rally swell, as well as that part of the body
which lies under the chest.

This arises from the weakness which follows
the first inflammatory attack, and is consider
ably increased from the animal's aversion to
lying down in consequence of being unable
to bear any pressure on the chest. In this
state it requires great attention on the part
of the veterinary surgeon to regulate the
degree of action in the system, so as to bring-
on such an absorption as shall prevent a
dropsy in the chest, without stimulating the
heart to such an extent as to produce a re-
currence of fever. The best mode therefore
is, to give nourishing food, such as malt
mashes, or carrots, or scalded oats mixed
with brown sugar, and the following medi-
cine, which will act as a diuretic :

2 drachms.

half-an-ounce.

half-an-ounce.

R — Assafoeiida . .
Liquorice powder
Venice turpentine

The whole to be made into one ball, and
more liquorice powder may be added if ne-
cessary to make it of a proper consistence.

This ball may be repeated in tweuty-four
hours after the first has been given. The
horse should be thoroughly cleaned and
dressed, and his nostrils spunged out several
times during the day with warm water. The
rack and the manger should also be fre-

quently cleansed from the discharge which
falls from the nose, and which becomes very
offensive to the animal, after it has remained
any length of time on those places.

The legs should be well rubbed, and
afterwards wrapped round with hay-bands,
with a view to promote warmth in them

On the first attack of inflammation on the
lungs, if the symptoms are very violent, a
large blister may be rubbed on each side of
the chest, or a rowel introduced in the breast, ;
and in order to increase its action, the skin
should be separated only just sufficient to
admit the rowel, by which means the degree
of inflammation will be much increased, and
its effect more speedy ; but if the surrounding
parts swell to an inordinate size, the rowel
nmst be taken out, and some tow dipped in
digestive ointment may be introduced in its
stead. The blister may be composed of
cantharides and sweet-oil. As the horse
gains strength, he may be walked out for a
few minutes in the day, and his exercise may
be gradually increased : but great care should
be taken not to fatigue him, nor to suffer
him to stand still when exposed to the cold
air. If the bowels are not sufficiently open,
clysters may be given, composed of four
ounces of Epsom salts dissolved in two or
three quarts of warm water ; and if the sea-
son of the year admits of it, some grass or
green vetches may be cut and given to the
horse in small quantities at a time.

PLEURISY.

Is an inflammatory affection of the pleura,
or membrane which lines the chest, and its
syn'ptoins vary so little from general inflam-
mation on the lungs that the difference is

IMirriSll SPORTSMAN.

103

scarcely perceptible In tliisdisease tlie horse
shews •>reat rc-stlcssuoss and uiioasiiiess, and
shifts about iVoin place to place. Tiie fever
which is at tirst moderate, rises suddenly to
a very high degree. In the beginning he often
strives to lie down, but starts up again imme-
diately, and frequently turns his head to the
afiected side. On this accoinit an inflam-
mation on the pleura has sometimes been
niistakon for the gripes, but there is this dif-
ference that, in the latter, the horse frequently
lies down and rolls. When the gripes are vio-
lent he w ill also have convulsive twitches, his
eyes will be turned up and his limbs stretched
out as if he was dying, his cars and feet being
sometimes excessively hot, and sometimes ex-
tremely cold. He falls into profuse sweats,
strives often to stale and dung, but with great
pain and difficulty, which symptoms generally
continue until he is relieved. But in a pleu-
risy, the animal's ears and feet are uniformly
and excessively hot, and his mouth parched
and dry, and even sometimes when he is near
dissolution, his fever is continued and increas-
ing, and though in the beginning he makes
many motions to lie down, yet afterwards, he
stands back as far as his collar will permit,
and makesnotthe least ofierto change his pos-
ture, but stands panting with short stops, and
a disposition to cough until he is relieved, or
else drops down and expires.

In inflammation of the lungs there exist se-
veral of the same symptoms, except that in
the begimiing he is more tranquil, and never
oiTers to lie down, even during the whole time
of his complaint. His fever is at the same time
considerable. In a pleurisy a horse's mouth
is generally parclicd apd drv, but in peripneu-
mony, or inflamed lungs, when opened, a^

roaj)y slime generally runs out in great abun-
dance, besides adischarge from the nose niucii
in (lie .same way as in a malignant fever, and
a red or yellow serum, or coagnlable l.mpli
will adhere to the inside of the nostrils, in a
pleurisy a horse works violently at the flanks,
is very restless, and his belly generally ap-
pears tucked up, but in a peri[)iieumony he
always shews fulness, and the working of his
flanks is regular, except after drinking, or
wiien he is agitated by being disturbed by
giving him medicine, in which case the
heaving becomes stronger and more vehement
than at other times ; his ears and feet are for
the most part always cold, anil he often tails
into damp sweats, with other symptoms com-
mon to malignant diseases, except that they
come on more suddenly .and with greater
violence.

The cure of a pleurisy and of an inflam-
mation on the lungs are tlie same, except
where accidental symptoms require some va-
riation, for in faci it sometimes happens that
both are combined, and in that case it is
hardly possible to make any distinction. Co-
pious bleeding, and most other evacuations,
are absolutely necessary in all such cases

Treating on these diseases, Gibson makes
the following judicionsobservations. Hesays,
" as pleuretic disorders are more apt to leave
some taint on the lungs than common colds
or other inflammatory disorders, a great deal
of care nmst be taken upon his recovery that
his feeding be proper and in right (|uantity,
and his exercise well-timed. A horse should
be kept to a light open diet for a fortnight or
three weeks, viz. a (|uartern of I)ran scalded
every dav, and besides that two or three small
feeds of the cleanest and sweetest oats

104

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

sprinkled with water. Instead of the scalded
bran it will be well to give him sometimes for
a change, about a quart of barley scalded in
a double infusion of hot waterjhat it maybe
softened, and the water may be given him to
drink. His exercise should be gradual, and
increased as he gathers strength, and always
in an open free air when the weather is fa-
vorable. If there be any remains of a cough,
the air, with moderate exercise, will tend
greatly to remove it, and the remedies usually
given in chronic affections of the chest should
be resorted to. Purging is also proper after
pleuritic diseases, but the purges should be
very gentle. The following proportion will
generally suffice.

Barbadoes aloes ... six drachms.
Castile soap .... half-an-ounce.

Ginger half-a-drachm.

In a ball with syrup of buckthorn.

This may be given with the usual prepa-
rations necessary in purging, and it wfll ope-
rate well without occasioning either sickness
or griping.

This ball may be repeated at the intervals of
a week, provided the horse does not appear
weak after the first dose.

There is sometimes an external affection
of the muscles of the chest which is generally
called chest-foundtil. It is known by a stiffness
of the body, of the fore-legs and shoulders, and
is sometimes attended with a short drv coujrh,
and a great soreness when any of those parts
are handled. Whilst the chest-founder is
recent, it is to be treated as pleurisy, and may
be carried off by bleeding, antimonials, and
bran-mashes, or other coolins: diet. Purees
aiso will be useful

THE DISTEMPER.

There isa kind ofcold, or catarrh, with which
horses are frequently affected at the spring of
the year, and which is generally known by
the name of the distemper. It is produced by
the cold easterly winds which usually prevail
at that season, and which are more injurious
in their effects on account of the animal un-
dergoing the progress of shedding his winter
coat, and consequently being less provided
against their baneful influence.

It principally attacks horses that are kept
in hot stables, the artificial heat of which has
brought on the shedding of the coat prema-
turely, and indeed it is wonderful that any
coach-horse in London ever escapes this dis-
ease when it is considered that he is obliged
to stand for several hours, in the street un-
cloathed and exposed to all the severity of
the weather, and this too after havinff been
heated by drawing the carriage through half
the streets of the metropolis, at the present
fashionable rate of ten or twelve miles an
hour.

As the first attack of the disease is gene-
rally attended with a greater or less degree of
fever, it will be proper to bleed, according
to the violence of the symptoms. It is also
frequently accompanied with an inflammation
or soreness of the throat, occasioning a dif-
ficulty in swallowing. In this case a blister
may be applied to the throat, and if the glands
under the ears are swelled, let some discutient
application be used, but if they are inflamed
to a great degree, a bran poultice may be
applied with advantage. The bowels should
be kept open by clysters, and if the animal
continues to be very costive, a mild purg«i
may be given, viz.

BRITISH SrOllTSMAN.

105

Aloes Harbadocs
Castile soap . .

Ginger

. seven drachms
. one ounce.
. half-a-drachin.
To be Miade into a ball with syrup of
buckthorn.

If there is much ditiiculty in breathing, it
indicates a considerable degree of inflamma-
tion in the lungs, in which case a blister may
be applied to the sides of the chest, or a
rowel introduced in the front part of the breast.
It is a very common, but a very injurious, prac-
tice to give cordials in this disease. These
only serve to increase the inflammatory symp-
toms, and very often destroy the patient. Di-
aphoretics, or such medicines as increase the
perspiration, are most beneficial, and one of
the following balls may be given every
twenty-four hours for three days succes-
sively.

Emetic tartar . . . one drachm.
Assafcetida .... two drachms.
Liquorice powder . . half-an-ounce.
To be made into a ball with syrup.

The diet should be bran-mashes or green
food, if it can be procured, and the water
should be given with the chill taken off. The
horse should be kept rather warmly clothed,
and not fatiguedbyimy violent exercise. The
distemper, as it is called, has generally been
supposed to be infectious, as it very frequently
runs through a stable. But it is most pro-
bable that the disease arises from some pecu-
liar state of the atmosphere, and which of
course may affect one horse as well as ano-
ther, without any infection or contagion.

Gibson gives a very circumstantial and co-
pious detail of a distemper or influenza which
prevailed in the year 1732. He says, " they
were seized suddenly with a dry sounding

y

cough, which shook tliein so violently that
they appeared ready to drop with hard strain-
ing and want of breath. Th<;ir tliroats were
sore, and the glands were much swelled
and inflamed, and painful to the touch. For
the first two days most of them refused all
manner of food as well as water, and had so
many other bad symptoms that when this dis-
temper first broke out, it seemed to threaten
a great mortality among them. Indeed, the
only good sign they had was a running at the
nose, which generally began on the third day,
and continued in a very profuse degree for
five or six days. While this secretion con-
tinued they could not feed much, though their
appetites were not deficient. Hence they lost
their flesh exceedingly, whilst the violence of
the complaint lasted, but as soon as the dis-
charge abated, they began to eat voraciously
and soon recovered. This distemper, though
seldom fatal, yet was so very catching, that
when any horse was seized with it, tho.se
horses that stood on each side of him were ge-
nerally infected as soon as he began to run at
the nose. While this sickness lasted, (says
Gibson,) above one hundred troop-horses
under my care were seized with it. 1 al-
ways caused the sick horses to be se|)a-
rated from those in health, and in one troop
of horse-ffrenadiers we filled a stable of
thirty-six stalls in three days, and another of
eighteen in three or four days more ; never-
theless, all of them recovered in a short time.
And many other horses, belonging to private
gentlemen, that were placed under my care
did well, without any remaining injury from
the distemper ; and it was remarkable that
some which had been subject to a dry cough
before this sickness continued were free
from it for some time afterwards, though I
2d

106

THE COMPLETE FARRIER . and

do not remember that any of them were ab-
solutely cured of it.

" Thehorsesthatchiefly escaped thedistem-
per were those that had been kept in con-
stant strong exercise, or full aged horses, many
of which remained uninfected though very
much exposed to it. The method of treating
the malady, as may be supposed, was simple
and easy. As soon as the horses were attacked
they were bled plentifully, which evidently
gave them relief, many of them being feverish
and very shortbreathed.

' Afterwards mucilaginous drinks, in which
linseed, liquorice, and garlic, were the predo-
minant materials, were exhibited, and with
these were given balls made of the aromatic
powders mixed with honey, balsam of sul-
phur, and the oil of aniseseed. In some cases
it was thought necessary to give about half-
a-pint of white wine with a few ounces of
oxymel and squills. After they began to run
at the nose, the complaint began to abate,
and as soon as the horse looked somewhat
lively, and began to eat, the use of medicines
was suspended, and he was allowed plenty of
water with free air and exercise. This disease
it seems began near London, about the mid-
dle of September. It became general in about
six weeks or two months, and made so swift
a progress, that in the space of one week
there was scarcely a stable without the in-
fection. The timeof its continuance in each in-
dividual was but short. Some horses were per-
fectly recovered in a week or ten days, some in
a fortnight, and few continued under it lon^-er
tlian three weeks or a month before they reco-
vered their flesh and their usual strength and
vigour Scarcely any indeed did amiss, ex-
cept such as had been unskilfully treated, by
Is) ringing their noses with sharp stimulating

liquids, which, by irritating the membrane?,
already too much intiamed, brought on ulce-
ration, and a continued discharge of purulent
matter that could not be stopped, with
swellings of the glands, which ended in carieb
of the bones.

" About two years afterwards, in 1734 an-
other epidemical disease happened. This
proved more fatal than the former though
from its short continuance it was much less
noticed, for many horses recovered so far a.
to be out of danger in two or thre ; days. In
this the horses coughed violently, and many
of the hackney-coach-horses and cart-horses
that were obliged to work were observed o
run greatly at the nose.

" Some were seized suddenly with a liigh de-
gree of fever, and their flesh apparently seem-
ed so sore and tender, that they could scarcely
bear to be touched. They were generally
costive, staled but little, and that with pain
and straining, and the urine was of a very
high colour. They refused all manner of
sustenance, and were so extreme ly sick that
they could not drink, neither would many of
them lie down till the disease came to a cri-
sis ; yet upon treating them with cooling and
opening medicines, and with plentiful bleed-
ing-, they generally recovered. Some of the
horses affected with it had very hot and in-
flamed eruptions, which broke out in several
parts with blisters resembling erysipelas.
Those that came to maturity appeared gene-
rally on the inside of the arm or fore legs,
near the elbow, or towards the hock ; and
some of them had large bags of water col-
lected on their sides or bellies, or towards
their flanks near the inguinal glands, consti-
tuting what the farriers call the water-farcy.
Some had been costive before thev were

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

107

seized, for their dung- was extremely hard
and black. Under these circumstances, soft
and oily clysters were injected to relax the
bowels, and in some cases the bleeding was
repeated ; coolincf infusions were given,
with nitre, cream of tartar, &c. with a view to
promote both dung; and urine, and by that
means to abate the febrile heat. This, in
fact, not only took off the fever, but caused
critical discharj^es from the boils, which at
first had but a very indifferent aspect, to di-
gest into good matter ; so that none of the
horses that were thus treated did amiss ; and
where some died in the hands of unskilful
persons, it was generally owing to their giv-
ing them cordials before the fever abated,
and their stomachs were in a condition to
receive food."

This distemper, it appears, did not con-
tinue violently in London above three weeks
or a month ; and those that were seized about
the latter part of that time, had it more
favourably, and required little more than
bleeding. Those horses that appeared sur-
feited were purged, and had antimonial
powders given them, which generally per-
fected their cure ; and some were sent to the
salt marshes, or other spring grass, the
sickness having happened just before the
grass season.

Gibson also states, that he has known
horses seized with the symptoms here des-
cribed at other times, wlien the distemper
was neither infectious nor epidemical, and
these were alwavs relieved with bleediu"-
and other evacuations, especially with diu-
retics and diluents, such as water-gruel or
bran-water. The strangles sometimes may
be ranked amongst the epidemical diseases
ot lior>es. It seizes horses both voun": and

old that have not had it before, and is clear-
ly infectious. In this case there is usually a
fever, with loss of appetite, and other symp-
toms of a malignant nature. In some sea-
sons the spring colds among young horses
are accompanied with an epidemical fever,
especially about the time of shedding their
teeth, and putting out their tusks ; and w ith-
out some care and diligence be used, these
colds are apt to leave an habitual cough,
with an enlargement of the maxillary glands,
and a discharge from the nose, \\hich some-
times ends in the glanders. He asserts also,
that the symptoms of farcy often appear
during the prevalence of epidemic fevers; in
fact, that it becomes infectious, and makes
a quick progress on every horse that is seiz-
ed with it, spreading universally over tJje
whole body, forming deep abscesses amongst
the interstices of the muscles, discharffino-
great quantities of fetid matter, like the
grounds of beer.

Nor is it impossible that the disease called
staggers may arise from contagion, if not in
an original affection, at least as a collateral
symptom.

About eight years ago, says Gibson, seve-
ral young horses were seized with the stag-
gers, attended with such uncommon symp-
toms as put the ordinary practitioners quite
to a stand. It was sufficiently visible that
the disorder lay principally in their heads,
by which most of them, more or less, lost
the use of their limbs. Some were only
cramped and convulsed in a moderate de-
arree, and were soon relieved bv blecdiuff
and cephalic medicines, with proper em-
brocations ; in others, this new distemper
seemed to have a near afiinity to a hemiple-
gia, or that sort of palsy wliich in men lakes

108

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

away the use of one x'lde, l)ut not to such a
degree as happens in the human body. He
says^ " I had a horse so bad^ that when he
came to be moved, he was held up on the
vide affected by several men, who were forc-
ed to support his whole weight. When he
was let loose in the riding'-house, he turned
round like a person in a vertigo, and fell
down suddenly ; but this rotation did not
proceed altogether from the causes which
usually produce the vertigo in men ; but
from his wanting the use of his limbs on the
off-side, which made him turn round to his
near-side; the limbs of his near-side not
being affected, but firm, which was the rea-
son of this circular motion ; for he could not
get straight forwards for want of use in the
other. Several horses were taken in the
same manner, but in a less degree, and some
were convulsed, and had their mouths some-
limes pulled to one side, but were soon re-
'ieved ; for those that were only convulsed
*n this manner, retained somewhat their ap-
petite.

"Another remarkable case happened at this
time of a horse that was so much convulsed
that whenever he endeavoured to raise h\x
head in the least degree, nothing could be
seen of his eyes but the white part, which
gave him a very extraordinary appearance.
But as this horse also had a strong fever, and
was affected on both sides alike, so he never
lost the use of his limbs, but went stae-jrer-
ing, and with a twitching motion, arising
from convulsive cramps.

"This horse was recovered by bleeding and
other plentiful evacuations, with the con-
stant use of cephalics, which were given him
in great plenty, especially castor, which had
such an effect upon him that it kept him

perspiring above three weeks without inter-
mission, insomuch that all his cloaths, and
the whole stable, were perfumed with it;
and if these remedies were but one day
omitted while the convulsions lasted, the
horse always fell back, and was the worse
for it ; so that he must inevitably have died
in the hands of any common {)ractitioner,
none of whom I ever knew treat convulsed
horses after this manner.

" As to the horses that were affected on one
side only, their lameness was more apparent;
so that I caused them to be put into close
stalls, and littered tpiite up to their bellies,
and also had a good quantity of straw piled
up against the wall or partition next the
lame side, that they might rest upon it, and
not be exposed to the danger of falling
down. One gentleman, who had a very
fine horse seized with this distemper, ordered
the whole side of the stall to be lined with
a triple bass matting, and his litter was
spread all across the stable, pretty deep,
from the end of the standing, which method
was followed vvith most others that were
under my care, and affected in the same
manner, that they might not hurt themselves
in case they should move backwards and fall
down, but lie easy until they were helped up,
for scarce any of them were able to rise of
themselves. But most of these horses leaned
their lame side altogether against the stall,
without moving their posture, till they had
pretty well recovered the use of their limbs,
which generally happened in ten or twelve
days; others that were less affected recovered
much sooner so as to be able to stand without
leaning.

" These had all of them fever when tliev
were first seized, which is an usual attendant

BIUTISII SPORTSMAN.

109

oil convulsive disorders, but after bleeding-
and otlier evacuations, their fevers abated
and they began to feed on scalded bran, and
pick a little hay by the hand. They were bled
plentifully, and had clysters and lenitive
j)nrges. They were at the same time treated
with cephalics and stimulating embrocations
outwardly.

According- to the same experienced writer,
the jaundice, together with the staggers, are
souictimes epidemical, there having been
many young horses seized witli this kind of
malady. It is described to have occurred
more remarkably in some seasons than in

others, and generally about the end of (he
sj)ring or the beginning of summer. It is no
other than a bilious fever, and seems to have
been mentioned by Soleysell in his chapter
on the diseases of the head caused by cho-
leric humours, which brou>>ht a^reat morta-
lity among the horses in some j)arts of France
and Germany in the year 1600, and afterward*
in 1669 and 1670. This is seldom universal,
or of long continuance in England, but when
itdoeshappen is generally fatal, probably for
want of knowing the true origin from whence
the disease arises.

COLIC, OR GRIPES.

This is a very common disease amongst
horses, and, if not properly treated, some-
times terminates fatally. It mos«t frecpiently
arises from drinking; cold water when the
animal is heated by exercise, or it may arise
from the abominable custom of riding horses
in a sweat into a brook, -.r river. It may
also occur from eating food that ferments in
the stomach, such as green clover, vetches,
&c. It should be distinguished from intlam-
mation in the bowels, or in the kidnies, or
in the bladder, especially as those heating-
remedies which are so generally used in
this case, by all stable people, must tend to
aggravate the disease to a great degree, if
not to occasion the death of the animal.

Jt is always rendered more dangerous by
thai costive state of the intestines, which
prevails in horses that are kept in the stable.

and especially with those that are much
nursed and accustomed to have the chill
taken off the water before they drink it.

The habit too of being watered only twice
daily, and, in consequence, drinking a great
quantity at once, will sometimes produce
complaints in the bowels. The symptoms
are generally manifested by the horse ap-
pearing somewhat restless, and by whisking
his tail; he also gathers up his hind-quarters
under him, as if preparing to lie down,
stamping alternately with his hind-feet, and
sometimes striking his belly. As the disease
increases, the horse lies down and rises again
very frequently, and .sometimes rolls about
in the stall. His belly feels hard and appears
distended with wind. The most absurd and
preposterous remedies are often resorted to,
such as giving the animal a quart of beef-
'^ E

uo

THE COMPLETE FARRIER, and

bi-ine^ chickens' ^nts, &c. Gin and pepper is
also a very favourite recipe, and provided
the disease is nierelj a flatulent colic, no
mischief may ensue, but perhaps relief
But when it is accompanied by inflamma-
tion, it must be pretty obvious what must be
the effect of brine, or pepper, acting on an
inflamed or irritated surface.

During the attack the horse shews a de-
sire to stale frequently, but without avail.
This is but a consequence of the disease,
and always ^;oes off with the other symp-
toms. It nsay arise from hardened dung
pressing on the neck of the bladder, or it
may arise from sympathetic irritation in the
peritoneal coat of the bladder. Whenever
these symptoms of a difliculty in voiding the
urine appear, diuretics are often adminis-
tered very improperly, such as spirits of tur-
pentine, &c.

On all occasions of this complaint, glys-
ters should be given without delay, and if
any hardened dung remains in the rectum,
it should be brought away by the hand. The
following ball may then be given, and re-
peated in two hours if the symptoms do not
abate.

R — Assafoetida . . 1 drachm

Opium . . half-a-drachm,

in one bali,

to be made a proper size by the addition of
liquorice-powder and syrup.

The horse should then be well rubbed
under the belly by a groom on each side of
nun, and he may be trotted for a few minutes.
By these means the wind is sometimes ex-
pelled, and the disease subsides without any

farther trouble. If, however, relief is not
obtained in a few hours, the spasms increase,
and inflammation comes on with all its dan-
gerous effect. This is iTidicated in a pretty
certain degree by the pulse, which is gene-
rally small and feeble. The horse also fre-
quently lies on his back with his legs up-
wards for some minute-;, and he does this
probably to take off" the weight of the intes-
tines from the rnesenterv, which, in an in-
flamed state, becomes very sore and irritable.
He frequently voids small portions of dung
in the shape of gingerbread -nuts, and some-
times has a partial purging which stops sud-
denly. His ears and legs are generally cold,
and he breaks out occasionally into cold
sweats. He stands with his back-bone a
little elevated, and has a small vibratory
motion in his tail.

If the inflammation is not removed, or
abated in twenty-four hours, mortification
takes place. As soon as the mortification
begins, the animal appears to be easier and
more free from pain. It is, however, a de-
ceitful calm, and is but the prelude to disso-
lution.

The first step to be taken in inflanmiatioa
of the bowels is to bleed pretty copiously, to
the amount of three or four quarts. This
will be necessary to check the inflammation,
be the original cause of it what it may.

Clysters composed of four ounces of Ep-
som salts, dissolved in thin gruel, may be
administered every half-hour, and the fol-
lowing ball may be given and repeated in
three or four hours if the symptoms rio not
abate, viz.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

Ill

li — Assafoetida ... 1 drachm
Aloes . . . 6 drachms
Opium .... 1 scruple
To be made into a ball.

The horse should have bran-inashcs ; and
water with the chill taken oil' should be of-
fered to him frequently, and he should be
kept quiet and in an open box if possible,
where he may extend his limbs at pleasure,
and roll without being- in danger of hurting
himself.

When the cause of the inflammation is
mechanical, such as an introsusception of the
» gut, or a twisting of them one across another,
no relief can be obtained, as it is impossible
to reach the scat of the disease by any ma-
nual operation. But whatever may be the
cause of the disease, the frequent use of
clysters is of the utmost importance, and in
adverting to this circumstance it may not be
irrelevant to the subject to offer some re-
marks oh the proper mode of administering
them, as well as on the form and dimensions
of the instrument to be employed for that
purpose.

Mr. Clark, of Edinburgh, makes the fol-
lowing judicious observations on these
points. He says, " Clysters serve not only
to evacuate the contents of the intestines,
but also to convey very powerful medicines
into the system, when perhaps it is not prac-
ticable to do it by the mouth, for although
clysters are only conveyed into the larger
intestines, and, perhaps, hardly penetrate
into the smallei',. still they are extremely
useful, by fomenting as it were the latter,
and at the same time by softening the hard-
ened excrement that is accumulated in the
former, and rendering it so soft as to be ex-
polled out of the body, by which flatulen-

cies, or other offending matters that may be
pent up in them, are likewise expelled ; he-
sides, by their warmth and relaxing powers,
they act as a fomentation to the bowels, and
hence may be of considerable service in re-
moving spasmodic constrictions in the bowels,
carrying off flatulencies, and in preventing^
inflammation in the intestines ; and, by con-
veying opiates to the parts affected, give
speedy relief to colics," &c.

The use of emollient clysters in fevers is
considerable ; they act by revulsion, and re-
lieve the head when much att'ected ; besides,
by throwing in a quantity of diluting liquor
in the in*estines, it not only relaxes and
cleanses them, but may be said to cool the
body in general ; at the satne time a consi-
derable portion of the liquid is absorbed and
conveved into the mass of blood, by which
means it is diluted, and in particular com-
plaints of the bowels, clysters give almost
immediate relief

These remedies, when judiciously em-
ployed, pass directly to the parts affected, as
they undergo little or no alteration from the
powers of the body,

Mr. Clark farther observes, that as the dis-
eases of horses are cured on nearly the same
principles as those of the human body, the
doctrines laid down by physicians for (he
cure of diseases in the latter are applicable
to horses in similar circumstances, only it
ought to be observed, for obvious reasons,
that the intestines of horses should always
be emptied of dung by the rejjetition of
clysters, which have something stimnlaling
in their composition, previous to the admin-
istering any particular medicine by way of
clyster. " Nor," continues he, " is the use
of clysters confined to medicines only food ;

112

THE COMPLETE FARRIER • and

and nourishment may be conveyed into the
system in this way, when a horse is unable
to swallow any thing- by the mouth. This
i have frequently experienced in practice,
and have supported horses for several days
Ve<g'ether by nourishing- clysters made of
thick water-gruel, during violent inflamma-
tions of the throat, until such time as they
Jiave been either discussed or suppurated."

The lacteal vessels, the mouths of which
open into the inner cavity of the intestines,
absorb, or drink up, the chyle or nourish-
ment that is produced from the food that has
been digested, and convey it into the mass of
blood. The same process takes place when
nourishment is conveyed into the intestines
by the anus, or fundament, only the food re-
quires to be so far prepared and broken
down, and diluted with water, as to render
it fit to be absorbed by the vessels men-
tioned above.

In administerir.g clysters, it ought always
to be observed that the contents of the
clyster be neither too hot nor too cold, and
only milk-warm, as either of these extremes
will surprise the horse and cause him to
eject or throw it out before it has had time
to have any effect.

Previous to introducing the clyster-pipe,
the operator, after anointing his hand and
arm with oil, butter, or hogs lard, (observ-
ing at the same time that the nails of his
^n"-ers are short) may introduce it into tlie
'ectum and draw out the hardened dung

gradually.

This operation in Farriery is termed
raking, or back raking, and becomes the
more necessary, as it frequently happens that
j^reat quantities of hardened dung are col-
lected in the rectum and which, in some

cases, the horse cannot void easily without
assistance of this kind. The composition of
clysters, Mr. Clark observes, should be ex-
tremely simple. On that account they will
be easily prepared and as easily administered,
if the operator is provided with a suitable
instrument for the purpose. The generality
of clyster-pipes that are commonly used are
by far too small and too short. Although it
may appear a paradox, yet it is a fact, that
a clyster-pipe of a larger size than the ordi-
nary ones, and of a proper thickness, is much
easier introduced into the anus than one
that is considerably smaller. It is likewise
obvious, that when the pipe is too short, it
renders clysters of no use, because it can-
not convey them so far into the intestines as
is necessary to give them any chance of being
retained ; a small short pipe, of six or eight
inches long, is not capable of conveying the
injection to the end of the rectum, which in
a horse of a middle size is about seventeen
or eighteen inches long. In giving injec-
tions with these short pipes, the clyster is
apt to flow out at the anus in proportion to
the force with which it is injected from the
bag, or syringe, and this must always be the
case, especially if the horse's bladder should
happen at the same time to be full of urine,
which frequently occurs from its being- re-
tained there by the hai-dened dung in the
rectum, which presses against the neck of
the bladder, and thus prevents the horse
from staling,

It happens, further, that after the hardened
dung is taken out of the rectum, by the ope-
ration above-mentioned, the bladder, being
distended, and full of urine, cannot exert its
contracting power immediately so as to ex-
pel its contents. It, therefore, presses up

lilUTlMI SPORTSMAN.

113

the empty lectuin and forms, as it were, a
kind of tumour in it ; and if the pipe is too
short, it catuiot roacli beyond (his risinj;- in
the rednm, \\hicli forms, as it ucre, a de-
clivit) back towards the anus, and hence the
liquor Hows back as soon as it is discharged
from the pipe instead of passing forward.
The smaUness of the bag-, or bladder, con-
taining tlie clyster, which is generally propor-
tioned to tliat of the pipe, is another very
material objection to this small apparatus,
as it seldom contains one quart of liquid,
from wliicli circumstance very little benefit
can be derived from the use of clysters in
such large intestines as those of a horse.

Bracken, in his first volume, has this very
judicious remark on the use of clysters. He
observes that the colon of a horse seems to
be three guts, by reason of the two necks of
about half-a-yard each, drawn up into many
cells, or purses, by means of two ligaments,
one of which runs along the upper, and the
other the under side of it, which, with the
assistance of a valve, or flap, at its beginning,
hinder the excrements either from returning
back into the small guts or falling too soon
downward, before the chyle prepared from
the food be taken into its proper vessels.
.\iid, indeed, the coecum, or blind gut, which
is the first of the three larger guts, seems
to be so contrived, in the manner of a valve,
to hinder the aliment and chyle from passing
too soon into the colon ; for if the aliment
and chyle were not somewhat hindered in
their passage through these large guts, the
body could not be sufficiently supplied with
nourishment.

The first of these colons is about a yard
and a half long, the second about a yard, and
the third, or that part which joins the rectum,

y

near six yards in length, so that the colon of
a horse fotuteen hands hifrh may be said to
be nearly eight yards and a half long, and,
from it along the rectum, or straight gut, to
the anus, where the excrements are dis-
charged, is not above lialf-a-yard, so that it
is plain that clysters operate mostly in the
colon, though generally they are given in
too small quantities, for of what use are two
quarts of liquor in a gut of nine yards Ion;'-,
and four or five inches diameter in a natural
state; but when in a colic, it is so distended
with flatulencies that its diameter exceed?
seven or eight inches, as Mr. Clark has oh
served in those that have died of that dis-
temper.

Larg-e metal syringes are fre(|nenlly used
for the purpose of giving clysters, but of all
the instruments ever invented, Mr. Clark
thinksthese are the most improper for horses.
The shortness and smallne.^s of their ivory
pipes are not only a material objection, as
has been observed, but they are apt to tear
and wound the gut ; for if a horse should
prove restless, either from pain, as in cases
of the gripes, or from viciousness, the syringe
and pipe being quite inflexible in the strug-
gle to throw up the injection, the gut may
be wounded, by which a discharge of blood
and other bad consequences may folloyv.
But although there were not the least chance
either of tlieir hiu-liiig tlie horse, or wound-
ing the gut, yet the fi)rce with which they
throw up the liquor always causes a sur-
prise, and, of course, a resistance, attended
with a vigorous eftbrt to throw it back,
which, indeed, frequently happens before
the pipe of the syringe is withdrawn.

The instrun:ent which Mr. Clark prefers,
for the piu'pose of giving clysters, is a sun-
2 =

114

THE COMPLETE FARRIER, and

pie bag, or ox-bladder, which will hold two
or three quarts, tied to the end of a wooden
pipe about fourteen or fifteen inches long,
one inch and a half diameter where the pipe
is tied, and becoming gradually taper to the
extremity, wiiere the thickness should sud-
denly increase and be rounded off at the
point as smooth as possible.

The hole through the pipe may be made
sufficiently large so as to admit the end of a
common funnel for pouring the liquor into
the bag. By the flexibility of the bladder
at the end of this instrument, no danger
can happen to the horse; whilst the clyster
is conveyed so far up into the intestines that
it will be retained. It causes no surprise,
(provided the liquor be neither too hot nor
too cold, but of the same warmth as the in-
testines themselves) as no other force is re-
quired to throw it up than the holding the
bag a little higher than the level of the pipe,
by which means the liquor flows gently into
the gut without occasioning any surprise
to the horse. After using the bag it may be
blown full of wind, a cork put into the pipe,
and hung up in some dry place to prevent it
from rotting, by which means it will be fit
for use on future occasions. Clysters are
distinguished by different names, which de-
nominate the quality of the ingredients of
which they are composed, as emollient, lax-
ative, diuretic, anodyne, &c. As the more
general use of clysters in the practice of
Farriery would be attended with the most
salutary eff"ects, especially in acute diseases,
where the speediest assistance is necessary,
Mr. Clark subjoins the following forms for
composing them, together with the cases in
which they may be administred with advan-
tage.

Emollient Clyster.

Take of thin gruel, two or three quarts.
Olive oil.

Coarse sugar, of each six ounces.
Dissolve the sugar in the water-gruel, and
then add the olive-oil.

Laxative Clyster.

Take of thin water-gruel, two or three
quarts.

Glauber's salts . . 8 ounces,
Olive oil ... 6 ounces.

When Glauber salts are not at hand, com-
mon salt may be used in its stead. A great
variety of recipes might be added for making
clysters, composed of the infusion of differ-
ent herbs, seeds, &c. but as the above in-
gredients are always easily got, they will be
found to answer all the intentions under this
head, which is to soften the hardened excre-
ment, to lubricate the intestines, and, by ex-
citing a gentle stimulus, promote a free dis-
charge of their contents, which, when once
obtained, seldom fail of giving relief in in-
flammatory cases, spasms, &c.

Purging Clyster.

Take two ounces of senna — two quarts of
boiling water.

Infuse the senna, and having strained off*
the liquor, add syrup of buckthorn a;ii com-
mon oil, each four ounces.

This clyster will operate more briskly than
the former, and on that account may be pre-
ferred when an immediate or speedy dis-
charge is necessary.

Anodyne Clyster.
Take of the jelly of common starch, oi
of an infusion of linseed, one pint.

RRITISII SPORTSMAN.

lift

Tu'ctiire of opium, one ounce, or about
two luble-spooiifuls.

VWien tliere is reason to apprehend in-
flaininalion in the bowels, solid opium may
be <nven instead of the tincture, from
twenty to thirty grains, in proportion to the
urgency of the symptoms. It ought, how-
ever, to be well rubbed in a mortar, with a
little of the liquid, until it is thoroughly
dissolved. The smallness of the quan-
tity of the li(pud here recommended, gives
it the better chance of being the longer
retained, as the good effects to be derived
from the opium depend entirely on this cir-
cumstance. This clyster is proper to be
given in violent gripings, attended with
purging, in order to blunt the sharpness
of the corroding humour, and to allay the
pain usual in such cases. The starch will
also, in some measure, supply the deficiency
^ of the natural mucus, or covering- of the in-
testines, which has been carried off" by vio-
lent purging. It may be repeated if the
symptoms continue violent, only diminishing
the quantity of laudanum, or of the opium.

Nutritive Clyster.

Take of thick gruel, well boiled, three
quarts.

When nourishing clysters are found neces-
sary, they may be given four or five times in
the day, according as circumstances may re-
quire. They are of considerable service in
cases where the horse cannot eat sufficiently
to support himself, nor swallow any thing,
from uiflammation in the throat, jaws, &c. or
in convulsions, attended with a lockcd-jaw,
&c. Perhaps milk-gruel might be substi-
tuted with advantaffe

Diuretic Clyster.

Take of Venice turpentine . 2 ounces.

Castile soap 1 ounce.

Dissolve the soap in two (piarts of warm
water, then add the turpentine, previ-
ously well beati'ii up with the yolks of
two eggs.

This diuretic clyster is of great use in
strangury, and in obstructions of the urinary
passages.

As it is immediately applied to the parts
affected, it seldom fails of giving relief, and
has a much better effect, when prescribed in
this manner, than when given by the mouth,
because it then mixes with the whole mass
of ffuids, and may lose a considerable por-
tion of its diuretic quality before it reaches
the kidnies; but, by being administered in
the form of a clyster, it is readily absorbed
by the neighbouring vessels^ and promotes a
free discharge of urine.

It is unnecessary to multiply formulae for
clysters, as the following is perhaps the best
that can be adopted, viz.

Epsom salts
Thin aruel

4 ounces.
4 quarts.

Mr Clark, of Edinburgh, observes that
there are many cases where clysters may be
adniinistered with great success, besides
those already hinted at, as in inffamiuatory
fevers, spasmodic constrictions and colicky
complaints in the bowels, in recent coug-hs,
apoplexy, convulsions, paralytic complaints,
swelling of the belly, whether from air or
from hardened excrements. They are re-
fliiired also in cases where horses are trou-
i)led with worms, as the ascarides. which

116

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

lodge in the lower part of the intestines, or
when bots are observed sticking in the anus,
or voided with the dung-; in very costive
habits, before laxative or opening medicines
are given by the mouth j in wounds which
penetrate deep into the muscular or tendi-
nous parts, or in the belly, &c. ; in inflamma-
tion of the eyes, or when the head seems
particularly affected ; in inflammatory swell-
ings on any part of the body. Clysters com-
posed of mucilaginous substances, as starch,
linseed, &c. are also of greatbenefit in vio-
lent diarrhoeas, whether proceeding from na-
tural causes, f>r from too strong purging me-
dicines given by ignorant Farriers.

It ought always to be remembered, that
clysters should be repeated frequently, till
such time as the disorder for which they are
given is either removed or greatly relieved.
This injunction may be the more readily
complied with, as the adminstering clysters
to horses is not attended either with much
trouble to the operator or disturbance to
them.

It frequently happens in colics, and other
complaints in the bowels, that a horse will
dung frequently, probably from pain, &c.
but in a very small quantity at once. At the
same time what he passes may appear some-
what soft or loose.

In such cases the practitioner may perhaps
he told by the byestanders, that clysters are
unnecessary and superfluous ; this, however,
ought not to prevent him from prescribing
tnem ; as, in such cases, the flatulencies
which occasion the disorder may be seated
•1) the colon, where the excrements at the
same time are extremely hardened ; and it
frequently happens, that, after the second or
third injection, they are dischar,";ed in such

a quantity, and in such a state, as to surprise
those who were just before opposing and
deriding the practice reconnneuded. These
prejudices every practitioner will have to
combat, for he will frequently have as
troublesome nurses to deal with as the phy-
sicians sometimes complain of, and who are
no less ready with their impertinent advice.
The next disease to which the intestities are
subject is

DIARRHCEA
This disease, in the horse, is manifested by
a constant and immoderate discharge of
faeces, accompanied with pain, restlessness,
and loss of appetite. After the second day
the discharge is chiefly mucous, or mixed
with small and hard liunps of foeces, covered
with a greasy matter. When this disease
has been neglected, and the evacuation has
become involuntary, attended with a cold-
ness in the extremities, a fatal termination
will generally ensue. This disease may
arise from a defective perspiration, from
acrid matter, irritating the coats of the in-
testines, drinking immoderately of cold-
water when heated bv exercise, and some-
times from worms. It may sometimes be
considered as tlie critical termination of some
other disease. In this case it proves salutary,
and ought by no means to be suddenly
checked. Such medicines, therefore, should
only be employed as will invigorate the in-
testiTies, and as will furnish an artitical mu-
cus to shield their coats. For this purpose,
the following drink may be given every
morning for two or three mornuigs.

Epsom salts ... 6 ounces.
Dissolved in two quarts of thick gruel
Half a cordial ball may be given each night.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

ii:

As has just been observed, the discharj^p
should not be stopped by astrinj^ents, as such
a practice either brings on inflammation^ or
else only suspends the purging for a short
time, to break out again with increased
violence.

The diet should consist of bran- mashes
of oatmeal and bran, or malt, and the horse
should have nothing but gruel to drink.

The horse should be kept moderately
warm and should not be put to any violent
exercise until the disease is removed.

There are some horses that are naturally
so tender and irritable in their bowels, as
to have a constant looseness upon them
w henever they are worked, and being, at the
same time, generally bad feeders, they very
soon lose their flesh and become weak and
unfit for service. Horses of this description
may, with good management, be made capa-
ble of gentle labour, but nothing farther ;
the best remedy, therefore, is to get rid of
them as soon as possible.

DISEASES OF THE KIDJVIES

The kidney is a very important viscus in
all quadrupeds, and is subject to disea.se
from various causes. The situation and
form of the kidney may be divided into two
parts, die inner, which is approaching to
a white colour, and is termed the tubular,
and the outer, of a red appearance, called
the cortical. The latter of these is very full
of vessels, and contains a large quantity of
the red particles of the blood, while in the
other the finer and more aqueous parts of
the blood only are circulating. The enml-
gent artery enters the kidney at its concave
portion or the pelvis, ramifies most minutely |
through its substance and discharges in the
tubular portion a fluid called urine. This
tiuid is conveyed by several channels into
the ureters, which pass out at the pelvis of
the kidney, and end by an oblique winding
in the bladder. The quantity of urine se-
creted vanes according to different circum-
stances, such as the state of the atmosphere

lU.

and the quantity of fluid which the aininal
drinks. Hence more urine is voided in cold
damp weather than in hot, because the per-
spiration from the skin is less in cold weather;
and, consequently, less of the watery part of
the blood is thrown out by that channel.

Some animals secrete large quantities of
urine without drinking, such as hares and
sheep, but their food is generally of a moist
succulent nature. The blood is nevertheless
tiie same, whether the animal drinks or not,
as the watery parts are speedily separated
by perspiration, or by the action of the kid-
neys, the blood returning after the secretion
has taken place is carried from the kidney
by a large vein, called the emulgent, which
terminates in the vena cava. This blood
differs from that which is contained in the
rest of the body, by having less serum and
ujore lymph, from the cause above mentioned.

The kidnies may be strongly affected by
stimulating medicines in the quality of diu-

•i r.

118

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

retics, when they are used improperly, or
given in too great proportions. They may
also be much injured by violent labour.
Whenever the kidney is inflamed from any
of these causes^ it is generally attended by a
discharge of blood with the urine, and in-
deed this is an attempt of nature to relieve
herself In this case all strong diuretics
ought to be abstained from, and indeed any
thing that has a tendency to irritate the kid-
nies. The horse should be bled copiously,
and the following ball may be given.

R — Emetic Tartar . . 2 drachms
Aloes Barb. ... 4 drachms
Castile soap . . half-an-ounce,
in a ball.

The food should consist of bran-mashes,
or cut grass, or vetches, if the season of the
year permits, and clysters may be given every
four hours. Spirituous embrocations may be
rubbed over the loins, such as camphorated
spirits of wine, and the horse should not be
moved out of the stable until the inflamma-
tion subsides. It will be advantageous to
place him in an open box, where he can get
up and down with greater ease than in a
stall. The disease is known by the follow-
ing symptoms. The horse stands with his
legs at a considi rable distance from each
other ; he feels much pain when his loins
are pressed upon by the hand ; and he fre-
quently attempts to stale, although the blad-
der is empty, as the kidnies in their inflamed
state secrete little or no urine.

There is also another state of the kidnies
in which blood is discharged along with the
urine, and this may occur without any in-
flammation whatever as It arises entirely from i,

a relaxed state of the blood-vessels of the
kidnies brought on by immoderate labour.

In this case the urine is generally of its
natural colour whilst the horse remains at
restin the stable, but as soon as he is brought
into e.\ercise blood is again discharged.

Diuretics may here be given, provided
there IS no inflammation ; and tho.se best
adapted for this complaint are, Epsom salts,
or nitre, given at intervals of a few hours.
The salts may be given in doses of four
ounces,, dissolved in gruel, and the nitre to
the quantity of half-an-ounce. The follow-
ing ball also may be given, if thought more
convenient.

R — Venice turpentme . . half-an-ounce

Emetic tartar ... 2 drachms.
Liquorice powder enough to make one
bail with syrup.

But the best and most certain means of a
cure are to turn the horse to grass for two or
three months. In some instances, however,
this disease is never thoroughly removed,
but returns whenever the animal is again
brought to hard labour.

There are other causes from which the re-
ffular di.scharire of urine is sometimes dis-
turbed, or totally suspended, such as affec-
tions of the bladder. The most dangerous
of these is inflammation. This may arise
from a defective action of the mucous glands,
situated betwixt its coats, preventing the
mucus from being secreted in sufficient
quantity to afford protection against the ir-
ritating quality of the salts contamed in the
urine. Or it may take place from strong
concretions passing from the kidnies through
the ureters into the bladder, occasioning
o^reat pain in their passage.

FJRITISH SPORTSMAN.

119

Be the cause what it may, the symptoms
are generally much the same, namely, a great
coldness of the extremities, freciuently at-
tended with cold sweats, and quick |)ulse ; the
hind-legs are extended wide, with a constant
attempt to stale, and the urine continually
discharged, but in small quantities. This
arises from the kidnies continuing to secrete
urine^ and the smallest quantity entering the
bladder is sulhcicut to irritate its coats, and
to keep up the constant endeavour to dis-
char-re it. In this disease no time is to be
lost ; but, unfortunately, it is very generally
mistaken for a suppression of urine, and diu-
retics are in consequence very improperly
given, as they only tend to increase the mis-
chief by stimulating the kidnies to form a
larger quantity of urine, and thereby adding
greater distress to the bladder.

Tiie inflammation may be removed by
frequent bleeding, according to the strength
of the animal. His drink should be mucila-
ginous fluids, such as the following:

R — Linseed bruised . . half-a-pound.
Boiling water . . 2 gallon.s,
let these stand until nearly cold, and strain
the liquor through a coarse cloth, then add

(jium arabic ... 4 ounces,
previously d'ssolved in a quart of boiling-
waier. Stii the whole well together for use.

A quart of this mixture may be given
every four hours, or may be used as his com-
mon drink. Large clysters of warm water
may be thrown up the rectum with great
benefit.

Opium has sometimes been found service-
able in this disease, and, vvlien necessary,
may be given in the following mannei :

R— Opium in powder . . I drachm,

Linseed powder , . . half-an-our -ie,
Mucilage of gum-arabic, sufticient to n.iike
a ball.

This may be given every other day, but if
the disease proceeds from calculi, there is
not much probabilitv of effecting a cure.
All that cai' be done is to miiigaie the symp-
toms b) the above remedies.

In spasmodic constrictions of the neck of
the bladder, the symptoms are similar to
those of inflammation in the kidnies, the
suppression of urine which attends it being
only an effect of the disease. This affec-
tion of the neck of the bladder very often
arises from the animal being obliged to re-
tain his urine whilst he is travelling, and
hence the bladder becomes so nmch distend-
ed as to lose its power of contracting.

It may easily be distinguished from inflam-
mation in the kidnies, by introducing the
hand into the rectum so as to ascertain whe-
ther the bladder be full or empty, and if
much distended, and not speedily emptied, it
may become paralytic, and finally incapable
of any contraction whatever.

In this state of the bladder, the use of
diuretics must be hurtful in the extreme, yet
they are but too often resorted to by those
who have not sufficient judgment to distin-
guish diseases.

Clysters of warm -water will generally be
found useful, and warm fomentations with
hot flaimels may be applied to the perineum,
just below the fundament. These fomenta-
tions should be persisted in for at least half-
an-hour at a time, taking care to add fresh
hot water occa^.iouaily, so as to keep up a
sufficient heat in the fomcniiiiion.

120

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

If these methods fail of giving relief, the
last resource is to make an opening- exter-
nally into the perineum.

The acute angle which the urethra des-
cribes from the bladder to the sheath, or pre-
pucBj renders itdithcult to introduce a cathe-
ter, as is practised with the human subject,
on this account a staff may be passed up the
urethra till it reaches the middle of the pe-
rineum, and an incision may be made down
upon it, and a bougie, or catheter, may then
be introduced through the incision with
greater facility. In all cases of diseased
bladder, fomentations on the perineum, just
below the fundament, are useful. It is ad-
visable also to keep the bowels open by
gentle purgatives, but the horse should be
kept perfectly quiet in the stable, and not be
suffered to move out until the disease has
disappeared.

It is possible that affections of the
bladder may sometimes arise from a stone
having been formed therein. Mr. Clark, of
Edinburgh, says, "Although there are no
cases upon record, in books of Farriery, as-
certaming the fact of stones being found in
the bladders of horses, equal in size to those
that are found in the human body, yet, from
a variety of symptoms that I have observed
about horses, and the frequent attacks they
are liable to of a suppression of urine, toge-
ther with the great difficulty some horses
have at times in staling, I have always
thought there was reason to believe that
many of them labour under this disorder, in
a greater or less degree ; but I have now the
most undoubted proofs that horses are sub-
ject to calculi, or stones in the bladder, as 1
iiave several of ihcm m my possession that
were taken out of tne bladders of different

horses after they were dead. Some of these
stones are of a considerable size, and weigh
ten ounces ; others of a smaller size, which,
from their concave sides, and other appear-
ances, evidently shew that there was a num-
ber of them in one bladder at the same time,
as they have the same figure and shape that
a number of clay balls would have when
pressed together. That they have stones in
their kidnies is very well known. The same
is observed in the kidnies of sheep and oxen.
It is likewise well known that some horses
pass a considerable quantity of gravel with
their urine, and that they are subject to gra-
velly complaints. Hence it may be inferred,
that as the food of horses is exceedingly
simple and uniform, the calculous concre-
tions that are formed in the urinary passages
and in the bladder may proceed from the
water they drink."

The foregoing is the opinion of Mr
Clark, of Edinburgh, who is a very sensi-
ble writer, as well as an experienced prac-
titioner; and, in addition to his observa-
tions, it may be supposed that the horse feels
less inconvenience from a stone in the blad-
der than the human being, on account of the
horizontal position of his body preventing
the stone from dropping on the mouth of
the bladder so as to obstruct the passage of
the urine. The best mode of ascertaining
the existence of a stone in the bladder, is by
introducing the hand into the rectum after it
has been cleared from the dung which it con-
tained, and by pressing the hand downwards
on tiic bladder, the stone, if there t» any,
may be felt.

In regard to the operation ol ending for
the stone iii the horse, the author of this
treatise does not recollect aiv instance ex-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

\2)

cept one, which was performed at Mr. Moor-
croft's, some years ii'^o, and which, although
it was executed with great skill and atten-
tion, did not succeed.

Stones, or earthy concretions, are fre-
quently found in the intestines of horses.
These generally lodge at the blind end of
the ccecuni, or large gut, and so long as they
remain stationary do not occasion much in-
convenience, although they sometimes in-
crease to an enormous size.

Dr. Withers, of Newbury, made the fol-
lowing communication upon this subject to
the medical society of London : — " Many
years ago," says he, " I gave the late Dr.
Hunter a large intestinal stone of a horse
which proved fatal to the animal; and some
years afterwards, I saw an engraving of a
section thereof in the doctor's possession.
Subsequent to this period, a similar instance
happened in this neighbourhood, and wliat
seemed singular was that the horse belonged
to a miller. This circumstance excited my
attention, and from enquiry I found that
their horses were more liable to this disease,
which observation 1 have long noticed to
my medical friends. Their food, I am in-
formed, is chieHy composed of bran and
split-peas, the mucilaginous part of which
is a favourable medium for associatins: the
strong particles abraded in trituration. An-
other circumstance may also contribute to-
wards the generating these concretions, their
horses are generally watered at a river, and
for the most part below the mill. This water
being in constant agitation, by the rapidity
of the stream necessary tor turning the wheel,
must of course raise and keen afloat small
sandy particles, many of which must be
10.

taken into the stomach. I am the more con-
firmed in this opinion by conversation 1 have
had with a friend of mine, who constantly
keeps upwards of a hundred draught-horses,
none of which he has ever lost from tiiis dis-
ease. His maimer of feeding is to give them
bran, oats, and beans, either whole or split,
by means of a steel-mill.

"Some years since, when attending the late
Mr. Andrews, a miller, he informed me of his
having a very valuable horse ill of the colic,
and which he supposed would die. I told
him that if he would have the intestines ex-
amined after death, he would most probably
find a large stone in them, which was the
cause of the horse's illness. He, however,
ridiculed the idea, and neglected to examine
them, but on visiting him a few days after,
he produced a large round stone broken, and
informed me that the dogs, in eating the in-
testines, had made the discovery. Since the
death of Mr. Andrews, his son has lost a va-
luable horse from the same cause. He tells
me that his father had reason to believe that,
in his time, he lost two more valuable horses
from the same disorder.

" To these instances of the loss of millers'
horses, I could add many others, proceeding
from the same cause. Mr. Andrews has, by
my advice, for several years past changed the
diet of his horses. He gives them bran and
beans not split, with a certain proportion of
chaff; he supposed the beans to contain the
greatest portion of stony particles, as they are
ground by stones softer than those which are
used for grinding wheat. Since this tinve he
has no reason to think that any of his horses
have stony concretions formed in their
bowels, nor such appearances in their dun"

2 H

It2

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

as he recollects to have observed for-
merly."

The foregoing detail is strongly corrobo-
rated by many similar instances in other
parts of the kingdom, of millers' horses dying
suddenly from obstructions in the intestines
arising from stony concretions.

THE STOMACH

of the horse is, as well as in all other animals,
an organ of the first importance. In the
horse it differs from most other grazing quad-
rupeds, as it consists of one pouch, or bag,
only, whereas in those that ruminate, or
chew the cud, it is generelly divided into
four compartments.

In its shape it somewhat resembles a bag-
pipe, but is larger on the left side than on
the right. Its magnitude is, generally speak-
ing, in proportion to the size of the horse,
although it is small when compared with that
of other animals.

It is furnished with three coats, the outer-
most of which is the peritoneum ; the second
is muscular and fleshy, and the last a con-
tinuation of the innermost coat of the oeso-
phagus, or gullet, which goes from the
mouth to the stomach, and begins at the
root of the tongue, behind the head of the
windpipe. At that part where it enters the
stomach, it is cotnposed of a pretty thick
substance, made up of circular and fleshy
fibres, by which it contracts and dilates. This
is called the left, or upper orifice of the sto
mach, and that whereby it discharges itself
into the duodenum is its right or lower
orifice.

A great part of the stomach of the horse
is insensible, in consequence of a cuticular
covering, and diflfers of course from the vil-

lous portion of that viscus. This insensi-
bility prevents irritation from hard food. The
oesophagus, or gullet, is constantly, unless
at the time of swallowing, drawn into lon-
gitudinal folds. This contraction prevents
any return of the food, and also precludes
the possibility of vomiting, from its acting
as a valve against any substance that might
be rejected by the stomach. Vomiting, in-
deed, would produce suffocation in the
horse, as, owing to the peculiar structure of
the superior portion of the pharynx, the
food which was thrown up must necessarily
drop into the trachea, or windpipe.

That part of the stomach which is not
lined by cuticular membrane is extremely
vascular. It occupies the posterior part, and
is of the greatest importance to the animal
oeconomy. The gastrica dexter and sinis-
ter are continued in this membrane. Its
surface is glandular and it secretes the gas-
tric juice. This juice is the principal agent
in digestion, and acts alike upon all animal
and vegetable substances that are taken into
the stomach, and is so powerful as even to
consume a part of the stomach itself after
death. The mass which is produced by the
action of the gastric juice generates a fluid,
which is called chyle, and which is always
the same in its quality, notwithstanding it
may arise from a great variety of food. The
gastric juice coagulates milk, and it must
undergo this process in the stomach before
it can be digested, yet the gastric juice has
no effect on animal substances that are alive,
and this accounts for the circumstance of
bots living in the stomach of the horse.
These insects attach themselves very firmly
to the cuticle ot the stomach, or the inseii-
jsible part, by two hooks situated near tlic

UKinSll SPORTSMAN.

VZ3

tail. Ill tliis situation thoy occasion little or
no incoiiveiiionce to the aninsal.

These insects appear to be insensible to
pain, as even the most caustic and stimulat-
ing- medicines will not dislodge them. This
may in part arise from their bodies being-
covered by a kind of hairy spicule which
prevents any ihiid entering- into contact with
the surface. Very few horses are free from
bots at a certain part of the year, and it ap-
pears as if the stomach had been destined as
the receptacle and support of those insects.
INIr. Bracy Clarke has lately published a
very elaborate and satisfactory treatise on the
different species of bots which infest not only
horses, but cows, sheep, and deer. Accord-
ing^ to his experiments it appears that the old
notion of the Hy depositing- its eggs in the
fundament of the horse is both erroneous and
absurd, and indeed it appears extraordinary
how the insect could afterwards make its way
into the stomach through the intestines, and
that too in opposition to their peristaltic
motion.

The reader will find both amusement and
information ii> this valuable work of Mr.
Clarke's.

The stomach of the horse is liable to in-
flammation, yet not so much so, perhaps, as
that of the human being. Inflammation of
this organ is attended with extreme pain, the
pulse is hard, the patient thirsty, he lies
down and looks constantly towards the part
afliected. In this case .arge quantities of
either solids or fluids are injurious.

Bleeding- should be practised to a consider-
able quantity, and tlie external surface of the
,)elly should be stimulated by rowels, or
blisters.

The surface ot the body should be kept

warmly cloutluHl. Sheep and oxen are sub-
ject to a preternatural distension of tlie
paunch, from taking in too large a quantity
of food. If not soon relieved death ensues.
Fermentation takes place and a considerable
(piantity of air is generated, which materi-
ally increases the disease. Willi a view to
giving relief, it is sometimes the practice to
pierce with a knife, or some other sharp in-
strument, into the stomach, between the last
rib and the hip-bone. As soon as the orifice
is thus made, the inclosed air rushes out, and
the muscular action of the stomach being
restored, the animal is instantly relieved.
Sometimes, however, a part of the food is
forced out along with the air, which, if it
enters between the stomach and the cavity
of the belly, acts as an extraneous body and
produces an irritation and inflammation
which generally proves fatal. Dr. Monro
recommended the introduction of a flexible
tube through the mouth into the stomach,
but it has not been much adopted, as the
country people generally prefer the summary
method of piercing into the stomach.

The stomach in the human being is affected
by sympathy from complaints in other parts,
such as the gout, &c. but it is doubtful whe-
ther the horse is ever att'ected in the same
way This may, perhaps, arise from so
small a portion of the stomach being vascu-
lar and endued with sensibility, and also from
secreting so little gastric juice. It is not an
easy matter to produce nausea in a horse.
Hellebore and aconitum, to tlic q\iantit\ ot
half-a-drachm, it is said will bring on eflorts
to vomit. Four ounces ot emetic-tartar have
been given without exciting nausea. Ce-
russa acetata, to the amount of half-a-pound
has been given without any perceptible ettecl.

J24

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

and Ihe same experiment has been made with
aqua litharg. acet. in a proportionate degree.
Jalap and bitter-apple have been given in
large doses without any obvious conse-
quences. Corrosive sublimate has also been
administered from fourteen grains to three
drachms and a half From this last quantity
inflammation arose in the stomach, and co-
agulable lymph was thrown out.

Calomel purges irritate the superior part
of the pharynx and the mouth, but do not
seem to affect the salivary glands. There is,
however, considerable danger in using it in
large quantities.

Opium may be given in very large doses.
Four ounces have been administered at a
dose.

Tobacco ip every torm has been employ-
ed, even an infusion of three pounds have
been introduced into the stomach without
effect. Vitriolated zinc acts as a tonic when
used in moderate quantities ; the dose may
be gradually increased to half-an-ounce.

The lacteals take up a fluid, called chyle,
and convey it through the lymphatic glands,
nhere it seems to undergo some change, into
ihe thoracic duct, from thence they proceed
in the horse to the left jugular vein, but in
the human to the left subsclavian. This pro-
cess renews the blood after its various losses.
It has been doubted whether the absorbents
take up the chyle by capillary attraction, or
by some voluntary action of their own.

Havins: g:one thus far into the animal eco-
nomy of the stomach of the horse, it will
not be irrelevant to offer a few remarks on
the g(>neral system and consequences of ad-
ministering medicines in disease. That this
is often done uimecessarily, and, of course,
niischievnnsly, has been very ably shewn by

Mr. Clark, of Edinburgh, in the following
observations : —

" If," says he, "a man or a horse be in a
state of health, what more is required, or
how can they be rendered better ? Health
is the most proper state of an animal body,
and it is not in the power of medicine either
to make it better, or to preserve it in the
same state. A good medicine, given season-
ably, when there is an appearance of some
latent disorder, or some derangement of the
body, which would, in a short time, occasion
its breaking out, may prevent it from taking
place by carrying it off. The same medicine
given in health will produce an alteration in
the system by increasing, or diminishing,
some of the natural secretions, or disturbing
the animal functions, or even allowing that
it did not produce any of these changes,
still it leavesthebodyjust as liable to disease
as before. Besides, the custom of giving
medicine too frequently is a bad one ; they
become, in time, habitual to the constitu-
tion, which circumstance renders them to-
tally inefficacious when necessary, or, at
least, it greatly reduces their effects.

The medicines commonly administered to
horses by way of preventives, are generally
composed of aromatics, spices, &c. under
the denomination of cordials. These are
said to heat and invigorate the stomach, and
thereby promote digestion. But if a horse
is otherwise in health, this desirable end is
brought about in a much more nat\u-al way
by proportioning the food to the labour
which the horse undergoes.

Other medicines are given to horses id

health, under the title of alteratives, which

are totally unnecessary, except the animal

I be in a state of disease. These alteratives

Hiurisii sroiirsAiAN.

155

are supposed to change the humours, or
juices, of an animal body from a morbid, or
diseased, state to that of health. They have
no immediate perceptible eftect, but gain
fjradually on the constitution, and arc fol-
lowed (if the viscera are sound) with the
most salutary effects, by increasing the natu-
ral secretions.

But in this case, a disease is implied, and,
of course, such things may be necessary and
proper. Thus antimony, in its different pre-
parations, mercury, sulphur, aloes, and salts,
are alterative remedies. The former of these,
especially the coarser kinds, are generally
given too frequently, in too great quantities,
and in too gross a state, which sometimes
brings on great sickness, or violent purging ;
and, in some constitutions, instead of pro-
moting the secretions by the skin, they occa-
sion a great heat and dryness, which is fre-
quently succeeded by the appearance of hard
lumps, or blotches, on different parts of the
body.

Mr. Clark says, that sulphur not only opens
the body, but readily makes its way through
the pores of the skin, and therefore should
be used with caution, as horses are very apt
to catch cold on too liberal an use of it

Aloes given in small quantities, by way of
an alterative, and too frequently repeated,
weakens the stomach and bowels, so as to
bring on a lax or, what is called, a washy
habit of body ; itought therefore to be given
only to horses of a robust constitution, and
newly taken from late grass, or that have
been accustomed to foul feeding, as grains,
chaff, &c.

The neutral salts, especially nitre, or com-
mon salt, are the best and safest alteratives
that can be given to horses. They seem to
10.

agiee with the constitution, aiiti have this ad-
vantage, that they require no clothing or con-
finement, nor is the free use of them attended
with disadvantage. Still it would be absurd
to prescribe even these without some appa-
rent cause.

Nitre is of great service in all inflannna-
tory complaints, it not only allays the great
heat of the blood, but promotes the natural
secretions, particularly that of urine, and is
one of the best and safest medicines that can
be given to horses on such occasions. Com-
mon salt given to horses which do not appear
to thrive when there are no symptoms of an
inflammatory disease, has a very good effect;
it promotes digestion, and the natural secre-
tions, it makes them take on flesh and coat
well. Antimony is useful as an alterative,
but the coarser kind is ill-prepared, and fre-
quently as injudiciously prescribed. If coarse
and black, like gun-powder, it should alw ays
be rejected.

The best is ponderous, and composed of
long shining needles, and this, if levigated
into fine powder, may be given with safety.
Medicines exhibited in disease also require
caution and discrimination. In speaking of
the treatment of sick horses, Mr. Clark says,
" It is amazing what different kinds of com-
positions are forced down horses' throats on
these occasions, of which the following is a
striking instance : — A gentleman in London
was greatly prejudiced in favour of vinegar
as a cure for many diseases. His favourite
horse was taken ill in very warm weather,
and as he thought vinegar was a very cool-
ing thing, he ordered a pint of it to be given
to his horse at once. It was no sooner swal-
lowed than the horse lay down, stretched
himself out. and died. Unluckily the nature
2 I

12()

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

of the horse's complaint was not known, as
the owner would not suffer him to be opened.
As 1 never knew, or heard, of any other in-
stances," continues Mr. Clark, " where such
a quantity of vinegar was given at one time,
I cannot take upon me to say what effects it
may produce, but it is very probable that in
the instance just mentioned the coats of the
stomach had been inflamed, and in that case
the sudden application of such a powerful
astringent as vinegar was very likely to
cause immediate death."

Another case of sudden death is recorded
by Mr. Clark as follows : — " On visiting a
horse that had been ill for some days, (says he)
I found the servant giving a drink when I en-
tered the stable, which I was afterwards in-
formed was composed of an infusion of lint-
seed, in which was dissolved an ounceof nitre,
with some honey to sweeten it, and into the
last hornful was poured, trom a small vial,
about half-an-ounce of spirit of hartshorn.

The horse seemed very uneasy after the
drink, he was soon seized with a violent
trembhng and shaking, a profuse sweat
broke out all over his body, and ran down
his sides ; at the same time, his legs and ears
were quite cold ; he laid down seemingly in
great agony, was soon convulsed all over,
and died in about half-an-hour after the
drink was swallowed. On inspecting the
stomach, the coats were found to be greatly
inflamed. A mortification had taken place
on one side, where it appeared of a darker
colour, like that of the liver, at tiie same time
it was considerably distended and full of
food. On turning it inside out, an incredible
number of bots were found sticking all
round the sides and lower parts, as close to
each other as they could Cossiblv be and

such firm hold had they of the stomach, that
in endeavouring to pull some of them off
when alive they broke in two, and their
heads remained sticking behind."

The author supposes there had been a
previous tendency to a mortification, which
would soon have occasioned the horse's
death, but he thinks there was every reason
to believe that the drench had hastened it. He
makes one remark, which is, that the horse was
very fat and just out of the dealer's hands.

When horses are ill, it is too common a
practice to mix medicines, such as nitre, in
their water. The disagreeable taste thus
given to the water prevents them from drink-
ing, and hence they suffer considerably for
want of fluids to quench their thirst, and to
promote the necessary secretion of urme. On
the contrary, every means should be tried to
tempt horses to drink freely in such cases,
and sometimes it may be forced on them by
pouring it down their throats with a horn ;
for as most of the diseases to which horses
are subject are of the inflammatory kind, and
the thinner parts of their fluids are carried
oft" by the strong perspiration they are ex-
posed to from the nature of their exercise,
whenever they are seized with acute diseaseSj
their fluids are then more disposed to be
thick, viscid, and inflammatory ; therefore
as water is the principal diluter of the fluids
in general, in such cases a considerable
quantity of it at this time becomes highly
necessary, and in some cases may be the best
medicine that can be given them. In cases
where horses refuse warm-water, it may be
given cold without much danger, by first
mixing a little oatmeal with it, and givina: it
in a small quantity at a time. " I was once,"
says Mr. Clark, " called to a hoise that had

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

127

been drenched with what was called a piss-
ing drink, for a swelling in his legs. The
drenchj I was informed, consisted of eight
ounces of yellow rosin, in powder, a table-
spoonful of oil of turpentine, and about half
that quantify of oil of juniper, in a quart of
forge water. The horse was very sick, he
refused both food and water, his pulse was
hard and quick, his mouth dry and parched,
his legs and ears cold, and his belly greatly
distended. He was immediately blooded,
and a clyster was at the same time adminis-
tered, and half a pailful of lukewarm water
was poured by a horn into his stomach, after
which he appeared to be considerably reliev-
ed. He then staled a little, his urine being
red in colour and very thick. Water was
then offered him, of which he drank with
more freedom. He afterwards began to stale
very profusely, and which continued, with
short intervals, for the space of twenty-four
hours, which reduced him so considerably
that it was some time after before he reco-
vered his flesh and strength. From this case
it appears that in instances where medicine
has been given improperly, or in too large
doses, the best mode of relief is to dilute,
as much as possible, by drenching the horse
with warm water in case he refuses to drink.
In the foregoing case it is probable that the
diuretic drench had remained in the stomach
undecomposed, especially as the rosin was
nearly double the quantity that should have
been given even to the most robust horse.
As the drench could not be thrown up again
by the mouth, (a horse having no power to
vomit) the pouring water into the stomach
contributed to dilute and protrude it out at
the lower orifice into the intestines, where it
was absorbed, and, in the course of the circu-

lation, carried by the renal vessels to the
bladder. The bleeding contributed to re-
move the spasmodic constriction which Iiad
taken place, and the clyster was of use in
emptying the intestines, particularly the rec-
tum, and thereby removing the pressure from
the neck of the bladder, and facilitatintr its
power to expel its contents.

Next to the bad effects of giving medicine
improperly, may be classed the impropriety
of the modes of feeding horses as adopted
in many stables. When the animal ranges in
the fields he has the liberty of choosing his
food, as well as the power of helping him-
self, whenever he feels prompted by hunger
so to do ; but the case is very different with
him when he is confined in the stable, where
he is obliged to eat what is offered to
him, and at such periods as his keeper may
think proper. Hence it often happens that
after long fasting the horse eats so voraciously
as to overload his stomach, and much incon-
venience and danger ensue. There is also
a considerable difference in the quality o^
the food which he eats in the stable, which
having undergone the process of drying, be-
comes less digestible than when it is in it.s
green state.

There is also a great difference in the
wholesomeness of the food, both in regard
to hay and oats; and from all these circum-
stances the animal incurs a greater risk of
beingdisordered than when he remains in thr
fields in his natural state.

Hay is the principal fodder used for horses
in this country, and although there are a
great number of herbs and grasses mixed
with it, yet they are all included under the
general denomination of hay, the only dis-
tinction bevuc: that which is made between

12S

THE COMPLETE FARRIER . and

meadow-hay and rye-grass-hay. When the
g'rass is cut and dried to a certain degree, it is
collected together into a large heap, where it
undergoes a regular fermentation, and ac-
quires a sweetness of taste and smell some-
what similar to malt. When this fermenta-
tion has been carried on to any extraordi-
nary degree, it acquires a browner colour
and a smell of treacle, and it is then called
mow burnt hay. Horses and other cattle are
very fond of it, and generally eat it very
greedily. The sugar contained in it pro-
duces thirst, and occasions them to drink
more than they usually do with other food,
and hence it has the properly of fattening
the animal more expeditiously.

The hay made from rye-grass is of a
harder and coarser nature, and is not so
succulent nor so nutritive as the meadow-
hay. But, whatever may be the nature of
the hay, it is of the utmost consequence that
It should be sweet and wholesome, and not
mouldy, as there can be no doubt that bad
hay lays the foundation for disease. Clover
is a good substantial food, and the best mode
of using it, is to cut it small with a chaft-
cuiter and mix it with bran and a few split-
beans.

Wheat-straw is principally used as litter,
although it is somtimes cut into chaff for
food, but it contains little or no nourishment,
and serves but to fill the stomach without
producing much chyle. Barley and oat-
straw are given to horses and cattle in straw-
yards, and as there is generally a good deal
of grass among it, from the land which bore
the grain having been laid down with seeds,
it is a good and substantial fodder.

New hay, of anv kind, is a very pernicious
food for horses, and from its indiffestible

qualities it has the effect of producing dis-
orders in the brain from sympathy with the
stomach, and which sometimes terminate in
the staggers.

Grass is the most natural food for horses,
but it must be admitted that they are not so
capable of enduring great labour and fatigue
whilst fed with it, as they are when kept in
the stable upon hay and oats. This arises
from the great moisture and succulence of
the grass increasing the animal fluids, and
producing a degree of fatness which adds to
the weight of the horse without increasing'
his strength. It also diminishes the powers
of free respiration, by loading the vessels,
and in this state the animal may, with great
propriety, be compared to a fat alderman
when matched in a race with a lean active
rustic. It is, however, of the most essential
benefit to turn horses to grass occasionally,
not only in regard to a change of diet, but
also to a change of air. The spring-grass
acts as a natural purgative, and carries ofi
various unhealthy concretions, that some-
times collect in the intestines of horses that
are long confined to dry hard food. It also
facilitates the evacuation of worms, particu-
larly the ascarides, and it renovates, in a
striking degree, the whole mass of fluids ot
the body. It is certain that nothing so soon
re-establishes a lean, overworked horse, as
grass, a change which sometimes cannot be
effected in the stable, even with the best hay
and oats, and the most attentive grooming.

Many persons have a great aversion to
turning out horses, alleging that it exposes
them to numerous accidents which they might
escape by being in the stable, besides as
they term it, throwing them out of condi-
tion, and requiring at least a month atter

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BRITISH SPORTSMAN

•29

thej are taken up to bring them again into
a proper state for work. In opposition to
these objections, the following arguments the
author conceives may have some weight. In
the first place, the whole system of nature
plainly indicates an alternate succession of
opposite extremes, both in the seasons and
in every thing else

It is this succession of summer and winter,
heat and cold, wet and dry, that recruits and
supports every living object, both in the ani-
mal and vegetable kingdom. It must be evi-
dent, therefore, that the practice of keeping
a horse perpetually in the stable, and invari-
ably upon dry food, must be more or less
imnatural, and, consequently, in some de-
gree, prejudicial to his health and animal
oeconomy.

That it is injurious to his legs and feet is
pretty evident from general experience, and
the perpetual costive state of his intestines
must be no less injurious to his eyes and
lungs.

In regard to the concretions found in the
intestines of animals, it appears that Glisson,
a celebrated naturalist, frequently found in-
crustations like gypsum, or plaister of Paris,
in the pori biliari, and the larger branches,
dispersed through the livers of oxen that
had been fed in stalls with dry food through
the winter season, and without exercise.
These concretions were friable, and would
dissolve again and pass out of the body
when the cattle came to feed upon the fresh
grass of the meadows, for in those oxen that
are slaughtered in spring and summer, these
substances are very rarely found.

Mr. Clark, of Edinburgh, also states, that
in dissecting horses he frequently met with
chalky concretions in the liver and ia the

1 (

lungs, especially in those animals that had
been fed long upon dry food. In other in-
stances he found round or oval balls in the
stomach, composed, apparently, of the dust
which they lick from their own bodies, mixed
with hair. Whether the fresh grass dissolves
these concretions, he says, is not so certain,
but that it causes them to pass through the
intestines, he had ample proof in the following
fact. " In May, 1786, a horse that had been
long fed on dry food, was turned to grass;
in about eight or ten days afterwards he was
seized with violent griping pains, which
lasted about twenty-four hours, when he died.
As the horse was very fat, the man who had
the charge of him wished to make some pro-
fit of his grease. Upon opening him he ob-
served a large portion of intestine of a very
black colour, and on feeling it found some-
thing hard and weighty. The intestine was
then slit open and a ball taken out of it which
measured four inches in length and hree
inches and a half in breadth. That this con-
cretion was originally formed in the sto-
mach there can be no doubt, as they f e quent-
ly, upon dissection, have been found there,
and nothing but its great bulk had hindered
it from passing through the intestines."

Mr. Clark further observes, with respect
to the properties of spring-grass, that those
horses that cannot be turned out to pas-
ture, should have it given them in the house
as soon as it can be cut. A change of diet,
he says, is not only agreeable, but whole-
some to horses, as it contributes to keep
them open in the body. Malt mixed occa-
sionally with their food proves medicinal.

Wheat is seldom given to horses. Its
high price would alone be sufficient to pre-
clude its use, but there is another consider-
9 K

ISC'

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

atioii against it, namely, its being unwhole-
some. FVom its abounding with so much
mucilage as to render it very difficult of di-
gestion on account of its cohesiveness in the
stomach. The author of the present treatise
was once called in to a waffg-on-horse that
was dangerously ill with an affection of the
brain, apparently the staggers. Strong pur-
gatives, combined with clysters, were given,
but with no effect, and in the course of a few
hours the animal died.

On opening the belly, the stomach was
found amazingly distended with a hard solid
mass, and which, upon examination, was
found to consist of wheat in a half masti-
cated and undigested state

On an investigation into the affair it turned
out that the waggoner, with that predilec-
tion which they all have for a fat and sleek
appearance of their teams, had been in the
habit of robbing his master's granary of
wheat to give his hor.ses, and that having
given the horse in question too large a quan-
tity at once, the fatal effects just mentioned
ensued.

Barley purges horses at first, especially if
it is not sufficiently dried by age, but it is
nevertheless a good and wholesome food.
Not only the Arabian, the Barbary, and other
eastern horses eat it, but it is also the com-
mon diet of horses in Spain and Portugal,
and in some parts of France, and enables
them to perform as much labour as is per-
formed in any other part of the globe.

There is, however, a strong prejudice
against its use in this country, but it is cer-
tainly without any rational foundation.

Oats are the general provender through-
out Great Britain. They are frequently
mixed with beans, especially for carriage and

post-horses. It is certainly of a heating
quality, but the ill effects of it are carried
of}' by the strong exercise which they under-
go. By this rule beans should never be
given to horses that stand much at rest. The
constant feeding with oats is apt to make
horses extremely costive ; it is a good prac-
tice, therefore, to give them bran-mashe.s
once or twice a week.

Beans may be rendered easier of digestion
by boiling them, or by wetting them occa-
sionally, so as to excite that degree of fer-
mentation sufficient to make them sprout.

Buffon says that the Tartar horses wil'
travel two or three days without stopping,
receiving but two or three handfuls of her-
bage every eight hours, and at the same
time kept without water for twenty-four hours.
The Arabian horses, he observes, are rather
meagre than fat. During the day they are
not permitted to eat, but are watered twice
or thrice. At sun-set a bag, containing about
half a bushel of barley, is passed over their
heads and fastened to their necks. Thisl)ag
is not removed till the next morning. When
the grass is good they are turned out to pas-
ture, and during the rest of the year tJiey
are allowed neither grass nor hay, barley
being their only food, and that confined to a
snoderate quantity

Nemesian recommends straw and barley
as very nourishing diet, and it certainly con-
duces very much to keep hoises in health,
spirit, and wind, and in a state of body fit
lor any kind of labour, as it supports and
strengthens without rendering the animal
heavy and cumbersome.

Mr. Clark, of Edinburgh, mentions two
instances of horses having died from exces-
sive eatinj^. "A youuii: draiiglit-horse wa*

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

1.^1

fed in the morning with too great a quantity
of barley mixed with pease, and had been
allowed to drink water immediately after.
After having- travelled a few miles, he was
observed, about the middle of the day, to be
very uneasy, frequently attempting to lie
down. As soon as he was unharnessed, he
laid down, and rolled about, frequently lying
on his back, starting up suddenly, and turn
ing his head towards his belly. He conti-
nued in this manner, in great agony, till to-
wards the next morning, when he died. Upon
opening his body, the stomach was found
burst, the barley and pease mostly entire,
only greatly swelled, and the whole contents
of the stomach, which were very consider-
able, spread through the abdomen.

The other case was that of a horse that
had been fed with too great a quantity of
oats and barley, and had been allowed to
drink water freely afterwards. He was seized
with griping pains, so that he frequently lay
down, and, apparently, in the greatest tor-
ture. He died on the next day. Upon open-
ing his body, the stomach was found dis-
tended to a most enormous size, but was not
burst. Its coats were stretched so very thin,
from the great distension it had undergone,
that its cohesion was almost destroyed, and
it had more the appearance of a coat of
mucus and of slime than the stomach. The
oats and barley were, for the most part, en-
tire as they were swallowed, only greatly
swelled from the moisture they had imbibed.

It appears sufficiently evident from these
cases, how es.sential it is to the health ot the
animal not to permit him to eat too much at
once.

His food, be the nature of it what it may,
«;hould he given in small quantities at a time.

and repeated as often us occasion may »-e-
quire.

It is, undoubtedly, a good practice to mix
chopped-straw, or hay, with the grain, as it
makes the horse chew his food more tho-
roughly, as well as prevents the grain from
sticking together by its glutinous quality and
forming one solid mass, so as to be incapa-
ble of digestion.

Lord Pembroke, in his sensible treatise
on horses, adverting to this practice, says,
" Every grain goes to nourishment, none is
to be found in the dung, and three feeds of
it go farther than four that are given in the
common way. But wheaten-straw and a little
liay sometimes mixed with it is excellent
food. To a quarter of oats the same quan-
tity of chopped straw may be added.

Owners of horses, however, should be
careful not to run into the opposite extreme
of starving them, for that circumstance, com-
bined with hard work, soon brings them into
a state unfit for labour, as well as disposes
them to disease. A starved horse becomes
weak and languid, and the circulation of his
blood faint and feeble. Dropsical swellings
appear in different parts of his body, and
especially in the legs, and the horse sinks
under a complication of diseases, which are
the result of an impoverished state of the
blood and juices.

Horses that are constantly fed upon dry
food are frequently subject to a deranged
state of the intestines, from the extreme cos-
tiveness which attends that kind of diet.
Whenever this occurs it is the common prac-
tice to give hot medicines, such as gin and
pepper, or opium, the effect of which tends
but to increase the costiveness.

Some persons are of opinion that hay can-

l;^^

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

not be too old. This, however, is a very
erroneous idea, it being pretty certain that
it loses its juices and flavour after the second
vear, and thence becomes neither so nutri-
tive nor so digestible. Hay is never better
than when it is about one year old.

The next point to be considered, in regard
to the health of the horse, is exercise. When
the animal is in a state of nature and at li-
berty, he generally and spontaneously uses
exercise enough to keep off" those disorders
which arise from sluggishness and inactivity.
But it is far different with him when confined
in the stable, in which situation he is obliged
to breathe a considerable quantity of foul
air, arising from the vapour of his own body
and the dung and urine, which even in the
best regulated hunting establishments must
exist in a greater or less degree. This per-
nicious atmosphere, combined with confine-
ment, perhaps for twenty hours out of the
twenty-four, must undoubtedly have a great
influence in deranging the general system,
and must ultimately be the cause of produc-
ing disease.

These evils must naturally be aggravated
by the foolish custom of feeding horses in
the same proportion whether they work or
not. Thus wlien the stomach is loaded with
food which it cannot properly digest, the
food is detained too long in the bowels ;
hence arise indigestion, flatulency, and cos-
tiveness. The intestines, in this loaded state,
press upon the adjacent viscera, and obstruct
the circulation of the different fluids in them.
The liver, mesentery, and spleen, are ex-
posed to be injured from this cause, their
natural functions are impeded, the animal
economy is disturbed, and when this is the
case the constitution must be injured, and

diseases ensue. The natural secretions are
not in due quantity, they, together with the
perspiration, are retained in the body, and
are absorbed, or taken up again into the
mass of humours, and hence arises another
sourse of disease.

The circulation of the blood through the
whole system is slow and languid, hence the
juices are not properly prepared ; glandular
obstructions are formed in different organs
of the body ; the sheath and legs swell, run-
ning sores takes place in the latter, com-
monly called grease, and the whole mass ot
fluids is greatly disposed to putrefaction

On the other hand, constant and habitual
exercise renders the body strong and active,
and, at the same time, fit for the most violent
exertions ; it assists the heart in promoting a
free circulation of the blood and juices
through every part of the body ; it creates
an appetite, and promotes digestion, and
thereby greatly assists in converting the food
to nourishment ; it promotes the secretions
and excretions, which enlivens the body, and
gives room for fresh supplies of nourishment ;
it invigorates the whole system ; it gives a
flow of spirits, and adds firmness and strength
to the muscles and sinews. In short, with-
out a certain portion of exercise, no animal
body can long be in a state of health.

The effect of exercise upon horses, how-
ever, is not limited to the preservation of
their health, but even in many cases of inci-
pient disease, its good effects soon become
visible, for instance, in swelled legs, which
arise from too long standing in the stable ;
and although this state of their limbs is ge-
nerally ascribed to humours, or a foul habit
of body, and it is thence concluded that no-
thing but strong purgatives and diuretics

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

ISR

can remove it, yet it has often been proved
that regular exercise, coinliined with frequent
hantl-rubhiiig- of the legs, and with a roooiy
stall or open box to lie down in and stretch
their legs at their ease, have been sufficient
to restore a state of health without any me-
dicine whatever.

Horses that have been pampered and kept
idle, should, however, be brought into exer-
cise by degrees, for all sudden changes, whe-
ther from idleness to exercise, or from exer-
cise to idleness, produce considerable changes
in the system, and render both the solids and
the fluids liable to disease.

This we experience from our own feelings,
and it is the same with horses when they are
first set to hard labour, although they can-
not express their uneasy sensations except
by the stiffness of their limbs, and their con-
tracted steps, which may be perceived on
moving them after a hard day's work. They
should, therefore, be accustomed gradually
and regularly to exercise or labour, and it
then becomes easy to them, nor will any
stiffness ot diflSculty of breathing follow from
it, and when a horse has arrived at this state
or habil of body, ne is pronounced, in the
language of the stable, to be in condition.
But one great source of disease in horses
arises froni the improper treatment of them
after they have been overheated by labour,
and tlieie are none which are more exposed
to this bad custom than horses which work
in mail-coaches or post-chaises. These poor
animals, at all seasons of the year, may be
seen tied up in an inn-yard to the stable-door,
for the purpose of cooling and drying their
skins, and most generally after being first
ridden through a brook, or a horse-pond,
nearly as high as their backs. That the

animal ever onllives this abominable treat-
il.

ment is certainly extraordinary : it is, how-
ever, an incontrovertible fact, that it kills
great numbers of tluin bv producing violent
iiillammatory attacks on the lungs or the in-
testines, which carry them off in a few hours,
or else it lays the foundation for the farcy, or
other glandular diseases, which arise from
suppressed perspiration. By ])eing thus ex-
posed to the action of the cold, arising either
from the air or the evaporation of their own
bodies, the blood-vessels contract suddenlv,
and hence violent exertion is produced in
the heart and lungs to relieve those parts
from the e-xtraordinary quantity of blood
which is thus thrown upon them.

This increased action, if long continued,
produces inflammation and, very frequently,
mortification in those viscera which are af-
fected.

To avoid these consequences, it behoves
every coach and post-master, to prohibit this
abominable custom of washing their horses
with cold water when heated by running a
stage ; but, as this ceremony always takes
place when the horses are necessarily from
home, the proprietors should execute the
task of seeing the prohibition enforced for
each other on their respective premises, and
thus the evil would soon be corrected.
Sportsmen, in hunting, should avoid, if pos-
sible, ridinff their horses throu£;h brooks

or rivers during the

chase, although it is

less likely to be injurious in those cases, i)e-
eause the exercise is afterwards continued,
by which means the circulation of the blood
is never lowered so as to permit the body t/>
experience the sensation of cold.

Many cases have occurred of horses losing
their hoofs from inflammation, arising from
the sudden effect of the cold on the blood-
vessels of the feet, and the violent re-action

134

THE COMPLET E FARRIER ; and

of the circulation breaking down as it were
liieii natural texture, and producing a sepa-
ration of the lamintE of the internal parts of
the foot. And even if it does not produce
a separation of the hoof from the coffin-
bone, still it frequently occasions that alter-
ation in the condition and structin-e of the
hoof which is denominated— Pounder. When
the animal is affected in this way, the ap-
pearances are as follow ; namely, he lies
down continually, and shews great aversion
to rise, and when he does rise he stands con-
stantly shifting his fore-legs, as if in great
pain, and with his body doubled np and his
hind legs brouglit under him as far as pos-
sible, in order to take off the weight froui the
fore-legs; his fore-parts are extremely hot,
particularly the lower extremities of his
limbs ; and the coronet is swelled in such a
manner as almost to burst from the hoof
The intlammation is so great in some cases,
especially in fat and pampered horses, as to
occasion mortiiication, and on dissecting the
feet and le{js of horses that have died from
this injury, the blood is generally found ex-
iravasated, the parts having a black appear-
ance, especially between the skin and the
tlesh. The same blackness is also observed
in the cellular membrane, between the inter-
stices of the muscles and tendons; the tex-
ture of the vessels too is destroyed, and their
Bubstance mortified.

The following case, amongst manv others,
clearly shews the bad consequences of the
application of sudden and violent cold to
the feet.

A horse belonging a gentleman in the me-
tropolis, was ridden, on a particular emer-
gency, an eighteen mile stage in a very small
space of time, through a deep snow, and
during a hard frost. After being properly

cleaned and fed, he was left for the night in
the stable, when he laid down and was found
in the same situation on the followin£: morn-
ing, but scarcely able to rise or stand when
on his legs. On the third day both his fore
hoofs fell off. In this case it was evident
that the excessive coldness of ihe snovF to
which his hoofs and leffs had been so lona
exposed, when they were overheated, pro-
duced these effects, and the violence of the
inflammation that had taken place within the
hoof, had destroyed the texture of the ves-
sels * Prom this cause all connection be-
tween the hoof and internal parts of the foot
being destroyed, they became loose and con-
sequently fell off. Another remarkable cir-
cumstance of this nature happened to a
horse in one of the mail-coachesin the depth
of winter, when there was much ice and
snow. This poor animal lost both his fore-
hoofs, and actually travelled on to the end
of the stage before it was discovered ; the
accident taking place during the night. It
is a fact which cannot have escaped the ob-
servation of experienced sportsmen, that a
horse, during the chace, is always percepti-
bly weaker and more fatigued after being
ridden through deep water, which proves
that the common idea of its refreshing and
invigorating the animal, when overheated
and exhausted, is a very erroneous one.

In regard to horses that are kept solely for
the purposes of pleasure, the periods of their
exercise may be so regulated as not to inter-
fere with the usual course of feeding and
cleaning. But this is not the case with post-
horses, and several others which are obliged

* It is probable that iiiiich of the miscliief above-ineu-
tioned arose from the snow balling in the il*oe, anrt
thereby producing a partial and unnatural pressure

asjainst the sole.

BRITISH SPOllTSMAN.

131)

to go out at a moment's notice, ami thus they
are often exposed to the inconvenience of
beins: forced to travel immediately after be-
ino- fed and watered, and consequently with
a full stomach. In this case they should be
made to move gently at first, unfil the sto-
mach has, in some measure, got rid of its
contents. From not attending to this pre-
caution, the foundation may be laid for
broken-wind and otluM- asthmatic complaints.

It is in all cases improper, where it can be
avoided, to take out horses to e.vercise in wet
or stormy weather. When the horse runs at
grass, he naturally disregards cold and wet,
but when he has been rendered delicate by
the stable, the consequences are sometimes
highly prejudicial to his health. But the
greatest caution is necessary in regard to
horses that are extremely fat. These require
a long course of very moderate and regular
exercise before they can with safety be put
to that which is the least violent.

The want of attention to this circumstance
sometimes occasions sudden death, or else
produces a disease which is known by the
name of moUen grease.

Horses that have been fattened quickly for
sale, are, of all others, the least calculated
for hard labour, and these should never be
brought into work w ithout previously under-
going a regular course of purging medicine,
and a good deal of walking exercise.

From the foregoing observations, it will
be seen that the greatest advantages in re-
gard to the healtli and strength of horses
are derived frou) a proper attention to exer-
cise. Still an excess of it, on the other hand,
is attended with danger

The effectsofviolentandlongcontinued ex-
ertion on animal bodies are, in some deijree.

remarkal)le. In quadrupe<ls that have been
hard Iiiinted before they were killed, the in-
side of the skin, and even the muscular parts,
luivebeen found almost black, from tlie blood
havin": been extravasated and driven into
the minuter capillary vessels, by the extreme
force and velocity of the circulation. This
is one reason why game that has been hunted
is more tender than that which is killed in
any other way. In cattle that are slaughter-
ed immediately after travelling to the butch-
ers, the same appearances are observed in
the skin and flesh, and the meat under these
circumstances will not keep so long, nor will
it take the salt sufticiently to preserve it
sweet.

When the small superficial vessels of the
skin have been thus preternaturally distend-
ed with blood, they experience a subsequent
degree of relaxation in proportion to the
previous distension, and hence the skin feels
loose and flabby, and this state of the vessels
certainlv predisposes the body to disease in a
o-reater dciiree than w hen they are in that
firm and elastic condition which is the crite-
rion of health and vigour.

Next to the proper feeding of a horse, it
becomes an object of great importance to
ascertain whether he is in proper order to
undergo labour, especially if he has to per-
form a long journey. And this investigation
includes not only what is called condition,
but the actual state of his legs and feet pre-
paratory to his setting out. For every horse
that goes a journey, (let him be in the
hi"hest condition or not) has many inconve-
niences and evils to encounter, such as bad
roads, a successive change of stables, bad
(jualities of food and w:it( r, and, in addition
to all this, generally ver) imperfect groommg.

136

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

When the owner of a horse, tlierefore,
meditates a long journey, he should lake care
that the animal be prepared by good feeding
and regular exercise, as these form the basis
of that health and strength which are to
enable him to go through it with ease to
himself and comfort to his rider. Without
sufficient preparatory exercise, the best horse
that ever was bred will be found unequal to
any great or continued exertion, and it fre-
, quently happens that, for want of this pre-
caution, he knocks up on the very first day's
travelling, and never recovers it thoroughly to
the end of his journey

In the first place, it must be obvious that a
horse just taken up from grass, or that is
just out of the hands of a dealer, or one
that is enormously fat from any other cause,
cannot be in proper condition for hard la-
bour, and, indeed, the rider will, in general,
discover this truth before he has proceeded
even five miles, by the blowing, sweating,
and purging which, under these circum-
stances, invariably take place. It is obvious
also, that the age of the horse should be
taken into consideration, as the two extremes
of youth and old age must be equally un-
tavourable, especially as there are many pe-
riods of weakness and debility in a very
voung horse, arising from the shedding of
his teeth, and from other natural causes.
On the whole, therefore, a horse may be said
to be in the best condition for a journey
when he is rather lean than fat, and when
his flesh feels hard and firm, particularly his
trest, or that part which lies just before the
withers. His coat also should be sleek and
shining, and his skin loose.

The next point to be attended to is, that
Uie saddle and bridle be in proper order. In

the first place, the stuffing should be examin •
ed that it be not hard in particular parts,
from the accumulation of the perspirable
matter, which has been absorbed by the
wool, for if it be hard, or in lumps, it will al-
most to a certainty prove the cause of gall-
ing the horse's back ; besides, if the stuffing
be too thin it lets the tree of the saddle sink
so low as to touch and fret the skin, and
often produces warbles, or sitfasts, which are
very troublesome to remove

Indeed, there are few evils so distressing
as the being obliged to continue a journey
with a horse whose back has been galled ;
for, notwithstanding all palliatives, it must
inevitably become worse at every stage.

On the first symptom of the back being
pinched by the saddle, let the part be bathed
with cold water for half-an-hour, and then
rubbed with some of the following embro-
cation, viz.

Spirits of wine
Extract (
Vinegar

Extract of golard

2 ounces

half-a-drachm

half-a-pint

mixed.

The saddle should also be examined, and
altered so as to remove any partial pressure
from the part aflfected.

The next point of the greatest importance
to be attended to in travelling, is the proper
state of the feet and shoes. In regard to the
latter, it is advisable to have the horse fresh
shod three or four days before he begins his
journey, by which time that sense of tight-
ness and compression which the feet always
experience upon being newly shod, owing to
the clenching of the nails, will have gone
off. In the forming of the shoe some atten-
tion should be paid to the nature of the roads

BRITISH SPOIITSMAN.

l:<7

over which the horse \^ill have to pass, al-
lowing more breadth in the web for Uiiity or
stony surfaces.

It will be proper also to weld in a piece of
>teel at thetoeof the shoe, which will render
it more durable. The foot shoidd not be
pared too thin, which wonld increase the risk
of its being- brnised, and it should be tho-
••onghly cleaned out at night with a ])icker,
so as to remove every particle of sand and
gravel. It also tends to cool the feet, and
prevents that degree of inflammation which
generally arises from travelling, to stop them
at night with wet clay or cow-dung. In re-
gard to feeding on a journey, great attention
is requisite as to the quantity to be given at
once, as well as to the distance of time be-
tween each feed. A delicate horse generally
shews but little inclination to eat durins: his
day's work, especially if he is ridden too long
a stage at once without baiting ; and this
disinclination to eat is often much increased
by the bad quality or too great quantity of
the food which is put before him. The best
practice in this case is to ride him very gently
for the last mile or two of the stage, that the
circulation of the blood may sink to its na-
tural state, and the animal become cool and
tranquil by degrees. It is also a good prac-
tice to give him about a quart or two of
water just before coming in. This cools
and freshens his mouth, and removes the sa-
liva, or froth, which is generally collected
from the animal champing the bit, and the
action of the jaws pressing on the parotid
glands. When arrived at the inn his feet
should be picked out and washed, and his
legs and body thoroughly cleaned. He may
/ ihen be fed with a small feed of oats mixed
with a few beans. The beans will generally
11.

tempt the horse to eat, esfjecially if '»e has
not been accustomed to them at Home

Tiiere is an old adage that the master's
eye makes the horse fat, and this, perhaps,
is in no case more applicalde than to the
feeding a horse at an inn, where the animal
is not only exposed to short measure, but
even to be robbed of «he small quantity
which that measure allows him, by post-boys
or helpers who are about the premises.

In several inns, also, the stables are a dis-
tinct concern from the house department,
and belong solely to the head hostler, who,
whatever may be his other qualiiicatioi\s, is
seldom troubled with many scruples of con-
scier.ce in regard to the means of filling his
own pocket.

In the ne.\t place the traveller should as-
certain that his horse has been thoroughly
cleaned. The proper way to do this is to
pass his hand under the brisket between the
upper part of the fore legs, and also under
the flanks. This is necessary, not only be-
cause the sweat collects and concretes more
in those parts than in any other, but because
ostlers are very apt to clean the back and
sides, and to neglect the parts just-mention-
ed, especially if the horse be ticklish and
troublesome to dress. It is a very essential
point to the safety of tlie animal to examine
the manner in which he is tied up in the stall.
For want of a proper attention to this cir-
cumstance many a good horse has been ma-
terially injured, and in some cases killed.
It is the custom, in many country stables, to
tie up the horse with a hempen halter, which
is so constructed as to open or draw close al
the nose-band, by means of a running noose.
This kind ot halter is a very dangerous one.
because, if it happens to slip backwards
■2 M

138

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

round the throat, the horse may be strangled
m the night without any chance of relief.
1 he best mode, therefore, of tying the horse
to the stall, is with a leather head collar,
which, being fastened on with buckles and
straps, is less likely to slip backwards or for-
wards, and cannot become either looser or
tighter under any change of position what-
ever. It is necessary, in the next place, to
observe that the collar rein be not too long,
and that it have a weight attached to the
end of it, sufficient to keep it in a straight line
from the horse's head to the manger. For
want of this precaution, the collar-rein may
get under the horse's feet, and his legs be-
come entangled in it, it may also get round
the fetlock of the hind-leg if the horse hap-
pens to hold it forwards for the purpose of
biting it.

It is a good practice, in cases where the
legs are apt to swell after a hard day's work,
to bandage them at night with a flannel roller
dipped in water. This greatly assists the
absorbent vessels in their natural action, and
may be done without much trouble or dif-
ficulty.

Upon first setting out, the girths should
not be drawn too tight, as the compression
occasions great inconvenience to the animal,
by obstructing the free expansion of his ribs,
and thereby impeding his powers of breath-
ing. Old horses get a trick of providing
against this inconvenience, by holding their
breath and swelling out their chests as much
as possible whilst the girths are being drawn
tight, so that afterwards, when the chest re-
turns to its natural dimensions, the girths are
quite slack and easy. Besides, in big-bellied
horses, the tighter the girths are drawn, the
more liable they are to slip forwards towards

the breast. With young horses it is some-
times a very dangerous practice to girth theip
too tight, as it induces them to plunge, and
which they sometimes do to such a violent
degree, as to snap the girths asunder in a
moment, and consequently to throw the rider
and the saddle all together.

It sometimes happens that a horse, iifter
hard riding, will break out into a sweat in
the stable after he has been thoroughly
cleaned and dried. This is principally owing
to the heat of the stable, for the vessels of
the skin having been greatly distended in
the act of throwing out perspirable matter,
do not again readily recover their tone and
contractile power, hence the warmth of the
stable brings on a fresh perspiration.

When this occurs, the horse may be strip-
ped and rubbed, or led out into the cool air
for a few minutes, tliat the vessels of the
skin may contract. Horses, on a journey,
suffer great inconvenience in stables at inns,
from various causes, such as the narrowness
of the stalls, the rising of the pavement, and the
filthy state of the racks and mangers, which
ostlers never think it worth while to clean.

Amongst these sources of inconvenience
to the animal, none is more distressing to
him than the narrowness of the stalls, espe-
cially when he is required to turn round in
them at the risk of injuring his back, for the
back-bone of a horse is naturally less flexi-
ble than that of any other quadruped. It
also very frequently deters him from lying-
down, and if he does lie down, it prevents
him from stretching out his legs ; an action
which aflbrds great comfort when fatigued.
The horse is likewise liable to be disturbed
every moment by the opening of the stable-
door, and by the ingress and egress of other

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

isy

horses. These, however, are iiicoriveui-
ences whicli it is very ditlictilt, if not impos-
sible, to avoid, all that can be done, there-
fore, in these cases, is to seek for the best
staiidiiiys, and in as quiet situation as pos-
sible.

Durinj^ a journey in the summer season,
it is advisable to travel early in the morning-
and to bait for three or four hours in tlie
middle of the day. This practice refreshes
a horse more than frequent baitings at short
stages by which much time is lost without
any benefit to the animal.

At the close of the autiunn, horses suffer a
good deal from the bad provender with w hich
they are supplied at inns, especially in re-
gard to new oats. These, undoubtedly, have
a bad effect, in producing a constant laxity in
the bowels, avid a general relaxation in the
system at large, rendering the horse faint
and prone to sweat on undergoing the least
exercise And these bad effects are consi-
derably aggravated by their occuring at the
same period when the animal sheds his coat,
a process which always naturally enfeebles
him in a greater or less degree. To obviate
this evil, as much as possible, it is adviseable
to mix a few split beans with the oats, which
will tend to correct their bad quality. Half
a cordial ball given at night will also be
found useful. Carrots are said to be bene-
ficial to thick-winded horses ; whether this
be the fact or not, they may be considered
as a pleasant and nutritious diet, especially
to horses that are kept constantly on hard
and dry food.

From the foregoing observations, it must
be evi«ieul to everv traveller who is ai)ont to
L-ouunence a journey, that it is of the utmost
niipuriance to llie completion of his object,

that his horse should be in the best condition
possible before he sets out, and even with
this advantage he will find it quite difliculf,
enough to support the same degree of health
and vigour throughout, especially at those
seasons when the Horse is moulting, or shed-
ding his coat.

This process takes place twice a year,
spring and autumn. It is always attended
by a certain degree of debility, but princi-
pally so in the autumn, when the system has
been much exhausted by the heat of the
summer. Hence the horse sweats profusely
on the leu it exercise, and his coat becomes
dry and husky when at rest, and his skin
generally feels tight and immoveable. This
unhealthy stale of the skin is much increased
if the weather be wet and damp, by which
the insensible perspiration becomes sup-
pressed, a circumstance which lays the foun
dation for many diseases. On this account
the legs swell, the heels crack, and the ani-
mal very soon becomes unfit for any degree
of labour whatever. These are evils which
generally, more or less, ;ittend the process of
casting the coat in the autumn, and w hich il
evidently requires the greatest care and at-
tention to palliate. For the animal having
lost much of his natural covering is more
liable to catch cold, especially if he stands
in a current of air when heated by laboui
At this season of (he year, therefore, it par-
ticularly behoves coach-masters, and others
who keep a great number of horses, not to
sufler them to be washed with cold water, or
ridden into ponds, or rivers, as is the usual
custom, and it is also of great importance
that they be not overworked, tor if they are
once worked down at this season of the year
IiIk'V never recover it through the winter. It

IK)

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

is prudent, therefore, to keep a tew extra
horses to divide the labour more equally, or
to supply the place iuimediately of auy that
happen to be taken ill ; for rest is often
as essential in the cure ot diseases as me-
dicine.

Mr. Clark, of Edinburgh, speaks very ra-
tionally on this particular point. He says,
"The end of autumn proves very severe to
those horses whose flesh and strength are ex-
hausted from continued hard labour, or vio-
lent exercise, such as posting, &c. through
the summer and autumn ; when the moult-
ing comes on in this low, spiritless state of
body, it carries off great numbers of them,
that by proper care in moderating their iii-
bour, together with good nursing and feed-
ing, with rich boiled food, at this time might
have been preserved.

Such soft nourishing food becomes the
more necessary for horses of this description
at this particidar period, in order to support
them under the moulting, as the serous, or
watery part of the blood, having been drain-
ed oft" by the violent perspiration they were
exposed to, their muscular fibres are then
too rigid, and the blood too thick for cir-
culating so freely as it ought to do through
the fine capillary vessels ; hence they are
disposed to fall into those disorders which
proceed from this cause. Many of those
horses that are thought to be worn out
with posting, &c. at the end of the autumn,
when they come to be fed with boiled food,
or with potatoes and carrots, and continued
so through the winter, recover surprisingly.
This last-mentioned food recovers their flesh,
it renews their fluids in general, and pro-
motes all the natural secretions. It operates
on them nearly in the same manner as the

spring-grass ; it purges them gently on the
first use of it, and corrects the whole habit.
On changing their tood to that which is hard
and dry, as oats and beans, and increasiiio-
their exercise gradually towards the sprint,
they soon become fit tor the most active ex-
ercise, without any previous preparation from
medicine.

This season, likewise, proves destructive
to aged horses ; vvhen the green food is ex-
hausted, they are then obliged to feed on
hard dry food ; in some the digestive powers
may not only be weaker, but the teeth, at
the same time, may be defective in not
breakuig down the hard food so minutely
as it ought to be, in order to render it fit
for digestion and the nourishment of the
body.

As the disorders which commonly prevail
at this time amongst horses, proceed, in a
great measure from catching cold, together
with the sickliness attendant on the moult-
ing, horses are differently affected accord-
ing to circumstances of habit of body, and
the treatment they are exposed to. Some
are affected with colds in the head, attend-
ed with swelling and inflammation of the
J glands about the throat and jaws, which too
frequently, from want of proper care, ter-
minate in the glanders; hence this disorder
is frequent at this season.

Some horses are affected with coughs,
and other disorders of the lungs. Rheu-
matism is likewise common in different
parts of the body, particularly in the neck,
which is called the chords. Epidemical dis-
eases frequently originate at this period, and
continue with greater or less violence through
the winter, and sometimes till towards the
sprina;.

BUlTlSIl SPUKTSMAN.

141

Fever is likewise common, tofjeiher with
a variety of other complaints which itwouUl
he tedious to mention. All these disorders
are torwarded from the above circumstance,
together with horses breathing a heated foul
air m their stables, and their bodies exposed
suddenly to the chiilness of the weather, be-
fore their coats have grow n suHiciently thick to
resist the cohl, &c. ; for it is observed in those
horses that run abroad in the iields day and
night, that they moult much sooner in the
autumn, by which means they are sufficiently
guarded against the severity of the weather
when it becomes cold and dani]), neither is
it observed that thev are so liable to be af-
fected with those epidemical diseases which
prevail amongst horses that are kept in too
warm stables. This sickly disposition amongst
them continues with more or less violence
till such time as the weather turns more fa-
vourable and dry, or that the frost sets in.

It commonly commences, if the weather
is moist, cold, and damp, about the middle of
October, and continues till towards the mid-
dle of December, after which, if it is favour-
able, horses generally turn more lively and
vigorous, and acquire their usual spirit and
healthy appearance. As horses, therefore,
are generally more weakly at the time of
casting their coat towards the end of autumn
than at any other season, their labour, when
circumstances will admit, should be mode-
rate. Their feeding should be increased in
order to strengthen and support them during
this period. It ought, likewise, to be of the
very best quality, as old hay and old grain,
that is, of the preceding year's growth, and
if the grain that is given them be broken
tlown in a mill, it would prove more nourish-
ing than ni any other way it could be given.
12

New hay, or new grain, of the same year's
produce, ought to be avoided, as it is ex-
tremely hurtful to horses that undergo .severe
labour, or active exercises, of which we have
formerly taken notice. Good rubbing and
frequent dressing are likewise of great be-
netit.

All evacuations, such as bleeding, purg-
ing, rowels, &c. ought to be administered
with caution, as such prescriptions contri-
bute jureatly to increase that natural weak-
ness formerly mentioned, which prevails in
the constitution of horses at this period. At
the same time it is to be understood, that
horses are not by any means to stand toe
much at rest in the stable. Fresh air, with
moderate exercise, when the weather will
permit, being absolutely necessary to pro-
mote their health ; neither is the proper use
of the above prescriptions to be neglected
when they are thought necessary, and pre-
scribed with judgment. All the precautions
formerly mentioned, with respect to their
stables, ought to be attended to, that they
are kept clean, well ventilated, and yet mo-
derately warm. Body-cloaths, however ne-
cessary they may be thought for keeping
their coats fine and clean in the stable, are
certainly injurioiis to health, as they keep the
body in a constant state of relaxation, be-
sides rendering the horse more liable to
catch cold, especially as he is always strip-
ped when he goes out of the stable to hia
labour.

Would it not appear ridiculous and in-
consistent for a man to wear a great-coat in
a warm-room, and to throw it off when he
went out in the fresh air. Yet equallv ab-
surd is the practice just alluded toof cloath-
nig horses in the stable. One would imagine

142

THE COMPLETE FARRIER and

that the health of a horse was an object of
the first consideration, and certainly of more
importance than the fineness of his coat.
But, iii almost all stables, the latter is con-
sidered as of the most consequence, and the
health of the animal is sacrificed accordingly
to this trifling object. The process of moult-
ing, or casting the coat, is much less injuri-
ous in spring than in the autumn, although
it is unavoidably attended with some degree
of inconvenience, on account of the natural
uncertainty of our climate ; for it sometimes
occurs that an unusual mildness and warmth
of weather, in the months of February and
March, brings on a premature shedding of
the coat (especially with those horses that
are kept in hot stables, and are warmly
cloathed) which, being succeeded by cold
easterly winds, exposes the horse to great
danger in regard to catching cold, especially
those which are obliged to stand in gentle-
men's carriages in the streets of London
during the greater part of the night.

On this account coach-horses particularly
require to be kept as cool in the stable as
possible, that they may experience the less
change when obliged to stand out in the
open air.

It is this premature shedding of the coat
just alluded to, that is one cause of those
violent attacks on the lungs which are gene-
rally distinguished by the name of the " dis-
temper," and it is worthy of observation,
that this disease is principally confined to
horses kept in the stable, as it very rarely
exists amongst horses that run at grass.

From what has been said, it appears that
the three radical points upon which good
condition is founded, consist in cleaning,
food, and exercise. In regard to cleaning

and exercise, both of those are, at all times,
under the control of every owner of a horse.
But the article of feeding being greatly de-
pendant on the peculiar constituHon of the
animal, is not so easily managed, for the ap-
petite not only naturally varies in djfferenf
subjects, but may be considerably altiscted
by diseases which affect the general system,
or by diseases of the stomach only.

In fevers, and all inflammatory diseases,
horses generally refuse all manner of food.
This is entirely an involuntary act, for the
stomach being deranged in its functions, and
unable to perform the process of digestion,
the appetite naturally ceases, until the cause
is removed. The same will happen in ex-
treme pain, whether inward or outward, the
reason of which is to be accounted for, from
the mechanism of the stomach, and its sym-
pathy with all the other parts of the body.

The want of appetite, however, may arise
without the existence of any actual disease, ||
and may proceed simply from the animal
having been glutted with food, and kept in a
pampered state without sufficient exercise. i
Some horses are naturally nice and dainty, •
but will eat tolerably when their hay is
picked, and free from dust, especially when
it has been well got. There are others that
will eat tolerably well when they stand
much in the stable, and do but little work,
but lose their appetite when put to hard la
bour, and do not recover it for several days,
although in a state of rest. There is, how-
ever, some difference in the quantity of food
necessary to support different horses, for there
are some that are small feeders, and yet go
through a great deal of fatigue and work,
without much diminution of their flesh, or
any great alteration in their appetite, neither

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

143

are tney more choice than others in what
they eat. Such horses, therefore, ought not
to be reckoned bad or poor feeders, but ra-
ther little eaters, and any attempt to make
them eat more would, perliaps, do them more
harm than good. But when a horse eats
poorly and does not gather much flesh, when
his dung is constantly soft, and of a pale
colour, it is an evident sign of a relaxed
constitution, in which the weakness of the
stomach and intestines have a great share.
This habitual weakness may either be natu-
ral or hereditary, or may be caused by some
previous ill-management, such as too much
scalded bran, or too much hot food of anv
kind, which relaxes the tone of the stomach,
and, in the end, produces a weak digestion,
and, consequently, a loss of appetite. Horses
of this description are of little use until they
are full aged, yet after that period turn out
to be serviceable horses, and capable of a
good deal of labour. The best method to
season horses of this description, is to give
them gentle exercise only in the open air and
in dry weather, never to load their stomachs,
but to keep them to a dry diet, mixing now
and then a handful of beans amonjjst their
oats. But if the horse still grows weak, and
requires the help of medicine, a laxative
purge or two, mixed with cordials, should be
given to cleanse and strengthen the bowels.
The following ball will be found useful for
this purpose : viz.

Soccotrine aloes
Rhubarb . .
Giuffer

half-an-ounce
two drachms
one drachm

Make it into a stiff paste with a sufficient
quantity of treacle.

This purge wii) operate gently, and will

strengthen the digestion. It may be re-
peated once in ten days, increasing the quan-
tity of aloes, if found necessary, and on the
second day after, the following cordial-ball
may be given, viz.

Cummin seeds

Aniseseeds

Carraway seeds, of each four ounces.

Ginger, two ounces.

Mix the whole thoroughly, and divide it
into balls of two ounces each.

Whilst these means are resorted to, con-
tinue to give constant exercise in the open
air, and this will be the likeliest method to
strengthen such horses as are of a weak and
relaxed constitution, and deficient in ap-
petite.

But where the want of appetite arises from
too much feeding, especially on soft scalded
diet, which is often the case with young
horses, especially those that are just out of
the hands of a dealer, the best way is to
bleed and purge them moderately, for al-
though the feeding on scalded bran makes
them grow suddenly fat, yet it always causes
weakness and relaxation in the stomach and
bowels, the slimy secretions of which ofteu
form a nidus, or nursery for worms, all of which
may be easily remedied by purging in the
first place, and, afterwards, by proper exercise
andacleandiet. Thosehorscsthatareof a hot
fiery disposition, and lo^e their appetites in
consequence of their heat and fretting, can-
not easily be assisted by medicine. The only
method is to keep them to a cool diet
when young, and to let them rim abroad in
mild weather, especially where there are
open sheds and other accommodations of
that description, to guard them from the in-

u^

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

clemency of ilie weather ; for these sort of
horses are generally tender and thin skinned.
For the same reason, the best way in the
summer, is to bring them up in the day time,
and only to let them run abroad at night, as
they suffer more when teized by the flies,
\\liich keeps them continually on the fret,
and prevents them from thriving. When
such horses arrive at a full age, their heat of
temper often abates, so that they grow more
useful ; but while they are young they are
more subject to disease than horses of a
cooler temperament, and they often die sud-
denly, or become consumptive.

On the other hand, there are horses that
have such an unnatural craving for food, that
they appear never to be satisfied. Some of
these are very properly termed — foul feeders,
and will forsake their hay to devour their litter,
and even that part of it which has been soiled
by their dung and urine. It is not easy to
ascertain the true cause of this depraved
appetite. It has been ascribed, by some
writers, to irritation of the stomach, arising
from worms lodging there or in the intestines.
It is probablethat there sometimes exists an
acidity in the stomach, especially as many of
these foul feeders will eat mould and mortar
from the walls.

Presuming that the vitiated appetite may
arise from these causes, the best mode of
treatment will be to purge tlieni moderately
andto givethein lime-watertodvink. Should,
however, these remedies fai of having the
desired effect, the best plan will be to turn
the animal to grass, as a change of diet will,
in some cases, be more efficacious than me-
dicine. Shoulfl the horse remain in the sta-
ble, it will be advisable to clear out his stall
tW^m litter during the day lime, or else to put

him on the muzzle between his regular meals.
so as to prevent him from eating the straw.

or clung.

The way that a horse first learns to eat his
litter, is from selecting the heads of the fresh
wheat-straw that is spread in the stall, many
of which frequently contain several grains of
corn, owing to their having been thrashed in
a negligent manner, an evil which appears
to prevail more in the neighbourhood of
London than in the more distant counties.
The next most important article in the diet-
ing of horses, is the quality of the water
which they have to drink; for, although the
properties of water are simple, and are pretty
generally understood, yet for want of com-
mon attention, a proper distinction is not al-
ways made between that which is wholesome
and that which is otherwise. It is generally dis-
tinguished under two heads, viz. hard and soft.

Hard-water is known by soap curdling
when dissolved in it, and it almost always
contains earthy or saline, and sometimes me-
tallic matters in solution. On the contrary,
soft water is known by soap dissolving easily
and perfectly in it, and also by its boiling
vegetables well, and extracting more tho-
roughly the aromatic principles of tea and
other plants.

Mineral or medicinal waters are such as
differ so much in their temperature from com-
mon water, or hold minerals in solution in
such quantity as to produce some sensible
effects on the animal oeconomy Silicious
earth is suspended in them in extremely small
quantity, but aluminous earth in such quan-
tity as sometimes to give water a pearly co-
lour and a greasy feel. Hence those waters
have been called saponaceous. Barytes,
magnesia, lime, and fixed alkalies, are never

IJKlTlSll SPOHTS.MAN

145

found piiro in water, but ol'teii coiiihiued with
acids. The same occurs with ainnioniac,
and most of the acids, yet carbonic acid is
often found in waters pure. These waters
are called g^azeous, spirituous, or acidulated.
Neutral salts are seldom found, except sul-
phate of soda, muriate of soda, muriate of
pot-ash, and carbonate of soda.

Of earthy salts, sulphate of lime, calcare-
ous muriate, chalk, sulphate of magnesia,
muriate of magnesia, and carbonate of mag-
nesia, are most common. Alum is sometimes
found pure, sulphur has not been found, but
small quantities of sulphate of soda have.
Sulphurated hydrogenous gas, commonly
mineralises sulphureous waters. Iron is
more frequently found in mineral waters than
any other metal, combined with carbonic or
sulphuric acids. Arsenic, sulphate of cop-
per, and of zinc, are found in many waters,
rendering them very noxious. It appears,
therefore, from the foregoing analytical state-
ment, that w ater may hold a great variety of
noxious ingredients in solution, and it is very
probable that some of the diseases to which
horses are subject, arise from their being
obliged to drink constantly water of a per-
nicious quality.

The following observations of an ohl au-
thor, on this subject, are so much to the pur-
pose, as to need little more to be said on the
occasion. " Water," he observes, " is the
main diluterof the food and Huids in "eneral.
it likewise becomes the vehicle of all nou-
rishment to the animal. On that account we
cannot be too particular about its qualities,
:ior delicate in our choice of it for our i.c-scs,
as It partakes of the qualities of those bodies
through which it passes.

^Vhether they are metallic, saline, or earthy.

these foreign matters mix with the animal
fluids, according to their different gravity and
tile capacity of the canals through which
they circulate, and will, by the laws of mo-
tion, be deposited on one part or another.

As the proportion of water which enters
info the composition of animal fluids is con-
siderable, so likewise is the proportion of
fluids secreted.

A large quantity of water diffused throu'>h
the whole mass of fluids in the body, adds
to its fluidity. Hence it will be obvious, that
constant and frequent supplies of water are
not only necessary to dilute the food in the
stomach, but the mass of fluids in general,
as they have, even in the most healthy state,
a constant tendency to putrefaction, and re-
quire a continual supply of food and drink
to keep them in a healthy condition. Those
who have searched into the causes of dis-
ease in the human body, alledge that some
of the most obstinate of the chronic kind,
proceed in a great measure from the use of
unwholesome water, and, by comparing the
different strata of earth through which water
passes in the vicinity of populous cities, they
aflTu-m, that where the water is bad those dis-
eases prevail nvost. It is likewise thought,
that the disposition to gravel in the urine
may be owing to the same cause. In like
manner, water which contains mineral bodies,
and metallic salts, is thought to enlarge the
glands of the throat and jaws, and ht nee it
is said, that the inhabitants about the Alps,
where the waters abound much with these
qualities, are much disposed to glandular
obstructions and other serious maladies. In
some counties in England, particularly Wor-
cestershire and Derbyshire, the same ten-
dency to swelled-throat prevails, and it is
9o

I4H

THE COMPLETE FARUIER; and

generally attributed to some particular pro-
perty in tiie water. These swellings have
been long known by the appellation of Der-
byshire-necks. These circumstances seem
to warrant the conclusion that those waters
arc not digestible, or that they do not assi-
milate or mix thoroughly with the fluids, and
hence prove the source of calculous concre-
tions, and of hard swellings in different parts
of the body.

The effects of unwholesome water upon
the human body being thus evident, if the
diseases of animals, particularly those of
horses, were as thoroughly investigated, it is
more than prol)able that tliey would be found
equally hurtful to brute animals, for it is cer-
tain they are subject to diseases which, in many
respects, resemble those of the human body.
We likewise, find on dissecting their bodies,
that they are subject to calculous concretions
and hard tumours in difii'iont organs, which
may originate from the source we suspect.

But the greatest injury probably arises
from their drinking such waters as, by run-
ning through various strata of earth, are iui-
pregnated with stony particles. In short,
whatever can bring on an accumulation of
earthy, or rather tartareous matter, in the
urinary passages, whether by obstructing or
lessening the capacity of the canals, or by
immediately or remotely producing the sub-
stance itself, will cause gravel, and, in time,
the stone.

It has frequently been ooserved, and not
easily accounted for, that horses do not thrive
on changing from one part of the country to
another, although their treatment, in every
respect, be the same, difference of water ex-
cepted. This, perhaps, may, in a great mea-
sure, be owing to the quality o*" th<» water

they drink, and which may be possessed of
different qualities from that to which they
had before been accustomed.

This is particularly observed in those
places where the stable-yards are supplied
from pit- wells, some of which are very deep,
and the water very hard, which occasions
that chillness, trembling, and shaking which
is frequently observed in horses, when they
drink it immediately after it is new pumped,
and which causes their coats to stare and
stand on end tor a considerable time, and
sometimes they are griped and seem consi-
derably out of order. Spring-water is liable
to partake of all the metalline or mineral
strata through which it passes. Hence it be-
comes noxious or salutary according to the
nature of those substances with which it has
been in contact. River-water has, likewise,
its different qualities, from the various soils
through which it travels ; but, in general, it
is much softer than water that runs under
ground, and therefore is much fitter for use.
Weil, or pit-water, is subject to all the in-
conveniences of spring-water, with this addi-
tional circumstance, that it is generally hard,
and, by stagnating long in the well, it may
there take up from the bed it lies upon such
particles as may render it unwholesome;
therefore, the goodness of all well, or pit-
water, is to be doubted, and particularly that
which is taken from very deep wells. Pond-
water (under which head may be included
all stagnant waters which generally proceed
from rain) if lying on a clean or clayey bot-
tom, and fresh, answers very well for cattle
of all kinds ; but in warm weather, it is apt
to corrupt and ferment, which renders it un-
wholesome, and the most uncleanly and dis-
agreeable of any.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

I*?

To correct the hardness of pit-water, and
render it more salutary for horses to drink,
it should he pumped into a larj^e trough, and
exposed to the open air for some time i)efore
it is used, or if a cart-load or two of clay or
chalk were thrown Jnto the well, it would
greatly improve the water. It has likewise
been found, that breakini^ down a piece of
clay, al)out the size of an apple, in a pailful
of hard-water before it is given to a horse to
drink, morning and evening, has produced a
considerable and favourable change on the
coats of horses.

Indeed, it will be found where horses are
obliged to drink hard water, they are, fur the
most part, rough haired, and at the same
time have a great deal of dusty matter at
the roots of their coat, even though they are
well curried and brushed every day, which
plainly shows that there is some obstruction
in the pores of the skin, which prevents the
natural perspiration, and of course that shin-
ing appearance of the hair which is observ-
able in all horses that perspire freely. Hence
it would appear that this cutaneous obstruc-
tion proceeds from the constant drinking of
water of a bad quality.

Water that runs through lime-stone, al-
though exposed totheopenair in large ponds,
will retain its hardness, and produce all the
effects above-mentioned on horses that drink
t constantly.

This was observed in the neighbourhood
of Dudley, in Worcestershire, and was cor-
rected by throwing a few cart-loads of clay
into the pond, which produced a considerable
change for the better. When pit-water is
rendered impure, from stagnating too long,
without being drawn off by pumping, or
when it has acquired any bad smell, by filth

getting into it, or full of animalcula.-, or
small earth-worms, throwing into the well a
few shovels full of l)uint lime \\ill render it
sweet and fit for use.

Horses have a delicate taste and smell, and

are very nice in the choice both of what thev

cat and what they drink; of comse lliey shun,

when it is in their power, every thing (hat is

disagreeable to them in that respect. IJut

when they are long restricted from drinking

water, they will, iu that case, disregard its

offensivene-ss, for the sake of quenching their

thirst. This is evident from their drinkin"-

water strongly impregnated with nitre, or

with quick-lime, in certain cases where these

are given as medicine. But this restriction

from water ought never to be laid on horses,

more especially when they are labouring-

under any inflammatory diseases, a.s, in such

cases, they cannot drink too much, in order

to dilute their blood and promote the natural

secretions.

But it too frequently happens, through
mismanagement, that they are forced, from
necessity, to drink water which they loath,
and that, of course, very sparingly, when at
the same time, if it were of a proper quality,
and given in a proper manner, it might prove,
in many cases, the best medicine they could
have.

Horses should never be suffered to drink
too much cold water at one time. If they
are disposed to this, it shews that they have
been neglected in this respect, for if they had
always water at command, they would drink
often, but never too much at once For this
reason, water should be offered them fre-
quently, but not in too great a (juantity.
Neither should they be allowed to drink
much when they are going to perform any

148

THE COxMI'LETE FARRIEU : and

active exercise. It is, however, very refresh-
injr to horses to allow them to wash their
moutiis and throats by a few swallows of
water, after performing any severe exercise,
but they ought, on no account, to be indulg-
ed in drinking a quantity of cold water when
they are heated. This should be particu-
larly guarded against, as the consequences
are dangerous, and frequently prove fatal to
them, for when a quantity of cold water is
taken into the stomach while in this heated
state, when its vessels are full and distended

with blood, a stagnation of the blood in these
vessels takes place, a mortification follows,
auddeath is the consequence; therefore, when
a horse has been overheated from exercise,
small quantities of water should be given
him at a time, but not until he appears to be
thoroughly cool. In very cold weather the
chill may be taken off by mixing hot-water
with it, but the best method of taking off the
extreme coldness, is by letting it stand in the
pail in the stable for an hour or two before
the horse drinks it.

DISEASES OF THE SKIJV.

Horses that are full of flesh, especially
those that are just taken up from grass, are
very subject to throw out numerous small
swellings on the surface of the body, very
much resembling the effect of being stung
by some venomous insect. This is generally
known by the uame of surfeit. These erup-
tions very often appear in the space of a few
miimtes, and disappear again as suddeidy,
and it is commonly supposed that their sud-
den disappearance is attended with some
danger to the health of the animal.

Various causes have been attributed for
this disease, such as excessive and immode-
rate feeding, especially upon unwholesome
food, also hard riding; but the most general
and probable cause is a suppression of the
insensible perspiration, in which case the
vessels of the skin, beingunabieto discharge
their contents, swell up suddenly, and con-
-iiKute those knots and lumps v\hich are seen

upon that occasion. If, however, these
swellings do not soon subside, the skin be-
comes perniauently diseased, and the coat
stares and looks dry and dirty in spite of all
efforts in regard to cleaning with the comb
and brush. A kind of scaly scurf pervades
the whole of the coat, and is constantly sup-
plied with a fresh succession of the same,
vmtil the disease is removed. The surfeit,
however, has a different appearance in dif-
ferent subjects. In some it is manifested
by dry fixed scabs all over their limbs and
bodies, in others by a moisture attended by
heat and inflammation, the humours being:
so sharp, and itching so violently, that the
animals sometimes rub themselves raw.
Others have no eruption whatever, and ap-
pear only lean and hidebound.

The first eruption of the lumps on the
skin may generally be removed by bleeding
and diuretics, but if the horse be very fat, a

BlliriSll SPORTSMAN.

149

purge is the best remedy. Indeed, in all the
various cases of surfeit, it will he adviseable
to begiu by opening the bowels, and after
the action of the purgative is concluded, the
following ball may be given every night, for
three or four nights successively, viz,

Rmetic tartar ... 4 drachms
Assafoetida .... 4 drachms
Ginger 2 ounces,

to be mixed and divided into four equal balls,
one to be given every night. Food, scalded
oats, or bran-mashes. The horse to have
daily exercise, and to be kept warmly
cloathed.

In case the scabs do not come away of
their own accord, it will be beneficial to rub
them with mercurial ointment, and indeed
the introductiou of mercury into the habit,
by friction, is attended with advantage in all
cases where the absorbent vessels are become
diseased.

In that species of surfeit which is attended
with a moist discharge from the skin, the
parts affected may be bathed with the follow-
ing lotion, viz

Blue vitriol 1 ounce

Camphorated spirits of wine 2 ounces.

In a quart bottle, and to be filled up with
water.

Some of this lotion may be applied once
every day, after first washing the part with
soft-soap and warm water. During the ap-
plication of this lotion, the horse should have
one of the emetic tartar balls, before pre-
scribed, every night, and exercise in mo-
deration.

The diet should be cool and opening, such
12.

as scalded bran or barley, and if the horse
is low in flesh, an ounce of fenugreek-seeds
may be mixed with his corn, and continued
for a fortnight, or longer, if necessary.

At the termination of a surfeit, it soiiie-
tinies happens that the hair falls off from
those parts of the skin where the lumps, or
swellings, were situated, and grows again of
a different colour to the rest of the body,
giving the animal a kind of spotted appear-
ance.

The next disease of the skin that requires
to be treated of, is the Mange. This dis-
ease, perhaps, owes its origin chiefly to want
of cleanliness, joined to bad food, and de-
fective perspiration. It shews itself by an
eruption on the skin, and the loss of the hair,
so that the skin, in parts, becomes quite bald.
The eruptions discharge a thick yellowish
fluid, which, when dry, forms a scurf which
peels off, and is succeeded by tresh eruptions.

This state of the disease goes on until the
whole surface of the body, including the
mane and tail, becomes entirely deprived of
hair The horse suffers a perpetual itching,
and most of his time is employed in rubbing,
or biting himself, so as to disturb him in
taking his food, and to cause his losing his
flesh for want of rest and quiet

This disease is contagious, and may be
communicated from one horse to another, by
coming into contact, or by using the same
cloathing, or the dame curry-combs and
brushes, or even the saddles, bridles, or
liaincss, which have been worn by a mangy
horse. Prescriptions for this complaint are
very numerous, and there is scarcely a vil-
lage-blacksmith in the country that has not
a sovereign remedy which he considers hs
2p

150

THE COMPLETE FARRIER , and

suoerior to all others. Amongst the different
veterinary writers that have treated upon this
disorder, the following- prescriptions are se-
lected as the most rational, and may gene-
rally be used with safety, viz

Prepared hogs' lard . . 1 pound

Sulphur half-a-pound

White hellebore, in powder, 3 ounces
Mix and add olive-oil sufficient to make a
soft ointment.
A moderate quantity of this ointment may
be rubbed well with the hand all over the
affected parts, or where there is the least ap-
pearance of any eruptions ; and this should
be repeated after an interval of three days.

Two or three applications of this ointment

are generally sufficient to complete the cure.

The following medicine, given internally,

will be found useful during the application

of the ointment, viz.

Take of antimony, in fine powder, eight

ounces
Grains of paradise, in fine powder, three

ounces
Mix and add Venice turpentine sufficient
to form the mass of a proper consistence,
and divide it into twelve balls. One of them
to be given every other day.

Some practitioners advise bleeding, but
for this there can never be any necessity
whatever. The following ball has been re-
commended, viz.

Take of nitre, in powder

Resin, in powder

Castile soap, of each . . half-au-ounce

Camphor, in powder . . I drachm

Honey enough to make a ball.

Durins: the use of this medicine particular

attention should be paid to diet, exercise, aui!
grooming. The food ought to be of the best
quality, and given in liberal quantities.

The bowels should be kept open with
mashes. A small rowel may likewise be
placed in the chest. The affected part should
be well washed with a strong solution of soft-
soap, and afterwards rubbed, morning and
evening, with the following ointment, for a
week.

Take of flowers of sulphur 4 ounces

Hogs' lard 3 ounces

Mercurial ointment ... 2 ounces
Mix for use.

This ointment may be continued every
other day, until the disease gives way, or is
entirely removed. Two or three doses of
mild physic are afterwards recommended,
and next the following ball, every other night
for a month.

Take of Ethiop's mineral
Crude antimony, in powder.
Cream of tartar, of each half-an-oiuice
Honey enough to make a ball

When the disease is removed, the horse
should be turned to grass, if the season of
the year will admit, and a salt marsh should
be preferred. In a slight case of the mange,
an infusion of tobacco in ale grounds will
sometimes prove sufficient to eflect a cure.
The following ointment is also recommended
in an inveterate case.

Take mercurial ointment half-a-pound
Brimstone, finely powdered 4- ounces

Black soap 2 ounces

Crude sal ammoniac, an ounce and a halt

Oil of bays, or turpentine, enough to make

it a proper consistence for an ointment

RRlTlSll Sl'ORTSMAN.

15)

Or.

Take tar

Gunpowder, finely powdered.
Black soap

Oil of turpentine, of each equal quantities.
Mix into an ointment.

The following is also proposed as an ac-
tive remedy in old and inveterate cases of
the mange.

Take of burnt alum
Borax, in fine powder.
Of each two ounces.
White vitriol
Verdigrease, powdered.
Of each four ounces.

Put them in a pot over the fire, with two
pounds of honey, or of lard and honey equal
parts. Stir them together till thev are well
mixed, and when cold add of oil of vitriol
two ounces.

This last recipe is of a very powerful na-
ture, and should be used only in extreme
cases.

If a lotion be thought preferable to an
ointment, the following may be used w ith ad-
vantage.

Take corrosive sublimate,

in powder, .... half-an-ounce

Spirits of wine .... half-a-pint

Water 1 quart.

Or,

Take corrosive sublimate
Crude sal ammoniac
Of each three drachms,
Boiling water ... S half-pints.
Mix for use.

The skin may be dressed with a suflicient
(juantity of either of the above lotions, once
in three days, using in the intermediate days
soft-soap and warm water.

It will be necessary ui every case of the
mange to wash the harness and gearing well
witli soap and water, and to apply some of
the lotion before recommended.

The stall, rack, and manger should also be
whitewashed with quick lime, which mav be
suHered to become dry and to remain four or
five days and then to be washed off with
clear water.

THE FARCY.

Although this disease affects the whole sys-
tem at large, yet its existence is demonstrat-
ed principally on the surface of the skin, in
the form of small tumours, which the com-
mon Farriers denominate farcy-buds.

It is a disease of a very malignant nature,
and frequently very difficult to be cured It
has been supposed to bear a close affinity to
the glanders, and indeed it is no uncommon
circumstance for both diseases to exist in the
same animal at the same time. There is this
difference, however, namely, that the glan-
ders is very often merely a local disease con-
fined to the head, whilst the Farcy is always
grafted in the whole habit of body. The Farcy
lias generally been described by the old wri-
ters, and is also considered by the common
Farriers, as a disease affecting the veins,
particularly those situated on the inside of
the thighs, and the upper part of the fore-
legs. This, however, is a very erroneous
idea, and arises from a total ignorance of the
anatomy of the animal. The Farcy is, in
fact, a disease of the absorbent vessels, or

152

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

lymphatics, and these generally take nearly
the same course as the veins. Hence the
common Farriers, tor want of better judg-
ment, mistake these vessels for the veins,
and conclude accordingly that the latter is
the seat of the disease.

These absorbent, or lymphatic vessels, may
be divided into two sets, the deep&eated and
the superficial. The latter are very nume-
rous, and more particularly so in the inside
of the legs. At certain distances these ves-
sels are proviaed m ith small glands, which are
not very perceptible during a state of health,
but become enlarged when diseased.

The principal cause of the Farcy is sup-
posed to be debility, brought on by a want
of proper exercise, or by over-feeding, es-
pecially upon food of a bad quality. But it
more probably arises from a defective action
in the insensible perspiration, and also from
hot and crowded stables, for it is a disease
which is known to prevail more amongst
waggon and post-horses than any others.

Horses of this description are, in the course
of iheir labour, exposed to much injury from
weather, not only from their being obliged
to travel at all times and seasons, but also
from the wilful negligence of those to whose
care they are entrusted. Hence, whilst their
bodies are in a state of violent perspiration,
they are ridden into brooks and ponds, to
wash them, or else they have to stand for an
hour at an ale-house door, whilst the driver
is taking good care o{ himself within.*

In these cases if the annual has the good
luck to escape a violent inflammatory attack

• lu proof of this fact, returned post-chaises, from
the western road, may be seen every day standing in
Piccadilly, in the most inclement weather, with the
(lorses in a sweat, waiting to catch passengers.

on any of the viscera, he is still liable to
the consequences of suppressed perspiration,
and the Farcy is as likely to follow as any
other disease.

At the first attack of the disease, the ani-
mal appears dull, his skin feels tight and dry,
and there is generally some degree of swell-
ing in the legs, particularly the hind-legs.
This swelling often comes on in the course
of a night and increases to an enormous size,
especially on the inside of the thigh. The
lymphatic vessels (erroneously supposed to
be the veins) arise above the surface and
feel hard to the touch, and are extremely
sore when handled. At irregular distances
in the course of these vessels, are small
lumps, or knots, which are called farcy-buds ;
these are the small glands which become in-
flamed, and in a few hours suppurate and
throw out an ichorous, unhealthy discharge.
The edffes of these ulcers have a chancrous
appearance, and are not to be healed by the
common process of digestives, &c. as no-
thina: but strouff caustics, such as butter of
antimony, and even the hot iron will be ca-
pable of destroying their diseased surface
and action. As the disease advances the
whole body becomes infected, and partial
swellings take place in various parts, especi-
ally about the lips and nose, which last very
frequently terminate in glanders.

In recent cases of the Farcy, where the
horse is full of flesh, or in high condition, it
will, in general, be possible to remove the
disease, without having recourse to violent
remedies, if the proper means be speedily
adopted. But as it is a disease which spreads
rapidly, and very soon infects the whole sys-
tem, it is evident that the proprietor of the
animal will best consult his own interest by

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

15.-

applying for good medical advice as soon as
possible. If the attack be confined to a sin-
gle limb, and great swelling and intlamma-
tion have taken place, it will be proper to
begin by taking about three or four quarts
of blood. After which, the following purge
may be given, viz.

Aloes, Barbadoes . . 9 drachms
Castile soap .... 1 drachm
Liquorice powder sufficient to make a
ball of a moderate size.

The above may be given with the usual
process of bran-marshes, and water with the
chill taken off, to drink. The horse should
be turned into a loose box, where he may
have room to move about, but he should not
be exercised out of doors whilst the limb is
luuch inflamed, as the exercise would tend
only to increase the inflammation.

The swelled part should be fomented with
a warm decoction of camomile flowers, and
a rowel may be introduced at the lower part
of the chest.

When the disease has made a more exten-
sive progress into the system, it will be ne-
cessary to have recourse to a regular admi-
nistration of such medicines as are known to
increase the action of the absorbent vessels.

In this case, therefore, the horse having
been properly purged, and his intestines
thoroughly cleared, the following ball may
be given every night, viz.

Camphor I drachm

Emetic tartar .... 1 drachm

Assafoetida 1 drachm

Ginger "i drachms

in one bail.

The horse to be fed with mashes of bran
13.

and oats, and to have walking exercise at
least for an hour every day, provided the
weather be fair. The above ball may b«
continued for three nights successively, and
(missing one night) may be repeated in the
same way until the disease be removed. But
in case this course should not have the de-
sired effect, stronger preparations must be
resorted to, especially those of niercnry.
When the constitution of tlie animal has be
come diseased by the absorption of the virus
produced from the ulcers, the buds will be
more numerous, the absorbent vessels will
become hard and distended, and painful
swellings will probably attack the extremities
and the whole frame will soon wear a hag-
gard and distressing appearance. At this
period of the disease, the following ball
may be given every night, gradually increas-
ing the dose of the sublimate to two scruples,
if found necessary, from the smaller quantity
not taking efl^ect. But particular care should
be taken that the horse be not exposed to
wet or cold ; his cloathing should be warm,
and the chill should be taken oflT his water,
and his exercise regular and gentle, and in a
mild temperature.

Should any soreness or swelling arise about
the mouth or throat from the use of these
balls, some gentle laxatives may be givea
such as eight ounces of Epsom salts, or two
drachms of sulphur made into a ball, with
liquorice powder, and treacle. — These me-
dicines will stop the progress of salivation,
which will not be so advantageous in pro-
moting a cure, as the more gradual and
moderate introduction of mercury into the
system. The following is the composition of
the mercurial ball, viz.
2 «

IM

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

Corrosive sublimate . . 1 scruple
Emetic tartar .... 1 drachm

Opium 10 grains

Liquorice powder sufficient to make a
ball of the usual size.

During the administration of these balls^
the horse should have nourishing diet, such
as malt-mashes, carrots, or brown sugar
mixed with his corn, to the quantity of a
pound daily.

In cases where the horse is full of flesh,
rowels will sometimes be found useful ; but
although they serve as an outlet to the dis-
ease, yet they are not sufficient to remove it
without the assistance of active and powerful
medicines, such as have been just prescribed.

It sometimes occurs, that the Farcy attacks
the lungs, producing a kind of chronic in-
flammation, which ends in the formation of
tubercles.

From this state of disease the animal very
rarely recovers, as the usual process adopted
in the common inflammation of the lungs
would, in this instance, be highly prejudicial,
as the habit would sink under any copious
bleeding, whilst, at the same time, it is diffi-
cult to prevent suppuration without having
recourse to an evacuation of that kind. All
that can be done is, to give the same medi-
cine as for the general disease, as no other
treatment can avail until the original virus is
either subdued or totally expelled from the
system.

There is another disease which is called
by the common farriers, the "Water Farcy."
This, however, appears to be simply an ana-
sarcous or dropsical swelling of the cellular
membrane, and which may arise from de-

bility only, without any connection with the
Farcy whatever

Active purges, dieuretics, and cordials,
given alternately, are the best remedies for
this disease.

In all cases of the Farcy it will be prudent
to separate the diseased animal from those
that are in health ; and when perfectly re-
covered, and the season of the year will ad-
mit of it, a run at grass will be advisable.

FEVER.

Fever in quadrupeds, especially in the
horse, is mostly of the simple kind. The
veterinary practitioner, therefore, (provided
he be called in on the first attack,) has much
fewer difficulties to combat than the practi-
tioner in human medicine ; but it seldom
happens that the veterinary surgeon is ap-
plied to until the groom, or some other un-
qualified person, has commenced operations,
which consist almost invariably in taking a
small quantity of blood, and giving, at the
same time, a cordial ball or drink ; thus, as
it were, cooling with the one hand and heat-
ing with the other.

Fever is manifested by the horse seeming
dull and inanimate, and hanging his head
with his eyes half-closed, and sometimes ac-
companied with a watery discharge from them
in a greater or less degree. The circulation
of the blood is increased, and, with it, the
general heat of the body ; the mouth feels
hot and dry, and the saliva tough and ropy.
Taking a comparative view of this disease in
the human subject, a very able physician has
given the following clear and satisfactory
definition. " Simple fevers," he says, " are
of two kinds; first, the febris irritativa. or

HRITISH SPORTSMAN.

15b

fever with strong; pulse, which consists of a
previous torpor of the heart, arteries, and
capillaries, and a succeedinjj orgasm of the
capillaries, the torpor of the heart and arte-
ries continuing, lint as the frequency of the
pulse occurs both in the state of torpor, and
in that of orgasm of the heart and arteries,
ttiis constitutes a criterion to distinguish fever
from other diseases, which arc owing to a
torpor of some parts of the system, as paresis
or hemicrania. In compound fever, when
other parts of the system sympathise with
this torpor and orgasm of the cutaneous ca-
pillaries, and of the heart and arteries, the
fever fit becomes more complicated and dan-
gerous, and this in proportion to the number
and importance of the affected parts."

The best criterion of fever in the horse is
the pulse. The best situation for feeling it is
just under the edge of the jaw-bone, where
the facial artery passes on to the side of the
face. In this situation, the artery is covered
by the skin only; and, as it rests against the
bone, its strength or weakness of pulsation
may be ascertainetl with the nicest exactness
iind accuracy. When the animal is in health,
the pulse generally beats from thirty-six to
forty strokes in a minute. The pulsation is
regular, and the artery feels neither hard nor
soft, but perfectly elastic ; but when under
the influence of fever, the pulse is sometimes
increased to more than double its natural
niunber of beats, and the artery becomes
frequently so hard and rigid as to resist the
pressure of the finger, and to slip aside from
under it

Fever, although simple in its nature, may
arise from various causes, such as the effect
of cold applied to the skin, producing a
suppression of the insensible perspiration :

or it may be sympathetic with other causes,
such as wounds, fractures, &c. or it may be
rheumatic, or the consequence of too violent
and too long continued exertion, either on
the road or field.

In all cases, however, the first process
should be to lessen the force and quickness
of the circulation by bleeding, and the
quantity to be taken should be regulated by
the violence of the symptoms. The com-
mon practice of limiting the quantity to two
quarts renders the operation of little or no
effect ; for that quantity bears so small a pro-
portion to the whole mass of blood which
the body of the animal contains, that the
loss of it cannot have the desired end of un-
loading the blood-vessels. It is better,
therefore, to begin by taking at least four
quarts at once, and, by examining the pulse
immediately afterwards, it may be ascertain-
ed whether any alteration has been produced
in the circulation ; and, in case the hardness
of the artery is not removed, an additional
quantity of blood may be taken until the
desired alteration has taken place.

The next course to be taken is, to open
and clear the intestines by mild purgatives
and clysters ; and, lastly, to give such medi-
cines as are known to possess the property
of relaxing the vessels of the skin, and in-
creasing the insensible perspiration.

In regard to blood letting, the common
farriers, and other ignorant persons, have a
prevailing idea that the blood is always, in
cases of fever, more or less in a diseased
state. Hence they say, " the blood is very bad,
or that it is all corruption," although they
are incapable of distinguishing between the
blood of a man, or that of a horse, and are
utterly ignorant of the cause of the differ-

.hfi

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

ence of its appearance when cold, between
an inflammatory state and that of debility.

The blood when first drawn from a vein,
appeals ot one uniform red colour ; but wlien
it has stood a sufficient time for it to coagu-
late, it divides into two parts, the one a solid,
lough, red mass, and the other a yellowish
iluid. The first of these is called the crassa-
meiitum, or red particles, the other, the se-
rum or watery part.

The crassamentum itself consists of two
dilferent kinds of matter, namely, the red
particles and the coagulable lymph, and
these, when the animal is in a healthy state,
are so intimately blended as to appear, when
cold, of one uniform red colour. But, in
cases of inflammation and fever, where the
action of the heart and arteries is increased,
the blood is longer in coagulating, and the
red particles being heavier than the coagu-
lable lymph which should suspend them, se-
parate and fall to the bottom.

This is the cause of that yellowish or buffy
coat which is seen on the surface of coagu-
lated blood in these diseases ; and as the
mass of crassamentum is greater or less in
proportion to the serum, and more or less
covered with a thick yellow matter, so are
we to estimate the degree of inflammation
existing in the system, and the necessity for
farther bleeding.

The fact, therefore, is, that the only varia-
tion in the blood between a state of health
and that of disease, consists in the difference
of the relative proportions of these compo-
nent parts with each other, and not in any
change in the quality of the blood itself
Hence the absurdity of talking about a bad
slate of the blood must be sufficiently mani-
fest. The deffree of fe^er is shewn in the

blood, principally by the toughness and te-
Tiacity of the red part, and by the quantity
of the yellow buff' which remains at the top.
When this yellow buff" is very thick in pro-
portion with the red part, it is a certain
proof of a strong action in the heart and ar-
teries, and of the existence of fever, atid
shews that more blood may be taken away,
not only with safety, but with advantage.
But the common practice after bleeding in
fever is, to give a cordial ball, mider the
pretence of comforting the animal. The in-
consistency and absurdity of this practice is
so glaring, that it is extraordinary in the
highest degree, that it should be adopted
by any being that professes even the most
moderate claims to rationality. The pro-
fessed object of bleeding is to reduce the
circulation, and to lower the fever ; but this
effect must be completely counteracted if a
cordial, or any heating stimulating medicine,
be given at the same time ; the consequence
of which must naturally be to increase the
circulation, and with it the fever. But this
mistaken practice of giving cordials in fevers
originates from improperly considering the
weak and oppressed state of the animal, as
the original disease, when, in fact, it is only
an effect, and will go off" as soon as the fever
subsides, and then only is the time when
cordials should be resorted to, and even then
with a sparing hand.

During the existence of fever, it is of the
utmost importance, as has been before stat-
ed, to keep the bowels open by gentle pur-
gatives and by clysters.

It will be necessary to resort to such
medicines as can be depended on as pur-
gative, and the following will be found
very usefull.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

\bl

Aloes, Barbadoes . . 4 drachms

Emetic tartar .... 2 drachms

Castile soap .... 2 drachms
in one ball.

A second ball of this quantity may be given
in twelve honrs after taking the first, with
the usual precautions of bran-mashes and
warm water — and the operation will be
greatly facilitated by administering the fol-
lowing clyster :

Senna 2 ounces

Boiling water .... 2 quarts.
Infuse the senna, and having strained off
the liquor, add syrup of buckthorn and
common oil, each .... 4 ounces

THE GLANDERS

Is considered, by many practitioners, to be
the same disease as the Farcy, and various
experiments have been tried, which are al-
leffed to lead to that conclusion. But it
appears extraordinary that the true Glanders,
even when it is confined to the nose, and, of
course, is a mere local aftection, is never
cured, whilst the Farcy, although it may
occupy the whole habit of body, is perfectly
curable, as is proved in various instances
that occur daily in the practice of the vete-
rinary art

The experiments just alluded to, consisted
m inoculating the pituitary membrane of the
nose of a sound horse with some matter taken
from a Farcy-bud of another affected with the
Farcy, and it appears that inflammation en-
sued, and, finally, that an ulcer was formed
similar in its appearance to the Glanders.
But it is certain that the inoculating the pi-
tuitary membrane of the nose of a sound
horse, even with the discharge from a com-

mou wound, in case that discharge be not
hcall/ij/, will cause intlanmiation, and even
ulceration, without the aid of any specinc
virus whatever. It is, therefore, very possi-
ble, that the discharge of the Farcy, when
applied to the nostril of a horse, may pro-
duce a disease very much resembling the
Glanders, but which may, nevertheless, be
of a very different nature, and which, in
contradistinction to the Glanders, may yield
to such remedies as are usually employed iu
the Farcy, it is very certain, also, tiiat, in
some cases of violent catarrh or cold, not
only a great degree of inflammation, but even
ulceration of the membrane of the nose will
take place, and which, by a hasty judgment,
may very easily be mistaken for Glanders,
especially as the maxillary glands are almost
always in some degree swollen.

It requires, therefore, considerable caution
and reflection on the part of the practitioner
before he decides, as, for want of such pre-
caution, a valuable animal might be doomed
to destruction, without the existence of any
necessity for such a measure being adopted.

The Glanders assume a very different ap-
pearance at different stages of the disease ;
but there are certain symptoms in almosl
every period sufficient to denote its existence

In the early stage of the complaint, tliere
is generally a discharge of a whitish, glary
fluid, and, most commoidy, from one nostril
only.

On comparing the two nostrils, it will be
found that the sound one, from which there
is no discharge, is of |)ale flesh-like colour,
whilst the other, from which the discharge
issues, is always many degrees higher co-
loured, and that in proportion to the degree

158

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; asd

ot inflauiniarion which exists ia it. In this
state there are generally one or more ulcers
to be perceived up the cavity of the nose,
and the maxillary gland will be found hard
and swollen, on the same side of the lower
jaw as the affected nostril. But in cases of
colds, the discharge is always from both nos-
trils, and the membrane of both is equally
inflamed, and the glands also may be en-
larged. It may occur, however, that the
discharge from the Glanders may occupy
both nostrils, and, in that case, the principal
difference will consist in the appearance of
the general bodily health of the animal,
which, when afi'ected with a cold, will gene-
rally show it by dulness, or a difficulty in
breathing, or an increased pulse, attended
with loss of appetite. But in cases of the
Glanders, the discharge may continue foi*
months without the general health of the
animal being at all affected.

As the disease becomes more inveterate,
the discharge assumes a serious appearance,
a fetid smell, and an unhealthy colour, or
indeed a mixture of colours, being frequently
composed of several, as yellow or green, with
red or bloody streaks.

The progress of the disease is extremely
uncertain, as some horses will endure it, even
for many years, without any other obvious
inconvenience than a slight discharge and
the enlargement of the glands ; and it often
happens that these symptoms disappear for
a considerable length of time on any change
taking place in the habits of the horse, such
as turning him to grass, &c. but they always
leturn, and frequently with increased viru-
lence.

In cases, however, where the disorder is
more rapid, the bones and cartilages of the

nose are speedily eroded by the malignity of
the virus, and an absorption from the ulcers
takes place, ultimately affecting the whole
frame, and more especially the lungs. This
last stage, however, may be either accele-
rated or retarded by particular circumstances,
such as diet, air, and e.xercise ; and it is a
curious fact, that, at least, one-third of the
hackney-coach horses in London are gland-
ered, and which, nevertheless, continue to
labour for two or three years without any
a|)parent increase of the disease.

They are bought in that diseased state for
two or three pounds, and if they labour for
two or three years, are generally considered
a good bargain.

Tliis circumstance, in regard to the dan-
ger of propagating the contagion, is not,
perhaps, of any great importance, because
those horses always stand by themselves^
and in the same stable, and never come into
contact with any other horse ; but there are
cases of a somewhat similar description,
where the keeping of glandered horses for
labour is attended with more danger, and,
indeed, calls for legislative interference.
The instances here adverted to, relate to such
glandered horses as are employed on the
canals, to draw the barges from one place to
another. It is true that these horses live by
themselves, somewhat in the same way as
those employed in the hackney-coaches; but
as the canals run through grazing-land in
various parts of their course, the boatmen
make no scruple of turning their horses,
during the night, into any adjacent field, and
if there happen to be any other horses theie
of a different description, it is very possible
for them to become infected.

An instance of this kind once came unuer

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

159

the knowledge of the aiuhor of the present
work.

Two thorough-bred colts yearlings, that
had never been broke or put into a stable,
were affected with the Glanders to a violent
degree.

It was considered by the proprietor as a

very extraordinary circumstance, that having

never been kept with any other horse, these

colts should have been attacked with tiie

disease.

On enquiry, however, the author found

that a canal ran on the side of the field in
which these colts were kept, and that upon
one occasion, some boatmen bad been de-
tected in turning their horses to graze in the
same field ; and hence a very fair presump-
tion arose that the contagion was communi-
cated ui that way.

It is but seldom that either the appetite,
or the condition, of a glandered horse suffers
njaterially in the early stage of the disorder.

When, however, it has thoroughly entered
the system, forming ulcers in the lungs and
trachea, great pain and ditficulty are expe-
rienced in respiration, and the discharge be-
comes very profuse, the appetite decreases,
and the whole frame exhibits a disordered
and emaciated appearance.

Whatever may be the primitive cause of
this disease, it is certain that it prevails most
in crowded stables and in large cities. Hence
its prevalence amongst regiments of cavalry,
and post and waggon-horses. When once
the disease has taken root in such situations
as are here described, the difficulty of eradi-
cating it, (as the proprietors of such horses
well know by fatal experience) is generally
very great, and many carriers have to date
ilirir ruin to that unfortunate circumstance.

It is, however, proper to remark, that dra •
goon-horses are sometimes as liable to catch
the disease at out quarters as they are at the
barrack-stables, for many of the little ale-
houses in country towns receive bait-horses
on the market-days, many of which amongst
the little higlers are affected with Glanders
and liable to communicate the disease.
When barrack-stables become infected, the
consequences are serious indeed, and it is a
fact, that some of them have not been clear
of the Glanders for fifteen or twenty years,
thus propagating the disease through every
regiment that might be stationed there in
succession during the whole of that period.

It has been supposed by some that a great
analogy existed between the Glander? and
the venereal disease, and upon tliat suppo-
sition mercury has been given in a variety
of forms. There is a case upon record at the
Veterinary College, in London, of a coach-
horse that was supposed to be cured by a
long course of mercurials. This case was
said to be established on the most indubita-
ble grounds ; but it does not appear that any
subsequent case, (amongst the numerous
ones which have occurred in that institution,)
has yielded to the same course of medicine,
or been attended with complete success.

There are many reports of horses having
recovered spontaneously of the Glanders ; but
the validity of these reports rest wholly on
the fact of the disease beins: clearlv ascer-
tained in the first instance, a circumstance
always of a doubtful nature, especially in
cases where the proprietor could not be j)re-
sumed capable of making the necessary dis-
tinction Instances undoubtedly have oc-
curred of the discharge being wholly sus-
pended tor a while, particularly after the

160

THE COMPLEIE FARRIER ; and

animal has been at grass for some time ; but,
as has been before observed, the symptoms
invariably return.

Theretoro, wlien a horse exhibits unequi-
vocal appearances of the disease, the sooner
he is destroyed the safer it will be for .le
proprietor, as well as more humane to the
animal.

Nothing but cases of experiment can jus-
tify any person in prolonging the existence
of a glandered horse, especially as lie is
thereby constantly endangering the property
of others.

It is, indeed, said, that there is an old
statute in existence, which authorises any in-
different person to shoot a glandered horse
wherever he might meet with one. Such a
law would certainly be useful, but the exe-
cution of it would, of course, be attended
with considerable difficulties, as the proof
of the existence of the disease would not, at
all times, be very certain, and, in failure of
such proof, the executioner would incur
the responsibility of heavy damages.

Whenever ahorse is in the least suspected
of being glandered, he should be imme-
diately removed from all other horses, and
kept by himself. In the next place, parti-
cular care should be^ taken that the rack,
manger, and such other parts of the stable
as he may have come into contact with, be
thoroughly cleansed from every particle of
the infectious matter, the virulence of which
there is no means of eradicating except by
*otally removing the matter itself. The
most effectual way of destroying the virus will
be by scraping all the foul surfaces of the
racks, mangers, and other parts, with knives
or other sharp instruments, and scouring
them afterwards with soap, sand, and boiling-

water ; and, having repeated this operation
thoroughly, the whole surface may be white-
washed with a thick coat of lime and water,
which, after remaining on for a few days, may
be washed off, and the stable be used ag-ain
with perfect safety. It is usual in stables
where one horse has been infected, for the
proprietor to cause all the rest to be bled
and purged, by way of prevention from
catching the disease.

Such a practice, however, is of no avail,
as the disease may be communicated under
any habit of body whatsoever. It is proba-
ble that the disease is purely contagious,
and can be caught only by the nose of a
sound horse entering into contact with the
matter discharged from a diseased subject.
But infection is capable of spreading a dis-
ease by being in the same atmosphere alone,
and hence the difference between contagion
and i-nfection.

Great stress has been laid by some of the
old writers on farriery, on the virtue of fu-
migations of brimstone and other substances.
Such fumigations can do no harm, but they
should never be depended upon solely, as
nothing but the method before recommended,
of scraping the foul surfaces of the interior
of the stable, can possibly eradicate the
disease.

Ill regard to the experiments hitherto made
public, unfortunately but little reliance can
be placed on them. The French authors,
particularly La Fosse, have been most diffuse
and elaborate on the subject, and the original
professorof the Veterinary College in London,
Mr. St. Bel, published an account of some
experiments made by him at the Veterinary
School at Lyons. At that period, it seems
the inhabitants of Lyons were obliged b)

niUTlSU SPORTSMAN

ibl

law to yive iiiformation to the directors of
the school of all horses affected with the
Glanders in that city and its vicinity. Mr.
St. Bel had conseqnently many opportunities
of makini^ trial of different remedies, bolh
internal and external, as he was at liberty
eitiier to kill or preserve the g-laiidered
horses for the instruction of the pupils, as he
might think proper. The cases he record.>i
are the following- : viz.

1st. Three horses affected with the Glan-
ders, discharging- copiously at the nostrils,
one seven years old, another eight, and the
third eleven, were all put into the same sta-
ble, and subjected to the following treat-
ment. Each was bled from the jugular vein.
Their nostrils w ere injected with lime-water,
in which was some vinegar and common salt.
Their food was reduced one-third. Each
took six drachms of kermes mineral and
three of camphor, made into a ball, with
flour -and honey. The injection was used
twice a-day, and the ball was administered
on the fourth, fifth, si.\th, and seventh days.
On the ei"-hth, in the mornins: fastin"-, and
at night, a quart of red wine, saturated with
regulus of antimony, was given. One of
the horses began to purge on the ninth day,
the second was aflfected in his bowels in a
very trifling degree, and the third seemed to
be wholly uiunoved by the medicine

On the twelfth, the running from the nose
had rather abated in all, but the pituitary
membrane seemed more inflamed. The
kermes ball was given.

Thirteenth, their food was reduced to
half the original quantity, diluents were
employed in abundance, and an emollient
clyster administered to each
13.

Fourteenth, they had the red wine with
regulus of antimony.

Fifteenth, one of the horses evacuated
tolerably well, the other two very little.

Sixteenth and seventeenth, the injection
was repeated. From this period to the
twenty-fourth, the injection and the ball
were used. The discharge was mucli di-
minished in the first and second horses, but
still abundant in the third, through one fo
the nostrils only. The lymphatic glai;ds,
were much enlarged. On the thirty-second
day, the ball was continued. Injections
were made with alum and vitriolated zinc,
dissolved in lime water, to which was added
a small quantity of vinegar. The remedies
were continued till the thirty-fifth, when the
running disappeared in one of the horses.
In less than a week afterwards, the running
ceased in the second.

The bolus and injections were continued
every othei day only. The general treat-
ment was continued with the third horse till
the fifty-fifth day. The running ceased in
him also after a treatment of two months from
the first. A stop was now put to all me-
dicines. The enlargement of the gland
was removed also in one of the horses, and
remained very little in the other two. Every
thing seemed to promise a complete cure till
the seventy-second day, when the running
appeared again in one, and shewed itself at
the end of three weeks in the second. About
three months, however, elapsed before it re-
turned in the third horse, but in all of them
it was more' violent than ever. The two
former were first killed for investigation,
when it appeared that the frontal and max-
illary sinuses were filled with a purulent dis-

iG2

THE COMPLt TE FARRIER; and

charge in both, the pituitary membrane was
also ulcerated in many places, but all the
other parts appeared in their natural state.
The third horse was afterwards killed and
I pened.

In him the frontal, maxillary, and zygo-
matic sinuses, contained much bloody mat-
ter, the membrane was ulcerated to a great
degree, the bones carious in many parts, and
the lymphatic gland on the right-side was
become schirrous. In the right lobe of the
lung's, five vomices were found of the size of
a pigeon's ^^^. No other part seemed to
be morbidly affected. Two saddle-horses, of
nine and seven years old, decidedly glander-
ed, were put under the following regimen.
After being restricted to a low diet for two
days, they were let blood. On the fourth
day the sinus of each was trepanned.

There was injected through the openings
a mixture of lime-water, vinegar, and salt.
On the sixth day of treatment, each had
four quarts of lime-water, sweetened with
honey, administered as a drench. This and
the injections were continued till the fifteenth
dav.

On the sixteenth the running had dimin-
ished one half, and the swelling of the glands
was augmented. On the next day tlie run-
ning became more abundant, but the matter
seemed to be of a better sort. The lime-
water was continued until the thirtieth day,
m the proportion of six quarts a day. The
norses now becoming dull and disgusted
with their food, this course of medicine was
suspended till the thirty-sixth day, when they
were ordered two quarts a day of strong in-
rusion of camomile. This being continued
(ill thefortv-second, their appetites returned.

but the discharge, as well as the affection of
the glands, continued the same.

On the forty-third day, an injection with
alum, vitriolated zinc, lime-water, and vinegar
was administered, and continued a week, at
the end of which time the matter was become
whitish, and flowed in small quantity, but the
first horse now discharged at both nostrils.
At this time injections were given, made with
diluted spirit of wme, green vitriol, and
gall-nuts.

On the sixty-sixth day, the running had
almost disappeared ; both horses were in
good spirits, eat and drank as usual, and
they were walked out an hour every day.
Shortly after, the first horse appeared to be
cured, and continued so about a month, after
which time the running came on again, the
matter became bloody and fetid. Being then
considered incurable, he was killed. On
opening the nose, it was found that the
membrane was corroded, particularly wi the
right-side; the superior horn was almost de-
stroyed, and the lachrymal duct choaked up
with purulent matter. The dissection, in
other respects, offered nothing particular ex-
cept a small portion of theinterlobulary tex-
ture of the lungs, which had imposthumat-
ed ; but the matter had not penetrated into
the bronchia. The maxillary glands con-
tained a concreted gum

The other horse preserved, to all appear-
ance, perfect health from the beginning of
June to the end of August in the same year.
At that period the running returned, and in
the space of three weeks, the disease in-
creased to such a degree, that it became ne-
cessary to kill the animal On opening him
the pituitary membrane was found ulcerated

BRITISH SPOIITSMAN

]63

to a {jrcat extent of its surface, the cartilagi-
nous partition was attacked by the nuitter,
the sinuses contained very little of it. A
la roe cart-horse, ten years old, having the
usual symptoms of the Glanders, was put up-
on the following course. The animal's food
was reduced to bran and white water, and
he was bled twice in the space of two days.
On the third, he underwent the operation of
the trepan in two places, and he had injected
info the usual passages and sinuses a strong
decoction of wormwood with the addition of
honey. On the tenth, the injection was of
llie weaker lime-water only, and it was con
tinned till the sixteenth, when three drachms
of Ethiop's mineral in a bolus were given.
The injections were made with the first lime-
water, and continued till the twenty-fourth,
as also the bolus, with the addition of a
drachm of Ethiop's mineral. At this period
the riuming was diminished one half, and the
matter had improved. The same course
WHS pursued till the forty-first, when the run-
ning was found to be almost suppressed, and
(he size of the gland considerably diminish-
ed. The injection and the bolus ^^e^e con-
tinned till the fiftieth, when the running quite
ceased. The injection was now repeated
only every other day^ arid the Ethiop in the
bolus was reduced to two drachms.

On the sixty-first day, all medicuie was dis-
continued, and soon after the horse was gra-
dually brought to his usual quantity of food.
He was placed in another stable, his dress
was changed, and he was walked out every
day in an inclosed place, during w hich time
nis former stable was well washed and fumi-
gated. These precautions, however, did not
prevent the rum)iiig at the nose from return
mg at the end of three weeks and the ani-

mal was then killed. On opeinng his nos-
trils, the membrane was found to be ulcerat-
ed in three or four places. One of them,
which was broad and deep, had attacked the
bony substance.

The sinuses contained, as usual, much
yellowish matter, mixed with blood. In this
case, part of the villous membrane of the
stomach was slightly inllamed, the cardiac
orifice was rather more so; the iniiannnation
had also reached the small intestines ; the
left lobe ot the lungs was also somewhat in-
flamed.

Two coach- horses, the one seven years old
and the other eight, were affected with the
Glanders. The first was in the confirmed
state, the second only at an early stage of
the complaint. They were kept t-tparate
and put under the following course: — They
were kept without hay for some days, and
had only bran and water for their sustenance.
They were each bled, and a decoction of
marsh-mallows and camomile was injected
up their nostrils. The horse that was most
infected, had a bolus of four drachms of ca-
lomel incorporated in a sufficient (|uantity of
Hour and honey. The other horse took a
bolus composed of two drachms of precipi-
tate incorporated with honey. The injec-
tions and the boluses were continued till the
twentieth day.

On the twenty-first, the discharge was
much increased in the former horse, the mat-
ter also was brownish and bloody at inter-
vals, and the lymphatic glands were enlarg-
ed. In the latter horse the running was less
abundant, clear, and transparent, and the
glands less hard and less enlarged. The
same course was followed and adhered to in
iboth till the thirty-first, when it appeared

164

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : a%d

that tlie runnings had ceased in the latter, to
which, however, the same course of medicine
was continued a week longer.

On the thirty-sixth, the operation of tre-
panning was performed on the former horse.
The cavities were injected with lime-water ;
afterwards the injections were used which
are mentioned in the first and second cases.
The evacuations in consequence of the bo-
lus being great, they were suspended, but
the injections were continued till the sixty-
fifth day.

The running now appeared and disap-
peared occasionally, but at tast became con-
stant and of a bad sort. As the animal fell
away rapidly, it was thought best to kill him.
On opening the body, however, nothing par-
ticular appeared, except an infinite number
of little ulcers on the pituitary membrane of
the nose. The sinuses contained but little
matter. The other horse appeared to be ra-
dically cured, which was ascribed to the
"ood habit of the animal's bodv rather than
to the effect of the medicines.

A saddle-horse, about eleven years old,
newly infected with the Glanders, was let
blood, confined to low diet, and had several
clysters administered for three days. He
was then treated exactly as the horse last
mentioned, but the success was not the same ;
for, after three months perseverance, he was
obliged to be killed. On dissection, the pi-
tuitary membrane was found ulcerated, but
nothine: else remarkable could be traced.

Another saddle-horse, nine years old, with
ihe confirmed Glanders, which had made
some progress, w^as put under the same
course of medicines as the preceding ones
for ten weeks. At the expiration of that
period, it was ascertained that the remedies

had produced no good effect. The discharge
was abundant, bloody, and fetid ; the breath-
ing became extremely laborious; in short, all
the signs of approaching dissolution appear-
ed, and the animal shortly after expired. On
dissection, the nostrils exhibited the same
appearances which had been observed in si-
milar cases, but with this additional circum-
stance, that within the lungs was found a col-
lection of fetid pus, mixed with the natural
fluid of the bronchia. It was thought pos-
sible that the virus of the Glanders might
have produced these effects.

Three hackney-coach horses, eight, nine,
and eleven years old, were affected with the
Glanders in the same degree. One ounce of
Ethiop's mineral was given to each. On the
fourth day each was trepanned, and the ca-
vities of the nose were injected vvith a deter-
gent liquor. The Ethiop's mineral was con-
tinued to all the three horses till the tenth
day. On the eleventh the purge was admin-
istered as before, and with the same effect.
All medicine was now suspended, except the
injection, till the fifteenth, when they return-
ed to the use of Ethiop's mineral, in which
course they continued till the end of ♦he
twenty-fourth day.

No medicines were administered for the
next two days, but bran-water and clysters
were given. At that period the discharge of
matter was diminished in one, but it was in-
creased in the other two. On the twenty-
seventh, therefore, they took the usual me-
dicine. On the twenty-eighth, they purged
considerably, and, on the next day, seemed
dejected and disgusted with their food. All
operations were therefore suspended until
the thirty-fifth, when the injections were re-
peated On the thirty-sixth the appetite re-

BRITISH SPOIITSMAN.

I6.»

turned. On the (liirty-seventh, tnc Etliiop's
mineral and injection were continued till
the forty-fifth. After two days tlie running-
diminished sensibly in the first ; it had even
disappeared for three days, but it continued
still in the two others. The lymphatic
•rlands were in the same degree tumified.

On the fortv-eighth day, the purgative
was given, but the nitre was substituted for
the jalap.

On the forty-ninth, one of the three purg-
ed very little ; the other two not at all. They
seemed very didl, nauseated their food, and
changed for the worse. These symptoms
were ascribed to iuHammation in the stomach
and intestines, occasioned by the use of the
medicines, in consequence of which they
were discontinued tdl the sixtieth day, when
the Ethiop's mineral was renewed and con-
tinued until the seventieth. At the end of
that time, however, the disease appeared to
be incurable in the two last-mentioned horses ;
they were therefore Killed. On opening their
nostrils afterwards, nothing new was disco-
vered. The pituitary membrane was ulce-
rated, as in most of those before opened ;
the pleura and lungs seemed to be sensibly
inflamed, and the inflammation was yet
greater in the villous membrane of the sto-
mach, the pylorous, and the smaller intes-
tines.

The first horse, however, seemed to be in
a fair way of recovery ; the matter became
transparent and in small quantity. The
discharge was soon suppressed altogether,
by injections of lime-water, and the usual
medicines were continued till the ninety-
sixth day. The next day, the Ethiop's mi-
neral was discontinued, but the animal was
purged three times in the space of a month.

14.

He was then returned to his owner, seem-
ingly in good health, but he was sent l.'ack
at the end of two months with every appear-
ance of confirmed Glanders. The former
treatment was persisted in for the space of
six weeks to no purpose; the animal was
then killed and opened. Several fresh ul-
cers were discovered in the pituitary mem-
brane, but it appeared also that many had
been cicatrized by means of the injection.

Pour fine cart-horses were brought for ex-
periment in a state of Glanders. They were
put upon the treatment just described, but
with no better success. They were killed at
the expiration of two months. The dis.sec-
tion of their bodies furnished nothins: de-
serving of particular notice.

Two horses, the one an English hunter, the
other a Neapolitan manege horse, the first
ten years old, tlie other twelve, were infected
with the Glanders. The following treatment
was set on foot. The hair of both was
shaved from the neck down to the buttocks.
Frictions of mercurial ointment were made
over the buttocks in the quantity of about
an ounce at each time.

On the twenty-second day of treatment,
the parotids began to swell, and shortly after
the maxillary glands were in the same con-
dition. The frictions were made on the back
from the loins to the withers. On the twenty-
fourth all the parts of the Neapolitan's head
were greatly swelled, and salivation began
to take place. On the twenty-fifth he could
scarcely open his jaws. Mr. St. Bel, there-
fore, let him blood twice in the same dav,
repeatedly injected into the mcuth barlev-
water with honey, and gave him the same
night a laxative clyster. F'rom this time till
the thirtieth, the same treatment was conti-
'it

Ifitt

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

nued ; the salivation was abundant, but the
stricture in the jaws abated on the twenty-
eiffhth. About this time also the swelling
of the glands began to diminish, and the
animal drank water with nitre dissolved in it.
These means were continued till the forty-
first, when it was found that the running at
the nostrils had increased, but the fulness of
the head and the salivation were less. The
animal was left quiet till the forty-seventh
day, when Mr. St. Bel renewed the frictions
in doses of an ounce, and these were conti-
nued till the fifty-seventh day.

On the fifty-eighth, the fulness of the head
took place again, and the salivation became
copious. To reduce both, the same means
were resorted to as before. The tumefac-
tion and salivation were not so considerable
in the English horse. After having under-
irone this mercurial course, the animals were
left to themselves for a month, but to the
great mortification of Mr. St. Bel, he per-
ceived that the Glanders had rather increased
in mabgnity. He then continued another
month but without success. At length he
caused the two animals to be killed. The
opening of the nose exhibited in a greater
degree the same ravages that have been
often mentioned. The inside of the mouth
was a little inflamed, and the excretory ducts
of the salivary glands were increased in size.
A charger, nine years old, newly infected
with the Glanders, was subjected to the same
treatment as the two preceding ones. After
the eleventh friction, the fulness of the sali-
vary glands became considerable, and the
blood flowed to the head with such impetu-
osity, that it was impossible to prevent
fatal consequences. The animal died within
twenty-four hours. Four other horses were

subjected, in the «ame year, to the treatment
of mercurial frictions, but without success.
A large draught-horse, seven years old, sus-
pected of having had the Glanders six weeks,
and which had previously been, "ander the
care of a common Farrier, was brought to
the Veterinary School at Lyons, and treated
as follows. He was bled at the jugular vein,
had clysters, and tasted nothing but white
water during the space of twenty hours.
Spirit of sal ammoniac was given, mixed
with an infusion of angelica root, taking
care to keep him well -covered in a warm
stable. This first dose quickened the circu-
lation and increased the degree of heat over
the whole body, without exciting perspi-
ration.

The next day the dose of volatile alkaii
was increased two drachms, still using the
infusion of angelica. The drink was given
at six in the morning ; at eight the pulse
was high, at ten the perspiration was percep-
tible, and continued till six at night. Two
clysters were given in the course of the night.
The horse's drink was just coloured with
wheaten-bran. This treatment was observed
for three following weeks.

At that period the drink was discontinued
for a week, but the clysters were still given.
On the twenty-fifth day of treatment the dis-
ease had somewhat diminished, but the
lymphatic glands were rather harder. On the
thirty-second, the running was trifling in
quantity, and the matter began to be transpa-
rent. On the following day, the use of volatile
alkali in infusion of angelica was reneweu,
which produced only a small perspiration.

On the same day the nostrils were injected
I with a decoction of centaury and gentian,
and this was continued till the forty-fourth

liRlTlSll SPORTSMAN.

167

During all this time the sweats were suili-
cieutly copious^ the urine iu small ([uanlity,
aiiJ of a reildisii tint, the duny hard and
dry, notwithstanding- the daily use of emol-
lient clysters. As the animal was nmch
wasted, and appeared weak, he was left to
himself till the fifty-fourth, Avhcn the injec-
tions with lime-water were employed. On the
sixty-second, the running disappeared en-
tirely. The injections were continued for a
week, at the end of which the medicines
were discontinued. During all this time the
cloths which covered the animal were washed
and shifted every day, the greatest cleanli-
ness was also observed in every other respect.
At the end of a month he was turned to
grass in a low and marshy place, but, after
two months, the Glanders returned, and he
was killed. Mr. St. Bel, however, had no
opportunity of opening this animal. Four
horses of various ages, diseased with the
Glanders, were successively treated iu the
method just described, but without success.
The opening of their bodies presented no-
thing extraordinary. A large Swiss horse,
seven years old, employed in drawing boats
on the river Rhone, having the confirmed
Glanders, was treated as follows. He wasdiet-
ed for twenty hours after which he had the
following dose, viz

Aloes . . 6 drachms

Jalap . . 2 drachms

Calomel . . 1 drachm

Nitre . . 5 drachms

Honey a sufficient quantity.

Two days after this purge, an incision was
made in the skin of the chest, in which was
introduced some corrosive sublimate, by way
of a caustic The running from this part

became very aiiundant in a few days, the
horse being very fat. He was made to take
half an ounce of liver of sulphur, incorpo-
rated with two ounces of honey.

Injections also of lime-water were adu)i-
uistered twice daily. This treatment was
adhered to for the space of six weeks, at
which time the running had almost ceased.
It seemed, that the evacuation of the hu-
mour by the chest had occasioned some be-
nefit. Instead of the liver of sulphur, a bo-
lus of balsam of sulphur was now given,
and continued for a month ; at the end ot
which time the horse had no running from
the nostrils, and appeared to be perfectly
cured. He remained in that state for two
months, when the di.sease appeared again in
a slight degree. This animal lived for th'ee
years, but at last died of a consumption, the
common termination of inveterate Glanders.
The treatment above-mentioned was adopt-
ed in the cases of five other horses, but with-
out its having the good fortune to cure any
one of them. Mr. St. Bel .states that he re-
stored many horses that were thought to be
glandered by persons who had not sutiicieiit
judgment to distinguish the true Glanders
but he confesses that he never succeeded,
except in one instance, in effecting a com-
plete cure of that disease. That instance,
however, which might have been more valu-
able than all these instances of failure, he has
not thought proper to detail. Nevertheless,
if credit is to be given to his assertion, al-
though he has withheld the particulars of
such an important fact, it will at least serve
to strengthen the idea, that the Glanders i.s
not an incurable disease in every instance.

Mr. St. Bel was induced at this perioil tu
ascertain the effect of inoculation of the vi-

168

THE COMPLETE FARRIER, and

rus of the Glanders into the bodies of sound
animals as well as the production of the dis-
ease by contact.

Two sound horses, the one fresh from
grass, atjed six years, and the other nine
years, just taken from work, were placed
near a horse that had the Glanders. The
former caught the infection, and had a dis-
charge from the nostrils two days afterwards ;
the second caught the infection at the end
of three months. A horse thirteen years old
was made to drink the same water out of the
same pail with a horse that had the Glanders,
and continued to do so for two months, but
he was kept apart from the diseased animal
during that time, and the result was that he
did not catch the Glanders. A horse nine
years old, in tolerable condition, placed by a
horse that had the Glanders in the last stage
of the disorder, caught it at the end of forty-
three days. Three old horses destined for
anatomical dissection, having been inoculat-
ed with the virus in the neck, did not catch
the disease. The experiment was repeated
on various horses of all ages, without pro-
ducing any effect. It was also performed on
an ox, a sheep, and a dog, without in the
least affecting the health of those animals.
The coverings and saddle that had been used
to glandered horses, being placed on several
horses in good health for a month, and dur-
ing the heat of summer, did not convey the
distemper. The virus mixed with flour was
given to three horses for the space of a week,
communicated the disease to the youngest
at the end of a month. The two others did
not sicken till some time after. Mr. St. Bel
observes, that it is only by multiplying such
e.xperiments, that it can be ascertained in
what way the disease may be communicated.

We should by such means, he says, be cer-
tain of attacking the disease in its origin,
and might probably attain a method of cure,
for notwithstaiuliiig the failures which have
hitherto taken place, there is no reason to
despair of ultimately accomplishing so de-
sirable an object.

The animal, \ egetable, and mineral king-
doms abound with an infinite number of sub-
stances, the combination and rational appli-
cation of which will, perhaps, in time, over-
come those obstacles which have hitherto
opposed the progress of the Veterinary art
in this and many other diseases. Discove-
ries wait only favourable opportunities to
disclose themselves, and the most favourable
are those which are furnished by scientific
associations extending their patronage and
encouragement for the perfection of the arts.
In coneluding the account of his experi-
ments, he observes, "that many circumstances
have convinced him, that the virus of the
Glanders has more activity in southern than
in northern countries ; and that its progress
is more rapid in the mule and the ass than
in the horse, but that the former is not so
subject to receive it by infection, or contact,
as the horse is."

The foregoing detail has been given by
the author of the present work, with the
view of shewing what has been done formerly
in regard to attempts to cure this disease.

Many of the experiments are but of little
value, from the known ineflicacy of the me-
dicines employed, but if those which were
made by the introduction of mercury into
the system are correct, and are to be depended
upon, they serve to prove an important fact,
namely, that that medicine is not a specific
for the Glanders, and consequently that the

liRrriSll SPOllTSMAN.

169

practitioner must look to some other source
for the cure of that obstinate disease. Op-
portunities rarely occur to facilitate the pro-
secution of experiments, as few persons are
wiliiuji^ to keep a glandered horse on their
premises when they have ascertained the ex-
istence of the disease, but, in barrack-stables,
wjiere they have separate boxes for diseased

horses, a course of experiments may be
easily carried on by regimental Veterinary
Surgeons, without any expense to themselves,
and without umch trouble.

To those gentlemen, therefore, we must
look principally for the attainment of such a
valuable discovery as the cure of th<; Glan-
ders.

STAGGERS, OR APOPLEXY.

This is a disease to which draught-horses
appear to be more subject than any others.
It may arise from various causes, but it may
be ascribed most frequently to some irregu-
larity in the action of the stomach. A
draught-horse may, indeed, sometimes drop
down on the road in a state of insensibility,
merelv from the collar being; so small and
tight as to press against the jugular veins,
and thereby prevent the return of the blood
from the head, but this inconvenience is ge-
nerally removed when the cause is discover-
ed, and ceases to operate against the free cir-
culation of the blood. This circumstance,
however, points out the necessity of examin-
ing the collar previous to the horse's begin-
ning his labour, to ascertain that it fits pro-
perly.

In cases where the disease comes on pro-
gressi\ely, its appearance is first denoted by
a sleepiness and heaviness in the eyes, and
almost a continual hanging of the head, ac-
companied with a considerable feebleness,
especially on being moved. As the disease

14.

advances, the animal presses his forehead
against the wall with great force ; and when
any attempts are made to remove him he ap-
pears roused and agitated, but returns to his
former position immediately. During this
state there is very little apparent alteration
in the motion of his flanks, nor is there much
derangement in the pulse. If, however, the
complaint is not stopped in its progress, the
symptoms increase, and the brain becomes
so much afl^ected as to produce frenzy and
death.

The disease, as has been just observed,
may arise from various causes. It may in
some instances be produced by blows on the
head, bringing on either extravasation, or %
partial thickening of the membranes, so ai
to cause compression on the brain, or it
may arise from over distension of the sto-
mach, in consequence of its being unable
to digest its contents. In all these various
cases, however, tlie symptoms are so nearly
the same, that it is very difficult, if not almost
impossible, to discover the actual cause of the
2v

no

THE COMPLETE CARRIER: and

disease. There is, indeed, a temporary
state of Apoplexy, or Staggers, which attacks
some horses as soon as the circulation of the
blood is increased by exercise. This is
known amongst Farriers by the name of —
" Megrims." It shews itself by the animal's
stopping suddenly and shaking his head. He
generally recovers in a few minutes if allow-
ed to stand still until the rapidity of the cir-
culation is somewhat reduced ; but if he is
urged forwards imprudently, the fit increases
to such a degree as to occasion his falling,
to the g-reat dauber of his rider. The author
of this treatise, when a pupil at the Veteri-
nary College, about twenty-four years ago,
purchased a horse at Aldridge's Repository,
without knowing that he was subject occa-
sionally to this complaint.

The horse had a broken knee, but his ac-
tion was, nevertheless, so remarkably good,
that the blemish was attributed more to ac-
cident that to any natural imperfection. The
first trial of the new purchase was by a ride
to Epsom races, but, as if in ample confir-
mation of the uncertainty of all human af-
fairs, the journey was not half completed,
before the animal, being seized with a par-
oxysm of the Megrims, fell prostrate, and
betrayed the secret of the broken knee.

This occurrence, as may be supposed, oc-
casioned much mirth amongst his fellow pu-
pils, who did not fail to cut many jokes on
this first proof of the author's skill in horse-
flesh.

In all cases of confirmed Staggers, how-
ever obscure the cause may be, the same re-
medy may with propriety be resorted to,
namely, first to unload the blood-vessels by
bleeding, and the stomach and intestines by
purging ; and as the disease is invariably

fatal if relief is not soon obtained, it must
be evident that half-measures will be of no
utility whatever. It will, therefore, be ne-
cessary to take at least six quarts of blood
at once, and when this operation is com-
pleted, a blister may be rubbed on the up-
per part of the neck on both sides of the
mane, beginning just behind the ears. Th^^
blister may be composed as follows,

Cantharides powdered . 2 dracnms

Spirits of wine . . 2 ounces.

mixed in a phial.

The following purge may then be given,
viz.

Calomel .... 2 drachms
Barbadoes aloes . . I ounce
Ginger . . . 1 drachm

Honey sufficient to make them into a ball.

The horse to have bran-mashes and water
with the chill taken off to drink. At the
same time it will be of some advantage to
back-rake the horse, so as to clear the rec-
tum of any hardened dung which might im-
pede the quick action of the medicine.

Before the symptoms increase to any de-
gree of violence, it will be advisable to move
the horse into an open box, and to tie the
end of the halter-rein to the centre of the
cieling, or to a beam, by which means the
animal will be prevented from running
against the wall and bruising his head, as
the halter will then oidy admit of his mov-
ing round in a circle.

Gibson gives a very rational description
of this disease and its probable causes. He
says it is by no means an uncommon case
for it to arise from a stoppage in the stomach
and intestines, and that it sometimes proves
fatal when not rightly understool "Thesf

BKl nSIl SFOUrSMAN

171

stoppa^i^es," he says, "proceed from various
causes, and only affect the head when they
happen to be of some continuance. Some-
times they arc caused hy full feeding-, with
the want of air and suilicient exercise, espe-
cially in hot drv weather, and in constitu-
tions naturally hot, butmost usually from the
quality and nature of their food, as bad hay,
or any other bad provender, or rank clover,
when it has imbibed moisture from tliedamp
air, which renders them so tough that they
lie like a wad, and distend the guts so as to
impede their proper functions. Other things
have also the same effect, as soiling- horses
with any kind of green herbage, such as
vetches, or clover, when it happens to be
grown too old and tough, and has lost its
succulency, especially w hen it has been cut
too long before it is used. Any of these
may cause stoppages in the first passages,
and sometimes excite such disorders as by
their continuance affect the head in a very
strong manner. When the Staggers and con-
vulsive symptoms arise from such causes, the
horse generally looks dull about the head,
with his eyes swoln ; he reels and totters as
he moves; his mouth is generally contracted,
but not shut up ; he breathes short upon the
least motion, and for the most part has a
short cough, and the motion of the flanks
becomes irregular, though seldom violent.
For the same reason he scarcely ever lies
down till some relief is afforded him, be-
cause the extreme fulness of the abdomen
causes great uneasiness whenever he offers
to bend his liody, insomuch, that many when
they see a horse in this condition, imag-ine
he has received son«e hurt in his back or
loins

" Other signs are costiveness. for he is apt

to strain uuich when he goes to dung, and
makes many fruitless attempts; he stales but
little, and that of a dark colour, which often
proceeds from the obstruction which the gall
meets with in its passage from the liver into
the duodenum, and thence the juiiiid ice some-
times attends this complaint. In order to
ertect a cure, let some person that has a small
hand rake the horse thoroughly, and bring
out the dung from the rectum, which is ge-
nerally hard and made up of little small balls
of a blackish colour, and quite dry. After
this, let him have plenty of emollient oily
clysters, made of mallows and such like, but
in places where these cannot readily be got,
they may be made of pot liquor, or water-

srruel.

" To two quarts of this liquor may be
added a pint of linseed oil and half-a-pound
of treacle.

"This should be given milk-warm, and re-
peated every day, at least till his dung comes
away with ease, and grows soft. His diet
should be the best hay, scalded bran, or
boiled barley, till he has been thoroughly
emptied, and for some time afterwards. At
first the dung that comes away in the clysters
will be in small hard balls, and sometimes
along with it a putrid slime, which when dis-
charged gives great relief, but, by the con-
tinuance of the clysters, and the open diet,
the dung soon alters and comes away in such
great loads, that it appears wonderful how-
it could have passed through the fundament;
but as soon as this happens it brings sure re-
lief, and a passage is made for gentle purges,
which, in this case, are always of great use
" Take — Lenitive electuary

Cream of tartar of each foui
ounces

112

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

Rrown sugar, two ounces,

" Mix thein in a pint and a half of ale, the
ale to be made hot, that the cream of
tartar may be the more easily dissolved
in it ; after that the sugar, and last of
all, the lenitive electuary.

" This being given in the morning upon an
empty stomach, blood-warm, will probably
begin to work before night ; and it seldom
makes a horse sick, as the stronger purges
are apt to do when he is full and costive, so
(hilt he will drink warm water, or warm
gruel, without reluctance. It may be re-
peated three or four times, allowing always
two or three days respite between each
draught, keeping him to an open diet, with
proper exercise, till he recovers his usual
vigor.

" By this method several horses have been
cured that were much affected with convul-
sive symptoms, and the event plainly shewed
that this affection was owing to a stoppage
of the alimentary functions. Of this the fol-
lowing was an instance. A horse was sent
home from llounslow-heath when the troops
were encamped there. He was so much con-
vulsed that he could neither eat his hay or
corn, and his neck so stiff" that he could not
reach to drink. The man that led him was
forced to stop every hundred yards, on ac-
count of the stiffness of his limbs and the
shortness of his breath. When examined,
however, he did not appear to be so much
convulsed as those that have worms in the
stomach, or intestines, or imposthumations
in the viscera. By working his mouth it
might be opened a little, neither were his
limbs so stiflor so much contracted. It was
evident he was very costive, for he often

made motions to dung, but could not part
with more than a few small hard hal\%,
which shewed the necessity of opening oily
clysters.

" He had two every day at first, which brought
him to dung pretty freely, and soon reco-
vered the use of his jaws so as to eat hay
and scalded bran. After this he had open-
ing drinks administered to him, and the
dung he voided in a copious purgation was
in vast loads, and must have lain a consider-
able time pent up within him, and when this
load was once discharged he soon recovered,
and without the help of any other means."

Gibson also mentions another extraordi-
nary case of this nature, in a horse belonging
to the second troop of horse ^-enadiers,
at grass about three miles fron. town, along
with some others of the same troop. He
was observed to lag behind his companions
by himself, for several days, which evidently
denoted indisposition. But this was not
much observed by the person who looked
after the horses, till he was scarcely able to
move at all, otherwise his death might pro-
bably have been prevented.

He was so extremely oppressed, that it was
with much difficulty he was got to town. His
eyes were so set in his head that he took not
the least notice of any thing that came near
him, but appeared the same as if he had been
already dead, and upon every motion he
reeled and bore forwards ready to tumble
on his nose, if he had not been supported.
His legs were stretched out and stiff, without
the least use of his joints, and by their cold-
ness shewed the blood to be already stagnant
in those parts, so that in a few hours after his
arrival at the troop-stables, he dropped down
dead without the least struggle.

HRITISII SPOKTSiVIAN.

1 i^

" When opened, his stomach and all his in-
testines, both large and small, were filled and
crammed to snch a degree that it would have
heen impossible, by any means whatever, to
liave procured the least vent. For all ihe
aliment that was in the stomach, and the
dung in the intestinal canal, from one end to
the other, was entirely dry, and without mois-
ture, and before they were laid open appear-
ed as hard and full crammed as a sausage,
without the least yielding or soltness in any
part. The matter contained in them was no
less extraordinary, the stomach being filled
with acorns, sloes, oak-leaves, and such other
things as he could pick up about the hedges,
some green and some withered, for it was
towards the latter end of the year when this
case occurred. The contents of the intes-
tines were chiefly leaves, neither well chewed
nor digested, with a mixture of grass, but
there was little or no grass in his stomach,
but chiefly acorn-cups and leaves, which was
distended to its utmost extent, so as to keep
the muscles at their full stretch, by which
their action, which is necessary in digestion,
was altoiicther at a stand.

"This horse, it seems, had been turned to
grass in a very rank after-math. Here he
had been so surfeited that he came to loath
his grass, and his appetite being depraved,
he had taken to those things that were bitter
and sour to the taste, which generally aggra-
vated his disorder by their restringent qua-
lity. The contents both of his stomach and
intestines, when rubbed betvveen the hands,
crumbled like dung dried in the sun, without
possessing the least drop of moisture or any
ill savour ; for there was no room for air to
be pent up \\\ them, from whence arises that
stench that occurs in opening the intestines
14

of dead animals, and indeed it was some-
what extraordinary that he lived to come to
this extremity, when the muscular action of
the stomach, and the peristaltic motion of
the intestines, by which the ex|)ulsion of the
excrements is forwarded, must iti all proba-
bility have been lost for several days

'' There seemed to be no other reason for
his holding out so long, but that he was in
all respects extremely sound, and little else
was to be seen but a beginning iiiflanunation
in some of the internal parts, which, consi-
dering how unmercifully he was crammed,
could not but be the case.

" Instances frequently occur among men of
voracious appetites who have died suddenly
after an excessive meal, by filling their sto-
machs to such a degree that the strongest
emetics could have no effect upon them. But
these instances in men are not very frequent,
for if a man's stomach is not filled too sud-
denly to its fullest extent (which has some-
times happened to those who have brutishly
eaten for a wager) he will generally have a
spontaneous inclination to vomit, and so get
rid of his enemy. But an excessive fulness
of the stomach and guts must always create
ffreat disorder in a horse that has no natural
power to vomit, so that all possible means
should be used to preserve the passage of the
intestines free and open, according to the
method above described, namely, by clysters,
lenitive purges, and an opening diet, that be-
ine: all the chance he can have for his life ia
such circumstances."

The foreffoins are the observations of
Gibson, who certainly was the most experi-
enced and the most rational of the old prac-
titioners in Veterinary medicine, and his opi-
nion respecting fulness of the stomach being

ax

174

THE COMPLETE FARRIER

AND

one of the causes of Staggers is confirmed
by instances that occur every day.

In farmers' stables it is a very common
practice with the waggoners to rob the gra-
nary for the purpose of feeding their horses
to an extraordinary degree, and on these oc-
casions they are not very nice in their selec-
tion of any particular sort of grain, as they
have been known sometimes to give wheat
to their horses. A case of this kind once oc-
curred to the author of the present treatise,
where a waggon -horse was apparently labour-
ing under a very severe attack of the Staaaers
Every means to procure a passage through
the intestines were resorted to, but in vain ;
and, after a few hours extreme suffering, the
animal died under the highest paroxysms of
frenzy.

Upon opening the body, the stomach was
found distended to the utmost degree, and
so hard that no impression could be made on
it whatever. The inside was full of wheat,
which having been about half masticated,
had formed an undigested pulp, which had
cemented the whole together into one solid
mass, and evidently occasioned the horse's
death. But independently of these tricks of
the waggoners, it is certain that all horses that
stand together in stables without being sepa-
rated from each other by stalls, such as wag-
gon and post-horses, are more exposed to the
danger of overcharging their stomachs than
any others. Foriit often happens that a voraci-
ous feeder will not only eat his own allowance
of corn, but also that of his neighbour, and in
order to accomplish this double task, he eats
proportionably fast, and consequently cannot
chew his food sufficiently for the purposes of
an easy digestion. The best mode to obvi-
ate this inconvenience is to carry up a divid-

ing board of the same depth as the manger,
up to the cieling, in those stables that are
not divided by stalls, and this will effectually
prevent one horse from putting his nose into
that part of the manger which belongs to his
neighbour.

Another circumstance which contributes
greatly to impede digestion, especially in
horses that work hard, is the want of a suf-
ficient quantity of water to drink It is the
common practice to water horses only twice
a day, morning and evening, in which case
they become extremely thirsty and drink
with great eagerness, and generally a pail-
ful at once, whereas if they were watered
four times in the course of the day, they
would neither be so eager, nor in general
drink so much on the whole, as they do un-
der the other circumstance, whilst their di-
gestion would be greatly promoted by a more
frequent supply of fluid to the stomach.

Hence it is that bran-mashes given occa-
sionally are so useful in gently opening the
bowels, and taking off that constant state of
tension which they undergo in consequence
of the hardness and dryness of the food ren-
dering the dung of the same quality. But
there is a very absurd and unfounded notion
amongst all stable-people, that water has a
tendency to make horses become broken-
winded ; and, upon this idea, they would, if
possible, deprive them of it entirely The
fact, however, is, that a horse is more likely
to be broken-winded from the want of a suf-
ficient quantity of water, to repair that waste
and consumption of the fluids of the body
which is occasioned by copious sweating
during his labour ; and hence the blood be-
coming too thick and sizy, the circulation
is not so free through the finer vessels, and

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

175

obstructions arise w liich tcnniuate in the pro-
duction of disease.

In cases where a horse is attacked with oc-
casional symptoms of the Staggers, and con-
stantly carries his head on one side and out
of a perpendicuUir line, there will he reason
to suspect the existence of some organic dis-
ease, such as dropsy in the brain, or a thick-
ening of the membranes, occasioning some
partial compression on that organ. In such
a case no relief can be afforded except by
the operation of trepainiing, and which is
attended with many obstacles, owing to the
uncertainty which must exist in regard to
what part of the skull is likely to be the ex-
act seat of the disease. In sheep this disease
is called the Gid, and it shews itself by the
animal holding his head awry, and turning
round in a circle constantly to one side.
After the disease has existed for a certain
length of time, nature attempts to relieve
herself by making more room in the cavity
of the skull than the bony case originally
supplied, and for this purpose she begins by
absorbing the skull immediately over the
part affected, so that at last the bony part is
completely removed, and nothing remains
but the membranes.

When arrived to this state the head feels
soft in that part, and the shepherds, (some
of whom do it with great expertness) cut
through the membranes with their pocket-
knife, and take out the bag which contains
the water, and the animal is instantly relieved.
The opening in the skin ultimately heals,
and the sheep suttiers no subsequent inconve-
nience from the operation

The next disease which is connected with
the nervous system is

THE PALSY.

It differs, however, from the locked-jaw,
the mad -staggers, and some of the epileptic
affections, inasmuch as those disea.ses are at-
tended with an excess of nervous irritability,
whereas in paralytic disorders the nerves ap-
pear to have become insensible to any sti-
mulus whatever.

In a Palsy the use of some part of the
body or limb is lost, and when the brain is
affected the use of one side is sometimes
taken away. This last attack is called He-
miplegia. In this case the parts affected
become flaccid and relaxed, without the
power of motion, and, sometimes, without
any sense ot feeling, in which respect the
Palsy affects the body in a manner quite dif-
ferent from the Epilepsy. When the Palsy
seizes the animal, it is discovered by the use
of some particular member being- totally or
in part lost, particularly the limbs, sometimes
one, sometimes more, and especially the
hind-legs. This kind of attack is by no
means uncommon, and tremors and shakino's
sometimes attend in such cases, but the othef
attack called Hemiplegia does not occur so
frequently as the former.

When the Palsy seizes one limb only it is
not often dangerous, and is less so when
there is a continual shaking and an involun-
tary motion, but when it attacks both the
hind limbs, the case is then very trouble-
some, and the horse is not able to stand,
without being supported by some means or
other, until he has recovered the use of liis
limbs, at least in some degree. In an Hemi-
plegia the use of one side is totally taken
away, and the horse falls suddenly, and
though at first he will strive very much t(»

176

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

rise, yet it is neither in his own power, nor
in the power of auy by-standers, to raise hiir.
up so as to stand, for though he may be able
to move his limbs on one side, yet he has not
the least power on the other, and his muscles
are so flaccid and relaxed on the paralytic
side, that when he falls his limbs double
under him, and this case in a horse issodes-
perate, that there can scarce be any possible
means of recovering him. Horses that lie
out at grass upon cold wet grounds often
come up with numbness in their limbs, of
which they in some degree lose the use for a
considerable length of time, but this is not
a true Palsy, unless the head is affected, but
it is rather a case of rheumatism. In a true
Palsy the blood is generally very thick and
sizy, proceeding principally from high feed-
ing and want of sufficient exercise, from bad
provender, from noxious fumes, or from bad
air. It may also, on the other hand, arise
from too hard working and want of good
.leep, and sometimes from mere old age,
which last is the most hopeless of all.

When paralytic disorders happen to old
horses that have been delicately kept, or on
the contrary have been in low keeping and
hard worked, if the disease attacks one whole
side, it is scarcely worth our while to attempt
a cure. If the Palsy seizes only particular
parts in old horses, the cure will be difficult
and generally only palliative ; for there will
always remain a degree of numbness and in-
sensibility in those parts which will render
such horses of little use. But paralytic dis-
orders in young horses, proceeding from the
other causes just mentioned, are often re-
moved without much difficulty.

In the cure for the Palsy, bleeding should
seldom or never be practised, except where

the animal is young and very fat. The
bowels should be kept open by a pretty ac-»
tive purge, and stmiulating embrocations
should be rubbed freely on the part affected
The purge may be composed as follows.

Barbad

oes aloes

•

8 drachms

Castile

soap

.

2 drachms

Ginger

•

2 drachms

in one

ball,

to be given with the usual precautions of
mashes and water with the chill taken off.

The following embrocation may be made
use of for the external application.

Oil of turpentine . 4 ounces
Camphor rubbed down 1 ounce
Common soap ... 1 ounce.

Incorporate the above into a liniment, tc
which, if it should be necessary to increase
the stimulating quality, one ounce of tinc-
ture of cantharides may be added.

Let the affected part be first well rubbea
with a woollen cloth, that the liniment may
penetrate more readily, then take a sufficient
quantity, and rub the part with it thoroughly,
working it well in with the hand, and as fast
as the liniment sinks in renew it. This may
be repeated until the numbness goes off, and
the horse can begin to use his limbs. If the
numbness and lameness be chiefly in the
hind-parts, in that case the liniment may be
also rubbed on the back-bone and loins, from
whence the principal nerves that go to the
limbs derive their origin, but when the em-
brocation is rubbed over the loins the can-
tharides should be omitted. Rubbing the
parts often with a hard brush is of use in all
such cases, and, therefore, ought never to t>e
neglected

imiTISH S»»ORTSMA\

I'/7

If the head be aflected on one side, so as
to draw the horse's month awry, the forehead,
temple, and cheek on that side ou};ht also to
be well rubbed and embrocated with the
above liniment, and when this is the case, in-
ternal medicines ought not to be laid aside.
Jf a vertigo liappens, or if the lameness be
universally on one side, but not one univer-
sal deprivation of sense and motion, as in
the Hemiplegia, or dead Palsy, in the first
all objects Sfcm to turn round, so that a
horse, while any sense remains, with the least
use of his limbs, will naturally follow the ob-
ject of his motions. In such a case all those
medicines that have been recommended for
the cure of an Apoplexy are also proper,
with rowels and external applications, in
the latter, when the lameness is altogether on
one side, the horse by leaning on the sound
side, will also turn round towards the same
side, having the use of his limbs on the
hound side to support him, but not so freely
on the other. But as this may happen with-
out a vertigo, the best remedy is mild purg-
ing, with the use of external applications. A
mixture of mustard-seed, fresh ground, with
camphorated spirits frequently rubbed in up-
on the diseased limbs, will be of great use,
viz. an ounce of mustard-seed to half-a-pint
of camphorated spirits, and towards the latter
end of (lie cure opodeldoc may be used with
advantage.

If a lethargy happen, which is not unusual
in distempers of the head, few evacuations
will be required, except occasionally a glys-
ter, with rowels on the neck and under the
jaws, and the use of cordials are necessary
in all lethargic symptoms, as assafoetida,
salt of hartshorn, sal ammoniac, and all
15.

other volatiles, but these can only be aHor<!( d
to horses of some value.

THE EPILEPSY

generally proceeds from the same causes that
produce vertigo, apoplexy, and lethargy, to
all which it has a near alHnity. Sometimes
the Epilipsy proceeds from a plethora, or ful-
ness of blood, which is found to be gross and
sizy. When this disease happens to old
horses, it generally proves incurable, because
nature, being languid, gives but little assist-
ance to the operation of medicine, or any
other means made use of for their recovery
A horse attacked with Epilepsy reels and
staggers, his eyes seem fixed in his head ; he
has no sense of what he is doing, he stales
and dungs insensibly, runs round, and falls
suddenly, sometin»es immoveable, with his
legs stretched out, as if he were dead, ex-
cept only a very quick motion of the heart
and lungs, which occasions his flanks to
work violently, and sometimes an involun-
tary motion and shaking of his limbs. At
the going off of the fit, he generally foams
at the mouth, the foam is white and dry, like
that which comes from a healthy horse when
he cliamps the bit. In order to effect a cure,
it is first necessary to open the bowels by
clysters, after which the following bali mav
be given every twelve hours.

Take of Assafoetida . . 2 drachms
Camphor . , 1 drachm
Emetic Tartar . I drachm

Liquorice-powder and honey sufficient
to make the whole into one ball

RHEUMATISM
This is a disease to which it is most pro-
2y

178

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

bable horses would seldom or never be sub-
ject in a state of nature ; but when the ani-
mal has been rendered delicate and tender
by being kept in the stable, and warmly
cloathed, it is rational to suppose that he
may be affected with it upon any sudden or
violent change in his mode of living. For
although quadrupeds, in a state of nature,
lie upon cold and wet ground, without ex-
periencing any inconvenience or injury, still
it must be evident, that a horse which has
been accustomed to lie upon dry straw, in a
warm stable, and also well cloathed with
rugs, must be in great danger of catching
cold in his limbs, and indeed cases frequently
occur, of horses being attacked with locked
jaw in consequence of this treatment.

Rheumatism has been commonly divided
into two kinds, the acute and the chronic.
The first is always attended with a greater
or less degree of fever, but the latter may
be considered as a mere local affection, and
is generally confined to a single limb, or to
some particular part of the body. Horses
are sometimes attacked with lameness with-
out any visible external cause being disco-
vered, and it also frequently happens that
this kind of lameness shifts from one limb to
another.

In these cases it is fair to presume that the
complaint is rheumatic, especially when the
lameness subsides by exercise, and returns
asrain when the animal becomes cool.

Rheumatic lameness may also, in some
measure, be distinguished from any other,
by the horse's moving the affected limb with-
out bending the joints of it, which is not
the case in any other kind of lameness ex-
cept in the shoulder, or the hip-joint. When
the disease attacks the loins, it may be as-

certained by the motion of the horse, for in
consequence of the extreme pain he feels,
and the loss of the action of the muscles in
those parts, he loses all flexibility in his back
and body, and is obliged to step short with
all his legs alike ; and another peculiar cir-
cumstance is. that the animal never lies down,
from the consciousness of being unable to
rise again without great pain and difficulty

Bracken says "that the shoulders are often
affected, but that the confirmed rheumatism
is usually seated in or about the hip-joint,
and the adjacent membranes."

The horse goes lame from no visible cause,
but after a long continuance of the disease
a wasting of the parts may ensue.

The sight and touch must determine the
case, distinguishing it from lameness in the
foot, the tendon, the hock and stifle, or from
the pains occasioned by incipient spavins or
curbs. He says it is probable that no me-
thod would be so likely to effect a cure as
the application of the actual cautery, holes
being burnt in rather deep into the muscular
parts, near the uervus sciaticus, and the is-
sues kept open so as to keep up a discharge
for a considerable time.

At all events when the part affected can
be ascertained with any certainty, strong spi-
rituous applications should be resorted to,
first beginning by administering a purge ;
the horse should be kept warmly cloathed,
and should have walking exercise twice &
day in good weather.

The following embrocation may be used
with advantage.

Take — Hog's lard . . 2 ounces
Camphor . . a drachms
Oil of turpentine . 6 drachma

BRITISH SI'OirrSMAN.

171)

Spirits of sal aininoniac . 2 drachdiin
to be mixed for use.
Let the part affected be well rubbed with
the above oiuttuent twice a day.

After the purge which has been recom-
mended has ceased to operate^ the following-
ball may be given every night, for three or
four nights.

Sulphur ... 2 drachms
Assafoetida ... 2 drachms
Ginger ... 1 drachm

Soap ... 2 drachms

mixed into a mass with treacle.
When the complaint, however, has been
of long standing, a summer's run at grass is
most likely to restore the animal to a state of
health and soundness.

Warm bathing has been recommended,
but the great dilliculty attending the appli-
cation of it to so large an animal almost pre-
cludes the use of it, besides that the great
length of time which must elapse before the
horse could be rubbed thoroughly drv all
over his body, would expose him to the dan-
ger of catching a fresh cold, and would in
that case be more likely to retard than to ac-
celerate the cure.

Some years ago, a farrier, of the nante of
Poxall, resident in Moorfields, constructe<l
a set of hot-baths sufficiently capacious for
the purpose of receiving the animal entirely.
They were in great reputation for a consi
derable length of time, but ultimately, for
some reason or other, were totally laid aside.

ON WORMS.

The existence of these insects in the sto-
machs and intestines of horses is so general,
that very few escape being troubled with
them either at one season or another. Hence
it would appear that their existence is almost
incorporated with that of the horse, who
seems to be the natural medium for their
propagation. Mr. Bracey Clarke, who has
written a very excellent treatise on this sub-
ject, is indeed of opinion that the stimulus
arising from worms in the stomachs of horses
is useful and beneficial to the animal, and is
probably tiie means of preventing other dis-
eases.

Worms with which horses are troubled

are of different sorts. The most common
kinds are the following, viz. bots and the
ascarides. The first of these, the bot, is
generally of a brown colour. It is shaped
like a ship's buoy, about half an inch in
length, and the same in circumference round
its thickest part. It is generally found stick-
ing to the insensible part of the stomach,
and very frequently in great numbers, and
close together like a bunch of grapes

They adhere with great firmness, and it
requires some degree of force to remove
them from their hold They are furnished
with two sharp penetrating spicula; from one
end of their bodies, which pierce into the

180

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; am

skin, and act as a pair of forceps, and as
Uie surface of the stomach where they have
laken hold inflames and ulcerates, they
pierce still deeper, for the purpose of taking
fresh hold, until it sometimes occurs that
holes are made in this way quite through
the stomach.

According to the accurate and scientific
experiments of Mr. Bracey Clarke, the old
notion that these worms were generated in
the anus, and passed from thence through
the intestines into the stomach, has been
proved to be both absurd and erroneous.
And indeed it must appear extraordinary, on
a moment's reflection, that the insect should
be able to make its way in opposition to the
peristaltic motion of the intestines, as well
as to the dung accumulated therein. The
actual mode of propagation, as Mr. Clarke
has described it, is as follows. The female
fly being properly impregnated, flies about
the fore parts of the horse, and deposits its
eggs on the fore-legs and some part of the
shoulders. These eggs are very visible, in
the form of little yellow knits, upon horses
that have been at grass during the summer.
Whenever the horse bites his legs from itch-
ing, or any other cause, some of these eggs
enter the mouth and pass into the stomach
along with the saliva, where they are hatched
and become the bot, and after remaining in
the stomach until the following summer, they
quit the body of the horse, by dropping from
the anus, and at a certain distance of time
are converted into the fly, which again de-
posits its eggs and with the same result as
before.

The small worms, called the ascarides,
generally inhabit the rectum. They are
{ormed like an eel, and very much ^"sembie

those that are found in the human body
They are generally white, and sometimes of
a reddish cast. They are very troublesome^
and expose horses to gripes and other irri-
tating actions in the intestines. As to the
cause of these worms, it is imagined, that,
as is the case with the human subject, some
constitutions are more disposed to breed them
than others. Some have attributed them to
foul feeding, which produces crudities and
slimy indigested matter in the bowels, espe-
cially in horses that have been pampered
for sale, forming a proper nidus for worms.
This, perhaps, may, in some measure, be the
case, but it is probable that the principal
cause is a want of energy in the functions of
the stomach and intestines, as worms are sel-
dom found in animals that are perfectly
healthy in these respects.

Gibson gives the following account upon
this subject. He says, " The signs of worms
in horses are various, according to their dif-
ferent kinds. The bots that many horses
are troubled with are found sticking to the
rectum, and are often thrust out with the
dung, along with a yellowish coloured matter
like melted sulphur.

" They are apt to make a horse restless and
uneasy, and to rub his breech against a post.
The season of their appearing is usu.ally in
the months of May or June, after which
they are seldom to be seen, and rarely con-
tinue in any one horse above a fortnight or
three weeks. Those that take possession of
the membranous part of the stomach are
more irritating and dangerous in causing
convulsions, and are seldom discovered by
any previous signs before they bring a horse
into violent agony." The teretes, or earth-
worms, give little disturbance to a liors-t:.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

181

and would hardly be discovered, but for
their bcin<j seen now and then to come away
with the duui';'. Frequently horses void one
or two, and no more, and sometimes they
will void pretty large (luantitiesot" the young
brood, not much larger than the ascarides,
only of a red colour, and not white as the
latter generally are.

Thev are most common in autumn, or the
beginning of winter, though a horse will
now and then void one or two of these at
other times of the year.

The ascarides, or sniall needle-like worms,
are very troublesome to horses, breed at all
times of the year, and often when one breed
.s destroyed another succeeds. Although
they are not dangerous, yet when a horse is
pestered in this way, though he will work
tolerably well, his hair stares as if he was
sickly, and nothing that he eats makes him
thrive. It is evident also that worms some-
times occasion pain, tor a horse that is trou-
bled witii them often strikes his belly with
his hind foot, which he always does when he
is griped, but to a greater degree.

He neither lies down nor rolls as in the
gripes, but merely shews some degree of un-
easiness, and generally recovers in a very
short time, and begins to feed.

But the surest sign of worms is when they
are voided with the dung, and also the yel-
low marks about the fundament and the root
of the tail, which always are to be seen in
horses that are troubled with those insects.

Various remedies have been proposed by
diffeient authors for the removal of these
troublesome inmates. Gibson says, "ahorse
may be relieved without much expense or
trouble, only by giving him a spoonful of
savin, once or twice every day, in oats or
ib

bran moistened, and if three or four cloves
of chopped garlic be mixed with the savin
it will do better, for garlic is of great ser-
vice in these complaints. Horses that are
troubled with bots," he says, "ought to be
|)iirged with calomel and aloetic purges be-
fore the weather grows too hot, and if tliey
be kept to a clean diet after this, it will be a
great chance if ever they are troubled with
them any more. As the bots generally hap-
pen about the grass season, those horses that
are turned out to grass often get rid of them
there, by the first fortnight's purging, and
tho.se who have the convenience of a good
pasture for their horses need not be \ery so-
licitous about giving them medicines."

A recent author, Mr. Denny, recommends
the following prescription, viz.

Take of^Calomel . . 1 drachm

Aniseeds, in powder half-an-ounce
Treacle enough to make a ball.

This is to be given in the evening, and the
next morning the following is to be admi-
nistered :

Take of — Soccotrine Aloes . 8 drachms
Ginger . . . 2 drachms

Treacle enough to make a ball.

The foregoing bolus and purgative ball
is ordered to be repeated, after an interval of
nine days, until the horse has taken three
doses. Then the following powder is ad-
vised daily for about a month. This process
does not require any change of diet or in-
volve any hazard from the effects of cold.

Take of Ethiop's mineral
Crude antimony prepared
Aniseeds, in powder, half-au-ounc«.
mix them together.
2-^

18*2

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; ano

The treatment of the horse during- this
course of worm-medicine, is the same as in
the usual practice of administering purges.
" Some prefer/' he says, " giving Barbadoes
aloes for the removal of worms, thinking it
more efficacious than the soccotrine, at the
same time it exposes a horse more to gripes
and other dangerous attacks, unless it be
managed with great care." The following
Gibson recommends as a cheap purge of
this kind.
Take of— Barbadoes aloes . 1 ounce

Salt of tartar . . 2 drachms
Ginffer . . . li drachm
Oil of amber . a tea-spoon full
Syrup of buckthorn sufficient to make
a ball.

The foregoing are the remedies proposed
by different authors, nevertheless it is a cer-
tain fact, that no medicine has the effect
either of destroying or bringing away the
bots before that period of the year at which
they quit the horse spontaneously, for the pur-
pose of passing into another stage of exist-
ence, that of the fly. What it is that ren-
ders them proof against the action of the
strongest poisons it is not easy to ascertain,
but it most probably arises from their being-
defended by a kind of fur, or spiculated
hairs, which prevents any thing from enter-
ing into contact with the surface of the body.
In the months of June and July these bots
may be seen sticking- to the fundament pre-
paratory to their being dropped, and this
circumstance gave rise to the idea that they
entered the stomach at the anus, and by pass-
ing from thence through the intestines.

The kind of worms called ascarides, some-
iimes come away in great numbers with the

help of a purge, and the animal is, for a
time, perfectly freed from these troublesome
insects. But in many horses there seems to
be a natural propensity to generate worms,
and this, is undoubtedly increased by bad
feeding and a want of proper attention as to
the regularity of diet, &c.

It sometimes happens that the simple irri-
tation of the intestines only will bring on a
natural purging, so as to prove the means of
ejecting considerable quantities of these
small worms, accompanied with much slime
and mucus. These ascarides are the cause
of great inconvenience to the horse, for they
not only make him look thin and emaciated,
but also weaken him to such a degree as to
render him luifit for any labour whatever.

In this state the coat generally stares, and
the skin sticks fast to the ribs, and the animal
sweats upon using any exertion, however
short the continuance of it. Upon the whole,
it would seem that these worms proceed, in
a great measure, from a vitiated appetite and
a weak digestion, which renders them the
more difficult to be removed.

Calomel seems to be the favourite remedy
with almost all authors that have written on
the subject, but it is a very dangerous medi-
cine except it be given with great caution
and in moderation.

Numerous instances have come within tlie
knowledge of the author of this work, of
horses having been killed by mercurial purges
made up from recipes of Taplin and other
writers, and these unfortunate events have
constantly deterred him from prescribing-
calomel in large doses, especially tor horses
that were not inmiediately under his own
care and observation.

Gibson, however, recommends meixury ii;

BRITISH SI>(JRTSMAN.

183

the following form, and which certainly is
not so likely to gripe a horse as calomel.

Take of— Quicksilver . . 2 drachms

Venice turpentine half-an-ounce.

Rub the quicksilver with the turpentine in
a mortar till no particle of the former
appear, then add

Oil of savin, thirty or forty drops
Soccotrinc aloes, in powder, half-an-
ounce
Ginger ... 1 drachm

Syrup of buckthorn enough to make it
up in a ball.

Let one of these mercurial purges be given
in the foregoing quantity, one in six or eight
days, with the usual precautions of bran-
mashes and water with the chill off. It will
work mildly and with little or no griping or
sickness.

Gibson also recommends another mercu-
rial purge, composed of the following ingre-
dients, viz.

Diagridium

Caloe of antimony each . 2 drachms
Soccotrine aloes . . 6 drachms

Ginger grated . . 1 drachm

Oil of savin, thirty or forty drops.
Syrup of buckthorn enough to form a
ball.

When a horse has gone through a course
of these mercurial purges, he advises the
following drink to be given twice or thrice a
week, viz.

Rue

Camomile flowers

Horehound, of each a handful.

Liquorice-root 1 ounce.

Boil these in a quart of soft water, about
fifteen minutes, in a covered vessel, and keep
it covered till cold, then strain it through a
piece of coarse canvass, and give it in the
morning on an empty stomach.

Some have supposed that powdered tin
was a specific against worms. The way in
which it is prepared is by melting down any
quantity of it in a crucible, pouring it hot
into a wooden bowl, and rolling it round till
part of it is turned to a greyish powder.
Then melting again the remaining part, and
rolling it again, and continuing this opera-
tion till all that can be reduced to powder is
obtained from it. This may be given to the
quantity of two ounces at a dose, mixed up
into a ball with liquorice-powder and treacle.
If this metal possesses any medicinal virtue in
the destroying of worms, it must be from the
small portion of arsenic which it generally
contains, and upon this principle it would be
a more certain mode of administering that
powerful drug to give it in its pure state,
combining it with other substances calcu-
lated to palliate any violent effects that might
sometimes arise from its use. The quantity
miffht be as follows :

10 grains

Arsenic

Opium . . . I scruple

Liquorice-powder and syrup of buck-
thorn enough to make one ball.

This may be given every morning fasting,
for six mornings successively, except it is
found to occasion any inconvenience to the
anim-il, such as griping, extreme nausea, &c.
At the expiration of the six days a purge
may be given composed of

184

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

Barbadoes aloes . . . S drachms
Castile soap . , . 1 ounce
Ginger . ... 1 drachm
in a ball with svrup,

Antimonial preparations are usetul in des-
troying the ascarides, particular emetic tar-
tar. Sulphur is also a good medicine. It
may be given to the quantity of an aunce,
night and morning.

Ethiop's mineral also^ in doses of half an
ounce, may be administered with advantage,
every fourth day for two or three weeks. All
these medicines, however, require an aloetic
purge at the conclusion. When worms ap-
pear to have been produced by high feeding
and a bad digestion, together with want of
air and exercise, or from unwholesome food,
it will require great attention to obviate
those irregularities, so that the medicines
may .lot be impeded in their effect.

A run at grass certainly contributes to the

removal of the ascarides from the intestines ;
but, at the same time, it exposes the horse
more to the generation of bots, from the
eggs that are deposited by the fly on the
fore legs and shoulders of the animal, and
which are seldom deposited on horses that
are kept in the stable, at least they are rub-
bed off by the curry-comb and brush before
the horse has time to take any of them in at
his mouth.

Worms are not confined to the stomach
and intestines of horses only, as instances
are upon record, and well-authenticated, of
their being found in the blood-vessels, and
even in the aqueous humour of the eye.
This last phenomenon is said to be no un-
common occurrence amongst horses in the
East Indies. The author cannot conclude
this chapter without again adverting to Mr.
Bracey Clark's excellent treatise on the bots
which every owner of horses would be gra-
tified in perusing.

ON TRAIJ^IJVG FOR THE COURSE AJ^D THE CHASE.

There is scarcely any part of the man-
agement of horses that requires more judg-
ment and nicer discrimination than that
which relates to the present subject. Certain
received opinions, and deep-rooted prejudices,
have long held an arbitrary sway in matters
of this nature, and whoever is bold enoutrh
to dispute the soundness of those opinions
nmst expect nothing bntridicule for his pains.
Ihe plea of experience is constantly thrown

in his teeth, and the ancient charter of tor-
menting and destroying horses is maintained
with as much pertinacity as magna charta is
by every true Briton and friend to his country.
But the validity of experience must in all
cases depend principally on the variety of
systems that have been put in practice, and
on a fair and impartial comparison drawn
between them. For the experience of a sel
of men who have never trod but in the same

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

183

heateti track cannot be worth much. It may,
indeed, sometimes point out to them that they
are wrong, but it can never shew them how
to go right without a thorough knowledge
of radical principles. A man may for fifty
years of his life see the sun rise in the morn-
ing and set again at night, but although he
knows the certainty of this fact from experi-
ence, still he may remain to the day of his
dtath as ignorant of the nature and course
of that celestial body, as he was at the first
hour of his existence. Precisely of this
quality is that sort of experience which is
held up as the basis of all stable knowledge,
and from which it is considered a kind of
heresy to dissent.

It is certain that there are some people
who deem the most violent and preposterous
mode of treatment as perfectly safe and
harmless, merely because the poor animal
that is doomed to undergo it, happens to
survive it. A simple perusal, however, of
most of the stud-books of men upon the
turf, will afl'ord ample evidence of the dan-
ger of the practice, one instance alone having
come luider the observation of the author of
the present work, w here, in a list of the pro-
duce of a particular brood-mare, no fewer
than three out of eleven had died in trainiuir.

Accidents of this description, however, are
so far from convincing the owners of race-
horses of the folly and temerity of such a
.system, that they appear to submit to them
as mere matters of course, and are ready to
attribute the fatal result to any thing but the
true cause.

This may be called experience with a ven-
geance, and it seems to have pretty much
tlie same effect as the spectacle of an execu-

15

tion has upon the Idlow who is detected in
picking pockets under the very gallows.

If every horse's constitution was precisely
the same, tlie whole business of training
might be restricted to the narrow compass
in which it is at present comprised. But
whilst there is so much and such evident va-
riety, the mi.schief which accrues from ad-
hering to one general course, must be, one
would suppose, sufficient to induce a change
of practice. It is admitted on all hands that
no man would ask another tj repair or regu-
late a piece of machinery except the person
so employed was fully acquainted with its
constituent principles. But there seems to
be an extraordinary latitude allowed in every
thing that relates to horses, and every stable-
boy who can ride and clean a horse is sup-
posed to be perfectly acquamted with the
animal oeconomy and the cause and cure of
diseases, without possessing one particle of
knowledge on the subject of anatomy, or of
the nature and effect of drugs.

He acquires a certain train of reasoning
from his elders, and talks in the same pro-
found style about humours, &c. and in due
time bleeds, purges, and sweats without mercy
every horse that happens to fall under his
hands. That many a good horse has died
under such an ordeal, is an indisputable
fact, nor is it less certain that many a good
racer has been beat solely from the bad effects
of the treatment before mentioned.

That such a system as the one alluded to
is not absolutely necessary to qualify a horse
for the business of the turf, has been proved
at more periods than one. The following
instance may serve as an illustration of this
fact. About seventy or eighty years ago, fc
3a

186

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

sporting man. Sir Robert Fagg, (of the
county of Sussex) was in possession of the
best blood on the turf at that day. But the
super-excellence of his horses was such, that
he found it very difficult to make any matches
without giving very great odds in weight.

He therefore kept his horses in a very
rough state, without clothing, simply feeding
them with the best hay and oats, and giving
them strong exercise every day. In this
state they were travelled to the different races,
and sometimes to increase their disguise, a
pair of panniers were put upon their backs.
This trick of course did not last long, but it
enabled him to make some advantageous
matches, by which he won immense sums.

As it may not be unentertaining to the rea-
der to give him a specimen of the early sys-
tem of training, the following extract from
a very old author on equestrian matters has
been selected.

" The ordering a horse for a match or
plate.— Yfhew you have either matched your
horse, or design him to run for a plate, you
should consider that you ought to reserve a
month at least, to draw his body perfectly
clean, and to refine his wind to that degree
of perfection that is capable of being at-
tained by art. In the first place, take an ex-
act view of the state of his body, both out-
wardly and inwardly, as whether he be low
or high in flesh, or whether he be dull and
heavy when abroad, and if this has been
ca\ised by too hard riding, give him an ounce
ol diapente in a pint of good old inalaga
sack, which will both cleanse his body and
rwive his spirits. Then for the first week
feed him continually with bread, oats, and
split beans, giving him sometimes the one
and sometimes the other, according to what

he likes best, always leaving some in his
locker to eat at leisure while you are absent,
and when you return at your hours of feed-
ing, take away what is left, and give him
fresh till you have made him wanton and
playful. For this purpose, take notice, that
though you ride him every morning and
evening, on airing, and every other day on
hunting, j/e^^OM are not to szaeat him, or put
him to any violent labour, the design of the
week's ordering being to keep him in wind
and breath and to prevent pursiveness. You
must now make a finer bread than before, as
follows ; Take two pecks of beans, and a
peck of wheat, and let them be ground to-
gether, but not too fine, to prevent too much
bran in the bread, and dress one peck of the
meal through a fine range, and knead it up
with new ale yeast, and the whites of a dozen
new-laid eggs, and bake this in a loaf by it-
self; but dress the rest of the meal through
a bolter, and knead it only with ale and
yeast, and use it in all other points as the
former ; the peck-loaf is to be given the
horse when you set him, and the other at or-
dinary times. This bread very much in-
creases the strength, courage, and wind of
your horse. If your horse be brisk and lively,
when you lead him out of the stable, he will
leap and play about you; then you must not
oidy omit giving him the sack and diapente,
but any other dose whatever; for it will ra-
ther prey upon the strength of his body, and
by that means weaken him. If your horse
be engaged in a hunting-match you must
sweat him ; you must sweat him twice this
week, not by hunting him after the hare,
but by train-scent, since the former on this
occasion may prove deceitful, for though the
hounds should b^ very swift, yet the sccul

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

IK7

being cold, the hounds will very often be at
faultj and by that moans the horse will have
many sobs, so that when he comes to run
train-scents in earriest, he will expect ease
tor his wind. Therefore lead your train-
scent with a dead cat, over such grounds as
you are likely to run on, and which best
agrees with the humour of your horse, and
also choose the fleetest hounds you can get,
and they will keep your horse up to the
height of his speed. As to the nundjer of
train-scents which you should ride at a time,
that is to be ordered according to the match
you are to run, or rather according to the
strength of your horse and his ability for per-
forming- his heats; for if you labour him
beyond his strength, it will take him ofl' his
speed, weaken his limbs, and daunt his spirit
If you give him too little exercise, it will
render him liable to be pursive and full of
humours, and incline him to a habit of lazi-
ness, so that when he comes to be put to
labour bevond his usual rate, he will jjrow
restive and settle like a jade. But so far
may be said by way of direction, that if \ou
are to run eight train-scents, and the straight
course more or less, you are not to put him
to such severe labour above twice in the
whole month's keeping-. And if it be in the
first fortnight, it will be the better, for then
he will have a whole fortnight to recover his
strength again ; and as for his labour in the
last fortnight, let it be proportionate to his
streng'th and wind, as sometimes half his
task, and then three quarters of it. Only
observe, that the last trial you uuike in the
first fortnight be a train-scent more than
your match, for by that means you will finil
what he is able to do. And as to the pro-
portion of his exercise twice a week, that is

suflicieut to keep him in breath, and yet will
not injure or diminish his vigour.

" But if your hunting-match be to run fewer
trains, then you may put him to his whole
task the oftener, according as you find him
in condition, only observe that you are not
to strain him for ten days at least, before lie
runs his match, that he may be led into the
field in perfect health and vigour.

" If you design your horse for a plate, let
him take his heats according to this direc-
tion, only let him be on the place, that he
may be acquainted with the ground ; a'.id as
for the hounds you may omit them, as not
being tied to their speed, but that of your
adversary's horse.

" But as to the number of heats let them be
according to what the articles exact, only ob-
serve, that, as to the sharpness of thein, they
must be regulated accordins,- to the stren"th
and goodness rff his wind. And when you
heat him, provide some horses upon the
course to run against him ; this will quicken
his spirit, and encourage him, when he finds
he can outrun them at his pleasure. And
here too you must observe the same rule, not
to give the horse a bloodi/ heat for ten days,
or a fortnight, before the plate is to be run
for ; and let the last heat you give him be-
fore the day of trial be in all his cloths, and
just skclp it over, which will make liiin run
the nc\t time the more vigorously, when
he shall be stript naked, and feel the cold air
pierce him. During- this mouth, and on his
resting days, and after his sweats on hunting-
days (if there be any occasion for sweating
him) you must observe the same rules that
have been given for the first week of the
thi'd fortnights keeping, only you must omit
all scourings but rye-bread and mashes, since

188

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

your horse, being in so perfect a state of
body, has no need of any, except you shall
judtje there is occasion, and that the horse
proves thirsty about eight or nine o'clock,
YOU may give him the following julap, to
cool and quench his thirst, viz.

" Take of— Barley-water . . r<i quarts
Syrup of violets . 3 ounces
Syrup of lemon . 2 ounces

" Having mixed these together give them
to the horse to drink, and if he refuse, place
it so that he may not throw it down, and let
it stand by him all night. During the last
fortnight, you must give him dried oats that
have been hulled by beating, and having
put the whites of a dozen, or twenty eggs,
to half a strike of oats, 'itir them together
and let them lie all night to soak, and spread
them abroad in the sun the next morning till
they are as dry as they were at first, and so
give them to your horse ; and when these are
spent, prepare another quantity after the
same manner. This food is light of diges-
tion and very good for his wind. You must
hull his beans also, but not give tliem to him
so often, if he will eathrs oats without them j
and as for his bread, make that of three parts
wheat to one of beans, and order it as be-
fore directed. But if you find your horse in-
clinable to be costive, then give him oats
washed in two or three whites of effffs and
ale beaten together, to cool his body and
keep it moist. Give him no mash for the
last week, only the barley-water as before
directed, but let him have his fill of hay, till
the day before he is to run his match, when
you must give it him more sparingly, that
he may have time to digest what he has
eaten, and then you may muzzle him with a

cavesson; and be sure on that day, and not
till the morning he is let out, to feed him as
much as possible, for such a day's Aabour
will require something to maintain his
strength. Therefore, in the morning before
he is let out, give him a toast or two of
white-bread steeped in sack, which will invi-
gorate him, and when you have done, lead
him out into the iield. But if you are to
run for a plate, which commonly is not till
three o'clock in the afternoon, then by all
means have him out early in the morning to
air, that he may empty his body; and when
he is come in from airing, feed him with
toasts and sack, considering that as too
much feeding would endanger his wind, so
too long fasting would cau.se faintness.

"When he has eaten what you have though
fit to give him, put on his cavesson, and
haviu": afterwards well chafed his leo;s with
hog's lard and brandy warmed together,
shake up his litter, and shut up the stable
close, and take care that there is no noise
near him, and let him rest till the hour come
that he is to go out into the field."

The foregoing detail has been given
merely as a specimen of early training, with-
out any intention of recommending it. Ab-
surd as it is in many points, still some of our
modern practice is not less so, nor is it likely
to be otherwise until reason and common
sense shall overcome ignorance and preju-
dice.

The first proceeding in training a horse or
getting him into condition, is generally to
purge him ; and this course, if regulated by
moderation and discretion, is not perhaps
very objectionable, especially with horses
that are extremely fat. In the old recipes
for purging-balls there was such a mixture of

KRITISII SPORTSMAN.

189

drugs as to render it almost impossible to an-
ticipate the probable ettects of the medicine
when given.

This folly has been in some measure ex-
ploded, although the dangerous practice of
giving a large dose of calomel still exists,
and still continues to occasion the death of
numbers of horses. Aloes are well kaown
to be a safe and certain purgative, and if
the action of the intestines is increased so
as to unload them thoroughly of their
contents, and to diminish the quantity of
superabundant fluids in the body, by absorb-
ing them and carrying them off by stool, the
purpose is as fully answered by using aloes
alone as by combining them with any other
drug whatsoever. For, in fact, there is no
specific quality in any purgative whatever,
its action being merely to increase the se-
cretion of the bile, which flowing into the
intestines in a larger quantity than usual, ir-
ritates and excites them to an increased ac-
tion in their peristaltic motion, and thereby
facilitates the discharge of their contents.

Therefore, as purging is produced by giv-
ing such medicines as are found, by their
stimulating properties, to excite the coats of
the stomach and intestines, and increase
their action, so as to cause them to throw off
their contents by evacuation, it would ap-
pear that the different kinds of purging me-
dicines dirtier only in degrees of strength,
and that they operate no otherwise upon the
dift'erent humours of the body than by sti-
mulating the first passages more or less, and
thereby causing a greater evacuation by
stool. So that, in fact, the operation of purg-
ing only lessens the quantity of the fluids
contained in the body, without making any

IG

alteration in the natural properties of that
which is left behind.

This, therefore, shews the folly of expect-
ing to drain off any particular humour, or
to attack any particular part by purging,
because its action is upon the whole system
at large. Thus, in a horse that has swelled
legs or greasy heels, a purge does not act
separately on the fluids contained in the legs,
but simply pumps them up into the body, as
it were, by absorption, from whence they
are carried off by stool, and the legs are re-
lieved. Whenever a horse is out of order,
he is commoidy said to be foul in his body and
full of humours, by which it is meant to im-
ply that the animal is in a bad habitof body.

But the mere expression of humours^ is
by no means a proper term, nor can it be
said to convey a just meaning on the sub-
ject, because the body of an animal in its
healthy state is full of humours. Thus there
is a humour that lubricates the coats of the
intestines, ahumour in the chamberof th eye,
a humour to moisten the surface of the nose,
and another to moisten the surface of the skin.

These may all be considered as humours,
without their bearing any relation to disease
whatever. Bracken makes a very sensible
and humourous remark upon this subject
He says " Thi^ fondness for purging seems
very much to quadrate with the outward
senses, and makes the ignorant part of man-
kind (whose heads are fuller of humours than
their horses) imagine that purging medicines
carry oft' the oftending matter in most dis-
orders, never considering that in proportion
as any one evacuation is heightened or in<
creased, most, or all, of the other natural
evacuations are diminished."
3 b

190

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; anu

Some people have a practice of riding
their horses very hard before they give tliem
purging medicines, with a view, as they term
it, to stir up the humours, that when they
are supposed to be afloat they may the more
readily be carried off by purging.

This practice can have no good eflect
whatever, except its tending to empty the in-
testines of hard dung preparatory to giving
the medicine.

But whilst it has this effect, it also has an-
other which is not so desirable. For by in-
creasing; the circulation of the blood, the in-
testines are heated and rendered more irrita-
ble, and consequently more liable to griping
and inflannnation than they would be under
other circumstances.

It is no less improper to ride a horse about
much during the operation of a purge, for
although this is generally done with the view
of facilitating the operation, yet, if carried
to an extreme, it has sometimes the effect of
exciting the action of perspiration, or in-
creasing the discharge of urine, either of
which lessen the operation of the purge, by
diverting its action to another channel, and
thereby defeating the original intention for
which the purge was given, besides that per-
sons who are ignorant of this bad result of
loo much exercise, during the operation of a
purge, are apt to coriclude, from the dimin-
ished evacuation of dung which takes place
in consequence of it, that the dose was not
strong enough, and thence give a stronger
dose the next time, to the great hazard of the
horse's existence.

Purges operate very differently upon dif-
ferent horses. Some undergo them without
the least inconvenience whatever, and nei-
ther refuse food nor water during the whole

proces^, whilst others become extremely lan-
guid, and will neither eat nor drink for se-
veral hours. With horses of this last des-
cription it is extremely difficult to cause the
purge to operate kindly, on account of their
not drinking. In this case it is advisable to
drench them occasionally with a considera-
ble quantity of warm thin gruel, and also to
clear the rectum of any hardened dung by
back-raking. There are some horses, on
the other hand, that will take exceeding
large doses without any effect whatever, ex-
cept increasing the discharge of urine.

It is, hovj'ever, a very dangerous practice to
STO on increasins: the dose, as it sometimes
happens that a sudden change takes place in
the disposition of the intestines, and a violent
and immoderate purging ensues, which can-
not be stopped by any tneans whatever.

The best course to be taken with horses
that are dihicult to be purged, is to divide
the dose into small quantities and to give
them in the following manner, viz. having
first prepared =the horse, by mashes, the day
previous, give him four drachms of Barba-
does aloes made up with half an oinice of
castile soap, in the morning fasting — repeat
the same quantity on the same night, and if
he has not purged on the following morning,
nor appears to be at all sick or affected \)\
the medicine, give a third dose of the same
quantity, and it will generally be found to
answer when a larger quantity given all at
once has been known to fail.

The horizontal position of a horse's body
is less favourable to the speedy operation of
purging medicines than the upright posture
of the human frame, hence it generally re-
quires twenty-four hours to elapse before
they begin to operate, althougli they some-

BRl riSII SPORTSMAN

i9i

times commence in a smaller length of
time

But much will depciul on the natural con-
stitution of the horse, and whenever the
usual (lose does not take the eU'ect within
twenty-four or thirty hours, the best plan on
a future occasion is to divide the dose into
small quantities, and give one portion of
it at intervals of twelve hours, as before
recommended, until the animal begins to
purge.

Strict attention should be paid in giving
the ball, to be certain that the horse swal-
lows it, as it sometimes happens that old
horses will hold it in their mouths for a con-
siderable length of time, and afterwards
cough it up again.

It should also be ascertained that he swal-
lows the whole of it, as no certain conclu-
sion as to the efKcacy of the medicine can
be formed without attending closely to these
circumstances.

In giving the ball it is usual to take hold
of the horse's tongue with the left-luuid, and
to draw it out between the grinders, so that
the animal cannot bite the operator's hand
without biting his own tongue. But this is
done very frequently in so rough and brutal
a manner as to give the horse great pain,
and to render him very shy and averse to
taking a ball at any future period.

The common and injudicious mode of
holding- the tongue is, by drawing it out
sideways out of the mouth to a great extent,
and to pull it with considerable force, with-
out having any check on the hand what-
ever, so that if the animal snatches back his
head, there is great danger of his tongue
being pulled out by the roots, or else of be-
ing materially injured : and this occurrence

has been known not unfrequently to take
place.

The proper and safe mode is to hold the
ton" lie with the three lirst fmiicrs of the lefl
hand, and to j)Iace the little linger of the
same hand within the lower jaw, and b>
prissing against the inside of it, the hand is
contined to the jaw, and of course follov\s
the motion of the head in every direction,
and prevents the probability of any accident
happening to the tongue from the causes be-
fore mentioned.

The prejudices of most people who have
to train horses for the field or the chase, are
so strong in favour of purging that they
never believe it to be possible that a horse
can be in a proper state for cither of those
purposes, except he has first had three strong
purges given to him ; and there seems to be
some magic attached to the number three,
for the animal is always condenuied to swal-
low a third dose, even though the two first
may have operated within an inch of his
life, and have left him in such a state of ex-
haustion and debility as would require a con-
siderable time to overcome. Undoubtedly
there are many cases where purging is indis-
pensibly necessary to get a horse into condi-
tion; but, on the other hand, it is equally true
that there are thousands of horses which un-
dergo constant and severe labour without
any preparation of the kind whatever, and
there are no racers nor hunters in such high
condition as mail-coach horses, that are well
fed and kept in cool stables, and (hat travel
a certain number of miles regularl) every
day, and these horses are seldom or never
purged, except in rases of worms or of greasy
heels.

It seems to be a law ni the aiuniai o-co.

192

THE COMPLETK FARRIER; and

nomy, that when the functions of any part
have been excited to an excess, it is always
followed with a proportionate degree of tor-
por and inaction. Hence after a violent
purge has ceased to operate, the secretion of
bile, and the natural fluids which lubricate
the intestines, are diminished in quantity, and
the animal thereby becomes more costive
than he was previously to taking the purge.

In this state of body he is again liable to
experience all the bad effects of costiveness,
such as attacks on the eyes or swelling of the
extremities.

Dr. Bracken, who was a great sportsman
and a great enemy to this indiscriminate
practice of purging, cites a case of a mare
of his own which he had run for six years,
having in that time given her only two
purges. He also states that she had no me-
dicine whatever during that period, except
about the bigness of a pigeon's egg, of cor-
dial ball occasionally, and that she perform-
ed as well as most of her neighbours, having
won eight plates out of nine every year.

Mr. Clarke, of Edinburgh, also makes
some very judicious observations on the
abuse of purging medicines. Speaking on
this subject, he says, " It may be of use to
ihe young practioner to explain what is meant
by the phrase of the humours falling down ;
but, at tlie same time, I must inform him, that
this phrase is so generally in use, that when
a horse's eyes are affected the humours are
said to fall down into them, although they
are situated nearly in the most elevated parts
of the body But to explain their falling-
down to the extiemities, I shall take a case
that frequently occurs. When a horse that
is in the highest state of health, but is too
fat and full of juices, ntul accustomed to

stand much at rest, is suddenly put to vio-
lent or long continued exercise, his legs will
be apt to swell soon after ; they will perhaps
continue in that state for son<ie time ; they
may at last break out in running sores
about his heels, and form cracks, &c. ; when
in this situation it is said that the humours
are fallen down into the legs. Here a ques-
tion naturally occurs, where were those hu-
mours before the horse underwent the se-
vere exercise, and how came they to fall
down on this occasion only ? Unless a horse
has been gradually habituated to exercise,
previous to the undergoing that which is vi-
olent or long continued, his vessels will be
too full of fluids, and these, especially the
finer capillaries, from the force and rapidity
of the circulation during the exercise, will
admit the grosser fluids that do not usually
circulate in them. They are likewise liable
in these cases to be ruptured, hence the fluids
they contain escape into the cellular mem-
brane, where they stagnate, and being then
out of the course of circulation, occasion a
swelling. If this happens in the legs, as
the most dependent part of the body, the
humours are tJien said to have fallen down,
the swelling causes a distension of the skin,
the cuticular pores are then enlarged, and
admit through them the thinner parts of the
fluids to the outward surface of the skin,
which, on being exposed to the external air,
are then changed in their quality, and ac-
quire, according to circumstances, either a
clammy or greasy nature, or else a sharp fe-
tid ichorous quality that erodes the skin, and
by lodging there forms small ulcers.

It ought always to be remembered, that
great evacuations weaken an animal body,
and if thev are repeated frequently and too

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

193

close upon one another without allowing' a
proper interval between each, or if they are
carried to excess, as is sometimes the case,
the weakness in the animal system is thereby
increased, the powers of life are overcome,
and death follows of course." Farther upon
this subject Mr. Clark says, " I do not ap-
prove of repeating' purge after purge, merely
because this or that horse is to run, or hunt,
without first considering whether the anima
be fat or lean, or w hcther he has been kept
at hard meat with proper exercise, or whether
he has run a considerable time, or late in the
season at grass. All these, and several other
circiunstances necessary to be attended to,
ought to be didy weighed and maturely con-
sidered before any purging medicines are ad-
ministered ; for example, if a horse has run
long at grass, and is of a plethoric and full
habit of body, evacuations by purging, and
diuretic medicines, to a certain degree, are
necessary, together ^^ith length of time,
gooci feeding, and regular exercise^ to bring
his body into that proper habit to enable him
to piM'form with freedom such active exer-
cises. But if a horse is of a lean, low, or dry
habit of body, whether it may proceed from
the 'ftaut of proper food, from fatigue, or
any other cause, can it be proper to reduce
him still lower by repeated evacuations of
any kind ? There is such an inconsistency
;n this practice, that it would not even de-
serve to be noticed, were it not too much
practised every day, for, w ith some people, it
IS no matter ot consideration with them what
state of body a horse may be in, that is, whe-
ther he be of a fat and full, or lean and dry
habit of body ; still he is said to be full of
humours, and which must be purged oil' I)e-
fore he is fit for running or hunting.

Horses in the latter Jiituation recpiire only
good feeding and regular exercise, to
strengthen and improve their constitutions,
which cannot fail of taking place if the vis-
cera are sound, and the horse otherwise in a
healthy state. And even although a horse
should be inclined to the full, or what is
called a plethoric habit, yet from the use cf
diuretic medicines, which are commonly
given on those occasions, together u itli re-
gular airings and proper exercise, good feed-
ing, dressing', &c. he may be brought into
that proper habit of body which will enable
him to perform the most violent labour w ith
the greatest ease to himself and without any
bad consequences.

If those horses that are intended for hunt-
ing, \\ ere only allowed the spring grass, and
taken up about the middle, or towards the
latter end of July, before the grass becomes
too rank, although it may be somewhat in-
convenient to have them in the stable at that
season of the ysar, yet the owner would find
his account in it.

The allowance of corn, at this period,
should be but small for some little time, but
it might be increased, togetherwith the exer-
cise, as the hunting season approaches.
Running-horses might be treated in the same
manner, according to the season in which
they are to run, allowing both a greater
length of time in the habitual practice of
these exercises, togetherwith proper feed in <■-,
dressing, &c. This treatment, togellu'r with
the use of those alterative and diuretic me-
dicines which are usually given on tho.se oc-
casions, would render horses much stron<>er
and titter for those active exercises without
wearing out their constitutions by the repeal-
ed use of |)iu'ging' medicines. The sub-

i94

THE COMPLETE FARRiEll : and

siitutes which may be used for purging or
emptying the alimentary canal, may be dis-
liniruished into two kinds; the lenient, which
open the body gently, and the drastic, which
purge more briskly. The lenient ought al-
ways to be preferred, when there appears any
unusual commotion in the vascular system,
which may easily be known by the quickness
of the pulse, &c. for although [lurging me-
dicines increase the motion of the blood, by
drawing off a considerable quantity of the
animal fluids by stool ; they likewise clear
the intestines of sharp stimulating matter, or
worms, which occasion an unusual degree of
irritation in the system; they likewise may be
given with ditlerent intentions as circum-
stances may require, in small doses, to keep
the body open, and prevent an accumulation
of dung in the intestines which happens in
diseases. In cases of frequent returns of the
gripes, or colic, but not during the tit, lest
the intestines should fhen be inflamed, they
should therefore be given in the intervals, in
order to prevent the return of the complaint.
But in cases where it is thought necessary
to clear the intestines thoroughly in strong
robust horses, the drastic purges may be
given, provided there is no great commotion
in the circulation of the blood at the time.
Purging medicines areof great service where
the intestines appear to be loaded with vis-
cid or thick slime, or when it a|)pears,
by long continued costiveness, that the pe-
-istaltic motion of the intestines is in some
degree suspended. In gross habits, espe-
cially where there is any tendency to
swellings in the legs, attended with
running sores, &c. ; in dropsical swellings
in any part of the body, in diseases of
the head or in defluxions of the eyes; in

rheumatic lameness, when the pains seem to
move from one limb to another; in the jaun-
dice ; in obstinate coughs, especially when
the horse is of a full habit of body; in most
cutaneous diseases, or when a number of
small eruptions, or lumps, arise in the skin,
and suddenly disappear again, or when the
lumps discharge a sharp fluid of an ichorous
quality ; in plethoric or full habits, when the
horse is intended for violent or active exer-
cises, as racing, hunting, &c. ; in cases where
it is judged necessary to lessen the general
mass of fluids, or to divert them from flowing
to any particular spot in too great a quan-
tity, Jis in inflammation of tl>e lungs; in
this last case liquid purges are the most pro-
per, as they operate more expeditiously. In
very delicate constitutions, EpBoni salts should
constitute the chief ingredients; they are
likew ise most proper in cases of want of ap-
petite ; no doubt other cases may occur
where purging medicines may be necessary,
but these must depend on the discretion and
judgment of the prescriber.

On the other hand, it will be prudent to
avoid giving purging medicines during ex
treme cold weather, likewise in all feverish
complaints, when the pulse beats strong and
quick, till such time as these symptoms are
considerably abated.

In all cases of extreme weakness, vvhether
arising from fatigue, or long continued dis-
eases ; in all lean dry habits, unless there is
reason to apprehend it proceeds from worms;
in cases of very obstinate costiveness, till
such times as that complaint is, ni some de-
gree, removed by clysters, soft feeding, &c.
In cases where a horse labours under any
violent acute coirplaint,in diarrhoea, orloosc-
pess Aloetic purges, or those in which aloes

BRITISH SPOllTSMAN

\9h

enter into the composition, are to be avoided
likewise in severe colics, or jjripiug- pains;
althougli ii(|ui(l pnrges that are qniciver in
their operation, and less irritatinj^, maybe
given with safety in the intervals, when it is
observed that horses are subject to frequent
attacks of this complaint. Previous to the
(giving of purging medicines to horses, espe-
cially to those that have been kept on hard
meat, it will be prudent to keej) them from
all violent exercise for some time before the
purge is given. If they are fat, and of a full
habit, it will be necessary to draw some
blood, to lower their feeding, and to give
them that which is soft and relaxing, as boiled
barley, mashes of bran, malt, &c. When
horses are to be purged at grass, no prepa-
ration is necessary, farther than in plethoric
or full habits, to treat them as above, observ-
ing, at the same time, that they be not cos-
tive, as this frequently happens, although
feeding on grass ; in this case they are to be
taken into the stable, and treated as if they
had been on hard feeding.

In giving purging medicines to horses, it
will always be most prudent to begin at first
by giving mild lenient purges, in order to
find out the strength of the constitution, as
some horses that are to all appearance very
strong and robust, are sometimes easier
purged tlian those of a more delicate make,
and it frequently happens that the same
horse is easier purged at one time than at
another, according to the state of the sto-
mach and intestines at the time the pur^e is
given.

Mild purges, therefore, are much .safer
at all times, and of more benefit to the con-
stitution, than those that are too strong, for
the latter cause too <;reat an irrifatiou of

the stomach and intestines, whence follow
griping pains, great sickness, &c. and some-
times iullannnation of the bowels, they like-
wise occasion a superpurgation, by which tlie
intestines are so much weakened that they
never afterwards recover their former tone,
and thence follow loss of appetite, general
w eakness, and, perhaps, an habitual diarrhoea
or looseness.

Many of the drugs formerly used in (>urg-
ing horses, such as jalap, rhubarb, and bitter
apple, have been since proved by experi-
ment to have hut little or no effect. Hence
the absurdity of compounding purging-balls
of a long list of ingredients, when, in fact,
it is known that nothing but aloes can be de-
pended upon with any certainty of success.

The prescriptions of some modern writers
shew that these facts were unknown to them,
and some that are contained in Taplin's
treatise are prescribed with so little judgment
and experience, that it is an even chance
that every horse that is obliged to take them
dies under their operation.

INIore than twenty instances of this fact
have occurred to the observation of the au-
thor of the present treatise, and the careless-
ness in compounding, and the bad and un-
certain quality of the drugs used by the
major part of druggists, are a very serious
and important evil.

This is no unjust accusation, for, in ge-
neral, any thing is considered good enough
for cattle-medicine, and even the sweepings
of the shops are sometimes employed for that
purpose.

In the foregoing observations on the prac-
tice of purging horses of all , descriptions,
the author of the present work has dilated as
much as possible, because the practice.

196

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

although a very common onej is frequently at-
tended with much inconvenience and danger
to the animal. That many cases occur where
purging is necessary, cannot be disputed, but
it is also equally necessary that the opera-
tion should be conducted with prudence and
judgment.

In regard to that part of the purging dis-
cipline which relates to race-horses, a re-
tormation, or at least a better understand-
ino^ of its principles, is certainly wanting.
For when the great difference of constitu-
tion amongst different horses is taken into
consideration, must it not appear extremely
absurd that all should be treated alike ; yet,
perhaps, no one instance can be found where
a race-horse was ever considered as properly
trained to run a race without having- first
taken three strong doses of purging physic.
The consequences of this treatment on a
horse of a delicate and washy constitution
mustbesufficiently obvious to common sense,
but the magical attributes of a third dose
always supersede every other consideration,
and the rule of three is adhered to in all
cases as inviolably as the practice of eating-
breakfast, dinner, and supper.

When a race-horse has been, according to
the opinion of the trainer, sufficiently purg-
ed, the next process is to begin his exercise.
But notwithstanding the purging has been
completed, he has still to undergo, at certain
intervals, the ceremony of taking cordial or
diuretic balls, whether necessary from any
external indications or not. But under all
circumstances, and at nil seasons of the year,
he is kept constantly cloathed from head to
tail, both in and out of the stable. He is also
galloped and sweated in his cloaths at such
intervals as are deemed necessary.

That this system of constant cloathing
must be unhealthy there can be no doubt, for
tlie fo!lov\ing reasons: in the first place,
there is constantly, (during health) a vapour
arising from the skin of all animal bodies,
which is called the insensible perspiration.
This vapour, when the surface of the body
is exposed to atmospheric air, is absorbed by
the air, and the skin reniains sweet and
wholesome, but when cloathing is placed
between the surface of the skin and the
atmosphere, this vapour is absorbed by the
cloathing, and the skin is deprived of the
purifying and invigorating effect of the
application of fresh air, and the vapour by
being confined becomes rank and unwhole-
some, and nuist have a greater or less ten-
dency to promote disease.

In fact, the body-cloaths and hood are
never taken off during the whole period of
training, except at those times when the
animal is curried and brushed. Under the
influence of such a custom as this it will be
easy to conceive the state of a race-horse
when stripped on the middle of Newmarket-
heath, on a cold and blowing day, in the
month of March, with the wind whistling in
his ears, which, until that moment, had been
covered with a thick woUen hood. Let the
reader figure to himself the paralysing effect
of such a sudden exposure to cold, and he
may fancy he sees the astonished animal
standing all in a heap, with his back up,
his legs drawn together, and his tail close to
his buttocks, shivering and shaking like an
aspen leaf, and scarcely able to breathe,
from the contracted state of the intercostal
muscles, arising from the sensation of extreme
cold. Is it not fair to presume that sucti a
state must be highly adverse to a horse's run-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

197

iiin^' uitli ease to himself? for, in fact, he
may be said to be half blown before he
starts, and the violent efforts which the heart
is obliged to make, to propel the blood to
the surface, when the motion and velocity of
the body are increased, must be such as to
endanger the rupture of some blood-vessel
of importance, or at least to produce some
inflammatory disease. Nor is the custom of
constant cloathingless prejudicial in another
point of view, namely, when giving the
horse his sweats full cloathed. This prac-
tice undoubtedly contributes to increase the
quantity of perspirable fluid discharged from
the skin during the galloping, and it is upon
this principle that jockeys reduce themselves
in weightvery rapidly and suddenly by walk
ing and running with two or three suits of
cloaths on at once ; but the consequence of
this sudden and excessive sweating is always
a subsequent weakness and exhaustion, as
the jockeys well know by their own experi-
ence, and which, indeed, they amply testify
by their pale and emaciated looks; and, that
it is ultimately hurtful to the constitution, is
sufficiently proved by the fact that very few
of them live to an advanced ajj-e.

It is the common practice for the horse to
undergo one of these violent sweats at inter-
vals of nine or ten days, and it generally
requires two or three days to elapse before
he recovers from its immediate effects, which
are sometimes a loss of appetite, great cos-
liveness, and a general stiffness and rigidity
in the limbs and body. That it is necessary
to sweat a horse, so as to disencumber the
vessels of his body from superfluity, in
order to prepare him for racing, or any other
violent exertion, cannot be doubted, but it is
very doubtful whether such extreme and

partial sweatings at long intervals are of
any service whatever; for the vessels, when
thus overacted upon, lose their natural elas-
ticity for some time, and become as it were
torpid and paralysed, and the common and
necessary action of insensible perspiration
becomes greatly impeded, if not suspended
altogether. It is an indisputable fact, (bat
a certain regular portion of daily labour
rtrengthensand invigorates the human frame;
hence it is reasonable to conclude, that the
system usually adopted for training boxers,
is not only absurd in many of its principles,
but that it very frequently weakens instead
of strengthening ; since, after all its myste-
ries, nine labouring men out of ten, w ho are
in the constant habit of ffoins: throuffh a
certain quantity of daily labour, will be
found to be in better condition, both as to
strengtn and wind, than these boxers, after
all their calomel purges and courses of raw
beef-steaks, &c.

The daily labourer never accumulates
any superfluous flesh, fat, or fluids ; his
muscles are always hard, firm, and elastic ;
but it is far diflferent with these boxers, who,
in the intervals between their matches, jjene'
rally lead idle and debauched lives, and have
to get rid of all the superfluities arising from
such a course, in perhaps the short space of
a month, and sometimes less. The sudden
reduction of bulk in ani-mal bodies must
produce weakness, inasmuch as the skin and
vessels do not immediately contract, so as to
adapt themselves to the diminution of sub-
stance ; hence the skin and flesh feel flabby,
and there is none of that elasticity which is
the surest criterion of health and vigour.
Precisely the same thing occurs w ith a horse
when taken up fat from grass ; and purged
3d

198

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

and sweated, both suddenly and violently.
Debility ensues, and it sometimes happens,
that after all the violent sweats he has under-
gone, he will be all in a lather before he has
run a third part of his race, to the great as-
tonishment of the trainer, who never dreams
that it is possible for such an event to
take place from too much as well as from too
little previous sweating.

There are some horses that naturally
sweat more than others, owing to a constitu-
tional laxity of fibre ; nevertheless, such
horses may be in as good health and condi-
tion as any others; and all attempts to reduce
this peculiar propensity to sweating, by im-
moderate purging and violent exercise, only
create debility, and are so far from having
the effect of diminishing, that they gene-
rally tend to increase it.

The celebrated horse Poulton was one
of this description. He was naturally a
strong fleshy animal, and always appeared
to sweat immoderately when running ; and,
owing to this circumstance, there can be no
doubt of his having been sometimes trained
to such a degree as to reduce his powers both
of speed and continuance.

If the foregoing observations are founded
on a rational and physiological basis, it must
be obvious that the present system of train-
ing is in many respects absurd, as well as
injurious to the animal.

It is therefore probable that a much better
system might be substituted, but the diffi-
culty would be to persuade any regular
trainer to try the experiment ; nor indeed
would it be likely that the result would
always be put to a fair test, because, if a
horse, so trained, should happen to be beat,
the failure would not be attributed to any

superiority of speed or bottom on the part
of his adversary, but to the deviation from
the old and customary rules of training.

The system which the author wishes to
recommend is, that the exercise should
be more regular, more moderate, and of
longer duration. Thus, for instance, the
horse might be ridden gently for a few mi-
nutes with his cloaths on; by which time
the circulation of the blood would be so
much increased as to resist any ill effects of
the sudden application of cold to the body.
He might then be stripped, and set off at a
canter, or a hand-gallop, for about a mile ;
then walked for a few minutes, and the can-
tering repeated and continued in this way
alternately -for about an hour, taking care
that the animal should not sweat beyond a
general and moderate moisture of the skin.
This portion of exercise should be given
him twice a day for the first fortnight or
three weeks after lie has gone through his
physic, and it might afterwards be increased
by giving him some strong gallops, in order
to practice him in the free use and command
of his limbs to the utmost extent of action.
By thus sweating, with his body and head
and neck uncovered, he will have the bene-
fit of the contact of the fresh air, the vapour
arising from the skin will fly off as fast as it
is produced, and the vessels will be strength-
ened and invigorated by the freshness of the
passing breeze. If any further reasoning
were necessary to shew the bad effects of
immoderate sweating in the body cloaths,
the following analogy might very fairly
supply it. It is a fact, which most horsemen
and drivers of horses must know, that a
horse, when going with the wind sweats more
than when he is going against it, and this

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

199

simply from the circumstance of his neiny in
the lirst case^ constantly surrounded by the
vapour arising- from his own body ; whereas,
in the latter case the wind meeting- him, drives
■it away, and with a quickness proportioned
to the velocity with w hich he is going-. Hence
a horse is always much more fatigued and
exhausted when he goes laith the wind than
when he goes against it. The same differ-
ence exists in regard to labouring men who
work in breweries, sugar-baking houses, or
in manufactories that are crowded and con-
fined. These men sweat very much, and
certainly more than others that are employed,
perhaps, on more laborious occupations in
the open air ; but so far from their being-
stronger, or more healthy, from that exces-
sive sweating, they are certainly rendered
weaker by it, and seldom, or never, have that
fresh and florid appearance which is seen in
the countenances of those who work in the
fields exposed to the wind and sun.

There is certainly no description of horse,
let his training be what it may, that is in such
high condition as those that run in mail-
coaches. Now it is a well-known fact, thai
these horses, so far from being cloathed, not
only stand uncovered, biit in open stables
with both doors and windows open, and are
exposed to the hardship of bad weather and
other evils from which the race-horse is con-
stantly protected with the most unremitting-
care and attention. The only difference that
can arise from the cloathing is the shortness
and fineness of the coat, and it is very pro-
bable that either Filho da Puta, or any other
celebrated racer, would run quite as fast and
as long with the hair of his coat an inch and
a half in length, as in any other state, be-
sides the certainty of his being more hardy

and vigorous tliun when kept nuiiilcd up
from head to foot with cloathing, and con-
fined in a stable with scarcely air enough to
breathe.

It may be urged, perhaps, that if any evils
arise from the present system of trainiii"-,
they operate no more against one horse than
another, since all horses intended for the
race are generally exposed to the same treat-
ment.

This might be true, provided all horses
were alike in constitution, but as that is not
the case, it is evident that its effects must be
more injurious to some horses than to others.
It certainly is very proper to reduce the fat
of a horse that is destined for the course, as
much as can be done without producing de-
bility, since it reduces his weight, and gives
more freedom and elasticity to the action of
his limbs. But this is better effected in a
gradual manner, by regular and moderate
exercise, than by sudden and strong evacua-
tions by purging, accompanied with violent
sweating, and the constant relaxing effect of
being kept cloathed from head to foot.

Another part of the system of training,
namely, that of keeping the horse for several
hours on the muzzle before he starts, must,
in many cases, be very injurious. For al-
though it would be highly improper to start
a horse with a full belly, still, on the other
hand, too long fasting may occasion such a
degree of exhaustion as to produce faintness,
and the consequence of such a state of weak-
ness in running a four-mile heat, perhaps
twice over, may be easily conceived. The
horse is, by nature, an animal that is con-
stantly eating, his stomach is small in pio-
portion to the bulk of his body, and conse-
(juently requires to be filled more frequently

200

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

and there can be no doubt that a race-horse
might have a moderate meal given to him
about three or four hours before he started,
without the risk of any inconvenience what-
ever. The author feels aware that this opi-
nion is not likely to gain many proselytes, on
account of its being in such direct opposi-
tion to the usual practice.

Its opponents will, perhaps, argue that the
stomach and intestines ought to be as empty
as possible, in order to give the lungs suffi-
cient room for free respiration. This, to a
certain degree, is true, but the principal
source of a free and unrestrained action in
the lungs depends more upon the strong and
vigorous action of the muscles of the ribs
and diaphragm than upon any other circum-
stance, for the lungs have no action of them-
selves, but move solely in obedience to the
muscles before-mentioned.

On this account, therefore, when the ani-
mal is weak and exhausted by too long fast-
ing, the motion of the muscles of the chest
will be proportionably languid, and he will
be as much distressed as he would have been
under the inconvenience of an overloaded
stomach. To prevent this exhaustion, there-
fore, it is evident that the horse should not
be fasted so long as is the general practice,
and which practice must be injurious in a
two-fold degree to those horses that have
to travel a considerable distance from one
set of races to another, because, as they
never go faster than a walk, the greatest
part of the day is occupied in travelling, so
as to allow but little time for rest and feedin"-.
In training racers some difference should
be made in regard to mares, because they
are not so uniform and regular in their con-
stitutions as horses, being subject to perio-

dical excitements to intercourse with the
male, and during which periods (hey are
certainly much weaker and less capable of
great exertion than at others.

The indications of such a state are suffi-
ciently visible when it occurs, so as to leave
no doubt on the subject.

The consequences are, that the mare is,
during the time that it lasts, either more or
less in a feverish state, is restless, and takes
but little food or water, and sweats much
and soon when exercised. Should this
occur at the precise time of her being ob-
liged to run, there can be no doubt of its
being a very unfavourable circumstance,
and if the match should not be considered
in her favour before starting, it would, per-
haps, be more advisable for the owner to
pay forffeit than to start under the inconve-
nience above-mentioned.

When it occurs during training, the best
course to be adopted is, to give bran mashes,
and occasionally some Epsom salts, to the
quantity of six ounces at a dose; but it
would be improper to bleed or to give any
strong drastic purges, because, although they
would accelerate the removal of the symp-
toms, still they would occasion a- subsequent
debility, quite as detrimental as that arising
from the other cause.

It is customary with training-grooms to
water their horses at a brook, or at a trough
erected on some part of the training-ground
for this purpose ; and immediately afterwards
to set them off on a canter or hand-gallop
with the tenntion, as they say, of warming
(he water in their bellies. Such a practice,
however, is not only unnecessary, but im-
proper, for the stomach, when suddenly dis-
tended either by food or water, requires

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

JfOl

repose rather than exercise, and as its in-
creased bnlk is adverse to free breathinj^-, it
is obvions that to gallop the animal in that
state ean be prodnctive of no benefit what-
ever. For as the sudden application of the
• cold-water to the stomach contracts the
blood-vessels of tliat organ, and, for a time,
drives out the blood, it must be evident that
the galloping, by increasing the circulation
of the blood throughout the body before
these vessels of the stomach have had time
to return to their former state of relaxation,
must have the effect of forcing them when
unprepared, and may possibly produce spasm
with all its fatal consequences. The next
point to be considered in regard to training
stables is the custom of keeping them hot by
excluding atmospheric air, and that this is a
common practice needs no demonstration, as
every per.son who enters them must liave
discovered from his own feelings, and in the
summer season this evil must, of course,
exist to a very great degree. What renders
this still worse is, that it frequently happens
that from the situation and structure of many
stables, no opening can be made to allow a
sufficient quantity of fresh air to enter, so as
to enable horses confined in them to breathe
with any tolerable degree of freedom. The
door is generally the only entrance for air,
and that can only happen occasionally when
it is opened. The intercourse that must ne-
cessarily take place during the day in going
in and out of the stable of course admits a
casual influx of fresh air, but in the morn-
ing, when the door has been shut »ip all night,
and especially in summer, the heat is intole-
rable, and the air so foul that a man can
hardly breathe in it, whilst at the same time
the sharpness of the volatile salts, arising
17

from the urine, which has been absorbed by
the straw, attacks the nos<, and eyes, and oc-
casions a copious discharge of tears.

How is it possible, therefore, that an ani-
mal can subsist, much less prove vigorous
and healthy, whilst breathing such a conta-
minated atmosphere. The offensive vapour
arising from the litter, it must be acknow-
ledged, is generally much less in racing-
stables than in others, because the straw is
frequently changed, and every particle of
dung removed almost as soon as it appears.
But when we consider the state of an animal
kept as it were in a constant perspiration by
warm cloathing, and obliged to breathe
nearly the same atmosphere during the
night, how can we rationally expect him
to be active and vigorous to perform his
day's work. Must he not rather be faint,
languid, and dull, his whole system unhinged
and in a relaxed state. If any one doubts the
effects of such treatment, let him try the
experiment by sleeping in a close, hot room,
covered up with clothes, and after sweating
out the night, he will be pretty well con-
vinced of his inability to undergo any great
bodily fatigue on the following day.

Although the description here given of the
situation of horses in some stables through
the night may appear overcharged, it is,
nevertheless, a true one. But how must the
evils arising from this source be aggravated,
when it is known that not only the threshold
of the door is blocked up with litter, but
even the key-hole is filled up with hay, to
prevent, if possible, the entrance of any ex-
ternal air whatever.

We know from experience, that when a
number of people are assembled together in
a close room, the air within it becomes moJ.st

202

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

and hotj which renders breathing difficult,
and if continued in for a length of time, this
uneasy sensation increases. In churches, or
crowded assemblies, lighted with candles, the
effect of a heated foul air is evident to the
sight, from the lights burning dim and very
faintly, and although the loftiness of the
roofs in such places contributes to render it
less perceptible to those who are on the
lower or ground-floor (as the heated foul air
always ascends) yet to those who are in the
higher parts, or galleries, the oppression it
occasions in breathing is great, the perspira-
tion becomes profuse, and their thirst in-
creases. The bad effects of breathino- lon^
in a heated foul air are too well known by
those whose occupations in life have render-
ed it necessary, and whose vigour of con-
stitution has abated in proportion to this ex-
posure. The lowness of the roof in most
stables renders them unwliolesome from that
circumstance alone, the horses' heads being
too near the roof, are obliged constantly to
breathe th6 heated foul air which always oc-
cupies the upper part of the stable.

That horses exposed t» these inconveni-
ences should be more liable to disease can-
not be a matter of surprise.

The constitution of a horse, strong as it is,
cannot always bear sudden transitions from
heat to cold, and from cold to heat, with im-
punity. The great and unnatural heat, and
die profuse perspiration consequent thereon,
dissipates the watery parts of the blood, and
renders it too thick for circulation, and from
that cause alone many diseases may arise.
The constant breathing of a hot foul air
does not expand the lungs sufficiently, so as
to projnote the circulation of the blood
through them, hence it is accumulated and

may, probably, be the principal cause of
broken-wind. It likewise renders the horse
liable to fever, langour, and loss of appetite.
It exposes him to all those external com-
plaints which arise from obstructed perspira-
tion, as rheumatism, tumours in the glands,
farcy, grease, and eruptions of the skin. Bnt
the danger is still greater when the perspira-
ble matter, which should be carried off in the
ordinary course, is thrown upon some of the
internal viscera, as the lungs, intestines,
brain, &c.

From the first of these proceed coughs,
inflammations of the lungs, consumptions,
&c. and when the intestines are affected, ob-
structions arise, and sometimes diarrhoea, or

scouring.

When the brain is affected by it, it pro-
duces vertigo, or staggers, apoplexy, epi-
lepsy, &c.

These complaints, if not speedily remov-
ed, generally prove fatal in one way or other.

The heated foul air which generally pre-
vails in such stables as are kept too close, is
always accompanied with dampness, or mois-
ture. This is occasioned by their being
made so close, that no fresh air can be ad-
mitted into them, but what passes in acci-
dentally. Hence the moisture from the
horse's perspiration and breath may be in-
creased from a low damp situation, gathers,
or is collected, in large drops on the roof,
walls, and glass-windows, and runs down in
small streams.

At the same time the stable is filled with a
hot, damp, and moist air, which is not only
extremely pernicious to the health of those
animals, but destructive to the furniture c(
every kind.

It will hardly be necessary to make any

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

203

furtlit'r icuiarks on the distinction between
fresh and pure air, and that whieli is heated
aiid foul, as every one must have felt the
difterence at one time or other. It will be
sufficient to observe, that air is the chief in-
strument of health, and principle of life,
without which no animal can subsist, and
that when its purity is destroyed by respira-
tion, the admission of a fresh supply from
without is indispensibly necessary to health
and even to existence. Besides, particular
situations and seasons often alter the quality
of the air, and render it more or less unfa-
vourable to animal life. Nature, therefore,
constantly attempts to restore the air to its
ori»inal properties, by keeping up a circula-
tion in consequence of its being rarified by
heat, by which means the hot air passes out
at one aperture, whilst the cold air enters at
another.

Although the air is, by these means, pre-
served in a wholesome state, yet as has been
just observed, particular situations and sea-
sons often change its qualities, so as to ren-
der it more or less hurtful. Its dryness pro-
duces one species of disease, its moisture
another, its heat or its cold may also prove
prejudicial to health.

It is well known that no animal can exist
long in one individual quantity of air. Thus
it is computed that a man renders a gallon
of air unfit for respiration after he has
breathed in it for the space of one minute,
consequently a hogshead of air would not
last him one hour, nor indeed could he live
in it one third of that time. Hence, there-
fore, it is proved that without a continual
supply of fresh air, the lungs cannot per-
form their office.

This will appear still more necessary when

it is known tiiat the lungs occasion, dining the
act of breathing, an im[)ortant change in the
blood which passes through them, and which
change is absolutely necessary to the exist-
ence of all animals that circulate red blood.
Dr. Hales, in his curious and useful expe-
riments, states, that he found he could not
live half a minute without uneasiness in
seventy-four cubical inches of atmospheric
air, and not one minute without danger of
suffocation.

Since his time, however, many additional
and important discoveries have been made
upon this subject.

If the quantity of air above-mentioned be
rendered unfit for respiration by a man's
breathing in it for so short a time, we may
conclude, that a much greater quantity of
air would be rendered unfit for respiration in
the same time by a horse, whose lungs are
considerably larger, and which, consequently,
must draw in a greater quantity of air at
each inspiration. The effluvia from animal
bodies likewise imparts noxious qualities to
the air. Three thousand human beinjfs.
living within the compass of one acre of
ground, would make an atmosphere of theii
own steam seventy feet high, which >yould
soon become pestilential, if it were not dis-
persed by the winds.

The air of prisons, for this reason, pro-
duces malignant fevers, and pestilential dis-
eases. The event of the black-hole at
Calcutta, whicn happened several years ago,
records a dreadful instance of the fatal effects
of the want of fresh air for the purpose o.
breathing.

Moist air relaxes all animal fibres. Such
diseases, therefore, as proceed from laxity o
fibre, must be the customary diseases of moist

2C)4

THE COMPLETE FARRIER . and

seasons and of moist situations. Dry air, by
producing- opposite effects, produces opposite
diseases. Cold air, by bracing the fibres,
and giving them a stimulus, produces that
strength and activity of which we are so
sensible in frosty weather. Hot air, on the
other hand, relaxes the fibres, so as to occa-
sion that faintness and debility so often ex-
perienced hi hot weather. Stables which
contain a great number of horses, are at-
tended with other disadvantages, besides
those already mentioned, especially to tired
horses, or those that are labouring under
disease, from the frequent repetition of going
in and out by the grooms, or other persons
(luring the day.

On this account, horses that are shy to lie
down, or that are easily disturbed, will not
have those opportunities of resting their legs
and feet which is so essential to keeping
♦hem fine and free from swelling. Rest to
all animals must be of the greatest import-
ance, because, if the animal spirits are not
recruited by relaxation and repose at certain
intervals, the animal must be almost always
excited to an inordinate degree, and must
soon be worn out.

The custom of galloping race-horses in
body cloaths, is adopted on the ground of
their being thereby made to sweat more
profusely, and with less labour, than would
be the case if they were galloped naked,
and this is considered an advantage, be-
cause young horses, in galloping, are apt
to break down in the fore-leas.

This argument, as far as it regards the
dang-er of the horse being lamed, may,
perliaps, hold good, but it does not overturn
the fact of the insufficiency of the practice
in regard to training, and here a question

naturally arises, why race-horses should be
more subject to break down than others,
especially as they carry very light weights, and
are always exercised upon turf. Their limbs,
it is true, are more delicate, but still they
have less weight to carry, because the body is
in a relative proportion with the legs.

The failure, then, must arise from some
other cause, and the following is, perhaps
the most probable. The racing-colt begins
his labours generally at two years old. In
order to be trained, he is taken up into the
stable, and for a considerable length of time
he is never exercised beyond a walk, (indeed,
the race-horse is never allowed to trotdurinff
any part of his life). He then begins to
take his sweats by galloping, and is thus
brought all at once from a pace requiring
but little comparative exertion to one that
brings the whole machine into violent ac-
tion. This process, it must be evident, is very
different from that which takes place with a
colt when running wild in a state of nature,
where he exercises himself by galloping and
bounding very frequently during the day,
and by which means (although it is possible
he may sometimes lame himself) his joints,
ligaments, and tendons become strengthened
and invigorated, and are better able to sup-
port the shock of the body d uring violent and
rapid motion. Hence, therefore, it is proba-
ble, that it would be a good plan to give the
colt, whilst in training, a gentle canter for a
short distance every time he goes out, which
would, in some degree, prepare his limbs for
the more violent effort of galloping

At all events, the system of sweating
horses in body-cloaths, with the view of
exhausting them of all superfluous fat and
fluid as expeditiously, and with as little

liKlTlSll Sl'DirrsMAN

206

labour as possible^ cannot have the efl'ect
of bringing them into such good condition
as if it were elfected by more protracted la-
bour/because it is by exercise that animal bo-
dies are strengthened and rendered vigorous,
and not by protuse and rapid sweating, which
has a tendency to weaken than otherwise.

It is also a great mistake to suppose, that,
because a horse is fine in his coat, he must
be in higli condition for work, since it is very
possible to make a liorse fine in his coat,
even without ever taking him out of the
stable, as it may be done by warm cloathing
and good cleaning alone.

In submitting the foregoing observations
on training race-horses, the author is well
aware that lie n)ust be subject to every spe-
cies of opposition from those who are obsti*-
nately attached to the present system of con-
ducting that process. But altliough it may
be true that the plan which he recommends
has not been put in practice by any re-
gular trainer, still that furnishes no good
reason why it should never be tried, for it
is only by employing different systems
that any sound and useful experience can
be obtained.

DISEASES OF THE EYE.

Diseases of this organ in the horse
are of such importance, as far as regards his
future utility, that it becomes a very essen-
tial branch of the veterinary art to ascertain
their causes, as well as toestablish the means
of a cure. The parts which are most gene-
rally affected, are the tunica conjunctiva,
and the transparent cornea. These fre-
quently become suddenly and violently in-
tlamed, attended w ith a partial determination
of the blood, an overflowing of the tears, and
a protrusion of the membrana nictitans, toge-
ther with a great difficulty in bearing the
light. These attacks are sometimes period-
ical, and thence have been vulgarly termed
moon-blindness, though it is certain that the
moon has no influence whatever in this
•lisease.

17

lint antecedently to entering into a de-
scription of the diseases of the e}e, it will
be proper to give some general detail of its
anatomical structure. The eye is retained
in the cavity termed the orbit, by a variety
of appendages, all essential to its welfare
and economy.

The eye-lids are composed of a mixture
of membranous and cartilaginous substances,
and these terminate on their edges in a firm
cartilaginous body, called, "^ Tarsus." The
tarsus is extremely vascular, and its vessels
are attached to what are denominated the
ciliary ducts, secreting a fluid for the pur-
pose of moistening and lubricating the sur-
face of the tarsi, and thereby preventing
those consequences which constant friction
would otherwise produce.

206

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

When the tarsi becorae diseased matter^ or
pus^ is discnarged instead of the usual heal-
thy fluid. In this state, excoriations of the
adjacent parts, and temporary adhesions of
the eye-lids may be expected. Two muscles,
the elevator palpebrae and the orbicularis,
perform the ofiices of opening and closing-
the eye-lids. The eye-lids of the horse are
not so plentifully furnished with hair, called
eye-lashes, as those of the human sub-
ject; they are few and scattered, yet they
fully serve to protect the eye from insects
and other extraneous articles. The internal
part of the eye-lids is covered by a thin, fine,
vascular membrane, the tunica conjunctiva.
This coat is reflected over the whole of the
front of the ocular globe ; where it ceases to
be vascular almost entirely, and acquires a
high degree of transparency, particularly in
the centre of the eye. This transparency,
however, is diminished, or destroyed, when the
conjunctiva is diseased. As the tears contain
a considerable portion of salt, they would
be constantly producing irritation on the
tunica conjunctiva, did not this membrane
secrete a mucous to defend it from such an
effect. The lachrymal gland is situated at
the outer corner and superior part of the eye.
It has five, and sometimes six, excretory
ducts, which convey the tears over the sur-
face of the eye, by the puncta lachrymalia;
they enter the nasal duct, and are thence
carried to the nose. The puncta lachrymalia
of the horse's eye are much larger, in pro-
portion, than they are found in the human
subject.

The horse has no lachrymal sac, as the
nasal duct is bony as far as the tubernated
bones, where it becomes membranous, and
terminates near the extremity of the nostril.

The tears are designed to preserve the trans-
parency of the eye, to wash off extraneou.**
substances, and to prevent any ill conse-
quences from the friction between the cornea
and the palpebrae.

The lachrymal gland of the horse differs
from that of the human subject, in not pos-
sessing a voluntary power, or being subject
to the emotions of the mind. In the human
eye, the lachrymal duct is frequently diseased,
it may have its action morbidly increased,
and the tears fall over instead ot passing in-
to the nose. This, however, never takes
place with the horse, except from inflamma-
tion. Whenever the nasal duct is obstruct-
ed, the disease may be removed by the in-
troduction of warm water with a syringe ap-
plied to the small hole within the nostrils.

At the inner corner of the eye, is placed a
cartilaginous body, which is peculiar to all
quadrupeds. This is called the membrana
nictitans, vulgarly called the "hawe."

In the eyes of birds, also, there is a similar
appendage, and which may in them rather
be called a membrane, for it is simply skin,
and not gristly as in the horse. Birds have
a muscle for tlie sole use of directing the
motion of this membrane, but horses have
none. Whenever the eye is inflamed, it is
drawn into the orbit by the retractor muscle,
and the hawe being prevented from accom-
panying it by the bones of the orbit, seems to
pass over about one half of the surface. If
by any motion of the eye it be drawn to the
internal corner, the membrana nictitans will
have the appearance of covering the whole.
This membrane is generally mistaken by
the common farriers for a disease, who al-
ways recommend cutting it away whenever
the eye is disordered by inflammation or any

BRiriSIl SPORTSMAN.

2f.'7

other cause. The use of the hawe, or mein-
brana nictitans, being- to wipe off dust and
otlier extraneous matters from the surface of
the eye, it must be evident, that in cutting- it
away tlie animal will be deprived of a very
useful and necessary appendage to the eye,
with which he has been supplied by nature.

The eye is composed of three coats, and
three huino\irs. The transparent cornea of
tlie horse is' large in proportion to that of
tlie human being. This circumstance fiu--
iiishes the eye with a more extensive scope
of vision. On removing- the transparent
cornea, the aqueous humour escapes, and
the iris appears. The iris is a muscular cur-
tain, having an open space in the middle,
which is called the pupil. In the horse the
pupil is of an oblong form. In man, it is
circular. It is capable of contracting and
dilating, according to the strength of light
in which the animal may happen to stand.
This cm-tain, or iris, dividesthe eye-ball into
two partitions, called the anterior and pos-
terior chamber. These are occupied by the
aqueous humour.

The pupil in the human eye appears black,
but in the horse it is generally of a blueish
cast. The aqueous humour gives a con-
vexity to the eye, refracts the rays of light,
and enables the pupil to perform its office.
The membrana pupillaris covers the pupil
during the foetal state, and is absorbed be-
fore birth, at about the sixth or seventh
month. It receives the blood-vessels from
the iris and the anteiiorpart of the crys-
talline lens, the growth of which it appears
to promote, the lens not increasing much
after birth. The iris regulates the quantity
of light entering through the pupil, and
•Ahen the former contracts, the latter is en-

larged, and vice versa. A peculiarity in the
eye of the horse is, his having- several small
black round substances at the ed^e of the
iris.

The particular use of these bodies is not
known. They have very much the appear-
ance ot the folds of a curtain when drawn
up in wrinkles. On removing the iris the
.second humour, the crystalline lens, makes
its appearance. Tliis is retained in its situ-
ation by a coat called its capsule, between
which and the lens a quantity of fluid has
been discovered, termed, by anatomists, the
liquor morgagne, from the name of the ana-
tomist who first discovered it, and supposed
to be intended to prevent an immediate con
tact of the parts. The crystalline lens, in
health, is perfectly transparent ; its structure
is such that the outer parts are soft, and be-
come more and more firm as we approach
towards the centre. Many anatomists have
entertained doubts whether the crystalline
lens be an organized body ; some have con-
sidered it as destitute of both blood-vessels
and nerves, possessing- no apparent sensibi-
lity. But the pain which attends it in dis-
ease seems to contradict such an opinion,
and that it has vessels capable of conveying
red blood has been repeatedly demonstrated
by injection.

The use of the crystalline lens is to afford,
by the refriiction of light, a focal point oi
the retina. To produce perfect vision, thh.
point nuist vary, a change easily accomplish-
ed, whatever may be the distance of the ob-
ject, when the eye is in a state of health.
This depends on the power of the lens, which,
when removed from the human eye, has its
functions supplied by the use of spectacles.

\\'hen an object is viewed at a di.stauce, a

208

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

fontraction takes place in the pupil, and the
rays of light passing through the centre of
the lens, the focal distance is strengthened.
By the power of the iris the eye is enabled
to accommodate itself to objects of various
distances and dimensions. The ciliary pro-
cesses are a continuation of the choroid coat.
In order to embrace the crystalline lens, they
are thrown into plains and folds. Their use
is to oblige all the rays of light to pass di-
rectly through the lens. Some animals, fish
for mstance, have no ciliary processes.

The third humour of the eye is tlie vitre-
ous. This fluid is not contained in one ge-
neral bag, or chamber, but in numerous mi-
nute cells, resembling those of the orange,
and of an admirable transparency. This
humour is of the consistence and appear-
ance of pure water.

The vitreous humour serves to produce a
small degree of refraction in the rays of
light, and occupies and distends the posterior
part of the globe of the eye.

The caruncula lachrymalis of the horse
difiers from that of the human being, it be-
ing much less vascular. Its situation lies
between the two puncta ; it is vascular only
where it comes in contact with the tears,
which it directs into the puncta It is par-
tially covered by the conjunctiva. There
are three coats in the formation of the eye.
The first of these is the opaque cornea, or
sclerotica. In horses the concealed part of
the globe of the eye is covered by the
opaque cornea.

It is here very firm and dense in its texture,
and assists in the protection and formation
af the organ of vision. From its usual ap-
pearance ii is probably not endowed with
many nerves, or any considerable vascularity.

The next coat lines the internal surface of
the opaque cornea, but does not continue
over the transparent portion. It is called
the choroid, and is a particularly fine vascu-
lar and sensible membrane. The arteries
from which it is supplied are the two ciliary.
It is constantly secreting a matter, which, in
the living state, has a membranous appear-
ance, but after death it approaches to a mu-
cous consistence. This secretion in the hu-
man eye is black, and is called the nigrum
pigmentnm. In the horse this lines the whole
of the iris, the ciliary processes and the junc-
tion between the sclerotica and the choroid
coat. The external part of the choroid,
that which is expanded over the retina, is not
covered by the pigmentnm, but by a vari^
egated substance. The superior part of the
choroid coat in several animals has this ap-
pearance.

On minute examination we find it difficult
to determine whether the pupil of the horse
has the most aflTinity to a grey or green colour,
it approaching considerably to each. The
eyes of some animals, as ferrets, rabbits, &c.
have no pigmentnm, and the choroid coat
of fish resembles silver. The use of the pig-
mentnm nigrum is to absorb light, all black
substances having that property. The vari-
gated coat does not seem to be produced by
the choroid, to which however it is connected
by the cellular membrane. The third coat
is the retina; tiiis is a beautifully delicate ex-
pansion of the opfic nerve over the surface
of the choroid coat. The whole of the vit-
reous humour may be said to be in contact
with the retina The optic, or central artery,
supplies the retina with blood, and is mi-
nutely distributed throughout the substance
of it. Light is always more or less refracted.

miiTihii spoinsMAis.

^09

acrordiiiir to tlie density of the iiicdiiiiii
ihrougli whidi it passes.

The eyes of ull animals differ in the de-
gree of the convexity of the cornea, but as
this coat is a firm medium, it produces con-
siderable refraction. The human eye is
much more convex than tlie eye of the horse,
and tlie latter cannot therefore behold ob-
jects at so short a focal distance. When a
deficiency of vision takes place in youth,
from a too great convexity of the cornea, the
inconvenience will diminish by age. Light
proceeds through the cornea into the atjiie-
ous humour. There it experiences some little
refraction. Thence it passes through the
more fluid part of the lens into the centre,
where it becomes a focal point. It after-
wards generally diverges until it has termi-
nated in the retina. It is one of the curious
phainomena of vision, that objects are repre-
sented inverted on the retina. The reason
why horses and other quadrupeds see better
than men during the night, is from their be-
ing furnished with a larger proportion of
transparent cornea, and to this superiority,
with regard to the horse, the variegated coat
very much contributes. When we recollect
that no such thing exists in nature as positive
darkness, and that the state which, to our
senses, may appear to approach nearest to
this, contains numerous though obscure rays
of light, we may easily conceive that the
larger the surfaces of admission for these
rays the more complete will be the optical
organs. Besides, the pupil of the horse's
eye is less limited in its functions and powers,
and the crystalline lens is proportionably
larger than in tlie human sul)ject.

Inflammatory diseases of the eye may be
divided into two, namely, external and in-

17.

terual. The external inllammalory state may
arise from various causes, such as bloMs, or
from extraneous suljstances, such as cliaiX
hay-seeds, «&c. lodging between the eye-lids
and the surface of the eye.

I n any of these ca.ses the eye will be more oi
less inllamed,the eye-lids will be nearly closed,
and much swollen, and the tears will run over
the cheeks. The hawe is, more or less, drawn
over the eye-ball, to prevent the admission
of light, which in this state of the eye would
irritate it and increase the inflammation.

This external inflammation may also arise
from a full habit of body, from too great
costiveness, and from want of sufl[icient exer-
cise. In addition to the appearance just de-
scribed, the surface of the transparent cor-
nea will be more or less opaque. This opa-
city, or whiteness, is occasioned by the
lymph of the blood being forced between
the laminae of the cornea, and thereby des-
troying its transparency. The pupil, also, is
more contracted. This kind of attack upon
theeye, is always much aggravated by stand-
ing in the stable, especially in those where
the dung is suffered to accumulate, and to
lie for any length of time, in which case, the
volatile salts which arise from it irritate the
eyes, and, of course, add to the disease.
When the inflammation is merely local, or
arising from a blow, or any extraneous sub-
stance adhering to the eye, it may generally
be easily removed ; but when it arises from
a full and bad habit of body, it is more ob-
stinate and requires a longer time for its re-
moval.

It is a certain fact, that horses, whilst at
grass, are seldom affected with complaints in
the eves, although it might be supposed that
the constant hanging down ot the head ir.

3 a

210

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

ffrazine; would dispose them more to disease.
The common inflammatory attack on the
eye may be attributed, in general, to a full
habit, want of sufficient exercise, and that
constant and extreme costiveness which usu-
ally attends horses when kept in the stable
upon dry food. These attacks, however,
are more prevalent when the animal is six
years old, than afterwards.

The most rational way of accounting for
this circumstance is, that during the growth
of the horse, the superabundant blood is em-
ployed in increasing the size of every part of
the body, whilst, on the other hand, when he
has done growing, the blood, finding no
means of self-consumption, overloads those
organs which are the most tender and the
most susceptible of disease, especially when
the animal is confined in the stable ; for it is
an absolute fact that very few horses are af-
fected with inflammatory attacks on the eye
whilst running at grass, and which might be
supposed to be the more likely to occur, on
account of their dropping their heads to the
ground whilst grazing, and thereby imped-
ing the flow of the blood, by causing it to re-
turn from the head in opposition to its
own gravity. The darkness of stables in
general, particularly those in London, con-
tributes also to render the eyes weak, and
more liable to disease. The present fashion
of reining up carriage-horses, with a gag-
rein, is also very hurtful, by producing a pres-
sure of the jaw-bone against the lower
branch of the jugular vein through which
the blood passes in its return from the eye.
The collar also, when too small for the neck,
presses against the vein, and has sometimes
the eflfect of producing a temporary apo-
plexy As it is possible fo*" all these evils to

be combined in the same instance, and ai
any one of them, even separately, may occa-
sion disease, it is not surprizing that the
horse is more subject to blindness than any
other quadruped.

There is another disease in the eve which
is principally internal, affecting the cap-
sule of the crystalline lens. This often
takes place without much external swell-
ing or inflammation ; but it is, neverthe-
less, equally, if not more, dangerous, and it
sometimes proceeds imperceptibly until it
becomes incurable. In this latter disease
the capsule of the lens looks dull and opaque,
and there is sometimes a yellowish ropy fluid
floating in the anterior chamber of the eye.
The pupil, also, is usually more contracted
than that of the other eye, and seldom va-
ries its size when placed in different degrees
of light. In this state of the eye, the horse
sees objects imperfectly, and, of course, is
more or less shy. The eye also diminishes
somewhat in bulk, and the upper eye-lid ap-
pears sunk and wrinkled in consequence of
the lachrymal gland wasting in size, and not
secreting its natural quantity of fluid for the
purpose of moistening the surface of the
eye.

In all these cases of disease, however, the
first process should be a copious evacuation
by bleeding and purging, for without these,
all topical applications alone will have but
a temporary effect. Therefore, after taking
away from three to four quarts of blood, the
following purge may be given, viz.

Barbadoes aloes . . 8 drachms
Castile soap ... 2 drachms.

Syrup of buckthorn sufficient to make
a ball.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

211

The above may be given with the usual
precautions of bran-mashes and water with
the chill off. In case the eye-lids are
much inflamed, blood may be drawn from
them by scarifying; the insides of them with
a lancet; blood may also be drawn from the
angular or facial vein, which runs fron> the
eye down the side of the face, and thence
into the jugular vein. This will help to un-
load the blood-vessels of the eye, and the
purging will have the effect of confining the
mass of blood principally to the centre of the
body. At the same time the following lotion
may be applied externally ; viz.

White vitriol -

Sugar of lead

half-an-ounce
- 2 drachms.
Dissolve in a quart of spring-water, to
which may be added, half-an-ounce of
tutty, or compound powder of ceruss.

The eye may be bathed three or four
times daily, with the above lotion.

Gibson recommends the following lotion.

Take two drachms of rose-buds, infuse
them in half-a-pint of boiling water ;
when cold, pour off the infusion, and
add to it twenty grains of sugar of
lead.

This may be used three or four times
daily.

When the ball of the eye has a general
white appearance throughout its surface,
the rays of light are entirely intercepted, and
the animal may be said to be blind. This
white appearance of the eye arises from the
coagulable lymph bemg forced between the
transparpiit lamine or coats of the cornea.

In this state of the eye, the old practice

was to blow powder»;d glass into it with the
intention of rubbing off the film which was
supposed to cover the surface, and the con-
sequence of this practice was to increase the
intlammalion to a still hisrher decree

This custom evidently arose from an en-
tire ignorance of the anatomical structure of
the eye, and although it has been for some
time exploded by all rational and well-in-
formed practitioners in the veterinary art,
yet it is still practised by the common farriers
in many parts of the kingdom.

It is true, however, that when the inflam-
mation has subsided, and the whiteness or
opacity of the cornea still remains, a slight
degree of stimulus is required to increase the
action of the absorbent vessels.

For this purpose, the membrananictitans, or
hawe, may be slightly touched with some lu-
nar caustic, which will increase the secretion
of tears, or fluid from the lachrymal gland,
and will excite the absorbent vessels to take
up the lymph which had been thrown out
between the coats of the cornea. The ab-
sorption may be assisted by the application
of blisters on the cheeks, in which case the
following may be used.

Viz. Cantharides, powdered I drachm.
Sweet oil sufficient to render it of the
consistence of treacle.

This quantity will serve for once blister-
ing on both cheeks. It may be rubbed well
in with the hand for ten minutes, and the
horse may be turned round in the stall, and
his head should be secured by the side-rehis
from each pillar, whicli will prevent him frorei
rubbing his checks during the working of
the blister.

The followingembrocafion has been found

212

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

efficacious ia intlammatory attacks on the
eye :—

Vinegar - - - - half-a-pint
Crude sal ammoniac 1 drachm
Water - - - - 3 half-pints

mixed.
Bathe with the above mixture three or
four times a day.

In addition to the above, the following
embrocation will in "eneral be found useful.

Viz. Spirits of wine
Laudanum - ■
Golard's extract
Spring water

half-a-pint
1 drachm
half-a-drachm
a pint & a half

To be mixed together in a quart bottle.

The above maybe used three or four times
daily.

There are certainly some horses that are
naturally more disposed to disease in the
eyes than others. In such, the eyes are
generally small, and the upper-lid deeply
wrinkled. Dealers distinguish them by the
appellation of buck-eyes. From the age of
three until six, these eyes are frequently
more or less diseased, especially if the horse
stands in the stable without doing much
work. Hence they require particular care
and attention in regard to feeding and exer-
cise. That exercise is of service, is sutliciently
proved by the fact that many horses that
have been sold as unsound in their eyes,
have recovered their sight after a few weeks'
work in a mail-coach, by which they have
been regularly sweated every day, and the
vessels thereby unloaded of all superfluity.

In the internal attack of the eye, when the
crystalline iens is affected, it sometimes oc-
curs that ihe whole surface of the lens be-

comes white and opaque in the space of a
few hours.

If the medicines employed in addition to
bleeding and blistering be sufficiently active,
absorption begins to take place, and the
whiteness gradually disappears, but the ab-
sorption is seldom complete, as a white speck
generally remains on some part of the lens
Whenever this speck is perceived on exa-
mining a horse^ it is a certain indication that
the eye has been diseased at some formei
period, notwithstanding it may then be clear
and sound. In all those cases, however,
v/here the opacity or w hiteness is not remov-
ed in a certain time after the first attack, the
absorbents become inactive, and an incura-
ble blindness ensues. When the crystalline
lens is thus permanently affected, the disease
is called a cataract, and can only be removed
by the operation either of depressing or ex-
tracting. But as these operations are ren-
dered useless in ttie horse, on account of a
muscle which draws the eye forcibly against
the bony surface of the socket, and thereby
forces out the aqueous humour through that
part of the cornea which has been punctured
in the operation, the animal has not the same
means of relief in this case as the human
being.

There is another disease of the eye, called,
in the language of pathology, " gutta sere-
na." This disease arises from a palsy in the
optic nerve. It is incurable, and it alters
the external appearance of the eye so little
as hardly to be distinguished except by ana-
tomists, and it is a fact, that numbers of
horses are sold that are blind of one eye.
from this cause, without either the seller or
the buyer being acquainted with such a cir-
cumstance. The principal variation on a

RRITISII SPORTSMAN.

2\ii

Fiipcrlicial view, consists in the eye havinj^ a horses, in regard to its convexity, some be-

more glassy appearance than is usnal. The
eve-lid is "enerallv raised hii-her than in the
sonnd eye, so that a portion of the white part
of the ball appears. These are the genera!
external alterations that take place, bnt the
snrest method of asce/Uiining- the existence
of the disease, is to place the horse's head
opposite a strong light, and to examine the
pupils of both eyes, which, in this situation,
always contract very considerably ; but, if
either of the eyes does not contract, it is a
certain proof that the horse is blind of that
eye, and that the disease arises from a palsy
in the optic nerve, called gutta serena.

What is the cause of this affection of the
optic nerve, it is not easy to determine, es-
pecially as the attack is partial.

The idea, perhaps, may be somewhat
theoretical, but it is not impossible that it
may arise from a compression on that part of
tlie nerve which passes through the small
hole at the back part of the bony orbit,
owing to a thickening of the coats which sur-
round it in conjunction with the artery which
supplies the eye witli blood.

This Kind of blindness frequently exists in
the human subject, without persons them-
selves being aware of it, and is discovered
accidently by their shutting the sound eye
and keeping the other open. This may very
easily happen, because as the disease seldom
comes on all at once, but is progressive in
its effects, the healthy eye adapts itself to
t]ie grad ual change which is going on i

in

the diseased eye, and blindness takes place
whollv unperceiveu, and the opportunity of
affording relief is irrevocably lost.

There is frequently a considerable differ-
ence in the shape of the eye in different

ing Hatter and others more convex. The
human eye is much more convex than the
eye of the horse, and therefore sees objects
Ihat are close more minutely, for light is
always more or less refracted, according to
the density of the medium throngli which it
passes. When a deficiency of vision takes
place in youth, from too great a convexity of
the cornea, the inconvenience will diminish
by age. Horses that start much at objects
on the road have their eyes generally too
flat on the surface ; the same defect may also
arise from their being too round. In the
latter case the defect will decrease bv a"-e
but it will increase when the eye is too Hat.
These small eyes are called by the dealers
" buck eyes," and are generally objected to
as imperfect, and with some reason, since it
has been pretty well ascertained that they are
naturally more subject to blindness than
others.

On the subject of vision there is a curious
fact, that all objects which are seen by the
eye become inverted, that is to say, are
turned upside down in passing through the
crystalline lens, and it is supposed that they
are represented in this manner on the retina,
and that it is by habit and experience alone
that the eye rectifies their position. It is
possible that this may be the case, but it seems
extraordinary that in so important a func-
tion as the sight, nature should have left any
thing imperfect, which it certainly is, if under
the circumstances before-mentioned. It has
long occurred to the author of this treatise,
that no such imperfection existed, and that
the inversion of objects in passing through
the lens must be rectified, not by habit, but
by some purely optical means, and the tlieory
3u

§?14

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

which he ventures to entertain upon this dif-
ficult subject is, that the objects are rectified
in a natural way by the concave reflectinpf
surface of the posterior part of the eye over
which the retina is expanded ; for it is well
known that all concave reflecting surfaces in-
vert the position of objects that are reflected
by them, as may be ascertained by looking
in the hollow part of a silver spoon, when
the features of the face will appear to be
turned upside down.

The foregoing- comprizes the principal
diseases of the eye, and it is certain that the
true cause why horses are more subject to
blindness than other quadrupeds, arises from
their high feeding, and that perpetual cos-
tive state of the bowels which attends them
in the stable, to which may be also added,
the want of regular and sufficient exercise :
for blindness is very rarely met with in any
other quadruped, except it arises from some
accidental violence. Previously to closing
this chapter, it may not be irrelevant to the
subject to mention the following extraordi-
nary fact, which has been authenticated by
the testimony of an eminent physician who
resided, during many years, in the East In-
dies. According to his statement, it appears
that it is no uncommon event for small worms
to be found floating in the aqueous humour
in the anterior chamber of the eye. When
the author of this treatise first heard of this
curious circumstance, it occurred to him that
it might be possible that the coagulable
lymph, which is sometimes thrown out in the
aqueous humour, might have been mistaken
'or a worm ; but the physician just men-

tioned assured him that it was a living worm
as he had seen them repeatedly in motion
and that the fact had also been proved b)
dissection after death.

Worms have been sometimes discovered
in the large arteries, particularly the aorta,
but it seems extraordinary how they could
enter the eye through so small an artery as
that which passes to it, and which supplies
it with blood.

The eyes of some animals have no pig-
mentum, such as ferrets, rabbits, &c. In fish
the choroid coat resembles silver. The Ha-
noverian cream-coloured horses, which draw
his majesty's state-coach, have a peculiar
colour in their eyes, somewhat resembling
ferrets. There are also some English horses
whose eyes are of a variegated colour.
These are called wall-eyes, though it is dif-
ficult to account for the derivation of the
term. It has been erroneously supposed
that wall-eyes, as they are called, never go
blind, but such on opinion is founded on no
just ground whatever. The hawe, as has
been before observed, is a very essential ap-
pendage to the eye. Its use is to wipe off
extraneous matters which may happen to
lodge upon the eye, such as dust, hay-seedss,
&c. and it also affords a considerable pro-
tection to it. Hence the folly and mischief
of removing it, by cutting it away, as is prac-
tised by some of the country Farriers, must
be sufficiently evident, for though it is some-
times drawn partially over the eye, when the
eye is inflamed, still it always returns when
the inflammation is removed

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

215

DISEASES OF THE HEART.

It is not surprising- that an animal so much
exposed to violent and excessive exertion as
the horse is^ should be subject to disease in
the principal organ of the circulation of the
blood. But antecedently to entering on the
subject, it will be necessary to give an ana-
tomical description of that organ, namely,
the Heart, which is a strong muscular sub-
stance contained in the thorax, or chest,
wherein all the veins terminate, and from
which all the arteries arise, and which, by its
alternate contractions and dilations, is the
chief instrument of the circulation of the
blood, and of the principle of life.

This noble part is included in a capsule,
or bag, called the pericardium, consisting of
a strong membranous substance inclosiu"'
the heart like a purse, and of use only to de-
fend it from the friction of the lungs, and (o
contain a moisture to keep it smooth, and
render its motion more easy. The figure of
the heart is a cone, broad at bottom, and
narrow at top. In a horse, it is not so
large as in a bullock, nor proportionably so
broad towards its basis. Its fibres are very
compact, and laid close together, having a
twisted spiral direction, especially towards
ius top, where it somewhat resembles the
contortion of a snail's shell. It i« fixed to i

some of the vertebra of the thorax, by the
large vessels that go to and from it.

Its point inclines a little downwards, to-
wards the left side, where it is received into
a depression of the left lobe of the lun"-s
which, perhaps, may be formed in the fcetus,
by the position of the heart before the lungs
have been filled with air. The heart is nou-
rished and maintained by its own proper ves-
sels, called, the coronary, because they sui-
round its whole substance, like a crown, or
garland. It has a middle partition, which
divides it internally into two ventricles, or
caverns ; the left is smaller than the riffht.
and its sides much thicker ; its office being
to drive the blood to the most distant parts
of the body, whereas the right ventricle
detaches it only through (lie lungs. Its
inside has several small chords, or compages
of fibres, called columnar carne<E, which re
semble the bundles of columns which we
see in gothic buildings, and help to commi-
nute and break the grosser parts of the blood
in the frequent contraction of the heart.

The contraction and dilation of the heart
is called its systole and its diastole. The
first, when the vertex, or top of the heart, is
drawn down to its basis, to send the blood
into all parts of the body ; and the latter

?.16

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

when it opens and dilates itself to receive
the returning- blood. The heart has its
auricleSj which are so called because they
/esemble two ears, and are seated at its basis,
one on each side, to receive the blood at its
entrance, the I'ight from the ascending and
descending trunks of the cava, and the left
from the pulmonary veins by which it enters
in proper portions, and so as it uiay not rush
in with too much violence, or in too great a
quantity, so as to interrupt the regular ac-
tion of the heart, for when the auricles are
full the heart is empty, and when the heart
is full the auricles are empty. The auricles
in their mechanism and structure somewhat
resemble that of the heart, only that they
are chiefly membranous ; whereas the heart
is altogether fleshy, for if it was tendi-
nous in any part, as most muscles are, it
vvould be altogether unfit for its office.
•vVhen the two trunks of the cava open into
the right auricle, there is a little eminence,
or rising, which prevents the blood of the
ascending and descending trunks from rush-
ing together, and causes it to slip more
gently into the ventricle ; and the coronary
veins likewise opening into its entrance with
the returning blood from the heart, may
probably render this the more necessary.

The large vessels which empty the blood
into the heart, and those which receive the
blood from it, have each of them valves,
whereby the blood is forwarded on the pas-
sage, but cannot return the same way it
came Thus the vena cava, which enters
into the right ventricle, has three, called
tricuspides, being .ike so many points of a
spear or a lance.

T'hese point inwards, so as lo open a free I

passage for the blood into the right ventricle
of the heart.

The pulmonary artery, which receives the
blood from the same ventricle into the lungs,
has also three valves, called, sigmoidse, from
their resemblance to the Greek letter sigma.
These incline from within outwards, by
which they hinder the blood from returning
back again into the heart. The pulmonary
vein has two valves, called, mitrales. These
have the same office as those of the cava
above described, being to hinder the blood
from returning back again into the lungs.
And the valves of the aorta, or great artery,
called similunares, have the same office as
those of the pulmonary ^artery, viz. to pre-
vent the blood, by which it is detached into
all other parts of the body, from returning
into the heart.

The use of the heart is suflSciently evident
from what has beenalready said in its descrip-
tion, the heart being the vital fountain which
receives the blood from all the rivulets of the
body, and dispenses it back again through its
proper channels for the support and nourish-
ment of every part.

For that purpose its structure is very dif-
ferent from all other muscles, especially those
that move particular parts; for as these are
partly ffeshy, aid partly tendinous, or have
their fleshy fibres, and in tendons of a closer
contexture, the heart on the other hand is
altogether ffeshy, and made up of fibres so
exquisitely fine, and so closely compacted
together, that it is by that circumstance
endowed with all the force necessary for its
functions, and its basis is the most compact
of all its other parts, where probablv its
fibres have both their origins and insertions

HRITISIl SPORTSlVrAN.

S17

But the most extraordinary property of the
heart is its perpetual action duriuj;- life, inde-
pendent of any contronl whatever, and in
this it dirt'ers from all other moveal)le parts
of the body/which are set in motion only by
the will. All attempts, therefore, to account
for this remarkable property m\istbe fruitless,
and physiologists must content themselves
with the knowledge of the fact of its being
the organ that circulates the blood, although
they are ignorant of the source of the vital
principle that sets it in motion.

Another extraordinary property in the
heart, is its constant and unremitted action
during the life of an animal body. This
action, after it has once commenced, never
ceases except at the moment of death, so
that, in fact, the heart has none of those pe-
riods of rest which are enjoyed by the other
muscles of the body, for its motion goes on
incessantly, even during sleep, although it is

somewhat more tranquil than at other OmeM.
When we consider the violent and excessive
exertions to which horses are constantly ex-
posed, either from the wanton caprice, or the
avarice of mankind, it will not be thonirhl
surprising that the heart should be frequei^tly
liable to injury and disorder.

The diseases with which the heart is prin-
cipally aflTected, are dropsy in the pericar-
dium, or bag which contains the heart, and
ossification, or the conversion of the auric'ies
into a gristly and even bony substance.

These diseases are generally incurable, es-
pecially as they are, for the most part,
brought on imperceptibly. They are fre-
quently overlooked in the examination of
dead subjects, but are very often discovered
by those whose business it is to slaughter
horses, as well as those who purchase (he
flesh for dog's meat.

ON THE AGE OF THE HORSE.

Most quadrupeds have some peculiar
marks, or tokens, by which their age may
be ascertained up to a certain period. In
horned animals some perceptible alteration
in the form and appearance of the horn takes
place annually, by which their age may be
calculated.

These, however, being ruminating animals,
''that is to say, animals that chew the cud,)
tbfter from the horse in having no front teeth

IS

in the upper jaw. The- horse has twelve
front teeth ; six in the upper and six in the
under jaw ; whilst the ox, the sheep, the
goat, and the stag, have eight front teeth
in the lower jaw, and none in the upper.

It is not easy to account for this peculi-
arity, except that it is connected with the
action of chewing the cud, and may possi-
bly, in some way or other, facilitate that
action. The age, however, of the ox,
3 I

2iS

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

the sheep, and the goat, may be ascertained
till the fourth year by the teeth, simply
by their shedding- them ; but after the
new teeth are all full grown, no crite-
rion remains, because the teeth have no
marks, or cavities, like those of the horse.
There is also another very essential difference
between grazing and carniverous animals
in the disposition of the teeth. In the car-
niverous tribe, the jaws are completely filled
with teeth all round, whereas, in the grazing
tribe, there is a smooth space of some extent
between the front teeth and the grinders At
about the middle of this space the horse has
a tooth, which stands by itself, and is called
a tush. There are four of these, two on
each jaw. They are peculiar, however, to
horses, mares having none, except in some
very few instances.

This smooth space, which is called the
bars of the mouth, has been supposed by
some naturalists to have been a provision of
nature to render the animal more govern-
able by the bridle. That it has that effect
must be admitted, but it is very doubtful if
that was the original object of such a pecu-
liar format; f^n, since the same peculiarity is
found both in the sheep and the goat, neither
of which can reasonably be supposed to have
been ever intended for a bridle.

The horse has forty teeth, viz. twenty-four
back teeth, or grinders, twelve front teeth,
or nippers, and four tushes

The mare has but tliirty-six, the tushes
being generally wanting. The first that
glow are the foal-teeth, which begin to ap-
pear a few months after he is foaled; they are
twelve in number, six above and six below,
and are easily distinguished from the teeth
that come afterwards by their smallness and
whiteness, not unlike the fore teeth of a man.

When the colt is about two years and a half
old, he casts the four centre teeth, viz. two
above and two below, but the lower ones
generally first. This is, however, attended
with some trifling variation of time among
different colts, as some do not cast them un-
til they are three years old. The new teeth
are easily distinguished from the foal-teeth,
being much stronger and nearly double their
size, and are called the incisores, or gatherers,
being those by which a horse nips off the
grass, when he is feeding abroad in the fields,
or in the house gathers his hay from the rack.
When a horse has got these four teeth com-
plete, he is reckoned three years old.

At three years and a half, or in the spring
before he is four years old, he casts out four
more of his foal-teeth, viz. two above and
two below, one on each side of the middle
teeth ; so that when the mouth is looked in-
to, and the two middle teeth are perceived
to be full grown, and none of the foal-teeth,
except the corner teeth, remaining, you may
conclude he is four that year, about April or
May.

Some, indeed, are later colts, but that
makes little alteration in the mouth. The
tushes appear nearly at the same time with
the four last-mentioned teeth, sometimes
sooner than these, and sometimes not till
after the horse is full four years old. When
they are full grown they are round, or con-
vex, on the outside, and hollow, or concave,
on the inside, with a projecting ridge up the
middle. When the tushes do not appear
for some time after the foal-teeth are cast,
and the new ones come in their room, it is
generally owing to the foal-teeth having
been pulled out before their natural time of
shedding, by the breeders, or dealers, for the
purpose of making the colt appear four years

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

219

old when he is only three, and with the view
to render him more saleable, for when the
teeth are pulled out, the new ones come
sooner into their places ; but this is not the
case with the tushes where there is no suc-
cession. Hence they never appear before
their natural period, although their pushing-
through the bars may be accelerated in some
trifling degree by lancing, or cutting the
gum just over the tooth. The surest way,
therefore, to know a four-year old horse is
by his tushes, which are then very small, and
sharp on the top and edges. When a horse
comes five, the corner teeth begin to appear,
and are at first but just level with the gums,
being filled with flesh in the middle. The
tushes are also, by this time, grown to a
more distinct sizs, though not very large ;
they likewise continue sharp and rough on
the top and edges. But the comer teeth
are now the most remarkable.

They differ from the middle teeth, in be-
ing more fleshy on the inside, and the gums
generally look more red and raw on the
teeth first shooting out, whereas the others
do not appear discoloured. The middle
teeth arrive at their full growth in less than
three weeks, but the corner teeth grow lei-
surely, and are seldom much h.gher than
the gums, till a horse is full five. They
differ also from the other front teeth in this,
that they somewhat resemble a shell, and
thence are called the shell-teeth, because
they surround the flesh in the middle, half
way round, and as they grow, the flesh with-
in disappears, leaving a distinct hollowness
and openness on the inside. When a horse
IS full five, these teeth are generally about
the thickness of a crown-piece above the
(rums, and at six they are full grown. The

corner teeth in the upper jaw fall out before
those in the under, so that the upper corne*
teeth are seen before those below; on the
contrary, the tushes in the lower jaw come
out before those in the upper. When a
horse is six years old, the lioUowness on the
inside of the corner tooth begins to fill up,
and that part which was at first fleshy, groAvs
into a brownish spot, not unlike the eye of a
dried garden bean, and continues so imtil
he is seven, with this difference only, that the
tooth is more filled up, and the mark, or spot,
becomes faint, and of a lighter colour.
These marks are to be found in all the front
teeth, up to a certain age, viz. at five years
these marks disappear in the two middle
lower teeth and until these marks have dis-
appeared, it is a pretty certain sign that the
horse is not five years old, notwithstanding
the growth of his corner teeth may have been
hastened by pulling out the colt's teeth before
their time. At six years, the marks of the
two next lower teeth disappear, and at seven,
up to eight, the marks of the lower corner
teeth are filled up. At this period, also, the
tushes become rounder and more blunt at
their edges.

At eight, the marks are generally worn
out, though some liorses retain them much
longer, and those who have not had experi-
ence, may, from this circumstance, mistake
a horse of ten years of age for one of eight.

It is, therefore, easier to practice decep-
tion in the age of a horse, after he is seven
years old, than before that period ; for the
tricks to make a young horse appear older
than he really is, by pulling out the corner
teeth before their time of shedding, may be
easily detected, by feeling the bars where
♦he tushes grow, for thev may be felt in the

220

THK COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

gums before the corner teeth put forth,
whereas, if the corner teeth come some
months before the tushes rise in the gums,
we may reasonably suspect, that the corner
teeth have been pulled out at three years
old. When the marks are all out of the
lower front teeth, it is generally supposed
that no means remain to ascertain the age
with any degree of certainty. A tolerable
guess, however, may be given by looking at
the front teeth in the upper jaw, which have
marks in them as well as those in the lower
jaw ; and which marks do not begin to fill
up until those in the lower jaw are all
effaced. Thus, at eight years old, the marks
in the two middle upper teeth begin to dis-
appear ; at ten, the marks in the two next ;
and at twelve, those in the corner teeth,
after which period, there are certainly no
means of forming any probable conclusion
on the subject. It should, therefore, be
remembered, that there is one year be-
tween the disappearance of these marks in
each tooth in the lower jaw, whilst there are
two years difference in those of the up])cr
jaw.

After twelve, there are several visible al-
terations which take place, not only in the
teeth, but in the general appearance of the
head of the animal. The most conspicuous
are the following. In the first place, the
front teeth, before the age of seven years,
are nearly perpendicular in their position,
and meet exactly at the edges. But as the
horse grows older, thev become more hori-
zontal, and the upper teeth project consider-
ably beyond the under teeth. The upper
corner tooth also forms an angle or hook
over the edge of the under tooth, and this
takes place from the surface of the upper

tooth being larger than that of the under
tooth, on which account it grows over in that
part where it experiences no pressure from
the opposite tooth. This is one of the most
infallible signs of age whenever it appears,
though the dealers sometimes file it away
until it is square with the rest of the
tooth.

In the next place, on examining the teeth
of an old horse, they seem to be much
longer than those of a young one. This
does not arise so much from an increased
growth in the tooth, as from the gums re-
ceding so as to shew more of the tooth than
they did before. The tushes, also, are quite
round and blunt, and the ridges of the roof
of the mouth nearly disappear, so as to be
lean and smooth instead of bein-s: irreffular
and fleshy. The colour of the teeth in an
old horse changes to yellow, and sometimes
to black. The head begins to look mort^
lean and bony. The upper part of the eye,
above the lid, becomes sunk and hollow,
and grey hairs are interspersed about the
forehead and ears. The lips are more
wrinkled, and the under lip generally drops
a little below the upper. Notwithstanding
these alterations in the appearance of the
animal generally take place in old age, still
there are some horses that retain all the
marks of middle age, by the freshness of
their teeth, the boldness of the eye, and the
vigor of their constitution, even until they
are sixteen years old, or upwards.

There are various tricks practised by the
lower class of dealers to make an old horse
appear young. Thus, when the mark is fil-
led up in the corner tooth after seven years
old, they make an artificial one, by scooping
out a cavity on the top of tlie tooth with a

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

221

graving tool, and afterwards burning it with '
allot iron, for the purpose of giving it a
black colour.

But the deception may easily be detected
by any one who is accustomed to look into
horses' mouths ; for the heat of the iron

draws the oil of the tooth to the surface, and
gives it a yellowish appearance, very differ-
ent from the natural mark ; besides, they
cannot restore the tushes to their original
shape, nor the position of the teeth to their
former inclination.

ON BLEEDING.

* »

>g'

though

Thu operation ot blood-lettin
often performed without any real necessity,
is, nevertheless, a matter of considerable im-
portance to the welfare of the horse, especi-
ally as very troublesome diseases sometimes
take place in the jugular vein when it is exe-
cuted in an unskilful! manner. With regard
to the mode of performing the operation, the
following observations, by Mr. Clarke, of
Edinburgh, are so much to the purpose, that
the author of the present work cannot do
better than transcribe them. He says, " As
horses are naturally timorous and fearful^
which is too frequently increased by bad
usage and improper correction, they require'
in some cases, particularly in this of bleed-
ing, to be taken unawares, or by surprise,
and the orifice made into the vein before
their fears are excited. For this reason, the
fleaip and blood-stick have long been in use,
and in skilful hands are not improper instru-

18

ments for the purpose, although with many
practitioners the spring fleam would be much
safer, and on that account ought to be pre-
ferred. When a lancet is used, the instant
the horse feels the point of it, he raises or
shakes his head and neck, in order to shyn
the instrument before the operator has time
to make a proper orifice, whioh frequently
proves too small or too large; for this rea-
son, those who have tried the lancet have
been obliged to lay it aside. Many persons
tie a ligature, or bandage, round the neck, in
order to raise the vein, and that they may
strike the fleam into it with the greater cer-
tainty ; but a slight view of its effects in pre-
venting this and its other consequences, w ill
shew the impropriety of the practice.

" When a ligature is tied round the neck,

previous to bleeding in the jugular vein, it

is to be observed, that it stops the circulation

in both veins at the same time; hence they

3k

222

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

4

become turgid and very full of blood, inso-
much, that they feel under the finger like a
tight cord ; and as the parts adjoining are
loose and soft, when the stroke is given to
the fleam, the vein, by its hardness and tight-
ness, slips to one side, and of course it eludes
the stroke ; hence a deep wound is made by
the fleam to no purpose, and this is sometimes
frequently repeated. Unskilful people have
likewise a custom ot waving, or shaking the
blood -stick before they strike the fleam, in
view of the horse, whose eye is fixed on that
instrument, and when they intend to give
the stroke, they make a greater exertion;
hence the horse being alarmed by its motion
raises his head and neck, and a disappoint-
ment follows. The struggle that ensues
from this circumstance prolongs the opera-
tion, the ligature at the same time being still
continued round the neck, a total stagnation
of the blood in the vessels of the head takes
place, and hence it frequently happens that
the norse falls down in an apoplectic fit. In
such cases, the operator being disconcerted,
generally desists from any further attempt to
draw blood at that time, under the idea that
the horse was vicious and unruly, althougli
the very treatment the horse had just under-
gone rendered bleeding at that time the more
necessary, in order to unload the vessels of
the head in which the blood had been stag-
nated by the ligature round the neck. There-
fore a ligature ought never to be used, as a
moderate pressure of the finger below the
orifice will always be sufiicient to make the
blood flow easily ; but if the horse is lying on
the ground, a ligature may then be necessary.
" But when the ligature is made tight before
the orifice is made in the vein, and the horse
happens to fall in an apoplectic fit, it may

cause a blood-vessel within the head to burst,
and death may be the consequence

" Another custom equally absurd is allow-
ing the blood to fall in a dunghill, amongst
straw, or on dry sand, so that no distinct
idea can be formed of the quantity that is
or ought to be taken away. In such cases,
horses have dropped down insensible from
the loss of too much blood, before the
operator thought of stopping the orifice.

" For this, and a variety of other reasons
which might be mentioned, a measure, as
above observed, ought always to be used, in
order to ascertain the quantity of blood that
is taken away.

" In pinning up the orifice, some have a
custom of raising, or drawing out the skin
too far from the vein ; hence, the blood flows
from the orifice in the vein, into the cellular
membrane, between it and the skin, which
causes a large lump, or swelling, to take
place immediately.

" This frequently ends in a swelled neck ;
a suppuration follows, which proves both
tedious and troublesome to cure. In cases
where a horse may be tied up to the rack
after bleeding in the neck, piiming up the
external orifice may be dispensed with ; but
when a horse is troubled with the gripes, or
any other acute disease, in which he lies
down and tumbles about, it is necessary
that the orifice be pinned up with care, in
order to prevent its bleeding afresh. As the
jugular vein on the near side is commonly
chosen for conveniency by those who are
right-handed, the young practitioner should
learn to perform on both sides of the neck.
This he will find in practice to be not only
useful, but sometimes necessary, as he may
frequently have orcasion to draw blood tron*

jmiTISIl SPORTSMAN.

223

horses in very awkward situations ; he will
likewise find it useful in a variety of cases
which it is needless here to particularise.

" The proper place for making- the openin*^
in the neck or jugular vein is likewise neces-
sary to be attended to ; for when the orifice
is made too low, or about the middle of the
neck, where the vein lies deep under the
muscular teguments, the wound becomes
ditticult to heal, and frccpiently ends in sup-
puration, with a protrusion of proud flesh
from the orifice, which, unluckily, is as unskil-
fully treated in the common method of cure,
viz. by introducing a large piece of corrosive
sublimate into the wound ; this not only
destroys the proud flesh in the lips of the
wound, but also a considerable portion of
the flesh around it. This is called by the
common farriers, coring out the vein. It
frequently happens that this corrosive appli-
cation destroys the vein likewise, and some-
times violent bleedings ensue, so as to
endanger the life of the animal. The most
proper place for making the opening in the
jugular vein is where the integuments are
thinest, which is about a hand's breadth from
the head, just below the branching off of
the vein to the lower jaw, and which may be
distinctly seen when any pressure is made on
the main branch of the vein.

'^In performing the operation with a fleam,
the operator should hold the fleam between
the fore-finger and thumb of the left hand ;
with the second finger he is to make a slight
pressure on the vein, and before it becomes
too turgid, or full, make the opening ; the
same degree of pressure is to be continued
on the vein, till such time as the quantity of
blood to be taken away is received into a
proper measure.

" Another great error, which generally pre-
vails in opening the vein with a fleam, is the
applying too great force, or giving too vio-
lent a stroke to it, by which it is forced
through the opposite side of the vein. Hence
there is danger of wounding the coats of the
carotid artery which lies immediately under-
neath. Gibson, in his treatise on the diseases
of horses, mentions a case of a fine horse
that was blooded in the plate-vein for a lame-
ness in the shoulder, \\hich was followed
with a hard oval swelling about the size of
a goose egg, which extended upwards on
the breast, and also down the leg, attended
with excessive pain, fever, deadness in the
horse's looks, and all the other symptoms of
an approaching mortification. In order to
avoid the consequences sometimes attending
these local operations in the breast, legs, &c.
and as horses are more or less troublesome
and restless, whereby accidents of this kind
may happen, it will perhaps be adviscable in
most cases of lameness to draw blood from
the neck-vein only, where there is less dan-
ger of accident, more especially if a spring-
fleam be used, for although it might be of
some advantage in particular cases to draw
blood as near to the affected part as possible,
yet the bad consequences frequently attend-
ing it, seem to counterbalance any advantage
that may be expected from it, especially as
the quantity of blood drawn from the small
veins is but inconsiderable, and of course
no great benefit can be expected from it in
horses when they arc diseased.

" The principal object in drawing blood is
to lessen its quantity, by which the remain-
in"- mass circulates with more freedom in the
vessels ; it likewise takes oflf the inflammatory
tendency of the blood, removes spasms, and

224

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

prevents other bad consequences that may j
follow, especially in plethoric habits ; and, it ^
is always to be remembered, that when the ;
signs, or symptoms, of a disease are taken
from the motion of blood, the disorders
arising from it depend upon its circulation
being either increased or diminished; hence,
therefore, all the changes which take place
in the texture, quantity, and quality of the
blood, are attended either with a diminution
or an increase of its velocity.

" Although the cases which may require
bleeding are numerous, yet one general cau-
tion is necessary, namely, never to take away
blood but when it is absolutely necessary ;
for it is a fluid that may be easily taken
away, but cannot be so easily replaced. Be-
sides the practice of bleeding frequently, or
at stated times, is exceedingly improper, as
it disposes the body to become weak and re-
laxed. In bleeding, therefore, a due regard
must always be had to the constitution, age,
strength, &c. of horses, and the state, or
habit, of body they are in at the time. Al-
though blood ought not, in general, to be
taken from horses on trifling occasions, when
they may be said to be in health, yet when
cases occur that do require it, it may not
only safely but usefully be recommended, to
take away a greater quantity at once than is
usually done; for instance, from three to four
quarts, according to the urgency of the
symptoms at the time, the strength and age
of the horse being also taken into consider-
ation.

" For as horses are very subject to inflam-
matory diseases, and those that are of the
spasmodic kind, and as bleeding plentifully
relaxes the whole system in these cases, the
taking away a small quantity of blood is in

fact plying with the disease. The horse is
then said to have been blooded, and that sa-
tisfies the owner and the farrier; time is thus
lost, the disease acquires strength, and it
may then be beyond the power of art to mi-
tigate or to conquer it ; hence the horse falls
a sacrifice to timidity and ignorance. It is
to be remembered, that inflammatory dis-
eases, particularly when the bowels are
affected, make a very rapid progress in
horses, and if they are not overcome at the
beginning by bleeding plentifully, the horse
commonly dies in twenty-four hours of a
gangrene or mortification in the intestines.

" Mr. Coleman, in the first part of the trans-
actions of the veterinary college, speaks of
the inflammation of the vein which some-
times succeeds bleeding in the following
terms. ' Although,' says he, * a vein is not
strictly a circumscribed cavity, yet it has no
communication with the air of the atmos-
phere, and when once exposed, if the parts,
after the operation, do not unite by the first
intention, the vein is liable to great mischief.'

"Whenever inflammation attacks the inter-
nal surface of veins from bleeding, or any
wound, the disease is to be considered as of
the same nature, and requiring the same
remedies as the exposure of joints, or other
cavities.

" The first symptom of inflammation and
suppuration within a vein, is generally s
small degree of swelling about the orifice,
the lips of which soon recede from each
other, and a little oozing escapes from the
part.

" At other times, the swelling will be more
considerable, attended with frequent hoemor-
rage, and where the swelling extends much
above the orifice, the vein is frequently cal-

BRITISH SPORTSM AN

225

lous and enlarged as high as the head. Tliis
enlargement and hardness of the vein pro-
ceeds, in part, from the coagnUible lymph
fdling up its cavity ; and, in part, from the
coats of the veiff being thickened ; and the
lymph sometimes becomes organised, and
tirmly unites to the internal surface of the
vein. In other cases, the coagulable sub-
stance does not unite to the vein, but acts as
a foreign body on the whole internal surface
of the vein.

Instances have occurred where lymph,
many inches in length, has been taken from
the jugular vein, and extended as high as
the veins of the face, unconnected with its
coats. Abscesses also form occasionally in
the neighbourhood of the part diseased,
sometimes with, at other times without any
communication vvith the vein. Althouffhthe
inflammation is seldom continued below the
orifice of the vein, yet one instance occur-
red where the vena cava, and even the heart
itself, partook of the disease. The remedies
he recommends are stimulating oils applied
to the tumour ; and where suppuration has
not taken place, applications of that nature
sometimes succeed. But when suppuration
and bleeding come on, the disease requires
•A very different treatment.

The course to be pursued under such cir-
cumstances, Mr. Coleman exemplifies in the
following list of cases which occurred at the
Veterinary College.

1st. A horse was admitted on the 30th of
August He had been bled in the jugular
vein on the near side of the neck six days
before.

The orifice of the wound, at that time,
was infiamed, and swelled to the size of a

19

walmit. It also discharged and frecjuently
bled. On further examination vvith a probe,
the cavity of the vein was found opened
The actual cautery, or hot iron, was applied
to the lips of the wound, which immediately
prevented any discharge of blood, or matter

On the 1st of September, suppuration
again took place from the same orifice. The
cautery was repeated, and succeeded as be-
fore. On the 2d, no discharge from the.
vein. The neck was fomented with warm
water. On the 3d and 4th, no discharffe.
Fomentations as before. On the 5th, the
wound discharged a small quantity of mat-
ter, and the cautery was again applied. The
next day the animal quitted the infirmary as
the swelling and inflammation had abated.

On the lOtli the horse was again returned,
and on enquiry it was found that, by some
accident, the coagulum had been torn off, the
discharge increased considerably, and the
inflammation and swelling extended up the
vein as high as the head. The cautery was
again had recourse to, and the discharge
ceased. The horse was bled from the op-
posite vein, and a dose of purging physic
given, which operated the next day. On the
15th, the wound suppurated from the same
orifice, and the cautery was repeated to a
greater depth. On the I6th and I7th, no dis-
charge. The tumour above the wound was
blistered, and by tlie I8th was much reduced
in size. On the I9th, the granulations pro-
truded through the orifice, but no discharge.
A small quantity of the powder of vitriolat-
ed copper was sprinkled on the part. On
the 20th, a small orifice was observed in the
centre of the wound, from which matter es-
caped. On introducing a probe, the cavity

3lL

226

THE COMPLEl E FARRIER ; and

was found to be superficial. A drachm of vi-
trjolated copper, in a solid form, was there-
fore introduced into the wound, and a large
poultice applied at night.

On the 22d, the neck was fomented with
warm water, and a common poultice applied
at niffht. On the 23d the inflammation and
swelling gradually abated, but the orifice
sloughed and again suppurated. The cau-
tery was repeated as before. On the 24th, a
small discharge came from the orifice, and
the cautery was again repeated. On the
25th, the surface of the wound sloughed,
and healthy granulations appeared,

The wound was afterwards dressed with
a simple ointment, and the granulation
sprinkled with blue vitriol.

Under this treatment the horse was dis-
charged from the college on the 9th of Oc-
tober, radically cured.

A coach-horse had been bled in the jugu-
lar vein, on the negtr side, about a week.

On examination it was found to be in-
flamed and swelled considerably in the
direction of its course towards the head, at-
tended with frequent discharges of blood
from the orifice. A large swelling had also
taken place about the division of the vein
above. The vein below the orifice was not
inflamed, or in any degree diseased. The
tumour was ordered to be blistered, and the
actual cautery applied to the orifice. For
three days successively no discharge of blood,
or matter, came from the orifice. But the
abscess still continued to increase, and the
matter being formed, it was opened, and dis-
charged copiously.

A piece of loose coagulum, about six
inches in length, was taken out at the same
time from the orifice of the vein. A probe

being introduced, a communication v\ as dis-
covered between the vein and the absce.ss.
This circumstance proved favourable to the
cure, for as no hsemorrage had taken place
from the abscess, there were just grounds to
believe that the pressure of the abscess had
united the inner coats of the vein above, so
as to prevent all comnmnication between the
vein above and the vein below. The dis-
ease was therefore treated as a common ab-
scess.

A seton was introduced up the sinus to
communicate with both openings, and re-
tained there about a week. It was then re-
moved, and by the application of common
dressings, the animal completely recovered.
The vein being united and rendered imper-
vious above, the inflammation and haemor-
rage both ceased.

In another case the jugular vein of a
horse had been opened about a fortnight.
The vein was considerably inflamed from the
orifice to the head, attended with suppura-
tion and frequent bleeding. The external
skin in the direction of the vein downwards,
in consequence of the application of some
corrosive medicine, was in a state of ulcera-
tion from the orifice to the chest. The hot
iron was applied to the external lips of
the wound. The hajmorrage and dis-
charge ceased. A dose of purging physic
was given, which operated in thirty-six hours.
A blister was also applied to the tumour
above the orifice of the vein, and the dis-
charge occasioned by the blister diminished
the enlargement.

On the 22d of May, the external orifice
opened and discharged matter, but no blood
After the operation of the blister, the parts
were fomented with warm water. On the

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

227

26th, it was found necessary to repeat llie
cautery to the centre of the orifice. On the
28tli, the tumour near the head being soft, a
small opening was made, which discharged
largely, but appeared to have no conununi-
cation with the vein above or orifice below.

Fomentations and poultices were employ-
ed, and the cavity became gradually filled
with new granulations. On the 2d of June,
a small quantity of llie powder of vitriolated
copper, to prevent an improper growth of the
granulations, was applied. The same treat-
ment was continued until the 11th of June,
when the orifice of the vein completely closed.

The wound above gradually healed, and,
on the 1 7th of June, the horse was discharg-
ed perfectly cured.

On the 20f h of August, another horse was
brought with a swelling in the jugular vein
in consequence of bleeding, and which was
attended with a very considerable degree of
inflammation. On the 2d of September, the
swelling having increased, attended with fre-
quent bleeding from the orifice, Mr. Cole-
man was desired to see the horse. On exa-
mination, it was discovered that the orifice of
the vein had not closed ; but the coats of
the vein below had united, and at this part
the cavity was impervious. The vein above
the orifice continued open. The actual
cautery was therefore applied to the orifice,
and fomentations and poultices were applied
to the tumour.

The discharge from the orifice not ceasing,
the cautery was repeated. On the sixth,
seventh, and eighth days, fomentations, and
poultices were continued. On the 10th, the
orifice of the vein not being closed, the cau-
tery was again applied, and succeeded by
fomentations and poultices as before. On

the 14th, the cautery was repeated. On the
17th, a dose of purging physic was giveri.
On the 2Ist, the tumour was blistered, and
the surface of the wound dressed with sim-
[)le ointment.

The part was afterwards blistered several
times, and, on the 2d of October, the dis-
ease was totally removed. The foregoing is
a detail of the practice adopted by Mr. Cole-
man at the Veterinary College, and accord-
ing to the results here stated, it appears tc
have been generally successful. But the
practice seems to apply principally to that
state of disease, where the inflammation has
made such progress as to have produced sup-
puration and abscess.

Whenever the disease has reached this*
extent, it is almost invariably attended by
the loss of the jugular vein, either by its
sloughing away, or becoming obliterated by
its sides closing together by adhesive inflam-
mation, and although the loss of the vein
does not affect the horse's existence, yet it is
productive of inconvenience when the horse
is turned to grass, in which case the blood
does not return from the head so freely as it
ought to do, and a kind of apoplectic fulness
takes place.

The loss of the vein must also be injurious
to the horse when hunting, or when employed
in any violent and rapid exercise, in which
case, also, the circulation of the blood will
be impeded. For these reasons it is evident
that it is a matter of the first importance that
the disease should, if possible, be removed
in its infancy. It generally arises from the
operation being performed in a bungling
manner, such as striking the fleam into the
neck two or three times without hitting the
vein, or it may arise from pinning up too

228

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

large a portion of skin, and tying the tow
too tight around it.

In either of these cases inflammation may
ensue, which, if not subdued very speedily,
may produce ulceration and abscess. On
the first appearance, therefore, of swelling
in the part, the pin should be taken out, and
the part fomented with warm water four or
five times a-day, and in the intervals the fol-
lowing lotion may be used, viz.

Golard .... I drachm
Spirits of wine . . half-a-pint,
to be put in a quart bottle, and filled up
with water.

This treatment, if regularly persisted in
for a day or two, will generally remove the
swelling and inflammation, but if the horse
is fat, and considered to be foul in his body,
a mild dose of purging physic may be given
with advantage. It frequently happens that
horses which run in mail or stage-coaches,
are injured in the neck after bleeding, by
the rein of the bridle rubbing against the
pin which closes the orifice, and indeed in-
stances have occurred of horses which work
in the night having the pin forced out, and
bleeding until they dropped down before the
accident was discovered. But, at all events,
a carriage-horse should not be worked on
the same day on which he is bled, because
the pressure of the collar in drawing always
fills the vein by stopping the circulation of
the blood, and either prevents the orifice in
the vein from closing and healing, or else
bursts it open afresh after it has barely
united.

When, however, the inflammation and
swelling do not subside, and matter forms,
the ed^es of the wound may be dressed with

a small quantity of butter of antimony, ap-
plied with the point of a feather, which may
be used once in three days. At the same timo
a poultice of bran may be applied, by in-
closing the poultice in a flannel bag, and
tying it easy round the neck. This will lu-
bricate and soften the skin, and will tend to
keep down the inflammation. The practice of
the common Farriers, in this case, is to intro-
duce a small piece of corrosive sublimate,
or else to dress the part with aqua-fortis,
either of which are very dangerous, because
they destroy all the parts which they touch,
and the vein being eaten away also, the
horse is in danger of bleeding to death, ex-
cept the vein is tied by a ligature above the
orifice.

Having gone thus far into the treatment of
diseased necks, arising from bleeding, it will
be proper to point out what are the cases in
which bleeding is required, for the common
practice of resorting to it at particular sea-
sons of the year, whether the animal requires
it or not, is not only absurd, but is frequently
detrimental.

The cases where bleeding is required, are
violent bruises, or strains in the muscular
and tendinous parts where they are attended
with much inflammation ; also large wounds,
where there is much laceration without much
loss of blood. It is likewise proper in all
cuticular disorders or eruptions on the skin,
in large swellings on the body or legs aris-
ing from a plethoric state ; in all deep punc-
tures, when the horse shews symptoms of
great pain, and in swelling of the legs, or
heels, when attended with much inflamma-
tion.

Bleeding is sometimes the speediest me-
thod of giving relief in the beginning oi

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

229

inflainiuatory fevers, to which horses arc very
liable ; it is also necessary, in all violent
acute pains, as in the gripes, or colic, stran-
guary, or suppression of urine ; in rlieuinatic
complaints, where the pain causes stiffness,
or lameness, and which frequently shifts from
one limb to another, or when it afiects the
neck, and occasioirs that stiffness and con-
traction of the muscles, which is commonly
called the chords, in inflammation of the
eyes, or palate of the mouth, the latter of
which is called the lampas, when the horse
cannot cat his food on account of the ten-
derness of the parts — in all recent colds, at-
tended with defluxions of the eyes ; in re-
cent swellings of the glands about the throat,
jaws, &c. in inflammation of the liver, the
lungs, the pleura, stomach, intestines, kid-
nies, bladder, or any of the internal viscera.
In apoplexy, vertigo, or giddines, and in all
disorders where the head seems affected ; in
eruptions of the skin, called surfeit ; in full
habits of body, where proper exercise has
been neglected, and when a horse breathes
with difficulty on the least exercise. On the
other hand, bleeding is to be avoided in cases
of all iullammatory swellings after matter
has formed. It is also to be avoided in
all cases of extreme lowness, or weakness,
jiroduced by fatigue, or disease, or after
strong evacuations by purging, or scouring,
or diabetes, or excessive staling.

Bleeding is also improper during the time
of a horse's moulting, or shedding his coat ;
in fact, it should never be practised except
some more substantial reason can be given
than the mere plea of custom at certain pe-
riods of the year.

In the foregoing observations on diseases
of the jugular vein from bleeding, a full

10 *

detail has been given of the use of the ac-
tunl cautery, as |)racliscd at the Veterinary
College. It will, therefore, be proper to
mention in what other cases it has been used
with success. In all accidents, where the
cavity of a joint has been opened, as some-
times happens in broken knees, or in inju-
ries of the hock-joint, where the synovia, or
joint-oil, as it is called, is discharged, the
application of the hot iron has been gene-
rally successful in stopping the discharge
and healing the wound. Instances have
sometimes occurred where common Farriers,
who have not understood the nature of w ind-
galls and thorough-pins, have opened those
swellings w ith a lancet, the consequences of
which have been extremely dangerous. It
will, therefore, be necessary first to describe
the anatomical conformation of what is called
wind-gall, but which is in fact a relaxation
and enlargement of the biu'sa; mucosa?.

These bags, or cells, contain a fluid re-
sembling what is denominated joint-oil, and
are situated round the tendons and the bonef*
of the joint.

These are particularly observable in the
hock-joint, and in the fetlock, or pastern
joints. Their use is to moisten the surfaces
of those parts, and to prevent too great fric-
tion during the motion of the limbs.

In very young horses, that have not had
much work, these bags are scarcely visible,
and are only to be discovered by dissection ;
hence some have supposed that they are pro-
duced only by disease. But in horses that
have been hard worked they become very
large and perceptible, and are then distin-
guished by the name of wind-galls. The
term — wind-galls, originated most probably
from the erroneous idea that th*:y were filled

230

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

with air, by their yielding to the pressure of
the finger. From this mistaken notion some
Farriers have supposed that the best method
of removing them was by puncturing the
swelling with a lancet, for the purpose, as
they supposed, of letting out the wind.

The injurious consequences of this prac-
tice will be shewn in a subsequent part of
this chapter. When these puffy swellings
take place in the hock, they are called tho-
rough-pins, and when situated in the ante-
rior part of the hock, they are called bog-
spavins.

The first have been called thorough-pins,
from the tumour rui.ning through the hock;
and the latter, bog-spavins, from being seat-
ed near the part where the bone-spavin ge-
nerally takes place. The first effect which
takes place on opening these swellings is the
discharge of the fluid contained within them,
in consequence of which the swelling imme-
diately disappears. But if the wound does
not unite very speedily after the operation,
great inflammation and irritation ensue, and
although the wound should heal without any
of these injurious circumstances, still the
fluid increases in quantity, and the bag, or
swelling, becomes as full and as much dis-
tended as before.

This operation, therefore, is not only use-
less but dangerous, as the consequent inflam-
mation is sometimes so great as to endanger
the life of the animal. Farriers have some-
times opened these swellings with a red-hot
iron made pointed at its termination. This
mode has been found less hazardous than
that of the lancet, because the coagulable
lymph, which is thrown out at the edges of
the wound, forms a kind of glue, and con-
tributes to the closing and healing of the

orifice more rapidly than by any other means.
Setens have sometimes been recommended,
and passed through these swellings with a
view to create inflammation and fill up the
cavities with granulations.

But the irritation is greatly increased by
this practice, and if the horse outlives it, the
internal part of the bag is either filled up
with a fleshy substance, or else is entirely
obliterated and destroyed by the adhesive .■
inflammation of the different surfaces with
each other ; and there being no more fluid
formed in the part, for the purpose of lubri-
cating and moistening the surfaces of the
bones and ligaments which compose the
joint, a degree of stiffness ensues, and much
pain and uneasiness after a hard day's work.
When these capsules are opened by accident,
the inflammation is generally more violent,
and the effects more dangerous ; and as it has
not been generally understood, that exposing
the cavity of joints to the action of atmos-
pheric air is attended with more trouble and
dauffer than is the case with wounds in mus-
cular parts of the body or limbs, proper
means of relief have not been discovered,
nor resorted to by the generality of prac-
titioners

The following case, which came under the
observation and care of Mr. Coleman, will
serve to elucidate the benefit of the hot iron
ill cases of this description. Mr. Coleman
was desired to attend a horseof Lord Jersey's.
On examination he found that one of the
mucous capsules between the flexor tendon,
or back sinew, and the long ligament which
supports the two sesamoid bones, had, by an
accident, two days before been opened. The
leg was considerably enlarged and inflamed,
even above the knee, attended with consi-

BRITISH SPOirrs.MAN

'iSl

derable discluirg;e. The actual cautery was
applied to the surface of the wound, and fo-
mentations and poultices to (he leg-. A pur-
gative was also given. In three days the
discharge of synovia again returned, the
cautery was therefore repeated, and in less
than a fortnight the discharge totally ceased.
The leg, however, continued swelled and in-
flamed, and the horse, on the 25th of May,
was admitted at the Veterinary College. A
liquid blister was applied from the fetlock-
joint upwards to the bend of the knee, and a
mild diuretic given every other morning for
a week. When the blister had ceased to
discharge, to keep the parts moist, and pre-
serve the hair, a cold poultice of bran and
water was ordered, and a second dose of
physic, and by the assistance of another blis-
ter, and bandages, the horse was discharged
on the 22d of June, perfectly sound.

The foregoing remarks apply only to cases
of wind-galls which have been opened either
by accident, or injudiciously, with the inten-
tion of reducing tliein by letting out the fluid
or synovia. The best and safest mode oi
treating wjnd-galls is by repeated blisters, and
afterwards bandaging the part, applying a
piece of thin sheet-lead immediately over
the swelling within the bandage. These
swellings, or wind-galls, generally arise from
tlie horse being worked hard when youu"-,
aud before his joints have acquired sufficient
strength and firmness. The common form
of the pavement of the stall, which is gene-
rally up-hill towards the manger, contributes
also in a very material degree to increase the
tendency to this disease. It is obvious,
therefore, that a level standing must be the
most natural as well as the easiest to the
anirr.al.

ANTICOR, OR SWELLING OF THE BREAST.

This disease takes its name from the
French, " anticoeur," on account of its be-
ing near, or before the heart. The signs of it
are an enlargement of the breast, which some-
times is so violent as to extend upwards to-
wards the throat, and to threaten suffoca-
tion.

The animal droops his head, refuses his
food, and indeed cannot stoop his neck so as
to reach the ground with his mouth, for tho

purpose of collecting grass, or hay. He
faulters in his fore-legs whilst walking, and
trembles with his w hole body. It is said that
English horses are not so subject to this dis-
ease as those of France and Spain, and this
may possibly be the case from differencr of
climate.

This disorder may proceed from hard rid-
ing, exposing a horse to cold, and givmg
him cold water to drink when he is hot, or

232

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

from full feeding without sufficient exercise.
If the swelling is not speedily reduced, it
becomes anasarcous, or dropsical, and is then
called the water-farcy. The cure should be
attempted by early and copious bleeding-, to
abate the inflammation, and clysters should
be given repeatedly.

The following purge may also be given,
viz.

Aloes Barb.

. 8 drachms

Castile soap

. 2 drachms

Ginger

. 1 drachm.

in a ball.

This ball to be given with the usual pre-
cautions of bran-mashes, and water with the
chill off.

When the ball has ceased to operate, the
following may be given once in forty-eight
hours, viz.

Emetic tartar ... 2 drachms
Venice turpentine . . half-an-ounce.
Liquorice powder sufficient to make the
ball of a proper size.

The swelling may be fomented with bran
and water as hot as the hand can bear, and
this may be repeated every three or four
hours. If the swelling yields to the impres-
sion of the finger, and a hole remains, it is a
sign that the swelling is dropsical. In that
case a fleam may be struck into the skin in
four or five places, at some distance from
each other, and on the lowest or most de-
pending part of the swelling, and from these

punctures a serous discharge will take place
and continue to ooze out for a considerable
length of time, especially if the fomentation
is continued. This discharge will materially
assist in the reduction of the swelling.

If, however, the inflammation has been so
acute as to form matter, it may be ascertain-
ed by the part where the matter is formed
being softer than the rest, and this may be
known by handling the swelling all over. In
this case, the abscess may be opened by a
lancet in the most depending part, and after
the matter has been squeezed out of it, the
mouth of the wound may be kept open by
pledgets of tow dipped in the common di-
gestive ointment of yellow basilicon. The
dressing may be removed every day, and
fresh pledgets applied until the abscess be-
gins to fill up at the bottom ; and when that
process has taken place, the dressing may
be reduced in quantity in proportion as the
cavity closes. Should any proud flesh arise
at the edges of the wound, a little burnt
alum, or blue vitriol, may be applied occa
sionally, unless the surfaces are smooth,
and of a healthy florid colour. But if, on
the other hand, the swelling, in the first in-
stance, increases very rapidly, and there is
no tendency to suppuration, or forming of
matter, the bleeding must be repeated to the
quantity of four or five quarts, and the fo-
mentation applied once every hour

The swelling sometimes runs along the
belly towards the sheath, which part also in-
creases in size. The treatment, however,
should be the same as in the other case.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

SS33

RUPTURE.

• ♦ —

This disease arises from the muscular and
tendinous parts of the belly giving way, so
as to permit a portion of the intestines to
come through to the skin. Ruptures may
happen in different parts of the belly, but they
are commonly confined to two, viz. the um-
bilical or navel rupture, and the other where
the guts fall into the scrotum, or bag, which
contains the testicles. Gibson relates that
he once saw a Spanish horse that was rup-
tured, where the swelling was so large that
the scrotum dropped down as low as his
hocks.

This circumstance, he says, rendered the
cure impracticable. Horses, however, from
the horizontal position of their bodies, are
not so subject to ruptures in the scrotum as
the human race. He says he had also seen a
gelding, where probably some part of the
gut, or peritoneum, had made its way
through the vaginal passage into the mem-
branous parts of the sheath on the right side,
for the omentum, or caul, seldom reaches so
low ia a horse, his continual horizontal mo-
tion throwing it forward in wrinkles.

The swelling was about the size of a
goose-egg, a great part of which might be
thrust back with the finger into the cavity of
the lower belly, but it immediately returned

19

in the manner of a flatulent tumoui, and,
perhaps, there might be some portion of air
along with it. The cure was never attempt-
ed, because it was little or no hindrance to
the horse in his business, the swelling being
generally larger when he stood still than
when he worked. But the most common
ruptures are more upvvards, and proceed
from strains in working, or from being staked,
or gored by bullocks, violent kicks from
other horses, leaping over gates or fences, all
of which sometimes divide the muscles of
the lower belly, and frequently without pierc-
ing, or tearing, the skin ; whereby a portion
of the intestines, with a part of the perito-
neum, and when the wound happens to be
forward, part of the caul may also be lodged
where these muscles are separated and di-
vided, and thereby cause a swelling of a
proportion and size equal to the rent made
in the part.

A rupture may sometimes take place from
the brutal custom of carmen, and others,
who have the care of horses, kicking them
on the belly with their heavy nailed shoes.

Gibson also mentions a case of a fine
Flanders mare, that had a rupture near her
navel, of a considerable size, which, how-
ever, did not prevent her working ; but as it
3n

234

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

grew larger it became troublesome, and a
surgeon of that day, mistaking it for a tleshy
substance, and of the nature of a wen, was
desirous to have it removed by excision, for
it felt solid whilst she stood upon her legs,
which might be owing to a part of the caul,
which is always rolled forwards in working
horses, and along with this, an adventitious
growth of flesh, caused by the rending of
the muscles and membranes ; for when she
was thrown upon her back, part of the sub-
stance went inwards, and plainly discovered
her malady to be a Rupture. He states, also,
that he had known some few instances of um-
bilical ruptures, that have been caused by
vowels in the belly, when they had been cut
too deep, and, perhaps, were afterwards neg-
lected. He had known also a horse, with a
Rupture of that kind, perform a journey of
several hundred miles, without any great in-
convenience, only that he always went slug-
gish at his first setting out, but more cheer-
ful after he had emptied himself.

Such a defect, however, must sooner or
later render a horse useless. The most com-
mon Ruptures are those which push out on
the sides of the lower belly, where the tunica
vaginalis passes through the rings of the
muscles, with the spermatic vessels, into the
scrotum, and in geldings they seldom extend
beyond the first ring, which is a little way
above the groin ; but, when they happen on
the sides of the flank, they are generally
owing: to such accidents as have been before
mentioned. They generally project about
the size of a man's fist, and are fullest when
the horse stands still in the stable, especially
after feeding and watering ; and in broken -
winded horses they rise and fall with the mo

tion of the flanks. They are soft, and yield
to the pressure of the hand, and in most of
them the vacuity may be felt through which
the intestines make their way to the skin.
But as there is no absolute cure to be ex-
pected in such cases, the safestway is to feed
moderately and in small quantities, with
small draughts of water, and to use such
horses gently.

In all beginning Ruptures, 'a bandage
should be applied, if possible, so as to pre-
vent the intestines from pushing through the
part where the muscles have given way.
It is probable, also, that a blister might be
laid upon the part with good effect.

Gibson relates another case where a very
fine horse died of a Rupture. This horse
belonged to a person of distinction, and was
abroad with our army in Germany and the
Netherlands. He received a hurt whilst he
stood at picquet, along with some other
horses, yet went through his business very
well for the space of two years, notwithstand-
ingthataccident,but, after a hard day's hunt-
ing, was taken with the gripes, of which he
died. On examining his abdomen, the ring
through which the tunica vaginalis passes
was torn nearly one half from the flesh, and
lay across the orifice, which tied up a dupli-
cature of the colon so tight that nothing
could pass through it, and this was evidently
the cause of his death.

The above case was most probably straa-
gulated hernia, which frequently occurs in
the human being; and it shews, that in cases
of gripes, it is worth while to examine the
scrotum with the hand, as the animal might,
in many cases, be relieved by returning
the gut.

I

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

8S6

OX ABSCESS.

Local iullammations, except they are dis-
persed by the usual methods of abating the
circulation of the blood by bleeding and
purging, or except mortification takes place,
g'enerally terminate in suppuration, produc-
inij what is called Abscess. The siaiis of
approaching suppuration are a continuance
and increase of all the symptoms attendant
on intiamination, in defiance of the endeavours
used to disperse it ; a greater elevation and
more evident circumscription of the tumour,
and lastly, rigor and cold shiverings, all of
which are certain indications of the formation
of an Abscess.

Some have supposed that the matter, or
pus, in an Abscess is produced partly by an
alteration made in the fluids of the part,
and partly by the breaking down of the
over distended capillary vessels, the dissolu-
tion of the fat, and ot other substances about
the tumour, all which are said to be blended
with the altered fluids of the part. Others
have supposed that suppuration is a kind of
fermentative process carried on in the fluids
of the part affected ; while others, again,
consider it to be a secretion of a peculiar
nature. But whatever may be the mode of
this fluid being formed, the nature of it,
when once formed, is a circumstance to be
determiricd bv our .senses.

Healthy matter is a cream-coloured, bland
homogeneous fluid, devoid of smell. Tlii.s,
however, relates only to matter in a sound
state ; but it may become altered or acrimo-
nious in its nature, when it certainly cannot
be so inofl'ensive a fluid. It is frequently
found, also, mixed with blood and other
fluids, when it loses its cream colour, and
becomes of a dark, dirty, brown, hue, in
which case it is called a purulent sanies.
ti. other instances it loses its consistence, is
much thinner than it ought to be, its colour
inclined to yellow, somewhat resembling
serum, and in this state it is termed ichor.

Abscesses may be divided, with respect to
their situation, into internal and external.
We cull them internal, when they affect the
cavity of the head, of the chest, of the belly,
or of any of the joints ; external when they
are situated on any of the outer parts of the
body. The external may be again divided in-
to the deep seated, or such as are under the
fascia of the muscles ; and superficial, such
as are situated inthecellular or adipose mem-
brane, or among the common integuments
under the skin; which division will be found
to require a considerable difference in their
treatment. Abscesses, with respect to their
nature, may be distinguished ; first, into
abscesses of the glands, which may take

236

THE COMPLETE FARRIER i and

place in any of the lymphatic glands through-
out the body of an animal ; and, secondly,
into critical Abscesses, or such as happen
after an acute disease, and supply the place
of that critical resolution, by which the
disease in its natural progression should have
been removed. When it is ascertained that
matter is collected in any part, and forms
what is called an Abscess, that fluid must be
considered as an extraneous body, and there-
fore the first thing to be done, is to procure
a speedy vent for it.

It should be, however, a general rule not
to make an opening till we are perfectly
sure that matter is formed; and in many cases
not till we are certain of the Abscess being
come to maturity, that is to say, not till it
appears that the increase of the disease is
stopped, and all tlie matter which we may
suppose would be formed in the /nmour is
already collected there.

It has been already said, that when matter
is forming in an Abscess, the progress of the
inflammation is increased, the tumour be-
comes more elevated and circumscribed,
and shiverings take place ; and, lastly, the
fluctuation of the matter is evidently felt on
pressing the part with the fingers.

This holds good with respect to those
Abscesses particularly that are seated in the
superficial part of the body, in the cellular
or adipose membrane ; but in deeper seated
Abscesses, those signs are not very evident.
Habit, therefore, must go a good way in
assisting the veterinary surgeon to form a
conclusion. By frequently seeing and touch-
ing deep-seated Abscesses, he will become
sftnsible of the fluctuation, though deep. He
must not, however, fail to attend particularly
to the mode of their formation and progress.

Whenever a soft tumour^ though not hav-
ing all the common signs, shall have been
formed with great pain, and when it has
come on in consequence of some external
violence, or some acute distemper, there is
good reason to conclude that matter is, at
least, forming in the part. But there seems
to be one further point necessary to be con-
sidered, and that is, by what criterion we
shall judge vihether the matter in these deep-
seated Abscesses be completely formed, or,
in other words, whether it be the proper
time for giving vent to it. And here the
veterinary surgeon nmst constantly bear in
mind this maxim, that the animal will shew
signs of greater pain and fever while the
matter is forming than when it is formed.
If, therefore, after the aforementioned symp-
toms attending a tumour, and particularly
after the shiverings, a remission of the
\iolence of the symptoms should be perceiv-
ed, without any sensible diminution of the
bulk of the tumour, or rather, perhaps, with
an increase of it, it may then be concluded,
that matter is completely formed.

This rule, however, though very extensive,
is not precisely applicable to every case ;
since, when we come to consider the treat-
ment of each particular Abscess, we shall
find one or two instances in which we have
scarce any other criterion to judge of the
existence of matter, except from the violence
of the pain, and hardly any other motive to
determine us, as to the necessity of making
a speedy opening in the part. When it is
thoroughly ascertained that matter is formed,
the next thing to be considered is the mode
of giving vent to it. This may be done in
three ways, by nature, by incision, and by a
seton, all of which it may be proper occa-

I

I
1

liRiriSll SPORTSMAN.

237

sioiially to adopt, accordinfj to the different
situation or nature of the Abscess. In all
superficial abscesses seated in the cellular, or
fatty membrane above the fascia of tlie mus-
cles, particularly if they be not of any consi-
derable extent, in general, there can be no
harm in leaving them to nature, so as to
let them burst of themselves.

The best application to an inflamed Ab-
scess, advancing- to suppuration, is something
of an emollient kind, that shall keep the
part as supple and easy as possible. Poul-
tices of bran, or linseed powder, should be
used, and kept on the part by proper band-
ages, which should first be well soaked in
water.

In these superficial Abscesses the same
application may be continued after the tu-
mour has burst, and if there be any hardness
existing in the surrounding parts, which does
not give way in a few days to emollient
poultices, the addition of a small portion
of mercurial ointment, spread on the surface
of the poultice, will greatly assist in soften-
ing it. This plan should be continued till
all the matter is evacuated, and all the hard-
ness and inflammation are dispersed, when
it may be proper to lay aside the emollients,
to cover any little sore that may remain with
a pledget of basilicon, and to make use of
pressure by bandage, to hasten the consoli-
dation of the parts.

If the seat of the Abscess be in the glands,
near the skin (which is also a superficial
Abscess, it may be necessary to make use of
more stimulating medicines, for in these
cases the suppuration is generally very tardy,
and requires to be quickened. Poultices of
bran, boiled turnips, and lilly roots, with a
proportion of turpentine, answer thispurpose.

2()

But if the superficial Abscess be of any
extent, we shall find that the opening made
by nature will not be sufficiently large to
evacuate the matter. There will, on that
account, be a necessity of making an artificial
opening, and the best mode of doing this is
by a free even incision, with a clean cutting
knife. The opening should be made in the
longest, not the longitudinal axis of the
tumour, unless that should prove the longest,
which is seldom the case, for, in these swell-
ings, the transverse axis is usually the
longest.

This kind of Abscess, when it requires an
opening, on account of its size, may likewise
be punctured as early as the matter is
formed, and although there should be some
little hardness, it need not prevent the ope-
ration, for that will easily be resolved in the
course of the cure. In general, where it is
necessary, from the size of the Abscess, to
open it, the sooner the opening is made the
better, as it puts a stop to the progress of
the disease, and prevents the skin from being
thinned to a considerable extent so as to
occasion the subsequent loss and destruction
of it.

But when the Abscess happens in the
superficial glands, it is much better, if possi-
ble, never to open it by artificial means ; be-
cause, as the cure of the distemper depends
upon the melting down of the whole sub-
stance of the glands, the longer the matter is
suffered to remain in the part, the more
completely will this effect be obtained.

As in the superficial Abscess, which is not
glandular, early opening is to be recommend-
ed, in order to stop the progress of the dis-
ease, so, in the glandular Abscess, it ought
not to be practiced until the whole of the
3 o

238

THE GOMPLETF. FARRIER; and

diseased part is thoroughly dissolved and
converted into matter.

When the glandular Abscess requires
opening, it is preferable to do it by introduc-
ing a seton which keeps up a sufficient degree
of inflammation for the purpose just men-
tioned, and so as not to permit the surface
to heal before all the diseased and deeper-
sealed parts are destroyed.

In the deep-seated Abscess, or that which
is under the fascia of the muscles, where
there is in general no affection of the skin, if
the tumour does not advance kindly to sup-
puration, instead of the poultice recomniend-
■ ed in the other Abscess we may use with
propriety, and with good effect, any of the
warm stimulating liniments, such as cam-
phorated spirits of wine, or an infusion of a
drachm of cantharides, in two ounces of
spirits of wine, may be rubbed on the part
affected. But in these deep-seated Abscesses
a very diflferent mode of treatment must be
■pursued from that which has been just re-
commended for the superficial Abscess. In
the latter, although when an opening is
required, it may be useful to have recourse
to it early, yet no great danger can attend a
little delay, especially as some of them might
be left to burst of themselves, but in the
deep-seated Abscess, however small the
extent of it, not only the case can never be
cured without an artificial opening, but
it is likewise of the utmost consequence that
this opening should be made as soon as the
vetennary surgeon's knowledge and pene-
tration lead him to judge, by attending to
the circumstances already mentioned, that
the matter is actually formed.

The nature of the parts surrounding the
matter is this. In the fore part of the tu-

mour, there is a strong inelastic, tendinous
expansion, forming a considerable resistance
to the distending power of the fluid within,
so that until this resisting fascia be stretched
to such a degree as to break, the matter can-
not possibly come forward to the skin. But
the back part and sides of the Abscess are
of a very diflerent nature; they consist either
of soft muscular fibres, connected witli the
yielding cellular membrane (substances
which ought either to be destroyed by the
pressure of the incumbent fluid, or to trans-
mit that fluid through all the interstices of
muscles, so as to form holes or sinuses for
the matter, which extends the mischief to
the neighbouring parts, or perhaps diflfuses
it through the whole of the limb) or else
these parts may be thin membranes, as in
the instance of an Abscess under the fascia
of the muscles of the belly, where, sooner
than the strong tendinous expansion will
burst, the matter will be more likely to
pierce the peritoneum, and evacuate itself
into the cavity of the abdomen or belly,
where it must generally prove fatal. Or,
lastly, the matter may be. seated near the
surface of some bone, where, if it be suffered
to remain, a caries may be the consequence.
From all these circumstances, the necessity
of making an early opening will appear ;
and it will likewise be evident, that the
opening should be made by incision, it is
proper that these deep-seated Abscesses
should be opened very largely, and that the
fascia covering them should be freely divided,
in order that the operator may get fairly at
the bottom of the Abscess, so that if there be
any sinuses running among or between the
interstices of the muscles, he may either be
able to lay them open, or by tracing the

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

239

direction in wliich they run. make counter
openuigs wherever they may be required.

In the inside of most Abscesses, there arc
portions of the cellular or adipose substance,
or perhaps of separated coagulabh; lyniph,
which do not make part of the sides of the
cavity, but run through the uiiddle of it,
forming" so many little bars of tlesh, passing
across from one side of the Abscess to the
other. These must be searched for willi the
finger, and wherever they are found they
niu.st be cut through with the knite.

Sometimes they are met with of consider-
able thickness, and much indurated. Nor
should it be conceived, though this rule of
the early opening of the deep-seated Abscess
is founded on theory, that it is wholly unsup-
ported by practice. On the contrary, by
opening these Abscesses early, they have
sometimes been cured, though extremely
large, and containing very large quantities
of matter, in a month, or six weeks ; while
other tumours of this nature, which, from
their slow progress in the early stages, have
been either neglected by the owner, or suf-
fered to come forward or ripen, as it is call-
ed, have kept the animal six months under
treatment, during which time he may have
been in imminent danger of losing: his life.
This tedious prolongation of the complaint
has been entirely owing to the matter being
suflered to remain longer in the part than
was necessary, by which sinuses have been
formed, the number and direction of which
it was at first, perhaps, impossible to discover,
and which, having manifested themselves
with painful and aggravated symptoms in
the course of the cure, have at length re-
quired a separate and particular treatment.
In all cases when once matter is formed in a

tumour, it may be considered as ripe enough,
and therefore fit to be opened.

Hut this rule of opening deep-seated
Abscesses as early as possible is not without
its exception. The only circumstance, hov.'-
ever, which may be said to form a general
exception arising from the nature of the dis-
ease, is in the case of critical abscesses, or
tumours, formed to carry off the remains of
something morbid from the system.

Hence nature, exhausted by *he violence
or continuance of the disease, and exerting
her last eflbrts to expel the enemy from the
constitution, is sometimes deficient in power
to produce that degree of inflununation suffi-
cient to prepare or secrete the iluids in a
proper manner, so as to form well concoct-
ed and healthy matter. These critical
Abscesses, though occurring very rarely,
either in the horse or other quadrupeds, from
the simplicity which uniforndy characterises
the diseases of the more imperfect animals,
are nevertheless to be met with occasionally,
and may be known by their happening after
signs of fever, or other general indisposition
and weakness have existed for some time.
It is evident, therefore, that these should not
be opened too early, as nature might thereby
be disturbed in her operations, and might
never after be able to execute them com-
pletely.

Vent would be given to crude, unconcoct-
ed, unprepared fluids, as it were, and only
carry away a part of what the constitution
wanted wholly to get rid of

It is most adviseable, in these cases, to
wait till the inflammation appears to be raised
pretty high, and till the disease of the habit
seems to be all transferred to the part, and
this an accurate observer may distinguish in

240

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

the change from a very morbid and sickly, to
a more healthy and promising- state of general
health, whilst, at the same time, the swelling
advances. In these critical Abscesses it is
best, therefore, to wait to observe the turn
and progress of the disease, unless there
should be some circumstance of material
consequence which indicates a contrary in-
tention, as when there is reason to appre-
hend that the matter may make its way
either into the cavity of the thorax or abdo-
men, or when it may injure some part of
consequence. There may be some cases
likewise when the critical suppuration is
going on very slowly, to the utmost hazard
of the animal's life ; and when the part
seems to require an additional stimulus. To
such a kind of slow critical tumour, a blister
may be applied, or we may even venture to
let out some of the matter by passing a seton
(if that be practicable) through the Abscess,
which, by long continuing to discharge, may
expel he disease.
It is also another general rule in the treat-
ment of Abscesses, to lay open all the sinuses
and cavities we may find belonging to them.
However judicious and salutary this practice
may be, there are some cases in which it
is needless, and others where it is imprac-
ticable. For instance, it is scarcely ever ne-
cessary to open superficial or cutaneous
sinuses, whose direction is upwards, from
which the matter may be readily expressed,
and which may afterwards be cured by proper
compress or bandage. If it should so happen
that the bottom of the sinus is situated in a
depending part, and the opening of it above
when it may be impossible to force out the
matter by compress and bandage, it becomes
absolutely necessary either to lay open the

sinus through its whole extent, or to open
the bottom of it ; and pass a seton through
the rest.

When these sinuses are neglected, they
become fistulous, and require in some re-
spects a distinct treatment. Nor is it, in
general, necessary to lay open Abscesses, the
opening of which is in a depending part, for
in these the matter, finding a ready issue of
itself, the sinus will soon be closed. Neither
is there, generally, any necessity for opening
sinuses which are situated in such a manner
that a counter-opening may be made with
facility, and the lodgment of the matter
prevented.

When a superficial Abscess is opened, the
pus, or matter, is to be pressed out of it
gently, for it is a bad practice to squeeze all
the parts of an Abscess with violence, in
order to press out every drop of matter
contained in it ; for, in so doing, the object
of nature is counteracted, as strong pressure
upon parts which are still in a suffering
state increase the inflammation, and renders
the suppurating process longer. The com-
plete evacuation of matter from an Abscess ||
rather retards than accelerates the cure ;
since, in most Abscesses that have been
opened, there are still some of the surround-
ing parts in an inflammatory state, and tend-
ing to suppuration, to which nothing can
encourage them more, nor of course tend
to relieve them sooner, than the contact of
that mild, bland fluid, called healthy mat-
ter

To the superficial Abscess, which has
been left to break of itself, nothing should
be applied but emollient poultices, without
any tow or other intervening substance.
To those which have been discharged by

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

241

an incision, very little else is necessary, pro-
vided the size of the opening has been in
proportion to that of the cavity. Tents
crammed into the opening^, prevent, the
matter from flowing out as it is formed, and
are, therefore, hurtful; at the same time, as
the powers of restoration in quadrupeds are
particularly strong, some soft tow may be
introduced with a probe at the upper and
lower ends of the wound, to prevent its heal-
ing outwardly before the cavity is filled up
tirudy with new flesh.

In cases where a fistula has taken place,
the Abscess becomes a sinous ulcer, differing
from the true sinus iri being of a much
longer duration, in having its internal sur-
face, and external aperture indurated, and
discharging from the opening a fluid of a
sanious nature.

All fleshy parts of animals are liable to
fistula: in treating of the horse, however,
we are more particularly to attend to that of
the parts called the withers and the poll, as
being the most frequently met with ; and as
a knowledge of the method to be pursued
with these will afford a tolerable conception
how to act with the rest.

Fistula in the withers is produced by
blows, bruises from the saddle, or by what-
ever may cause inflammation. Suppuration
taking place, and the matter finding no pro-
per outlet^ it insinuates itself gradually into
the cellular membrane, where, occupying
the interstices of the muscles, and taking
various directions, it forms vvhat are termed
fistula, or pipes, conveying a constant sani-
ous discharge, as has been observed. In-
juries of the bones will also produce fistula,
and to these causes may likewise be added,
the presence of extraneous bodies Wlu-n

'a)

the cure of a fistula is undertaken, it will be
requisite, in the first instance, to ascertain
the direction it pursues, and whether it ma-
terially interferes with any of the larger
blood-vessels, so as to render a fidl incision
into the j)arts a matter of tow much hazard
to be attempted. When there is no danger
of wounding any of the large blood-vessels,
the most efl^cctual practice is to lay the
fistula so thoroughly open, that a complete
view can be had of its internal surfaces.
When this has been effected, the nature and
extent of the fistula can be easily ascertained,
but, as the surfaces of a fistulous ulcer differ
very materially in their nature from a fresh
or simple Abscess, the treatment also must
be different. The surfaces having: become
diseased, and in some degree callous, all
power of forming healthy matter is lost ; it
must be obvious, therefore, that the first pro-
cess towards a cure, must be by destroying
the diseased surface, and this is only to be
done by caustic applications, and which
may be repeated until the unsound parts
slough away. The best application for this
purpose will be the following : —

Viz. Corrosive sublimate . 1 drachm,
Dissolve in two ounces of spirits of wine.

A small pledget of tow, dipped in this
lotion, may be applied once to the part, and,
in the course of three or four days, a .slough,
or what the common farriers call a core, will
come away. As soon as this has taken
place, the surfaces of the sinus will put on
a florid and healthy appearance, and granu-
lations will rise, which will require little more
than being kept clean; and, in case they
should prove too luxuriant, a small quantity
•J p

242

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

of verdigris, in powder, may be occasionally
sprinkled on the surfaces of the wound.

THE POLL-EVIL

IS an Abscess of the same nature as the
fistula in the withers, and generally runs in
to fistulous sinuses between the muscles of
the neck, sometinres affecting the cervical
ligament, called by the common farriers
" taxy waxy," and sometimes extending to
the bones of the neck. It generally pro-
ceeds either from a blow or hurt on the head,
by accidentally striking it against the top of
the stable-door, in going in or out. A shy
horse is very apt to meet with such an acci-
dent when hanging back, and throwing up
his head with a jerk.

As accidents of this description very soon
form an Abscess, it is obvious that no time
should be lost in stoppuig the inflammation
in the first instance. The best mode of
eflFecting this is to foment the part frequently
with bran and water, and when the skin is
dry, use the following embrocation : —

Camphor
Spirits of wine
Golard extract

I drachm

half-a-pint

half-a-drachm

mixed.

Let the part be rubbed gently with some
of this mixture, two or three times daily.

It will also greatly assist in promoting
absorption, if a purge is administered at the
same time as the outward applications are
used. When, however, the inflammation
has proceeded to suppuration, and matter
can be felt by pressing the swelling with the
finger, an opening may be made in the most
depending part of the Abscess, and a seton
should be introduced so as to pass througli

the other side, which should be moved every
(lay, and washed clean with warm water.

The seton may also be wetted once daily
with the following mixture, and afterwards
drawn through the Abscess.

Corrosive sublimate half-a-drachm
Spirits of wine . . 2 ounces
mixed.

If the Abscess is reduced in size, and the
matter discharged becomes thick and white
in colour, it is a sign that the Abscess has
assumed a healthy state, and that it is gra-
dually healing. As soon, therefore, as the
Abscess is level with the surrounding parts of
the neck, the seton may be taken out, and
the part simply washed twice a day with
warm water.

The old practice of the common farriers ■
was to lay open the Abscess with the knife, ■
and afterwards to pour certain ointments
scalding hot into the wound. This, though
apparently a barbarous practice, neverthe-
less generally succeeds, especially where
there are deep sinuses between the muscles,
because the ointment penetrates to the bot-
tom of each of them, and destroys the dis-
eased surfaces. A few days are suffered to
elapse, after which, the scalding is repeated
as before, keeping the wound clean from the
discharge, by warm water.

The following ingredients are recommend-
ed for the scalding mixture, by an old
author.

Viz. " Tar, mutton suet, and rosin
each four ounces,

Bees' wax, two ounces

Melt them together, then add.

Spirit of turpentine, four ounces

of

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

2ki

Veidii^ris, in powder, one ounce
and a half.
Mix the whole toj^ether for use.

The above mixture is made scalding hot,
and poined into ihc wound, as just stated,
and undoubtedly is generally attended with
a good effect.

In opening- the Abscess, the operator
should be careful to cut long-ways with the
neck, so as to avoid cutting the cervical
ligament ; which, if it should happen to be
divided, would deprive the horse of the
power of holding up his head, and it would
drop downwards, as if he were in the pos-
ture of grazing. Poll-evils, if they have
existed a considerable length of time, gene-
rally leave a stiffness in the upper part ot the
neck, so as to prevent the animal frofu
bending his head with the same ease that
he did before. In this case, the horse
decreases considerably in value, because he
cannot graze with the same facility as a
sound horse.

The Poll-evil is sometimes connected
with a disposition in the habit of body to
farcy ; this may be known by the animal
appearing universally unhealthy in his coat,
the tightness of his skin, and also by small
lumps or swellings in different parts of his
body, and particularly on the insides of the
legs. When it is ascertained, therefore, that
the Poll-evil arises chiefly from a disposition
to farcy, the mere operation of opening the
Abscess, and using the dressings before re-
commended, will not prove sufficient, with-
out the aid of medicine given internally; be-
cause the Abscess, not being a local aflection
arising simply from partial injury, it will be
necessary to correct the general habit of

body i)efore a cure can be etTeclod. The
medicines best adapted for this purpose will
be fcuiid under the article "J'arci/."

There are several compositions of oint-
ments recommended by dillerent authors
amongst these the following may be safely
made use of as occasion may require.

Digestive Ointment.

Take common turpentine 4 ounces.
The yolks of two eggs.

Mix these well together, then add.

Myrrh, in powder . half-an-oiuice

Mastic 2 drachms

Tincture of myrrh, a sufficient quantitv
to bring it to a proper consistence.

The above may be used in general for
ulcers or wounds, that have been brought to
a healthy state by mild caustics.

Gibson recommends the following : —

Take of yellow wax
Yellow rosin

Burgundy pitch, of each 3 pounds
Common turpentine . 12 ounces
Linseed oil . .3 pounds 6 ounces.
Melt the whole over a slow fire, into an
ointment.

The black basilicon is thus directed by the
same author : —

Take of yellow rosin
Yellow wax.

Pitch, of each . half-a-pound
Olive oil . .9 ounces

Melt them together, and strain through a
piece of canvas.

The following is rather of a more cleans-
ing or detergent nature, and may be used

244

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

when the Abscess gets foul and callous
about the edges.

Take either of black or yellow basilicon
four ounces.
Oil of turpentine, one ounce,
Red precipitate, in powder, three drachms,
or half-an -ounce :

Mix the whole together.

This ointment will, in general, prove suf-
ficient for the purpose of cleansing and cor-
recting bad ulcers, and better in some cases
than more powerful caustics, which, although
they destroy diseased surfaces, still excite too
much inflammation in the part, the conse-
quence of which is often a more luxuriant
growth of fungus, or proud flesh, than there
was before.

The great error of the common tarriers is,
their using such strong stimulating applica-
tions to fresh Wounds, under the erroneous
idea that they hasten the formation of good
matter, whereas they do but tend to inter-
rupt nature in her operations. For there is
usually a suflScient degree of inflammation
in all fresh wounds, and frequently too much;
and it requires, even under the most favour-
able circumstances, at least four days before

matter can be formed, the first discharge
being nothing more than serum or lymph.

It is, therefore, obvious, that the skill of
the practitioner should consist in knowing
how to regulate the degree of inflammation
necessary to effect this purpose, since it
sometimes happens, by injudicious treatment,
that common Abscesses are converted into
sinous and fistulous ulcers. One of the
principal causes of such a change is the
absurd practice of the common farriers in
cramming tents or pledgets of tow into
Abscesses, by which means, the sides are
f kept asunder in the same manner as a piece
of timber is by a wedge, and hence, by tear-
ing the membranes, the Abscess grows
deeper, and runs into sinuses that lie out of
the reach of common applications ; besides
that, the surfaces become callous from the
constant and fruitless efforts of nature to get
rid of an unnatural substance, thus injudici-
ously lodged in the part affected.

In fact, a recent wound requires little else,
for the first two or three days, than fomenta<
tions with marshmallows, or bran and water;
first taking care to ascertain that there is
no extraneous substance in the wound, and
if there is to remove it immediately

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

:^5

THE VIVES.

—"*-

The disease so called is an inflammation
and swelling- of the parotid glands, which
are sitnated below the ear. They do not
suppurate so rapidly as the strangles, and
oftcji wear off gradually, simply by keeping
the part warm, and protected from the exter-
nal air. Sometimes the swelling of these
glands will continue for a fortnight or three
Meeks, and at length spread downward,
under the throat, terminating in the strangles,
and requires to be treated in the same man-
ner precisely.

The Vives, like the strangles, is most
incident to young horses, and usually pro-
ceeds from the same causes, such as catch-
ing cold, being over-heated, or over-worked,
about the time of shedding their teeth.
Nevertheless, it frequently attacks horses
at a more advanced age, although they may
have previously had the strangles. A horse
affected with the Vives, coughs more than
one that has the strangles, and has an equal
difficulty in swallowing, arising from the
pain and soreness of the glands, which are
sometimes so tender, that the animal can
neither bear the least pressure on the part,
nor bend his head and neck without great
uneasiness. The eyes also partake of the
general inflammatory tendency of the dis-
ease, and becomes partly closed up, and

20.

discharging a thin watery fluid. There is,
also, generally a greater or less degree of
fever attendiu"-, which often reduces the
bodily strength very considerably. Added
to this, the difficulty of swallowing is another
cause of weakness, from the horse being
unable to take his accustomed food.

There is also frequently much inflamma-
tion in the mouth and gums, producing what
is called, the " lampas," all of which con-
tribute to aggravate the complaint. When
the Vives arises from simple inflammation, in
consequence of cold, it is not very difficult of
cure, but when it is symptomatic of farcy, or
glanders, it is for the most part incurable,
except the original disease be first eradicated.

The usual method of treating the simple
attack of the Vives is, in the first place, to
anoint the part with ointment of marsh-
mallows, and to cover the horse's head and
neck with warm cloathing.

At the same time, it will be proper to
bleed according to the strength of the animal,
and repeat it if the fever continue violent;
but if the glands inflame and swell, suppura-
tion is to be promoted by warm embrocations
and poultices. When the swelling runs
downwards, under the jaw, the matter easily
discharges when the abscess is ripe, and
opened by the knife.
34

246

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

On the first apfjearance of the swelling,
it may sometimes be carried off by giving
one or two brisk purges, and by rubbing
the part with the following lotion : — ■

Sal ammoniac .
Vinegar . . .
■Extract of golard

half-an-ounce
half-a-pint
1 drachm

mix for use.

Internally the sanie method is to be fol-

lowed as in colds, and the same opening
diet used, till the horse recovers his appetite
A plentiful supply of water-gruel is a
great help in all such cases, with scalded
bran as a mash, to which an ounce of nitre
may be added once a day.

When he has recovered his flesh and
strength, one or two mild purges will be
found useful. Purging is also necessary
after the strangles, especially in cases where
the horse appears surfeited or hide-bound.

THE JAUNDICE.

This disease is termed by the common far-
riers,''the Yellows." Horses are frequently
subject to this malady, but in them it is less
liable to be complicated with other diseases
than in the human species, and, therefore, if
taken in time, may be the more easily
removed. The horse differs in one respect
from all other animals except the deer,
namely, by having no gall-bladder. This
circumstance, however, does not predispose
him to diseases of the biliary organs, more
than he would have been had he possessed
that appendage.

The Jaundice is produced by a proportion
of bile getting into the blood-vessels, and
circulating through the body alont; witl«

the blood. This may arise from obstructions
in the biliary ducts, preventing the gall, or
bile., from flowing in its natural course into
the intestines.

One cause of this obstruction may proceed
from the bile becoming thick and inspissated,
and thereby choaking up the mouth of the
duct.

The disease, however, is generally at-
tended with some affection of the liver in
a o-reater or less degree, and this must be
greatly aggravated by the constant excite-
ment of high feeding, and the habitual cos-
tiveness produced by dry food.

It may also be produced by the suppres-
sion ofthe insensible perspiration from expo-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

247

sure to cold The signs of the Jauiidiee in
norses, are a dusky yellowness of the eye,
the inside of the mouth, and lips ; the tongue
and bars of the roof of the mouth also look
yellow. But it is necessary to distinguisli
between the yellowness of the Jaundice and
that yellowness of the mouth and eyes,
which sometimes happens on the crisis of an
inflammatory fever, where the inflamed parts
look yellow when the fever and inflammation

are going off.

When this happens after a fever, the horse
generally recovers his appetite, and looks
lively, and the fever leaves him, and the yel-
lowness soon after wears off.

But in the Jaundice, the yellowness is
one of the first symptoms, and generally
appears in the beginning of the complaint.
The horse is dull, and refuses all manner of
food, and the fever begins slowly ; yet both
that and the yellowness soon increases, and
proceed together. In the decline of an in-
flammatory fever, a horse dungs and stales
freely. In the Jaundice, the dung is gene-
rally hard and dry, and of a pale colour,
nearly white. The urine is commonly of a
dark dirty brown colour, and when it has
settled some time on the pavement, it looks
red like blood, lie also stales with some
pain and difficulty, and if the disease be not
soon checked, all the symptoms will increase
very rapidly.

The Jaundice, in young horses, is seldom
dangerous, and when it is caused by high
feeding, and want of suflicient exercise, it is
more easily removed than when it is Drought
on by those causes which induce a morbid
state of the liver.

In old horses, when the liver has been
long diseased, the cure will scarcely be

practicable. Kor instance, a liurse liiat has
been a considerable time dull, heavy, and
inactive, with a diseased appearance, seem-
ing always aukward, and loth to turn short,
or twist his body, especially to the near-side,
the off-side of his belly hard, and somewhat
distended, if the yellowness of the mouth
and eyes appear at the same time, there will
be reason to suspect a diseased liver, and
probably a schirrous state of that viscus.

If the hard schirrous substances are small,
and situated in the thinner lobes of the
liver, a horse may probably linger out a
considerable time with that defect; but it
they grow large, and happen to be seated
near the porus biliarus, or gall-duct, or the
larger branches of the ventE porta;, the horse
will grow exceedingly weak, and unable to
endure the least fatigue ; the yellowness will
increase, and if the owner can have patience
to keep him without labour, he ma) then
hold out to the last stage, when his legs and
limbs will swell, and a wasting diarrhoea, or
scouring, terminate his miserable existence.
On the other hand, when the horse retains a
moderate degree of strength and vigour,
and the Jaundice has not been preceded by
any other sickness or malady, there will be
little or no fear of his recovery, if proper
care be taken, and proper remedies af)plieii.
In the case of the Jaundice, some authors
advise to bleed plentifully, before the dis-
temper is confirmed, particularly when the
liver happens to lie inflamed from any cause,
and when the case is atteiHled with fever.
Gibson says, even if the Jaundice be con-
tirmed, it will be proper to bleed ; and after-
wards to give some laxative clyster; for, in
the beginning of the disease, horses are apt
to be costive, and sometimes coslivenes*

24S

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

alone will bring it on. The clysters may
be made of decoctions of marshmallows,
camomile-flowers, or fennel-seeds, with some
linseed oil. A decoction of madder and
turmeric, with the addition of soap, may
also be useful in a clyster. If the inllamma-
tion increases, which may be ascertained by
the quickness and hardness of the pulse,
more blood may be taken, and a pint of
castor-oil, or six ounces of Epsom salts, may
be given at intervals of twelve hours.

If the bleeding- and the medicine have the
desired effect of reducing the inflammation,
Ihe horse generally grows settled and quiet,
and begins to feed.

In three or four days the disease generally
abates, and the horse recovers his appetite
in some degree. The disappearance of the
disease may be ascertained by his eyes
beginning to look clear, and the inside of
his mouth of a lively colour; but if, on the
contrary, there should be a discharge from
his eyes, with a swelling of the eye-lids,
which often occurs when the disease is near
iis crisis, it is evident that more time must
elapse before the animal can be said to be
perfectly cured. As the bowels are gene-
rally costive in this stage of the disease, the
following opening ball may be given : —

Emetic tartar .
Aloes Barbadoes
Castile soap

Ginger

. drachm
5 drachms
2 drachms
half-a-drachm

m one ball.

Gibson also recommends purges; he says,
" It may be useful to give the horse two or
three mild purges, as soon as he has recover-
ed his appetite, and a moderate degree of

strength.

" Ro welling," he says, ''is also proper in
the Jaundice, especially for young horses,
though he had cured many horses of the
yellows without the help of rowels, and had
never known the purgative course fail, if the
horse was not previously broken down with
disease; for, when the liver, or other internal
parts, have been any time diseased, when a
horse exhibits more or less a surfeited look,
hardness and tension on the right side of the
belly, or is observed always to labour when
turning round, and apt to flag with the least
exercise, it will scarce be worth while to lose
much time, or bestow medicines upon him."
A late author, Mr. Ryding, makes the follow-
ing observations upon this disease. He says,
" though the bile is not so liable to be ob-
structed in horses as it is in the human
subject, yet it sometimes takes place, and
is more frequently caused by inflammation
of the liver than by biliary concretions.
When this happens, the secreted bile becomes
obstructed, and is forced into the hepatic
veins, or taken up by the lymphatics, and
carried into the circulation.

"This is discovered by the eyes appearing
of a dusky yellow colour; the mouth, lips,
and saliva, acquire a yellowish cast; the
animal is dull and sluggish, and refuses his
food ; his urine is of a dark brownish colour,
and when lodged on the ground appears
red ; he is also very costive, and his dung is
very hard, and has the appearance of a yel-
lowish, or greenish clay ; his pulse is irregu-
lar, attended with fever in a greater or less
degree. The disease and fever increasing, it
not speedily removed, terminates in death."
The same author objects to bleeding as a
general rule in Jaundice, on account of its
increasing .he debility which always attends

50

h

m

S

<S

•s^

•1=1

Riirnsii spoiirsMAN.

2J49

that (libease. Brisk purges^ (he saysj joined
witli calomel, will be found of the jjreatcst
benefit in removing obstructions to the free
passage of the bile." lie reconunends the
following- : —

Take — Aloes Barbadoes . . 5 drachms
Calomel . ... 1 drachm.
Mucilage of gum-arabic sufficient to
make a ball.
To be given once in four days.

When the horse has taken two doses of
this medicine, and his eyes and dung begin
to change their colour for the better, he ad-
vises to leave off medicine and give him
nourishing food, such as ground-oats and
beans, or a quantity of bruised malt on
which warm-water has been sprinkled, and
after a remission of five or six days, the fol-
lowing ball is to be administered : —

Barbadoes aloes . . 3 drachms

Calomel . ... half-a-drachm
Ginger, in powder . . 1 scruple.

Honey sufficient to make a ball ;

to be repeated three times^ at intervals of a
week between each dose.

Another author, Mr. Denny, after recom-
mending purgatives, gives the following pre-
scription, to be taken on the second morning
after the purge has ceased to operate, viz.

Take of Nil re.
Rosin,

Castile soap, of each half-an-ounce.
Honey enough to make a ball.

If the yellowness continue in the eyes
and mouth, he advises a repetition of the
above ball, after an interval of four days,
vvhilst mashes and warm-water are to com-
prise the whole of the animal's diet. Warm
clothing too must be allowed, and he should
be exercised daily. To prevent a relapse
the purging ball may be advantageously re-
peated after the horse has recovered, and the
following powder be mixed with the corn.

Ethiop's mineral
Nitre

Aniseseeds, in powder, each half-an-
ouuce.

JMix them together

ON NICKING.

This operation, although a very simple
one, requires considerable care and attention
after it is performed upon the animal, as, for
want of that attention, fatal consequences
have sometimes ensued.

21

The tail is moved in various diroctions,
such as upwards, downwards, .sideways, and
in a rotatory direction, by means of muscles
which are distributed to it for that purpose
Those which elevate the tail are called

3 R

250

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

elevators. These take their origin from the
inferior or posterior edge of the third spinal
process of the os sacrum, which origin is con-
tinued from near the end of the spine about
half-way towards its root; its origin is con-
tinued fleshy from the sides, edges^ and inter-
spinal ligaments of the spines of the sacrum
below that, from the whole length of the last
of them, and after passing over one, is in-
serted into the next oblique process, or next
but one below.

The depressing muscles of the tail are
those which draw the tail downwards close to
the buttocks. They take their origin from
under the transverse process of the third ver-
tebra of the sacrum, and continuing from the
transverse processes of those below from the
whole breadth of them and the intertrans-
verse ligaments. The fleshy fibres are in-
serted into the bodies of the vertebra or bones
of the tail.

The lateral muscles of the tail, which move
it from side to side, arise from the spine of
the last vertebra but one of the loins, the
fleshy part goes to be inserted by a tendon
into the oblique process of the third vertebra
of the tail, and also into two or three of tlie
lower ones, and then joins in with the ele-
vatiiis: muscles of the tail. The inter-
transverse muscles of the tail arising from
one vertebra, and inserted into the next,
and so on through the whole length of
the tail. There are muscles ^hich arise
from the upper or posterior part of the trans-
verse processes, and arc inserted into the
oblique processes of the next but one or two
below them.

The above is an anatomical description of
tlie muscles of the tail, and which will explain
the object of the operation of nicking

There are some horses which carry natu"
rally a good tail, and which, of course, re-
quire no nicking. In these the tail generally
issues high out of the back, and describes a
regular and beautiful sweep, and which is
much more elegant than the straight line, or
the ascending curve, which the nicked tail
sometimes presents.

On the other hand, there are some sluggish
slack-mettled horses which always carry their
tails in a depending posture, and close to
their buttocks. The appearance of such
horses as these is therefore evidently improv-
ed by nicking.

The operation of nicking consists in divid-
ing the muscles which depress the tail, so
that those muscles which raise the tail, hay-
ing no opposition from those whicli depress
it, the tail naturally rises whenever the horse
is put into motion.

The proper mode of proceeding is to cast
the horse, and having all the dressings ready,
the operator may cut a transverse line acrossi
the under part of the tail, at about the dis-
tance of two inches from the rump. The*
first incision should just go through the skin, 1
after which the muscles of each side of the
bone of the tail should be divided, taking!
care to avoid the artery, which generally runs
close to the bone. The common practice is
to cut three nicks at equal distance fromi
each other, but in general one nick will bej
sufficient, especially as three are apt to make]
the tail curve upwards, giving it a vulgaij
hackney-like character.

As soon as the operation is over, take!
some pledgets of tow, rolled up at the ends,
so as to tie like a string, and having sprinkled '
some fine oatmeal upon them, apply it to the I
divided part of the tail and tie it on tolerably

I

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

251

tight, and over that tie on a flannel band-
age. The tail may then be put into the
pulley, lettinjj the \vci<;ht at the other end
of the strinj;- be just sufliciciit to keep the tail
from falling down. On the follovving^ morn-
ing, cut the ties of the bandage through
with llie scissars, leaving on the bandage,
which will stick on owing to the coagulated
blood. This operation of cutting the tyes
of the bandage is necessary to be done on
the following day, because the tail swells in
some degree, and if confined too long and
too tight by the bandage, a very high de-
iiree of inflamuiation and even mortification
may ensue. Owing to a want of attention
to this circumstance, it is said, that a regi-
ment of dragoons, in the English service,
once lost above forty horses in the same week,
which had undergone the operation of nick-
ing. After the operation is completed, the
tail is to be suspended by a pulley, with a
weight at the end of it. The object of this
is to keep the divided edges of the muscles
apart from each other, so as to prevent them
from uniting again during the process of
healing.

It has been customary to make three inci-
sions in the tail, but this is not necesstu'y, one
being generally sufficient, as the muscles lose
all power of acting below the first incision.
The bandage may be taken off on the
third day, and tlie tail dressed with common
digestive ointment^ spread upon pledgets of
tme tow, and l)onnd on by a flaiuiel bandage
jnocleratcly tight. The tail should be sus-
pended by the pulley until it is perfectly heal-
ed, care being taken that the pulley will rim
easily from right to left, and vice versa, else
the tail might be kept inclining too much to
one side

Bartlet invented a machine for suspending
the tail without the use of a pulley. It con-
sisted of a kind of saddle, or pad, with ;i
groove in it, from which a cord passed to the
tail so as to draw it upwards over the horse's
back.

This machine, with considerable improve-
ments, is used by Mr. Goodwin, at Carlton-
house .stables, and with great success. It is
certainly the safest mode of securing the tail
from accidents, but it is liable to one objf;c-
tion, which is, that it prevents the horse from
lying down during the whole time of its
being used, and which may generally be
calculated at a fortnight or three weeks from
the time of performing the operation.

There is another operation, which in com-
pliance with custom, the horse's tail is
doomed to undergo, namely,

DOCKING.

The manner of performing it is as fol-
lows : — ■

First feel with your finger and thunib for
the third joint from the setting on of the
horse's tail; then raise up all the hair, and
turn it backwards, then, taking a very small
cord, and wrapping it about that joint, pull
it pretty tight.

But, previous to going on with the oper-
ation, it will be necessary to take the precau-
tion of securing the animal so as to prevent
him from committing any injury to the ope-
rator. This may be done by putting a twitch
on his nose, and, at the same time, tying up
one of his fore-legs. As soon as this is j)ro-
perly arranged, the operator should place
the tail just below the bandage, between the
dockitig shears, and with a firm steady stroke
divide the lower part from the upper part.

252

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

When the tail is cut off, the part round the
bone may be seared with a hot iron^ of a cir-
cular form^ just large enough to inclose the
bone of the tail ; a small quantity of pow-
dered rosin may also be applied to the part
and melted on it with the iron. The hair
may then be untied, and suffered to be in its
natural position. Some breeders of horses
have a practice of docking their colts when
four or five months old. This practice, it is
said, prevents the necessity of nicking, as they

generally carry their tails handsomely when
docked at that early age. It is also supposed,
that it strengthens their backs, as the tail, by
being shortened in this manner, requires less
nutriment from the juices of the body. Whe-
ther this is the fact or not cannot be easily
ascertained, but, on the other hand, it is p'ro-
bable that it might occasion considerable
inconvenience to the colt, by depriving him
of a great part of his natural defence against
flies and other insects

WENS.

♦ »■

A WEN is a tleshy substance which occa-
sionally grows out of various parts of a horse's
body.

It is difficult to assign the cause from
whence they proceed They begin usually
in the skin where the vessels are extremely
small, and these enlarging gradually in time
grow to a considerable size.

Wens are seldom painful, owing to their
smciU beginning and slow growth, being
sometimes of several years' standing before
they arrive to any great size. They become
at last like the natural flesh, and are rarely
attended with any other bad consequences
than the deformity or weight, upon the parts
where they are situated. Their substance is
generally fleshy, and for the most part
spongy, though some are spongy in part.

with a mixture of schirrous hardness, of a
cancerous disposition, especially when they
arise among the glandular parts.

When a wen takes its origin from a ten-
don, or is attached to the fascia connected
with the muscles, or when any part of a wen
is involved with their fibres, the part gene-
rally appears, upon dissection, like sc many
threads laid close together, and this is in
some degree the character of schirrus. When
a wen commences from the membrana adi-
posa, its substance is then chiefly an accu-
mulation of a greasy matter resembling
suet; and in some cases a considerable quan-
tity of clear water has been found. Wens
are usually contained in a cyst, or bag, which
incloses the whole substance ; which increases
in size in proportion as its contents increase,

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

253

uad this is the reason why wens and other
c-ncystcd tnnionrs cannot be cured, mdcss
llie cvst, or ba^, be also destroyed. Wens
are seldom suflered to grow on horses to any
{J reat size before they are extirpated ; but, in
'.he human body, these substances occasion-
inji>- little or no pain, are suffered to 2;o on
till they occasion a great deformity, or be-
come troublesome by their weight. But as
owners of horses are naturally anxious to re-
move every deformity that may occur to the
animal, they attempt to disperse these wens
by embrocations and lotions, and if these do
not succeed, recourse is had to caustic, or to
the shorter and more certain mode of extir-
pation, the knife.

Nevertheless, many draught-horses of little
value may be seen troubled with wens, even
sometimes upon their joints, without causing-
them to go lame, especially those that hang-
loose, and have their situation no deeper than
the skhi. Oxen and cows also are fiequently
troubled with large wens upon their knees,
which might be removed if they proved of
much inconvenience to the animal.

These latter arc produced by the habit
which horned cattle have of dropping on
(heir knees first, in the act of lying down,
whence the knee sometimes becomes bruised,
and the skin swells in the way just mentioned.

Speaking- on this subject, Gibson says,
' 1 was once concerned in the case of a very
fine horse that had a large wen on the lower
part of his neck, near tlie windpipe, which
was cut off with a sharp instrinnent. It grew
from a small beginning, not bigger than a
wainut. to the bulk of a middle sized melon,
wjfhout pain or inllammation ; but at last it
became troublesome, and affected the mo

ai.

tion of his shoulders. This substance, when
it was cut off, appeared to be no other than
amass of fungous flesli, a little variigatcd in
its colour, and probably proceeded frons ;;
rnptmeof some very small twigs of the jugu-
lar arteries, which, being enlarged by a con-
tinual atliux of the blood, caused so great
an efliision of blood from several orifices,
lliat it was with diHiculty stopped by the ap
plication of the actual cautery. When wens
are pendulous (he observes) and hang by a
small root, the best way to extirpate tnem is
by tying- them with a waxed packthread, or
a hair line, making the ligature tighter by
degrees till the substance falls off; afterwards
it may be healed with common digestive
ointment, or bathing it frequently with spirit
of wine or tincture of n\yrrh.

" But, when a wen is l)road in its root oi
place of attachment, and has several origins,
like cords or strings, it is then the safest
way not to meddle with it. If the cure be
practicable, it must be done by excision or
caustic The first dressing must be witli
dry tow, and afterwards with the common
digestive. If much fungous flesh arise, it
may be dressed with red precipitate; atid
wljere iriosi required, the sore may be strew-
ed with precipitate and burnt alum in pow-
der, ot each equal quantities ndxed. If yet
stronger escharotics be required, equal quan-
tities of powder of blue vitriol and of red
precipitate may be used, or the part may be
touched with a feather or pencil dipped in
butter of antimony."

Horses are sometimes subject to swel-
lings on the cap of the hock, and also on the
point of the elbow, which the French caile<l
capdlels and the English capped. These may
3 J

254

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

be class'^tl -tinonght wens, because they have
some of the same qualities and resem-
blances, viz. they often rise to a consider-
able bulk, are seldom painful, but when they
inflame and suppurate, and therefore rarely
cause lameness, and are often encysted as
wens are, and liave much of the same kind
of contents. Young horses that are ticklish
and given to kicking, when they are first
placed to stand betwixt bales, are apt to lash
out, and especially when the bales hang
upon ropes a.nd chains so as to move to and
fro. By these means they often strike their
hams against the bales or against the posts,
and bring on a swelling on the tip of the
hock, which, however, may be prevented by
causing such horses to be removed into close
standings; and, when the injury is slight, it
may be cured by bathing the part with warm
water or verjuice.

Those swellings that arise on the point
of the elbow are thought to proceed from a
horse striking it with the heel of the shoe
when lying down, and when the leg is there-
by doubled up, so that the heel touches
the elbow. In this case, the elbow may
sometimes be bruised, and inflammation and
swelling may ensue.

When these tumours arise, in conse(iuence
of any of these accidents, we find the swelling
generally on one limb, and oftentimes an im-
pression is made on the part which shew^s it
has been occasioned by a stroke or bruise;
but when it rises on both sides, viz. on both
heels, or on both elbows, and from a small be-
ginning increasesby degrees, we may then sus-
pect it to be a spontaneous production,
and tr.ore particularly entitled to the name
of a ^^ en

Those tumours called capellets, on the
point of the hock, are seldom so perfecly
cured as not to leave some blemish or ca-
losity. If they proceed from blows and con-
tusions, the same method is to be followed
that has been laid down for the cure of all
such accidents, viz. by cool and restringent
applications. These alone will often abate
such swellings, both on the hocks and el-
bows, without further trouble, and in time
remove them ; but, vvhen the vessels are
broken, and the blood extravasated, they
generally proceed to suppuration, which may
be forwarded by anointing with any campho-
rated unctuous application ; and, if the thick-
ness of the skin should retard their breaking:,
they may be opened with a lancet in some
depending part towards one side, and not
behind. This method is better than open-
ing by a caustic ; because, as little of the skin
as possible should be destroyed, where the
parts are prominent, otherwise it would be
difficult to cover the processes of the bones
that form the point of the hock and the
elbow, besides the blemish it would leave, as
well as rendering the cure more tedious.

The same caution ought also to be ob-
served in treating all tumours on the processes
of any of the other bones, especially on the
joints, where continual motion hinders their
reunion, when they become wounded, or
meet with any other accident that occasions
a loss of substance.

When the matter of these tumouis is all
discharged, and the abscesses formed in
them are dried up, which may be done with
soft dossils dipped in a mixture of common
turpentine, honey, and tincture of myrrh ;
there remains nothing farther than to batho

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

2bh

the part once a day with spirit of wine and
vinegar, equal parts. The skin, after such
accidents, generally continues relaxed and
exceedingly thickened, sometimes at least an
inch and a half on the elbow. This relaxed
state, however, may be much improved by
using the foregoing astringent application.

Swellings of this kind on the point of the
hock, often diflfer from those on the elbow,
especially with regard to their contents ; the
matter of the former sometimes resembliu":
thick paste, whilst the other may contain,
perhaps, nothing but a thin viscid fluid.

This fluid is very similar to that which is
contained in the capsules or swellings of the
fetlock-joints, which are called wind-galls,
and which, when punctured, are generally

attended with a very troublesome degree of
inilammation.

Those swellings, therefore, on the points
of the hock and elbow, should be thoroiughly
examined before they are opened, so as to
ascertain, if possible, whether they contain
matter, or a fluid of the description just men-
tioned ; because, although it may be ad vise-
able to let out the former, still it is not so
prudent to let out the latter.

The best criterion of judging is by the
thickness of the skin, for tlie skin which sur-
rounds an abscess, (except it be deep-seated,)
is always thinner than usual; but if the skjn
is thicker, it may be presumed that the fluid
• underneath is not matter.

CONSUMPTION

Although hor.sesare not particularly sub-
ject to this disease, yet many instances occur
of a gradual wasting away, and a decline of
vigor and strength, which may very properly
come under the name of" consumption."

This state of disease may be produced by
various disorders, or a complication of disor-
ders, and its consequences may be more or
less serious, according to the circumstances
of diet, labour, &c. It is most generally at-
tended with some chronic aflfection of the
lungs, and this may arise from a repetition

of colds imperfectly cured, or from the in-
fluence of the farcy or glanders fixing upon
that part of the animal machine.

Hot and irritable horses are the most liable
to consumptions, as they are naturally weak
and washy. Horses of this temperament ge-
nerally exhaust themselves soon by over
exertion ; and, when worked beyond their
natural strength, they lose their appetite,
and stale and dung often, which occasions
them to lose their flesh rapidly, and become
weak and jaded ; a hectic fever someiune&

256

THE COMPLETE FARRlEl? ; and

sacceeds, which, not being- very violent
in its immediate effects, is overlooked or
is not attended to ; and, although the ani-
mal may recover of himself by a tV,w days
rest, yet he is subject to the same etiocts
whenever he is again put to constant and se-
vere labour. When a consumption avises
fron\ any defect in the lungs or principal via-
cera, the eyes look dull and a Utile moist,
and the ejirs and feet are generally hot.
There is generally a dry husky cough, and a
groaning when turned suddenly in the stall;
the horse sneezes much when brought into
the cold air, and shews uneasiness and a
quick motion in his flanks, discharges occa-
sionally at the nose, and generally a yellowish
curdled matter. His breath also smells more
or less offensive ^^hen the disease has made
much progress, or been of long continuance.
They eat but little at a time, and chew their
hay very lightly and deliberately, and very
often throw the cud out of their mouths after
chewing it. In general, they are hide-bound,
and their coats are long, dry, and staring,
even in summer. These symptoms disap-
pear upon being turned to grass in warm
weather, owing to the richness and succu-
lence of the herbage, but they soon return
when in the stable and again put to work.

When a horse that has any of the above
symptoms retains a tolerable appetite, and
keeps up his spirit in a certain degree, with-
out losing his flesh, it is a sign that the dis-
ease has not vet taken a very deep root ;
but, on the contrary, when he continues to
lose flesh and strength, it is a pretty certain
indication of inward decay beyond the power
of medicine to prevent. When there is a
yellowish curdled matter discharged from
the nostrils, it may generally be considered

as the last stage ; but, if the matter be white
and well digested, and occasionally decreases
in quantity, or changes to a clear water, it
is a promising sign, especially if the liorse
be young ; but, even under these circum-
stances, the predisposition to disease may
still exist, and the smallest irregularity, either
i.* diet, cloathing, or exercise, may bring on
a retuiii of the complaint. As consumption
is generally preceded by a considerable de-
gree of inflamma ion, bleeding to a copious
extent is necessary ; for, until the inflamma-
tory symptoms are subdued, no certain opi-
nion I an be formed of the jjicbability of a
cure. After the horse has been bled to the
amount of three or four quarts, his bowels
may be gently opened by cl}sters and the
tbllowing laxative ball.

Aloes Barbadoes ... 4 drachms
Emetic tartar .... 1 drachm

Castile soap half-an-ounee

Liquorice powder, sufficient to make the
ball a convenient size.

The above quantity is to be made into one
ball.

The horse should be prepared the day
previous to taking the ball, by bran-mashes;
and these should be continued during the
operation of the medicine. He should be
kept moderately warm, and the water which
he drinks should first have the chill taken off.

When his bowels have been opened by
the above means, a course of diaphoretics, or
such medicines as relax tne skm, and increase
the insensible perspiration, snould be next
resorted to. For this purpose, the following
ball may be given every other night, for
three or four nights, and then omitted fof a

BlUTlSIl SPORTSMAN

25?

couple of iiiglitSj and repeated afterwards if
necessary.

Assafcetida .... I (iraclim
Emetic tartar ... 1 drachm

Giiiiicr I (Irachiii

Liquorice powder sullicieiit to make the
ball a convenient size.
The whole to be mixed up with syrup of
buckthorn.

During this course of medicine, green food,
if it can be procured, will be desirable; if in
the winter season, carrots will be a good
sul)stitute.

The horse should be gently exercised for
a short time daily, but by no means hurried
beyond a walk, because any great increase
of the circulation of the blood, might have a
tendency to bring on a return of the inflam-
matory symptoms.

When the horse is out of danger, and
shews certain symptoms of recovery, the
greatest attention should be paid to his diet.

His oats should be the hardest and sweet-
est that can be procured, for new oats always
make a horse scour, especially one of the ha-
bit of body here alluded to. His feeds should
also be small, that he may not be cloyed by
liaving too much at once.

His hay should be of the sweetest and
finest quality, at least nine months old, and
should be given also in small quantities at a
time, and he should be watered frequently,
as there is no dansrer of his drinkiu'j too
much; it being a certain fact, that those
horses which are frequently watered during
the day, drink less than those that are wa-
tered only at morning and evening. The
water should be soft, and free from any mi-

neral qualities. By a proper atliiition to
these particulars, the animal maybe restored
to such a state of health, as to qualify him lor
light and moderate work ; and, w hen perfectly
recovered, the more he is uut of doors in the
fresh air the better, provided he is not I'a-
tigued too much, or sutiered to chill whilst in
a state of perspiration. By exposure to the
iiesh air, his nervous system will be braced
and invigorated, and his appetite increased ;
whilst his evacuations by urine and dung
will be promoted in a degree sutHcient for
a healthy state of body. Both the restor-
ation of health, and its permanence, will de-
pend a good deal on the age of the ani-
mal ; for it will be fruitless to expect much
benefit, or a continuance of a healthy state, in
a body that is worn out by age and disease.

Some young horses continue in this con-
sumptive state for several months, and,
through the effects of great care and nursing,
give at some intervals a prospect of reco-
very, but, nevertheless, die ultimately, ex-
hausted by disease. Some go off' in a much
shorter time, although they are not appa-
rently so much debilitated, and some reco-
ver after a discharge from the nostrils even
of two or three years standing; but, in this
last case, the discharge has been suspended
at intervals, and the mucus was always white,
and when it ceased at any time, it was ge-
nerally succeeded by a simple discharge of
clear lymph or water.

Such horses will retain their appetite, and
not lose their flesh, and will go through
their work tolerably well with good usage,
though, if they are hurried a little more
than ordinary, they will be the worse for it;
and those to whose lot such horses have
3t

2f»S

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

fallen, must have observed, that they seldom
recover perfectly, or remain long- well, until
they are seven oreiglit years old, when their
complaints frequently go off, and they be-
come healthy and useful animals.

Gibson describes another discharge from
the nostrils, with the following observations :
" This discharge," he says, " happens when
the strangles have never come to maturity, or
when the swelling has been opened before
the matter was ripe and in a fit state to be
discharged. In this case, there is generally
a profuse running at both nostrils, and when
this continues for any great length of time,
the horse grows extremely weak, loses his
tlesh, and at length his lungs are affected,
and he becomes consumptive; but this may
nevertheless be cured if the proper means
are resorted to." Of those horses that are
naturally of a hot and fretful temper, and
seem naturally disposed to hectic, few are
of any great value ; yet if one of that descrip-
tion happens to excel in his going, the best
way to preserve him is to feed him often in
* small portions, not to overwork him, nor to
suffer him to carry too great weight. The
spring grass is also good for such horses,
taking them into the house at night whilst
the weather is cold. By such treatment
some tender horses have had their constitu-
tions greatly improved, and become service-
able to their owners.

There is another kind of consumption to
which some horses are subject, where the
animal has little or no cough, no running at
the nose, nor scarcely any symptom of a
hectic fever, eats his food tolerably well,
and yet continually wastes in his flesh, and
becomes hide-bound, so that the skin of his
body is nearly immoveable.

This is a dangerous disease, and gene-
rally proceeds from hard usage, from feeding
on unwholesome provender, and from want
of proper cleaning. This state of disease
frequently terminates in farcy or glanders.

When the animal has arrived at this state,
he may generally be considered as incurable,
and many owners of such horses, after a long
series of expence and trouble, have found all
their efforts to effect a cure vain and fruitless.

In this state of the disease, the glands of
the mesentery, and other lymphatic glands,
are very much enlarged, and when, in conse-
quence of this indurated state, the glands are
become schirrous, they lose their natural
function, and hinder the chyle and lymph
from mixing with the blood, and the horse
losing his proper nourishment sinks in flesh,
and becomes weak and emaciated, and,
finally, r-.inks under the complaint.

This state of diseased glands is generally
symptomatic of the farcy, or glanders, and it
the lymphatics of the thighs are corded, or
knotty, little doubt need be entertained of
the existence of that disorder. In this case,
the only hope of relief, slender as it may be,
will consist in having recourse to the medi-
cines prescribed for the farcy, taking care, at
the same time, to accompany the course with
nourishing diet. It will first be necessary
to open the bowels by a mild purgative,
such as the following . —

Viz. Barbadoes aloes . . 6 drachms

Castile soap .... half-an-ounce
Gino-er ... .2 drachms

In a ball with syrup of buckthorn.

The above ball may be given m the
morning fasting, with the usual precautions

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

269

of nia.sl»cs, and water with the chill oil".
Oi» the day after the horse has done [nirjj-
iiijj, the following- ball may be <;iven : —

Corrosive sublimate ... I sciu|)le i

Emetic tartar 1 drachm

Opium 1 scruple

Ginger 2 drachms

Liquorice powder sutticient to make the bai
of a proper size.

After taking; this ball, the horse is to be
kept warm, and the ball may be repeated
every night, for five or six nights, except the
horse shews any uneasiness or griping pains,
in which case it may be omitted for a ni"ht.
until those sym|)toms disappear. After a
course of this medicine has been persevered
in for a fortnight or three weeks, the horse
may be turned out to grass in the day time, if
the weather is fine, and taken up at night.

COUGH

Is a sudden action of the muscles of the
ribs, of the diaphragm and abdominal mus-
cles, wherein they all combine for the pur-
pose of expelling any irritating substance or
!luid which may lodge about the larynx, and
which, by passing down the trachea would
rritate and disturb the lungs. It may arise,
however, from that part being- in an in-
flamed and irritable state, in which case
even the inhalation of cold air alone will
sometimes excite a cough.

When a cough has existed for a consider-
able length of time, and the horse has shewn
no particular symptoms of disease, nor has
fallen ofT either in flesh or in appetite, it is
then distinguished by the appellation chronic
cough, and which, though it may not [)r()duce
any immediate bad effects, yet fretpiently
terminates in broken wind.

The origin of coughs, of this description,

may generally be ascribed to a cold, that has
never been perfectly cured, or it may arise
from the repulsion of greasy or farcy hu-
mours from the surface of the body or the ex-
tremities, without attending- to the precaution
of using- such a course of internal medicine
as is necessary to eradicate those diseases.

In many of these cases the lungs may be
oppressed l)y a too copious secretion of mu-
cus, excited by some stimulating virus Im-k-
ing in the system; and hence the lungs are
constantly endeavouring- to relieve them-
selves by the action of coughing-. In this
latter case, the horse may be observed to
breathe rather quicker than he naturally
ought to do ; the motion of his flanks will be
increased upon the least exercise ; never-
theless, the nostrils will not appar<Mitly be
much distended, as is the case after vioienr
exertion. The cough is generally short ami

260

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

husky, and is usually succeeded by the action
of sneezing, which is forthe purpose of throw-
ing out, through the nose, the phlegm or mu-
cus that may happen to be coughed up; for it
is to be recollected, that nothing ever returns
through the mouth of the horse, owing to
the peculiar construction of the velum palati,
or membrane which drops from the roof and
lodges on the tongue, thereby forming a
valve. It may be generally observed, in
regard to chronic coughs, that '^he horse is
always considerably relieved whilst this dis-
charge of mucus goes on, but that the cough
always becomes more troublesome when the
discharge ceases. This points out the pro-
priety of giving such medicines as will keep up
the discharge until the lungs are thoroughly
unloaded ; and, for this purpose, the fol-
lowing ball will generally be found useful : —

Sulphur 1 drachm

Assafuetida .... 2 drachms

Liquorice powder . . 2 drachms

Venice turpentine . . 2 drachms

Mixed in a ball.

This ball may be given every other night,
for four or five nights, in conjunction with
bran-mashes, or carrots if they can be pro-
cured. It will be ad\ iseable not to work the
horse violently during this course, but to
give him just exercise sufficient to assist the
action of the medicine, keeping him at the
same time moderately warm. A cordial ball
may be given occasionally in the interval
between the other balls, with advantage.
The cordial ball may be composed as fol-
lows ; —

Spanish liquorice,
Anniseeds bruised.

Liquorice powder, of each tour ounces,
Carraway seeds,
I Anisated balsam of sulphur, of each two

ounces.
Ginger, in powder.
Oil of aniseeds, of each four drachms.
Honey sufficient to form the mass, to be
divided into twelve equal balls

The foregoing mode of treatment will be
tound useful where the cough is not attended
witli symptoms of any other disease lurking
in the constitution, in which case it would be
only palliative, without removing the original
cause. The practitioner, therefore, should
take into his consideration, the state of the
horse's general appearance in regard to his
skin and his extremities. He should parti-
cularly observe, whether his skin is soft and
pliant, and the coat sleek and moist ; or,
whether it is hard, dry, and immoveable on
his ribs ; he should also observe the state of
the animal's legs in the morning before he
is taken out of the stable, to ascertain whc
ther they are swelled, or fine and cleaji.

It is upon these points that conclusions
ought to be drawn as to the horse's genera!
state of health ; for if he is hide-bound, and
his legs are found to swell in the morning
previous to exercise, it may very rationally
be concluded, that there is some irregularity
in his habit of body, in regard to the secre-
tions and excretions which requires to be
corrected, before any benefit can be derived
from such medicines as are only calculated
to relieve the cough.

Therefore, whenever the above-mentioned
symptoms of a bad habit of body are dis-
covered, it will be adviseable to administer

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

201

a pura;e or two previous to entering upon
any other course. The purj^e may be coni-
|iosed as follows: —

Barbadoes aloes ... 8 (hachnis

Castile soap 2 drachms

Ginjifer I drachm

To be made into a ball with syrup

This ball may be given with the usual pre-
cautions of bran-mashes and warm water^
and may be repeated once at the interval of
seven davs. On the second day after the
last dose has done operating, the cough-
halls, as before prescribed, may be given in
the manner therein directed.

Horses that are subject to chronic coughs
should be exposed as little as possible to any
violent or sudden change of temperature,
because they are naturally more delicate and
irritable in their lungs than horses of a robust
constitution. Nevertheless, a run at grass
for two or three months, in a dry summer, is
frequently beneficial ; but the contrary will
be the case it the summer bewet and cold ;
circumstances which must naturally have a
bad effect on horses of a delicate hai)it.

An habitual cough will sometimes arise
from irritation about the larynx, or upper
part of the windpipe; in this case, a blister
applied to the throat will afford consider-
able relief, by stimulating the surface of the
skin, and thereby relieving the internal
parts.

The following preparation is recommend-
ed by an old author, and appears to be well
calculated to produce a good effect : —

Castile soap.
Liquorice powder.

22

Aniseed, in powder.
Jiarbadoes tar, six ounces.
Gum amtnoniac, two ounces.
Balsam of Tolu, one ounce.

Mix the whole together, and divide
into twelve equal balls.

One of these balls may be given every
other night until the whole are used.

There are some horses that are thick-
winded, without any aj)parent cause for it.
These are generally great feeders, and will
devour their litter when they are kept short
of hay. This imperfection in their wind in-
creases if they are kept much in the stable
without work; consequently, they are always
the better for strong exercise. This increases
the peristaltic motion of the intestines, and
unloads them regularly so as to prevent too
great an accumulation of dung within them;
which, by distending the belly, prevents the
diaphragm from employing its natural free
action, and consequently is more or less op-
pressive to the lungs. A proper attention to
diet and exercise will do more benefit to
horses of this description than medicine,
and great care should be taken, that their
food is of the best quality, avoiding always
both new hay and new oats. Certain regu-
lations should also be observed in regard to
water; the common opinion, that water is
hurtful to thick-winded horses being, to a cer-
tain extent, a very erroneous one. It certainly
would not be adviseableto give the horse as
much as he would drink immediately before
he was put to work, but as there is generally
some disposition to heat in the stomach, in
horses that are thick-winded, it is a great
relief to them to drink frequently, and this
3v

262

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

may be permitted, provided they are restrict
ed to a moderate quantity at each time of

urmking.

Carrots, or Swedish turnips, are useful as a

variety in food, as they tend to keep the
bowels from becoming to costive. Bran-
mashes occasionally are also beneficial^ as
they have the same effect.

O.V THE NATURE AND USE OF ANTIMONIALS.

Antimony, when prepared in a certain
manner, is so useful a medicine in veterinary
practice, that every practitioner should un-
derstand its nature and properties.

If powdered antimony be exposed to a
gentle fire, the sulphur exhales; the metallic
part remaining in the form of a white calx,
reducible, by proper fluxes, into a whitish
brittle metal called regulus. This is readily
distinguished from the other bodies of that
class, by its not bemg soluble in aqua for-
tis ; its proper menstruum is aqua regis.

If aqua fortis be poured on crude antimony,
the metallic part will be dissolved, and the
sulphur thrown out, partly on the sides of
the vessel, and partly to the surface of the
liquor, in the form of a greyish yellow sub-
stance. This, separated and purified by sub-
limation, appears on all trials the same with
pure common brimstone. The metal, freed
from the sulphur naturally blended with it,
and afterwards fused with common brim-
stone, resumes the appearance and qualities
of crude antimony. There is a striking dif-
ference between the effects of the preparation

of antimony on the human and brute sto-
mach. To the former, the antimonial medi-
cine is of the greatest power of any known
substance. The quantity even of a single
grain is capable of producing the most ac-
tive effects if taken dissolved or in a soluble
state. If given in such a form as to be im-
mediately miscible with animal huids, it
proves violently emetic ; if so managed as to
be more slowly acted upon, it proves cathar-
tic and if the dose be extremely small, dia-
phoretic.

Thus, though vegetable acids extract so
little from this metal, that the remainder
seems to lose nothing of its weight, the tinc-
tures prove, in large doses, strongly emetic,
and in smaller ones, powerfully diaphoretic.
The regulus has been cast into the form
of pills, which acted as violent cathar-
tics; though without undergoing any di-
minution in their weight in their passage
through the body, and this repeatedly for a
great number of times. These preparations,
however, exhibited to the horse, have a less
sensible effect. Notwithstanding this, they

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

263

are of great iinporlaiico in the t'eatineiit of se-
veral diseases vvitli which he may l)e alllictetl.
This ine(al, divested of the iiiilaiiiniable
principle^ which it has in coinmoii with other
metallic bodies that are reducible to a calx,
becomes indissoluble and inactive. The
calx, nevertheless, when ur<fed with a strong'
fire, melts into a glass, which is as easy of
solution, and as violent in operation in the
human subject, as the regains itself; the glass
thoroughly mixed with such substances as
prevent its solubility, as wax, resin, and the
like, is again rendered mild.

Vegetable acids, as has already been ob-
served, dissolve but an extremely minute por-
tion of the metal; the solution, nevertheless, is
powerful. The nitrous and vitriolic acids
only corrode it into a powder, to which they
adhere so slightly as to be separable in a
considerable degree by water, and totally by
fire, leaymg the regnlus in the forui of a calx
similar to that prepared by fire alone. T'he
marine acid has a very different effect ; this
reduces the regulus into a violent corrosive ;
and though it unites with difficulty, yet it
adheres so very closely, as not to be separ-
able by any ablution, nor by fire, the regu-
lus arising along with it. The nitrous or vi-
triolic acids expel the marine, atid thus re-
duce the corrosive into a calx similar to the
foregoing. Sulphur remarkably abates the
power of this metal, and hence crude anti-
mony, in which the regulus appears to be
combined with sulphur, from one fourth to
one half its weight, proves altog(!ther mild.
If a part of the sulphur be taken away by
such operations as do not destroy or calcine
the metal, the remaining mass becomes pro-
porlionably more active. The sulphur of

antimony may be expelled by deflagration
with nitre, the larger the (pianlity of nitre to
a certain point, the more of the sulphur will
be dissipated, and the preparation will be
more active. If the cjuantity of nitre be
more than sufficient to consume the sulphur,
the rest of if, deflagrating with the inllani-
mable principle of the regulus itself, renders
it again mild.

The sulphur of antimony is likewise ah
sorbed in fusion by certain metals and by
alkaline salts. These last, wijcn mixed
with sulphur, prove a menstruiun lor all the
metals (zinc excepted ;) and hence, if the
fusion be long continued, the regulus i>
taken up, and rendered soluble in water.

From these particulars, with respect to an
timony, it may naturally be concluded, that
it not only furnishes us with an useful and
active medicine, but that it may also be ex-
hibited for veterinary purposes under several
difl^erent forms, and that the effects of these
will be considerably diversified. ■

The College of Physicians have, in regard
to human medicine, restricted the number of
preparations of antimony in their pharmaco-
peia to a few oidy. And it is highly pro-
bable, that, from the proper employment of
them, every useful purpose to be answered
by antimony, as a remedy in the diseases of
cattle, may be accomplished.

Calcined antimony is prepared in the fol-
lowing manner. Take of antimony, pow-
dered, eight ounces ; nitre, powdered, two
pounds; mix them, and cast the mixture, bv
degrees, into a red-hot crucible. Burn the
white matter about half-an-hour, and when
cold, powder it, after which, wash it with
distilled water. In the last edition of ftie

264

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

Loudon Pharmacopeia^ this preparation had
the name of catx of antimony , and it may be
considered as at least very nearly approach-
in"- to some other antimonials of the old
Pharmacopeia^ particularly to the nitrated
diaphoretic antimony, washed ditto, and sti-
biated nitre ; none of which are now received
as separate formula of Pharmacopeia ; and,
indeed, even the calx of antimony itself,
thus prepared, has now no place in the Edin-
burgh Pharmacopeia

The calx of antimony, when freed by
washing from the saline matter, is extremely
mild, if not altogether inactive in the human
subject. For a man, the common dose is
from five grains to a scruple, or half-a-drachm;
and Wilson relates, that he has known it
given by half-ounces, and repeated twice or
thrice daily for several days together. Some
report, that this calx, by keeping for a length
of time, contracts an active quality, from
whence it has been concluded, that the pow-
ers of the reguline part are not entirely de-
stroyed ; that the preparation has the virtues
of other antimonials, which are given as alte-
ratives ; that is to say, in such small doses as
not to disturb the primae viae, or first passages.
The uncalcined part being grosser than the
true calx, the separation is effected by often
washing with water, in the same manner as
is dirt-cted by separating earthy powders
from their grosser parts. It has been ob-
served, that when diaphoretic antimony is
prepared with nitre abounding with sea salt,
of which all the common nitre contains some
portion, the medicine has proved violent.
This effect is not owing to any particular
quality of the sea-salt, but to its quantity,,
liv which the proportion of the nitre to the
antimony is rendered less.

The nitrum stibiatum, as it was called, is
produced by the deflagration of the sulphur
of the antimony with the nitre, in the same
manner as the sal polychrest, from which it
differs no otherwise han in retaining some
portion of the antimonial calx. Notwith-
standing the doubts entertained by some of
the activity of the antimonium calcinatum,
yet the London College appear to have done
right in retaining it. For whilst it is al-
lowed to be the mildest of our antimonials,
it is admitted, by several able practitioners, to
be efficacious.

CROCUS OF ANTIMONY.

Take of antimony powdered, nitre pow-
dered, of each one pound, sea-salt one ounce.
Mix, and put them by degrees into a red-
hot crucible, and melt them with an increased
heat. Pour out the melted matter; and,
when cold, separate it from the scoriae.

Equal parts of antimony and nitre are to
be injected, by degrees, into a red-hot cruci-
ble; when the detoration is over, separate
the reddish metallic matter from the whitish
crust, beat it into a powder, and edulcorate
it by repeated washings with hot water, till
the water comes oft tasteless. Here the an-
timonial sulphur is almost totally consumed,
and the metallic part left divested of its cor-
rector. These preparations, given from two
to six grains, generally act as violent emetics,
greatly disordering the constitution. But
the operation, like that of every preparation
of antimony, whose reguline part is not joined
with an acid, must be liable to variations, ac-
cording to the quantity and condition of the
acid in the stomach. Farriers frequently
give to horses an ounce or two in a day, di-
vided into differeat doses, as an alterative.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

205

In the horse^ and other quadrupeds of the
herbiveroiis tribe, it acts chiefly as a diapho-
retic. The chemists have been accustomed
to make the crocus with a less proportion of
nitre, than what is directed above, and with-
out any further melting;, than what ensues
from the heat which the matter acquires by
deflagration ; which, when the quantity is
large, is very considerable; a little common
salt is added to promote the fusion. The
mixture is put, by degrees, into an iron pot
or mortar, somewhat heated, and placed
under a chimney; when the first ladleful is
in, a piece of lighted charcoal is thrown to
it, which sets the matter on fire; the rest of
the mixture is then added by little and little,
the deflagration is soon over, and the whole
appears in perfect fusion ; when cold, a con-
siderable quantity of scoriae is found on the
surface, which scoriae are easily knocked off
with a hammer. The crocus, prepared after
this manner, is of a I'edder colour than that
of the former edition of the London pharma-
copeia. And, indeed, the method now di-
rected by the London College may be con-
sidered as founded on this. It differs princi-
pally from that of the Edinburgh College,
in the employment of the sea-salt, by which
the process is much facilitated

muriated antimony

Is prepared by taking of the crocus of an-
timony powdered, and vitriolic acid, of each
one pound ; dry sea-salt two pounds. Pour
the vitriolic acid into a retort, adding, by
degrees, the sea-salt and the crocus of anti-
mony, previously mixed ; then distil, in a
sand-bath. Let the distilled matter be ex-

'£i.

posed to the air for several days, and fhen let
(he fluid part be poured off from the dregs.

BUTTER OF ANTIMONY.

Take crude, one part ; corrosive subli-
mate, two parts. Grind them first sepa-
rately, then thoroughly mix them together,
taking the utmost care to avoid the vapours.
Put the mixture into a coated glass retort,
(having a short wide neck,) so as to fill one
half of it; the retort being placed in a sand-
furnace, and a receiver adapted to it, give
first, a gentle heat that only dewy vapours
may arise; the fire being then increased, an
oily liquor will ascend and condense in the
neck of the retort, appearing like ice; which
is to be melted down by a live coal cautiously
applied. This oily matter is to be rectified
in a glass retort into a pellucid liquor.

The process here directed by the College
of Edinburgh is extremely dangerous, inso-
much, that even the life of the operator,
though tolerably versed in common phar-
macy, may be endangered for want of due
care. Boerhave relates a case of a man who
was suffocated for want of due care, to pre-
vent the bursting of the retort. The fumes
which arise, even on mixing the antimony
with the sublimate, are highly noxious, and
sometimes issue so copiously and suddenly
as to l)e avoided with great difficultv. The
utmost circumspection, therefore, is neces-
sary. The butter of antimony, as it is called,
appears to be a solution of the metallic part
of the antimony in the marine acid of the
sublimate; the sidphur of the antimony wnil
flu; mercury of the sul)limate remain at the
bottom of the retort, united into an a^thiops.
The solution does not succeed with spirit of
3x

266

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

salt in its liquid state, and cannot be effected,
unless (as in the case of uiaking sublimate)
either the acid be highly concentrated, and
hoth the ingredients strongly heated, or
Kheii the antimony is exposed to the vapours
of the acid distilled from the black calx of
manganese. By this last process, a perfect
solution of the regulus of the antimony in
the muriatic acid is effected. Of this more
snnple, more safe, and less expensiv-i method,
of preparing muriated antimony, a account
is given by Mr. Russel, in the transactions of
the Edinburgh Royal Society.

ANTIMONIAL POWDER.

Take of antimony, coarsely powdered,
harts horn shavings, each two pounds; mix
and put them into a wide red-hot iron pot,
stirring constantly till the mass acquires a
grey colour. Powder the matter when cold,
and pat it into a coated crucible. Lute to it
another crucible inverted, which has a small
hole in its bottom ; increase the fire, oy de-
grees, to a red heat, and keep it so for two
hours. Lastly, reduce the matter, when
cold, to a very fine powder.

In this preparation, which is the celebrated
James's powder, the metallic part of the an-
timony, in a state of calx, will be united with
that part of the hartshorn which is indestruc-
tible by the action of fire ; viz., an absorbent
earth. If this powder be properly prepared,
it is of a white colour. It is a mild antimo-
nial preparation, and is given as an alterative.

PRECIPITATED SULPHUR OF
ANTIMONY.

Take of antimony, powdered, two pounds ;
water of pure kali, four pints; distilled wa-

ter, three pints; mix and boil them with a
slow fire for three hours, constantly stirring
and adding the distilled water as it may be
wanted ; strain the hot ley through a double
linen cloth, and drop into the hot liquor, by
degrees, as much diluted vitriolic acid as is
sufficient to precipitate the sulphur. VVasli
oft', with warm water, the vitriolated kali.

GOLDEN SULPHUR OF ANTIMONY.

Boil, in an iron pot, four pounds of caustic
ley, diluted with three pints of water, and
throw in, by degrees, two pounds of pow-
dered antimony, keeping them continually
stirring with an iron spatula for three hours,
over a gentle fire, and occasionally supplying
more water.

The liquor, loaded with the sulphur of
antimony, being then strained through a
woollen cloth, drop into it gradually, while
it continues hot, so much spirit of nitre, di-
luted with an equal quantity of water, as
shall be sufficient to precipitate the sulphur,
which is aferwards to be carefully washed
with hot water

The foregoing preparations are not strictly
sulphurs ; they contain a considerable quan-
tity of the metallic part of the antimony,
which is reducible from them by proper
fluxes.

These preparations must, of course, be
liable to great variations in point of strength,
and, in this respect, they are, perhaps, the
most precarious, though some have affirmed
that they are the most certain, of the anti-
monial medicines. They prove emetic when
taken into the human stomach, in a dose ot
four to six grains ; but they are scarcely pre-
scribed with this intention, being chiefly

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

267

used as alterative deobstruents, particularly
in cutaneous disorders

TARTARISED ANTIMONY.

Take of crocus of antimony , powdered^
one pound and a half; crystals of tartar, two
pounds; distilled water, two j^allons; boil
in a glass vessel, about a quarter of an hour,
filter through paper, and set aside the strained
liquor to chrystallise.

EMETIC TARTAR.

Take of the butter of antimony what
quantity you choose, pour it into warm wa-
ter, in which so much of the purified vege-
table fixed alkali has been previously dis-
solved, that the antimonial powder may be
precipitated, which, after being well washed,
is to be dried. Then, to five pounds of wa-
ter, add, of this powder, nine drachms ; of
chryslals of tartar, beat into a very fine pow-
der, two ounces and a half; boil until the
powders are dissolved. Let the strained
solution be slowly evaporated in a glass ves-
sel to a pellicle, so that chrystals may be
formed. The above are two modes of mak-
ing the most common, and perhaps the most
useful, of all the antimonial preparations,
long known in the shops under the name of
emetic tartar.

These modes diti'er considerably from each
other, but, in both, the reguline part of the
antimony is united with the acid of the tar-
tar. It is, perhaps, difficult to say to which
mode of preparation the preference is to be^
given, for on this point the best chymists are |
still divided in their opinions. The mode
directed by the London College, is nearly i
the same with that of former editions of
their pharmacopeia, while that which is now

adopted in Edinburgh, is of later date. It
is veiy certain, however, that, by either mode,
a good emetic tartar may be formed. Berg-
man advises, that the calx be precipitated
by simple water, as being the least liable to
variation. Rut where the calx is precipi-
tated by an alkaline ley, it is more certainly
treed from the muriatic acid. In tlie after
part of the process, whether precipitate or
crocus have been used, the quality of the
antimonial ought always to be some drachms
more than is absolutely necessary for satur-
ating the acid of tartar, so that no crystals
may shoot which are not impregnated with
the active metallic part of the antimony.
And, in order to secure an uniform strength,
some attention is necessary in collecting the
chrystals, as some may contain more metal
than others. After they are all separated
from the liquor, they should be rubbed toge-
ther in a glass mortar, into a fine powder,
that the medicine may be of unitorm strength.
Emetic tartar is, of all the preparations of an-
timony, the most certain in its operation in
the human subject, when given even in a
dose of a single grain ; and it is an excellent
alterative for horses, in doses from half a
drachm to two drachms, so that the difi'erent
proportion between the horse and man varies
more in this medicine than in many others ;
for it appears, that the horse can take torty
times as much emetic tartar as a man ; but in
regard to aloes, twenty times the ijuantity
taken by a man, is quite sufficient for »
horse

VITRIOLATED ANTIMONY.

Take of powdered antimony four ounces;
calcine it in a broad earthen vessel, with a
fire graduallv raised, stirring with an iron

268

THE COMPLETE PARKIER ; and

rod, until it no longer emits a sulphureous
smoke. Put this powder into a crucible, so
as to fill two thirds of it. A cover being first
fitted on, make a fire under it, at first mo-
derate, afterwards stronger, until the matter
be melted. Pour out the melted glass.

GLASS OF ANTIMONY.

Strew antimony, beat it into a coarse pow-
der, like sand, upon a shallow unglazed
earthen pan, and apply a gentle heat under-
neath, that the antimony may be heated
slowly, keeping it, at the same time, conti-
nually stirring, to prevent it from running into
lumps. White vapours, of a sulphureous
smell, will arise from it. If they cease to
exhale with the degree of heat first applied,
increase the fire a little, so that vapours may
again arise ; go on in this manner till the
powder, when brought to a red heat, exhales
no more vapours. Melt the calx in a cruci-
ble with an intense heat, till it assumes the
appearance of melted glass ; then pour it out
j)n a heated brass plate or dish.

The calcination of antimony, in order to
procure transparent glass, succeeds very
slowly, unless the operator be v arj and cir-
cumspect in the management of it.

The most convenient vessel is a broad
shallow dish, or smooth flat tile placed under
a chimney. The antimony should be the
purer sort, such as is usually found at the
apex of the cones ; this, grossly powdered, is
to be evenly spread over the bottom of the
pan, so as not to lie above a quarter of an
inch thick upon any part.

The fire should be at first no greater than
IS just sufficient to raise a fume from the an-
timony, which is to be now and then stirred ;

when the fumes begin to decay, increase the
heat, taking care not to raise it so high as to
melt the antimony, or run the powder into
lumps; after sometime, the vessel maybe
made red liot, and kept in that state, until
the matter will not, on being stirred, any
longer fume. If this part of the process be
duly conducted, the antimony will appear in
an uniform powder, without any lumps, and
of a grey colour.

With this powder, fill two thirds of a cru-
cible., which is to be covered with a tile, and
placed in a wind furnace. Gradually increase
the fire until the calx be in perfect fusion,
when it is to be occasionally examined by
dipping a clean iron wire in it. If the mat-
ter, which adheres to the end of the wire, ap-
pears smooth and equally transparent, the
vitrification is completed, and the glass may
be poured out on a hot smooth stone or cop-
per plate, and suffered to cool slowly, to pre-
vent its cracking and flying in pieces. It is
of a transparent yellowish red colour.

CERATED GLASS OF ANTIMONY.

Take of yellow wax a drachm, glass of
antimony, reduced into powder, one ounce.
Melt the wax in an iron vessel, and throw
into it powdered glass ; keep the mixture
over a gentle fire for half an hour, continually
stirring it; then pour it out upon paper, and,
when cold, grind it into powder. The glass
melts in the wax with a very gentle heat.
After it has been about twenty minutes on
the fire, it begins to change its colour, and
in ten minutes more, comes near to that of
Scotch snuflT, which is a mark of its beingf
suflSciently prepared; the above quantity
loses about a drachm of its weight in the

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

^69

process. In the hiiinan subject this medi-
cine was, for some time, much esteemed in
dysenteries. The dose given is from two
or three grains to twenty, according to the
age and strength of the patient.

The foregoing are the diflerent prepara-
tions of antimony, but the two that are most

useful in veterinary medicine, are (he butter
of antimony and the cenetic tartar. The
first is an excellent and safe escharotic, and
the last is a useful diaphoretic, and is given
with the best effect in all iiiliannna(ory com-
plaints, especially in intlannuatiou of the
lungs.

ON THE BLOOD

There are so many ridiculous and un-
founded notions respecting the quality of
blood, when it is taken from the horse during
disease, that it becomes a matter of some
importance to explain its true nature and
composition. The blood is a red fluid, pro-
pelled by the heart and arteries and lungs
through the whole body of an animal ; and
although this fluid, in some animals, is not
of a red colour, yet it is certain, that the
functions of the animal cannot be performed
without the circulation of something equi-
valent to the blood. The common appear-
ance of blood, when drawn from a vein, is of
a red colour. It first appears throughout a
red fluid; then it consolidates, when cold,
into one uniform mass ; but in a short time
after, a yellowish watery liquor begins to
separate from it, which is more or less in
quantity according to the state in which the
blood happens to be; the rod mass, in the

22.

mean time, contracts greatly in its dimen-
sions, and increases in solidity. But this in-
crease of solidity is likewise proportional to
the state of the blood at the time In vi-
olent inflammatory diseases, the solid part
is extremely tough, so that it is sometimes
like a piece of flesh itself; but in diseases of
the nervous kind, and those attended with
exhaustion of the animal spirits, the solid
part is very soft and tender, breaking in
pieces with the slightest touch.

The blood of quadrupeds is pretty much
of the same texture as the human. It con-
sists, first, of serum ; second, the coagulable
lymph; third, the red globules; fourth, the
superfluous water; fifth, extraneoiis sub-
stances introduced.

The serum, coagulable lymph, and super-
fluous water, are diflfiised through one ano-
ther, and the red part is mechanically mixed
with them. Some of the extraneous sub-
3r

270

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

stances are also mechanically mixe;l with
thenij and some diffused through them.
Dr. Hervey says^ " Recent blood is equally
fluid, and in taste somewhat saltish. Viewed
through a microscope, it appears composed
of numerous red globules, swimming in a
transparent fluid. On standing fo. a little
time, it separates into a thick crassamentum
and fluid serum. By agitation, it continues
fluid, a consistent gelatinous matter adheres
to the stirrer, which, by repeated ablution
with water, becomes white. Received from
the vein in warm water, it deposits a quan-
tity of transparent filamentous matter, the
red portion continuing dissolved in the water.
On evaporating the fluid, a red powder is
left. It congeals by frost, and becomes fluid
again by warmth ; after liquification, it
quickly putrifies. Fluid and florid blood,
exposed to a temperate air, putrifies sooner
than that which is more dense. Inspissated
to dryness, it leaves a dark coloured mass,
amounting, at a medium, to about one fourth
of the blood, of a bitter saline taste, easily
inflammable, burning with a bluish flame.
The dried blood is not soluble in acid or
alkaline liquors, but gives some tincture to
water and to spirit of wine, and is more
powerfully acted upon by dulcified spirit of
nitre.

Blood recently drawn, is coagulated by the
mineral acids, and by most of the combina-
tions of them with earthy and metallic bodies.
With vegetable acids and with solutions of
neutral salts, it mingles equally without co-
agulation. Alkalies, both fixed and volatile,
render it more fluid, and preserve it from
coagulating. The serum of the blood is
more saline than the crassamentum. and

does not speedily petrify. It freezes with
somewhat more difficulty than pure water,
and its aqueous part evaporates by a gentle
warmth, somewhat more readily, leaving
about one twelfth of the weight of the se-
rum, of a yellowish pellucid matter. Ex-
posed to heat, a little greater than that of the
human body, it coagulates into a solid mass
without any considerable evaporation. Both
this coagulum and the mspissated serum are
readily inflammable in the fire, and not dis-
soluble in water or in spirit of wine, in acid,
or in alkaline liquors.

But the texture of the blood, discoverable
by a microscope, has engaged the attention
of the learned much more than the chemical
analysis ever did. Lewenhoek fancied he
discovered, that the blood consists of red
globular particles, swimming in a quantity
of transparent liquor, each globule, com-
posed of six smaller ones, packed together.

While the six continued to adhere, their
colour was red, but when separated, they
became yellow, and thus formed what is
called the serum. He even imagined he
had discovered that each of the serous glo-
bules consisted cf six smaller ones, and that
these, when broken down, constituted some
more subtle and penetrating liquor than the
serum; and this was, for a longtime, received
as an undoubted fact, and many theories
were built upon it, and elaborate calcula-
tions made.

Father de Torre also, with microscopes,
which he alledged were capable of magni-
fying to an incredible degree, found that the
red particles of the blood were of an annular
figure, with a perforation in the middle; and
that the ring itself was formed of several

BRITISH SPORTSI\TAN

271

joints. Dr. Duncan, of Edinburgh, was of
the same opinion. Mr. Ilevvson, however,
has since contended, that the red particles
of the blood, improperly called globules, are
flat in all animals, and of very difi'erent
sizes in different animals. In man they are
small, as Hat as a shilling, and appear to
have a dark spot in the middle In order to
see them distinctly, Mr. Ilewson diluted the
blood with fresh serum ; hi.s predecessors, not
having thought of this, could not see them
distinctly. And Lewenhoek, in particular,
imagining a round figure to be fittest for
motion, concluded they must be round in
the human body, though he and others
allowed, that in frogs, &c. where they viewed
them distinctly from the blood being thinner,
they were flat. In the human blood, where
these particles are small, it is dithcult to de-
termine what that black spot is which ap-
pears in the centre of each. Some have
concluded, that it was a perforation, but
in a frog, where it is six times as large as in
a man, it is easy to shew, that it is not a per-
foration, but, on the contrary, is a little solid,
which is contained in the middle of a
vesicle. Instead, therefore, of calling this
part red globules, it should be called red
vesicles, for each particle is a flat vesicle,
with a little solid sphere in its centre.

The blood of all animals, (he says,) contains
vesicles of this sort. In human blood there
are millions of them, and they give it the
red colour. But in insects they are white,
and less numerous in proportion than in
man and quadrupeds. As they are flat in
all animals, that shape is probably a circum-
stance otsome importance, but can be alter-
ed by a mixture with different fluids And

it is found, that by a determinate quantity of
neutral salt contained in the serum, that this
fluid is adapted to preserving those vesicles
in their flat shape ; for if (lu-y be mixed
with water, they become round and di.ssolve
perfectly; but add a little of any neutral
salt to the water, and they remain in it
without any alteration in their shape, and
without dissolving. Now, wIumi it is con-
sidered, that the blood of all animals is
filled with these particles, we must believe
that they serve some very important purpose
in the animal economy ; and since they are
so complicated in their structure, it is impro-
bable that they should be made bv mecha-
nical agitation in the lungs or blood-vessels,
as has been suspected, but probably have
some organs set apart for their formation.
In the blood taken from a toad or a fro"-,
these particles are very large, and when
mixed with the serum of human blood to
dilate it, they all appear flat, and this may
be easily seen by the web between the toes,
when seen through a microscope. Their
appearance in these animals is not unlike
slices of cucumber. A little blood mixed with
water immediately makesthem all round, and
then it begins to dissolve them whilst they
are round. By inclining the stage of the mi-
croscope, so as to make them roll down, the
solid in the middle may be easily seen rolling
down from side to side like a pea in a blad-
der. A neutral salt added to them at that
time, brings them back to their flat shape,
but if the salt be not added, the water gra-
dually dissolves away the vesicle, and thert
the little sphere is left naked. Such is the
composition of these particles. The micros-
cope which is made use of may be composed

SJ72

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

of a single lens, and in that case will be as
little likely to deceive as a pair of spectacles,
which do not disfigure objects, but only ren-
der them larger.

Prom further experiment, it has been sup-
posed that the use of the thymus and lym-
phatic glands is to make the middle solid
pieces ; and the same author further says,
" I can prove it, in as satisfactory a manner
as can be done, in regard to the use of any
other viscus in the human body, that is, by
opening these glands, and examining the
tluid contained in their cells, which I find to
be full of these little solids. I, moreover,
find that the lymphatic vessels take them up
from those glands, and convey them into
the blood-vessels which carry them to the
spleen, in whose cells they have the vesicles,
so that the thymus and lymphatic glands
make the central particles, and the spleen
makes the vesicles that surround them.
That this is the use of the spleen appears
from examining the lymph, which is return-
ed from its lymphatic vessels ; for that lymph,
contrary to what takes place in other parts
of the body, is extremely red. But besides
having these glands set apart for making

he red vesicles of the blood, I find, that
they are also made in the lymphatic vessels,
in different parts of the body, whose coats
have blood-vessels properly constructed for
this secretion. So that the thymus and
lymphatic glands are no more than appen-
dages of the lymphatic system, for making
the middle particles, and the spleen an ap-
pendage to the lymphatic vessels for making
the vesicles which contain these middle par-
ticles. It is probable, that it is the coagu-

lable lymph which is converted into this

red part of the blood, from a curious fact
that has been long known, namely, that the
blood in the splenic vein does not coagulate
when exposed to the air, as the blood of
other veins does, so that it seems to be rob-
bed of its coagulable lymph in passing
through the spleen. It is very remarkable,
that the spleen can be cut out of an animal,
and the animal live without it. This expe-
riment has been made on a dog, which was
kept alive a year and a half after the oper-
ation, without his health being apparently
impaired. From this circumstance, some
have concluded the spleen to be an useless
weight ; which is an absurd conclusion, when
it is considered that all animals that have red
blood have it. Therefore, it is more con-
sistent with what is known of the animal
economy, to conclude thiit since an animal
can do without it, there is probably some
other part of the body that can supply its
place.

" Insects have vesicles constructed in a si-
milar way to ours, but differing in colour. But
insects have neither spleen, thymus, nor lym-
phatic glands, and, therefore, in them pro-
bably these vesicles are entirely fabricated
in the lymphatic vessels. But to us, and
other of the more perfect animals, besides
the lymphatic vessels, nature has given these
glands, that a proper quantity of these im-
portant vesicles might be the better secured
to it, on the same principle that she haj
given us two ears, the better to secure hear-
ing through life, though we can hear per-
fectly well with one." On the foregoing
hypothesis it will only be necessary to re-
mark, that if the red globules are prepared
in the manner above mentioned, and the

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

273

lymphatic vessels are excretories of these
glands where the red particles are formed ;
then, if there is any vessel where all these
excretories unite, in that vessel the lymph
ought to appear very red, on account of
tlie accunuilated quantity of red glol)ules
brought thither from all parts of the body.
But no such redness seems ever to have been
taken notice of by any anatomist, and tliis
forms an objection, perhaps, which will not
be easily removed.

Many other hypotheses have been invent-
ed concerning- the formation of blood, and
various opinions delivered concerning its
red colour. In a lecture delivered at New-
castle, in 11T3, by Dr. Wilson, of that place,
he asserts, that " it is evidently the office of
the veins to elaborate the fluids into that
form and composition which we know by the
name of red blood." Dr. CuUen, in the
physiological part of his institutions of me-
dicine, acknowledges that we know but little
of the formation of any of the animal fluids ;
and, concerning the microscopical observa-
tions on the blood, gives his opinions in the
foUowingwords, viz. " The red globules have
been considered as an oily matter, and from
thence their distinct and globular appearance
has been accounted for; but there is no di-
rect proof of their oily nature ; and their ready
union with, and their diflTusibility in water,
renders it very improbable. As being mi-
croscopical objects only, they have been
represented, by different persons, very dif-
ferently. Some have thought them spherical
bodies, but divisible into six parts, each of
which, in its separate state, was also sphe-
rical ; but other persons have not observed
them to be thus divisible. To many ob-
23

servers they have appeared as perfectly sphe-
rical, w hile others suppose them to be oblate
spheroids, or lenticular. To some they have
appeared as annular, and to others as con-
taining a hollow vesicle." All this, with se-
veral other circum-stances relatin"- to them
very variously represented, shew some un-
certainty in microscopical observations. The
chemical history of it is e(iually precarious,
and, therefore, what has been hitherto said
of the production and changes happenino-
to these rod globules, we choose to lea\e
untouched. It is probable, that the red "-lo-
bules, when viewed singly, have very little co-
lour, and that it is only when a certain number
of them are laid upon one another, that the
colour appears of a bright red ; but this,
also, has its limits ; so that when the num-
ber of globules laid on one another is con-
siderable, the colour becomes of a darker
red. Upon this supposition, the colour of
the mass of blood will be brighter or darker
as the colouring matter is more or less dif-
fused among the other parts of the mass,
and we think this appears truly to be the
case, from every circumstance that attends
the changes which have been at any time
observed in the colour of tlie blood.

Concerning the uncertainty of microsco-
pical as well as cheniical experiments, we
shall not dispute, though the conclusion
against them seems to be carried too far.
But with regard to the colour of the blood,
we apprehend it has been known, almost,
if not altogether, since the discovery of the
circulation, that the florid or dark colour
depends on the presence or absence of thai
part of atmospheric air called oxygen, and
not upon any number of globules.
3 X

274

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

Thus the blood returning' from the veins
is of a dark ci3lour. Though diluted with
the fresh chyle from the subclavian vein, it
continues of the same dark colour till it
passes through the lungs, upon which it
instantly assumes a very florid red; but it
can never be proved that the globules in
the pulmonary vein are at all less numerous
than in the pulmonary artery. That this
change of colour may be effected by the air
passing through membranes much thicker
than we can suppose the vessels of the
lungs to be, has been demonstrated by Dr.
Priestly.

With regard to the uses to which the
blood is subservient in the animal economy,
they are so various, and of such an important
nature, that some have not scrupled to af-
firm the blood to be actually possessed of a
living principle, and that the life of the
whole body is derived from it. This opi-
nion, it is said, was first hinted by the cele-
brated Hervey, but the hypothesis more
properly belongs to the late Mr. Jolin Hun-
ter, who supports his opinions by the fol-
lowing arguments : — first, that the blood
unites living parts, in some circumstances,
as certain as the recent juices of the branch
of one tree unite it with that of another.
Were either of these fluids to be considered
as extraneous, or dead matter, he thinks
they would act as stimuli, and no union
would take place in the animal or vegetable
kingdom. This argument, he imagined,
was still further established by the following
experiment: — Having taken off the testicle
trom a living cock, he introduced it into the
belly of a living hen. Many weeks after,
upon injecting the liver of the hen, he in-

jected the testicle of the cock, which had
come in contact with the liver, and had ad-
hered to it. He thought, also, that there
was not a more intimate connection between
life and a solid, than between life and a fluid.
For though we are more accustomed to
connect it with the one than with the other,
yet the only real difference which can be
shewn between a solid and a fluid is, that
the particles of the one are less moveable
among themselves than those of the other.
Besides, we often see the same body fluid in
one case and solid in another.

The blood becomes vascular like other
living parts. Mr. Hunter affirms, that after
amputations, the coagula in the extremities
of arteries may be injected by injecting those
arteries, and he had a preparation in which
he thought he could demonstrate vessels
rising; from the centre of what had been a
coagulum of blood, and opening into the
stream of the circulating blood.

Blood, taken trom the arm in the most
intense cold which the human body can
bear, raises the thermometer to the same
height as blood taken in the most sultry
heat. This he considers as a strong proof
of the blood being alive, as Jiving bodies
alone have the power of resisting great de-
grees of heat as well as cold, and of maintain-
ing, in almost every situation, while in health,
that temperature which we distinguish by
the name of animal heat. Blood is capable
of being acted upon by a stimulus. In proof
of this, he observes, that it coagulates from
exposure, as certainly as the cavities of the
abdomen and thorax inflame from the same
cause.

The more the animal is in health, the

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

273

sooner it coagulates from exposure ; aud tlie
more it has lost its liviug- priuciple, as is the
case in violent inflammations, the less it is
sensible to the stimulus produced from its
being- exposed, and it coagulates the later.
The blood preserves life in difterent parts of
the body. When the nerves, going to a
part, are tied or cut, the part becomes para-
lysed, and loses all power of motion, but it
does not mortify. If the artery be cut, the
part dies, and mortification ensues. Mr.
Hunter, therefore, thought, that, in the first
case, it is the living principle of the blood
only that can keep it alive ; and, he thought
that this phenomenon was inexplicable on
any other principle than that life is supported
by the blood. Another argument he drew
from the case of a fractured os humeri he had
occasion to observe. A man was brought
into St. George's Hospital for a simple frac-
ture of the OS humeri, and died about a
month after the accident. As the bones had
not united, Mr. Hunter injected the arm after
death. He found that the cavity between
the extremities of the bones was filled up
with blood which had coagulated. This
blood was become vascular. In some places
it was very much so. But he did not main-
tain, from this circumstance, that all coagu-
lated blood becomes vascular; and, indeed,
the reason is obvious, for it is often thrown
out and coagulated in parts w here its becom-
ing vascular could answer no end in the
system ; as, for example, in the cavities of
ancurismal sacs. If it be supposed, that, in
such cases as that just now mentioned, the
vessels are not formed in the coagulum, but
come from the neighbouring arteries, he
thinks it equally an argument that the blood

is alive; for the substance into which vessel>
shoot must be so.

The system which, at present, stands op-
posed to that of Mr. Hunter, considers the
brain and nervous system as the fountain of
life ; and that, so far from receiving its life
from the blood, the nervous system is capa-
ble of changing instantaneously tiie crasis of
the blood, or any other animal fluid ; and
though the nervous system cannot continue
its action for any length of time if the action
of the blood vessels is .suspended, yet the
heart and blood-vessels cannot act for a sin-
gle moment without the influence of the ner-
vous system. Hence, say they, it is plain we
must suppose the nervous system, and not the
blood, to contain properly the life of the ani-
mal, and consequently to be the principal vi-
tal organ. The secretion of the vital fluid from
the blood, by means of the brain, is denied by
the supporters of this hypothesis. They say,
that any fluid secreted from the blood must
be aqueous, inelastic, and inactive ; whereas,
the nervous fluid is full of vigour, elastic, and
volatile in the highest degree. The great
necessity for the circulation of the blood
through all parts of the body, notwithstand-
ing the pressure of the nervous fluid in the
same parts, they say, is because some de-
gree of tension is necessary to be given to
the fibres, in order to fit them for the influ.\
of the nervous fluid; and this tension they
receive from the repletion of the blood-ves-
sels, which are every where dispersed along
with the nerves.

It would prove tedious to follow this dis-
pute through every argument that hath been,
or that may be, used by both parties, and in-
deed it appears unnecessary, as the follow-

276

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

ill"- short considerations seem to decide the
matter absolutely against the patrons of the
nervous system In the first place, then, if
it can be proved, that the life of the human
Dody has existed in, or has been communi-
cated from, a fluid in the nervous system, the
analogical argument will be very strongly in
favor of the conclusion that the case is so
still. That the case ever has been so is most
evident, for the human body, as well as the
body of every other animal, in its first state,
is well known to be a gelatinous mass, with-
out muscles, nerves, or blood-vessels. Ne-
vertheless, this gelatinous matter, even at
that time, contained the nervous fluid. Of
this there can be no doubt, because the
nerves were formed out of it, and had their
power originally from it ; and what is remark-
able, the brain is observed to be that part of
the animal which is first formed. Of this
gelatinous fluid we can give no other ac-
count than that it was the nutritious matter
from which the whole body appears to have
been formed. At the original formation of
man, and other animals, therefore, the nu-
tritious matter was the substance of the
whole body, consisting of muscles, nerves,
and blood-vessels ; nay, more, it was the im-
mediate efficient cause of the nervous power
itself. And what reason is there to suppose
that this system of nature has been changed.
In the formation of the embryo, we see a
vital principle, existing, as it were, at large,
and forming to itself a kind of regulator to
its own motions, or a habitation in which it
chooses to reside, rather than to act at ran-
dom in the fluid. This habitation or regu-
lator was, undoubtedly, the nervous system,
and continues so to this moment, but, at the

same time, it is no less evident, that a nutri-
tious fluid was the immediate origin of these
same nerves, and of that very nervous fluid.
Now, it is known, that the fluid which, in the
womb, nourishes the body of the foetus, is
necessarily equivalent to the blood which
nourishes the bodies of adult ones, and, con-
sequently, as soon as the blood became the
only nutritious fluid of the body, at that same
time the vital or nervous fluid took up its
residence there, and from the blood diffused
itself along the nerves, where it was regu-
lated exactly according to the model origi-
ginally formed in the embryo. It may, per-
haps, be said, that the vital power, when
once it hath taken possession of the human
or any other body, requires no addition or
supply, but continues there in the same
quantity from first to last. If we suppose the
nervous power to be immaterial, this will, in-
deed, l>e the case ; but, if we call this power
a volatile and elastic fluid, it is plain there
will be more occasion for recruits to such a
power than to any other fluid of the body, as
its volatility and elasticity will promote its
escape in great quantities through every part
of the body. It may also be objected, that
it is absurd to suppose any fluid or mecha-
nical cause capable of putting matter in
such a form as to direct its own motions
in a particular way; but even of this we
have a positive proof, in the case of the
electric fluid ; for if any quantity of this
matter has a tendency to go from one place
to another, where it meets with difficulty,
through the air, for instance, it will throw
small conducting substances before it, in
order to facilitate its progress.

Also, if a number of small and light con-

HRITISH SPORTSMAN

S77

ducting- substances are laid between two
metallic bodies^ so as to form a circle : for
example, a shock of electricity will destroy
that circle, and place the small conducting-
substances nearer to a strait line, between
the two metals, as if the lluid knew there
was a shorter passage, and resolved to take
that if it should have occasion to return.
Lastly, it i<5 universally allowed, that the
brain is a secretory organ, made up of an in-
finite number of small glands, which have
no other extremities than the medullary
fibres and nerves. As a considerable quan-
tity of blood is carried to the brain, and the
minute arteries end in these same glands, it
follows that the fluid, whatever it is, must
come from the blood.

Now there is no gland whatever, in the
human or any other body, that will discharge
the fluid it is appointed to secrete, in very
considerable quantities if its excretory is cut.
Upon the cutting of a nerve, therefore, the
fluid secreted by the brain ought to be dis-
charged, but no such discharge is visible.

A small quantity of glairy matter is indeed
discharged from the large nerves, but this
can be of no other sort than the nutritious
juice necessary for their support.

The blood circulates in a

given

time

through every part of the living body. It
is first carried from the heart by means of
vessels, called arteries, which contract and
dilate in unison with the action of the heart,
which may be easily ascertained by pressing
an artery with the finger.

This action is called the pulse, and much
of the state of the animal, as to health or
disease, may be ascertained by attending to
the number and strength of the pulsations in
a minute.

The circulation is performed as follows :
namely, the blood passes from the vena cava
into the right auricle of the heart, and from
thence into the right ventricle, from whence
the heart pushes it, by contracting into the
pulmonary artery, by which it is afterwards
carried through the whole substance of the
lungs, where, by entering into contact with
the atmospheric air, which is inhaled into the
lungs, it acquires a new quality, and becomes
of a much brighter red. It is then called
arterial blood, and, passing through the left
auricle and ventricle of the heart, it is carried
on by the arteries to the remotest part of
the body, where it parts with its oxidation,
and having lost its brightness, is returned to
the heart by the veins, and goes again
through the same process as before.

4a

27M

THE COMPLETE FARRIER, and

ON THE BONES.

The bones are the hardest of all the parts
of an animal body. This was necessary to
render them capable of supporting the bulk
and weight of the muscles. They are con-
nected with each other by joints, by which
means they are susceptible of motion when
acted upon by the muscles.

The bones differ but little in their shape
in different horses, but there is sometimes a
very considerable variation in their relative
position with each other ; and, from this cir-
cumstance may be deduced, in a great mea-
sure, that inequality in speed which prevails
amongst them ; for, according to the position
of the bone, the leverage will be either in-
creased or diminished.

The first which naturally come under con-
sideration are the bones of the head, which,
including those peculiar to the skull, and
those which are common to it and the upper
jaw, are seventeen in number. The first is
the frontal or forehead-bone, and in colts,
and other young animals, is divided by a
suture or seam down the middle, which in
time totally wears out. The two side-bones,
called the parietal, or walls, are divided by a
seam, which reaches along the middle of the
head, from the forehead to the occipital
bone. These are small ifi a horse in propor-
tion to what they are in a man ; because.

the greatest bulk of a horse's head lies for-
ward. All the bones of the head are joined
together by sutures, or seams, indented into
each other, which is the only way by which
bones of that shape could be united, so as to
answer all the functions of the head and
brain. Besides these principal bones are
the temporal bones. They are thick, and
very hard in their middle and lower part, but
grow thinner, especially round their upper
edges. The bones common to the head and
upper jaw, are the cuniforme or wedge-like
bone, the yoke-like bone, and the os cribri-
formis, or sieve-like bone : the other eight
that make up the seventeen belong to the
ear. They form the organ of hearing, and
lie within the temporal bones, viz. four on
each side.

Several blood-vessels pass through the su-
tures of the skull, by which the blood has its
egress and regress from the brain to the ex-
ternal parts of the head, and from thence
back to the brain. And, besides these, there
are holes and perforations in many parts ot
the substance of the skull, for other vessels
that spread themselves both externally and
internally over the head and brain ; and, par-
ticularly, five very distinct ones in the occi-
put, besides its great perforation towards its
bottom, by which the spinal marrow passes

BRITISH SPORTSiMAN.

y79

downwards, through the vertebra of the
spine There are, also, many foramina
throuffh the os cribriformis towards the nose
and the larger emunctories, for the passage
of several nerves and blood-vessels, with
others, towards the eyes and ears. On the
inside of the skull are several impressions, or
furrows, made by the larger vessels of the
dura mater, or uppermost membrane of the
brain, which vessels form these traces in the
foetus before the skull acquires its hardness.
The inside of the skull has also, in many
other places, inequalities, answering to the
cortical part of the brain, whereby the cra-
nium becomes a proper helmet of defence
for the brain. With respect to the secretion
and growth of the bones of the skull, they
begin always to ossify towards their middle
or most projecting part, and to extend that
hardness by degress to the edges where they
are joined and indented into one another.

This kind of mechanism prevents the ill
consequence of many accidents, to which all
young animals are exposed. But, afterwards,
the bones of a horse's head grow so ex-
tremely hard that no common force is able
to part them asunder.

But, towards the nose, the bones are more
spongy, and made up of several cartilages,
which are very tender and sensible; and we
often observe bruitish people beat their
horses over the nose, as the surest way to
give them pain, and rouse them, when they
happen to be dull or obstinate.

The cuneiform, or wedge-like bone, is
joined before to the frontal or forehead-bone,
and behind to the lower part of the occipi-
tal bone, and so makes the bottom or basis
•>f the skull like a wedge, between it and the
upper jaw. It has perforations, which give

pas.sage to the carotid artery and jugular
vein, &c. the principal vessels belonging to
the head. The os cribriforme, or sieve-like
bone, already mentioned, gives a passage to
several blood-vessels and nerves ; some to
the nose, some to the eyes, and some to the
ears; contributing to the senses of seeiu";,
hearing, and smelling; it also divides the
nostrils, and has several cavities lilled with
spongy flesh. The superior maxillary, or
upper jaw-bone, is joined to these, and has
a little process that passes to the lower part
of the orbit of the eye, which forms part of
that orbit. The cheek-bone, which is also
part of the upper jaw, has a very large sinus,
or hollow, below the eye, on each side,
which, in a horse, is divided by four bony
partitions that open into the nose ; there is
also a little hole on each side, through each
of which an excretory duct passes, to carry
off the superfluous fluid from the lachrymal
gland, situated on the inner corner of the
eye. On the lower part are the alveoli, or
sockets for the teeth, which, including the
tushes, are twenty in number; viz. six fore-
teeth, and twelve double-teeth backwards,
called the grinders; viz. six on each side.
The lower jaw differs from the upper jaw,
in being moveable, being joined and articu-
lated into the sinuses of the lower part of the
temporal bone.

In young animals, it is divided between
the fore-teeth, so that the bones may be
easily parted asunder.

On its lower edge it is round and smooth,
and hollow within, containing several cells,
filled with medullary substance. Through
it are several holes, and, under the teeth,
apertures for the passage of blood-vessels
and nerves. The middle or flat part is irore

280

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

solidj and along the inner edge are the al-
veoli, or sockets for the teeth, which are the
same as in the upper jaw; viz. six forwards,
two tushes, and six on each side backwards ;
making in all, above and below, forty in
number.

The bone which is attached to the tongue,
is called the os hyoides, from the resem-
blance it has to the Greek letter ,. It has
its proper muscles, which take their rise
from, or are inserted into it, besides others
that go to the palate and larynx, which also
have their origin from this bone. The ver-
tebrce come next to be described. The neck
has seven vertebras, the back seventeen ; the
loins consist of seven, the croup six, and the
rump or tail eighteen.

The vertebras of the neck have their spines
round and smooth, with a hollowness be-
tween them on each side for the muscles and
ligaments, which fill up their cavities ; the
uppermost has a process that is received by
the second, upon which the head turns from
side to side, like a door upon its hinges, and
yet is so fixed to the head and ligaments
that it cannot go beyond its limits. The se-
venteen vertebrae, or joints of the back, are
different from those of the neck, having their
spines very high, especially on the withers,
which rise archways, and are like a palisade
or rail. These spines are pretty solid in the
middle, and of a texture like the ribs, only
that their tops are broad, soft, and spongy,
covered with a very smooth and strong liga-
ment, to keep them united and preserve the
back from being bruised. Below, and be-
yond the withers, and along the seat, the
spines are shorter and of equal height, till
they approach towards the loins, where they !
rise higher, especially in roach -backed hor-j

ses, but behind they are more level as they
descend towards the rump. Every one of
these bones, from the first vertebrae of the
neck to the last of the loins, has a large cen-
tral perforation for the spinal marrow, which
issues from the brain, and passes along to-
wards the rump, where it ends. The bones
of the tail are eighteen in number: they
have no medulla within them as above de-
scribed, and, therefore, are not perforated.
They are soft and spongy, and more loosely
connected by soft and yielding cartilages, so
that they may be easily separated and cur-
tailed in any part without danger. They
are large towards the rump, and short, but
gr,ow gradually smaller and longer till they
end in a point.

The ribs, in all thirty-four in number, are
distinguished into two sets, the true and false.
The true are the foremost nine on each
side, which are also joined to the vertebrae
of the back and to the breast-bone, encom-
passing the whole cavity. The breast-bone
in a horse, and some other quadrupeds, is
shaped like the bottom of a ship. It is at
first spongy, but, in time, grows pretty hard,
and has along its two sides cartilaginous
dents and impressions, where it receives the
ends of the true ribs.

The part which reaches towards the pit of
the stomach is called the ensiform, or sword-
like cartilage, having a point resembling
that of a sword. The false ribs are in num-
ber eight on each side. They are not so
strong and rigid as the true ribs, and, grow
shorter as they approach towards the loins,
leaving an opening for the stomach and belly.
The shape of a horse's belly depends much
on the length or shortness of these ribs, for
the larger they are in compass the more

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

2Sl

round a horse appears, and when they arc
very short, such horses can never carry a
good belly. AH the ribs are thick and
strong towards the back, but towards the
brisket and belly they are thin and flat, by
which they are endowed with a kind of elas-
ticity, which enables them to dilate or con-
tract in respiration ; and some think, when
they are well-proportioned, they add con-
siderably to the goodness of a horse's wind.
All the ribs on their insides are exquisitely
smooth, and covered with the pleura, a mem-
brane resembling the finest satin, so that the
lungs and other viscera may not be hurt by
contact with them.

The scapula, or shoulder blade-bone, lies
like a shield from below the withers, to the
point of the os humeri or shoulder-bone,
which bone turns backwards to the elbow,
forming an angle.

The blade has a high spine or ridge along
its middle, on the outside, and is joined to
the ribs by its muscles, which have very
strong tendons. The lower end has a .slen-
der cavity, which receives the round head of
the shoulder-bone, and because of its shal-
lowness, is environed with a very tough car-
tilaginous substance, and covered over with
a broad and very strong ligament, like a
purse, which not only prevents the round
head of the shoulder-bone from slipping out,
but affords the shoulder an easy play, and
adapts it to all its necessary motions.

The shoulder-blade in a horse should lie
oblique towards the saddle, for upon this
much of the pleasantness and speed of his
action depends. If the blade-bone be too
upright, the motion of the shoulder will be
confined, and the fore-leg cannot be advan-
ced so far, nor thrown forward with that ease

23.

and celerity as is the case when it is more
oblique.

Hence it must be evident, that whatever
powers of speed may be possessed by the
hind-quarters, still they cannot be exerted
to the best advantage if the fore-legs are not
thrown out of their way with the same
quickness and freedom as the hind-legs. In
chusing a horse, therefore, particularly for
the road, it should be borne in mind, that
the position of the shoulders is of the first
importance. The shoulder-bone in a horse,
and in most other quadrupeds, is very short
from the shoulder to the elbow, where it is
joined to the cubit or fore-leg by strong
ligaments. It has at its lower end two pro-
cesses, and on the hinder and upper part of
the leg-bone is a high thin process which
enters between the two processes, and makes
the elbow-joint. The high thin process
forms the point of the elbow, and as it rises
higher than the articulation of the joint,
prevents the leg turning backwards by a
counter-motion.

The leg-bone is joined at the knee to the
shank, which bones receive and are received
into one another. This joint has two ranges
of little bones within the bending of the
knee ; namely, three in the first range, and
four in the second, that not only strengthen
that joint which could have no stability with-
out them, but render its motions more safe
and easy. These are connected together
by ligaments that are partly tendinous and
partly cartilaginous. The shank is that
bone which reaches from the knee to the
great pastern ; it is composed of three bones,
one large, and the two other resembling bod-
kins, but thick and round upwards, and small
downwards.

4 B

2S-Z

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

The great pastern has tnree small proces-
ses, which are received into three cavities of
the shank-bone, and two cavities which re-
ceive two processes of the same bone, and
has two small triangular bones fastened to
its back part, which form the fetlock, and
one also like a stay, to preserve the joint
from false motions, which would very much
strain the ligaments. The little pastern is
joined to the great pastern in so curious a
manner, that both seem externally to be but
one.

By this juncture the pasterns yield and
give way when a horse is pressed with great
weight upon his back, which otherwise, by
their position, would be apt to break. It
also increases the elasticity of the motion of
the animal, and renders it more easy and
pleasant to the rider. The lower end of the
lesser pastern is articulated, and joined to
the coffin-bone by two heads, and to the up-
per or great pastern in the same manner as
it is received into the coffin-bone. The
bones which form the hind-quarters of a
horse, are the ossa innominata, divided into
the hip, haunch, and share-bones.

The first is the os ilium, so called from
the gut ilium that lies underneath it. The
second is the pubis, which makes a small
arch at the extremity of the lower belly,
through which the penis passes, at the en-
trance of which is the neck of the bladder.
The third is called the ischium, and has on
each side a large round cavity, which re-
ceives the round head of the thigh-bone.
These bones are joined on their posterior or
upper part to the os sacrum by cartilages,
which, in time, grow so hard that they can
scarce be separated The os sacrum is the
bone that lies under the crupper, next the

rump, and this, with the ossa innominata,
form the pubis. It is also joined to the low-
est of the lumbar vertebrae, and with the
uppermost bone of the rump.

The thigh bone reaches from the hip to
the stifle ; its upper head is round and some-
what long, thai it may the better fill up the
acetabulum or cup of the hip-bone, and as
it turns backwards and forwards within this
cup, or cavity, upon the alternate motions of
a horse's leg; it is therefore, in the common
phrase, called the whirl-bone.

The lower end of this bone has two pro-
cesses like a pulley, between which is a large
space that receives the protuberance of the
leg-bone, which is the bone that reaches
from the stifle to the hock ; there is a middle
space, pretty large and deep, between these
two bones, where they join that which re-
ceives the under side of the stifle-bone, which
is the knee-pan of a horse.

The small bones of the hock are in num-
ber the same as those of the knee, viz. three
in the first range and four in the second ; they
are also articulated with the instep, as those
of the knee are with the shank.

By their extreme smoothness they facilitate
the motion of the joint, preserve the horse's
legs from doubling under him when he is
put on his haunches, and give a kind of
spring in vaulting, leaping, or any other for-
cible action of the hind-legs. The instep is
made up of three bones, so closely united
that they seem to be but one, and cannot be
easily separated, much in the same way as
the shank-bone already described The
pasterns and coffin-bone agree also in every
respect with those of the fore-feet.

When inflammation takes place in the
hock-joint, the small bones above-mentioned

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

^m

hecomc sometimes united in nearly one mass,
by bony matter bein^- thrown out among-
them, and a protuberance arises at the lower
and inside part of the joint, which consti-
tutes what is called a bone-spavin.

When the inflammation takes place in the
pastern-joint, the same kind of union some-
times arises from the same cause, and a pro-
tuberance is formed on the surface, occasion-
ing what is called a ring-bone.
. In either of these cases, if tlie union has
once taken place, (and which, in the lan-
guage of anatomy, is known by the term
anchi/losis) the diflerent bones cannot be
again separated, and a stitfness or lameness
generally ensues, and which is almost always
incurable.

All the long bones, such as the shoulder
and thigh-bones, the bones of the leg, of the
shank and instep, are hollow and tubular,
and contain a substance called marrow,
which serves instead of oil, to keep them
from growing too hard and brittle. To-
wards their extremities, however, they are
imperforated, but their substance is spongy,
and their interstices when cut appear bloody,
especially in young animals, which is a pro-
vision of nature against their being broke
very near, which would almost always pro-
duce incurable lameness. Over each end
they have an epiphysis, covered with an in-
sensible cartilage or gristle, calculated to
make their actions smooth, so that their mo-
tions may induce no pain.

The larger joints, such as the shoulder,
the hip, and the stifle, have not only very
strong ligaments of various contrivance, to
keep them in their places, as has been ob-
served, but they also have glands that sepa-

rate sinovia, an oily matter which continually
preserves them moist, otherwise they would
soon grow dry, and wear away their surfaces
by frequent friction against each other.

All the bones have holes or perforations
more or less, for the passage of nerves and
blood-vessels, and, in several places, besides
their common processes and protuberances,
little asperities and roughnesses, for the ori-
gin and insertion ef muscles, which are so
situated a s not only to add the greatest
beauty, but also to be most subservient to
their various motions.

Where none, or but little motion is in-
tended, the bones are connected in a more
compact manner, as in the bones of the head,
the vertebrae of the back and loins, the os
sacrum, and bones of thf hip, Yet all these
junctures are useful and necessary, and con-
trived with great wisdom, as may be parti-
cularly instanced in the sutures of the head,
by which the fissure or cleft can run quite
across, but must terminate in one of these.
The vertebrae, or joints of the neck, having
no sharp spines, but somewhat resembling
the link of a chain, are admirably fitted to
give a beautiful turn to the neck, and to ren-
der all the necessary motions of the head
practicable. The vertebrae of the back are
also so connected together with yielding
cartilages, as to admit of all necessary fle.\ion ;
yet, at the same time, they are so confined by
their spuies and processes, and by antagonist
muscles, that they cannot be distorted be-
yond their proper limits. If these were alto-
gether without motion, it is evident the
whole body must also in a great measure be
immoveable.

On the other hand, the bones of the hips,

28*

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

with the OS sacrum, are joined in so compact
a mannei, as shews them to have a very
limited decree of motion in themselves ; but
they are so placed as to give the greater cer-
tainty to the motion of the hind-legs, and the
compactness of the vertebras between the
shoulders, and the anterior portion of the
spine has the same effect on the fore-legs, so
that there is nothing wanting in the skeleton
to render all the actions of a horse complete
and harmonious.

The physiology of the bones has been
greatly extended by Mr. Hunter's curious
experiments and observations on the growth
of bones.

Duhamel has published a very ingenious
theory upon the growth of bones, which he
endeavoured to support by experiments,
tending to prove that bones grow by an ex-
tension ot these parts: with this doctrine,
Mr. Hunter was not satisfied, and he accord-
ingly instituted experiments to determine
the truth of Duhamel's opinion.

He began his experiments by feeding ani-
mals with madder, which has the property of
tino-ing with a red colour that part of the
bone which is added, while the animal is
confined to this particular food.

He fed two pigs with madder for a fort-
night ; and, at the end of that period, one of
them was killed ; the bones, upon examina-
tion externally, had a red appearance when
sections were made of them; the exterior
part of the bones was found of the natural
colour, but the interior was red. He made
many other experiments of the same kind,
upon the increase of the thickness of the neck
and head of the thigh-bone. From these it
appeared, that the addition of new matter

was made to the upper surface, and a propor-
tional quantity of the old removed from the
lower, so as to keep the neck of the same
form, and relatively in its place.

To ascertain that the cylindrical bones arn
not elongated, by new matter being inter-
posed between the interstices of the old, he
made the following experiment

He bored two holes in the tibia of a pig,
one near the upper end, and the other near
the lower ; the space between the holes was
exactly two inches ; a small leaden shot was
inserted into each hole. When the bone had
been increased by the growth of the animal,
the pig was killed, and the space between
the two shots was exactly two inches.

This experiment was repeated severa.
times on different pigs, but the space be-
tween the two shots was never increased dur
ing the growth of the bone. Besides these
experiments on the growth of bones, he
made others to determine the process of their
exfoliation.

He cauterised portions of bone in the same
way in different animals, so as to be able to
examine the bones in the different stages of
the process, and found that the earthy part
of the living bone, in contact with the dead
portion, was first absorbed ; afterwards, the
animal mucilage itself, so as to form a groove
between the two, which became deeper and
deeper, till the dead bone was entirely de-
tached, the dead portion having undergone
no change.

THE ABDOMEN

Is that part of the animal which is commonly
called the carcase, or belly^ and it contaios

URITISII SPORTSMAN

285

most of the principal viscera, or organs es-
sential to life.

On opening- it, the first thing that appears
is the peritonenni, which is a kind of bag-,
made of a thin membrane of pretty close tex-
ture, and yet capable of considerable exten-
sion, and of returning to its former state.
This bag^ contains the greatest part of the
viscera of the lower belly, but in a particular
manner. In several parts of the convexity
there are several depressions, which form a
kind of cell, which contain the viscera within
the peritoneum ; namely, the g'ut, the sto-
mach, the liver, and the spleen. The liga-
ments, which serve to sustain most of these
viscera, are nothing- else but a particular
kmd of doubling- of the peritoneum, accom-
panied with a portion of the cellular and
membranous web, filled with fat, which
covers its external surface ; such as the liga-
ments of the liver, the spleen, tlie uterus,
and mesentery itself, which is the common
ligament of the guts, and is formed by a
doubling of the peritoneum, accompanied
with the cellular web. This lies on the sur-
face of the peritoneum, throughout its vvhole
extent, and is of a particular texture, con-
sisting of several membranous cells, by
which the peritoneum is united to the sides
of the belly. The parts contained in this web,
which may be seen on opening the perito-
neum, are the kidneys, the ureters, the blad-
der, the lower large blood-vessels, &c.

The internal surface of the peritoneum is
smooth and sleek, and is continually kept
moist by a serosity which transudes through
the pores throughout its whole extent.
This moisture is necessary to render the
whole of the intestines more easy, because.

otherwise, the friction would cause a painful
sensation. The cellular web has four pro-
cesses, two of which accompany the crural
vessels, and the other two the spermatic ves-
sels. These processes have been generally
supposed to have been made by the perito-
neum, but this is a mistake. The peritoneum
being opened, all the viscera of the belly
may be discovered. On the right side is the
liver, and a part of the gut colon, but the
horse has no gall-bladder. On the left side
of the spleen, a part of the colon, the caul,
the bottom of the stomach, and the pan-
creas ; in the upper part may be perceived
the two orifices of the stomach, the duode-
num, the trunk of the vena porta, the lower
vena cava, and the great artery.

The omentum, or caul, lies over the intes-
tines, and is a very fine membrane, larded
with fat, somewhat like net-work ; it reaches
from the bottom of the stomach to the um-
bilical region. It resembles an apron tucked
up. The fore part of it is connected with
the bottom of the stomach, with the duode-
num and the spleen, and the hind part to
the colon. The use of it is to preserve the
suppleness of the fibres, of the guts, duode-
num, and colon, to which it is connected ; it
also assists the liver in the preparation of the
bile, and by its unctuosity abates the acri-
mony of the blood.

The ffisophagus, or gullet, being a part of
the intestinal canal, which is extended from
the mouth to the anus, ought also to be no-
ticed. It reaches from the bottom of the
mouth to the diaphragm ; next to this is a
sort of bag, called the stomach, and the re-
mainder hath the general name of intestines,
or guts. The gullet descends along the
4 c

286

THE COMPLETE FARRIER .- and

neck, behind the wind-pipe ; the upper part,
which is a little dilated, is called the pharynx.
It has four coats, the first is common to the
neighbouring part, the second is Heshy, and
is composed of longitudinal and circular
fibres, and the third consists of nervous or
tendinous fibres, crossing each other every
way ; the fourth is called the villous coat ;
it is very porous, and always besmeared by
a clammy licfuor, proceeding from tlie glands
lying behind it.

The stomach is a membranous bag, seated
behind the diaphragm, or midriff; it is in
shape like the bellows of a bag-pipe, and
has two orifices, the right of which is joined
to the gullet, and the left, named pylorus, to
the guts. It consists of the same membranes
and coats as the gullet.

The intestines, or guts, are six in number ;
namely, the small gut, which, in a man, is
divided into the duodenum, the jejunum, and
the ilium, and is commonly about twenty-six
yards in length; the caecum, or blind gut,
the three colons, and the straight gut. The
three colons are divided by two small necks,
each about half a yard long. On the upper
and under sides there are two liiraments,
which run along the surface, and serve to
purse up this gut, which, with a valve on
the inside, serve to keep the aliment from
l^assing off too hastily, that the nutritious
juices may be extracted. The straight gut
runs directly along from the colon to the
fundament, and is half a yard long. The
guts have the same coats as the gullet, but
are considerably thicker in these last-men-
tioned, and like it are always moistened b}
the liquor proceeding from the glands. The
guts are fastened to the back by the mesen-

tery, which is about nine inches broad from
the guts to the back It takes its rise from
the third vertebras of the loins, and consists
of two membranes, which are full of small
glands and blood-vessels, and is formed b^
the doubling of the peritoneum. It forms
several folds along its circumference, no^
unlike a ruffle, to which the small guts are
connected. The next objects to be con-
sidered are the lacteids. These are a great
number of small white vessels, which glide
between the two membranes of the mesen-
tery.

From this substance other lacteal veins
proceed, which differ nothing from the for-
mer, but in being fewer in number, and
somewhat larger. These are called secon-
dary lacteals, and are discharged into a cel-
lular and membranous bag, generally placed
on the first vertebra; of the loins, and is hid
in part of the right appendix of the diaph-
ragm

This is called the receptacle of the chyle.
From this reservatory the thoracic-duct pro-
ceeds, which runs along the vertebrae of the
back, and towards the middle of the back
turns to the left, and empties itself into a
large vein, called the left subclavian.

The lacteal veins are not only to be met
with in the small intestines, but also on the
large, which shews, that an animal may be
kept alive by nourishing clysters only.

The liver is a conglomerate gland of a
very large size, of a reddish brown colour,
and of a pretty firm consistence. It makes
up a great part of the right side, and a por-
tion of the epigastric region, immediately
below the diaphragm or midriff. In a iiorse
it is divided into four lobes, to render it flex-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

287

ible in all violent motions, and to preserve it
from danger. Of these, the right lobe is
much tiie largest, and is called the great lobe
of the liver. The shape of the liver is not
regular, but accommodates its conformation
to the adjacent parts. It is convex and
smooth on the upper side, to tally with the
diaphragm, to which it is connected, and
whose motion it follows. The inferior sur-
face is concave and unequal, having eminen-
ces and cavities which answer to the spaces
that are between the organs. The eminen-
ces belong to the great lobe of the liver, to
which the ancients gave the name o{ portce.

The liver is connected to the adjacent
parts, but chiefly to the midriff, by means of
four ligaments Some reckon the umbilical
veins a ligament, but this is very much
doubted by oihers.

The liver is covered by a thin membrane,
which, however, may be divided into two
lamina, between which there is a great
number of lymphatic vessels, which are ob-
servable both on the convex and concave
surface. The internal lamina seems to pe-
netrate the substance of the liver, and to di-
vide it into a great nnmlier of small lobes,
which may be easily distinguished in a hog.

The substance of the liver is an assem-
blage of a great number of small vessels of
every kind, which appear to be distributed
to a great number ot vesicles, or small bo-
dies, called by some pulpous grains. These
vessels, thus distributed, may be distingui.shed
into those that carry the fluid, and into those
that bring it back. The first are the ramifi-
cations of the hepatic artery, of the vena
porta, accompanied by the hepatic nerves.

The vena porta is a considerable trunk of

a vein, formed by two principal ijranches,
one of which receives the blood w hich comes
from the spleen, the pancreas, and one part
of the stomach. It is called the splenic vein.
The other proceeds from the intestines and
mesentery, and is called the mesenteric.
This trunk of a vein penetrates the liver on
tlic concave side, but before its entry forms
two other branches, one to the right and the
other to the left. There are also many
smaller branches, which enter the vesicles of
the liver. The other vessels which belona"
to the vesicles are the branches of the veins,
which correspond with the vena cava, and
discharge the remainder of the blood which
the vena porta has deposited in the liver.
The union of these branches form three
veins, called the hepatic veins, which termi-
nate in the trunk of the lower vena cava,
immediately below the diaphragm.

The lymphatic veins of the liver may be
seen on both sides, where they form a won-
derful kind of net-work. These veins gene-
rally empty themselves into the reservoir, or
receptacle of the chyle. The pulpous veins
have each an excretory duct, which, com-
nmnicating with each other in the substance
of the liver, are commonly called the biliary
pores.

When these ducts are united, they form a
large one, called the hepatic duct, which
discharges the bile into the small gut near
the stomach. It is proportiouably larger in
the horse than in other animals, because he
has no gall-bladder.

It has been supposed, that this deficiency
was a provision of nature, because it might
have been injured by violent motions; but
this is not the case, because, many other

288

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

animals, that are subject to as violent exercise
as a horse, are not without a gall-bladder ;
and, therefore, we shall not pretend to guess
at the reason, or why a large and constant
discharge of the bile is required in a horse
more than in aiiy other animal that teeds in
the same manner.

The use of the liver is to separate this gall,
or bile, already mentioned, and there is rea-
son to believe it is from the blood brought
by the vena portae. The gall is a yellow
bitter liquor, of a pretty fluid consistence,
composed not only of a serum and salts, but
also of unctuous particle:, which form a
liquor of a soapy nature, and nearly of the
same taste, and is very useful to take old
spots out of garments.

The gall being separated in the liver, it is
taken up by the biliary pores, then runs into
the hepatic duct, and is constantly discharged
into the gut abo\e-mentioned. It serves to
correct the aliment, and to prepare the chyle.

The pancreas is a conglf>merate gland, of
a very pale red, and of a pretty thick con-
sistence. It is seated in the epigastric re-
gion, transversely, immediately below the
stomach, reaching from the small gut to the
spleen, to which it is united.

The situation of the pancreas is such, that
it may be reckoned to have two faces, an
upper and a lower ; two edges, the anterior
and the posterior, and two extremities, one
to the right and the other to the left ; that
to the right, which is connected with the gut,
is nnost considerable. The pancreas is co-
vered with two membranes, the one com-
mon and the other proper.

The common consists of the two leaves to
the mesocolon, between which the pancreas

is seated. The proper membrane immedi-
ately covers its substance, and is composed
of many glandulous grains, beset with a vast
number of vessels, some ol which carry a
fluid to the pancreas, and some bring one
back from thence. The former are the ar-
teries and nerves, the latter are the blood-
veins and lymphatics, as well as the excre-
tory ducts of the glands.

The excretory ducts of the pancreas are
very numerous, perhaps as many as the
glandulous grains of which it is composed.
All these ducts unite with each other, and
from their union results one common duct,
which carries a fluid from them all. It is
called the pancreatic duct, and runs all along
the pancreas, through the middle of its
length, and empties itself into the small gut.

The use of the pancreas is to separate a
fluid, called the pancreatic juice, of the na-
ture of saliva, and serves conjointly with the
gall to bring the chyle to perfection.

The spleen consists of a softish substance,
which is somewhat elastic, and is of a blueish
colour, a little inclining to brown. It is
seated obliquely in the left hypochondrium,
under the diaphragm, and immediately
above the left kidney. Its shape is rather
long, tongue-like, and flattish. The spleen
is kept in its situation, not only by resting
on the adjacent viscera, but also by mem-
branous ligaments which tie it to the diaph-
ragm, and sometimes to the stomach itself,
as also to the colon and the left kidney,
by means of the caul and the blood-vessels.
It has two faces ; that turned towards the
stomach is unequally concave, and thai
turned towards the ribs is convex. The
principal artery of the spleen proceeds from

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

2Hy

ihe cfEliac, the vein empties itself into tlic
vena porta. The nerves are very numerous,
and form tlie splenic plexus. All these, when
they enter into the spleen, are divided and
subdivided into a great number of ramilica-
tions, and accompany each other to the last
extremities of their divisions. They are con-
tained in the common cellular capsules.
The blood is extravasated among all these
vessels, and kept in a web-like cotton, which
is very fine, and spread throughout the whole
extent of the spleen, and terminates in almost
imperceptible cells which communicate with
each other. The use of the spleen has not
yet been clearly discovered. It is probable
that the blood is detained by this means a
great length of time in the spleen, in order
to prepare it for the separation of the bile,
which is afterwards to be performed in the
liver.

The capsula atrabiliares, called by some
the renal glands, are two glandulous bodies
seated on each side, a little obliquely on the
upper and more internal part of the kidney,
and are joined to it by a fine cellular web,
and are covered by the external tegument of
the kidney itself, called the adipose mem-
brane.

The substance of these renal glands is
sotl and spongy, covered with a fine mem-
brane, and their colour is yellowish. In a
foetus they are as large as the kidneys. They
have a cavity which contains a yellowish
fluid, though said by some to be black. The
use of these is hitherto unknown. The kid-
neys are two conglomerate glands of a firm
consistence, and of n reddish brown colour.
They are seated in the region of the loins,
on the outside of the peritoneum, and within
Its cellular web, one on the right end and

th(! other on tlie left, i)elween the last of the
false ribs and the bone called the ilium.

The right lies uj)on the lower part of the
liver, and the other under the spleen, which
last is commonly placed higher than the
other. The rijiht kidnev is somewhat trian-
gnlar, the left oval, with the higher part
l)i"<rer than the lower. The arteries be-
longing to the kidneys are called the emul-
gent arteries, and are generally two, one for
each kidney. The veins in the kidney ac-
company the arteries, and when they are
united into one trunk, they are called the
emnlgent veins. A principal vessel belong-
ing to the kidney is called the ureter. It is
a membranous pipe which receives the urine,
as it is separated by the kidney, to carry it
to the bladder.

The kidney has two coverings ; the first
consists of the cellular web of the peritoneum,
and generally contains a great deal of fat.
This being removed, you may discover the
proper tegument or covering of the kidney,
which it surrounds. It consists of two la-
mina?, which are united by a fine cellular
web, and betw een these the lymphatic vessels
creep along.

The kidney is composed of three different
substances; the first is the cortical, which
consists of a great number of blood and ab-
sorbent vessels with glandulous grains The
second is tubulous, and is composed of uri-
nary pipes, which change into the third sub-
stance, called the papillary, because it ends
in ten or twelve papilla full of small lioles,
which open into the pelvis or bason. This
last is the membranous cavity of the kidney,
sending forth tubes or pipes which embrace
the papillae like fuimels. The ureters are
membranous canals, or pipes, which reach
4d

290

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

from the kidneys to the bladder, wherein
they are inserted obliquely above its neck.
The coats are supposed to be like those of
tiie guts.

The bladder is a membranous bag, whose
situation is well known, and is connected to
the peritoneum only by its posterior and su-
perior part, and therefore may be opened
without hurting- that part. The fore and
lower part is called the neck ; its coats, like
the intestines, are common, muscular, and
mucous ; this last being the inner is ex-
tremely sensible. Next to the neck of the
bladder is the urethra, through which the
urine is conveyed out of the body, and is
much longer in horses than in mares. The
bladder in horses is coimected to the rectum
or straight gut, and the seminal vessels ; in
mares to the vagina, and in both to the os
pubis, by ligamentous and fleshy fibres.

In the middle of the upper part there is
a ligamentous chord, called the urachus,
which terminates at the navel, and is a con-
tinuation of the membranes of the bladder.
The kidneys separate the excrementitious
lluid from the blood, called the urine, which
passes through the papillae into the funnels,
and from thence into the bason, and is con-
veyed by the ureter into the bladder, where
it remains for some time by the help of a
sphinctor which surrounds its neck, and stops
its passage till an uneasy sensation arises,
which causes a contraction of its muscular
coat ; then, with the assistance of the muscles
of the belly, and the diaphragm, the resist-
ance of the sphinctor is overcome, and so
the urine escapes.

The urine is much of the same nature as
the sweat, and they have such a relation to
one another, that when the one is increased

the other is diminished. The organs of ge-
neraiion consist of the testicles, or stones ;
their shape is oval, a little flattish on the
sides their coverings are common and pro-
per. 'I'he common is the skin in which they
are contained, which is divided into two
parts, the one right and the other left, which
outwardly appears as a seam. The proper
membranes are, first, the vaginal, which
consists of several membranous cells, and is
a continuation of the cellular web of the pe-
ritoneum, and covers the whole testicle as
well as its vessels. The second is a reddish
membrane, which adheres close to the former,
and is only the expansion of a ligament.
Under the vaginal coat there is a bag, pro-
per to each testicle, which surrounds them,
and is only connected with the epididimes.
Lastly, the albugineous, which is strong, and
adheres closely to the substance of the testis
cle. It receives the spermatic vessels, and
transmits them to the testis.

The proper vessels are the spermatic arte-
ries, which arise by a small beginning trom
the great artery and the spermatic veins.

The epididimes are two, one to each tes-
ticle, which lie on the superior part in the
shape of a caterpillar. Their substance is
vascular, and all the vessels open into one
duct, called the vas deferens, by which it
transmits the semen which it receives from
the testes.

The vas deferens is a whitish pipe, which
looks like a nerve, and reaches to the seminal
vessels and the urethra itself The seminal
vessels are seated under the bladder, near
its neck, and are divided into various cells,
which communicate with each other. Each
vessel has an excretory duct, which opens
with a double orifice into the urethra on the

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

^91

under sido^ near the neck of the bladder.
The viscera contained in the chest are as
follow ; first, on opening; the .sternum of a
horse there appears a smooth polished mem-
brane, the pleura, attached to the upper sur-
face; this membrane is there double, but
unites about an inch above the sternum, and
the space between the double redcction is
filled by cellular substance posteriorly, and
by the thymus gland anteriorly.

The space is called the inferior mediasti-
num ; the two lamina then separating-, pass
over the pericardium and over the vessels to
be reflected on the lungs; after having- pas-
sed over the lungs, one portion goes over
the spine on one side, the other portion over
the spine on the other side, leaving in this
division a tubular opening, tilled by the
aorta, cava, vena agygos, thoracic duct, and
{esophagus. This forms the superior medi-
astinum. There are, therefore, two reflec-
tions of the pleura on each side, one close
under the ribs, the other in contact with the
lungs. A bag is formed by this reflection,
but the iung- is not contained within it as is
usually described, but a small quantity of
water, the liquor pleuraj ; if this bag be cut
into the lung, that side is rendered for a time
useless, by the air being admitted and pre-
venting its expansion ; but the dislinct sepa-
ration, formed by the reflections of the pleura,
preserves the functions and powers of the
other lung entire, without which wise pre-
caution accidents and diseases of these parts
would be more injurious and more frequenliy
fatal. The pleura has few arteries and veins,
nor has it much sensibility, if any, when not
inflamed ; but, under inflammation, as takes
place in pleurisy, peripneumony, &c. it has
a great degree of it.

The mediastinum is simply the junc-
tion of the two lacnina of the pleura, divi-
ding by distinct partitions the cavity of the
chest.

At the anterior and inferior division of the
pleura, is situated the thymus gland ; heiu"-
under the aorta and vena cava near to their
first divisions. It appears to be composed
of two lobes, of considerable magnitude, and
faintly red in the colt, but nmch darker and
less in size in the grown horse, and scarcely
discernible in old age. It was generally
supposed to be largest in size some months
after foaling, but it is now proved to exist
larger in the foetus previous to birth than at
any subsequent period. From this, (hough
its use is not fully understood, it appears
more essential to the existence of the animal
previous to birth than afterwards. It is sup-
plied with vessels, called arferiaj and venae
thymicae, and with nerves from a neighbour-
ing-plexus. The lungs, \\hen inflated, are
said to resemble the figure of the cloven foot
of the ox. They are spongy in their texture,
being every where full of little cavities,
which are the minute ramifications or distri-
butions of vessels termed bronchial, arising
from one common trunk, called the trachia
or windpipe. By means of these vessels, air
is received throughout the substance of the
lungs, depositing its oxygen ; it is returned
from thence, and fresh air admitted. The
lungs move freely within the chest, or rather
readily obey its motions. In this they are
assisted by their being divided into lobes or
separate portions, and further by the fluid
contained.

In both the living and dead state, they
leave no space between their surfaces and
that of the inner-part of the chest, but are

?92

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

always distended by the air to the capacity
of the chest, as nature does not admit of a
vacuum in any part of the body.

Between the lungs is placed the heart, j
supported in its situation by various attach-
ments. It is covered by a membrane called
pericardium. The pericardium, tirst, loosely
invests the heart, then passes close over its
surface, giving it a second covering. Be-
tween the one reflection and the other, is
contained a quantity of water, called liquor-
pericardii. The pericardium, where it
loosely invests the heart, is more dense than
the pleura; it has few arteries and veins,
and apparently little sensibility ; its internal
surface is that which pours out the liquor
pericardii. When this liquor abounds in
loo large a quantity, it is called a dropsy of
the pericardium, and by occupying too much
of the bag, it impedes, more or less, the mo-
tion of the heart, and if not removed occa-
sions death.

The heart is of an eliptical form, its ante-
rior and superior part is called its basis, the
posterior and inferior part its apex. The
basis is confined by vessels, the apex is loose,
anti strikes against the intercostal muscles, |

giving the pulse from the heart. It has foui
cavities within it, two placed on the righ;
side, and two on the left. The first are for
the circulation through the lungs, the second
for circulation through the other parts of the
body. The cavities on the right are divided
from those on the left by a septum, or parti-
tion.

The left is smaller than the right, and iis
sides much thicker, its oflice being to drive
the blood to the most distant parts of the
body : whereas, the right ventricle detaches
it only through the lungs. Its inside nas
several small cords or compages of fibres,
called columnae carneae, which resemble the
bundles of columns which we perceive in
gothic buildings, and help to comminute
and break the grosser parts of the blood in
the frequent contraction of the heart. The
contraction and dilatation of the heart is cal-
led its systole and its diastole.

The first, when the vertex or top of the
heart is drawn down to its basis, to send the
blood into all parts ; and the latter, when it
opens and dilates itself to receive the return
ing blood.

BRITISII SPORTSMAN.

293

ON ANIMAL MATTER.

■» ♦ >

All bodies endowed with life and witli
spontaneous motion arc called animals.
These are all capable of reproducing- their
like ; some, by the union of the two sexes,
produce small living creatures; others lay
eggs, which require a due temperature to
produce young; some multiply without con-
junction of sexes; and others are reproduced
when cut in pieces, like the roots of plants.

All animals arc fed on vegetables, either
directly or by the intervention of other ani-
mals. No one part of their substance is de-
rived from any other source except water.
The small quantity of salt used by man, and
some other animals, is only necessary as a
seasoning or stimulus to the stomach.

As the ai\imal, then, is derived from the ve-
getable matter, we accordingly find, that the
former is capable of being resolved into the
same principle as those of the latter. Thus,
by repeated distillations, we obtain from ani-
mal substances water, oil, air, an easy de-
structible salt, and charcoal. These secon-
dary principles are, by farther processes, at
length resoluble into the same proximate
principles which we find in vegetables, viz.
air. earth, and water, and the principle of
inllammabilitv.

But though the principles of vegetable and
animal substances are fundamentally the
same, yet these principles are combined in
a very different manner. It is exceedingly
rare, that animal substances are capable of
the vinous or acetous fermentation ; and the
putrefactive, into which they run remarkably
fast, is also different in some particulars froir
the putrefaction of vegetables. The smell
is much more offensive in the putrefaction of
animal than of vegetable substances. The
putrefaction of urine is, indeed, accompanied
with a peculiar fetor, by no means so intole-
rable as that of other animal matters ; this
is probably owing to the pungency of the
volatile alkali, and also to the urine contain-
ing less inflanunatory matter than the blood
and other fluids. ^VJlen analysed by a de-
structive heat, animals afford products very
dillcrent from those of vegetables; the em-
pyreumatic oil has a particular and much
more fetid odour, and the volatile .salt instead
of being an acid, as it is in most vegetables,
is found in animals to be a volatile alkali.

Chemists have spoken of an acid procura-
ble from animal substances, and, indeed, cer-
tain parts of animal bodies are found to yield
a sail of this kind ; l)ut it by no means is liie

4 K

^94

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

case with animal substances in general; and
though the proofs to the contrary were even
conclusive, it is confessedly in so small a
quantity as not to deserve any particular re-
gard. In some animals, however, an acid
exists, uncombined and ready formed in
their bodies. This is particularly manifest
i;i s^me insects, especially ants, from which
an acid has been procured by boiling them
in water.

The solid parts of animal bodies, as the
muscles, teguments, tendons, cartilages, and
even the bones when boiled with water, give
a gelatinous matter or glue, resembling the
vegetable gums, but much more adhesive.
We must, however, except the horny parts
and the hair, which seem to be little soluble
eitlier in water or in the liquors of the sto-
mach. The acids, the alkalies, and quick-
time, are also found to be powerful solvents
of animal matter. It is from the solid parts
diat the greatest quantity of volatile alkali
is obtained ; it arises along with a very fetid
empyreumatic oil, from which it is in some
measure separated by repeated rectifications.
This salt is partly in a fluid, and partly in a
solid state, and from its having been formerly
prepared in the greatest quantity from the
horns of the stag, it has been called salt, or
spirit, of hartshorn. Volatile alkali, however,
is procurable from all animals, and from al-
most every part of an animal except the fat.
Though we are sometimes able to procure
the fixed alkali from an animal cinder, yet it
is probable that this salt did not make any
part of the living animal, but rather pro-
ceeded from the introduction ot some saline
matter, incapable ot being assimilated by
the functions of the livine creature.

In speaking of the fluid pprts of animals,

we should first examine the general fluid or
blood from whence the rest are secreted.
The blood, which at first sight appears to be
a homogeneous fluid, is composed of several
parts, easily separable from each other, and
which the microscope can even perceive in

its uncoagulated state.

On allowing it to

stand at rest and to be exposed to the air, it
separates into what are called the crassamen-
tum and the serum. The crassamentum, or
cruor, consists chiefly of the red globules,
joined together by another substance, called
the coagulable lymph ; the chemical proper-
ties of these globules are not as yet under-
stood, but they seem to contain the greatest
quantity of iron found in the blood.

The serum is a yellowish subviscid
liquor, having little sensible taste or smell;
at a heat of 160 of Farenheit's thermometer
it is converted into a jelly. This coagula-
tion of the serum is also owing to its con-
taining a matter of the same nature with that
of the crassamentum, viz. the coagulable
lymph; whatever, then, coagulates animal
blood, produces that efl^ect on this concresci-
ble part.

Several causes, and many different sub-
stances, are capable of eflecting this coagu-
lation, such as contact of air, heat, alcohol,
mineral acids, and their combinations with
earths, as alum, and some of the metallic
salts. The more perfect neutral salts are
found to prevent the coagulation, such as
common salt and nitre.

Of the fluids secreted from the blood,
there are a great variety in men and othet
animals.

The excrementitious and redundant fluids
are those which afford, in general, the great-
est quantity of volatile alkali and empyreu-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

*^9b

uiiitic oil. Tliore are also some of the se-
creted lluids, whiciij on a chemical aiialysi.s,
yielil products in some degree peculiar to
lliemselves. Of this kind is the urine, which
is found to contain in the greatest abundance
tlie noted salt formed from the pliospiioric
acid and volatile alkali. The fat, loo, has
been said to diOer from otlier animal mat-
ters, in yielding", by distillation, a strong
acid, but no volatile alkali. There is also
much variety in the quantity and state of the
combination of the saline and other matters
in different secreted lluids.

Animal oils and fats, like the gross oils of
vegetables, are not of themselves soluble,
either in waler or vinous spirit; but they
may be united with water by the intervention
of gum or mucilage. Most of them may be
changed into soap by fixed alkaline salts,
and may thus be rendered miscible with
spirit as well as water.

The odorous matter of some odoriferous
animal substances, as musk, civet, castor, i.s,
as well as essential oil, soluble in spirit of
wine, and volatile in the heat of boiling-
water.

It is said, that an actual essential oil has
been obtained from castor in a very small
quantity, but of an exceedingly strong diffu-
sive smell. The blistering matter of can-
tharides, and those parts of sundry animal
substances in which their peculiar taste re-
sides, are dissolved by rectified spirit, and
seem to have some analogy with resins and
gummy resins.

The gelatinous principle of animals, like
the gum of vegetables, dissolves in water,
but not m spirit or in oils ; like gums, also,
''t renders oils and fats miscible with water
into a milky colour. Some insects, paiticu-

larly the ant, are foiuul to contain an acid
juice, which approaches nearly to the nature
of vegetable acid. IMiere are, however,
sundry animal juices which diffisr greatly,
even in these general kinds of properties,
from the corresponding ones of vegetables.
Thus animal serum, which appears analo-
gous to vegetable gummy juices, has this re-
markable difference, that thou'rh it min"-les
uniformly with cold or warm water, yet, on
considerably heating the mixture, the ani-
mal matter separates from the watery fluid,
and concretes into a solid mass.

Some have been of opinion, that the heat
of the animal body in certain diseases might
rise to such a degree as to produce this dan-
gerous or mortal concretion of the serous
humours, but the heat requisite for this effect
is greater than it appears capable of sustain-
ing. The soft and fluid parts of animals are
strongly disposed to run into putrefaction ;
they putrefy much sooner than vegetable
matter, and, when corrupted, prove more
offensive.

This process takes place, in some degree,
in the bodies of living animals, as often as
the juices stagnate long, or are prevented
by an obstruction of the natural emunctories
from throwing off" their more volatile and
corru[)tible parts. During putrefaction, a
(piantity of air is generated ; all the humours
become gradually thinner, and the fibrous
parts more lax and tender : hence the tym-
pany, which succeeds the induration of any
of the viscera, or the imprudent siqipression
of dysenteries by astringents, and the \\eak--
ness and laxity of vessels observed in the
scurvy, &c. The crassamentum of human
blood, as well as that of quadrupeds, changes
by putrefaction into a dark livid colour, a

296

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

few drops of which tinge the serum with a
tawny hue, like the ichor of sores and dysen-
teric fluxes, as also the white of the eye, the
saliva, the serum of blood drawn from a
vein, and the liquid that oozes from a blister
in the scurvy, and in the advanced state of
•Tiaiionant fevers.

The putrid crassamentum changes a large
quantity of recent urine to a flame-coloured
water, so common in fevers, and in the
scurvy. This mixture, after standing an
nour or two, gathers a cloud resembling
what is seen in the crude water of acute dis-
tempers, with some oily matter on the sur-
face, like the scum which floats on scorbutic
urine. The serum of the blood deposits in
putrefaction a sediment resembling well-
digested pus, and changes to a faint olive-
green. A serum so far putrefied as to be-
come green, is, perhaps, never to be seen in
the vessels of living animals ; but, in dead
bodies, this serum is to be distinguished by
the green colour which the flesh acquires in
corrupting. In salted meats this is com-
monly ascribed to the brine, but erroneously,
for that has no power of giving this colour,
but only of qualifying the taste, and, in some
degree, the ill effects of corrupted aliments.
In foul ulcers, and other sores where the se-
rum is left to stagnate long, the matter is
likewise found of this colour, and is then
always acrimonious. The putrefaction of
animal substances is prevented or retarded
by most saline matters, even by the fixed
and volatile alkaline salts, which have gene-
rally been supposed to produce a contrary
efll;ct. Of all the salts that have been tried,
sea-.salt seems to resist putrefaction the
least; in small quantites it even accelerates';
♦ l^e process. The vegetable bitters, as cha-j

momile-flowers, are much stronger antisep-
tics, not cwdy for preserving flesh long un-
corrupted, but likewise somewhat correcting
it when putrid ; the mineral acids have this
effect in a more remarkable decree.

Vinous spirits, aromatics, and warm sub-
stances, and the acrid plants, erroneously
called alkalescent, scurvy-grass, and horse-
radish, are found to resist putrefaction.
Sugar and camphor are found to be power-
fully antiseptic. Fixed air, or the carbonic
acid, is likewise known to resist putrefaction;
but, above all, the vapour of nitrous acid in
the form of air is found to be the most effec-
tual in preserving animal bodies from cor-
ruption. The list of the sceptics, or of those
substances which promote putrefaction, is
very short, and such a property has only
been discovered in calcareous earths and
magnesia, and a very few salts whose bases
are of these earths. It is observable, that
notwithstanding the strong tendency of ani-
mal matter to putrefaction^ yet broths made
from them, mixed with vegetables, instead
of putrefying, turn sour.

It has been found, that when animal flesh
in substance is beaten up with bread or other
farinaceous vegetables, and a proper quan-
tity of water into the consistence of a pap,
this mixture, likewise, kept in a heat equal
to that of the human body, grows in a little
time sour, while the vegetable matters with-
out the flesh suflfer no such change. Some
few vegetables, in the resolution of them by
fire, discover some agreement in their matter
with bodies of the animal kingdom, yielding
a volatile alkaline salt in considerable quan-
tity, with little or nothing of the acid or
fixed alkali, which the generality ot vegeta-
bles afford. In animal substances, also

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

297

there are some exceptions to the general
analysis ; from animal fats, as we observed
before, instead of a volatile alkali, an acid

licjiior is obtained, and their empyreumatic
oil wants the peculiar ofleiisiveness of other
animal oils.

ON THE DIFFERENT COLOUR OF HORSES.

♦ •'

This is a subject upon which horsemen
entertain very different opinions; still there
is an old adage, that "a good horse cannot
be of a bad colour." Gibson, who certainly
had considerable experience and knowledge
of the horse, observes, that not only much of
the beauty of the animal depends on his be-
ing well marked and of a good colour ; but,
also, that his good or bad properties are
sometimes denoted by his being of this or
that colour, or his having such and such
marks. Though he, at the same time, ob-
serves, these appearances are not always to
be depended upon, for daily experience
shows, that however true these observations
may prove in the main, yet we often meet
with good horses that are very ill marked,
and of bad colours ; and, sometimes, very bad
horses that have almost all the beauty that
colour and marks can give them. He con-
cludes, however, that it is necessary for those
who have any concern among horses to be
more or less acquainted with such things.
The following is his arrangement of the
Bubject

2b.

The chief and principal colours are the
bay, the chesnut, the black, the brown, the
dapple-grey, and the sorrel. For the white
is generally originally grey, which changes
sooner or later into white, as his limbs hap-
pen to be lighter or darker ; for the light-
grey colts, that grow the soonest white, have
generally little or no dark mixture about
their joints. The bays, perhaps so called
from their resembling the colour of a dried
bay-leaf, are of various degrees, from the
lightest bay to the dark, that approaches the
nearest to the brown, but always more shin-
ing and gay. The bright bay is an exceed-
ingly beautiful colour, because a bright
horse has often a reddish dash, with a gilded
aspect, his mane and tail black, and some-
times a dark list down his back. The dark
bays have almost always their knees and
pasterns black, and there are several sorts of
bays that have their whole limbs black front
the knees and hocks downwards. The Lavs
that have no list down their backs are usually
dark over the loins, which goes off gradually
from dark to light towards the belly ami

298

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

danks. Some of these incline to a brown,
and are more or less dappled. The bay is
one of the best colours, and horses of all the
different kind of bays are generally good in
nature.

The true chesnut is generally of one
colour, without any shade or gradation ; his
hairs are often compounded of three colours,
the root light, the middle dark, and the points
of a pale brown, which makes an agreeable
mixture, and differ from the sorrel in this,
that the mixture of the chesnut is not so dis-
tinct and apparent to the eye, especially at
any distance, because the hairs of the sorrel
are often of several colours intermixed,
wherein the red or fox-colour generally pre-
dominates. Many chesnut horses have their
manes and tails very nearly the colour of
their bodies ; many of them have no white
about their legs, and frequently no mark;
whereas the sorrel have generally a good
deal of white about their legs and pasterns ;
many of the sorrels have a large blaze, and
not a few are bald all over the face, while
their manes and tails are sandy or flaxen
colour. Both the chesnut and sorrel are of
degrees darker or lighter, and there are some
chesnut horses with manes and tails as light
as the sorrel, and the hair all over the body
approaching to a fallow colour, only with a
sort of beautiful chesnut stain.

There are many good and beautiful horses
both of the chesnut and the sorrel ; but the
latter, when they have much white about
their limbs, are apt to be more faultv in
their feet than those that are more uniform
in colour, and they are also apt to be more
tender in constitution. When a chesnut
hoRse happens to be bald, or partly coloured, ^

or to have white legs ; such horses are not
very agreeable to the eye, for chesnuts are
the least tainted in their colour of any other,
and most people prefer the chesnut to the
sorrel, both in point of beauty and goodness.

The brown is a colour not altogether so
beautiful as the bay or chesnut. Horses
have also their degrees, some being light
and some very dark. They have almost all
black manes and tails, and often their joints
are black, though not so shining as the bays,
but somewhat rusty. Almost all brown
horses grow gradually lighter towards their
bellies and flanks, and many are light or
mealy about their muzzles. The most beau-
tiful are those that happen to be finely dap-
pled, for the plain brown are esteemed more
ordinary ; many of them are coarse, but
strong and serviceable, fit for draught or for
burdens.

Black horses are very beautiful, especially
when they are of a jet shining black and well
marked, and have not too much white ; for
as a great deal of white, especially when it
spreads round the eyes, and a great way up
their legs adds nothing to their beauty, so
neither does it add any thing to their good-
ness. The English horses have more white
than the black horses of any other country.
Gibson says, he knew many fine Spanish
horses, and one Egyptian, all without white.
The Dutch and Spanish horses seldom have
much; though he thinks, a star or a blaze,
and sometimes a white muzzle, and one or
more of the feet tipped with white, beautitul,
and no diminution to the goodness of a
horse. On the contrary, scime think those
an addition, from an opinion, that horses
without mark are generally stubborn and

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

299

ill-conditioned. Some black horses have
brown muzzles, are brownish also on their
danks, and between their hip.s ; these are
often called brown black, as they are not a
perfect black, but approach near to the
colour of a tawny black hound ; some are of
a lijjhter colour about their muzzles, and
are called mealy-mouthed ; others are called
pido;eon-cyed horses, which have a white
circle rotnid their eyelids, and sometimes a
patch of white on the fundament and the
sheath. On the whole, he considered the
English black horses, especially of the cart
kind, not so hardy as the bays or chesnuts.
Those that partake most of the brown are
generally the strongest in constitution.

The greys are so diversified in colour, and
so common, and so well known, that much
need not be said about them ; the dapple
greys are reckoned the best, and are to be
found ill most parts of the world. The
silver grey is extremely beautiful, and many
of them are very good ; the iron grey, with
light mane and tail, have also a gay appear-
ance, but are not accounted the most hardy.
The light plain grey, and the pidgeon-
coloured grey soon change and turn white,
as all other greys do in process of time ; the
dapple grey keeps his first colour the longest,
which is a sign of strength in constitution.
Some of them reach an advanced age before
they change, and never so perfectly as not
to retain some vestiges of their native colour.
The nutmeg grey, where the dapple and
other mixture participate of the bay or ches-
nut, is not only exceedingly beautiful, but
most of the nutmeg greys turn out very
hardy and good.

The roans are a mixture of various colours.

wherein the white predominates ; many of
them are much better and stronger horses
than they appear to be ; some, indeed, are
remarkably good, and those that have a
mixture of the bay or nutmeg colour are
sometimes tolerably handsome. The roans
have a general resemblance to each other,
and yet a very great diversity ; some are
strewed all over with white, as if they were
powdered or dusted with flour, and some as
if milk had been spilt all over their buttocks ;
others, as if they were powdered with soot
or lamp black, and some as if their faces had
been dipped in soot; many of these are
good horses and hardy.

The strawberry approaches pretty near
the roan in some respects, but mostly re-
sembles the sorrel, being often marked with
white on his face and legs, which we seldom
observe perfect without mixture on the roan.
The bay mixture in the strawberry is also of
the highest colour, and makes him look as if
he was tinctured with claret; some of tliis
sort are both handsome and good, but are
not very common.

The fallow colour, the dun, and the cream
colour, have all one common resemblance,
and most of them have a list down their
backs, with their manes and tails black.
The mouse, dun, and lead colour are the
most ordinary; and, because the list down
their backs goes off with a soft imperceptible
shade, like what is observed on the back of
an eel, are, on that account, called eel-
backed. Dun horses are seldom chosen,
thouah horses of this colour often prove use-
ful in the hands of country people. The
fallow and cream-coloured horses are many
of them both good and beautiful ; those are

300

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

generally the best that have their manes and
tails, as well as their joints and muzzles,
black or chesnut, and their general colour
inclined a little to chesnut. The king's
cream-coloured horses are bred in Hanover,
and appear to be a distinct breed from all
others ; their manes and tails are inclined to
the chesnut colour, and the pupil of the eye
is red, like the ferrets, with a white iris.
The fallow, or tawny dun, are often shaded
with a darker colour, and sometimes faintly
dappled, and look very well in a set when
they happen to be well matched. There
are many other colours of horses produced
out of the great diversity that are to be met
with every where, as the peach colour, star-
ling, and flea-bitten, and all these partake,
more or less, of some of the colours already
mentioned. Some of the foreign hors:s,
particularly those bred in Germany, are very
finely spotted ; some like tygers, some like
deer, with black, red, and yellow, or other
gay colours, and when these happen to be
handsome in their shape and appearance,
ihey are generally reserved as presents tor j|

princes, or other great men, though, perhaps,
more for their singularity than any superior
excellence in them. Others, again, are so
disagreeably diversified in their colours, that
.they are thereby considered as much dete-
riorated in value from that circumstance.
After all, the colour has but little influence
on the natural properties of the animal, for,
as has been before observed, '' a good horse
cannot be of a bad colour ;" it is, however,
a general observation amongst horsemen,
that the light bays, and the sorrels, with
flaxen mane and tails, as well as most others
whose colour is faint and of an uncertain
cast, are usually weaker and more delicate
in their constitutions than others. It is also
supposed, that white legs and white hoofs
are weaker than black or chesnut ; but it is
probable, that this is mere matter of opinion.
It has been said, that the true Arabian horse
is never black ; whether this is well founded
or not, it is not easy to determine ; it is cer-
tain, however, that there are few well-bred
horses that are black

ON HORSEMANSHIP.

In treating on this subject, it will be ne-
cessary, first, to describe the different paces
of the horse, that constitute the basis of

the art of riding.

The horse, like all other quadrupeds, is
formed with four legs, for the purpose of
moving from one place to another. In the
exercise of this facultv. however, he move»

RRlTISn SPORTSMAN.

301

Ill's limbs very differeutly accordiiig to (lifFci -
cnt circumstances. It is tliis dill'cience which
constitutes the several distinct paces, such
as tlie walk, the trot, the canter, and the
gallop. There are some other paces, such
as the amble, the run, or running-trot, and
tlio airs of the manage or riding-house, all of
which maybe considered as artificial, and
not natural to the animal.

THE AVALK.

This is the most gentle of all the paces,
and would appear, at a first view, to be the
most easy ; nevertheless, it is a remarkable
fact, that not one horse in five hundred can
walk well, or even walk at all. This may be
attributed to various causes, but the principal
one undoubtedly arises from the bad con-
formation of the animal. The first point
essential to the performance of a good walk,
is, that the animal should naturally be so
placed on his legs, when standing still, as to
preserve a proper equilibrium in all parts of
the body. The head and neck, projecting
beyond the shoulder and fore-legs, conse-
quently occasion a greater weight mechani-
cally, than if they were placed immediately
above them ; and this weight will be either
increased or diminished, according to the
forward or backward position- of the fore-
legs. In the first place, therefore, if the
slionlders be upright, the fore-legs generally
stand far under the body ; hence the point
of support is farther removed from the head
and neck, and which must consequently in-
crease the weight of those parts.

When the rider is mounted, and sittins: on
the centre of the horse's back, the fore-legs,
if well placed, and in a perpendicular direc-
tHJii, will stand between his body and the

25.

horse's head and neck, whereby these two
weights will form a sort of counterpoise to
each other ; but s\hen, (as has been ju^t ob-
served,) the shoulders are upright, and the
fore-legs incline inwards under the body,
then the central point of support is lost, and
the head and neck become lieavier in conse-
quence of that circumstance. If, therefore,
the fore-legs do not stand perpendicular, and
well advanced before the shoulders, it is al-
most impossible that the animal should move
them lightly and with sufficient freedom.
The faculty of walking well is not, however,
confined to the position of the fore-legs alone,
as it is necessary that the shape of the liind-
quarters and the position of the hind-legs
should also accord with that of tlie fore-legs,
to produce a proper harmony in their action.
Much, also, will depend on the back, and
tlie muscular power of the haunches and
thighs. A long-backed horse is generally
easier to the rider than one of an opposite
description, but he cannot be so strong, nor
so collected in the motion of his limbs as a
short-backed horse ; and it may generally be
observed, that a long-backed horse has a
rocking vermicular motion of his body
during progression. With all horses that
walk firm, fast, and well, the hind-foot over-
steps the mark of the fore-foot by some
inches ; and this arises from the animal being
able to use his hind -quarters with freedom,
and to advance his hind-legs well under his
body, by which the fore-legs are greatly re-
lieved ; as the hind-legs, in that case, take
more of the weight of the body than they
would do when dragged after the animal:
the hind-legs, therefore, should stand per-
pendicular, under the round bone, which is
the connecting joint of the thigh and leg

>i G

30fi

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

with the body. In that case, their flexion
and extension will be even and uniform, and
the animal will move with much less labour
than he would under other circumstances.
In the action of the walk, the horse moves
his legs separately ; that is to say, one after
the other. Thus, if he begins with the
right, he hrst raises the right, or oflT hind-leg,
and advances it under his body ; but, before
the foot reaches the ground, the right, or
near fore-foot, is raised and advanced, in
order to make room for the hind -foot, which,
in middling and slow walkers, alights upon
the mark of the fore-foot; but, in good and
fast walkers, oversteps it considerably, as has
been just observed. As soon as the near
fore-foot alights upon the ground, the off, or
left hind-foot, is raised ; the left, or near fore-
foot then rises to make room for the near hind-
foot, in the same way as on the other side.

The walk, therefore, consists of a separate
and successive action of all the four legs ;
beginning with a hind-leg; and in proof of
this, the same remark will be found in an
old author, " Borelli de motu animalium ;"
who, speaking of the walk, says, " incipit
gressus pede postico ;" he begins the walk
with a hind-leg, and this, though it appears
unaccountable at a first view, is, nevertheless,
the fact; because, if the hind-leg were not
first advanced, before the fore-leg began its
action, there would be no support for the
body whilst the fore-leg was suspended in
the air; nor could the body be moved for-
ward until the hind-leg had quitted its sta-
tion, in order to take a new point of support
or centre of gravity.

During the walk, the fore-leg, which is
raised in the air, should be for a moment
stationary before it reaches the ground.

This shews that the body is properly poised,
and steadily supported by the other fore-leg',
in which case, the horse has a greater com-
mand of the leg which is in the air, and
which he can throw forward to either a
greater or less distance, as the nature and
surface of the road may require. It is, also,
a great proof of soundness in the feet ; for a
tender-footed, or what is called a groggy
horse, cannot stand long upon one leg with-
out pain, and hence arises that short, stiff,
and contracted motion which invariably
takes place with horses of that description.

Foreign horses, especially the Spanish,
have this habit of suspending the fore-leg in
the air much longer than English horses ; but
it is generally accompanied with a throwing
of the foot outwards, which, though it adds
to the parade and pomp of the action, still
diminishes the speed ; because the leg is not
advanced by this flourish, but is, on the
contrary, brought down again nearly in the
same place from whence it was raised.

The necessity of a good mode of walking
is particularly felt in hilly countries, especi-
ally in descending a hill, for there the
motion of a loose-made and weak horse is
very unpleasant to the rider, who feels him-
self in the constant danger of his horse fall-
ing. Long-backed, and weak-loined horses,
whose fore-legs are also badly placed under
the body, go down hill with great difficulty
and uncertainty. They are seldom able to
preserve a straight line of direction, and in
order to take as much of the weight as they
can off the fore-legs, they move sideways,
something in the same manner as a crao.

On the contrary, astrong-loined and short-
backed horse, by bringing his hind-legs far-
ther under him, is able to relieve the fore-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

303

legs, and, consequently, to step with greater
ease and firmness.

The Irish horses, which arc generally
high in their fore-qnarters, short in their
backs, and low croupcd, w ith (heir hind-legs
standing much under their bodies, are almost
invariably good walkers ; and, indeed, are
in general most excellent hackneys. The
faculty of walking well, however, notwitli-
standing the advantages of the best shape
and make, must depend a good deal on the
rider, for the natural vivacity and impatience
of young horsemen are but ill adapted to
teach a horse a pace of so much unifor-
mity and steadiness. Hence it may gene-
rally be observed, that old men, who cannot
bear the fatigue of riding fast, are the best
teachers of that pace^ and consequently pos-
sess the fastest walkers, a matter of no small
comfort in hot weather.

The walk, on the average, reaches five
miles an hour, though there have been in-
stances of horses walking even six. But
beyond the rate of five miles, it generally
becomes a shuffling pace, between a walk
and a trot, in which the animal walks with
his tore-legs, and in some degree trots with
his hind-legs.

THE AMBLE,

Although peculiar to some horses in a
state of nature, may, nevertheless, be con-
sidered as an artificial pace ; since, in some
countries, they take great pains to teach it.
The amble differs from the walk in this
respect, inasmuch as the animal moves two
lejrs oa the same side at once ; whereas, in
the walk, he moves them all separately and
in succession ; it is a pace more common
with quadrupeds of the cat kind ; as the

lion, tyger, &c ; dogs also amble, when they
move slowly. It seems, therefore, to belong
most to animals with long and ilexible
spines ; and is, therefore, an easier pace to
them than the walk. It may, therefore, be
presumed, that, in a horse, it is a sign of
weakness when he takes to it of his own ac-
cord. It is, certainly, a more unsafe pace
than the walk ; because, when both legs oa
the same side are off the ground at once, the
horse is obliged to support himself on a
single line with the other two ; on which ac-
count, he has not so broad a basis as when
he is supported by a fore-leg and a hind-leg
on opposite sides ; in which case, both sides
of the body are equally supported ; whilst, in
the amble, the support is confined to one.

A horse that walks lightly and freely,
moves his head up and down in conformity
with the action of his fore-legs. This motion
of the head accompanies the motion of the
leg ; thus, when the leg is oft' the ground,
the head sinks, and rises again when the leg-
reaches the ground, and so on alternately
whilst he is in motion. This noddii:t; of the
head has its use, inasmuch as it relieves the
muscles of the neck, and takes ofi' thai un-
easiness whicli arises from a long conl in nance
of one position, as is so evidently the case
with coach-horses that are reined up tight
with a gag rein, and which are constanlly
throwing their heads up to get relief from
such an unnatural confinement.

A horse cannot move his shoulders with
freedom, and advance his fore-legs well, if
his head is too much confined by the hand
of the rider ; a tight rein, therefore, should
always be avoided. It is a fact worthy of
observation, that a horse that walks well
generally excels in every other pace; never-

so*

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

thelesSj there are sometimes exceptions, as
some bad walkers are very speedy in other
paces, but this is owing chiefly to the bad
management of the rider.

THE TROT

Differs from the walk, in which pace, the
legs are moved separately and successively ;
whereas, in the trot, two legs are moved at
(he same time ; namely, a fore-leg and a
hind-leg on opposite sides; thus, when the
near, or left fore-leg, is elevated, the off, or
right hind -leg, is raised at the same time,
and they both alight on the ground at the
same moment. On this account, the horse
passes over as much space at two motions in
the trot as he does at four in the walk. In
order to this pace being well performed, it
is indispensably necessary that the animal
should be well grown in his fore-quarters ;
that is to say, that he should rise well before
the saddle, with his shoulder-blades inclining
backwards, and his fore-legs standing strait
under the shoulder and well-advanced. His
chest should be neither too narrow nor too
broad ; if it be too narrow, the elbows gene-
rally incline too much inwards, in which
case, the horse will be likely to cross his legs
and to cut under the knee of the opposite
leg, which fault is called amongst horse-
•men, the speedy cut, and is a very dangerous
defect, as it very frequently causes a horse
to drop suddenly as if he was shot. On the
other hand, if the chest be too broad, the
horse will be apt to go with a rolling motion
from side to side, not only very unpleasantly
to the rider, but also lessening his speed in a
considerable degree.

In the trot, there is a certain degree of
flexion in the knee necessary to safe and

quick action, and with a good trotter, that
moves his shoulders freely and throws for-
ward his fore-leg, the knee may be seen by
the rider advanced beyond the point of the
shoulder every time the leg is in the air

When the knee is bent too much, and
raised too high, there must be a great deal
of unnecessary action ; and, consequently, a
loss of time. On the other hand, when the
leg is thrown out too straight, with the toe
pointed, the leg remains stationary for a
short period, gaining no more ground than
what is acquired by the momentum of the
body. The best action, therefore, is when
the leg is moderately raised, and the shoul-
der thrown forward ; but the principal
source of speed in trotting, as well as in all
other paces, is in the hind-quarters. The
action of some horses in this respect is ex-
tremely beautiful ; that is to say, when there
is an equal flexion in the hock and stifle-
joints. Hence they appear to go, as it were,
upon springs, but when this bounding motion
is carried to an extreme, it constitutes what
is called the darting trot, and is never so
speedy as the quick repetition of action in
the different legs in the less extended trot.
Twelve miles in the hour is considered fast
trotting, but there are many horses capable
of trotting sixteen, and even eighteen, miles
within the hour. In these cases, however^
of extreme speed, the motion ought not to
be considered as a trot, for it becomes ae-
cidedly a run, as may be perceived by ttie
legs moving separately and successively one
after the other ; whereas, in the trot, two are
moved at once ; namely, a fore and a hii.o-
leg on opposite sides. Horses that are baa.y
formed in their fore-quarters, when pressea
in the trot, are apt to strike the shoe of the

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

SOS

fore-foot with the toe of the hind-foot,
making' a disagreeable clacking noise, which
is called ybrg-fng-, and rendering the pace nn-
safe by the risk of the hind-foot getting
locked w itlj the heel of the shoe of the fore-
foot ; in which case, except the shoe be torn
off, the horse must inevitably fall, and with
great violence.

This defect arises from the horse's being-
unable to advance his fore-leg with sufficient
celerity, so as to get it out of the way of the
hind-leg when it is brought under the body,
and though it may be prevented, in some de-
gree, by good riding, yet it is never thoroughly
got rid of, and will always recur when the
animal is tired by hard labour.

In some instances, where a horse is pres-
sed in the trot, he gets into a shuffling pace,
between a trot and a gallop ; that is, he
either gallops with his fore-legs, and trots
with his hind-legs, or else vice versa; in
either case it is a very unpleasant action,
and greatly retards the speed.

Trotting upon hard roads soon wears out
the fore-legs and feet, and there are few fast
trotters, at seven or eight years old, that do
not shew strong marks of being the worse for
wear. In this pace, the body is propelled
forwards in a straight direction, without that
alternate rising and sinking of the fore and
hind-quarters which takes place in the canter
and in the gallop. Hence, the whole weight
and shock of the body is received by one
fore-leg at a time only ; whereas, in the can-
ter and gallop, the hind-legs first sustain the
weight, and thereby reduce the shock which
would otherwise fall on the fore-legs entirely.
The concussion, arising from fast trotting,
upon hard roads, particularly in frosty wea-

25,

ther, is sometimes so great as to occasioi
violent inflammation, producing what is cab-
led yburtder, or a sinking of the coffin -bone.s;
and even, in some cases, to occasion a sepa-
ration of the hoof altogether.

English horses are more subject to this in-
convenience than foreign horses, because
they go more upon their shoulders, and with
their haunches more behind them, thus
throwinjr all the weisrht forwards. Forei""a
horses, on the contrary, bring their hind-legs
more under their bodies, and bend their
knees more; and, instead of throwing out
their fore-feet before them, they bring them
down nearly in the same place from whence
they raised them. This kind of action, of
course, is not so speedy as that of the Eng-
lish horse, but it is much less injurious to the
legs and feet, and, at the same time, is more
easy and pleasant to the rider.

Foreign horses are generally longer in the
pastern-joints ; and this conformation also
lessens concussion, by increasing the elasti-
city.

Horses that are very short in their backs,
generally trot wide with their hind-legs, es-
pecially those that are what is termed cat-
hammed; that is to say, with their hocks
standins: close together, and their feet at
some distance from each other ; by this man-
ner of moving their hind-legs, they avoid
striking or over-reaching their fore-feet, as
their hind-feet alight on the ground on the
outside of the fore-feet. There is also ano-
ther method of going, by which short-backed
horses escape over-reaching, and that is, by
trotting a little sideways, like a dog; by
which means, one hind-foot comes between
the two forp-fp<'t and the other hind-foot on
4- u

306

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

the outside. This method of going, however,
IS unpleasant to the rider; because, if he
sits in a straight direction, he cannot so well
adapt the motion of his own body to that of
the horse, which is constantly carried in an
oblique position, and he is therefore obliged
to sit with one shoulder more advanced than
the other, although he is going in a straight
line of direction.

It is a common opinion, that blood-horses
never make fast trotters. This, perhaps,
may arise, in some measure, from their being
so seldom selected for that purpose. But as
all fast trotting, beyond a certain rate, be-
comes a run, it is evident, that the length
and pliancy of the legs of the blood-horse,
together with that elongated or darting ac-
tion which they all shew in the trot, is not
adapted for that short and quick step by
which the common hack is distinguished.

THE CANTER

Is not generally a natural pace. When
the horse is excited to move from, one place
to another, when in a state of liberty, he per-
forms it with a velocity proportionate to the
exciting cause. Thus he changes from the
walk to the trot, and from the trot to the
gallop, according to his inclination.

In each of these changes he acquires an
addition of speed ; but as the trot is equal in
speed to the canter, he seldom adopts the
canter, but changes to the gallop when he
wishes to accelerate his motion. The
horse is taught to perform the canter by
shoitening the gallop. To accomplish this,
he should be well formed in his hind-quar-
ters, and stand with his haunches well under
him, as it is iraoossible to make a horse can-

ter whose hind-legs stand far behind him, and
whose fore-legs incline greatly under the body.

The concussion is not so great in the can-
ter as in the trot, because the action is divided
into three motions Thus, if the horse leads
with the off fore-leg, the feet will come to
the ground in the following order of succes-
sion ; namely, first, the near hnid-leg; next,
the off hind-leg, and the near fore-leg toge-
ther; and, lastly, the off fore-leg; but, during
this alternation, there is a period when three
feet are on the ground at once ; for instance,
two hind -feet and the near fore-foot will be
on the ground just prior to the moment when
the off fore-foot alights, which having taken
place, the near hind-foot rises from the
ground, leaving the other three ; viz. two
fore-feet aud the off hind-foot stationary

In the canter, the horse moves somewhat
obliquely, by advancing one shoulder more
than the other, in conformity with the leading
leg. Thus, if he leads with the right fore-
leg, the right hind-leg must follow, and be
advanced more under the body than the left
hind-leg. By this position, the feet describe
a rhomboidal quadrangle, which gives a
greater stability to the body during progres-
sion, than if the animal moved with an equi-
lateral projection of his limbs.

If the horse leads with his right fore-leg,
and follows with the left hind-leg, he is said
to canter false. This may be easily felt by
the rider, as the body of the animal will move
in a tortuous unharmonious manner. When-
ever this takes place, he should be stopped
immediately, as he incurs the danger oi
falling.

It is easiest for the rider when tne horse
leads with the off or right fore-leg, because

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

307

the rider, holding the reins in the left hand,
generally turns liis body somewhat to the
same side, which inclination accords also
with the oblique direction of the horse's
body. To oblige the horse to lead with the
off fore-leg, it will be necessary to shorten
the near or left hand rein, and to press the
horse's side with the left leg, and to apply
the spur if necessary.

By shortening the left hand rein, his head
and neck will be inclined to the left or near
side, which will conhne the motion of his
near or left shoulder, and force him to ad-
vance the off-shoulder ; at the same time,
the pressure of the rider's left leg throws oft'
the croupe to the right side, and gives the
hind-quarters the same direction as the fore-
quarters. If the horse is required to lead
with the left or near fore-leg, the right hand
and heel must be employed for that purpose.
The canter is a pace peculiarly accommo-
dating to the sensations of the rider, as his
seat is preserved with little or no exertion ;
whilst, at the same time, the progress he
makes is very considerable.

THE GALLOP

Is commonly divided into two paces, the
moderate or hand gallop, and the full gallop.
The motion of the legs, however, in regard
to the order of their succession in alighting
upon the ground, is exactly the same in both
paces, the only difference being in the quick-
ness of repetition.

In the canter, the action is divided into
three beats ; namely, (if the horse leads
with the right or off" fore-leg) the first is the
near or left hind-leg ; next, the off" hind-leg
and near fore-leg at the same time : and.

finally, the off" or right fore-leg. But in the
gallop, the legs all move separately, as in the
walk, the near hind-leg (irst alighting on the
ground; then, the off" hind-leg; next, the
near fore-leg ; and, lastly, the off" fore-leg.
Thus, the foot-marks of all the four leirs fol-
low each other, nearly in a straight line, and
at equal distances. By this means, the shock
is broken, as the weight and concussion is
equally divided between every leg, by their
coming to the ground in regular succession
after each other; and the contrary effect
would have taken place had the legs moved
two and two, and parallel to each other.

On this account, the common way amono-st
artists of representing the horse on the
gallop, with his fore-legs and hind-legs ex-
tended at the same time, is quite erroneous ;
because the hind -legs are always advanced
under the body to receive the weight, at the
time that the fore-legs are extended. Dosrs.
and other quadrupeds, with flexible spines
or back-bones, gallop with their fore and
hind-legs extended at the same time ; but
they have no weight to carry, which is not
the case with the horse. Thus, there is a
period of time, when the legs of dogs, hares,
&c. are all gathered together under the
centre of the body during their gallop, the
hind-legs crossing the fore-legs; and, in order
to eflfect this, they go wider with their hind-
legs, or else in an oblique direction, so as to
enable their hind-legs to clear the fore-legs
at each repetition of motion.

During this action of gathering up all the
legs together under the body, for the purpose
of taking a fresh point of projection, the
back-bone necessarily becomes arched, so
as to admit of the fore and hind-qnaners

am

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

being brought nearer together, but as soon
as the legs are thrown out again, the back
again recovers its straight position. This
arching of the back would have been a very
inconvenient action for the horse ; and, in-
deed, it would have been almost impossible
in that case for a rider to have kept his seat;
besides that, it would have had the effect of
throwing more weight on the fore-quarters,
and thereby impeding the free use of the
fore-legs.

During the gallop, the horse leads with
one fore-leg projected beyond the other;
and riders, in general, (though there is no
very obvious reason for it) prefer the off or
right fore-leg to the near or left ; but this is
all the effect of habit; for, as the body of the
horse is obliged to move rather obliquely,
and not in a straight line, the rider, (for his
own ease), is also obliged to sit in the same
direction. Hence, after being accustomed
to ride a horse that leads always with the
same leg, he finds it inconvenient and un-
pleasant to ride one that leads with the op-
posite leg; but this, as has been just ob-
served, is entirely the effect of habit.

Every horse, however, should be taught
to lead with either leg occasionally, because
the leg with which he does not lead, does
more work than the other, by coming to the
giound first, and thereby receiving first the
shock of the body. Moreover, if the horse
is never suffered to change his legs, he ac-
quires a stiff contracted motion on the one
side comparatively with that of the other ;
iaid, therefore, when obliged to change, he
goes not only very uneasily to himself, but
also to his rider.

During the gallop, it is necessary that[

there should be an uniformity of action in all
the four legs. Thus, if the horse leads with
the off or right fore-leg, the right hind-leg
should follow ; but if the animal leads with
the off or right fore-leg, and the left or near
hind-leg follows, he is then said to gallop
false, and should be stopped immediately, for
fear of his legs interfering, and thereby ren-
dering him liable to fall.

Different horses gallop in very different
forms ; some gallop very high with their
fore-quarters, throwing up their knees as
high as their chests, and even higher. This
action is peculiar to most foreign horses, par-
ticularly the Spanish ; and, although it adds
to the pomp and parade of a war-horse, or
a maneged horse, yet it reduces the speed in
a very great degree, as well as adds to the
labour and fatigue which the animal has to
undergo.

The English thorough-bred horse, on the
contrary, gallops low, and with his fore-legs
nearly in a straight line of elevation; nor are
his head and neck much raised beyond the
line of his body. This style of galloping is
much better adapted for speed, and is almost
universal amongst race-horses, but it requires
great muscular power and command of the
limbs, to enable the body to preserve this
steady and straight line during its progression ;
for the hind-quarters must be doubled up, as
it were, to enable them to clear the ground
at the moment when they are thrown for-
wards under the body. Hence the necessity
of the thighs and hocks being well- formed ;
that is to say, that the thigh should be broad
and muscular, and the hock broad also, so
as to increase the fulcrum, or mechanical
purchase in the hock-joint, from whence the

RUlTlSll SFUUTSMAN.

309

spring is principally taken. It iiuist also lie
evident, that a j^ood coiitorniation is neces-
sary in the fore-(iiiarters, to preserve a proper
harmony of action in all the limbs, although
instances sometimes occur of horses that are
badly formed in their fore-quarters beiiiii-
possessed of great speed. But this casual
variation from an established rule, may be
attributed principally to the animal's being-
endowed with some peculiar properties in
the conformation of his hind-quarters, and
furnishes no reason for neglecting to look to
the fore-quarters in the choice of a horse for
either the road or field.

If the shoulders stand very upright, and
the fore-legs incline far under the body, it is
clear, that the horse cannot throw them out
before him with that ease and celerity which
is essential to good action; and any deficiency
in that respect must prevent them from
getting out of the way of the hind-legs in
time to allow the latter the liberty of extend-
ing as far as possible under the body, pre-
viously to taking a fresh spring. In addi-
tion, also, to this inconvenience, the fore-
quarters, by being oppressed, incline the
horse to bear heavily on the hand of th(
rider ; whereby, the danger is increased of
the animal's over-reaching against his fore-
legs, and falling with great violence.

The chief source of speed, however, as
has been before observed, rests in the hind-
quarters ; hence, most fast gallopers have
good loins and strong muscular thighs, and
these are points which are indispensably
necessary to enable the animal to gather his
legs quickly, and to throw them well under
his body; for superior speed depends more
on a quick repetition of the motion of the
legs than on the length of stride, as is suffi-

ciently proved by the fact of small horseK
being in general more speedy than large
ones.

Tiie comparison, indeed, may be carried
to a still greater extent, a.s, for instance, in
tlie case of a hare, which, though so much
smaller than the horse, is not much inferior
in speed; at least, not in a regular ratio with
the difference of size between the two ani-
mals. The hare, also, furnishes a strong
illustration of the power of the hind-quarters
in propelling the body forwards, its hind-
legs being considerably longer than the fore-
legs. Thus, when the hare is galloping in
a slow pace, its rump is much higher than
its shoulders; but as soon as it increases its
speed, the back straightens, the hind-quar-
ters come nearer to the ground, and the
extreme length of the hind-legs is accom-
modated by the bending of the joints at the
stille and hock, every time they are brought
under the body, for the purpose of recovering
a fresh point of resistance.

The loins and the thighs of the hare are
remarkably strong and muscular, and the
hock-joint broad, with the tendon consider-
ably detached from the centre of the joint;
whereby the lever is increased. The same
form is evident in the greyhound ; and, in-
deed, except in regard to the length of tail,
the shape of the hind-quarters in both is ex-
actly similar.

All these instances sufficiently demonstrate,
that the principal source of speed is in the
hind-quarters ; therefore, in chusing a horse,
either for the turf or the chace, the hind-
quarters should be first considered ; for, if
the animal be defective in the conformation
of those parts, it is almost impossible thai he
should possess any great degree of speed.

4i

810

THE COMPLETE FARRIER • and

Some horses, in galloping', change the
leading leg whilst they are going on. When
they change the fore-leg without the hind-
leg, they then gallop false ; but when they
change both a fore and a hind-leg at the
same time, it is a proof of strength, and of
great command of their limbs. When the
horse gallops in a circle, he is obliged to
leati with the inner leg ; thus, if he gallops
to the right, he must lead with the right
fore-leg ; if to the left, he must lead with the
left. This is absolutely necessary to prevent
him from falling ; because, in going in a
circle, the body of the horse inclines inwards,
in a greater or less degree, according to the
size of the circle. This leaning of the body
towards the centre of the circle is so great
when the circle is of a small diameter, that
he would fall on his side if he were standing
still in that position, or if he were going in a
straight line.

There is another peculiarity attending the
working in the circle ; which is, that the
outer legs move to a greater extent than the
inner legs, which arises from their going
on a larger circle than the inner ones, but
the inner ones bear almost the whole weight
of the body ; hence, it is a kind of work
which is more fatiguing than going on a
straight line ; and ought, tb°.refore, not to
be persisted in too long at a time. Whilst
going in the circle, the horse leans inwards
to such a degree that he would fall on his
side if he were going on a straight line, but
the moment he stops he recovers his natural
upright position. The degree of inclination
of his body depends on the size of the circle
on which he is moving ; the smaller, there-
fore, the circle, the greater the degree of
iiicUnation of the body.

This moving in the circle is attended
with some danger in situations whe'-e the
horse has not sufficient foot-hold, owing to
the hardness of the surface of the ground ;
hence, very serious accidents sometimes
happen in turning the corner of a street at
a quick pace, by the horse's heels flying up
from under him, thereby causing him to fall
with great violence on his side.

Young horses should not be worked too
much in the circle, because it tries the pas-
tern joints exceedingly, by throwing the
weight upon one side of the foot only ; the
consequence of which partial exertion is,
frequently, a ring-bone, or else, ossified car-
tilages.

The Earl of Pembroke, in his excellent
little treatise on military equitation, makes
the following observations on the proper
mode of longeing horses in the circle. He
says, "though all horses for the service ate
generally bought at an age when they have
already been backed, I would have them
begun and prepared for the rider with the
same care, gentleness, and caution, as if
they had never been handled or backed, in
order to prevent accidents, which might
otherwise arise from skittishness or other
causes ; and as it is proper that they should
be taught the figure of the ground they are
to go upon when they are first mounted, they
should be previously trotted in a longe, on
large circles, without any one upon them,
and without a saddle, or any thing else at
first, which might hurt, constrain, tickle, oi
make them any ways uneasy. The manner
of doing this is as follows ; put an easy ca-
vesson upon the horse's nose, and make him
go forwards round you, standing quiet your-
self, and holdins the longe, and let another

BRITISH SPOllTSMAN.

311

man, if you find it necessary, follow him with
a whip. All this must be done very gently,
and but a little at a time ; for more horses
are spoilt by over much work, than by any
other treatment whatever, and that by very
contrary effects ; for sometimes it drives
them into vice, madness, and despair, and it
often stupifies them, and totally dispirits
them. An excellent way of longeing horses,
that are apt to carry their heads low, (whicli
many do) is to longe them with a cord buckled
to the top of the head-stall, and passing from
thence through the eye of the suatHe into the
hand of the person that holds the longe.
The first obedience required in a horse is
going forwards; till he performs this duty
freely, never think of making him rein back,
which would inevitably render him restive ;
as soon as he goes forwards readily, stop and
caress him. You must remember in this,
and likewise in every other exercise, to use
him to go equally well to the right and left ;
and when he obeys, caress and dismiss him
immediately. A horse, though ever so per-
fect to one hand only, is but a half-dressed
horse. If a horse that is very young takes
fright, and stands still, lead on another horse
before him, which will probably induce him
instantly to follow. Put a snaffle in his
mouth, which snaffle should be full and
thick in the mouth-piece, and not too short,
and when he goes freely, saddle him, girting
him at first very loose. Let the cord which
you hold be long and loose, but not so much
as to endanger the horse's entangling his
legs in it. It must be observed, that small
circles, in the beginning, would constrain
the horse too much, and put him on defend-
ing himself. No bend must be required at

whenever he attempts it, stop him without
delay, and then set him off afresh. If lie
gallops of his own accord, and true, permit
him to continue it; but if he does it not vo-
Iiuitarily, do not demand it of him at first.
Sliould lie fly and jump, shake the coid
gently upon his nose without jerking it, and
he will fall into his trot ai^ain. If he stands
still, plunges, or rears, let the man who holds
the whip make a noise with it ; but never
touch him till it be absolutely necessary to
make him go on.

"When you changehands, stop and caress
him, and entice him by fair means to come
up to you ; for by presenting yourself, as
some do, on a sudden before horses, and
frightening them to the other side, you run
a great risk of giving them a shyness. If he
keeps his head too low, heighten your hand,
and shake the cavesson to make him raise it ;
and, in whatever the horse does, whether he
walks, trots, or gallops, let it be a constant
rule that the motion be determined, and
really such as is intended, wthout the least
shuffling, pacing, or any other irregular gait.
A false gait should never be sufl'ered. The
trot is the pace which enables all quadrupeds
to balance and support themselves with
firmness and ease. When he goes lightly
and freely, tie his head a little inwards by
degrees more and more so, as he grows sup-
ple, both in trotting and galloping in the
longe, without any one upon him. Great
care must be taken that he always goes true,
and that his head is not kept tied for any
time together ; for if it was, he would intal-
libly get a trick of leaning on the rein, and
throwing himself heavily on his shoulders
when he grew tired. Every regiment shouul

first. Never suffer him to tfalloi) false i but [[have some covered place for their riding

Sli

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

duriiif*: winter, or nothing hardly can be
done in the bad season. In good weather,
it is full as well, and more pleasant, to work
out of doors ; and, indeed, doing- so frequently
prevents local routines, which horses are
sometimes apt to take, particularly in schools,
if great care is not taken. On the other
hand, they are more often distraied, and apt
to loose their attention by various objects in
fields, than they are in a riding-house. It is,
therefore, difficult to decide either for the
one or the other; there is more libeity in
the one than in the other, and horses worked
out of doors grow used to objects which
they would otherwise fear. In shut schools
work may be more exactly done, perhaps,
and the ground there is best : both are good
at proper seasons, and either will do very
well if the riding master is good."

In regard to the proper bridle, he makes
the following observations ; viz. " A very
good and careful hand may venture on a bit
at first, and succeed with it full as well as by
beeinnins: with a snaffle alone ; but such a
proceeding will require more care, more de-
licacy, and more time than can be expected
in a corps, whose numbers are so considera-
ble, and where there are so few if any good
riders. A raw man is much easier taught to
ride well than one who has learnt ever so
Ion" on bad principles, for it is much more
difficult to undo than to do, and the same in
respect to the horse.

On colts, it is better in all schools what-
soever, to avoid any pressure on the bars of
the mouth just at first, which a curb, though
ever so delicately used, must, in some degree,
occasion.

Whoever begins a horse with a bridle,
must be, in every respect, a very good deli-j

cate rider, and be very careful that the horse
does not keep and get his head low, whereby
all actioTi in the shoulders is spoiled. I have
seen some schools, in France partictdarly,
where a bit was immediately put into a
horse's mouth at first ; but I have constantly
observed in those schools, that their horses
carried their heads low, that the motion of
their shoulders was not free, but confined.
Here and there, one horse or so, indeed,
there might be, whose fore-hand nature had
placed so high that nothing could bring it
down low. Great care must be taken to
make the men use their snaffles delicately ;
otherwise, as a snaffle has not the power
which a bridle has on a horse's mouth, they
will use themselves to take such liberties
with it as will quite spoil their hands, and
teach their horses to pull, to be dead in
hand, and quite upon their shoulders, en-
tirely deprived of good action. Whenever
any bridles are used, (and they always should
be at a proper time, when the horse's heads
are high, and they are well determined,
light in hand, and free in their motions,)
they must be all the same ; for though
different mouths require difterent sorts of
bits, it is absolutely necessary that some ge-
neral uniform sort should be used through-
out a regiment ; they should differ only in
breadth, according to the breadth of each
horse's mouth. The weight of the bit, with-
out the curb, is about fourteen ounces three
quarters ; the curb alone weighs about four
ounces and a quarter, and the little chain, to
prevent horses from taking the branches in
their mouths (which is a trick that many
horses get,) three quarters of an ounce.
The whole together weighs one pound three
ounces and three quarters. The rings to

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

313

the brandies should be fixed, and the iciiis
buckled to them to prevent the latter from
twisting'. The mouth-pieee should be of a
proper shape, licighth, and substance, and is
fixed ; all such as are not so, and move in
the joint, have a bad, uncertain ellect. Tliin
curbs are bad, and are apt, if roughly used,
(a thing- very ditficult to prevent at all times
in some people's hands) to cut and damage
the horse's mouth very much. They should
be Hat, broad, and easy, that they may not
hurt the horse's barbe, but tliey should not
be thick and heavy. This bridle is calcu-
lated for light horses ; heavier horses may
have the branches a quarter of an inch
longer, and the whole bridle somewhat, but
very little more substantial.

Bridles should never be used with raw
horses at first; a plain mouthed, smooth
snafHe does better; the twisted, sharp, cut-
tin«f ones, are barbarous instruments, that
have no other effect than renderiu"- the
mouth hard and callous. The sinole bridle,
as well as the double-reined ones, are, never-
theless, useful and agreeable with horses
that are well broke and dressed, and especi-
ally if they are apt to get their heads low.

The next process to be commenced is what
is called working in hand. This requires a
certain degree of activity, a quick eye, and
like every thing else about horses, good
temper and judgment. Though it is in
reality no ditiicult thiug^, few people succeed
in it; it should be begun by trotting with
the horse's head bent inwards, by a strap,
tied trom tl.e side ring on the cavesson to the
ring on the pad. A strap and buckle to the
head-stall under the throat, is very useful,
to prevent the side part of it from chafing

26

against the eye, which it is very apt to do
when the bending strap is used, and drawn
at all tight. This should be done for a little
while only at a time.

If the horse leans on the strap, which is
tied to bend him, take olf the cavesson, and
use in its stead a long string, coming first
from the ring on the pad, and from thence
through the eye of the snaIHe ; and, also, it
the horse's head is low, through the rino- on
the head-stall, and from tiience through the
ring on the pad, into the hand of the person
on foot, who nuist humour it, yielding and
shortening it occasionally, which will prevent
the horse from leaning, and will render him
light. The long string, thus used, will do
very well alone without the strap, when the
horse is accustomed to bend, and to trot de-
termined round the person who stands in the
centre, and holds the long string'.

After horses have been accustomed to be
bent with a strap at the longe, they will very
soon longe themselves, as it were ; that is to
say, that when bent with the strap they will
go very well without any longe ; and, indeed,
horses may be brought, with patience and
gentleness, to work very well so, on almost
all lessons in hand.

Next begin the cpaule en dedans; and
after that, the head to the wall, the croupe to
the wall, backing, &c. on all figures by
degrees.

Most horses generally go the head to the
wall more cordially at first than they do the
croupe to the wall. Working in the hand,
is, in fact, a kind of driving : two persons
on foot should be employed ; one, indeed,
may do, if he is a handy person, but two are
much better at first. One of these should

31«

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

bold a long string, and in some lessons, two,
and a chambriere standing at some distance
from the horse ; the other person stands near
the horse, holding the reins of the snaffle,
and a hand whip, to keep the horse off from
him if necessary. Girt on a pad with a
crupper to it on the horse. The pad should
have a large ring in the centre upon the top
of it, and about four inches lower down on
each side, a smaller one.

On the top of the pad, a little forwarder
than the great ring, there must be a small
strap and buckle, which serve to buckle in
the snaffle-reins, and to prevent their floating
about, and the horse entangling his legs in
them in the longe. Horses should never be
worked in hand with any thing in their
mouths but a large, thick, plain, running,
snaffle ; a bridle is too ticklish, and would
spoil the horse's mouth, unless it be in the
hands of a very able master indeed ; for, in
working in hand, it is next to impossible to
be sufficiently gentle and delicate with it.
The eyes of the snaffle should be large, and
on the head-stall, about the heighth of the
horse's eye, should be fixed a ring on each
side. The person with the chambriere holds
a long string, about eighteen feet long, fso
as to be out of the reach of the horse's heels)
w hich must be smooth, of a proper thickness,
and run freely. This string, in the action
of the epaule en dedans, or shoulder wilhin
to the right, is buckled to the right hand
small ring on the pad, where the reins of the
running snaffle are first fixed ; from thence
it passes through the right eye of the snaffle,
and from that to the right hand small
niiff on the pad, where the reins of the
nmning-snaffle are first fixed ; from thence

It passes through the right eye of the
snaffle, and frotn that to the right hand
small ring on the head-stall, and through
the large ring on the top of the pad, into the
hand of the person who holds the cham-
briere ; and who, by means of this string,
bends the horse to the right, and brings in
his shoulder, following him on his right side,
and tightening or loosening the string as he
finds it necessary. If the horse's fore- hand
is high, and well placed, it will not be neces-
sary to pass the string through the ring upon
the head-stall ; at the same time, another
person standing near the horse, the snaffle
reins separated, and the right one tied loose
on the right side, leads him on with the left
rein of the snaffle in his hand, walking near
his head, and taking care to keep the shoul-
ders in their proper place, and not to take
off from the bend to the right, which is occa-
sioned by the string in the other person's
hand, who will find it most convenient,
when working on this lesson to the rio-ht, to
hold the string in his right hand, and the
chambriere in his left, and so vice versa;
these he must make use of, and keep himself
more or less upon the flank centre, or rear
of the horse, as he finds it necessary. In the
changes from right to left in the epaule en
dedans, the person nearest the horse must be
quick in getting on the horse's left side, and
the person with the chambriere must do the
same ; the former coming round with the
horse's head before him, and the latter round
by his croupe behind him, and so vice versa
to the left. In the head, and in the croupe
to the wall, both the men are already pro-
perly placed for the changes.

In this lesson of the epaule, en dedans. :a

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

3J5

hand, when a horse is very chimsy, heavy
in hand and stiff, headstrong, vicious, or apt
to strike with his fore-feet, or to rear or kick
out behind, a stick or pole is very useful.
The stick, about seven feet long, is fast-
ened by a strap or buckle through the eye
of the snatiie, w here the reins pass ; a man
places himself at a certain distance on the
right side of the horse's head, going before
him over the ground to be worked upon,
and holds the stick at arms length, having
.'ed it so as to leave room to play, as he
draws it gently backwards and forwards to
refresh the horse's mouth. The other man
holds a long rein and the chumbnere. Like
the pillars, this lesson is good or bad, ac-
cording to the hands it is in. Instances
have occurred, of a horse's jaw being broken,
and his tongue cut in two by it ; and, there-
fore, it should be used in the most skilful
and temperate manner, or not at all : it is
useful iti raising horse's heads, particularly
those that are apt to get their heads down,
or to kick in piaffing on forwards. Almost
any lessons may be accomplished by the help
of this pole.

To work in hand, the head and the croupe
to the wall, two strings, tixed as above des-
cribed, (only that they must not come at all
through the large ring on the pad ; but from
the small rings on the head-stall, immedi-
ately into the hand of the person who holds
the chamhriere) must be used, one on each
side ; one string, indeed, might do ; the
right one, in working to the right, and so
vice versa ; but two are much better, and
often necessary to keep the horse in a proper
position. Passing the strings through the
rings of the head-stall is not necessary when

the horse carries his fore-hand high, and
well ; and when they do pass through tliem,
great care must be taken, by a gentle use of
them, that they do not gag the horse ; these
two strings must be buckled together, and
meet in the hand of the person who holds
the chamhriere, and who is on the left side
of the horse ; the snaffle-reins too must be
joined, and the person near the horse, who
holds them, must also be on the left side of
him and near his shoulder, holding the right
rein of the snaffle the shortest, to bend him
that way, (as does also the right string kept
the tightest in the other person's hand) and
making use also of the left rein, when neces-
sary to keep the horse in a proper position,
and to guide him occasionally, as if he wav
on his back, and never so as to take away
from the bend.

The lesson of the head or croupe to the
wall, is often done better in hand, when the
man who follows, and holds the chamhriere,
has no long reins, or else only one long rein,
unless the horse is very aukward, refractory,
or playful ; for one of the long reins is apt
to get into the way of the man who is nearer
to the horse. When only one long rein is
used, it will be, of course, the right hand one
to the right, and so vice versa ; and, indeed,
in other lessons in hand, these long reins are
no longer necessary when the horse is grown
handy, provided the man nearer to him has
a feeling, sensible, good hand, and perfectly
knows what he is about.

On the head or croupe to the wall in hand,
it is a good way. at first, to have a man
holding a long string buckled simply to the
eye of the snaffle, go before the horse, lead-
ing him, as it were, along the wall. noi>>cs

R16

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

mil, with care and patience, not be very long
before they work well in hand ; though, in-
deed, never so truly or delicately as under a
good rider. Horses worked well in hand,
look particularly well coining up the middle
of the school, and backing there on the
pia/fer ; as also in the piqffer both bent and
straight, animated properly, and kept in good
position, their mouths being properly played
with and humoured. When horses become
free, and familiar with this method of work-
ing them in hand, it should be done by de-
grees on all paces, fast and slow, but always
without noise, hurry, or confusion.

Nothing determines them better than
workins: in hand, when it is well done. As
the want of great accuracy and delicacy is,
from the great numbers, in some measure
unavoidable in military schools, it is not
amiss to teach troop-horses a little their les-
sons in hand, before the men perform them
on their backs. One of these strings may
be used by the man who holds the chamhriere
on foot, when the horse is mounted ; and it
is a good method to do so, sometimes, on all
lessons and on all figures. This string fast-
ened, as in the epaule en dedans, only that it
goes immediately from the eye of the snatHe
into the hand of the person on foot, who
must stand in the centre of the circle, helps
the person who is mounted very much to
bend him, as it does, indeed, in all other
lessons. When the horse has a rider on
liim^ only one string is necessary to be held
by the person on foot, in the head to the
waii, croupe to the wall, piafling, &c. &c. it
ausl be shifted (for example, in the head to
the wall. &c. &c. to the right) under the
horse's law, from through the right eye of
llie snaille, into the hand of tne person oil

foot, who is on the left of the horse ; for it
need not pass through the small ring on the
head-stall of the snatHe, the man upon the
horse being the proper person to keep the
horse's head up.

It is sometimes expedient to pass the
string over the horse's neck, under the
rider's hand, instead of under the horse's
jaw. It must be fixed, in the first place, like
a running snatHe, to the skirts of the saddle,
from whence it goes, as above-mentioned,
through the eye of the snaffle, into the hand
of the person on foot, after having passed
under the horse's jaw. To piajjer too with-
out a rider, or square, and all other figures
advancing gently and well into the corners,
is a very good lesson. One man must stand
exactly before the horse with his face to him,
holding the two eyes of the snaffle, and keep
tlie horse advancing gently, by going back-
wards himself. The man with the cham-
briere must stand behind the horse, and
animate him, or not, as he finds necessary.
Backing the horse is also sometimes useful ;
that may also be done on all figures.

The degree of vivacity, or dulness in the
horse, must determine how the man with the
chambriere is to act, and where he is to place
himself when the horse is backing.

A horse, when well taught, may be
worked ; and it is then the best way, by a
single man, with long reins and a chambnere.
without any other person to assist. All airs
in hand should be worked in that manner
whenever the animal is become supple and
obedient.

Working in hand is particularly useful in
military equitation, because it spares the
horse the fatigue of any weight upon bini ;
and the want of a .oroper allowance of com.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

317

(o enable horses to g;o through tlie work
with vigor, is a general army complaint
almost in all European services. When it
is well performed, it has a masterly, active
appearance, and is always very useful in

suppling horses; but, past all doubt, a
good rider mounted, who feels every motion
of tlie horse, must act with more precision,
delicacy, and exactness.

ON THE HEAD TO THE WALL, AND THE CROUPE TO THE

WALL.

■« ♦ -

This lesson is what is called, vulgarly and
improperly, passaging. It consists in teach-
ing the horse to go sideways, either to the
right or left, as the rider chuses ; it is prin-
cipally useful in military manoeuvres ; but it
is, nevertheless, useful to horses in general,
especially carriage-horses, as it enables them
to turn with greater facility, and renders
them less liable to bruise their legs and feet
by treading one upon the other.

This lesson should be practised immedi-
ately after that of the epaule en dedans, in
order to place the horse properly the way he
goes. The difl'erencc between the head to
the wall, and the croupe to the wall, consists
in this; in the former, the fore parts are
more remote from the centre ; and, conse-
quently, go over more ground. In both, as
in all other lessons, the shoulders must go
first. In riding-houses, the head to the wall
is the easiest lesson of the two ; the line to be
worked on being marked by the wall, which
is not far from the horse's head. All lessons

26

ought to be frequently varied, to prevent
routine.

The motion of the legs in the lesson to the
right, is the same as that of the epaule en de-
dans to the left, and so vice versa ; but the
head is always bent, and turned differently.
In the epaule en dedans, the horse looks the
contrary way to that which he goes ; in this
he looks the way he is going. In the begin-
ning, very little bend must be required ; de-
manding too much at once would perplex
tlie horse, and make him defend himself; it
is to be augmented by degrees. If the horse
absolutely refuses to obey, it is, most proba-
bly, a proof that either he or his rider has not
been sufficiently prepared by previous les-
sons. It may happen, that weakness, or a
hurt in some part of the body, or sometimes
bad temper (though niorc frequent in the
rider than the horse) may be the cause of
the horse's defending himself. It is the
rider's business to find out from whence the
obstacle arises, and to remove it ; and if he
4 L

318

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

finds it to be from tlie first-mentioned cause,
the previous lessons must be resumed again
for some time. If it arises from the second
cause^ proper remedies must be applied; and
if from the last rause, when all fair means
that can be tried have failed, proper correc-
tions, with coolness and judgment, must be
used.

In practising this lesson to the right, bend
the horse to the right with the right rein,
helping the left leg over the right (at the
same time when the right leg is just come to
the ground) with the left rein crossed towards
the right, and keeping the right shoulder
back with the right rein towards your body,
in order to facilitate the left leg's crossing
over the right, and so vice versa to the left;
each rein helping the other by their properly
mixed effects.

In working to the right, the rider's left
leg helps the hinder parts on to the right,
and his right leg stops them if they get too
much so, and so vice versa to the left; but
neither ought to be used, till the hand, be-
ing employed (as has been before explained)
in a proper manner, has failed, or finds that
a greater force is necessary to bring about
what is required, than it can effect alone ;
for the legs should not only be corresponding
with the hand, but also subservient to it;
and all unnecessary aids, as well as force,
ought always to be avoided as much as pos-
sible. In first beginning to teach each lesson,
the croupe must be but little constrained ; as
the horse grows more supple, engage it more
by degrees.

In the execution of all lessons, the equi-
libre of the rider's body is of great use, ease,
and help, to the horse ; it ought always to
go with and accompany every motion of the

animal ; when to the right, to the right ; and
when to the left, to the left ; for if it does
liot, it is a very great inconvenience to the
horse's going.

This lesson is particularly useful in mili-
tary service ; for example, in all opening or
closing of the ranks, where the line is re-
quired to be extended or reduced : it should
be practised in all paces, fast as well as
slow ; but, of course, gently at first; and
changes also, from one hand to the other,
must frequently be made on two pistes. It
is natural to imagine, that some horses, as
well as some men, will be found more or
less intelligent, active, vigorous, and supple
than others ; and, accordingly, more or less
is to be demanded and expected from them.
This, and all other lessons, may be performed
with or without a longe, as may be found
useful.

Almost every horse, in every lesson or ac-
tion, has his own peculiar appui or degree
of bearing ; and, also, a sensibility of mouth,
as likewise a rate of his own, which it is
absolutely necessary for the rider to discover
and make himself acquainted with. A bad
rider always takes off, at least, the delicacy
of both, if not absolutely destroys it ; which
last is, indeed, too often the case. The
horse will inform his rider when he has got
his proper bearing in the mouth, by playing
pleasantly and steadily with his bit, and by
the foam about his chaps. A delicate and
good hand will not only always preserve a
light appui, or beaiing in its sensibility, but
also of a heavy one, (whether natural or ac-
quired) make a light one. The lighter this
appui can be made, the better; but the
rider's hand must correspond with it; if it
does not, the more the horse is properly pre-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

319

pared, so luucli the worse for the rider. In-
stances of this inconvenience of the best of
appuis, when the rider is not equally taught
with the horse, may be seen every day in
cases where gentlemen, who try to get their
horses well bitted, as it is called, without
being equally prepared themselves for riding
them ; the consequence of which is, that
they ride in danger of breaking their necks ;
till, at length, after much pulling and harass-
ing, and by the joint insensibility and igno-
rance of themselves and their grooms, the
poor animals gradually become mere sense-
less, unfeeling blocks, and, thereby, grow
what they call settled and pleasant; that is
to say, in reality, that they become as insen-
sible as their riders, who, because they are
void of feeling, and are not firm, must either
hold by the bridle, or fall. Indifferent horse-
men always prefer a horse that will let them
bear a little on the mouth : this preference,
however, arises most clearly from an utter
ignorance of the subject; for it is an indis-
putable fact, that no horse can bear hard
upon the hand without going, more or less,
heavily on his shoulders, and this is, cer-
tainly, a mode of going which every man
would deprecate who wishes to ride plea-
santly and safely. To help a horse every
now and then with the hand properly, is a
very different and a very useful thing.
When the proper appui is found, and made
of course as light as possible, it must not be
kept dully fixed without variation, but be
played with ; otherwise, one continued ten-
sion of the reins, though not a violent one,
would render both the rider's hand and the
horse's mouth very dull. The slightest, and
frequent giving and taking, is, therefore,
necessary to keep both perfect. Whatever

pace or degree of quickness you work in (be
it ever so fast or ever so slow) it must be
cadenced, for time is as necessary for a
horseman as for a musician.

Every dragoon should be well instructed
in tliis lesson of the head and tail to the
wall ; for scarcely any manoeuvre can be
performed without it ; in closing and opening
of files, it is almost every moment wanted.
Few regimental riding-masters either practice
it right, or teach it right, as they effect, but
too often by force alone, and make the
horse look the wrong way ; and instances
may be perpetually seen, where the rider, in
endeavouring to make his horse go sideways,
uses either the wrons: hand or the wronjj:
heel at the same time ; whereby the horse
becomes confused, and incapable of under-
standing what is required of him.

This lesson of the head, or croupe, to the
wall, and all others, may be done on any
pace ; for if a horse is well taught on ever so
slow a pace, he may, by degrees, without
difficulty, be taught to do the same lesson
w ith any degree of velocity. When he does
it on the gallop, the rider must be quiet, and
e.vact in the changes, and be then careful to
stop the horse's leg with which he leads just
at the time when it is most forward, before it
comes to the ground, by means of a slight
tension of the rein on the same side, whicli
will, of course, make the other leg go for-
wards, and lead ; and that the horse may
change his hind-leg at the same time, which
is absolutely necessary, the rider must, at
the same time, cross over his hand, replacing
it at the moment the horse has changed both
before and behind.

The method of suppling horses with
riders upon them should next be proceeded

m)

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

upoR., and which may be done as fol-
lows : —

When a Jiorse is well prepared and settled
in all his motions^ and the rider firm^ (which
is absolutely necessary), it will be proper
then to proceed towards a farther suppling
and teaching of both. The greatest exact-
ness and gentleness is necessary to accom-
plish this object, but this precaution is, un-
fortunately, but seldom attended to. In set-
ting out upon this part of the system of equi-
tation, before which the horse should be
taught to go well into the corners of the
riding-house, both with his fore and hinder
parts, on a walk, (without being bent, for
that cannot be expected so early,) and be
very light in hand ; when he does it, begin
by bringing the horse's head a little more in-
wards than before, pulling the inward rein
gently to you by degrees. When this is
done, try to gain a little on the shoulders,
by keeping the inward rein the shorter, as
before, and the outward one crossed over to-
wards the iiiward one. The intention of
these operations is this ; the inward rein
serves to bring in the head, and procures the
bend ; whilst the outward one, that is a little
crossed, tends to make that bend perpendi-
cular as it should be ; that is to say, to reduce
the nose and the forehead to be in a perpen-
dicular line with each other; it also serves,
if put forwards, as well as also crossed, to
put the horse forwards, if found necessary,
which is often requisite, many horses being-
apt in this, and in other exercises, rather to
lose their ground backwards than otherwise,
when they should rathei advance. If the
nose were drawn in towards the breast beyond
the perpendicular, it would confine the mo-
tion of the shoulders, and have other ba '

effects. All other bends, besides what are
above specified, are false. The outward
rein being crossed, not in a forward sense,
but rather a little backwards, serves also,
when necessary, to prevent the outward
shoulder from getting too forwards, which
facilitates the inward leg's crossing it, which
is the motion that so admirably supples the
shoulders. Care must be taken, that the in-
ward leg pass over the outward one without
touching it ; this inward leg's crossing over
must be helped by the inward rein, which
should be crossed over towards, and over the
outward rein every time the outward leg
comes to the ground, in order to lift and help
the inward leg over it. At any other time
than just when the outward leg is come to
the ground, it would be wrong to cross the
inward rein, or to attempt to lift up the in-
ward leg by it ; indeed, it would be demand-
ing an absolute impossibility, and pulling
about the reins and the horse to no purpose ;
because, a very great part of the horse's
weight resting upon the inward leg, would
render such an attempt not only fruitless,
but also prejudicial to the sensibility of the
mouth, and probably oblige the horse to
defend himself, without being productive of
any suppling whatever.

When the horse is thus far familiarly ac-
customed to what is required of him, (but
by no means before he is entirely so.) then
proceed to effect, by degrees, the same cross-
ing in his hind-legs.

By bringing in the fore-legs more, the
hinder ones will, of course, be engaged in
the same work; if they resist, the rider must
brino- both reins more inwards; and, if ne-
cessary, put back also, and approach his m-
ward leg to the horse; and if the horse

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

321

tijrows out his croupe too tai% the rider must
brings both reins outwards, aud if absolutely
necessary, (but not otherwise,) he must also
delicately make use of his outward leg- for a
moment, in order to replace the horse pro-
perly ; observing', that the croupe should
always be considerably behind the shoul-
ders, which, in all action, should go first
and the moment that the horse obeys, the
rider must put his hand and leg again into
their usual position. In this lesson, as, in-
deed, in almost all others, the corners must
not be neglected, the horse should go well,
and thoroughly into them. His fore-parts may
be brought into them, by crossing over the
inward rein towards the outward one, (but
without taking oif from the proper bend of
the head, neck, and shoulders,) and bring
them out of the corner again, by crossing-
over the outward rein, towards the inward
one. These uses of the reins have also their
proper eft'ects upon the hinder parts.

Nothing is more ungraceful in itself, more
detrimental to the seat of the rider, or more
destructive of the sensibility of a horse's
sides^ than a continued wriggling unsettled
motion in a horseman's legs, which prevents
the horse from ever going a moment together
true, steady, or determined.

It is impossible, on the whole, for a man
to be too firm, settled, and gentle. A soft
motion may be always enforced, if necessary,
wun ease ; but a harsh one is irrecoverable,
and its bad consequences very often almost
irreparable. Horsemen are very apt to get
this trick of wriggling their legs, even in
going straight forward, and more so with
one leg, particularly put back in changing
of hands, which should be done by the reins

27.

only, in a gracetul, still, manner, and without
letting the horse either throw himselt over
too last, or go lazily over to the other hand ;
the rider's hand alone is altnost always suffi-
cient, and if it should not, many things
should be tried, before so ugly and bad a
resource as the above-mentioned is thought
of; fii-st, that of squeezing the thighs; se-
condly, approaching gently the calves of the
legs; and, thirdly, using the spur; but with-
out distorting the leg or foot, which a good
master will not permit to be done.

A horse should never be turned without
first moving a step forwards ; an impercep-
tible n\otion of the hand only, from one side
to the other, is suflicient to turn him. It
must, also, be a constant rule, never to suiter
a horse to be stopped, mounted or dis-
mounted, but when he is well placed. At
first, the figures worked upon should be
laro-e, and afterwards made less by degrees,
according to the improvement which the
man and horse make; and the cadenced
pace also which they work in, mus* be ac-
cordingly augmented.

The changes from one side to the other
must be in a bold, determined, trot ; and, at
first, quite straight forwards, without de-
manding any side motion on two lines, which
it is very necessary to require afterwards,
when the horse is sufficiently suppled. By
two lines, or pistes, is meant, when the fore
and hinder parts do not follow, but describe
two dillercnt lines.

In the beginning, a longe is useful on
circles, and also on straight lines, to help
both the rider and the horse ; but afterwards,
when they are grown more intelligent, they
should go alone.

4 M

323

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

No one, not even the best riders, should
ever quite leave off trotting every now and
then in the longe, both with and without
stirrups. At the end of the lesson rein back,
and then put the horse, by a little at a time,
forwards, by approaching both legs gently,
and with an equal degree of pressure to his
sides, (if necessary) and playing with the
bridle ; if he rears, push him out immediately
into a full trot. Shaking the cavesson on
the horse's nose, and also putting one's self
before him, and rather near to him, will,
ge .erallv,, make him back, though he other-
wise refue to do it; and, moreover, a slight
use and approaching of the rider's legs will,
sometimes, be necessary in backing, in order
to prevent the horse from doing it too much
on his shoulders; but the pressure of the
legs ought to be very small, and taken quite
away the moment he puts himself enough
upon his haunches. The horse must learn
by degrees to back upon a straight line, but
to make him do so, the rider must not be
permitted to have recourse immediately to
his leg, and so distort himself by it, (which
'8 generally practised by the common riding-
masters) but first try if crossing over his
hands and reins, to which ever side may be
necessary, will not be alone sufficient, which
most frequently it will ; but if it is not, then
employ the leg, which should never be used
till the last extremity. After a horse is well
prepared and settled, and goes freely in his
several paces, he ought, in all his exercises,
to be kept to a proper degree upon his
haunches, with his hinder legs well placed
under him, whereby he will be always
pleasant to himself and his rider, will be
tight in hand, and ready to execute whatever

may he demanded of him in reason, with
facility, vigor, quickness, and delicacy.

The common method that is used of
forcing a horse sideways, is a most glarmg
absurdity, and very hurtful to the animal in
its consequences ; for instead of suppling
him, it obliges him to stifien and defend him-
self, and often makes an animal that is natu-
rally benevolent, a restive, frightened, and
vicious man-hater for ever. In general, it
is a maxim as constantly to be remembered
as it is true, that it is more difficult to correct
faults and bad habits than to foresee and
prevent them.

Horses, under riders who use their legs,
are, when going on two pistes, or lines, per-
petually setting off with the croupe foremost,
than which nothing hardly can be worse.
It is owing to the leg of the rider being ap-
plied to the side of the horse, before the
hand has determined the fore-parts of the
animal on the line which he is to go.

For horses that have very long and high
fore-hands, and who poke out their noses, a
running-snaffle is of excellent use ; but for
such as bore and keep their heads low, a
common one is preferable; though any
horse's head may be kept up also with a run-
ning one, by the rider's keeping his hands
very high and forwards ; but that occasions
a bad and aukward position of the man.
These bridles, however, are unsuited, as
plainly appears by their construction, for
tripping and stumbling horses. Whenever
either is used alone, without a bridle, upon
horses that carry their heads low, and that
bore, it must be gently sawed about from
one side to the other.

From the construction of a running-snaffle.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

aw

it may be seen, that the purchase ot it is
{^renter (luiii that ot" a common one. As its
first point of appui is at the pommel of the I
saddle, lower than the rider's hand, it may
also easily be perceived why they are good
for horses that have high, light, fore-hands,
and why they are bad for such as have low
and heavy ones. They are good for many
Horses when used as a bridoon with a bridle,
in cases of a remarkably long, high fore-
hands, and poking heads.

On horses whose heads and fore-hands are
difficult to be raised, a running-snaffle, but
not one fixed in the usual manner, is often
very useful. The reins of it should be passed
through an eye fixed on each side the head,
pretty high up on the head-stall towards the
ears, before they come into the rider's hand.
VVhen fixed at first to the rings on the head-
stall, and coming through the eyes of the
snaffle into the rider's hand, without being
at all fixed to the saddle, they will often be
very useful. This lesson of the epaule en
dedans is the very touch-stone of horseman-
ship both for man and horse. Neither oae|

nor the other can be dressed to any degree
without a consummate knowledge ot it ; out
it must not, on any account, be practised in
the field in exercises or evolutions, where the
horses must always bend towards the side
they are going ; a thing, however, but very
rarely seen. The epaule en dedans reversed,
is particularly advantageous to horses tha>.
are apt to throw themselves forwards. This
is effected by working the shoulders on tin
outward larger circle, and the croupe on the
smaller circle next the centre.

Horses well perfected in the epaule en de-
dans may undertake, and soon learn, any
other lessons whatever. It ought, like all
others, to be practised on all figures, circles,
straight lines, squares, &c. &r when on this
last, care must be take-, concerning the
shoulders and croupe; that whichever of
them is to enter the corner first, may go quite
into it, and let that which goes in last, follow
exactly the same ground. This rule cannoi
be too much attended to. The croupe, in-
deed, can never enter the corner first, except
iu, working backwards.

3dt

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

TEACHING TO RELY BACK.

No borse can be said to be completely
broken in, either for harness or the saddle^
that has not been taught to rein back with
ease and steadiness. For when it is consi-
dered, how often a horseman or a coachman
may get into situations where he can neither
move forwards, nor turn round, it must be
sufficiently evident, that the only way of ex-
tricating his horse from the difficulty he may
have got into, is by running back. Those
horses, therefore, which are never put in the
pillars, nor taught to piaffe, should be reined
back a good deal ; sometimes slow, some-
times fast, but always steadily, and without
confusion, both in hand and when ridden.
It is not adviseable, however, to finish your
lesson by reining back, especially v\ ith horses
that have a disposition towards retaining
themselves ; but always move them forwards,
and a little upon the haunches also after it,
before you dismount.

In performing these motions, the head and
fore parts should be kept high, and free, for
any confinement there destroys action. To
bend the horses sometimes in doing it, is a
good lesson. This may be done according
us horses are more or less suppled, either
going forwards, backwards, or in the same
place. For to piaffer in backing is rather
too much to be expected in the hurry which

sometimes attends a regimental riding-school.
This lesson should never be attempted at all,
till the horse is very well suppled, and some-
what accustomed to be put together ; othei -
wise, it will have very bad consequences, and
create restiveness, especially if not practised
with the utmost exactness and delicacy, and
particularly with horses that have the least
inclination to retain, or to defend themselves.
If the horse refuses to back, and stands mo-
tionless, the rider's legs must be approached
with the greatest gentleness to the horse's
sides, at the same time as the hand is acting
on the reins to solicit the horse's backing.
This seldom fails of procuring the desired
effect, by raising one of the horse's fore-legs,
which being in the air, has no weight upon
it, and is, consequently, very easily brought
backwards by a small degree of tension m
the reins. When this lesson of piaffing is
well performed, it is very noble and useful,
and has a pleasing air. Young and raw
horses, of course, cannot be ready prepared
in it for this purpose, but a little time and
diligence overcomes, in general, obstacles
of this nature.

Piaffing is particularly serviceable in the
pillars, for placing scholars well at first.
Very few horses execute it properly, especi-
ally the English ones, which almost invariably

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

325

sink their fore-quarters instead of the hind-
quarters ; and, thereby, may be more truly
said >o work upon their shoulders instead of
Ti'ieir liauMchcs. It should, however, bo
practised very sparingly with young horses,
as it tries the hock-joints extremely, and is
very apt to produce spavins, e\irbs, and tho-
rough-pins, especially with those that are
what is called cat-hamnicd. Nevertheless,
a moderate use of the pillars is uscftd to
young horses, as it supples them, and gives
them the faculty of advancing their hind-legs
well under the body, and also gives motion
and pliancy to the hocks.

The single pillar is, in general, both use-
less and ridiculous; and are, indeed, now
generally laid aside. A kind of moving pil-
lars may be made use of by the means of
holding a rein on each side, by a man on
each side of him ; another person, with a
chambriere, follows, and animates or sooths
him, as he finds necessary, and makes him
piaffe backwards or forwards, with or w ithout
long reins, as is found expedient. When
the long reins or strings are used, or rather
the long string or rein, (for one is generally
sufficient) it must be fixed on the side the
horse is to be bent. This string is fixed to
the saddle, and goes through the eye of tlie
snadle, and also through a long ring on the
head-stall, if the horse is apt to get his head
low ; one man, besides the man w ho holds
the chand)riere, is sufficient in this case ; the
horse is bent to the right or left, or kept
wholly straight. This method is particu-
larly useful for horses whose action of their
hinder-legs is confined, and want liberty.
The same rule will hold good for all horses
so circunislanccd in all they do ; for they
should always be worked boldly out on large

an

scales, and never confined to small figures.
A horse looks remarkably well in this atti-
tude, if those who hold him have light hands,
and keep his head high. They should each
of them have a switch, to help them to keep
the horse straight in case of necessity.

It w ould scarcely be possible, nor, indeed,
is it necessary, to teach the more refined and
difficult parts of horsemanship in regiments,
where there must naturally be such a great
variety of dispositions, both in men and
horses. Still it is necessary, that some ge-
neral system should be adopted, for it should
never be left to the caprice of individuals,
who cannot possibly understand the subject
without the knowledge of those sound and
rational principles upon which it is founded.
The celebrated Earl of Pembroke, in his
small, but excellent treatise on this subject,
observes, "that an ill-founded prejudice par-
tially directs the judgment of the greater
part of these people who call themselves
connoisseurs in horsemanship. He says, "I
know full well, that they suppose that prac-
tice alone can'insure perfection, and that, in
their arguments in favor of this deplorable
system, they hold all treatises on the subject
and their authors in the greatest contempt.
But horsemanship is, confessedly, a science;
every science is founded on principle, and
theory must, indispensably, be necessary;
because, what is truly just and beautiful can-
not depend upon chance. What, indeed,
(continues the same author) is to be expected
from a man who has no other guide than a
long continued practice, and who must, of
necessity, labour under very great uncertain-
ties. Incapable of accounting rationally for
what he docs, it must be impossible for him
to enlighten me, or connnunicate to me the
In

326

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

Knowledge which he fancies himself possess-
ed of. HovVj then^ can I look up to such a
man as an authority ? On the other hand^
what advantages may not be obtained from
the instructions of a person, whom theory
enables us to comprehend, and feel the
effects of his slightest operations, and who
can explain to me such principles as an age
of constant practice only could never put me
in a way of acquiring."

Habit, and continual practice, will go a
great way in all exercises which depend on
the mechanism of the body, but unless this
mechanism is properly fixed, and supported
on the solid basis of theory, errors will be
the inevitable consequence. In working a
horse, a principal object should be to exer-
cise the genius and memory of the animal,
as well as his body. The first thing to be
done is to endeavour to discover his natural
inclination, and to get a thorough knowledge
of his abilities, in order to take advantage in
future of that knowledge.

Without the help of lights derived from
just principles, it is morally impossible that
a horseman should make use of his reason
upon all occasions, or be able to find out
with care and attention whatever may lead
him to the accomplishment of his object, be-
cause, in few words, there is an absolute ne-
cessity of some method for improving the
natural disposition of the animal, which, in
some cases, is defective and intractable. A
good judgment in regard to horses is vul-
garly thought so familiar, and the means of
dressing him so general, and so common,
that it is very rare to meet with a man who
does not flatter himself that he has succeeded
m both those points. And, while riding-
masters sacrifice every hour of their lives to

attain knowledge, still find themselv>>s im-
merged in darkness and obscurity ; men, the
most uninformed, imagine that they have
attained the summit of perfection; and, in
consequence thereof, suppress the least in-
clination of learning even the first elements.
A blind and boundless presumption is the
characteristic of ignorance. The fruits of
long study and application amount to a dis-
covery of innumerable fresh difficulties, at
the sight of which, a diligent man, very far
from over-rating his own merit, redoubles
his efforts in pursuit of further knowledge.

An old French author (M. de Saunier,)
speaking upon this subject, makes the fol-
lowing observations : " All those who fancy
themselves good horsemen are not so clever
as they imagine, foi they consider it quite
sufficient to be able to manage a horse in
the voltes, pirouettes, &c. and to stick on
his back in the high airs of the manage, such
as the balotade, and the capriole. They
would, however, find themselves very imper-
fect in a campaign, and would perceive the
necessity of perfecting a charger in all the
business of the riding-school ; for I maintain,
that no horse that is not supple can be pro-
per for military purposes, except for drawing
baggage-waggons or artillery ; an employ-
ment which requires strength alone, and not
suppleness or dexterity. But for troop-
horses, that are to be ridden in battle, it is
necessary that they should perfectly under-
stand both the hand and heel of the rider.
With a horse so educated, a soldier may do
more execution in an action than three oi
four that are ignorant."

He says, " Formerly England possessed
several finished horsemen ; but, at present,
the people of that country give themselves

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

327

but little trouble about the science of horse-
mansnip ; so tluit if a forcip^n riding-master
should visit that countryj although he might
be the most skilful master of his art in the
world, he would neither be listened to, nor
regarded. But a young jockey, light, active,
and bold, and capable of riding a race at
Newmarket, would be more esteemed, as
well as the training-groom, who had to pre-
pare the horse for the race.

"But, (continues M. Saunier) to do justice
to the English cavalry, it is necessary to ob-
serve, that they have a regular riding-master
attached to each regiment. And, it may be
said with truth, that their cavalry is one of
the best in Europe. For, although their
riding-masters are not the most skilful, they
know how, nevertheless, to teach the horse-
men to hold their bridles, and to guide their
horses, and if the same thing were done in
other countries, we should not see so many
defective bodies of cavalry in Europe."

When cavalry does not do its duty com-
pletely in a battle, it is unfair to charge it
with want of bravery, because the knowledge
of managing their horses well, goes a great
way towards rendering it effective in action.

The necessity of thoroughly breaking-
troop-horses is sufficiently manifest for the
following reasons : —

In the first place, the dragoon having to
carry a sword in his right hand, has only one
hand at liberty to manage the reins and to
guide his horse. In the ne.xt place, the ad-
vantage he must have over a less skilful ad-
versary must be evident, in his being able
either to approach or to recede from his an-
tagonist, as occasion may require. But this
cannot be done e.\cept the horse's mouth is
possessed of that nice susceptibility of under-

standing the hand of the rider; and being,
thereby, ready to obey the slightest signal
eithtr from the hand or the heel. A troop-
horse of this description will, at any time,
qualify his rider to engage with an adversary,
even of superior strength, who has not the
same advantage in regard to his horse, and
will often give him the victory.

Bourgelat, on the subject of horsemanship,
dwells greatly, as well as the Duke of New-
castle, on the utility of the trot, as the basis
of all other lessons.

He says : " when a horse trots, his legs
are in this position ; two in the air, and two
on the ground, at the same time, crosswise ;
that is to say, the near foot before, and the
off foot behind, are off the ground, and the
other two upon it, and so alternately with the
other two. This action of his legs is the
same as when he walks, except that in the
trot his motions are more quick. All
writers, both ancient and modern, have con-
stantly asserted tlie trot to be the foundation
of every lesson that can be taught a horse ;
there are none, likewise, who have not
thought proper to give general rules on this
subject, but none have been exact enough
to descend into a detail of particular rules,
and to distinguish such cases as are different,
and admit of exceptions, though such often
are found from the different tempers and
shapes of horses, as they happen to be more
or less suited to what they are destined ; so
that by following their general maxims,
many horses have been spoiled, and made
heavy and aukward, instead of becoming
supple and active, and as much mischief has
been occasioned by adopting their principles,
although just, as if they had been suggested
by ignorance itself

328

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

Three qualities are essentially necessary
to' make the trot useful. It oujjfht to be ex-
tendedj supple, and even or equal. These
three qualities are related to, and mutually
depend upon, each other; in effect, you can-
not pass to the supple trot, without having
first worked on the extended trot, and you
can never arrive at the equal and even trot,
without having first practised the supple.
By the word extended, is meant that pace in
which the horse trots out without retaining
himself, being quite straight, and going
directly forwards; this, consequently, is the
kind of trot with which you must begin ; for
before any thing else should be thought of,
the horse should be taught to embrace and
cover his ground readily, and without fear.
The trot, however, may be extended without
being supple, for the horse may go directly
forward, and yet not have that ease and
suppleness of limb, which distinguishes and
characterizes the supple.

I define the supple trot to be that in which
the horse, at every motion that he makes,
bends and plays all his joints ; that is to say,
those of his shoulders, his knees, and feet,
which no colts or raw horses can execute,
that have not their limbs suppled by exer-
cise, and who generally trot with a surprising
stiffness and aukwardness, and without the
least play in their joints. The even or equal
trot, is that wherein the horse makes all his
limbs and joints move so equally and ex-
actly, that his legs never cover more ground
one than the other, nor at one time more
than another. To do this, the horse must of
necessity vmite and collect all his strength,
and if I may be allowed the expression, dis-
tribute it equally through all his joints. To
go from the extended trot to the supple, you

must gently and by degrees hold in you>'
horse, and when by exercise he has attained
sufficient ease and suppleness to manage his
limbs readily, you must insensibly hold him
in still more and more; and, by degrees,
you will lead him to the equal trot.

The trot is the first exercise to which a
horse is put; this is a necessary lesson, but
if given unskilfully, it loses its end, and even
does harm. Horses of a hot, fretful, temper,
have generally too great a disposition to the
extended trot ; never abandon such horses
to their will, hold them in, pacify them,
moderate their motions ; by retaining them
judiciously, their limbs will grow supple,
and they will acquire, at the same time, that
union and equality which is so necessary.

If you have a horse that is heavy, consider
if this heaviness or stiffness of his shoulders
or legs is owing to a want of strength, or of
suppleness ; whether it proceeds from his
having been exercised unskilfully, too much,
or too little. If he is heavy, because the
motions of his legs are naturally cold and
sluggish, though, at the same time, his limbs
are good, and his strength is only confined,
and shut up; if I may so say, a moderate,
but continual exercise of the trot will open
and supple his joints, and render the action
of his shoulders and legs more free and bold ;
hold him in hand, and support him in the
trot, but take care to do it in such a manner
as not to check or slacken his pace. Aid
him, and drive him forward while you sup-
port him ; remember, at the same time, if
he is loaded with a great head, the continua-
tion of the trot will make his appui hard and
dull; because, he will by this means aban-
don himself still more, and weigh upon the
hand. All horses that are inclined to retain

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

329

themselves, ami to resist by so doing, should
be kept to the extended trot. Every horse
of this description is naturally disposed to
unite himself, and to collect all his strength ;
the only way to be adopted with such horses
is to force them forwards ; the moment he
obeys, and goes freely on, retain him a little,
yield your hand immediately after, and you
will then find that the horse will, of himself,
bend his joints, and go united and equally.

A horse of a cold and sluggish disposition,
which has, nevertheless, strength and bottom,
should likewise be put to the extended trot.
As he grows animated, and begins to go
free, keep him together by little and little, in
order to lead him insensibly to the supple-
Irot ; but if, while yon keep him together,
you perceive that he slackens his action, and
retains himself, give him the aid briskly, and
push him forwards, keeping him, neverthe-
less, gently in hand ; by this means, he will
be taught to trot treely and equally at the
same time.

If a horse of a cold, sluggish, temper, is
weak in his legs and loins, you must manage
him cautiously, in working him in the trot ;
otherwise, you will enervate him, and spoil
him Besides, in order to make the most of
a horse that is not strong, endeavour to give
him wind, by working him slowly, and at
intervals, and by increasing the vigor of his
exercise by degrees, for it should be remem-
bered, that a horse ought alwavs to be dis-
missed before he is .spent, and overcome by
fatigue. Never push your lessons too far,
in hopes of suppling your horses limbs; in-
stead of this, you will falsify and harden his
appni, which is a case that happens too fre-
quently. Further, it is of importance to re-

27

mark, that you ought at no time, neither in
the extended supple, or eq\ial trot, to confine
your horse in the hand, in expectation of
raising him, and fixing his head in a proper
place.

If his appui be full in hand, and the action
of his trot checked and restrained by the
power of the bridle, his bars would very soon
"TOW callous, and his mouth be hardened
and dead ; if, on the contrary, he has a fine,
and sensible mouth, this very restraint would
offend, and make him uneasy ; you must
endeavour then, as has already been said, to
give him, by degrees and insensibly, the
true and just appui, to place his head and
form his mouth by stops and half stops, by
sometimes moderating and restraining him,
with a gentle and light hand, and yielding
it to him immediately again, and by some-
times letting him trot without feeling the
bridle at all. There is a difference betv.een
horses that are heavy in hand, and such as
endeavour to force it. The first sort lean,
and throw all their weight upon the hand,
either as they happen to be weak, or too
heavy and clinnsey in their fore-parts, or
from having their mouths too fleshy and
gross; and, consequently, dull and insensi-
ble. The second pull against the hand, be-
cause their bars are hard, lean, and generally
round. The first may be brought to go
equal, and upon their haunches, by means
of the trot and slow gallop, and the other
may be made light and active by art, and by
settling them well in their trot, which will
also give them strength and vigor. Horses
of the first sort are generally sluggish ; the
other kind are, for the most part, impatient
and disobedient, and upon that very account,
4 o

330

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

more dangerous and incorrigible. The
best proof of your horse's trotting well^ is,
that when he is in his trot, and you begin to
press him a little, he offers to gallop. After
having trotted your horse sufficiently upon a
straight line, or directly forwards, work him
upon circles ; but before he is put to this,
walk him gently round, that he may know
the ground he has to go over. A horse that
is loaded before, and heavily made, will find
more pain and difficulty in uniting his
strength, in order to be able to turn, than in
going straight forward ; finish them in the
same manner, observing, that the intervals
between the stops (which you should make
very often) be long or short, as may be
judged necessary.

Another reason for making frequent stops
is, that they serve as a correction to horses
that abandon themselves, force the hand, or
bear too much upon it in their trot.

There are some horses that are supple in
their shoulders ; but, nevertheless, abandon
themselves : this fault is occasioned by the
rider's having held his bridle-hand too tight
in working them upon large circles ; to re-
medy this, trot them upon one line, or tread,
and very large ; stop them often, keeping
back your body and outward leg, in order to
make them bend and play their haunches.
The principal effects, therefore, of the trot,
are to make a horse light and active, and to
give him a just appui. In reality, in this
action he is always supported on one side by
one of his fore-legs, and on the other, bv
one of his hind-legs. Hence, the fore and
hind parts being equally supported crosswise,
the rider cannot fail of suppling and loosen-
ing his limbs, and fixing his head ; but if the

trot disposes, and prepares the spirits and
motions of a sinewy and active horse for the
justest lessons, and calls out, and unfolds the
powers of the animal, which before were
buried and shut up in the stiffness of his
joints and limbs; if this first exercise to
which the horse is put, be the foundation of
all the different airs and manages, it ought
to be given in proportion to the strength and
vigor of the horse. To judge of this, we
must go further than mere outward appear-
ances. A horse may be but weak in the
loins, and yet execute some air, and accom-
pany it with vigor, as long as his strength is
united and entire ; but if he becomes dis-
united, by having been worked beyond his
ability in the trot, he will then faulter in his
air, and perform it without vigor or grace.
There are, also, some horses that are very
strong in the loins, but are weak in their
limbs; these are apt to retain themselves,
they bend and sink in the trot, and go as if
they were afraid of hurting their shoulders,
their legs, or feet. This irresolution proceeds
only from a natural sense they have of their
weakness. This kind of horse should not
be too much exercised in the trot, nor have
sharp correction ; their shoulders, legs, or
hocks, would be weakened and injured, so
that learning in a little time to hang back,
and abandon themselves on the appui, they
would never be able to furnish any air with
vigor and justness.

Every lesson, therefore, should be well
weighed. The only method by which suc-
cess can be insured, is the discretion vou use
in giving them, in proportion to the strength
of the horse, and from your sagacity in de-
ciding u{)on what air or manage is most pro-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

331

per for him, to wltich you may be directed
by observing what seems most suited to his
inclination and capacity. For after all, much
must depend on the shape and muscular
powers of the animal, as may be seen by
comparing the dilFerent action of a number
of colts in a field, which have never been
handled or broke. Some will move with the
greatest ease and pliancy, being well ba-
lanced on their centre, and bending their
hocks and knees in the most graceful and

elactic style imaginable, whilst others throw
all their weight on their fore-legs, go near
the ground, and drag their hind-legs after
them, as if they had no joint in their hocks.
Good riding may somewhat improve these
defects, but it can never produce what has
been originally denied by the nature and
conformation of the animal. Horses of this
description may do very well for the purposes
of draught, but can seldom or ever be ren-
dered pleasant for the saddle.

OA THE PROPER MODE OF PLACIJ^G A MAJ^ OJ^

HORSEBACK.

In performing this, as well as in every
thing else, there can be but two methods ;
the one, right ; the other, wrong. It is true,
that we see daily a great variety in the pos-
ture and seats of difl'erent riders ; each, per-
haps, thinking his own plan the best.

We see, also, the same variety in walking ;
and, although the clown may walk as fast,
and as many miles in the day as the gentle-
man, yet it does not follow from thence, that
his is the best mode of carrying himself

That system of riding must not only be
ihe most graceful, but also the easiest, which
IS executed with the least violence of gesture
or unnecessary action.

A spectator in Hyde-park, or m any ot

our public roads round the metropolis, may
find an ample fund of amusement in witness-
ins: the various attitudes and motions of
certain gentlemen, who seem desirous of
ffoins: faster than their horses. Some of
these embellish their labours by raising and
sinking their shoulders alternately, every
time they rise or drop in the saddle, in confor-
mity with the horse's motion. Others, again,
have the elegant accomplishment of throwing
out their elbows sideways, in imitation ot
the flapping of a pair of wings, whilst others
have the no less interesting manoeuvre, ot
moving their whip hand in a circular motion
round their hips from the back of the saddle
to the pummell. very much resemblnig a

332

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

man using a hand-saw.

Nor are the legs

idle during this performance, as may be seen
by their constant see-sawing from the shoul-
ders of the horse to the flank, and so vice
versa.

To those who ride for the purpose of exer-
cise, all these manojuvres, no doubt, are of
great advantage ; as those who practise them
may, with some truth, be said both to ride
and walk at the same time.

As variety, however, is considered as abso-
lutely essential to the gratifications of our
existence, we are certainly much obliged to
the above-mentioned gentlemen for laboring
so hard to furnish their quota to the general
stock, and after humbly submitting to their
attention what was considered the true system
of equitation by certain old-fashioned horse-
men, such as Xenophon, the Duke of New-
castle, S'r Sydney Meadows, and one or two
more of that school, it will be left to them
either to pursue their own ideas on the sub-
ject, or to change them as they may deem
most expedient, either to their dignity or
their happiness.

That the horse was created for the purpose
of carrying man, is sufficiently manifest from
his form and natural properties.

In that part of the jaw where the bit be-
longing to the bridle is placed, there are no
teeth to prevent its action on the bars of the
mouth. The back of the animal is also
slightly concave from the withers to the
loins, whereby the seat of the rider, when
placed on the bare back without a saddle,
naturally falls into the centre as the lowest
part. The fore-part of the body, next the
shoulders, is the narrowest, gradually in-
creasing in width towards the flanks. This

conformation, also, has its use, as it prevents
the rider from slipping backwards whilst
the horse is in motion, which must have been
the case had the fore-part of the body been
the widest. It is evident, therefore, that the
best and surest seat is that which accords
the nearest with the natural shape of the
horse. Those parts of the rider which come
more immediately into contact with the body
of the horse, are the buttocks, the inside of
the thighs, the knees, and the calves of the
legs ; and it must be obvious, that the broader
the surface of those parts that come close to
the horse's back and sides, the more hold
the rider will have, and the firmer he will be
in his seat. Now, the broadest part of the
inside of the thigh is what is called the hollow,
and this is the part which should be applied
to the horse's sides. But the common mode
of riding, or what is called the jockey-seat,
prevents the application of this part. The
proper method, however, of efTecting this
object is for the rider to sit as low in his fork
as he can, without uneasiness to himself.
Having taken this position, the next thing to
be observed is, that the loins should be rather
hollow, but not so much as to occasion
rigidity ; the arms should be close to the
body, and the head erect, but not stiff. The
rider sitting thus low in his seat, the hollow
of the thigh may be applied to the horse's
side from the fork down to the knee, by turn-
ing the knee inwards. The leg should hang
perfectly easy, with the toe pointing straight
forwards and downwards. The toe should
also come in a perpendicular line immedi-
ately under the knee.

This is the natural position of a man on
the bare back of a horse. When the rider

HRITISH SPOUTSiMAiX.

33:]

is thus Dlaced. he should keen all the niuscle.'>
of his body, and his lcii;s and li)i!;hs ijorfeclty
easy and relaxed ; because, by so doin;;'. he
conies closer to his horse, and becomes, as
it were, a part of the animal. But the mo-
ment he contracts the muscles of his legs and
thighs, they become round and hard, and,
consequently, a much smaller part of their
* surface comes into contact with the liorse's
sides ; whereby he loses nmch of the hold
he would otherwise have. So long as the
toe is pointed downwards, this contraction
of the muscles cannot take place, but the
moment the toe is raised, the contraction
ensues It is true, that when the rider is
mounted on a saddle with stirrups, it would
be improper for the toe to point downwards ;
because, in that case, he would be constantly
losing his stirrup. In that case, therefore,
the toe must be elevated, but there is this
(liHTerence between its being raised and held
up without the stirrup, and with ; namely,
that, in the first instance, the toe is held up
by the action and contraction of the muscles
of the leg and thigli ; whereas, in the latter
case, by its being supported by the stirrup,
no contraction in the muscles is necessary.

The late Earl of Pembroke makes some
very judicious observations on this subject:
he says, " Among the various methods that
are used of placing people on horseback, few
are directed by reason. Some insist, that
scarce any pressure at ail should be upon
the backside ; others would have the seat be
almost on the l)ack-bone. Out of these two
contrary, and equally ridiculous methods,
an excellent one may be found by taking
the medium.

The backside of the rider should not only
28.

sit as close as possible to the back of the
horse, but should remain immc.'eai)le, and,
as it were, a part of the animal and all mo-
tion of the body upwards should i)e conlined
to the loins. When this kind of seat is well
|)reserved, the body of the rider appears as
if it was fixed to the saddle by a hinge, the
whole of it remaining stationary, whilst the
fore and hind-quarters of the lior>e move
upwards and downwards alternately, the
centre of the back being the centre of mo-
tion. When this is performed without stiff-
ness or constraint, the appearance of the
rider is both easy and graceful. This ease
and pliability in the rider is similar to that
evinced by a coachman on a coach-bo.x,
who, instead of sitting stiflj and endeavour-
ing to hold on bv resisting the shakiu"- of
the box, yields his body to the motion, and
receives the shock in an oblique direction,
instead of a perpendicular one, by which its
violence is much reduced.

The rider, being thus placed on the back
of a quiet horse, the next thing to be ob-
served, is the proper position of his hands
and arms ; for this is as necessary to be at-
tended to as the position of the legs and feet.
The hands and low er part of the arms should
be kept in an horizontal line w ith the elbow.
The fingers should be bent so as the nails
may turn inwards, towards the body, the
thumb being uppermost. The wrist should
be a little bent, so as to bring the hand ex-
actly over the pummel of the saddle. The
elbows should not be kr|)t too close to the
sides, but should he about two inches dis-
tant, so as to admit of a free and unrestrained
motion if necessary. In regard to briales, a
sinjrle rein or snaiHe is the best to begin with.
4r

334

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

The rein should pass from the horse's mouth,
between the third and fourth finger, and
from thence across tlie inside of the hand
bacic again, over the first finger, where it
should be pressed upon by the thumb. In
liiis position, the bridle may be held firmly,
so as not to slip through the hand. The
next thing to be attended to, ii*, to take care
that the reins be held neither too long nor
too short. If they are held too long, the
rider can have little or no command of his
horse, as he must move his elbows back-
wards before he can pull against him, in
which case he would lose a great deal of
the strength of his arms. If, on the other
hand, the reins be held too short, the horse,
if he be tender-mouthed, might be apt to
run back, to the great discomposure of an
inexperienced rider. The reins, therefore,
should be held in such a maimer as to be
moderately slack, so as to admit of their
being tightened by a very small motion of
the hand backwards, towards the body. As
soon as the reins are properly placed in the
rider's hands, the horse may be led forwards
by some person on foot, but it should not be
faster than a walk. As soon as the horse is
in motion, the riding-master should watch
^e position of the rider, so as to take care
.hat he does not raise his knees and grasp
the horse's sides, which novices are very apt
to do, by way of security. In this case, all
the equilibrium or baUanco of the body
would be destroyed, as well as all pliancy
and elasticity. The best proof of his sitting-
easy and properly, is when his seat goes
along with the horse without rising from the
horse's back, with the knee* turned inwards,
so as the hollow of the th,.rhs shall be ap-

plied to the horse's sides, and, at the same
time, the toe should point downwards, by
which means only, the nmscles can be kept
in a relaxed and fiaccid state. After the
horse has walked a few times round tlie
school to the right, he should be turned the
opposite, and walked to the left. This les-
son in the walk should be repeated three or
four times before the horse is permitted to
go into the trot, but as soon as the rider has
acquired the habit of sitting easy and un-
constrained, he may venture on the trot.
The first lesson in the trot should, of course
be as gentle as possible, for if it be too
rough, it is impossible for an inexperienced
rider to keep his seat, and, in endeavouring
to do so, he acquires all sorts of bad habits,
such as raising his knees, clinging to his
horse, by grasping his sides with his legs, as
well as by the throwing his body forwards;
thereby putting him out of that perpendi-
cular direction which is necessary to preserve
the just equilibrium of his body. Great
care, therefore, should be taken, that the
rider keeps his shoulders and the upper part
of his body backwards, for, by this means,
he will be less shaken than if he were to
lean forwards, as well as giving him a better
command of the bridle.

In the trot, as well as the walk, the horse
should go both to the right hand and to the
left, alternately. The trot is the best lesson
that can be given to a rider for the purpose
of acquiring a secure seat, for the man who
can sit a rough-trotting horse easy and un-
embarrased, may ride any other pace with
the greatest facility. The ca4ifer and the
gallop occasion much less concussion than
any other pace. In the gallop, the rider

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

.33a

should keep down in his seat, aiul not throw
{lis backside upwards at every motion of the
liorse, which is both ungraceful and insecure.
iVs soon as the rider has acquired a pretty
tirm scat in all these paces on the bare back,
lie may be allowed to use a saddle, but for
tlie lirst three or four lessons without stirrups.
He may then proceed to the use of stirrups.
The first thing then to be determined, is the
proper length of the stirrup-leathers, and
this may be done in the following manner:
Thus, when the rider is mounted properly
on the saddle, and well down in his seat, he
should put his feet into the stirrups, which
should be of such a length that, when pres-
sing on the ball of the foot, the toes may be
about two or three inches higher than the
heels. If the stirrup-leathers be longer than
this, the rider, by being able to press upon
the stirrup-iron only with his toe poiut<d
downwards, will be constantly losing his
hold of it, and it will, thereby, be rendered
useless. The best mode of ascertaining: the
proper length is by the following method :
Make the rider sit down close on his saddle,
with his legs hanging down, and the stiriu[)s
likewise, and when he is in tliis position,
raise the rider's toe to an equal height with
)iis heel, and shorten the stirrup-leather till
the bottom of the stirrup-iron comes just
under the ankle-bone. Both stirrups should
be of an equal length.

The rider should not bear upon the stirrups,
but only let the natinal w eight of his legs rest
upon them, for if he bore upon themhe would
i)e raised above, and out of the saddle.

The stirrup-iron, as has been before ob-
served, should Ive placed under the ball of
the foot. Bv this means, the rider will have!

the free and perfect uae of his ankle-joint,
which, together with the knee and hip-joints,
forms a kind of .'spring, or elastic vil)ialion,
whereby, the concussion arising from the
motion of the horse ([larticularly in trotting)
is much reduced.

In what is called th(; jockey-seat, however,
the foot is pushed into the stirrup, as far as it
will go, up to the instep. In thispositionof the
foot, the play of theankle-joint is lost entirely,
and, consequently, a considerable portion of
the elasticity of the leg and thigh is lost also.

The rider having been properly instructed
as to the right scat on the saddle, it becomes
necessary that he should also learn how to
mount and dismount with ease and grace.
This may be done in the following manner:
First, let the rider place himself nearly op-
posite the near or left shoulder of his horse,
then let him take up the reins at their full
length with his right-hand, and place them
properly in the left. As soon as this is done,
he may take hold of a portion of the mane
just above the withers, with his left-hand,
which, also, holds the bridle, and passing
his right to the slirrup-iron, he may hold it
whilst he places his left foot into it, which
should be done at the ball of the foot, and
not too near the toe, for fear of its slipping
out again. His foot being in the stirrup, the
right- haiul should then be passed to the
back part of the saddle, which, having taken
firm hold of, he should rise steadily from the
ground, and throwing his right leg over the
horse's croupe, place himself in (he centre of
the saddle. But as the facility of mounting
depends greatly on t he manner of holding the
body, and of passing the right-leg over the
horse"'* back, it is necessary that the rider

S3(»

Till: COMPLIlTE FARRIER; and

should recollect to keep liis body perfectly i
nprij^lit whilst he is rising troin the <^rouiRl ;
for, if he bends over the saddle whilst he is
lisiiij;-, he loses his ballaiice, and, becoming-
wavering- and unsteady, he has no command
of his right-leg- ; and, consequently, finds
great difficulty in throwing it over to the
otlier side. The best way is to perform the
act of mounting- at two motions, that is, to
pause a moment at the time the rider is up
in the stirrup before he tln-ows over his leg,
which should constitute the second motion.
In throwing over the leg, care should be
taken to bend the knee, and to keep the toes
rather lower than the heel ; for if the heel is
lowest, there is a risk of pricking the horse's
rump with the spur as the leg passes over,
and which might prove a very dangerous
event with an irritable or high-mettled horse,
by making him start or kick before the
rider is well in his seat, so as to have any
command of the bridle.

In dismounting, the same precautions are
to be observed as in mounting.

It is entertaining to see the difficulty that
someaukward riders experience in mounting,
when after many efforts and springs from the
ground, they arc either obliged to come
down again, or else, by too great exertion,
and bending over tiieir bodies, they are in
danger of pitching over, head foremost, on
the opposite side. Butler has thus humour-
ously described Hudibras in the act of
mounting.

With ninny desperate strives and lieaves
He got np to liis saiUlie eves,
From whence he vaulted into th' seat
With so much vigour, strengfli, and heat,
Tliat lie had almost tumbled over
With his own \vei"hf. but did recover.

Now all this difficulty arises solely from
not taking tiie trouble to learn how to hold
the body ; for, certainly, it is as easy to rise
from the ground with the body in an upright
position, as it is in any other ; and, after a little
attention to it, the rider will become so con-
firmed in the proper method as to render it
almost impossible to forget it. Every horse
should be taught to stand perfectly still until
the rider is mounted and settled in his seat.
This may be done es en with the most spirited
and impetuous horse, provided the rider has
but patience. For want of this, fatal acci-
dents have occurred from horses rearing, or
running away, before the rider had got into
his seat. One cause of this impatience ni
the horse arises from the rider pushing the
toe of that foot which he puts into the stirrup
against the horse's side, and which the ani-
mal mistakes for a signal to go on. If the
horse is restless, it sometimes proceeds from
the rider holding the curb-rein too tight
while he is mounting. But, in this case, it
is very improper to check him suddenly, by
jerking the bridle, or by speaking roughly
to him, both which practices only serve to
frighten him, and to render him more irri-
table. It also happens, sometimes, that the
groom, or some other person who holds the
horse, holds him by the reins, and checks
hiin, to prevent him from moving forwards ;
this is, also, a bad practice. The proper
way for a groom to hold a horse whilst he is
being mounted is by the check of the bridle,
whereby he leaves the reins quite at liberty
to the rider. If the horse is restless, let the
person who mounts not rise in the stirrup
until he stands perfectly steady. It is- a
good way with such horses to rise in the
stirrup, and stand upright for a few moments

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

337

without throwing the right leg over, and then
to descend again on the ground. By repeat-
ing this movement, and cherishing and en-
couraging tlie horse at intervals, he may
soon be brought to stand quietly.

Grooms and others are very apt to spur a
horse the moment they are on his back.
This is a very bad practice, and is sure to
render the animal restless and impatient to
start, as he naturally expects the spur the
moment the rider is mounted As soon as
the rider is mounted, he should take care that
he holds his reins properly, and not too
tight. A tight rein always deadens a horse's
mouth, and always makes an eager horse the
more injpetuous. The reins should be held
exactly such a length as to feel the horse's
mouth gently ; the hand neither too high
nor too low, but about three inches above
the pommel of the saddle. When the reins
are held rather slack, it gives a horse suffi-
cient liberty in his head and neck, and also
in his shoulders, for no horse that is held
with a tight rein, can have the free use of his
fore-quarters. When held gently, the horse
walks away airily and pleasantly, nodding
his head, and playing with the bit, and seems
to be pleased with his employment. But a
Newmarket jockey fancies that a horse can-
not move a yard except he is held with a
tight rein, and this isonecause why thorough-
bred horses go so near the ground, and
stumble so frequently.

When the horse is in the trot, it is usual
to lessen the concussion, by what is called
rising in the trot ; that is to say, the rider
rises in the stirrup, and drops again on the
saddle alternately, between every motion of
the horse ; this, when it is steadily performed,
gives ease both to the horse and the rider,

28

but when it is performed with the rider's
legs swinging backwards and forwards from
shoulder to flank, or else swiuaiiiir out and
in sideway.s, it greatly incommodes the ani-
mal, and is, (although the rider is not always
aware of it), a great addition to the fatigue
of riding. The proper method is to keep
the legs still and quiet as in the walk, and
to rise gently in the stirrup, and if tlie rider
pres.ses on the ball of the foot, he will have
the advantage of a spring in the ankle-joint
as well as in the knee and hip ; in which
case, he will not have occasion to rise so
high from his saddle as if he rode what is
called home; that is to say, with his foot thrust
up in the stirrup-iron as high as the instep.
The consequence of riding with the foot
home in the stirrup is, that the elasticity of
the ankle-joint is lost, and, on that account,
one of the springs by which the weight of
the body is supported in the stirrups is lost
also, hence the concussion is increased.
The toe, as has been before observed, should
be placed in a perpendicular line with the
knee. In this position the rider is obliged
to sit w ell down on his fork, or as the French
term it, " enfoncer la derriere," it also enables
him to raise himself from the saddle, if ne-
cessary, with greater ease and less difficulty
than if the foot w as placed farther forward,
that is to say, beyond the line of the knee;
because, in that position, the pressure of the
foot against the stirrup has the effect of con-
stantly forcing the rider backwards on the
saddle, and, consequently, pushing him out
of his seat ; and if he has occasion to rise in
the trot, he must do it with double labour,
because the point of support being so far
beyond the centre of gravity, he will have to
rise in opposition to the obliquity of his
4q

338

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

own body ; and, therefore, with less ease
<han if the foot was more immediately under
him. The whole weight of the rider shoukl
be on the saddle. The rider should not
press upon the stirrups more than is neces-
sary to prevent his feet from slipping out of
them. A horse will carry his burthen much
easier when it is concentrated on his back,
than when it is removed down to the line of
his belly. This is the reason why tall men,
who ride with long stirrups, are supposed to
ride heavier than shorter men of the same
weight. This opinion, however, as far as it
regards the actual weight of the rider is er-
roneous ; because, in reality, the weight can
neither be increased nor diminished by this
circumstance ; but if a tall man bears prin-
cipally on the stirrups, and throws his legs
backwards and forwards, or uses any other
unsteady motion, he, thereby, incommodes
his horse, and renders it more difficult for
him to carry his rider ; and, in this case, and
this only, a tall man is less easy to carry than
a short one of the same weight.

One of the best jockeys that ever rode at
Newntarket was above six feet high : it is
true he was extremely thin and small boned,
and, of course, was able to ride the same
weights as others ; but his seat was so steady,
and his hand so good, that although there
was considerable prejudice against him on
account of his height, still he was con-
stantly employed, even by those who enter-
tained those prejudices.

The difficulty, therefore, which the horse
experiences in carrying his rider, does not
depend so much on the weight as on the
steadiness with which the rider preserves
his seat ; for the more the man and horse
are of a piece as it were, the less the horse

will be disturbed in his own motion. The
thighs and legs of the rider should be as
motionless as possible ; they should seem, in
fact, as if they were part of the animal. But
this is not to be accomplished by grasping
the saddle with the thighs and knees, but bv
applying the surfaces of them regularly and
steadily in every part. All motion in the
rider should begin above the hips, and this
should be very trifling, and it is this ease and
pliancy in the loins that leaves all the parts
below firm and immoveable. But no rider
can keep in his seat if his loins and back be
hard and inflexible, because the same stifl-
ne.ss is communicated and carried on to the
hips, thighs, and legs, and renders the rider
more liable to be shaken by every motion or
jerk of the horse. The same argument holds
good with a man riding on a coach-box
over a rough road ; for if he sits hard and
stiff" in his body, and attempts to keep his
seat by clinging to the box, either with his
legs or hands, he will be much more shaken
and bruised than if he were to sit perfectly
loose and easy, yielding to every motion
without resistance in any part of his frame.
Lord Pembroke justly observes, "^'the ab-
surdity of putting a man who has never, per-
haps, been before on a horse, or if he has,
'tis probably so much the worse, on a rough
trotting horse, supposing the horse is insensi-
ble enough to suffer it, and if he be not, the
man runs a great risk of breaking his neck,
to stick with all the force of his arms and
legs, is too obvious to need mentionmg.
This rough work all at once is plainly as de-
trimental at first, as it is excellent afterwards,
in proper time. No man can be either
well, or firmly seated on horseback, unless
he be the master of the ballance of his body^

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

33 L»

quite unconstraujed, with a full possession of
nimself, and at his ease on ail occasions
whatever ; none of which requisites can he
enjoy, if his attention be otherwise engaged,
as it must wholly be in a raw, uusuppled,
and unprepared lad who is put at once upon
a rough horse. In such a distressful state,
he is forced to keep himself on at any rate, by
holding to the bridle, (at the expencc of the
sensibility both of his own hand and the
horse's mouth,) and by clinging with his
legs, in danger of bis life, and to the certain
deprivation of a right feeling in the horse,
a thing absolutely necessary to be kept deli-
cate, for the forming properly both of man
and horse, not to mention the horrid appear-
ance of such a figure, rendered totally inca-
pable of use and action. The first time a
man is put on horseback, it should be on a
very gentle one ; he never should be made
to trot till he is quite easy in the walk, and
then on very easy horses at first ; afterwards,
as he grows firmer, put him on rougher
horses, and increase by degrees the velocity
of the trot. He should not gallop till he can
trot well ; because, though the motion of
the gallop is the easiest, a horse may be more
easily unsettled in galloping than in trotting.
The same should be observed in regard to
horses ; they should never be made to trot
till they are obedient, and their mouths are
well formed on a walk ; nor be made to gal-
lop till the same be effected on a trot.

When the rider is arrived at such a degree
of firmness in his seat, the more he trots, and
the more he rides rough horses the better.
This is not only the best method, but also
the easiest and the shortest ; by it, a man is
soon made sufiiciently a horseman for a sol-
dier ; but by the other foolish methods that

are commonly used, a man, instead of im-
proving, contracts all sorts of bad habits,
and rides worse and worse every day ; and
the horse he rides becomes also daily more
and more unlit for use. In proceeding ac-
cording to the manner proposed, a man is
rendered firm and easy upon the horse, and,
as it were, of a piece v\ith him; i)olli his
own and the horse's sensibility is preserved,
and each in a situation lit to receive and
practise all lessons effectually ; for if the
man and horse do not both work without
difficulty and constraint, the more they are
exercised the worse they become ; every
thing they do is void of all grace and of all use.

When the man has accjuired a perfect
firuniess on the saddle, he should, b) degrees,
be made equally firm on a rug, or on a
horse's bare back, so much so as to be as
firm, to work as well, and be quite as inucli
at his ease, as on any demipique saddle. In
all cases, therefore, without e.vception, but
more especially in this, great care must be
taken to hinder their cliuiiiu": with their lej^s:
in short, no sticking by hands or legs is ever
to be allowed at any time. If the motion of
the horse be too rough, slacke.i it, till the
rider grows by degrees more firm, and when
he is quite easy and firm on his horse, in
every kind of motion, stirrups may be given
him, but he nmst never leave off" trotting
often, and working often, without any.

The impropriety of depending too much
on the stirrups is manifest, for tiie following-
reasons : in the first place, if the stirrup-
leather happens to break on either side whilst
the rider is bearing on his stirrups, he must
inevitably fall from his horse on that side on
which the leather breaks, from the support
being suddenly and unexpectedly taken

S40

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

away from his foot. In battle, also, a stir-
rup-leather may be cut in two by the stroke
of an adversary's sword, and the same conse-
quences as just mentioned may ensue ; but
if the rider be bearinjj- on the saddle instead
of the stirrups, no disturbance of his seat can
take place from the breaking of a stirrup-
leather; and this proves the necessity of not
depending on the stirrups for safety.

Whenever the rider presses much on the
stirrups be weakens his attachment to the
upper part of the saddle ; and, consequently,
sits less firni in his seat : this is occasioned
by his breech being thrown upwards upon
the cantril of the saddle, by the action of his
feet on the stirrups. In order to recover his
position in the centre of the saddle, he should
open his knees, by which means he will
descend again into the proper place.

No rider, who depends on his stirrups for
security, can be a firm and good horseman.
The best riders, perhaps, in the world, are
the horse dealer's men, who shew horses at
the country fairs; many of these will jump
upon a colt bare-backed, and one that very
likely never had a man on his back more
than two or three times before, and ride him
with only a halter in his mouth in spite of
all attempts to throw them off. In these
cases, there are no stirrups to depend upon
for safety : but the rider does not keep his scat
by sticking and grasping the horse's sides with
his knees, as is erroneously supposed, but by
the most perfect ease and elasticity in his loins,
whereby his body yields a:.j accompanies
the motion of the horso. Indeed, the action
of grasping the horse's sides with the knees
ani legs only tends to loosen the seat of the
rider ; because, the body of the horse crow-

ing narrower as it approaches the shoulders,
the more the rider grasps, the more he is
drawn forwards upon the horse's withers,
where the seat becomes narrrower, and where,
of course, he must have less hold.

The proper seat on horseback, which has
been described in a former part of this chap-
ter, may be considered as the best adapted
for the road, for the army, or the chase
Still there are many who contend that the
Newmarket, or jockey-seat, is the best. In
this seat the knees are raised, and the legs
are placed rather forward, with the foot
home in the stirrup, sitting in the same pos-
ture as if the rider was placed in a chair. In
this position, scarcely any of the hollow part
of the thigh is applied to the saddle, the
principal hold, therefore, depends on the
knee and the calf the leg. To counterba-
lance this protrusion of the legs forwards, the
rider, in the jockey style, holds hard by the
bridle, as he invariably teaches his horse to
pull against him, by always riding with a
tight rein. It is true, that riders of this de-
scription stick on to their horses by habit,
and it may, perhaps, be argued, that, if their
own method answers their purpose, there is
no necessity to change it. But a system is
not always likely to be the most true, be-
cause it is the most ancient, and those who
are determined never to try any other but
their own, of course cannot be considered as
impartial or correct judges, because mev
can have no opportunity of making any
comj)arison between their own method and
and that of others. A Newmarket jockey
fancies that a horse cannot gallop a yurd
except he pulls hard against the hand of the
rider, and this may be true in regard to a

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

o41

old racer ; but this arises entirely from the f
horse having been taught lo do so, and not I
from any natural inclination of the aniiniU.

In the jockey-scat, wiion the rider sits with
his knees high, in consequence of riding with
short stirrups, his breech is thrown back-
wards and upwards on the cantril of the
saddle ; and, in this position, when the horse
gallops, the motion of the animal throws him
upwards from the saddle at every stroke.
To obviate this inconvenience, he is obliged
to stand up in the stirrups during the gallop,
and in order to preserve bis ballance, he is
forced to lean his body forwards over the
horse's withers, whilst his hands are holding
hard by the bridle on each side. In this
position, if a stirrup-leather happens to break,
the rider must inevitably fall.

The standing up in the stirrups certainly
gives ease to the horse, as well as the rider,
during the gallop, provided it be done very
steadily, and without any wavering of the
legs backwards or forwards ; but when it is
done in an awkward, unsettled manner, it
only tends to incommode the horse, and to
disturb him in his going. The jockey-seat,
therefore, so far as it relates to galloping in a
race, may be very proper for that particular
purpose ; but this is no reason why it should
be the best for common riding; and one rea-
son, perhaps, why it is so generally adopted,
arises from the affectation of imitating what
is considered as the only stylish mode of
horsemanship amongst the knowing.

The author is aware that some part of
this doctrine will be treated wjth great con-
tempt by that class of horsemen who fancy
they have nothing to learn, especially as he

confesses that he has never signalised himself
2S.

either at Newmarket or any other course in
the kingdom. B-jt as the best tieatise upon
naval tactics that ever was published was
written by a man who never was at sea, it is
equally possible, that good and «ell-fotmded
principles of horsemanship may be set forth
by a man who has never ridden for the king's
plate, or any sweepstakes whatever.

The next point to be considered, is the
proper use of the hands, and this, indeed, is
the true touchstone of all good horsemanship.
Delicacy in the use of the legs may be given
by the teacher to a certain degree, but it is
nature alone that can bestow that great sen-
sibility, without which, neither one nor the
other can be formed to any great perfection.
The hand should be firm, but delicate A
horse's mouth should never be surprised by
any sudden transition or jerk. The way that
horses acquire that bad habit of bearing on
the hand, arises from the want of a proper
sensibility in the rider. Hence it generally
happens, that the harder you pull against a
horse of this description the faster he will go ;
so that the action which should be the signal
to stop him, or to moderate his pace, has the
direct opposite effect. This bad effect is
produced also in a great measure by the
rider first tightening his rein before he urges
the horse to quicken his pace. When this
has been repeated a few times, the horse ex-
pects, whenever you begin to pull the rein
tight, either the whip or spur ; and, conse-
quently, he sets off immediately with the
hope of avoiding it.

Before moimting, every horseman should

examine his bridle, to ascertain that it is put

on properly. The snafHe-bit should always

be uppermost, above the curb, whether tlie
4 R

34r2

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

snaffle be used separately, or whether they
be both used together. When the rider
knows enough, and the horse is sufficiently
prepared and settled to begin any work to-
ward suppling, one rein must be shortened
according to the side worked to, if moving
on a circle, but it must never be so much
shortened as to make the whole strength rest
on that rein alone; for, independently of
the work being false and bad, one side of
the horse's mouth would, by that means, be
always deadened j whereas, on the contrary,
it should always b;; kept fresh by its own
play, and by the help of the opposite reins,
acting delicately in a smaller degree of ten-
sion, the joint effects of which produce, in a
horse's mouth, the proper, gentle, and easy
degree of appui or bearing.

The foregoing observations contain all
that is necessary for the proper placing of
the rider on the horse's back, as well as the
proper method of adjusting and holding his
bridle. But as horses differ in their tempers
and dispositions, as well as in their manner of
going, it becomes necessary to give such rv-
structions to the rider as may prepare him to
surmount any difficulties that may arise from
those circumstances.

In the first place, there are few young
horses but what are apt to be frightened at
strange noises, or unusual sights, and the
consequence, generally, is their refusing to
pass by them without some trouble and even
danger to the rider. This habit of shvness
at objects on the road, proceeds very fre-
quently from defective sight, and is very
common to horses that either have very large
and full, or very small eyes, in either of
which cases, the animal must naturally be

near-sighted. The common method used by
bad and intemperate horsemen, is to urge
and force the horse up to the object, by using
both whip and spur. This is, undoubtedly,
a very bad practice, although a very common
one, and only renders the horse more trou-
blesome, as he then has not only the dread
of the object acting upon him, but also that
of the whip and spur.

Bourgclat, in his treatise, says, " quarrel-
ing with horses, plaguing, or beating them,
as one often sees done, not only spoils both
their tempers au(J their paces, but it teaches
them to trip, stumble, fall, start, run away,
and to be unsteady and vicious ; whilst gen-
tleness and coolness would very soon bring
them to go through or over any bad place
whatever, with ease, good humour, and
safety. Beat a horse for tripping, or such a
kind of thing, and he will soon do it again
through fear and hurry. Such failures some-
times proceed from weakness. In that case,
proper food, and gentle exercise, by restor-
ing the animal to health and vigour, will
cure him of them. If they arise from inat-
tention, or from the badness of his paces, he
must have a good rider to render him at-
tentive, and mend his movements. All other
remedies will prove fruitless, but these will
not, unless some natural defects or acquired
hurts, such as lameness, or bad weakening
distempers, interfere."

The rider may easily discover when his
horse is about to shy at any object on the
road, as the animal generally turns his bead
towards it, and points his ears forwards. As
soon as the rider perceives this, he should
prepare himself for the horse's suddenly
springing sideways to that side of the roa«i

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

343

which is most remote from the object, or
else turning- quite round, by grasping with
the leji: and thijih on the same side as the
horse is inclined to turn. This will prevent
him from falling olF on the opposite side.
In cases like this, the rider should take a
rein in each hand, which will give him more
command over the horse than if the reins
were held by one hand only. But he should
not use any violence by jerking his hand,
or pulling hard to either side, and it often
happens, that a shy horse will pass a strange
object without fear, when his bridle is loose,
and his head at liberty ; whilst, on the con-
trary, if the rider tightens his rein, and holds
the horse's head towards the object before he
approaches it, the animal becomes alarmed
by the constraint of his head by the bridle,
from the natural apprehension that he shall
not be able to escape from the danger with
which he conceives himself to be threatened.

It is, therefore, a very bad practice to force
a horse up to an object with violence, and it
is certain, that no horse was ever yet broke
from shyness by such means. It is proper,if it
can be done with gentleness, to ride a shy
horse up to the object, and to allow him to
examine it, or smell it, which, in general,
will reconcile him to it without any further
trouble ; but if he is forced up to it by whip-
ping and spurring, his attention is wholly
occupied by the fear of chastisement, and he
is thereby prevented from examining it coolly
and quietly.

It is impossible, in general, to be too cir-
cumspect in lessons of all kinds, in aids
chastisements, or caresses, for as the Duke of
Newcastle, in his treatise on equitation,
observes. " I/" any man was in the form of a|

horse, he could not invent vvith more art
than some horses do schemes to oppose what
is required of him. Some have quicker
parts, and more cunning, than others, many
will imperceptibly gain a little every day on
their rider. Various, in short, are their dis-
positions and capacities. It is the rider's
business to find out their different qualities,
and to make them sensible how niutli he
loves them, and desires to be loved by them ;
but, at the same time, that he docs not fear
them, and will be master. Correction, ac-
cording as it is used, throws a horse into
more or less violent action, which, if he be
weak, he cannot support, but a vicious strong
horse is to be considered in a very different
light, being able both to undergo, and con-
sequently to profit by all lessons, and is in
every respect far preferable to the best iia-
tured weak one upon earth.

Patience and science are never-failing
means to reclaim a wicked horse in whatso-
ever manner he defends himself, and tt)
bring him back frequently with gentleness,
but vvith firmness too, to the lesson which he
seems most averse to. Horses are by de-
grees made obedient through the hope of
recompence, and the fear of punishment ;
how to mix these two motives judiciously
together is a very difficult matter, not easy
to be prescribed ; it requires much thought
and practice, and not only a good heart, but
a ffood head likewise. The coolest and
best-natured rider will always succeed the
best. By a dexterous use of the incitement
above mentioned, jyou will gradually bring
the horse to temper and obedience ; more
force, and want of skill, andof coolness, would
only tend to confirm in bad tricks, and a

H4

THE COMPLETE FARRIER j and

horse broken in to carry a rider by fear
alone, cannot be said to be thoroughly
broken, for whenever he has a rider on his
back of a timorous disposition^ he will be
sure to take advantage of it, and to become
his master.

If the horse be impatient and coleric,
never strike hi«i, unless he absolutely refuses
to go forwards, which you nuist resolutely
oblige him to do, and which will be of itself
a correction, by preventing his having time
to meditate, and put in execution any de-
fence by retaining himself Resistence in
horses is sometimes a mark of strength and
vigour, and proceeds from spirit, as well as
sometimes from vice and weakness.

Weakness frequently drives horses into
viciousne^s when any thing, wherein strength
is necessary, is demanded of them. Great
care, therefore, should always be taken to
distinguish from which of these two causes,
tiiat are evidently so different, the defence
arises, before any remedy or punishment is
thought of It may sometimes be a bad sign
when horses do not at all defend themselves,
and proceed from a sluggish disposition, a
want of spirit, and a proper sensibility.
Whenever one is so fortunate as to meet
with a horse of just the right spirit, activity,
delicacy of feeling, with strength and good
nature, he cannot be cherished too much ;
for such a one is a rare and inestimable prize,
and if properly treated will in a manner do
every thing of himself Horses are oftener
spoilt by having too much done to them, and '
by attempts to dress them in too great a
hurry, than by any other treatment.

If, after a horse has been well suppled, and
theie are no impediments, either natural or,

accidental, if he still persists to defend hlin.
self, chastisements then become necessary ;
but whenever this is the case they must not
be frequent, but always firm, though always
as little violent as possible ; for they are both
dangerous and prejudicial, when frequently
or slightly played with, and still more so
when nsed too violently.

When the rider quarrels with his horse, he
is generally the dupe of his passion, and the
fray commonly ends to his disadvantage.
Whenever you see a man beating any ani-
mal, it is at least ten to one that the man is
in the wrong, and the animal in the right.
A good-natured clever man may with great
ease teach a horse any thing, and it is a very
mistaken notion that those horses which per-
form so many dextrous tricks at Astley's, and
places of that description, are brought to
execute them by violent means. The fact
is, they are taught by gentle means only, and
by rewarding them at the moment they obey ;
hence they become accustomed by habit to
combine the recollection of the reward with
the performance of the trick, and it becomes
a pleasure to them instead of a labour.

Plunffinff is a common defence amonjr
restive and vicious horses. In this action
the horse gets his head down towards the
ground, and raising his back like an arch, he
jumps violently two or three times in rapid
succession, until he throws off his rider with
"•reat violence. This is a most difficult
action for a rider to sit, because he loses all
command of the horse's head by being thrown
upwards out of his seat every time the horse
plunges.

If the horse does it, and runs backwards at
the same time, it is necessary to apply the

BRITISH SPORTSiMAN

31n

spurs vij^oiously, and to oblij^e him to go
forwards, and at the same time to keep up
his head by the bridle as high as possible,
as no horse can kick, whilst his head is held
higli.

It', on the other hand, he plunges whilst
he is moving tbrwards, keep him back^ and
when he is become quiet, ride him slow and
gently tor a good while together, and back
him gently every now and then.

Of all bad tempers and qualities in horses,
those which are occasioned by harsh treat-
ment and ignorant riders, which are very
connnon, are the worst ; whenever a horse
makes resistance to any thing that is re-
quired of him, it is necessary, before any
correction is used, to examine very carefully
all the tackle about him, to ascertain whe-
ther any thing hurts or tickles him, or whe-
ther he has received any sudden injury

For want of this previous examination,
many fatal, and sometimes irreparable, acci-
dents occur; the poor dumb animal is fre-
quently suspected wrongfully of being res-
tive and vicious, and is consequently ill-
treated both with whip and spur, and being
thereby forced into a kind of frenzy, he be-
comes highly dangerous to his rider, be his
natural temper and disposition ever so good.

It should constantly be remembered, that
animals must be brought to obedience by
gentle and slow degrees, in order that they
may have time to reflect upon what is re-
*iuired of them. By degrees every thing
may be accomplished with ease and safety.
Animals of the domestic kind, particularly
the horse, are (with some few exceptions)
both docile and good tempered, and it is the
fault of those who have the care of them, if
they ever become otherwise.

2<».

A horse that is both vicious and weak is a
very worthless animal, and not worth the
expence of his maintenance. This is a cir-
cumstance that should be particularly at-
tended to in all regiments of cavalry, for a
horse of this description may not only en-
danger the life of his own rider, but may
also be the cause of throwing a whole squa-
dron into disorder.

Rearing is a bad vice, and in weak horses
a very dangerous one, as the animal, in
consequence of being unable to support
himself on his hind legs, is in danger of falling
over backwards.

Whilst the horse is up, the rider should
yield his hand and throw his body against
the horse's neck, and when the horse is de-
scending he should vigorously force him for-
wards by applying the spurs to his sides
smartly. But care should be taken not to
do this until the animal is descending, be-
cause it might have the opposite effect, of
adding a spring to his rearing, and might
make him fall backwards. With a good rider,
horses seldom persist in this vice. It shews
itself principally with a horse that is tender-
mouthed. It is therefore necessary to exa-
mine the bridle to see that the curb-chain be
not linked too tight. It is a good method with
horses that persist in this vice, for the rider to
carry an oil-flask filled with water, and when
the horse rises up on his hind-legs to break
the flask on his head, so that the water may
run into his ears. This will cause him to
drop his head, and to shake his ears, and
consequently make him descend again, and
if it be repeated once or twice it seldom fails
of affecting a cure.

To qualify military horses for service,
much more instruction is necessary tnan tor
4 s

MH

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

common ridine,", as it is essential to teach
them to stand fircj to bear the noise of drums,
and, indeed, noises of every sort. In order
to accomplish this, they must be used to it
in the stable at feeding time. Thus, just
before the horses are fed, two or three men
should move slowly through the stable with
a drum, trumpet, and a flag, and by beating
the drum, and sounding the trumpet, and
waving the flag immediately before the corn
is thrown into the manger, and by constantly
repeating this process every time the horses
are fed, they will soon come to like to hear
it, because they then know it to be the signal
for feeding. The same means may be used
to make tlieni stand fire, by firing a pistol in
the stable just before feeding. It is useful,
also, to accustom military horses to objects
on fire, and this may be done by keeping
them still at a certain distance from some
lighted straw. In that situation they should
be caressed, and in proportion as their fright
diminishes, let them approach gradually the
burning straw, and increase the size of it.
By this means they will soon be brought to
be so familiar with it as to walk even through
it without fear.

Lord Pembroke observes, " all troop-
horses should be taught to stand quiet and
still while they are shot off from ; to stop
the moment you present, and not to move
after firing till they are required so to do.
This lesson ought especially to be observed
in light troops, and it should never be
neglected in any kind of cavalry whatever;
in siiort, the horses should be taught to be so
cool and undisturbed as to sufter the riders
to act upon them with the same freedom as
if they were on foot Patience, coolness.

and temper, are the only means requisite for
accomplishing this end.

The rider, when he fires, must be very at-
tentive not to throw himself forwards too
much, or otherwise derange himself in his
seat. He should begin by walking the horse
gently, then stop, and keep him from stirring
for some time, so as to accustom him, by de-
grees, not to have the least idea of moving
without its being the intention of the rider;
if he does, he should be reined back, and
when he is stopped again, and is quite still,
the reins should be left quite loose, and he
should be caressed.

To accustom a horse to fire-arms, a pistol,
or a carbine, may be put in the manger with
his corn ; he should next be used to the
sound of the lock and pan ; after which,
when he is mounted, shew the piece to him,
presenting it forwards, sometimes o i one
side, sometimes on the other. When he is
thus far reconciled, proceed to flash some
gunpowder in the pan ; after which, put a
small charge into the piece, and so continue
augmenting it by degrees, to the quantity
which is commonly used ; if he seems uneasy,
walk him forwards a few steps slowly, and
then stop, back, and move forwards, then
stop again and caress him. Great care
should be taken not to burn or singe the
horse any where in firing, as he would re-
member it, and be very shy for a long time.
Horses are often unsteady and alarmed at
the clash and glittering of arms, at the draw-
ing and returning of swords, all which they
must be familiarised to by little and little,
by frequency and gentleness. In going over
rough and bad ground, the rider should hold
his hand high, and his body back

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

AV,

All military liorscs, especially those of the
lij;ht cavalry, should be tuii-^ht to leap over
ditchcSj hedges, &c. In first teaching a
horse to leap, the fence should neither be
very wide nor very high. When the horse
is tractable under the first experiment, and
improves, the height and width of the fence
may be increased by degrees, because, if the
leaps were increased too suddenly, the horse
would be unprepared, and would most pro-
bai)ly fall, which, so far from making him
more careful, as some riders suppose, would
only have the eftect of making him fearful,
and thence either make him refuse to leap
again, orelse induce him, from the apprehen-
sion of not clearing it, to run at it with hurry
and confusion. In going at a leap, the reins
should never be held tight, because the horse
cannot rise, or have the free use of his
shoulders and fore-legs, except his head be
at perfect liberty. Many riders, however,
have a notion that a horse's head should be
a little held up by the bridle, with a view,
as they term it, of assisting him, and direct-
ing him how to measure his leap. This is,
liowever, a very mistaken notion, as many
riders know to their cost, as it very often is
I he means of pulling the horse into a ditch.
A hor.se will always learn how to measure
his leap if left to himself, better than when
the rider attempts to regulate his motion;
because, if his head be held up and con-
strained by the bridle, he can neither see so
well where he is going, nor can he have the
free use of his shoulders and fore-legs, both
of which are absolutely necessary to enable
him to accomplish the leap with ease and
safety. Sportsmen, m general, entertain a
curious Mea, that a horse can extend his leaD

if lie discovers the ditch to be wider than he
expected, by taking an atlditional spring
whilst he is going over il. But this is cer-
tainly a very erroneous notion, for after the
horse has once quitted the ground with bis
hind-legs, he can neither increase nor di-
minish the exertion or spring with which he
began his leap, because no point of resistance
remains for his hind-legs to spring from. II
the animal were, like the poetical courser,
Pegasus, furnished w ith wings, the air would,
in that case, supply a point of resistance, and
would afford him the means of increasing
the momentum of his body; but our terres-
trial nags must, inevitably, be restricted to
the simple force of their hind-quarters during
their short flights over hedges and ditches,
and will still continue to give occasional
proofs (by lying on their backs in the middle
of a ditch) of the fallacy of the doctrine
before mentioned.

The best way to begin to teach a horse
to leap, is to lead him to a low bar covered
with furze, which, pricking the horse's legs
if he does not raise himself sutlicicntly, j)re-
vents his contracting a sluggish and danger-
ous habit of touching, as he goes over,
which any thing yielding and wot pricking
would give him a custom of doing. Many
horses in learning to leap are apt to come too
near, and in a manner with their feet luider
the bar. The best way to pre\eut their
doing so, is to place under the bar two |)lanks,
of the breadth of the pillars on which the
leaping bar is fixed ; These planks should
meet and join at top under the bar, about
two feet high from the groinid, and project
at bottom upon the ground, about two feet;
they should be strongly framed, that the

348

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

horse may not break them by touching them
with his feet ; the bar should be placed so as
to run round when touched. The ditches and
hedges to which a horse is first brought should
be small and inconsiderable, and in this, as in
every thing else, the increase should be made
by degrees. The horse should be accustomed
to approach the object he is to leap, gently,
and without hurry, and to stand coolly at it
for some time, and then to raise himself
gently up, and go clear over it without either
laziness or impetuosity. When he has been
taught to leap well standing, he may next
be brought to walk up to the bar, and to go
over it without halting, and after he has be-
come a little familiar to this practice, he may
be led up to it in a trot, and so by degrees
quicker and quicker, until he is brought to
leap it flying on a full gallop.

This last action, however, is the most dif-
ficult, and requires both energy and steadi-
ness at the same time, for, a rash and impe-
tuous horse is always in danger of running
into his leaps, and thereby meeting with ac-
cidents. The fault generally arises from the
animal not knowing when to rise, or to take
his spring at a proper distance, and it is not
a very easy matter for the rider to direct him,
although many attempt to do it by the
bridle ; and hence it happens, not unfre-
quently, (especially with timid and irresolute
riders,) that the horse is checked too soon by
the reins, and, by springing before he is
close enough to the object, is, consequently,
pulled into the ditch. A horse, however,
will soon learn how to measure his distances,
after he has experienced one or two falls ;
and, on the whole, it is better to leave the
matter to himself than to attempt to regulate
him ; because, some young horses, when

once baulked at a leap, by being injudici-
ously restrained by the rider, can never after
be brought to face a hedge and ditch without
much trouble and difficulty.

In regard to the position of the rider in
going over a leap, it is necessary that he
should keep his body back ; because, by so
doing, a great deal of the shock is avoided.
The motion of the horse is, in fact, similar
to that of a rocking-horse ; namely, he first
rises with his fore parts, and ultimately with
his hinder ones ; therefore, if the rider pro-
jects his body forwards at that period of the
leap, he must, inevitably, be thrown over his
horse'* head by the jerk which he receives
from the hind-quarters. But, in leaning
back, he should not disturb his previous po-
sition on the saddle, for the bend should be
confined to the loins entirely. His arms
should also remain still and close to his sides;
and the best way to teach this, and to prevent
their being raised up, is to oblige the rider
to hold a switch, or a hand-whip, under each
arm, and not to let them drop. The thighs
and legs should be kept in the same position,
without grasping the horse's sides, which
only tends to render the shock more violent.

Having endeavoured to describe the pro-
per seat of the rider on horseback during the
action of leaping, it becomes necessary to
make a few remarks on the qualities dod pro-
perties which are necessary to the animal to
make him a good leaper. As this action de-
pends solely on the hind-quarters, as far as
regards the spring, it must be obvious, that
a sufficient degree of strength in those parts
is absolutely necessary. A horse, therefore,
whose loins are narrow and weak, or whose
hocks and thighs are defective in substance,
can never be expected to leap well, especi-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

^49

ally with any weight on his back. It will be
fruitless, therefore, to urge the animal to
execute what nature has denied him the
means of accomplishing ; or to punish him
for the inevitable failure which must take
place whenever he is forced to undertake a
task beyond his powers. It is true that a
natural activity in the animal is requisite for
leaping, as well as muscular strength ; still
there is a particular shape in the hind-quar-
ters which is more favorable to that action
than to any other. It is also worthy of ob-
servation, that all animals that leap well
have their hind-legs naturally inclining under
the body ; for instance, the deer, the goat
the lion, the tyger, and all those of the cat
kind ; and the most remarkable instance
will be found in the kangarou, whose leaps
are almost incredible, and are such as to
battle the speed of the fleetest greyhound
when pursuing them.

The Irish horses are generally good leap-
ers, and these are commonly short in the
hind-quarters, and down-rumped, or low in
the croupe, with their hind legs standing
considerably under the body, and their hocks
close together, being what is called cat-ham-
med.

About twenty-five years ago, an Irish
horse (for a wager) leaped over the wall of
Hyde-park, close to the gates at Hyde-park
corner. The height of the wall on the side
on which he rose was six feet, and on the
other side, eight. The horse was about
fifteen hands high, and shaped as has been
just described, without any thing remarkable
in his general appearance. He was led up
to the wall till within the distance of half a
dozen yards, when he was turned loose. In
29.

going over it, however, he knocked olF a
brick with his hind-leg, and a dispute arising
from that circumstance, he was brought
round again to the same place, when he
cleared it in the most perfect manner at the
second time of trial.

This leap, considering the great height of
it, and its taking place over such a hard and
unyielding substance as a brick wall, appeai-s
almost incredible, but the author can vouch
for its being a fact, from having been an eye
witness on the occasion.

The Irish horses are particularly well
adapted for leaping, from the shape of their
hind-quarters and hind-legs, which are gene-
rally placed much under the body. It is
also very much the practice in Ireland to
accustom them to leap stone walls, but they
are not generally such good flying leapers
as the better bred EngUsh hunters. The
act of leaping during the chase, when the
horse has been galloping for any length of
time, is very distressing to the animal, and
adds considerably to the difficulty of breath-
ing; because, when the horse gathers him-
self on his hind-quarters, preparatorv to
taking the spring, all the muscles of the belly
are in a state of violent contraction, so as to
stop the action of the ribs, and to oblige the
animal to hold his breath until he again
alights on the ground ; and this temporary
suspension of the act of breathing is equal
in its distressing effects to the galloping of
half a mile ; because, being constantly urged
forwards without intermission, he has no
opportunity of recovering his wind. Hence,
horses are sometimes so blown as to be
unable to rise at a leap, and heavy falls are
the consequence.

4 T

350

rilE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

The principal distress which hunting horses
experience is durinoj the first bursty when the
hounds generally run at their greatest speedy
but as soon as they begin to sweat, their
breathing is relieved by the vessels of the
skin becoming relaxed, and allowing a free
circulation of the blood from the lungs to
the surface of the body. It is prudent,
therefore, if possible, to spare a horse until
this perspiration takes place, after which, he
will be better able to go through the chase
than under other circumstances.

It is well known amongst boxers, that they
have, what they call, " a second wind," and
which is analagous to this second wind in
horses, and is obtained in the same way^
namely, by sweating. Hence it is generally
observed, that they are more distressed for
breath at the close of the first two or three
rounds, than they are at any other period of
the battle. It is true, they become more
exhausted in proportion to the duration of
the contest, but this is a mere exhaustion
of muscular power from violent bodily
exertion.

The labour which a hunting horse under-
goes is excessive, and is very different from
that which takes place on a road ; for he is
obliged to pass over all sorts of ground, and
some so soft and deep as to allow him to sink
half way up his legs at every stroke ; added
to which, his being obliged to carry a weight
on his back, must greatly increase the hard-
ship of his task. This proves the necessity
of his being prepared by proper exercise,
and good feeding, and cleaning, without
which no horse, however good in nature, can
possibly perform the work of a regular
hunter.

The labours of the race-horse are more

violent than those of the hunter, but they
last for a shooter length of time; but the
most excessive of all are those barbarous
matches against time, that are made by the
cruel and unfeeling owners of horses that
they do not deserve to possess. These wa-
gers are made, not for the satisfaction of
showing the superior powers of the animal,
but from the sordid motive of winning
money; and, to obtain which, the poor
victim of their avarice frequently falls a
sacrifice.

A remarkable case of this kind occurred
some years ago. A soap-boiler, at the west
end of London, possessed a horse that used
to work in his cart, and carry out small loads
amongst his customers, and which horse he
was accustomed to drive in a ^m occasion-
ally. By some accident or other, it was dis-
covered that this horse was possessed of ex-
traordinary speed and bottom, and a lawyer,
who, in conjunction with his professional
pursuits, carried on a little black-leg amuse-
ment, became the purchaser of this animal,
and began to turn his powers to account as
soon as possible. The first match which he
made was to gallop nineteen miles within
the hour, and the horse being, to all appear-
ance, a heavy, half-bred, animal, and shew-
ing no indications of speed in his external
form, great odds were laid against his win-
ning the wager. The horse, however, ac-
complished the task within the time, to the
surprise and discomfiture of the knowing
ones. Not satisfied with this performance,
his owner matched him again, to go twenty
miles within the hour, which he also accom-
plished ; and, shortly after, he was again
matched to go twenty-one, but dropped down
dead before the conclusion of the last mile.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

.^51

Since that period^ many cases of equal
brutality might be brought forward, all
tending to shew the habitual barbarity of
the inhabitants of this country, towards one
of the noblest and most useful animals in
the creation. This species of barbarity
seems to be almost peculiar to this country ;
for, in no other, is the horse urged to extraor-
dinary exertion, except in cases of actual
necessity.

Those who travel by mail-coaches must
have witnessed the cruelty practised in driv-
ing the horses that are employed to draw
them. Every mail-coachman entertains the
foolish notion that it is easier for the horses
to trot up a hill than to walk up it, and when
they arrive near the summit, they invariably
force them on at a quicker rate, instead of
allowing them a few moments for the reco-
very of their wind. If a passenger of any
feeling and humanity attempts to remon-
strate, he is immediately told by the coach-
man that he is obliged to keep his time ; but,
surely, the two or three minutes he might
lose in walking up tl e hill might be easily
regained on the level ground, and with much
less injury to the horses.

It rarely happens that four horses in a
mail-coach are matched so near as they
ought to be, in regard to speed and wind ;
not to mention the circumstance of those
which may happen to be diseased in their
lungs, though in a trifling degree. If one of
these inferior animals happens to be yoked
with three others that are superior to him in
those qualifications, the consequences of his
being obliged to keep pace with them, at the
utmost extent of his powers, must be distress-
ing in the extreme. In this case, the pro-

prietor sometimes neglects to remove iiim,

and to replace hiin by another of a better

description ; and the coachman, in order to

get rid of what he considers an incumbrance

to the rest, takes every opportunity of forcing

him beyond his wind and strength, in the

hope of his dropping down dead on the road,

and thereby being released from any furtlier

trouble with him. This brutal expedient is

more frequently resorted to than is generally

supposed, and it often has the desired effect.

The brutality of draymen and carmen in

the streets of the metropolis is too notorious

to have escaped the observation of bye-

standers. Unfortunately for the interests of

humanity, and the credit of our national

character, it is too seldom noticed, nor are

our laws upon that point sufficiently severe

for the purposes of punishment. Lord Ers-

kine, much to his honour, attempted some

years ago to bring in a bill into parliament

for the more effectual punishment of cruelty

towards the brute creation ; but the common

cant about the liberty of the subject was

raised in opposition, and his good intentions

were unfortunately defeated. But surely

Lord Erskine was a man whom no one, who

took a view of his political life, could suspect

of entertaining notions adverse to liberty.

The labour which race-horses are obliged
to undergo, although it is not of such long
duration as those barbarous matches against
time, which have been just mentioned, is,
nevertheless, of a very severe description,
and requires a certain preparation, by purg-
ing and sweating, in order to divest the body
of all superfluous fat and fluids, as well as to
improve the breathing. But the means re-
sorted to for this purpose are sometimes so

Hb^i

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

violent, and so injudiciousiy employed, as
not only to defeat the intended object, but
even to endanger the life of the animal. It
is no uncommon thing- to read in a private
stud-book of colts di/ing in phi/sic ; and se-
veral cases of this description have come
under the author's own knowledge. Now it
must be evident to every man, who has been
accustomed to horses, that there is a great
difference in their constitutions; that some
are gross feeders, and accumulate fat very
rapidly ; whilst others are irritable and deli-
cate, and require considerable nicety in
keeping them in such a way as to preserve
their flesh and vigour. To treat two horises
of such opposite description alike, in regard
to physic and exercise, must be folly in the
extreme. Still nothing is more common, and
there can be no doubt, that many a good
horse loses his race more from the conse-
quences of being injudiciously treated, than
from any superiority on the part of his adver-
sary. A horse of a hot, irritable nature, may
become, by being overpurged and sweated,
so weak and so dry in his muscular fibres,
as to be almost as stiff and motionless as a
horse made of wood ; and, half his race will
be run before he gets the free use and pliancy
of his limbs by the increased circulation of
the blood. The mode of sweating in body-
cloaths also tends to produce debility, and
its effects are very different from that sort of
sweating which is excited by exercise alone.
The case is the same with the human kind,
with those who are obliged to live in hot
rooms, and who are seldom out in the open
air. The perspiration which they undergo
is considerable, but it leaves the muscles soft
and flabby, and does not produce that firm.

liealthy, and elastic tone, which is found in
the muscles of those who labour in the open
air.

When the horse is brought to this dry,
rigid state of muscle, and being allowed as
little water as possible to drink, the discharge
of urine is generally very small in quantity,
and commonly high coloured. In this state,
the training-groom generally gives diuretics,
with the view of increasing the quantity, and
the natural effect is to excite and irritate the
kidneys, and very often to produce inflam-
mation. It must be evident, that, in such a
state, the animal cannot be fit to run ; but
the trainer never suspects that any defect
that may arise in the horse's running can be
owing to that circumstance.

The custom, also, of fasting a horse so
many hours before he starts, must, in most
cases, be prejudicial to the animal. It would
be unwise to allow a horse to fill his stomach
and bowels just before the time of starting,
as it must, mechanically, impede the action
of the lungs, by pressing against the diaph-
ragm ; but it is certain, that too long fasting
produces debility ; and the action of breath-
ing may be as much affected by debility, as
by any other cause ; and, there is no doubt,
that many a good horse has been beaten by
this circumstance alone.

There are many curious calculations in
regard to carrying weight ; and, it is asserted,
by those who are in the practice of racing,
that even three pounds will make a horse win
or lose. It does not seem very easy, how-
ever, to prove such an assertion, and for tlie
following reason : —

If the horse was a mere machine, whose
powers are always alike, and not affected by

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

SbS

extraneous circumstances ; it is possible, that
even so small a weight as three pounds might
make a diflerence. But when it is well known
that alt living; animal bodies undergo con-
Siiderable variations in their bodily strength,
at different periods, how is it possible to en-
sure that a horse shall be equal in his vigor
and wind two days together ? and even if it
were certain that he should be so, the same
certainty might not extend to his adversary ;
and, on that account, the experiment could
not be depended upoii.

That these nice calculations are futile, is
shewn in instances that occur every day in
the racing calendar ; and it will be found in
looking over the races for any one year, that
the favorite, notwithstanding all this pre-
tended judgment, is beat in nine races out of
twelve ; and that too, not unfrequently, by
a horse of little repute.

There is a singular story told of a trial of
skill between two men of the turf, about fifty
years ago. The one was a west-countryman,
the other a Yorkshireman : they each pos-
sessed a very capital racer, and their speed
was reputed to be so nearly equal, that it was
supposed the difference of seven pounds in
weight would give either of them the supe-
riority.

The west-countryman meditated a scheme,
whereby he thought he should ascertain this
fact without the knowledge of the other, and
he accordingly sent his training-groom with
his horse into the neighbourhood of the
Yorkshireman, with instructions to bribe the
Yorkshireman 's e:room to run his master's
liorse a trial-race, privately, with his own ;
£nd to carry, secretly, seven pounds weight
more than the other. The Yorkshireman's

29.

groom, however, at first declined the bribe,
and told his master the circumstance, who
commended him for his honesty, but ordered
him to accept the bribe, and to carry seven
pounds over-weight privately. The trial
was run, both horses carrying equal weights,
without their riders knowing it; and the
result was, that the west-country horse was
beat by about half i neck. His owner, how-
ever, concluding that he had carried seven
pounds more than the other, attributed his
being beat to that circumstance, and soon
after matched his horse against the other at
even weight, and was (very much to his as-
tonishment) again vanquished.

It is very probable, that the above anec-
dote was fabricated by some great calculator,
to prove the effect of a small difference in
weight. The celebrated Colonel O'Kelly,
the owner of Eclipse, had great faith in the
influence ot weight, and whenever he ran
any of his young horses a trial match with
one of his old horses, nobody b>it himself
knew the weight which the horse carried,
and this was effected in the following manner;
namely, by keeping all his trial-saddles in a
room of his own, under lock and key. Thes
saddles were loaded with different weights,
and when the horse was brought to be sad-
dled, he always brought out the saddle, and
put it on himself, and took it off, and carried
it back again when the trial was over; so
that nobody, except himself, could possibly
know the weiirht which the horse carried.
This practice, to a certain extent, might
have bad its use, but it still furnishes no
proof that any very slight difference in weight
can have much influence in the deciding of a
race. It is more probable, that the difference
4u

S54

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; ano

in riding amongst different jockies may affect
a horse more than a trifling addition of
weight; and it is well known^ that horses
cannot run so well upon some grounds as
others. Some horses can run well on a flat,
that can run neither up nor down hill, and
these, perhaps, are circumstances that re-
quire more attention in making a match, than
the consideration of a small difference in
weight.

There is fiequently a considerable differ-
ence in a horse's running at different ages.
Thus, some will run faster at two years old
than at any other period, whilst others do not
acquire their greatest powers of speed until
three or four years old. The small light
colts generally run as well at two years old
as they do at a more advanced age ; and this
arises from their having less bulk and weight,
as well as from their being more compact
and concentrated in their form than colts of
a larger size. Hence the practice of making
such early matches as two years old, has led
to the custom of breeding from smaller
horses and mares, with the view of producing
lighter stock of the above-named description.
But this has done considerable injury to the
general system of breeding for other pur-
poses ; because, most of the country stallions,
being selected from race-horses of little note,
and most commonly of small size, the stock
is not likely to be very serviceable either for
the road or field.

It is true, that racing colts and fillies are
treated with more attention from the time
they are foaled than those of any other de-
scription. Corn is given to them regularly
as soon as they are weaned, and they are
handled and broken in as early as possible ;

but as they are commonly foaled early in the
year, about February, (it being so arranged
in the system of breeding, for the sake of
giving them three months in age more than
colts of a common sort, which are generally
foaled in May or June) the cold weather at
that early season of the year impedes their
growth, whilst the want of green food pre-
vents the mares from giving a sufficient
quantity of milk, or of that quality which is
naturally most congenial to the foal ; so that
notwithstanding they gain three months in
age, they are seldom larger or stronger at
six months old than those that are dropped
in the usual season. May, or June.

The method of forcing the growth ot
racing colts, by additional feeding, has not
always a good effect; for it sometimes in-
creases the height and general bulk of the
animal, without adding to the size of his
bone, or the force and vigor of his muscles.
Whether this system was in practice at the
early periods of the turf, when Childers, Lath,
and other celebrated horses, evinced such
superior powers, there are, perhaps, no
means of ascertaining with any certainty ;
but it is pretty generally acknowledgea, that
the race-horses of the present day are inferior
in many respects to those just mentioned;
and this pro'-es, in some degree, that prema-
ture feeding is not alone sufficient to produce
all the requisites that are essential to con-
stitute a complete racer. It is probable,
therefore, that the defect lies in the breeding,
and as the Godolphin Arabian wac the an-
cestor of all the best horses that have run for
many years, would it not be a proper expe-
dient to cross more with foreign blood than
is now the practice.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

335

PRECAUTIOJyS FOR ACCIDEJ^TAL CASES WHILE

TRAVELLIJi'G.

Every rider must be aware that accidents
will occasionally occur ; it behoves him,
therefore, during a journey, to be prepared
for any fortuitous event. By a sudden fright
a horse may receive some severe wound or
contusion : we have already dilated on the
remedies for wounds, (p. 82;) and upon the
dangerous effects of bruises, or blows, which
sometimes produce lameness in the s-tiflc,
(p, 81 ;) fistula in the withers (p. 241;) and
tumors, called capellets, (p. 254.)

The back of a horse is frequently galled
by the saddle when it does not properly fit,
and then the remedies already proposed
(p. 136) should be attended to. Hard work
is productive of swelled legs : the horse must,
therefore, have rest, and be treated accord-
ing to the prescriptions in p. 138, &c.

By a sudden fall a horse may break one of
his knees, or acquire some other lameness :
we have treated upon broken knees, (p. 86;)
on lameness, contracted hoofs, corns, &c.
(p. 45, 75 ;) lameness in the ligament, tendons,
&c. (p. 78 ;) in the coffin-joint, (p. 80;) in the
whirl-bone, &c. (p. 81, 178.)

The dangerous effects of bad shoeing
have been pointed out in p. 36. If a horse
accidentally lose a shoe, the rider must adopt
an easy pace till another can be provided ;
and, if the foot be injured, by gravel, nails, or
thom.s, it must be properly searched (p. S2.)

If the wound be recent and slight, a little oil
of turpentine poured upon the part, and set
tire to with a hot poker, is commonly a pre-
sent cure, without any other application
If the coffin-bone be affected, apply
Tincture of benzoin 1 ounce
Spirit of turpentine . half-an-ounce.
Of the following mixed oils, one ounce and
a half, viz.

Egyptiacum and spirit of tur-
pentine, of each ... 4 ounces.
When put into a large pot, that will hold
three or four times tlie quantity of the whole,
add,

Oil of vitriol . . . half-an-ounce
Nitrous acid . 1 ounce.

Mix these with the two first articles, by a
little at a time, and immediately add.

Spirit of wine .... 8 ounces.

Mix the whole carefully together, and put
them in a bottle for occasional use.

In the preceding part of this work, we have
remarked how liable the horse is to catch
cold, through the bad accommodations of the
stables in several inns He is sometimes
afflicted with

THE TOOTH-ACHE,

A complaint hitherto unnoticed by vete-
rinary writers. This certainly proceeds from

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

the canker in the ;sf>'inders ; the best cure in
this case is immediately to punch out the
afflicted grinder or tooth. The canker is
generally owing to the bridle being rusty,
and may easily be known by the little black
blotches, or brown specks, which appear on
the tongue, or other parts of the mouth, if
not caused by the bridle-bit, like the scurvy
in the human frame, it proceeds from bad
diet, or may be deemed hereditary, and then
it appears in small white specks, and will, in
time, spread nearly over the whole of the
mouth, and occasion irregular ulcers. The
following gargle mixture will be found in
this case an effectual cure : —

Wine vinegar . . . half-a-pint
Burnt alum, and conmion

salt, of each . . I ounce

Bole armenic . . half-an-ounce.

Mix and shake the whole in a bottle for
use.

With this mixture the horse's mouth should
be dressed every morning and evening in the
following manner :—

Take a small cane, or piece of whalebone,
half-a-yard long, and tie a linen rag, or a
piece of tow, round one end , then dip it
into the mixture, and pass it up his mouth,
and gently run over it to all the affected
parts ; let him chump it well about his mouth,
and fast about an hour afterwards.

BITES AND STINGS OP VENOMOUS
CREATURES.

The bite of a viper, or adder, if early at-
tended to, may be cured by rubbing the
afflicted part, or the whole limb, if necessary,
for about an hour, with warm salad oil, re-

peating it two or three times a day, for about
twenty minutes each. If the following lini-
ment can be procured in a short time after
the bite, it will be far better, and more
effectual in checking the progress of the
venom : —

Olive oil 4 ounces

Water of pure ammonia, opo-
deldoc, and tincture of opi-
um, of each 2 ounces.

Mix and keep them in a bottle for use.

Let the part affected be rubbed twice a
day with this mixture : it will be found an
effectual remedy, not only for the bites of
vipers, or adders, but also for the stings of
hornets or wasps. It will, sometimes, be ne-
cessary to give internal medicines, for which
purpose the following is strongly recom-
mended : —

Mithridate
Salt of tartar

1 ounce

2 drachms

Dissolve them in a pint of rue tea, and
add.

Salad oil 4 ounces.

To be given about milk warm.

If any feverish symptoms appear, the fol-
lowing opening drink will be necessary :—

Mithridate ... I ounce
Peruvian bark . half-an-ounce

Aromatic spirit of am-
monia .... I ounce
Castor oil .... 8 ounces

Mix the whole in a quart of warm gruel,
and give it immediately. It is an excellen
drink, and may be repeated once or twice »
day, if necessity require it

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

J57

iilTE OF A MAD DOG.
The following recipes have been recoin-
meiided in this case :

Musk 16 grains

Native and factitious cinna>

bar, of each . ... 25 grains.

To be given in a glass of arrack three
nights together, and the night preceding the
full of three successive moons.
Or,
Garlic heads and rue-leaves,
dried and powdered, of

each 3j ounces

Pewter, in powder, . . 2j ounces
Ovster-sholls, prepared, . 3^ ounces
Savin-leaves, dried and

powdered .... 2 drachms.

To be given to a full grown beast in a
quart of warm ale, and to be repeated every
tWrd day, for three times, and afterwards the
day before the moon is in the full, for three
successive times.

The most effectual method of cure is in-
stantly to cut out the part bitten, and after-
wards to cauterize it with a hot iron. The
surrounding parts should be well rubbed with
one of the above mixtures, and the wound
dressed with the following ointment :

Bees' wax and common turpen-
tine, of each bounces

Black pitch I ounce

Yellow resin 6 ounces

Linseed oil 1 pint.

Dissolve them together over a slow fire,
then take it off, and add,

Spirits of turpentine ... 4 ounces.
Put the whole in a pot, and stir till it be-
gins to set.

If the part bitten cannot be cut away and
cauterized, we reconunend the immediaie
destruction of the animal^ as other remedies
may prove fatally fallacious.

The follow ing are useful drinks, which every
sportsman should have in readiness to be
occasionally administered :

FEVER DRINK.

Cream of tartar.

Turmeric, and

Diapente, in powder, of each, 1 ounce,

JMix and give it in a pint of warm gruel ;
to be repeated once or twice a day, or
oftener, if necessary. Though simple, it
may be given in most kinds of fevers, and
will generally be attended with success.

INFLAMMATORY FEVER DRINK.

Tartar emetic . . 1 drachm
Prepared kali . . half-an-ounce
Camphor .... 1 drachm.
Rubbed into powder, with five drops of
spirit of wine.

To be given every four hours, or three
times a day, in a pint of water-gruel.

FOR CONVULSIONS, OR THE
STAGGERS.

Pnlvis antimonialis . . 2 drachms
Assafoetida .... 2 drachms

Opium I drachm.

Rub the two last articles in a marble
mortar, with two ounces of spirit of harts-
horn, imtil incorporated :

Mix the whole in a pint of gruel, and
repeat it two or three times a day in obsti-
nate cases.

4 X

358

THE COMPLETE F\RRIER; and

FOR THE COLIC, OR GRIPES.

Epsom salts .... 6 ounces
Castile soap, sliced . . 2 ounces.
Dissolve them in a pint of warm ale, and add
Tincture of opium half-an-ounce

Oil of Juniper . . . 2 drachms.
Mix the whole well, and give it about
milk warm ; to be repeated every four or
five hours, till the symptoms begin to abate.

FOR THE COLIC, GRIPES, FLATU^
LENCY, AND ALL PAINS OF THE
INTESTINES, WHEN ON A JOUR-
NEY.

Tincture of opium, and

Oil of juniper, of each 2 drachms

Sweet spirit of nitre

Tincture of benzoin, and

Aromatic spiritof ammonia

of each .... half-an-ounce.

Mix them together in a bottle for one
drink, and give it in a pint of warm ale. It
may be repeated every two hours, until the
symptoms abate.

A CORDIAL DRINK.

Tincture of benzoin, of
Friars balsani, and
Aromatic spirit of ammonia,

of each I ounce,

Put them in a bottle for occasional use.

This is a very useful drink for horses that
are overheated in hot weather, and will be
considerably improved by the addition of

Prepared kali ... 2 drachms
Fresh powdered f;,inger 1 ounce.
To be given in a quart of cold water.
In the winter season, or at any other time

of the year, when the horse has not been
overheated, this drink may be given in a
pint of warm ale, for the colic, or gripes, aud
flatulencies in the stomach or intestines.

As horses are subject to greasy heels, ttie
rider, on a journey, should have the following
ointments :

Common turpentine . 1 pound.
Melt it over a slow fire, and add

Alum, in fine powder, 1^ pound
Bole armenic, in powder, 2 ounces.

Mix the whole together till cold, and
when to be used spread it on strong brown
paper, apply it over the part that greases,
and bandage it on with listing. Once
dressing is in general sufficient to perform a
cure, if not, repeat it when occasion requires.

FOR SPRAINS, SORE SHOULDERS,
BRUISES, &c.

Camphor 2 drachms.

Dissolved in half-an-ounce of strong recfified
spirit of wine

Nitre ... . . 1 ounce.

Dissolved in half-a-pint of wine vinegar

Spirit of turpentine . 4 ounces
White lead, or

Bole armenic, in powder, half-an-ounce
Aquafortis .... 1 ounce.

Mix and shake the whole together in a bottle
for use.

FRIARS' BALSAM FOR WOUNDS.

Gum benzoin, in powder, . 6 ounces

Balsam of tolu, in powder, 3 ounces

Gum storax 2 ouncer.

Frankincense, in powder, . S ounce-
Gum myrrh, in powder. . 2 ounces

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

359

Soccotrine alocs^ in powder, 3 ounces
Rectified spirit of wine . . 1 gallon.

Mix all together, and put thetn in a di-
gester ; give tlicni a gentle heat for three or
four days, and then strain.

TINCTURE OF BENZOIN.

Benzoin, in powder, . . 3 ounces
Strained storax .... 2 ounces
Soccotrine aloes, in powder, half-an-ounce
Highly-rectified spirit of wine 3 pints

Digest the whole in a gentle heat for
three days, or till most of the gums are
dissolved, and then strain.

DAFFY'S ELIXIR, OR TINCTURE OF

SENNA

Senna leaves 2 ounces

Jalap root, bruised, ... 1 pound

Coriander seeds, bruised, . half-announce

Proof spirit of wine . . 3 pints.

Digest the whole for seven or eight days,
then strain, and add

Lump sugar, powdered . 4 ounces,

Mix, and when dissolved, it is ready for use.

TINCTURE OF MYRRH.

Myrrh, in powder, ... 2 ounces
Aloes, in powder, ... 3 ounces
Rectified spirit of wine . . 3 pints.

Digest them in a warm heat for six days,
strain and put the whole in a bottle for use.

TINCTURE OF ASSAFGETIDA.

Assafoetida 4 ounces

Rectified spirit of wine . 1 quart.
Digest for seven days, and strain.

TINCTURE OF RHUBARB

Rhubarb, in course powder, 2 ounces
Cardamom seeds, husked and

powdered half-an-ounce

Saffron 2 drachms

Proof spirit of wine ... 2 pints.
Digest for seven or eight days, and stram.

OPODELDOC.

Soap, in shavings .... 2 ounces

Oil of Rosemary .... half-an-ounce

Camphor 1 drachm

Strong rectified suirit of wine 1 pint,

Digest the soap in the spirit of wine till
dissolved, and then add to the liquor the
camphor and the oil, shaking them well
together.

EGYPTIACUM.

Honey 3 pounds.

Melt it over a fire, and then add.
Blue vitriol and
Verdigrease, in fine powder,

of each 3 ounces.

Boil them over a slow fire till they have
a due consistence and a reddish colour.
Or
Verdigrease, in powder, . .5 ounces

Honey 14 ounces

Vinegar 7 ounces.

Boil them over a gentle fire.
Or

Verdigrease, and

Alum, in powder, of each 3 ounces

Blue vitriol, in powder, . . 1 ounce
Corrosive sublimate, in powder 2 drachms

Vineg-ar 5 ounces

Honey ^ pound.

Boil them over a slow fire.

3 GO

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

The two first recipes are milder in their
operation than the last ; and are^ therefore,
jnore suitable for fresh wounds^ while the
last will be found preferable in cases of old
ulcers, obstinate cankers, &c.

OPIUM.

Opium 3 ounces.

Slice and put it in a pitcher, and pour a
j)int of boiling water upon it ; rub it well
against the bottom or side of the vessel till
dissolved ; then put the whole in a bottle,
and add

Rectified spirit of wine . 1 quart.

To be shaken every day for a week, and
then strained

EUPHORBIUM.

Gum euphorbium, in powder, 3 ounces

Camphor half-an-ounce

Gum myrrh, in powder, 1 ounce

Rectified spirit of wine . 1 pint
Prepared kali ... 1 ounce.

Mix all together, shake carefully once a
day, and let them stand in a gentle heat for
seven days ; then strain.

This is a powerful tincture for cleansing
old wounds, or carious substances.

ON THE DOCILITY, SAGACITY, AND ACHIEVEMENTS

OF THE HORSE.

The docility of this animal has been
already, though slightly, touched upon in
some of our preceding observations. In our
directions for riding it has been remarked,
that " a good-natured clever man may, with
great ease, teach a horse any thing." In-
deed, a horse is a tractable animal, and, when
properly managed, is truly submissive and
obedient It is to be regretted, that he is
sometimes exposed to the attacks of a cruel
master; recent examples having been made
of the wanton barbarity of drivers. Some
dispositions are certainly stubborn and vici-

ous, which render occasional castigation un-
avoidable, but gentle means are always better
than repetitions of severity

The late Philip Astley devoted above forty
years of his life-time to the training of horses,
and the docility of the animals under his care
was really wonderful ; they would perform
the figure of a minuet; lie down at the wo^d
of command ; and, during a sham battle, fall
as if dead, and not stir till they had permis-
sion. Gentle means, as already observed,
(p. 344;) were chiefly adopted for their in-
struction; but menaces, and an authoritative

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BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

361

.one first of all insured compliance : they
had an imperious master, who would suH'er
none of his servants to be idle, as the follow-
ing anecdote, (never before published, and
w hich was witnessed by the writer) will suffi-
ciently testify : —

Perceiving a man in his band suddenly
cease performing on his violin, Mr. Astley
exclaimed, "Sir, Sir! why are not you play-
ing ?" — " It is a rest," replied the man,
meaning a rest in music. "X rest!" ex-
claimed Mr. A. " but. Sir, I pay you a

weekly salary, and by I'll suffer no man

to rest that's in my employment." There is
no doubt but he was exceedingly kind to his
horses, but he certainly would not let them
rest till they performed their daily tasks.

Sagacity is the natural concomitant of do-
cility, and the horse is in many instances
remarkably sagacious : those constantly em-
ployed in mail-coaches, waggons, &c. require
little or no guidance ; they know their way
either backwards or forwards, and stop spon-
taneously at each place of destination. —
\Vhen unharnessed they will find their way
to their stable at the respective inns, and are
often permitted to go alone. If long accus-
tomed to a master or mistress, the horse will
become attached to the individual ; but this
attachment is of a more dignified nature than
a dogr's ; indeed, there is a consciousness of
dignity about the horse which sometimes
borders upon pride. He delights in gaudy
trappings ; and, it has been remarked, that the
horses used in herses frecpiently shake their
plumes with a supercilious air.

This docile and sagacious animal has had
the honor of lately treadinji: the boards of a
tlieatre royal ; Astley's horses, which had

3{)

acquired so much celebrity at the royal am-
phitheatre, Westminster-bridge, liaving been
engaged, at different periods, i)y the proprie-
tors of Covent-garden theatre, where they
were provided with every due accommoda-
tion. Some cavillers have deemed their
introduction on a regular staire as deroera-
tory to the legitimate drama. Those fasti-
dious critics should recollect, that a dog was
the hero of a piece at the late Drury-lane
theatre ; the principal character in Mr. Rey-
nolds's toflierj/entertainment of the "^Caravan."
having been ably supported by a fine New-
foundland dos:. The '' Do<«: of Montariris"
has also been recently the hero of " The
Forest of Bondy," at Covent-garden theatre.
" Timour the Tartar," written expressly for
the equestrian troop, is, as a literary produc-
tion, contemptible ; it is only a spectacle,
and, as such, was as much entitled to the as-
sistance of horses as of machinery, &c
" Blue-beard" is entirely indebted for its cele-
brity to the nursery tale, and was a very pro-
per vehicle for horses. The propriety of
introducing horses in " Lodoiska" may be
disputed; but as it was by the translator's
permission, (probably desire, for he pur-
posely made alterations in the piece) the
proprietors certainly did their duty, and were
remunerated for their trouble. The feats of
these animals drew crowded houses, and the
exhibition was the subject of surprise, as
well as the object of delight.

The dancins: do<js which Mr. Elliston in-
troduced to the public at his Olympic theatre,
and whose performances were very surprising,
were by no means so attractive as the eques-
trian troop : the conviction that these poor
aniinals had been tortured into compliance

369

IHfc COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

by their French masters^ considerably de-
ducted from the gratification which would
otherwise have been felt.

The horse is certainly the most useful of
all quadrupeds ; he gives rapidity to the
coach, and by him immense loads are con-
veyed to any distance.

Man is often indebted to this animal for
exercise and pleasure ; he slackens or hastens
his pace according to the will of his rider;
he is always an active assistant in hunting,
and sometimes in shooting ; he is the hero
of a race, and a delightful companion in tra-
velling ; he gives dignity to the equipages of
the great, and generally adds to the grandeur
of processions.

Horses, on account of their strength, for-
merly were objects of adoration, having been
worshipped by ancient kings, who are justly
censured by the royal psalmist for " putting
their trust in them." Though a useful and
valiant animal in the field of battle, yet many
a hero has escaped without any other loss
than that of having, perhaps, two or three
horses killed under him. They endure a
greater share of fatigue, and being bulky, their
existence is, consequently, more precarious.

Goldfinch, by Lop, the property of John
Turner, Esq. acquired great celebrity as a
hunter in the Mershem, or Jolliffe hunt. —
Sharke, got by Marsh, his dam by Snap,
grand-dam by Marlborough, brother to Ba-
hraham, out of a natural barb mare, was
renowned for his performances, which weie
deemed greater than any other horse's in
England. At three years old he beat Post-
master tor five hundred guineas: he received
from Prior two hundred guineas : he won
trom Jacinth three hundred guineas, at four

years old, (April 17, 1775) : he won a sweep-
stakes, (ten subscribers, two hundred guineas
each) ; and another, thirteen subscribers, one
hundred guineas, and a hundred of claret
each ; also the Clermont cup, value one hun-
dred and twenty guineas, and one hundred
guineas each, and a sweepstakes, (thirteen
subscribers, twenty-five guineas each.) He
won five hundred guineas from Cincinnatus,
and beat Johnny (six years old) for one thou-
sand guineas when five years old. He again
beat Postmaster for one thousand guineas,
and won a sweepstakes, (three subscribers,
one thousand guineas each). He beat Rakes
for one thousand guineas, and won of Levia-
than five hundred guineas, (July 8). He
received from Critic one thousanil guineas;
from Johnny five hundred ; and beat Fire-
away for three hundred guineas. At six years
old he walked over B. C. for one hundred
and forty guineas; he i-eceived from Levia-
than five hundred guineas, and again beaV
Leviatha7i for one thousand guineas, and He-
phestion for five hundred guineas. He won
ninety-two guineas for all ages when ten
horses started. He received one hundred
guineas compromise from Lord Grosvenor's
Mambrino; and when aged he beat Nut-
cracker a mile, f See the Plate.)

Dungannon, got by Eclipse, (an extraordi-
nary horse) was a most certain foal-getter ;
he got three colts to a filly; which, for their
uncommon strength, symmetry, and size,
were sold for five hundred guineas each.
This celebrated runnei is the size oi Lurcher,
Totteridge, Oatlands, &c. &c.

Flora, the property of Lord Darlington,
and of the old English breed, made a most
extraordinary leap over a hedge four ieet

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liRITISH SPORTSMAN.

363

high, with a ditch behinc' measuring seven
yards and three quarters in width, from the
top of the hed}^e.

Tramp, a bay horse, foaled iii 1810, vvas
bred by Richard Watt, Rsq., of Bishop
Burton, near Beverley, Yorkshire ; got by
Dick Andrews, and his dam, (bred by Lord
Egremont) by Gohanna, which was also tl)c
dam of Scamp. At IMalton, April 6, 1813,
Tramp won a sweepstakes of fifty guineas
each, beating Mr. Grimston's Dulcinea, by
Sancho, and Sir M. M. Sykes's Diabolus: on
the same day he won a sweepstakes of
twenty guineas each, (one mile and a half)
beating Mr. Morris's Luna, by Stamford, and
Mr. Dalrymple's Tombot/. At Beverley, June
2, he won a sweepstakes of twenty guineas
each, (one mile and a half) beating Mr. Harri-
son's Latona, Sir B. R. Graham's Bacchante,
and Sir M. M. Sykes's, br. c. by Sancho. At
York Spring Meeting, 1814, he won the gold
cup, value two hundred and twenty guineas,
(three miles) beating Viscounl, (five years i
old) Shepherd's Boy, (three years old) and
Mexico, (four years old.) At Beverley, May
26, he won the gold cup, value one hundred
and thirty guineas, (four miles) beating
H'oodman, and Sir B. R. Graham's b. c. On
the next day he beat Silston for bOl. At
York August Meeting, he was beat with
great difficulty for one of the great sub-
scription purses, by Prime Minister, but beat
Hocuspocus and Camcleopard. At Ponte-
fract, September 14, he won the gold cup,
value one hundred and twenty guineas (four
miles) beating X Y Z (six years old) and
Marciana (five years old.) At Doncaster,
September, he was beat for the Fitz-William
stakes, by Cation, but beat Cossack, Ranger,

and FairviUe. This was one of the fine.st
races ever seen, and won with the greatest
difficulty. The next day he won the Prince's
stakes of twenty-five guineas each, with
twenty-five guineas added (six subscribers)
beating Hocuspocus, by Quiz, Molincux, by
llamoletonian, Don Carlos, by Sir Charles,
and Itodrigo, by Sancho ; and, on the follow-
ing day, he won the gold cup, value one hun-
dred guineas and upwards, beating Lord Fitz-
William's Camelcopard, Mr. B\i\kc\ Sprightly,
and Sir W. Milner's Mamonne.

Tramp was beat twice when three years
old, which, with the above, constituted the
whole of his racing. The noted John Jack-
son rode him for all these races except the
cup at Doncaster, when James Garbutt rode,
owing to the former being above weight.

X Y Z, got by Haphazard, her dam by
.Sp«f/?7Ze, was bred by Ralph Riddell, Esq. of
Felton Park, Morbeth Northumberland, and
foaled in 1808. In 1811, A' Y Z won the
gold cup, value one hundred guineas, and
fifty guineas in specie, at Newcastle-upon-
Tyne, beating Engraver, Rover, and Pene-
lope. In 1812, at the same place, he beat
Merryfieldhr the four years' stakes, of twenty-
five guineas each; he won the gold cup, value
one hundred guineas, and forty guineas in
specie, beating Benedict and Geranium. At
Doncaster he walked over for a match of three
hundred guineas, againstMr. Hipkins's Yel-
low Blo.^som. At Richmond he won the gold
cup, valueone hundred guineas, with.'J9Z. lO.s.
added, beating Phantom, Cwric, Merryfi'-hl,
Heliantha, Salamanca, and Viscount. At Dur-
ham, in 1813, he won 70/. at three heats, beat-
ing Tilbury. AtNewcastle-upon-Tyne,he won
50/ beating Macaroni, Marksman, and Pigeon

364

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

The same week he won the gold cup, value
one himdred guineas^ and seventy guineas in
specie, beating Sligo, Agnes, Sorrel, and
Epicure. At Ormskirk he won the Loyalty
g-old cup, value one hundred guineas, and
ninety guineas in specie, beating Z)onJM//aw.
At Richmond he won the cup, value one
hundred guineas, and forty-three guineas
added, beating i/ocMspocws, Algernon, Trajon,
and Rodrigo. Next day he won two heats,
three miles each, (seven subscribers) a
stake of ten guineas^ with 50Z. added, beat-
ing Algernon, Catherine, and Cwrw. In
1814, X Y Z and Catton ran a dead-heat,
two miles and a quarter, for a stakes of
twenty-five guineas each, (six subscribers ;)
after the dead-heat the former received a com-
promise, and the latter walked over. He won
the gold cup, value one hundred guineas,
and sixty guineas in specie, beating Biddick
and SirC. Monck's bay colt. At Lamberton
he walked over for the gold cup, worth one
hundred guineas, four miles. At Richmond
he won the gold cup, with forty-four guineas,
beating Biddick, Crown-prince, Hocuspocus,
and Tempest. In 1815, he broke down in
running for the gold cup, at Newcastle-upon-
Tyne, against Biddick.

Viscount, got by Stamford, dam by Bour-
deaux, was bred by J. W. Childers, Esq. of
Cantley, near Doncaster, Yorkshire, and
foaled in 1809. In 1813, he won at Durham
70/. for all ages, three miles heat, at three
heats, beating Heliantha, Ravedine, Queri/,
and John Hutchinson. At Nottingham, he
won the members' plate of 50/. three years
old oolts, at three heats, one mile each,
beating Tom Tit, Raspberry, and a colt by
Orlando. At Pontefract he won the cup, value

one hundred and sixty guineas, beating Don
Julian, Biscuit, I'm-sure-he-shant, and Eurya-
lus. At Doncaster, he was purchased by Sir
William Maxwell for eight hundred guineas,
and won the 100/. for three years old, two
mile heats, beating, at three heats. Legerde-
main, Skip, Hermit, Navigator, Fitz Oliver,
Kid, Young Dclpini, TVisdom, and Sir Hed-
worth. In 1813, at Calerick Bridge, he won
a stakes of twenty guineas each, two miles,
(eight subscribers) beating X Y 2, Rebecca,
and Lord Belhaven's colt. At Durham, he
won the cup, value one hundred and twenty
guineas, three miles, beating XY B, JVrod-
man, Limblifter, Engraver, and Don Carlioso.
At Stockton, he won the cup, value one
hundred guineas, beating Macaroni. At Pres-
ton, he won the gold cup, value one hundred
guineas, with two hundred guineas in specie,
beating Catton, Uncle Dick, Manuella, and
Cwrw. At Pontefract, he won the cup, value
one hundred and forty guineas, beating ^Y
Y Z. At Doncaster, he won the Prince's
stakes, of twenty-five guineas each, with
twenty-five guineas added, beating Langold.
Next day he won the cup, value one hundred
guineas and upwards, beating Marciana,
Fugitive, Amadis de Gaul, Oriana's brother,
and Duke of Leeds's b. c. In 1815, he won
fifty guineas at the Caledonian hunt and
Dumfries races, at two heats, three miles
each, beating Swveyor, Arabella^, and Drou-
thy Kate.

Viscount was a superior runner at four
years old, till he met with an accident, which
caused firing necessary, after which he lost
his racing poweis.

Langton was bred by John Grunston, Esq.
of Neswick, near Beverley, Yorkshire, and

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

36i

foaled in 1802 : he vi'ds got by Precipitate,
and his dam, (vvhoalso bred Alonzo, Charlotte,
&c.) by Highjlicr. At Malton Craven Meet-
ing, 1805, he won a sweepstakes of twenty
gnineas each, beating Ti-ulh, Sir Riginald,
Laura, Norval, and two others. At Don-
caster he won \()Ql. beating-, at three heats.
Master Betty, Cleveland, Young Chariot,
Scampston, and Sir Andrew : he also received
forfeit from Lord F. G. Osborne's Don Felix,
and was sold to Mr. Howorth. At Bibbury,

1806, he won a sweepstakes of twenty-five
guineas each, with one hundred guineas
added by the club, (nine subscribers) beating
Pedestrian, and Bagatelle. At Oxford, he
won the cup of eighty guineas, beating Quiz
and Rumbo. Next day he won, at two heats,
two miles each, fifty guineas, beating Pan-
taloon. At Egham, he won a stakes of twenty
gumeas each, (five subscribers) beating Can-
didate. At Newmarket Craven Meeting,

1807, he won two hundred guineas, beating
Rosabella. First Spring Meeting, fifty guineas,
beating Charmer. Second Spring Meeting,
he received one hundred guineas from Pagoda.
Second October Meeting, he received forfeit
from Briscio, and was then sold to Lord
Jessey. At Newmarket July Meeting, 1808,
he won fifty guineas, beating Ned. In the
Houghton INIeeting, he won a stakes of one
hundred guineas each, (three subscribers)
beating Tot and Bramble. The same day he
beat Romeo for fifty guineas. The next day
he won 50/. beating York, Prospero, Rambler,
Cerberus, Pelisse, Htdley, Momentilla, Wea-
ver, and another. In the July Meeting,
1809, he received forfeit froui Podagra. He
won 50/. beating Vaniti/ and Norah. He re-
ceived forfeit from IVoodwill, that beat Juniper,

for one hundred guineas, and received forfeit
from Preek. In the Craven Meeting, 1810,
he won the third class of the Oatlands (four-
teen subscribers) beating Bulrush, Trump,
Mctevra, Ilylas, Thorn, Cecilia, Black Dia-
mond, ^scrdapius. Little Preston, and Sir
Edward. In the first Spring Meeting, he
won the gold cup, value eighty guineas, the
remainder in specie, (fourteen subscribers)
beating Invalid, Gundy, and several others.
First October Meeting, he won the trial stakes
often guineas each, beating Norval, Burleigh,
Deceiver, Benvolio, &c. In the Craven
Meeting, 1811, he beat Deceiver for one
hundred guineas. In the first Spring Meet-
ing, 1812, he won fifty guineas, beating
Bustler and Illumination ; and he beat Dis-
count for one hundred guineas.

Don Cossack, a black horse, foaled in
1810, got by Haphazard, his dam Aldcrney,
was bred by Lord Jersey, and sold to the
Honorable H. Villiers. He is sixteen hands
high, without white, excellent legs and feet
and of a courteous temper. In the Newmarket
Meeting, 1813, he won a stakes of one hun-
dred guineas each, (eight subscribers.) In
the Second Spring Meeting, he won two
hundred guineas. He beat Vidpecida for
one hundred guineas; also Handel for two
hundred guineas. In the July Meeting, he
beat Hj/daspes for two hundred guineas; next
day he won 50/. beating Onj/.x, Jubj/, Lama,
the Captain, and another. In the first Oc-
tober Meeting, he beat Idleboy for one hun-
dred guineas. In the Houghton fleeting,
he beat Hocuspocus for two hundred guineas.
In the first October Meeting, 1814, he won
oue third of a subscription of twenty-five
guineas each, (eighteen subscribers) beating
4z

366

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

ass:

Cannon-hail. In the Newmarket Craven j
Meeting, 1815, he won the third class of the
Oatlands, fifty guineas each, (ten subscribers)
beating Alcohol, Mermaid, and Fugitive. In
the first Spring Meeting, he won the king's
purse of one hundred guineas, beating Otter-
ington. In the second Spring Meeting, he
beat Charlotte for one hundred guineas. He
won the Jockey Club purse of sixty guineas,
beating Pericles, Oliver, and Greymarquis.
This was the last time of his starting.

To prove the sagacity of the horse, the
following: anecdote will be sufficient. At
the fair at Camberwell-grove, Surrey, August
21, 1816, a beautiful bay horse, the property,
as supposed, of a company of French eques-
trians, surprised and delighted every beholder.
The little animal was brought into the ring,
to exliibit his interesting tricks to the com-
pany which had paid to see him. At the
first word of command, he approached his
master, looked up in his face, and waited
for orders. " Come, Sir, prepare," said the
man, " take off your saddle." The pony
retired immediately to the outer circle of the
ring, or side, and applied his teeth to the
girths, which he unbuckled, and threw off
the saddle and saddle-cloth. "Now, Sir,"
said his instructor, "go round and ask some
lady or gentleman to lend you a pocket-
handkerchief" The pony walked slowly
round the ring, and stopping before a young
woman, bowed his head, and drew his off
fore-foot along the ground. The young lady
instantly held out a white handkerchief,
which the pony received with his teeth, and
conveyed to his master. The handkerchief
was thrown several times on the side, and
the animal on full speed picked it up ; on

one occasion, having missed it, he returned,
took it from the ground, and gave it to the
director. A small black pony was then
brought out, and placed across the outer cir-
cumference. The bay pony was commanded
to look at him, and to leap over his back.
The obedient little animal instantly perform-
ed the task, and afterwards leaped through
a hoop held over the black pony's back.

After several other tricks, this performer was
succeeded by an old cream-coloured horse,
which danced to the "Belleisle march" with
astonishing precision. At the conclusion of
the equestrian performance, not only the
three horses already mentioned, but several
others, fell down at the sound of a single
monosyllable, and counterfeited the appear-
ance of dead horses ; at another signal they
all rose again with the same facility.

Various other feats, of the most astonishing
description, are constantly performed by
horses, particularly Astley's equestrian troop
already noticed ; but the sagacity of the
Camberwell-fair horses was almost enough
to make the spectators believe the statement
of a celebrated authoress ; namely, that
horses and dogs are capable, with due in-
struction, of performing characters in our
best pantomimes and melo-dramas. Whe-
ther or not the instruction of these horses
was attended with that severity which, ac-
cording to report, accompanied the tuition
of the dancing dogs, exhibited by a French
master, it is impossible to ascertain

A stallion, belonging to Mr. Mac Meekan,
of Balmay, in Galloway, on going its rounds
in Annandale, happened to be placed in the
stable of a farmer in Hoddam, along with
some other animals of the species, amongst

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

567

which was a mare big- witli foal. In the
middle of the night his keeper, who lay in a
room adjoining the stable, hearing a noise
and conimotion among the horses, rose, and
roused the farmer, with whom he proceeded
to the stable, where, to tlieir great conster-
nation, they found the mare broken loose
from her halter, and in the same stall with
the stallion. Their fears for the safety of
the mare were, however, quite unfounded.
The horse was standing close to one side of
his stall, as if to make room for his female
friend, and was eyeing her with a look of
extraordinary gentleness and complacency.
But the surprise of the spectators was greatly
increased, when they observed that the mare
had just foaled, and that the foal had wan-
dered from the stall of his dam, and was
l)ing quietly below the belly of the stallion,
whilst the generous animal had placed him-
self, with evident intention, in such a situa-
tion as to avoid injuring it.

Race-horses of former days certainly car-
ried less weight than those of the present :
when the Derby stakes were first established
at Epsom, the weight then carried was but
eight stone, or eight stone two pounds ; but
now it has progressively increased to eight
stone seven pounds; and it has likewise
progressively risen both in the gold cup
and St. Leger stakes at Doncaster, and in a
variety of other stakes.

The following perilous equestrian feat
took place, October 10, 1815:— T. Poole,
Esq. of Hadgrove, Sussex, undertook, for a
wager of fifty guineas, to ride down the
steepest part of the Devil's dyke, near Brigh-
ton, on horseback ; a descent, at least, of
tnree hundred yards, and in many places

almost vertical ; this dangerous task Mr.
Poole (not only one of the most daring, but
one of the best riders in the country; per-
formed on the appointed day with the great-
est ease, in the presence of a field of nearly
one hundred sportsmen. In the descent, he
was allowed to diverge ten yards only to the
right or left of the starting point ; but so
nearly straight was his progress, that he did
not deviate more than three feet at most from
the line. He rode an aged mare of his own,
who rapidly executed her task, galloping
with her fore-feet, and sliding upon her
hocks, no less to the astonishment than gra-
tification of all present

About twenty years before, Lady Worsley
is stated to have accomplished the same task
on her hunter, after the hounds, but no one
of the field had the courage to follow her.

Colonel Way, of the 29th regiment, came
into the possession of two horses, Stitcarrow
and Black Jack, whose histories are remark-
able : —

Suzfarrow was once the property of the
grand-vizier of the Turkish empire, who,
having been killed in battle, was taken by
the enemy, and became the favorite charger
of the great Russian general Field-marshal
Count Suwarrow, who, for his gallant con-
duct in Italy, was surnamed Italinski. (See
Gifford's History of the Wars of the French
Revolution.) After the death of that illus-
irious commander, Suicarrow was brought
to England by the Russian ambassador, who
gave him to Lord Sheffield, and his lordship
dfterwards presented him to his nephew.
Colonel Way

Black Jack formerly belonged to the Hon
Colonel Augustus Lake, of the 29th regiment.

:?68

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

who at. the action of Roleia, in Portugal,
lent him to Colonel Way; but the horse he
was niinself mounted on having been killed
by a cannon-ball, in the heat of the battle.
Colonel Way returned him to Colonel Lake.
Shortly after this. Colonel Lake was killed
by a musket-shot, while gallantly fighting at
the head of the 29th grenadiers, and Black
Jack was taken prisoner, and became the
property of a French general, from whom
Colonel Way bought him, soon after the
memorable convention of Cintra, and since
I ode him at the battles of the Douro, Busaco,
Talavera, and Albuera ; at the last of which,
the colonel having been severely wounded,
this fine charger narrowly escaped being
a second time taken prisoner by the French.

Suwarrow and Black Jack having entirely
escaped from the fatigues of war, contracted
the strictest friendship for each other; for if
separated for even a moment, they expressed
the greatest impatience, by neighing and
restlessness.

Cardinal York, a brown horse, foaled in
1804, got by Sir Peter Teazle, his dam
Charmer, and bred by Edward EUerker, Esq.
of Hart, Hartlepool, Durham, was bought at
Mr. Ellerker's sale of the stud at Doncaster,
for two hundred and fifty guineas. At York
Spring Meeting, 1807, he won the twenty
guineas stakes, for three years old colts, one
mile and three quarters, (ten subscribers)
beating Hj/las, Grey Knowsley, Whitenose,
Windle, Rossington, and Sir H. T. Vane's
b. t by Phenomenon. In the York August
Meeting, he won a sweepstakes of thirty
guineas each, twenty guineas forfeit, for three
years old colts, beating Comrade, and Lord
Darlington's colt, by Archduke. In the

Newcastle-upon-Tyne Meeting, 1808, he
won a sweepstakes of twenty guineas each,
for four years old colts, four miles, (five sub-
scribers) beating Oran and Sylvio. He won
the king's purse of one hundred guineas,
four miles, beating Ranger. He also won
the gold cup, value one hundred guineas,
with forty guineas in specie, three years old,
four miles, beating Harmless, Cramlinglon,
Sinasher, Mark Anthony, and Lysandcr. In
1809 he won sixty-two pounds twelve shil-
lings, four miles, beating Little Fanny and
Cramlington. He also won the king's purse
of one himdred guineas, beating Mowbray ;
the gold cup, value one hundred guineas,
with forty guineas in specie, four miles,
beating Julius Ccesar and Cramlington. T'nis
was a very great betting race, and the friends
of Julius Ccesar lost their money to a consi-
derable amount.

At Richmond, Cardinal York won the gold
cup, value one hundred guineas, with forty
guineas added, four miles, beating Moiobray,
Rosette, Swijtsure, Ceres, and Lingadel. This
was a very fine race, and won with great
difficulty. It was the last time of his appear-
ing in public as a racer.

Cation, a bay-horse, foaled in 1809, got
by Golumpus, his dam Lucy Gray, by Timo-
thy, was bred by Messrs. W. Horsley and
S. King, whose propeity he was till 1811,
having been then sold to the Earl of Scar-
borough ; in the York August Meeting, 1812,
he won a sweepstakes of fifty guineas each,
for three years old colts, two miles, (nine
subscribers) beating Langold, Boadicea, Eu-
ryalus, !2igr.ag, and Don Carlos. In the
York Spring Meeting, 1813, he ran second
to Sligo, for a sweepstakes of twenty guiiieas

BRITISH SPORTSiMAN.

3(59

each, two miles, beatiii}^ Geranium, Langold,
Mowbraj/, OUerington, and CasloJ/'. At tlie
same meeting;, he ran second to Sligo for the
Constitution stakes of twenty guineas each,
beating Geranium, Otteringlon, Fugitive,
Salamanca, JMr. Gascoign's b. c. by Sancho,
Duke of Leeds' b. f. by Bcningbrough, and
Sir M. INI. Sykes's sister to Prime Minister.
Next day he won seventy poiuids, at two
trials, for all ages, three miles, beating Na-
vigator, Manuclla, and Mr. Brade's b. f. by
Diamond. This was easily won.

At York August Meeting, Catton won the
king's purse of one hundred guineas, four
miles, beating Olterington and Knight Er-
rant. At Doncaster he won a sweepstakes
of fifty guineas each, (si.x subscribers) beating
Algernon. Next day he won the hundred
pound purse at two heats, two miles, beating
Ploughboj/, Ml-. Garforth's g. f. by Sancho,
Lord Belhaviii's b. c. by Master Robert, and
Diabolun This was easily won.

In the York Spring Meeting, 1814, Catton
ran second to Cannon-ball (or the Constitution
stakes, of twenty guineas each, for all ages,
one mile and a quarter, beating Mr. Vernon's
b. c. by Newcastle, Catherine, and Viscount.
At Newcastle he ran a doad-heat w ith A' YZ,
for the Northumberland stakes, of tueniy-five
guineas, for all ages, two miles and a quar-
ter, (six subscribers) beating Agnes, Sorrel,
and Lobo. After the dead-heat X F Z re-
ceived a compromise, and Catton walked
over. In the York August Meeting, ne won
another of the great subscription-purses of
two hundred and seventy-seven pounds ten
shillings, four miles, (thirteen subscribers)
beating Slap. Next day he won another of
the great subscription-purses of two hundred |

31

and seventy-seven pounds ten shillings, four
miles, beating Kpperston and Woodman.

At Doncaster, Catton won the Pitz-Wil-
liam stakes, of ten guineas each, with twenty
guineas added, (seven subscribers) beating
Tramp, Cossack, Ranger, and Fuircillc. V\v.
also won the stakes of ten guineas, vvitli
twenty guineas added, four miles, (thirteen
subscribers) beating Fugitive, and Mr. T.
Duncombe's b. c. by Chance. This was
easily won.

At York Spring Meeting, 1815, Catton
won the gold cup, value one hundred and
fifty guineas, with thirty guineas in specie,
three miles, beating Rosanne, Mr. Garforth's
grey f. by Hambletonian, and Marciana.
Won in a canter. Next day he won the
Constitution stakes of twenty guineas each,
(fourteen subscribers) beating William, and
Miss Cannon, (sister to Canno7i-ball.) At
York August Meeting he won a subscription
of twenty-five guineas, two miles, (eleven
subscribers) beating Altisidora and Viscount
He also won one of the great subscription-
purses of two hundred and seventy-seven
f)ounds ten shillings, beating Altisidora. At
Doncaster he won the gold cup, value one
hundred guineas and upwards, beating Ever-
lasting, Marciana, Fulford, Legacy, and Fu-
gleman. He also won the Doncaster stakes
of thirty guineas, with twenty guineas added.,
(thirteen subscribers) beating Altisidora.

In 1816, at York Spring Meeting, Catton
won tiu' guiii cup, value one hundred guineas,
witii twenty guineas in specie, beating Ful-
ford, King Coil, Arcot Lass, Mr. Gurforth's
gr. c. by Camillus, and Everlasting. At
Newcastle he \\on the gold cup, value one
hundred guinea; wiih thirty guineas in
5 A

3'i(i

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

specie, beating Shepherd. At York August
Meeting- he won tlie subscription-purse of
twenty-five guineas each, (eleven subscri-
bers) beating Sir M. M. Sykes's b. f. by Ca-
millus, and the Duke of Leeds's b. c. by Or-
ville. He also walked over for one of the
great subscription-purses of two hundred and
seventy-seven pounds ten shillings, four miles,
and won the Doncaster stakes of ten guineas
each, with twenty guineas added, (thirteen
subscribers) beating Dinmonl. He started
only once after, and was beat by Rasping.

Partisan, a bay horse, foaled in 1811, won
a great dea] of money. Whalebone, foaled
in 1807, won several stakes, and was sold
at Mr. Ladbroke's sale, in 1814, for five
hundred and ten guineas. Biddick (already
mentioned) obtained some prizes, and was
purchased by Colonel Whaley, having been
bred by Mr. W. Edwards. Blucher, a bay
horse, foaled in 1811, was remarkable for
his achievements; also Whisker, foaled in
1812. cum multis aliis.

A singular instance of the courage of a
race-horse occurred during the race for the
Members* Plate, at Salisbury., August 17,

IS 14. Mr. Radcliife's ^/jecwZator, shortly after
starting, broke down, notwithstanding which,
although he had nearly two miles to run, and
gave the filly Amanda forty pounds, after a
severe struggle he ran a dead-heat with her.

In December, 1815, Lord Carmarthen,
son of the Duke of Leeds, whilst hunting
with his father's hounds in the neighbour-
hood of Hornby Castle, Yorkshire, leapt a
brook which was bank full ; and on being
measured the next day from hind -foot to
foot, it was twenty-six feet nine inches. His
grace, though known to be a superior horse-
man, did not venture over it ; neither did the
huntsman, nor whipper-in, or indeed any
other person in the field. Lord Carmarthen
was on PhilUpic, an excellent hunter, and
when two years old was one of the most
speedy horses of his age.

It is recorded of the Roman emperor Helio-
gabulus, that he was so passionately fond of
one of his horses, that he actually created
him Consul of Rome, and gave him a stately
palace, with a magnificent set of apartments
richly furnished, and a suite of household
officers and attendants to wait on hira

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1

BRITISH SPOinSMAN.

371

ON THE DOG.

AS do^fs are always the companions of
horses, in the chase, shootinj"', &c. a general
description of this animal cannot be unac-
ceptable to ihe lovers of sport. For docility
and sagacity the dog is equal to the horse ;
for fidelity he may be thought superior, as
the horse is subject to many masters during
his life-time, which must prevent a perma-
nent attachment. The horse and dog are
equally celebrated for their speed, but the
former depends upon his strength, and the
latter upon his scent. Some assert, that the
dog is the most intelligent of all quadrupeds,
and one of the most useful servants ; it is
certainly the most sincere. The dog, in-
dependent of the beauty of his formation,
his almost invariable vivacity, his strength
and swiftness, has all the interior qualities
which can attract the attention and esteem
of man. When once domesticated, he al-
most instantly (and as it were instinctively)
exerts his talents in the execution of his
office ; with the utmost humility in his man-
ner, and penetrative property in his eye, he
approaches his master at every interval of
possibility, and submissively obtruding him-
self on his attention, endeavours to demon-
strate the powers he possesses, and only
waits his master's orders to bring them into
use. When the attention, thus solicited, is
obtained, he watches every look and actioru

that he may the better conceive the intents
and suggestions, or anticipate the wishes,
of his master, it being evidently the sole
happiness of his life to execute his commands.
In every action he is all zeal, all obedience,
and all gratitude; more sensible of favours
spontaneously conferred, than of injuries ill
deserved, he very soon forgets the latter, but
never fails to remember the former. If re-
proof or correction be injudiciously offered,
or unjustly administered, he seldom, if ever,
gives proof of pusillanimity in running away
to avoid the punishment, but opposes pati-
ence to persecution, and submissively licks
the hand by which the blows are inflicted.

A natural share of courage, and an angry
and ferocious disposition, render this animal,
in a savage state, a formidable enemy to the
different tenants of the forest : these qualities,
how ever, give way to others of a very differ-
ent complexion in a domestic dog, whose
oidy ambition seems to be a desire to please.
He is always assiduous in seeking his master,
and kind only to his friends ; to all the rest
he is indifferent, and declares himself opeidy
against such as appear to be dependant like
himself. He knows a beggar by his clothes,
his voice or his gestures, and generally for-
bids his approach with marks of indignation ;
at night, when the guard of the house is
committed to his care, he seems proud ot

372

THE COAJPLETE FARRIER; and

the charge : he continues a watchful senti-
iie\, goes his rounds, scents strangers at a
distance^ and, by barking, gives them notice
of his being upon duty: if they attempt to
break in, he becomes fiercer, threatens, flies
at them, and either conquers alone, or alarms
those who have most interest in coming to
his assistance. When he has torn from the
intruders what they were endeavouring to
steal, he quietly repasses by the spoil, and,
if eatable, will not touch it even to satisfy
hunger : the flock and herd are even more
obedient to the voice of the dog than to that
of the shepherd or herdsman ; he conducts
them, guards them, and keeps them from ca-
priciously seeking danger, and their enemies
he considers as his own. Nor is he less
useful in the chase, when the sound of the
horn, or the voice of the huntsman, calls him
to the field : he testifies his pleasure by
every little art, and pursues, with unwearied
perseverance, those animals of which, when
taken, he never expects to participate.

THE TEETH.

A dog lias si.\ cutting teeth in the upper
jaws, those at the sides longer than the in-
termediate ones, which are pointed, and in
the under jaw six cutting teeth, the lateral
bemg pointed. He has, besides, four canine
teeth, one on each side, both above and
below, and six or seven grinders.

FOOD.

Though a carnivorous animal, the dog
will not eat indiscriminately of every animal
substance : he will refuse tnt, bones of a
goose, crow, or hawk, as well a* the flesh of
his own species, which can be cooked in no

manner whatever to deceive him. He will
feed on most other animal substances, whe-
ther fresh or putrid ; and will eat fruits, suc-
culent herbs, and bread of all sorts. His
digestive powers are so great that he draws
nourishment from the hardest bones. He
eats very greedily, and, if allowed, will fre-
quently gorge till he is sick, particularly of
horse-flesh. His excrements, after eatiii"-
bones, are hard and white, and were formerly
used by physicians as a septic, but are now
in no repute.

PECULIAR HABITS.

When a dog is faligued, he hangs his
tongue out of his mouth, hut never perspires.
When about to lie down, he turns himself
round several times, and, if uneasy, will rise
and alter his position. He sleeps little, and
in his sleep seems to hear as acutely as if
awake, and he may be frequently heard to
whimper when asleep. If his excrements
fall on vegetables, they generally destroy
them, and the same may be said of his urine^
which will cause leather to rot. The dog,
however, is very particular in his choice of
places, and mostly throws his dung where it
can do no injury: thistles, high stones, and
the roots of trees, seem to be his favorite
resorts for this purpose. Till he is a year
old he crouches his hinder parts to eject his
urine ; but after the age of twelve months he
throws it out sideways, by raising his leg
against a wall, tree, &c. and whenever he
comes to a place where anothei dog has
ejected, he never fails to do the same: in-
deed, he seldom or never passes a spot to
which he has been accustomed without pay-
ing it the usual compliment. A dog .soon

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

373

acquires the knowledge of his name, and
will answer to it though it comes from a
stranger's mouth. Names for dogs or bitches
are according to fancy; in like manner,
names are given to horses and mares : it is,
therefore, ridiculous to swell out a work of
this nature w ith a list of chosen epithets, and
proper appellations.

THE WILD DOG,

Such as he was before he was domesticated
by man, is at present utterly unknown, yet
many, from a domestic state, when abandon-
ed or lost by their masters, in foreign coun-
tries, have turned savage, and entirely pursue
the dictates of nature. They are, however,
easily tamed : if taken home and treated
with kindness they quickly become submis-
sive and familiar, differing, in this respect,
from the fox and the wolf, who, though taken
ever so young, are gentle only while cubs,
and as they grow older give themselves up
to their natural appetites of rapine and
cruelty.

The varieties of this animal are numerous :
climate, food, education, and other circum-
stances, make strong impressions upon him,
and produce alterations in the size and figure
of the body, in the length of the nose, in the
shape of the head, in the length and direc-
tion of the ears and tail, in the colour, the
quantity and quality of hair : in short, the
faculty of being all capable of engendering
together, renders no particular species in the
aggregate of Varieties thus produced con-
stant or invariable. On this account dogs
are supposed to have been originally of one
kind, and Buffbn, Goldsmith, and other emi-
nent natuialists suppose

31.

THE SHElMIEKD's DOG
To have been the stem t'lom whence all the
present ninnerous branches have sprung.
This is a very common dog, with long coarse
liair, pricked ears, a long nose; and takes his
name from being principally cm|)loyed in
guarding and attending sheep. Peculiar
circumstances, indeed, authorise the belief of
this being the primitive canine animal. In
countries still savage, or but half civilized
the most prevailing kind of dogs reseml)les
the shepherds. The wild dogs in America
and Congo approach this form. A stronger
similitude to the shepherd's dog appears in
those of Siberia, Lapland, and Iceland, the
Cape of Good Hope, Madagascar, Calicut,
and Malabar, they having all a long nose
and pricked ears. In Guinea the dog very
speedily takes this form ; at the second or
third generation he forgets to bark, his ears
and his tail becomes pointed, and his hair
drops off, while a thinner and coarser kind
supplies its place. The shepherd's dog,
when removed from a savage state, and
transported into temperate climates, will
soon be divested of its ferocious air, his
pricked ears, his rough, long, and thick haii,
and will produce a different offspring. This
species, however, abounds in mild countries,
particularly among those who prefer utility
to beauty.

But it may be asked, if the shepherd's dog
were the original species, whence proceeded
all the different branches, or how were ever
the present varieties propagated ? The an-
cients asserted that the wolf and dog would
breed tojrether, and some modern writers
are of the same opinion. The celebrated
John Hunter declared, that the jackall and
5 B

374

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

the (ox, as well as the wolf, would engen-
der with the dog-. Mr. Thonihill has sup-
ported this doctrine. Buffon, the French
naturalist, however, has contradicted it, be-
cause all his endeavours to induce the dog
and the wolf, or the dog and the fox, to
engender had been ineffectual. But num-
berless experiments are required for decisive
proofs; they must not only be long separated
from their own species, before genial desire
can be excited, but various dispositions and
climates must be tried. There have been,
it is well known, instances of more unnatural
connections than these, but the non-fre-
quency of them renders them incredible.
As the shepherd's dog is, in Buftbn's opinion,
the original stem, doubtless the ancients
were more fortunate in their experiments
than he was

THE MASTIFF.

This dog is said to be a mongrel generated
between the Irish grey-hound and the bull-
dog; and thought to be an immediate de-
scendent of the shepherd's dog. This, how-
ever, is all conjecture ; and when it is con-
sidered that the mastift' is a more dignified,
stately, and attracting object than either of
lis supposed parents, and that so far back
IS the time of the Roman emperors the
mastiffs of Great Britain were noted for their
innate courage and instinctive ferocity, we
may. with greater probability of truth, es-
teem them a distinct breed, and chiefly na-
nves of England. This dog is principally
kept for the protection of large and extensive
premises, and he is so forcibly impressed
with the magnitude of his charge, that only
the loss of life can deprive him of the trust

which is placed under his care. NotwitJi-
standing his terrific appearance, and menac-
ing looks to strangers, he is, to his master
and friends, as mild in his manners, and as
grateful and solicitous of attention, as the
most diminutive of the canine race. Their
ferocity can always be increased or dimi-
nished by the degree of restraint in which
they are kept : Those constantly chained
are more dangerous to approach than those
which are accustomed to their liberty. Du-
ring his nocturnal guard the mastiff gives
notice of the least alarm, as it is the peculiar
practice of this dog always to bark before
he bites. The genuine old English mastiff
is rarely to be seen, as the breed has been
contaminated by various intermixtures. In
its original state the mastiff' is far superior in
height, size, bone, and strength, to the bull-
dog: the ears more pendulous; the counte-
nance commanding, and the eyes fiercely
expressive.

THE BULL DOG,

So called from its natural antipathy to the
bull, and formerly held in high estimation
for the cruel and vulgar sport of bull-baiting.
This particular race is acknowledged to have
been a native of Britain, and to have stood
in an equal degree of originality with the
shepherd's dog and the Irish greyhound.
Though placidly serene and inoffensive in a
state of domestication, still it bears a most
terrific appearance ; a suspicious and design-
ing leer; a tiger-like shortness of the head;
a ferocious under-hung jaw; a corresponding
width of the forehead ; a distension of the
nostrils, and an almost constant exhibition of
the teeth. This breed is not so numerous, or

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

373

so nicely attended to as formerly, on account
of the decline of hull-baiting, a once fa-
vorite but inhuman amusement, productive of
serious consequences, and which has been
the occasion of a great number having been
purchased for transportation to other coun-
tries, foi which enormous prices have been
given. The bull-dog, unlike the mastifi",
always bites before he barks; and such is
this animal's ferocity, and thirst of blood,
that when once exasperated by his opponent,
or encouraged by his master, no pain or
punishment will prevent him from pursuing,
and endeavouring to subdue, the object of
his resentment.

When bull-baiting was more in fashion
than it is, an amateur of this " sublime and
beautiful" amusement proposed a wager,
" that he would, at four distinct intervals,
deprive the animal of one of his feet by am-
putation, and that, after every individual de-
privation, he should attack the bull with his
previous ferocity, and continue to do so on
his stumps." This shocking experiment was
made, and the inhuman master won a trifling-
wager : this is an authenticated fact.

Some years ago, a bull-dog was exhibited
that would jump through a balloon of fire,
surrounded with fire-works. The bull, when
master of his horns (of which he used to be
deprived, in order to render the amusement
more gralijj/ing) is capable of giving his an-
tagonist severe tosses.

Uogs frequently supply the place of horses in
foreign regions: numerous packs are used for
draughts, particularly by the Kainptshadales,
and the Ostiaks, by the eastern Samoycues,
the Tunguses, and b) some siems of the
Mandshuses ; an employment to which they

ti

are destined even amongst the Ruf'.sians in
the government of Irkutsk, where, in some
places, they are used instead of post-horses :
the chief of these dogs is supposed to be a
descendant of

THE WOLF-DOG,

Which is a native of Pomerania, and there
called the Pomeranian dog. In England
the wolf-dog is more familiarly known by
the name of the fox-dog, by the aflinity
which he bears to that animal about the
head.

The Kamptshadale dog (where the breed
of this animal is of great importance) is, in
size and shape, little different from the large
Russian boor-do";, but his manners are almost
totally changed by the course of diet, train-
ing, and treatment. These dogs are held to
be the best and most long-winded runners
of all the Siberian dogs ; and their spirit is so
great that they fritiuently dislocate their
joints in drawing, and their hair is often
tinged with red from the extravasation of
blood, occasioned by violent exertions : they
possess so much strength that four of them
(wliich are commonly harnessed to a sledge)
will draw, with ease, three full grown per-
sons, with a pood and a half of luggage.
The ordinary loading of four dogs amounts
to five or six poods, and a single man can, in
this manner, in bad roads, go thirty or forty,
but in good roads from eighty to one hun-
dred and forty versts in a day. The deep
snow w hich the dosrs run over without break-
ing in, the steep mountains and narrow passes
in the vallies, the thick impassable forests,
the numerous streams and brooks tliat are
either not at all, or but slightly, frozen over.

376

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

and the storms which drift the snow, would
prevent the travelling with horses, had they
ever so many of them, in winter at least ;
and it is, therefore, very probable, that the
dog, even under the highest pitch of cultiva-
tion to which Kamptschatka can attain, would
be always the principal and most serviceable
animal for draught. Accordingly, the taste
for dogs here is as great as for horses else-
where; and considerable sums are not unfre-
quently expended in the purchase of them,
iind on the elegance of their trappings.
The choice is generally made of such as
have high legs, long ears, a sharp muzzle, a
broad crupper, a thick head, and who dis-
cover great vivacity.

THE GREENLAND DOG

Also supplies the place of a horse, and is
of wolfish descent. This breed are gene-
rally beyond the line of mediocrity in size,
are usually white, with a black face, not un-
frequently piebald, rarely all brown or black,
but sometimes entirely white ; they have
sharp noses, hair thick and wavy, inclining
to a twisty curl, short ears, and an oblique
curvature in the tail. They swim most ad-
mirably, and will hunt individually, or in a
body, the Arctic fox, seals on the ice, and
the Polar bear; they are universally admit-
ted to be exceedingly fierce, and, in the
manner of wolves, fly upon any of the few
domestic animals which have been carried
into that country. The natives always travel
in sledges, which are drawn by these dogs.
The length of the body of the sledge is
about four feet and a half, and the breadth
one foot : it is made m the form of a cres-
cent of light tough wood, fastened together

with wicker work ; and those of the princi-
pal people are elegantly stained with red
and blue, the seat being covered with furs,
or bear-skins. It has four legs, about two
feet in height, resting on two long flat
pieces of wood, of the breadth of five or six
inches, which extend a foot beyond the body
of the sledge at each end. These turn up
before, something like a skait, and are shod
with the bone of a sea animal ; the carriage
is ornamented at the fore-part with tas-
sels of coloured cloth and leather thongs ; it
has a cross-bar, to which the harness is
joined, and links of iron, or small bells, are
hanging to it, which, by the jingling, is sup-
posed to encourage the dogs. They seldom
carry more than one person at a time, who
sits aside, with his feet on the sledge, having
his baggage and provisions in a bundle be-
hind him. The usual number of dogs em-
ployed in drawing this carriage is four, but
five are occasionally used. The reins being
fastened to the collar instead of the head,
have no great command, and are, therefore,
usually hung upon the sledge, the driver
depending principally upon their obedience
to his voice. Great care and attention are
necessary in training up the leader, which,
consequently, becomes valuable on account
of his steadiness and docility. The driver
has also a crooked stick, answering the pur-
pose of both whip and reins, and which, by
striking in the snow, he can regulate the
speed of the dogs, or stop them at pleasuie.
When they are inattentive to their duty he
often chastises them, by throwing it at them,
but recovers the stick with wonderful dexte-
rity.

Though dogs may be seen at harness iu

imiTlSU SPORTSMAN.

377

all parts of the Hague, tugging- at barrows
and little carts: iu other places they are
doomed to lead a more inactive life ; some
are supported for no other purpose than ex-
ternal parade, to run before or after the
equipages of their lords or ladies ; the most
famous of this sort is

THE DALMATIAN,

Said to have been originally natives of
Dalmatia, a district in European Turkey,
bounded on the west by the gulf of Venice,
and from whence, it is presumed, the breed
was formerly transported to France, England,

&c. The sole destination of the Dalmatian
is the individual attendance upon, and the
protection of, the horses and carriage to
which he belongs. He always contributes
to the splendour of a stable establishment,
and the carriage is never brought into use
without his appearing in his oflicial capacity;
his attendance upon the horses, when in
a state of inactivity, and his exulting con-
sciousness of dignity in preceding the
carriage, constitute his whole employ and
happiness. This is a j)retty spotted animal,
and the most inoffensive of the canine
race.

ON THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF DOGS USED IN THE

CHASE.

* ♦

The great variety of hounds with which
the country formerly abounded, has been, by
experimental crosses of succeeding genera-
tions, considerably reduced, and now consists
ofnve distinct kinds,individually appropriated
to the pursuit of the stag, the fox, and the
hare, and known by the names of stag-
hounds, fox-hounds, harriers, greyhounds,
and beagles : the terrier is also occasionally
employed.

STAG-HOUND.

This majestic animal is the largest and

most powerful of all the different sizes of that
species of dogs, distinguished by the sport-
ing appellation of hounds. It possesses a
countenance dignified and serene, and is ex-
ceedingly high in estimation. Naturalists
of the first celebrity have considered the
hound, harrier, turnspit, water-dog, and
spaniel, to have been of the same race, as
they differ only in the length of their legs,
and size of their ears. The stag-hound,
now in use for the pursuit of deer, originated
from the fox-hound and ihe blood-hound.
The original stock of blood-hounds exceeded

5 c

378

THE COMPLETE FARRIER:

AND

in size, strength, and courage, every other
kind of hound in existence : they were seldom
brought into the chase, or employed in the
sports of the field, but kept entirely for the
purposes of detection. Indeed, in less en-
lightened times, a degree of fabulous cer-
tainty was ascribed to them in the pursuit
and seizure of murderers, robbers, and de-
predators ; but their success entirely de-
pended upon their being laid with expedition
upon the scent, or footsteps, of the offender,
whom it was deemed expedient thus to hunt.
The blood-hound, according to literary
records, was from seven to twenty inches
high, of substantial and muscular form ; the
face wide upon the forehead, gradually nar-
rowing to the nose ; the countenance ex-
pressive ; the nostrils expansive ; the ears
large, soft, and pendulous, broad at the base,
and narrowing to the tip ; the tail long, with
an erective curve, particularly when in pur-
suit, and the voice awfully loud and deep.
This breed is still preserved, and held in the
highest estimation, in Cuba and other islands ;
and, like horses, have been brought into the
field of battle, particularly in the late Maroon
wars. The great and distinguished pecu-
liarity of the blood-hound to our sporting
predecessors was, his infallibility in tracing
to its final resort any animal that had been
taken on for a mile or two ; the dog having
been led to the spot from whence it had been
previously drawn, and there encoin-aged to
enjoy, and carry on the scent : let it be ob-
served, however, that this preclusive cere-
moiiy took place, accompanied with a
seasoned, staunch, old hound, from whose
age and experience the newly entered dog
derived knowledge and assistance during the

drag-chase; and, at its termination, thev
were regaled with the venison they had
hunted, as a reward for their labour, and an
excitement to future service.

When blood -hounds were in general use
in this kingdom, deer stealing was such a
prevalent crime, that the forest and park-
keepers were chiefly employed in perpetual
watching, and nocturnal warfare : these
hounds were then so regularly trained and
accustomed to the practice, that when once
laid upon the scent, they closely and invaria-
bly adhered to it, and though tedious and
difficult the pursuit, detection was inevitable
From this infallible instinct they acquired
the name of blood-hounds.

From the best authorities, we find that the
sports of the chase are of ancient date ; but
the pages of history do not transmit the
exact period of the progressive ages in which
hunting had attained its present state of un-
precedented perfection. A writer of some
celebrity has observed, that the original ar-
dour for prey has formed an union between
the dog, the horse, the falcon, and man.
This association will, no doubt, be perma-
nent ; yet the pleasures of hunting have
been censured, and deemed barbarous, by
those who possess or affect nice and refined
feelings ; but let those punctilious moralists
recollect, that this recreating diversion is
authorised by the sacred scriptures. In the
twenty-seventh chapter of Genesis we find
that Esau was accu.stomed to hunt for veni-
son ; he took " his weapons, his quiver, and
his bow, and >vent out to the field, and ob-
tained it." Hence it appears, that hunting
was a practice in the primitive ages, and
though originally assumed as a natural right

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

379

yet there is scarcely a country that has not
found it necessary to restrain by laws tliis
disposition, lest it should be followed with
an avidity injurious to individuals, as well as
to the general interests of society. The
liberty of the chase has, therefore, had re-
strictions introduced from almost the earliest
ages ; and kings and princes have succes-
sively augmented their assumed rights in
hunting, and, at length, excluded their
nobles and dependants from this privilege,
unless permission be granted under certain
conditions. In the days of Canute, the
hunting or coursing a royal stag by a free-
man, was punished with the loss of liberty
for a year ; and if by a bondman, he w as
outlawed. So severe were the forest-laws
introduced by William the Conqueror, that
the death of a beast of chase was deemed
equally criminal with the murder of a man ;
and among other punishments for offences
against these laws (which were afterwards
repealed by Richard 1.) were, castration,
loss of eyes, and cutting off both hands and
feet. Queen Elizabeth was rapturously fond
of the chase, and frequently followed the
hounds, as remarked in Mr. Roland White's
letter to Sir Robert Sidney, wherein he ob-
served, that "her majesty is well and excel-
lently disposed to hunting, for every second
day she is on horseback, and enjoys the
sport long."

The stag was originally subdued by the
aim and streuii^th of man alone. When
bounds were introduced, the stag was hunted
(as the writings of Ovid, &c. testify) by large
bodies of them ; but, in the course of time,
experience diminished their number. Queen
Elizabeth kept buck-hounds, stag-hounds.

(then called hart-hounds) harriers, and otter-
hounds. Very few are now kept solely for
this amusement. The greatest inducement
to stiig-huntiiig, in preference to any other,
is the invariable certainty of a ffood run :
but though a royal sport, it is deemed by
many too severe and arduous; it is exceed-
ingly laborious to the horse, and, in a va-
riety of cases, equally so to the rider: difti-
culties frequently occur which require great
exertions in one, and no small share of forti-
tude in the other.

THE POX-HOUND

This animal, after a long succession of
experiments, in crossing and re-crossing the
different breeds, seems now to have attained
the criterion of perfection ; it is the opinion
of a celebrated sportsman, that there are
necessary points in the shape of a fox-hound,
which ought always to be attended to ; for
if he be not of perfect symmetry^ he will nei-
ther run fast nor do much work ; havinff a
great deal to undergo, he should have
strength proportioned to the task : his legs
should be straight as arrows ; his feet round,
and not too large ; his shoulders back ; his
breast rather wide than narrow ; his chest
deep ; his back broad ; his head small ; his
neck thin ; his tail thick and bushy, and if
he carry it well so much the better.

The great attention, during the last sixty
years, in the breed of hounds, has been to
adapt the size and qualilications of the pack
to the game they have to pursue ; and, ac-
cording to modern improvement, this breed
is now so fleet, and remarkable for celerity,
that they kill their tox iu half the time the
old packs were enabled to do.

380

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

Fox-nuiiting has been^ for time immemo-
rial, a favorite sport witli the natives of this
country, particularly during the prime of
life. Great Britain having been always
famous for the best horses and the best
hounds. This exhilirating exercise, of both
body and mind, contribute greatly to the en-
joyment and preservation of health ; for it is
productive not only of superlative gratifica-
tion, but of salutary effects to youth. The
persevering speed and fortitude of the game,
the constantly improving excellence of the
hounds, the invincible spirit of the horses,
and the unrestrained ardour of their juvenile
riders, have given it a decided superiority
over every other sport or amusement; and
it is a fact, that some of the most opulent
and the most illustrious characters through-
out the kingdom are principally and per-
sonally engaged in this delightful amuse-
ment.

From the number of years so emulously
employed by sporting amateurs in the im-
provement of this breed, we may naturally
conclude, that it has now attained the sum-
mit of perfection, and that no country in
Europe can boast of fox-hounds equal in
strength, . agility, and speed, to those of
Great Britain. The very climate is conge-
nial to their nature, for it is universally
known and acknowledged, that when hounds,
the produce of England, are transported to
France, or sent into other countries, they
gradationally degenerate, and are soon per-
ceptibly divested of all the predominant
facilities for which they had been so justly
celebrated when at home. "A fox-chase is
not easy to be described," says Mr. Beck-
f-jrd We shall, however, give an extract of

that gentleman's description of the pur-suit
and death of a fox.

" The hour in the morning most favorable
to the diversion is certainly an early one ;
the hounds should be at the cover at sun

rismg.

■ Delightful scene !

Where all around is gay, men, horses, dogs ;
And in each smiling countenance appears
Fresh blooming health, and universal joy.

" Now let your huntsman throw in his
hounds as quietly as he can, and let the two
whippers-in keep wide of him on either
hand, so that a single hound may not escape
them ; let them be attentive to his halloo,
and be ready to encourage, or rate, as that
directs; he will, of course, draw up the
wind. Now, if you can keep your brother
sportsmen in order, and put any discretion
into them, you are in luck; they more fre-
quently do harm than good ; if it be possible,
persuade those who wish to halloo the fox
off, to stand quiet under the cover side, and
on no account to halloo him too soon : if
they do, he most certainly will turn back
again : could you entice them all into the
cover, your sport, in all probability, would
not be the worse for it.

" How well the hounds spread the cover !
the huntsman you see is quite deserted, and
his horse, which so lately had a crowd at his
heels, has not now one attendant left. How
steadily they draw ! you hear not a single
hound ; yet none are idle. Is not this better
than to be subject to continual disappoint-
ment, from the eternal babbling of unsteady
hounds.'

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

38 i

" See ! how lliey range

Dispers'd, how busily this way and that
They cross, cxaniininj;, with curious nose,
Eacii liiiely haunt. Hark! on tiie drag I hear
Their doui>tful notes, preluding to a cry
More nobly full, and swell'd with every mouth.

How musical their tonijues ! — Now as thev
get nearer to him, how the chorus fills !
Hark ! he is found. — Now, where are all your
sorrows, and your cares, ye gloomy souls !
Or where your pains and aches, ye com-
plaining ones ! one halloo has dispelled
them all. — What a crash they make ! and
echo seemingly takes pleasure to repeat the
sound. The astonished traveller forsakes
his road, lured by its melody ; the listening
ploughman now stops his plough ; and every
distant shepherd neglects his tlock, and runs
to see him break. What joy ! what eager-
ness in every face !

" How happy art thou, man, when tliou'rt no more
Thyself! when all the pangs that grind thy soul,
In rapture and in sweet oblivion lost.
Yield a short interval, and ease from pain !

" Mark, how he runs the cover's utmost limits,
yet dares not venture forth ; the hounds are
still too near. — That check is lucky ; now,
if our friends head hitn not, he will soon be
off — hark ! they halloo : by Jove he's gone.

Hark ! what loud shouts

Re-echo thro' the groves! he breaks away

Shrill horns proclaim his flight. Lach straggling honnd

Strains o'er the lawn to reach the distant pack.

'Tis triumph all, and joy!

"Now, huntsman, get onwith the head hounds;
the whipper-in will bring on the others after
you : keep an attentive eye on the leadino-

hounds, that, should the scent fail them, you
may know at least how far they brought it.

" Mind Galloper, how he leads them I— It
is difficult to distinguish which is first, they
run in such a style ; yet he is the foremost
hound — The goodness of his nose is not less
excellent than his speed : — How he carries
the scent ! and when he loses it, see how
eagerly he flings to recover it again. — There
— now he's at head again — see how they top
the hedge ! — Now, how they mount the hill !
— Observe what a head they carry ; and shew
me, if you can, one shuffler or skirter
amongst them all : are they not like a parcel
of brave fellows, who, when they undertake
a thing, determine to share its fatigue and
its dangers equally amongst them.

" Far o'er the rocky hills we range.

And dangerous our course; but in the brave
True courage never fails. In vain the stream
In foaming eddies whirls, in vain the ditch
Wide-gaping threatens death. The craggy steep,
Where the poor dizzy shepherd crawls with care,
And clings to every twig, gives us no jiain ;
But down we sweep, as stoops the falcon bold
To pounce his prey. Then up th' opponent hill,
By the swift motion slung, we mount aloft :
So ships in winter seas now sliding sink
Adown the steepy wave, then toss'd on high
Ride on the billows, and defy the storm.

" It was then the fox I saw as we came down
the hill ; — those crows directed me which
way to look, and the sheep ran from him, as
he passed along. The hounds Are now on the
very spot, yet the sheep stop them not, fo»
they dash beyond them. Now see w ith what
eagerness they cross the plain. — Galloper
no longer keeps his place, Drusher takes it ;
see how he flings for the scent, and how im-
5 D

382

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

petuously he runs ! — How eagerly he took
the lead^ and how he strives to keep it ; yet
Victor comes up apace. — He reaches him ! —
See what an excellent race it is between
them ! — It is doubtful which will reach the
cover first. — How equally they run ; — how
eagerly they strain ; — now Victor,— 'Victor ! —
Ah ! Brusher, you are beat ; Victor first
tops the hedge. — See there ; see how they
all take it in their strokes ! the hedge cracks
with their weight ; so many jump at once. —
Now hastes thci whipper-in to the other
side the cover ; he is rights unless he head
the fox.

" Heav'ns ! what melodious strains ! how beat our hearts
Big with tumultuous joy ! the loaded gales
Breathe harmony ; and as the tempest drives
From wood to wood, thro' ev'ry dark recess
The forest thunders, and the mountains shake.

" Listen ! — the hounds have turned. They
are now in two parts: The fox has been
headed back, and we have changed at last.
" Now, my lad, mind the huntsman's hal-
loo, and stop to those hounds which he en-
courages.— He is right ; — that, doubtless, is
the hunted fox ; — Now they are off again.

" What lengths we pass ! where will the wand'ring chase
Lead us bewilder'd ! smooth asf swallows skim
The new-shorn mead, and far more swift we fly.
See my brave pack ; how to the head they press,
Jostling in close array ; then more diffuse
Obliquely wheel, while from their op'ning mouths
The voUied thunder breaks.

Look back and view

The strange confusion of the vale below,
Where sore vexation reigns ;

Old age laments

His vigor spent : the tall, plump, brawny youth
Curses his cumbrous bulk ; and envies now

The short pygmean race, he whikmi kenn'd
With proud insulting leer. A chosen few
Alone the sport enjoy, nor droop beneath
Their pleasing toils."

" Ha ! a check. — Now for a moment's pati-
ence.— We press too close upon the hounds.
— Huntsman, stand still: as yet they want
you not. — How admirably they spread ! how-
wide they cast ! is there a single hound that
does not try? if such a one there be, he ne'er
shall hunt again. There, Trueman is on
the scent; he feathers, yet still is doubtful;
'tis right! how readily they join him! See
those wide-casting hounds, how they fly for-
ward to recover the ground they have lost !
Mind Ldghtning, how she dashes ; and
Mungo, how he works! Old Frantic, toOj
now pushes forward ; she knows, as well as
we, the fox is sinking

" On I yet she flies, nor yields

To black despair. But one loose more, and all
His wiles are vain. Hark ! thro' yon village now
The rattling clamour rings. The barns, the cots,
And leafless elms return the joyous sounds.
Thro' ev'ry horaestall, and thro' ev'ry yard,
His midnight walks, panting, forlorn, he flies,

Th' unerring hounds

With peals of echoing vengeance close pursue.

" Huntsman ! at fault at last ?_How far did
you bring the scent.? — Have the hounds
made their own cast? — Now make yours.
You see that sheep-dog has been coursing
the fox; — get forward with your hounds, and
make a wide cast.

" Hark ! that halloo is indeed a lucky one. —
If we can \ old him on, we may yet recover
him; for a fox, so much distressed, must
stop at last. We now shall see if they wil'

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

383

hunt, as well as run ; for there is but little
scentj and the impendins^ cloud still makes
that little less. How they enjoy the scent;
see how busy they all are ; and how each in
his turn prevails

" Huntsman ! be quiet ! Whilst the scent
was good, you pressed on your hounds; — it
was well done. Your hounds were after-
wards at fault; — you made your cast with
judgment, and lost no time. You now must
let them hunt; — with such a cold scent as
this, you can do no good. — They must do it
all themselves; — Lift them now, and not a
hound will stop again. — Ha! a high road at
such a time as this, when the tenderest-nosed
hound can hardly own the scent ! — Another
fault! That man at work, then, has headed
back the fox. — Huntsman! cast not your
hounds now, you see they have over-run the
scent ; have a little patience, and let them,
for once, try back.

" We now must give them time ; — see
where they bend towards yonder furze brake ;
I wish he may have stopped there. Mind
that old hound, how he dashes o'er the furze ;
I think he winds him ; — Now for a fresh
entapis: — Hark; they halloo: — Aye, there
he goes.

'' It is near over with him ; had the hounds
caught view he must have died. — He will
hardly reach the cover; — see how they gain
upon him at every stroke! It is an admirable
race; yet the cover saves him.

" Now be quiet, and he cannot escape us ;
we have the wind of the hounds, and cannot
be better placed ; — how short he runs ! — he
IS now in the very strongest part of the
cover. — What a crash! every hound is in,
and every hound is running for him. That

was a quick turn! — Again another!— he's
put to his last shifts. — Now Mischufh at his
heels, and death is not far ofl'. — I la ! they all
stop at once ; — all silent, and yet no earth is
open. Listen ! — now they are at him again.
— Did you hear that hound catch view ? they
had over-run the scent, and the fox had lain
down behind them. Now, Reynard, look to
yourself. How quick they all give their
tongues! — Little Dreadnought, how he works
him ! the terriers, too, they now are squeak-
ing at him. How close Vengeance pin-sues P
how terribly she presses ! it is just up with
him. — Gods! what a crash they make; the
whole wood resounds. — That turn was very
short. — There — now; — aye, now they have
him. — Who-hoop."

When packs are unreasonably large, the
hounds cannot have sufficient employment ;
and, consequently, become riotous, and of
little utility. Few sportsmen wish to hunt
every day ; and even if they were so inclined,
they must occasionally be prevented by un-
favorable weather. Hounds, to be good,
must be kept constantly hunted ; and young
hounds should never be left at home as long
as they are able to hunt. When too many
are kept, the sportsman must either take out
a very large pack, or leave a great number
behind ; these alternatives will be found
equally inconvenient ; too many hounds in
the field will be apt to spoil sport ; and
hounds that remain long unemployed always
get out of wind. From thirty-five to forty
couple are sufficient : with these the field
may be taken three or four times a week ;
and, probably, more foxes killed than with a
greater number.

The following recorded facts will suffi-

381

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

ciently ascertain the wonderful speed of fox-
hounds : —

"A match was made between Mr. Meynell
and Mr. Barry, to run a couple of each
others' hounds a dragv, from the rubbing-
houses at Newmarket town-end to the rub-
bing-house at the starting-post of the
Beacon-course^ for five hui.dred guineas.
The famous Will Crane was applied to, to
train Mr. Barry's hounds, of which Bluecap
was four, and Wanton three years old. Crane
first objected to their being hounds that had
been entered, and wished for young hounds,
who might, probably, be taught with more
certainty to run a drag : his motion, however,
was set aside, and the hounds were sent to
Rivenhall, in Essex ; and, as Crane sug-
gested, at the first trials to induce them to
run a drag, they took no notice : at length,
by dragging a fox along the ground, and
then crossing the hoimds upon the scent,
and taking care to let them kill him, they
became more handy to a drag; and had
them exercised regularly three times a week,
upon Tiptree-heath : the ground chosen was
turf, and the distance over which it was
taken was from eight to ten miles. The
dogs were in training for one month ; their
food consisting of oatmeal, milk, and boiled
sheeps' trotters. At length, the drag was
drawn over the distance previously ao-reed
on, and the four hounds laid on the scent.
Mr. Barry's Bluecap came in first ; Wanton
very close to Bluecap, second. Mr. Mey-
nell's Richmond was beat by upwards of one
hundred yards, and the bitch never run in at
all : the ground was crossed over in eight
minutes and a few seconds, threescore horses
having started with the hounds. Cooper,

Mr. Barry's huntsman, was the first up, but
the mare he rode was completely blind at
the conclusion. There were only twelve
horses up out of the sixty ; and Will Crane,
who was mounted upon Rib, a king's plate
horse, was only in the twelfth. The odds
before starting were seven to four in favor of
Mr. Meynell, whose hounds, it is said, were
fed, during the time of training, entirely with
legs of mutton

" A famous bitch, called Martin, once the
property of Colonel Thornton, having run a
private trial of four miles, in seven minutes
and half a second, was challenged to run
any hound of her year five miles over New-
market, giving two hundred and twenty
yards, for ten thousand guineas ; or to give
Madcap a hundred yards, and run the same
distance for five thousand. Martin was sold
in 17% for four hogsheads of claret, and the
seller to have two couple of her whelps.
Madcap, at two years old, challenged all
England for five hundred guineas. Lounger,
brother to Madcap, did the same at four
years old : the challenge was accepted, and
a bet made for two hundred guineas, to run
Mr. Meynell's Pillager: the parties were
also allowed, by Colonel Thornton, to start
any other hound of Mr. Meynell's, and
Lounger was to beat both ; but upon Loun-
ger's being seen at Tattersal's, by many ot
the first sportsmen, his bone and form were
so capital, that it was thought prudent to pay
the forfeit, which was done by giving a pair
of good couples to Colonel Thornton. In
May, J 788, Lounger received forfeit of Mr.
Tattersal, who had named Mr. Meynell's
Ravager to run four miles for two hundred
guineas. Lounger also received forfeit hi

niUTiSH SPORTSMAN.

385

1787, from Mr. Sturt's Crj/er, to run lour
miles for one thousand guineas. By a clial-
Icngc in the turf-betting room at Tattersal's,
January, 1788, he was offered to run any
hound in England, from four to six miles,
fur two thousand guineas, half forfeit. This
not having been accepted by the 4th of
June, he was then, by tlie Green Seal Club,
honored by the distinguished appellation of
Conqueror, and was afterwards sent as a pre-
sent to his late grace the Duke of Northum-
berland, and was dcMMued the most swift and
perfect hound which any country ever pro-
duced.

Bag-foxes are seldom productive of good
sport : Mr. Beckford has thus expressed his
strong objections to them : — " The scent of
them is different from that of other foxes : it
is ioo good, and makes hounds idle ; besides,
in the manner in which they generally are
lurned out, it makes hounds very wild.
They seldom fail to know what you are going
about before you begin, and if often used
to hunt bag-foxes, will become riotous
♦ iiough to run any thing'. A fox that has
been confined long in a small place, and
carried out many miles, perhaps in a sack,
iiis own ordure hanging about him, must
needs stink extravagantly. Add, also, to
this account, that he most probably is weak-
ened for want of his natural food and
usual exercise, his spirit broken by despair,
and his limbs stiffened by confinement ; he
then is turned out in open ground, without
any point to go to : he runs down the w ind,
it is true, but he is so much at a loss all the
while, that he loses a deal of time in not
knowing what to do; while the hounds, who

32.

have no occasion to hunt, pursue as closely
as if they were tied to him.

" Bag-foxes always run down the wind :
such sportsmen, therefore, as choose to turn
them out, may, at the same time, choose what
country they sliall run. Foxes that are
found do not follow this rule invariably.
Strong earths and large covers are great in-
ducements to them, and it is no inconsi-
derable wind that will keep then\ from them."

In breeding up cubs, a fox-court is neces-
sarv : " they should be kept there till they
are lar<re cnou"h to take care of themselves
It ought to be open at the top, and walled
in ; it must be every way well secured, and
particularly the floor of it, which must be
either bricked, or paved. A few boards
fitted to the corners will also be of use to
shelter and to hide them. Foxes ought to
be kept very clean, and have plenty of fresh
water; birds and rabbits are their best food ;
horse-flesh might give them the mange, for
they are subject to this disorder.

" When cubs are bred in an earth near
hand, by adding two or three to the number,
it is probable that the old fox will take care
of them. This is certain, if they live, they
will be good foxes ; for the others will shew
them the country. Those turned into an
earth should be regularly fed. If once neg-
lected, it is probable they will forsake the
place, wander away, and die for want of
food. When the cubs leave the earth (which
they may soon do) the game-keeper should
throw food for them in parts of the cover
where it may be most easy fo.-- them to find
it: and when he knows their haunt, he
should continue to feed them there. No-
5e

386

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

thing" destroys so much the breed of foxes, as
buyinf^ them to turn out^, unless care be taken
of them afterwards."

A fox-court is of great use ; it should be

airy, or the cubs should not be kept long.

Mr. Beckford turned out one year ten brace

of cubs; most of which, by being kept till

they were tainted before they were turned

out, were found dead in the covers, \^ith

scarce any hair upon them, whilst a brace

which had made their escape, by making a

hole in the sack in which they were brought,

lived, and showed excellent sport. The

weather being remarkably hot, those that he

kept in his fox-court (then a very close one)

all died of the same disorder : a fox, once

tainted, seldom or never recovers. When

cubs are large, they should be turned out

immediately ; a large earth will be best for

that purpose, when they should be regularly

fed with rabbits, birds, or sheeps' henges.

Buying foxes is a great injury to fox-hunting :

in some hunts it is (he constant employment

of one person to watch the earths at the

breeding time, to prevent the cubs from being

stolen. Furze covers cannot be too much

encouraged for that reason, for then they

are safe ; they are certain places to find in :

foxes cannot break from them unseen, and

they are not so liable to change as in other

covers.

" In digging a fox, you should keep room
enough, and care should be taken not to
throw the earth where it must be moved a^-ain .
In following the hole, the surest way not to
lose it, is to keep below it. AVhen the hounds
are in want of blood, stop all the holes, lest
the fox should bolt out unseen. It causes no
small confusion when this happens. The

liounds are dispersed about, and asleep in
different places ; the horses are often at a
considerable distance ; and many a fox, by
taking advantage of this favourable moment,
has saved his life.

" If hounds are in want of blood, and they
have had a long run, it is the best way, with-
out doubt, to kill the fox pon the earth ; but
if they have not run long, if the fox be easy
to be digged, and the cover such a one as
they are not likely to change in, it does the
hounds more good to turn him out upon the
earth, and let them work for him. It is the
blood that will do them most good, and may
be serviceable to the hounds, and to the
horses. Digging a fox is cold work, and
may require a gallop afterwards. Before
this, if there be any other earths in the cover,
they should be stopped, lest the fox should
go to ground again.

" Let the huntsman try all around, and let
him be perfectly satisfied that the fox is not
gone on before the earth be tried. A tbx
sometimes runs over an earth, and does not
go into it; he sometimes goes in and does
not stay ; he may find it too hot, or may not
like the company he meets with there.

" Huntsmen, when they get near the fox, will
sometimes put a hound in to draw him.
This is, however, a cruel operation, and sel-
dom answers any other purpose than to oc-
casion the dog a bad bite, the fox's head
generally being towards him ; besides, a
few minutes diijffins: will make it unneces-
sary.

"If foxes be bred in an earth which is un-
safe, stink them out : that, or indeed a disturb-
ance at the mouth of the hole, will make the
old one carry them off to another place

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

sm

THE HARRIER.

This hound has derived the general appel-
lation of harrier, from its natural propensity to
pin-sue the hare ; yet harriers have been, and
still continue to be, of three different kinds,
viz. the Northern, or Heet harrier, (now under
consideration;) the southern hound j and the
beagle : the first originally generated in a dou-
ble cross between the small beagle, the south-
ern hound, and the dwarf-fox. From the ac-
kuowleds:ed excellence of these crosses, the
blood still continues to be cultivated in most
parts of the kingdom, under the appellation
of harriers, to the exclusion of the small
beagle, and the southern hound, who were
formerly called harriers also. The southern,
or old English hound, was undoubtedly the
original real-bred harrier of this country, and
more particularly in those swampy parts
where the chase is, from inclination, pro-
tracted, without prolonging the distance.
Il has been said, indeed, that the breed of
southern hounds "which has been gradually
declining, and its size studiously diminished
by a mixture of other kinds, in order to in-
crease its speed, is now almost extinct."
The breed, however, is still in preservation
in the low, marshy, and inoory countries in
Lancashire, and in the neighbourhood of
Manchester, ■ and may be distinguished by
their heighth ; the harrier being remarkable
for his mediocrity in size.

The following; are Beckford's directions
for hare-hunting : — " The hounds most likely
to show sport are between the large slow
hunting harrier, and the little fox-beagle ;
one is too dull, too heavy, and too slow ;
the other too lively, too light, and too fleet.
The first, it is true, have most excellent noses.

and will kill their game at last if the day be
long enough ; but the days are short in win-
ter, and it is bad hunting in the dark. 'I'lie
others, on the contrary, (ling and dash, and
are all alive, but every cold blast affects
them ; and, if the country be deep and wet,
it is not impossible but some may be
drowned.

" The huntsman should be quiet, patient
and have infinite perseverance ; for a hare
should never be given up while it is possible
to hunt her; she is sure to stop ; and, there-
fore, may always be recovered."

The whipper-in must not act without the
huntsman's orders. " Much noise and rattle
is directly contrary to the first principles of
hare-hunting, which is to be perfectly quiet,
and to let the hounds alone. If they have
no one to help them, tliey have, at the same
time, no one to spoil them, which, for this
kind of hunting, is more material. There is,
however, a fault, and which such hounds, of
necessity, must sometimes be guilty ofj that
is, running back the heel. Hounds are, na-
turally fond of scent; if they cannot carry
it forward, they will turn, and hunt it back
again : hounds that are left to themselves
make a fault of this, and it is the only one
they commonly have. Though it is cer-
tainly best to let the hounds alone, and
thereby give as much scope to their natural
instinct as possible, yet, in this particular in-
stance, they should be checked mildly ; for,
as it is almost an invariable rule in all huntiu";
to make the head good, they should be en-
couraged to try forward first; which may be
done without taking fhem off their noses, or
without the least prejudice to their hunting.
If tryinij- forward should not succeed, they

388

COMPLETE FARRIER: and

may then be suffered to try back again, which
they will all be ready enough to do ; for they
are sensible how far they brought the scent,
and where they left it.

" HarrierSj to be good ^ like all other hounds,
must be kept to their own game. If you run
fox with them, you spoil them. Hounds can-
not be perfect, unless used to one scent, and
one style of hunting. Harriers run fox in so
different a style from hare, that it is of great
disservice to them, when they return to hare
again. It makes them wild, and teaches
them to skirt. The high scent which a fox
leaves, the straightness of his running, the
eagerness of the pursuit, and the noise that
generally accompanies it, all contribute to
spoil a harrier.

" It is a fault in a pack of harriers to go too
fast ; a hare is such a little timorous ani-
mal that we cannot help feeling some com-
passion for, at the very time when we are
pursuing her destruction : we should give
scope to all her little tricks^ nor kill her
foully, and over-matched. Instinct instructs
her to make a good defence, when not un-
fairly treated ; and, as far as her own safety
is concerned, she has more cunning than the
fox, and makes many shifts to save her life,
far beyond all his artifice.

" They who like to rise early, have amuse-
ment in seeing the hare trailed to her form ;
it is of great service to hounds ; it also shews
their goodness to the huntsman, more than
any other hunting, as it discovers to him
those who have the most tender noses."

Mr. Beckford, however, thinks that hare-
hunting should be taken as a ride after
breakfast, " Hare-finders, in this case, are
necessary : it is agreeable to know where to
go for diversion, and not beat about for hours

before it is found. It is more material *^*t"
regard to the second hare than the first, for
if the rider be warmed with his gallop, wait-
ing long in the cold afterwards will prove as
unwholesome as it will be disagreeable.
Whoever does not mind this, had better let
his hounds find their own game ; they will
certainly hunt it with more spirit afterwards,
and he will have a pleasure himself in ex-
pectation, which no certainty can ever give
Hare-finders make hounds idle ; they also
make them wild. They are, however, of
one great use ; they hinder hounds from
chopping hares, which they, otherwise, could
not fail to do.

" Hares are said to foresee a change of
weather, and to seat themselves accordingly.
This is, however, certain, that they are sel-
dom found in places much exposed to the
wind. In inclosures, they more frequently
are found near to a hedge, than in the middle
of a field. They who make a profession of
hare-finding, (and a very advantageous one
it is in some countries) are directed by the
wind where to look for their game. With
good eyes, and nice observation, they are
enabled to find them in any weather. You
may make forms, and hares will sit in them.
It is a common practice with shepherds on
the Wiltshire downs ; and by making them
on the side of hills, they can tell at a distance
off, whether there are hares in them or not.
Without doubt, people frequently do not
find hares from not knowing them in their
forms.

'' When the game is found, you cannot be
too quiet: the hare is an animal so very
timorous, that she is frequently headed back,
and your dogs are liable to overrun the scent
at every instant : it is best, therefore, to keep

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

389

a considerable way behind them, that the}
may have room to tnrn, as soon as tliey per-
ceive they have lost the scent; and, if treated
in this manner, they will seldom over-rnn it
much. Your hounds, through the whole
chace, should be left almost entirely to them-
selves, nor should they be hallooed too
much : when the hare doubles, they should
hunt through those doubles ; nor is a hare
hunted fairly, when hunted otherwise. They
should follow her every step she takes, as
well over greasy fallows, as through large
Hocks of sheep ; nor should they ever be
cast, but when nothing can be done without
it

" Let all be hushed,

No clamour loud, no frantic joy he heard ;
Lest the wild hound run gadding o'er the plain
Untractable, uor hear thy chiding voice.

" The natural eagerness of the hounds
will, at such a time as this, frequently carry
even the best of them wide of the scent,
which too ifiuch encouragement, or pressing
too close upon them, may continue beyond
all possibility of recovery ; this should be
always guarded against. After a little while,
you have less to fear. You may then ap-
proach them nearer, and encourage them
more; leaving, however, at all times, suffi-
cient room for them to turn, should they
over-run the scent. On high roads, and
dry paths, be always doubtful of the scent,
nor give them much encouragement ; but
when a hit is made on either side, you may
halloo as much as you please, nor can you
then encourage your hounds too much. A
hare generally describes a circle as she runs ;
larger or less, according to her strength, and

the openness of the country. In inclosures,
and where there is much cover, the circle is
for the most part so small, that it is a constant
puzzle to the hounds. They have a gordian
knot, in that case, ever to unloose ; and
though it may afford matter of speculation
to the philosopher, it is always contrary to
the wishes of the sportsman.

" Huntsman ! her gait observe : if in wide ring*
She wheel her mazy way, in the sanit round
Persisting still, she'll foil the beaten track.
But if she (ly, and with the fav'ring wind
Urge her bokl course, less intricate thy task :
Push on thy pack.

" Besides running the foil, they frequently
make doubles, which is going forward, to
tread Uie same steps back again, on purpose
to confuse their pursuers; and the same
manner in which they make the first double,
they generally continue, whether long or
short. This information, therefore, if pro-
perly attended to by the huntsman, may also
be of use to him in his casts.

" When they make their double on a high
road, or dry path, and then leave it with a
spring, it is often the occasion of a long
fault: the spring which a hare makes on
these occasions is hardly to be credited, any
more than is her ingenuity in making it;
both are wonderful !

" -let cavillers deny

That brutes have reason ; sure 'tis something more:
'Tis heav'n directs, and stratagems inspire.
Beyond the short extent of human thought.

" She frequently, after running a path a
considerable way, will make a double, and
then stop till the hounds have passed her ; she
5 F

.390

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

will then steal away as secretly as she can,
and return the same way she came. This is
the greatest of all trials for hounds. It is so
hot a foil, that in the best packs there are not
many hounds that can hunt it; you must
follow those hounds that can, and try to hit
her off where she breaks her foil, which in
all prol»ability she will soon do, as she now
flatters herself she is secure. When the
seem lies bad in cover, she will sometimes
hunt the hounds.

" The covert's utmost bound

Slily she skirts ; behind them cautious creeps.
And in that very track, so lately stain'd
By all the steaming crowd, seems to pursue
The foe she flies.

" When the hounds are at a check, make
your huntsman stand still, nor suffer him to
move his horse one way or the other : hounds
lean naturally towards the scent, and, if he
does not say a word to them, will soon re-
cover it.

" In a fine day, good hounds seldom give
up the scent at head ; if they do, there is ge-
nerally an obvious reason for it ; this obser-
vation a huntsman should always make ; it
will direct his cast. If he be a good one, he
will be attentive as he goes, not only to his
hounds, nicely observing which have the
lead, and the degree of scent ihey carry, but
also to the various circumstances that are
continually happening from change of wea-
ther, and difference of ground. He will also
be mindful of the distance which the hare
keeps before the hounds, and of her former
doubles, and he will remark what point she
makes to. All these observations will be of
use, should a long fault make his assistance

necessary ; and if the hare have headed back
he will carefully observe whether she met
any thing in her course to turn her, or turned
of her own accord. When he casts his
hounds, let him begin by making a small
circle ; if that will not do, then let him try a
larger ; he afterwards may be at liberty to
persevere in any cast he may judge most
likely. As a hare generally revisits her old
haunts, and returns to the place where she
was first found, if the scent be quite gone,
and the hounds can no longer hunt, that is
as likely a cast as any to recover her. Let
him remember this in all his casts, that the
hounds are not to follow his horse's heels,
nor are they to carry their heads high, and
noses in the air. At these times they must
try for the scent, or they will never find it,
and he is either to make his cast slow, or
quickj as he perceives his hounds try, and as
the scent is either good or bad

" Let the huntsman prevent the hounds as
much as he can from chopping hares. When
hounds are used to it, a hare must be very
wild, or very nimble, to escape them. In a
furzy country, hotmds are apt to chop hares,
for it is the nature of those animals either to
leap up before the hounds come near them,
and steal away, as it is called ; or else to lie
close, till they put their very noses upon
them. Hedges, also, are very dangerous ; if
the huntsman beat the hedge himself, which
is the usual practice, the hounds are always
upon the watch, and a hare must have good
luck to escape them all. The best way to
prevent it, is to have the hedge well beaten
at some distance before the hounds.

" Hares seldom run so well as when they
do not know where thev are. Thev run well

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

391

in a fog, and generally take a good country.
If they set oil' down the wind, they seldom
return ; you tlien cannot push on your hounds
too much. When the game is sinking, you
will perceive your old hounds get forward ;
they then will run at head.

" Hu))|)v llie man, wlio with uiirivaird speed
Can pass his fellows, and with ])leasure view
The strtiggiiiig pacU ; how in the rapid course
Alternate they preside, and jostling piisli
To guide the dubious scent; how giddy youth
Oft babbling errs, by wiser age reprov'd ;
liow, uigijard of his strength, the wise old hound
llanos in the rear, 'till some important point
Rouse all his diligence, or till the chase
Sinking he finds ; then to the head he spring*.
With thirst of glory fir'd, and wins the prize.

' Keep no babblers ; for though the rest
of the pack soon find thein out, and do not
mind them, yet it is unpleasant to hear their
noise ; nor are such fit companions for the
rest.

" Keep no hound that runs false : the loss
of one hare is more than such a dog is worth.
It is but reasonable to give the hounds a
hare sometimes."

Mr. Beckford always gave the last they
killed, if he thought they deserved her.

" It is too much the custom, first, to ride
over a dog, and then cry ware horse. Take
care not to ride over your hounds ; I have
known many a good dog spoiled by it : in
open ground speak to them first ; you may
afterwards ride over them if you please ; but
in roads and paths they frequently cannot
get out of your way ; it surely then is your
business, either to stop your horse, or break
the way for them, and the not doing it, give
me leave to say, is absurd and cruel ; nor

can that man b(i called a good sportsman,
who thus wantonly destroys his own sjjort
Indeed, good sportsmen seldom ride on tlift
line of lite tail hoiuids."

THE GREYHOUND

Is of a beautiful and delicate formation
for speed and majestic attraction, and, tinder
the ancient name of gazehonnd, formed one
of the earliest dogs of the chase, lie was
the original companion of royalty in the
sports of the field ; and in lieu of fines and
forfeitures to the crown. King John was wont
to accept of gazehounds. The dog of that
day was long haired, and somewhat resem-
bling the one used by warreners, but pro-
bably larger, and more like the shaggy wolf-
dog of former times, than any sporting dog
of the present day.

It is observed by the Rev. W. B. Daniel,
that the greyhound in ancient times was con-
sidered as a very valuable present, and par-
ticularly to the ladies, to whom a compliment,
so intrinsically estimated, was singularly
acceptable.

The deer, fox, and hare, have each been
coursed by greyhounds, according to the
fashion of the people, and the custom of the
times : the two former are now seldom or
ever resorted to; but in pursuit of the hare,
the energetic velocity of the greyhoimd still
affords delight. In shape, make, and form,
it is a beautiful and delicate animal, and is
universally allowed to be the fleetest of the
canine species.

It is not recorded why, or when, the name
of greyhound was adopted, though it is evi-
dently certain, that gazehound was the
original name, in allusion to its running by

8Q2

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

sight, and not by scent. It bore its present
appellation in Queen Elizabeth's day, as it
is mentioned by Shakspeare : —

" I see vou stand, like greyhounds in the shps.
Straining upon the start — The game's on foot."

Various have been the opinions upon the
difference of speed between a well-bred
greyhound and a blood-horse of some cele-
brity, if opposed to each other for a mile, or
for any greater, or shorter distance. It has,
bvthemostexperiencedjudges, been thought,
that upon a flat a horse of this description
would prove superior to the greyhound, for
either an extended, or a contracted distance;
but that in a hilly country, the greyhound
would have an evident advantage. Many
sporting characters had repeatedly -indulged
their wishes for a trial, but, after a variety of
unavailing propositions, the following cir-
cumstance took place, in the month ot De-
cember, 1800, when a match was to have
been run over Doncaster course for one hun-
dred guineas; but one of the horses having
been drawn, a mare was started alone,
that by running the ground she might insure
the wager : having run about one mile in
the four, she was accompanied by a grey-
hound bitch, who joined her from the side of
the course, and emulatively entering into the
competition, continued to race with the mare
the other three miles, keeping nearly head
and head, affording an excellent treat to the
field, by the energetic exertions of each.
At passing the distance-post, five to four was
betted in favor of the greyhound ; when pa-
rellel with the stand, it was even betting,
and any person might have taken his choice

for five or ten ; the mare, however, had the
advantage by a head at the termination.

No obstacles whatever can restrain the
invincible ardor and determined progress of
the greyhound ; its energetic velocity in
pursuit of game, has always been matter of
astonishment to the lovers of sport ; and not-
withstanding its natural simplicity and
peaceable demeanour, it is remarkable for
fidelity, sagacity, and courage.

A greyhound, named Rajah, the property
of a gentleman in the county of Hertford,
having supported a very long course, and
turned the hare at least a dozen times, killed
her single-handed, but was so completely
exhausted, that he lay panting by her side.
In this situation he was observed by two
countrymen, who, (the master not being in
sight,) were determined to secure the hare;
but upon getting near with the intent to
seize her, the greyhound suddenly sprung
up, took the tiare in his mouth, and set off
the way he came, the fellows pursuing, with
sticks and stones ; when, meeting his mas-
ter, he laid the hare at his feet, and imme-
diately turning round, flew at the men, but
being weak with his successive exertions he
again dropped, as if dead. By bleeding
and proper attention he afterwards recovered.

While Lord Egremont's game-keeper was
leading a brace of greyhounds in couples,
(1792) a hare accidentally crossed the road
in view ; unable to resist this great tempta-
tion, they, in a joint effort, suddenly broke
from their conductor, and gave chase, shack-
led as they were together, to the great enter-
tainment of those who were spectators of the
novel scene. When they got up and gave
tlie hare the first turn, it was evidently much

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

i9S

to her advaiitagCj as the greyhouiicls were so
enibarrassed, it was with great dilliciilty they
could ciiauge their direction : notwithstand-
ing'this temporary procrastination, they sus-
tained no diniiiintion of natural energy ; l)ut
continued the course throuijh and over vari-
ous obstructions, &c. After a course of
between three and four miles, the object of
pursuit fell a victim to their perseverance
near Pikeless gate. A similar circnmst;uice
took place about the year 1794^. Another
instance of the perseverance of this animal
occurred in 1797, when a brace of grey-
hounds coursed a hare over the ed^e of a
chalk-pit, at Oft'ham, in Sussex ; but, upon
the company approaching the spot, both hare
and greyhounds were tound dead at the
bottom, the latter having plunged down the
fatal precipice after their game. Similar
accidents have frequently happened, which
may be chiefly ascribed to the velocity of
the animal, whereby it is rendered incapable
of suddenly checking itself.

The greyhound of a clergyman, who was
delayed at Dover in waiting fur a wind, was
taken by his master and a small party in
search of a hare of some local notoriety, who
had previously escaped pursuers of every
description; when found, the greyhound
soon proved lumself so superior in speed,
that she instantly ran for the clift^ as the
only chance of escaping ; but, throvving him-
self at her some yards, with the most incre-
dible and determined ferocity, he caught
lier exactly upon the brink, and, unfortu-
nately, went with her in his mouth to the bot-
>um, where they were both dashed to pieces.

In 179+, a hare having been unexpectedly
started at Finchingfield, in Essex, a brace of

33.

greyhounds, coming in opposite directions,
ran against each other with such violence
that both were killed on the spot.

Some doubts have been entertained, whe-
ther the instinctive sagacity of this particular
race is equal to others of a different breed.

The following fact proves that the grey-
hound is by no means deficient in this re-
spect : — Mr. Moore, then a resident at Wind-
sor, Berkshire, requested some of his friends
in the north of England to obtain for him a
well-bred greyhound. His application hav-
ing been successful, the greyhound was con-
signed by the waggon to London ; from
Bishopsgate-street it was conveyed to the
Belle Sauvage, upon Ludgate-hill, where it
was delivered to the driver of the Windsor
caravan, and reached the place of destination
in safety. After a confinement of two days,
with every attention in food, &c. the dog
was left at liberty, apparently satisfied with
his situation, and the caresses he received.
The next day he suddenly departed, and the
gentleman soon aitervvards received a letter,
informiu"- him that the grevhound had
reached the place of his former residence in
Yorkshire, before the return of the waggon
by which he was originally sent to London.

It was formerly supposed, that greyhounds,
bred in countries where tlie ground was
chieily arable, were superior in speed and
bottom to those produced in hilly countries,
but the contrary is now proved to be the
real fact. It is well known that the best
bred dogs can acquire no celebrity against
powerful opponents, unless they be conti-
nued during the season, in a regular routine
of training, in \>hich, physic, food, and ex-
ercise, are equally concerned. Some alien-

394

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

tioii is necessary to the state of the blood,
as well as the state of the body ; if the latter
be permitted to become plethoric, and over-
loaded, the former will be proportionally
sizy and viscid, considerably affecting re-
spiration, which should always be free from
obstruction. Indeed, the good or bad con-
dition of the greyhound depends almost
entirely upon the manner, as well as the
means, by which he is supported : those who
keep them in high condition, and at all times
ready for sport, are very particular in respect
to their food, which it is evidently clear
should be highly nutritious, without being-
difficult of digestion. Broths and gelatinous
substances, incorporated with raspings, boiled
biscuits, milk, oatmeal, or bread made from
the latter, and wheat-flour, equal parts, inter-
mixed with a few beaten eggs and new ale,
then formed into small loaves, and ffiven
with broth, boiled from sheeps'-heads, pro-
perly Ijroken to pieces for the purpose, are
well adapted, by their nutritious qualities,
to keep the frame in a due degree of strength
for bodily exertion, without over distending
the intestinal canal, or tending to promote
constipation there. Greyhounds should, the
least of all sporting dogs, be fed with horse-
flesh, which is frequently so impregnated
with morbidity, and replete with impiu-ities,
as to be productive of cutaneous diseases,
and inveterate eruptions.

THE BEAGLE.

The numerous crosses in the different
breeds of both beagles and hounds, accord-
ing to the inclinations of tiiose that keep
thein. have .so variejrated this particular part

of the species, that the original beagle is
very scarce. Indeed, the former attachment
to beagles has considerably declined, owing
to gradational improvements.

In ancient times slow hunting was fasliiou-
able; it was admirably adapted to age, and
particularly to ladies; it was also accommo-
dating to rustics, who possessed no horses,
yet found it an easy matter to be up with
their pack on foot. Beagles were then
almost uniformly so well matched, that they
did not exceed ten or eleven inches in height,
and so carefully selected, in respect to speed ,
that whenever they were running they might
be covered with a sheet ; and this alone is
the predominant trait of celebrity in a pack
of beagles, whether great or small. When
slow hunting declined, beagles became of
less repute ; and it is now very uncommon
to see a greater collection than two or three
couple ; and these are chiefly used in coun-
ties where hares are scarce, or difficult to be
found, for the purpose of assisting the grey-
hounds.

Beagles are inferior to harriers in size,
although they possess precisely the same
properties. They are the smallest of the
hound race used in this country, are exqui-
site in their scent of the hare, and indefatig-
ably vigilant in their pursuit of her ; though
not equal to the greyhound in speed, they
are in perseverance ; they follow her through
all her windings, and by their scent trace
and retrace her footsteps in a, wonderful
manner. Colonel Hardy had once a collec-
tion of this diminutive tribe, amounting to
ten or twelve couple, and insignificant as
they seemed, they invariably kept a hare at
all her shifts to escape them, and finally
teazed her to death.

BRITISH SPOUTSISIAN.

;390

THE TERRIER
Is supposed to have derived his name from
terra, the earth, oil account of the avidity
wjth which he penetrates into every hole,
particularly when in pursuit of his own o;ame,
being an implacable enemy to vermin of
every kind. He not only torments the fox,
martin, badger, wild rabbit, weazel, polecat,
and rat, but endeavours to hunt every domes-
tic cat he sees. In addition to this instinc-
nve inveteracy, terriers naturally endeavor
to find, and pursue game with the same
alacrity as those dogs which are more imme-
fiiately appropriate to the sports of the field.
No fox-hunting establishment is ever con-
sidered complete without a brace of well-
!)red terriers in the field ; and one is gene-
rally larger and stronger than the other ; for
this evident reason, that in a small earth,
where the former cannot enter, the other
uiay. From the moment of throwing into
covert with the hounds, the emulation of
these little animals is so great that they are
•ndefatigable in their exertions to be up with,
and near to, the busiest of the pack, during
•be'.r endeavors to find ; and when onec the

game is on foot, and the hounds are at their
utmost speed, the terriers are seldom far be-
hind, and the first short check is sure to
bring them in. When the fox is supposed
to have run to earth, then the terrier becomes
useful, by attacking him under ground with
the utmost eagerness, and by the baying ot
one at the other, the ear is soon informed
whether the fox lies deep, or near the surface,
and those who are employed to dig nim out,
are enabled to act accordingly.

In the selection of terriers, the masters of
fox-hounds are particularly nice : size is not
so indispensible as strength, but courage
must be equal to both. The black, and
black-tanned, or rough wire-haired pied, are
preferred ; as those inclining to a reddish
colour are sometimes, in the clamour of th»3
chase, or by young sportsmen, mistaken tor,
and hallood off, as a fox.

The terrier is not only in high request by
the superior classes, on account of his exten-
sive utility, but he is equally esteemed by
the lower order, and frequently employed in
the vulgar and cruel amusements of badger-
liuntiug, and badger-baiting.

39G

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ; and

BREAK I AG OF DOGS FOR THE GL\Y

In the training-, or breaking^, of dogs for the
gun, the first thing to be considered is the
animal's temper ; some requiring severe and
frequent correction, others little or none,
and some standing in need of encourage-
ment. A dog- should not be broken in too
young, lest he become chest-foundered.
Some dogs will begin to hunt very early,
while others are so long before they take
even the smallest notice of game, that many
persons have given them away as useless.
Let no sportsman, however, be too hasty in
condemning backward dogs, as they fre-
quently prove of first-rate excellence ; for
those which are difficult to break, turn out
the best, when by patience and perseverance
they have been brought to hunt, and are
become staunch When brought under
proper subjection, at the age of nine months,
or thereabouts, according as he is strong
And healthy, you should take him into the
field, with an old staunch dog, two or three
times, as the latter will give him a notion of
ranging and beating his ground. He should
be accustomed to obey the whistle, and mo-
tion of the hand, in preference to the voice.
A pistol, or gun, should be frequently fired
over him, to make him acquainted and fami-
liar with the report; for young dogs are
soiTtetimes alarmed at a shot, and should

therefore be reconciled to it by practice.
He should be made to sit, or lie down, until
the piece be re-loaded, as a dog that breaks
away at shot will injure diversion. When
first taken into the field he may do as he
pleases ; he will most likely pursue indiscri-
minately every thing he sees, but this eager-
ness will soon abate, and he will content
himself with pursuing partridges, &c. As
soon as he begins to know his game, the
best method will be to let him hunt by him-
self, for he can be more easily stopped and
managed than when he is in company, as
other dogs may render him too eager and
jealous ; besides, by continually hunting
with an old dog, he will acquire a habit of
following him, and knowing his superiority,
will quietly let him find the game, and never
venture to hunt for himself. When he has
got the scent, (which is easily learnt by the
movement of his tail) he should be allowed
to chase his game for a while, particularly if
he has been backward in noticing it. To
make a dog stop or set is an easy task, and
many, in this respect, require little or no
teaching. For this purpose, he should be
accompanied by an old steady dog, and the
less noise that is made the steadier he will
hunt. If taught to hunt by the motion of
the hand, he will regularly look for the signal

RRITISII SPORTSMAN.

397

whenever at ii loss; and the voice or whistle
should he used as little as possible, for if
satislicd with hearing- alone, he will seldom
ever turn to look at his master. He should
never be sutTered to break held, that is, to go
out of the field before, or w ithout his master.
If on finding game he spring and chase it,
conduct him instantly back to the place from
whence he started, and there make him lie
down several times.

Blinking is when a dog finds his game,
and, on being spoken to, draws ofT, and runs
behind his master ; frequently he w ill do this
without being spoken to, and this habit is
generally contracted by indiscriminate casti-
gation ; severe correction must, therefore, be
avoided, or we may be apt, by endeavouring
to break him of one error, to lead him into a
worse. When a young dog finds game, his
master should never run, but walk slowly up
to him ; for if he run, the dog will naturally
do the same, and certainly spring the birds.

Whenever young dogs rake, that is, hunt
with the nose close to the ground, which fre-
quently happens, they must be immediately
cured of this habit : whenever a dog follows the
game by track, he should be called to in an
angry tone, which will sometimes have due
effect. Partridges lie much better to dogs
that wind them than to those that follow by
the track. The dog that winds the scent
approaches the birds by degrees, and with
more or less caution, as he finds them either
shy or tame, or as they Vve well or ill, which
he is enabled to discover by the scent which
they emit when they are uneasy : besides,
when they see him hunting round him, they
are not so much alarmed as they are when
they perceive him following them. Birds

o3

are always disturbed when they see a dog
tracing their steps. When a dog follows
them in tliis manner down wind, he generally
springs lliem ; for he is not able to take the
scent properly until he is upon them, and
then they will not lie. Dogs that carry their
heads high will always find the most game.

It is generally supposed, if a dog has a
good nose he cannot be too swift ; but very
fleet dogs are apt to run over the game, and
are certainly sooner fatigued than a steady,
even-rated one. A dog of the latter descrip-
tion will make ample amends for the want of
swiftness, by hunting more carefully, and
never passing, or running in upon his game.
That celerity of the canine race, which is so
necessary in hunting the hare, fox, &c. is not
so requisite for the pursuit of feathered game.

The temper and disposition of a dog im-
mediately appear at the time of his being
trained, and by receiving the first rudiments
of his education from his master, he of course
understands his voice and signs better than
those of a stranger. If, after being broke^
the dog passes into other hands, he has, ii.
some degree, a new task to learn, owing en-
tirely to his being unacquainted with the
motions, &c. of his new master.

The art of breaking dogs was formerly
considered a most difficult and mysterious
concern, many of those, denominated dog-
breakers, having derived their sole subsist-
ence from such employment. The simplicity
of the process is now so generally known
among sporting practitioners, that a tolera-
bly well-bred puppy may have the ground-
work of all his future perfections theoretically
implanted in the parlour, kitchen, or yard,
before he once makes his appearance in the
5 u

398

HIE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

field. The instinctive impulse is frequently
seen to display itself in subjects about three
or four months old ; when in still and uninter-
rupted situations, puppies may be observed
most earnestly standing- at chickens, pigeons,
and even sparrows, upon the ground, by
sight, before the olfactory powers can be
supposed to have attained maturity to prompt
a point by scent.

When a whelp of this description has
reached iiis sixth or seventh month, the pro-
cess may be proceeded in the following way ;
and either a single dog, a brace, or more,
may be managed with equal ease, in any
convenient spot, at the same time, with no
other assistance whatever than the alternate
expressions of, " To ho !" — " Have a care !"
— " Take heed ! — and, " Hie on !" — having a
small whip, or cane, in the hand, to enforce
obedience. The commencement of the cere-
mony consists in throwing a piece of meat,
or bread, at some small distance before the
dog, who, upon endeavouring to seize it,
must be checked by a quick exclamation of,
" Take heed !" &c. to keep him in a patient
point of perseverance : when he has stood a
sufficient time to demonstrate his obedience
to the injunction, then a vibrative low-toned
whistle, accompanied with the mild ejacula-
tion of, " Hie on !" will prove the signal for
proceeding, which the whole will quietly
iearn to obey ; and it will be found by prac-
tice, that one, or more, may, at the very mo-
ment of approaching the temptation, be as
instantly stopped, and re-called by the repe-
tition of a verbal caution, " Have a

care !" &c

No dog' should be brought into the field
for constant (or even easy) use, till nearly.

or full, a twelvemonth old ; otherwise, they
become frequently weary, and foot-sore ; and
it sometimes produces an habitual lassitude,
and bodily indifference, that is never after
shaken off. When young dogs have coolly
and deliberately imbibed the fundamental
principles upon which they are to act, they
have the full force of nature, and their pre-
dominant propensity to point out their prac-
tice when brought into the field. If inclined
to deviate, or range too much, the cool and
steady patience of the experienced sportsman
will soon check their impetuosity.

Young dogs should never be permitted to
deviate from the proper rule of quartering
the ground before them, and directly, that is,
to cover a line of threescore yards trans-
versely, in the front of his master, by taking
thirty yards to the right, and then repassing
him, take thirty yards to the left, where he
again turns, and continues that routine in
such proportions as not to let his crossings
and re-crossings be more than twenty-five
or thirty yards from each other.

When a young dog is once made steady
to bird and gun, broke from a natural desire
to chase his game, and rendered obedient to
every signal which is necessary for him to
know, then is the proper time to entertam
him in company, that he may avail himself
of the advantages to be derived from the ex-
perience of older dogs. Previous to this
introduction, and as soon as he knows his
game, and is anxious in the pursuit of it, feel
for the wind, and let him have it as much in
his favor as the form of the field and circum-
stances will allow. As soon as he comes to
a point, a pause should ensue, and he should
be permitted to enjoy it. Now is the timp.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

399

if the game luckily lies, to advance {gradu-
ally and silently. When time sufficient has
been employed to confirm his steadiness, the
game may be then walked up.

Those who wish their dogs to bring the
game to foot, when killed, must teach them
to fetch and carry before they are at all ac-
customed to the iield.

descriptiojY of bogs used ja shootijvg, aj\'d of

THE GAME.

POINTER.

WoTwiTHSTANDiNC the bcautiful uniformity
of his frame, the docility of his disposition,
and the general utility of the animal in the
diversion of shooting partridges, moor-game,
&c. the pointer has been less noticed by
naturalists than any other species of the
canine race. Of late years, however, sports-
men have paid particular attention to the
preservation and improvement of this breed,
and have been amply recompensed for their
care. This dog is of foreign extraction,
being a descendant of the

SPANISH POINTER,

Which was brouirht to Eng-land from
Spam, and in shape, make, strength, seem-
ing stupidity, and bodily tardiness, bears
some similitude to the haughty and somnife-
rous manners of the Spanish. This pointer

is short in the head, broad in the forehead,
wide in the nose, expansive in the nostrils,
simply solicitous in aspect, heavy in the
shoulders, short in the legs, almost circular
in the form of the body, square upon the
back, strong across the loins, and remark-
ably so in the hinder-quarters. Like the
English pointer, this breed is of various
colours, but the brown liver-colour and
white are the most predominant. Though
exceedingly slow, the Spanish pointer is
generally sure, and so indefatigable and
minute in his researches, that he seldom
misses his game, when game is to be found.
To the recovery of winged and wounded
birds the patient perseverance of this dog is
peculiarly adapted ; and, for the sport of
snipe-shooting alone, they are entitled to
the preference of every other.

The pointer is now naturalized in Eng-
land ; and, in consequence of many improve-

4O0

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

meots in the breed, the dogs of this" descrip-
tion are superior to those of any other nation.
Some years ago they were nearly whiter, or
mostly variegated with liver-coloured spots,
except the celebrated stock of the then Duke
of Kingston, whose breed of blacks were con-
sidered superior to all in the kingdom, and
sold for immense sums after his grace's death.
But so great has been the constantly in-
creasing attachment to the sports of the
field, particularly of the gun, that they have
been since bred of every description, from a
pure white, and a Hea-bitten blue, or grey,
to a complete liver-colour, or perfect black.
After all the experiments of our best judges
with respect to size, the general opinion is,
»hat when bred for every species of game,
both extremes should be avoided : over-
giown, heavy dogs, soon get weary in the hot
and early part of the season, and small dogs
find great inconvenience in hunting among
turnips, heath, ling and broom-fields.

Pointers, however well bred, are never
considered complete unless perfectly staunch
(as it is termed) to bird, dog, and gun ; which
uniformly implies, first standing simply to a
bird, or oovey ; secondly, to backing (or
pointing instantly) the moment another dog
stands ; and, lastly, not to stir from his own
point at the rising of any bird, or the firing
of any gun in the field, provided the game
be neither sprung nor started at which he
made his .original point.

The pointer is gentle, docile, and timid,
and remarkable for the facility with which
he receives instruction. There are ffood of
all colours, but some prefer the white and the
liver-brown. A white pointer is less subject
to disease than others, which arises from the
predortiinancy of phlegm in his constitution*

his temper is good ; he has an excellent nose,
is a curious hunter, full of stratagems aud
cunning, and may be seen at a great distance.
A brown, or liver-coloured pointer is not so
easily seen at a distance, particularly on a
mountain; notwithstanding, he will bring
his master nearer to the game, and is parti-
cularly useful when it does not lie well ;
which arises from its colour approximating
more nearly that of stubbles, &c. among
which he hunts, and thereby rendering him-
self a less distinguishable object to the birds.
A lemon, or red-coloured pointer is generally
of a giddy, and impatient nature ; choler
being his most predominant humour.

SETTER.

The English setter is a species of pointer,
originally produced by a commixture be-
tween the Spanish pointer and the largest
breed of the English spaniel, and it is some-
times called the large land spaniel. By
careful cultivation it has attained a consi-
derable degree of estimation and celebrity,
as well for its figure, as its qualifications.
The setting-dog is, undoubtedly, in respect
to natural formation and effect, equally
beautiful and attracting with any of the
canine species; there is an elegant uniformity
of figure, shape, make, and spee<l, a plea-
sing variegation in colour, (as yellow, or
brown pied) an inexpressible diffidence and
solicitation of notice, accompanied by an
aspect of affability, humility, and an antici-
pation of gratitude, far beyond the power of
language to express.

The sporting department of the setter, in
the field, precisely corresponds with the pur-
suits and properties of the pointer, but with
this single variation ; that, admitting their

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

401

olfactory sensations to be equally exquisite,
and that one can discover, aud as expedi-
tiously receive aiid enjoy, the etfiuvia of the
fjanie, as readily aud at. an equal distance
with the other : the difference of the sports
in which they are respectively employed,
renders it necessary that one should effect
upon his legs what the other does by i)ros-
tration upon the groinid, in the very position
from which the appellation of setting-dog is
derived : and these are neither more nor
less than the pure effects of sporting educa-
tion ; for, as in shooting with the pointer, the
game is constantly expected to rise, so in the
use of the setting-dog and net the game is
required to lie. But though the setting-dog
is in general used for the purpose of taking-
partridges with a draw-net, yet they are oc-
casionally employed with the gun, and are
equally applicable to that appropriation,
except in turnips, standing clover, French
wheat, furze, ling, or other covert, where
their sudden drop and point may not be so
readily observed.

The feet of the setter are much better de-
fended against the sharp cutting of the heath
than those of the pointer, by the quantity of
hair "rowiu"; between the toes and round the
ball of the foot, of which the pointer is nearly
destitute. When the ground has become hard
by frost, his superiority from this cause is
strikingly conspicuous ; at the same time that
he ranges faster, and w ill endure more fatigue.
In any rough country the setter has, un-
doubtedly, the advantage, though the pointer,
is equally as good where there is nothing but ;
smooth hunting. The setter is a high-met-
tled creature, aud whom it is extremely hard

to break in, but when broke in, less apt to
have too muck set, i. e. to make a steady
point when the game is gone. A setter re-
(piires water in hot weather ofteuer than a
pointer, being more thickly clad ; for dogs
with much hair drink ofteuer than those with
thin coats.

Some setters will take the water as readily
as water-spaniels, and if birds fall into it, af-
ter being shot, will fetch them out without
breaking a feather. There are pointers, also,
that will take the water, but these have been
crossed, in a greater or less degree, with the
setter, as the high, thorough-bred pointer is
by no means fond of the water.

THE SPRINGER AND COCK SPANIEL.

This race of dogs consists of two kinds,
one of which being considerably larger than
the other, is known by the appellation of the
springer, or springing-spaniel, as applicable
to every kind of game ; the smaller is called
the cocker, or cock-spaniel, it being more
particularly adapted to covert, or woodcock
shooting.

The true English springer differs but little
in ligure from the setter, except in size ; va-
rying only in a small degree, if any, from a
red yellow, or liver colour, or white, which
seems to be the invariable external standard
of this breed ; and, being nearly two fifths
less in height and strength than the setter,
delicately formed, ears long, soft, and plia-
ble, coat waving and silky, eyes and nose red
or black, the tail somewhat bushy and pen-
dulous, and always in motion when actively
employed.

The cock-spaniel has a shorter and mire

402

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : anu

compact form, a rounder head, shorter nose,
ears long, (and the longer the more admired)
the limbs short and strong, the coat more in-
clined to curl than the springer's, and longer,
particularly on the tail, which is generally
truncated ; the colour, liver and white, red,
red and white, black and white, all liver co-
lour, and not unfrequently black, with tan-
ned legs and muzzle.

Some of the largest and strongest of this
breed are very common in most parts of Sus-
sex, and are called Sussex spaniels. The
cock-spaniel is that peculiar breed which
was preserved by the late Duke of Marlbo-
rough, invariably red and white, with very
long ears, short noses, and black eyes ; they
are excellent and indefatigable, and in high
estimation.

Although these spaniels vary in size, they
differ but liitle in their qualifications, except
that the larger does not equal the smaller in
the rapidity of action ; nor do they either
seem to catch the scent so suddenly, or,
when caught, to enjoy it with the same en-
thusiastic delight. The smaller spaniel has
also the advantage of getting through the
bushy covert with much less difficulty than
the larger spaniel, and in that particular de-
partment may probably not tire so soon,
whatever may be the labour of the day. —
Spaniels of both descriptions are used as
finders in coursing with greyhounds, and are
eagerly indefatigable in their exertions to find
and pursue a hare, as they are in search of
winged game with the gun. From the time
they are thrown off the field, as a proof of
the pleasure they feel in being employed, the
tail is in perpetual motion (which is termed
feathering,) upon the increasing vibration of

whicn the experienced sportsman well knows
when he is getting nearer to the object of at-
traction. The nearer he approaches the more
energetic he becomes in his endeavours, aud
when the game is found clamorous raptures
proclaim his gratification

It is absolutely necessary that all young
and inexperienced sportsmen should take
the field with spaniels, on account of their
incessant activity, otherwise they may cover
many a weary mile of ground without hav-
ing a successful shot. As it is the unchange-
able nature of these dogs to spring, flush, or
start all the game before them ; and as they
pursue, without preference, hare, pheasant,
partridge, woodcock, snipe and quail, it be-
comes the more necessary to hunt them
within giui-shot out of covert, and with bells
or gingles on their collars within, if it be
close or extensive, that they may be pre-
vented from beating too wide. Spaniels,
however, are considered more applicable to
shooting in covert, than to the pursuits in
which pointers or setters are more properly
engaged.

" But if the shady woods my cares employ,
111 quest of feather'd game my spaniels beat,
Puzzling th' entangled copse, and from the brake
Push forth tile wliirring pheasant — high in air
He waves his varied plumes, stretching away
With hasty wing."

THE WATER-SPANIEL.

Tlii.s dog is held in high estimation foi
the enjoyment of sport with wild fowl. Wa-
ter-spaniels have been known to answer
every purpose of springers ; and the breed
no doubt originated in a cross between the
large water-dog and the sprniging-spaniel :

UKlTlSll SPORTSMAN.

^03

some tliiiik that tlie black are the best and
liardicst ; tlio spoltedj or pied, the quickest
of scent : and the liver-coloured the most
rapid in swimming and the most eager in
pursuit: tlicse, however, may be fantastic
suppositions. Good and bad of all colours
are to be found ; therefore colour is a mere
matter of taste. The body should not be too
large, nor the frame too heavy ; the head
should be round, the ears long, broad, soft
and pendulous ; the eyes prominent and live-
ly, the neck short and thick, the shoulders
broad, legs straight, chine scpiare, buttocks
round and firm, thighs muscular, pastern-
joints strong and devv-clavved, fore-feet long
and round, and the hair long and naturally
curled.

As the water-spaniel derives his chief ex-
cellence from the advantages of an early
education, he cannot be too soon reduced to
the trannnels of obedience : at three or four
months old, or, in fact, as soon as he is capa-
ble of obeying verbal injunctions, he should
be accustomed, as much as possible, to the
word of command. To couch and lie close,
not daring to stir without permission, are the
leading steps to every subsequent instruc-
tion. He should be caressed and fed when
lie acts right, but scolded and menaced when
lie does wrong. The exclamations necessary
in breaking and hunting the water-spaniel
are very concise, " down !" — " hie on !" —
"back!" — and "hie lost!" are all that is
required in wild fowl shooting, and the in-
troduction of more is not only superfluous
but may occasion confusion. These terms
he soon becomes perfectly accustomed to
and readily obeys ; the first implying to couch
or lie close; the second to try on for the
game ; the third to come behind ; and the

last to try hard for the recovery of the bird,
when killed or wounded, and sometimes lost
in the rushes or covert. One qualification
becomes indispensably necessary, and which
the water-spaniel should be taught from his
infancy, that is, to fetch and carry with the
greatest alacrity, executing both by the word
of command—" hie lost!" — " back !" This
is easily taught with a ball, a glove, or any
other light article. In the attainment of this
acquisition, care must be taken in the com-
mencement to make him use a tender mouth,
otherwise the birds would be wantonly man-
gled and torn, and rendered unfit for the ta-
ble. When completely broke, and expert in
their business, water-spaniels are indefa-
tigably energetic in the discovery and pursuit
of every kind of fowl, whose place of nativity
or residence is in or near an aqueous situa-
tion ; and, by the effect of minute observation
they arrive at such a degree of excellence as
almost exceeds credibility ; for, upon flush-
ing the bird, whatever it may be, the eye is
fixed so invariably upon the flight, that in-
stantaneously upon the discharge of the gun,
if the game be palpably stricken, he sets off
with the most determined speed to bring it
to his master, and to obtain possession of it,
if possible, even before it reaches the
ground.

The water-spaniel is not only of great
utility to the sporting world in the field, but
his services are absolutely indispensible in
the formation of

A DECOY FOR TAKING WILD FOWL.

In this decoy are several flues, or pipes, of
net-work, which lead up a narrow ditch, that
terminates witii what is called a funnel-net.
Over these pipes, (which l)ecome gradually

404

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

contracted from their first entrance) is a con-
tinued arch of netting, suspended on hoops,
it being necessary to have a pipe, or ditch,
for ahnost every wind that can blow ; as up-
on this circumstance principally depends
which pipe the fowl will take to, as tlie de-
coy-man is always under the necessity of
seeping on the leeward side, to prevent his
effluvia from reachmg the olfactory sensa-
tions of the ducks, of which, strange as it
may appear, they are exceedingly susceptible.
During the whole length of each pipe, at dif-
ferent spaces, are placed screens, made of
reeds, which are so situated that it is impos-
sible the wild-fowl should see the decoy-man
before they have passed on towards the end
of the pipe where the purse-net is placed.
The inducement to the wild fowl to go up
one of*those pipes is, because the decoy-
ducks, trained to lead the way, after hearing
the whistle of the decoy-man, or enticed by
the hemp-seed, instantly dive under water,
whilst the wild fowl fly on and are taken
in the purse. But sometimes it happens that
the fowls are in such a state of sleeping or
dozing, that they will not follow (he decoy-
ducks ; there is then no alternative but to
resort to the assistance of the water-spaniel,
who, having been previously and properly
taught his lesson, passes backwards and for-
wards between the reed screens, (in which
there are small holes both for the decoy-man
to see, and larger at bottom, for the dog to
pass through.) This attracts the attention
of the fowl, who, not choosing to be inter-
rupted, advance towards the busily-employed
animal, in the hope they may be able to drive
him away. The dog all the time, by the di-
rection of the decoy-man, plays among the

skreens of reeds, and the wild-fowl not daring
to pass by him in return, nor being able to
escape upwards, (on account of the net co-
vering,) rush on into the purse-net, yet, not-
withstanding their general alertness upon the
watch, they are sometimes so insensible to
the approach of danger, that even the ap-
pearance of the dog will not attract their at-
tention, if a red handkerchief, or something
singular, is not put about him.

Decoys, so admirably calculated to supply
the public with delicious food, cannot be
formed except in places where nature gives
her assistance : marshy, low lands, plenty of
water, and sequestered situations, are highly
necessary for the undertaking. Decoys are
to be seen in different parts of England, but
they are more plenty in the northern and
eastern counties than in any other : Lincoln-
shire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, and some parts
of Warwickshire, are remarkable for some
extensive decoys, from the principal of which
the markets of the metropolis are plentifully
and reasonably supplied. Lincolnshire seems
to take the lead in its production, where the
most astonishing number of ducks, wigeons,
and teal are constantly taken.

For the protection of decoys in general,
and the preservation of those whose interest
is concerned, it was enacted, during the reign
of Queen Anne, that if any person whatsoever
shall, by hays, tunnels, or other nets, drive
or take away any wild duck, teal, wigeon, or
other water-fowl in the moulting season
(which in 10 George II. is expressly specified
between the 1st of June and the 1st of Octo-
ber,) such person being thereof convicted
before a justice, shall forfeit five shillings and
the hays, nets, or tunnels used in driving or

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

4(J5

taking' such fowl, shall be destroyed. An
action will also lie against the disturber of
a decoy, by firing" a gun within a certain dis-
tance, or any other act of wilful injury what-
ever.

THE WATER-DOG,

From which the water-spaniel originates,
is a large animal, but not of general use.
These dogs are exceedingly singular in their
appearance, and have probably derived their
origin from the Greenland-dog, blended
with some particular English race. They
are of different colours, but of the same
shape and formation. The jet black, with
white feet, stand the highest in estimation.
The head is rather round, the nose short, the
ears long, broad, and pendulous; tlio eyes
full, and lively ; the neck thick, and short ;
the shoulders broad ; the legs straight ; the
hind-quarters round and firm ; the pasterns
strong, and dev/-clawed ; and the fore-feet
long, but round, with the liair in na!in-al
short curls. Dming his puppyhood, tiiis
dog displays a strong inclination to be busy ;
he takes delight in removing shoes, boots,
mops, brooms, pattens, &c. At this time he
should be taught to fetch and carry sticks, or
any other article which he is capable of re-
taining: also, to bring sticks, &c. out of
waters of every depth and description. In-
stances are numerous of money, gloves,
handkerchiefs, &c. being deposited under
stones, or in hollow trees before dogs of this
description, and after walking a mile or tw o,
they have been ordered to return for the ar-
ticles, and have faithfully brought them back.
Thev have been also taught to knock at a
street-door, or ring a bell, for admission, and

34

they have been occasionally preservers of
peo()le when in danger of l)eing drowned.

Upon the sea-coast this breed is principally
propagated, where they are mostly brought
into use, and held in proportional estimation.
Along the rocky shores and dreadfid declivi-
ties beyond the junction of the Tweed with
the sea of Berwick, water-dogs have derived
an addition of strength, from the experi-
mental introduction of a cross with the New-
foundland dog, which has rendered them
completely adequate to the arduous difficul-
ties and diurnal perils in which they are sys-
tematically engaged. These stupendous
and inaccessible cliffs and precipices are so
favorable to the propagation of soland geese,
sea-gulls, and wild fowl of every description,
that the coast may be said to be covered
w ith them, from one extremity of the northern
district to the other, and the necessitous and
laborious class entirely support themselves
and families, during the greater part of the
year, by patient attacks whenever there is
a probability of success, (otherwise they
never discharge a g^m) and by the persever-
ing exertions of their dogs. Those clifts, or
recesses, are selected which, from their situa-
tion at certain angles, or points, afford the
most promising expectations of success : in
each of these, (but not at a less distance than
one quarter, or the third of a mile from each
other) huts are so ciu'iously constructed with
sods, intermixed w'*h loam, marl, and other
applicable articles, as to form, when finished,
a seeming part of the rock itself. To each
hut is a door, or shelf, within, for the conve-
nience of depositing provisions and ammu-
nition, as well as tlu-ee circular openings of
four inches diameter, (to the right, the let\,
5 K

406

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

and the centre,) for the discovery of the fowl
on their approach, and the subsequent dis-
charge of the gun, when they, fortunately,
were within shot, but which is never dis-
charged except the magnitude of the birds
promises a profitable hit ; the smaller tribe
are permitted to pass unmolested. In this
sequestered situation, remote from every
human eye, accompanied only by his faithful
dog, the adventurer takes his seat at the very
dawn of day, his success depending more
upon the fluctuating favor of the elements
than upon any energetic endeavours of his
own. This occupation (for by the happy
and enlightened part of the world it cannot
be termed a sport, or amusement,) requires
more patience and philosophy than any oither
in which the dog and gun are conjunctively
concerned.

The following observations on the spaniel,
as to breed and training, are quoted from
the Sporting Magazine for 1813 : —

" This breed of dogs, from the superiority
of pointers during the first sporting months,
and from their having been found adequate
to all purposes, where the covers are light,
throughout the season, has of late years been
greatly neglected ; insomuch that the well-
bred spaniel is now rarely to be met with.
As a proof of this, seldom do we see a whole
litter of puppies like each other in marks
and colour, nor when grown up do they
more resemble each other in shape, style of
hunting, or last, not least, in strength and
courage. It is an old saying of dogs, as well
as horses, that a good dog cannot be of a
bad colour ; nor, as many will infer, of a
bad sort. It cannot be denied, that in some,
nay, in many instances, arrant curs have
proved excellent himters ; and have, in every

respect, answered the purposes of the spaniel.
As breeders, however, they cannot be de-
pended on. To some of their posterity they
may transmit their good qualities; but as,
from natural causes, they must in time dege-
nerate, and get fond of vermin ; moreover,
as the appearance of them is such a discredit
to the sportsman, the true spaniel should be
substituted in their stead.

" Of the few real spaniels now amongst us,
the supposed descendants from such as were
formerly introduced, when woodcocks were
plentier in the western parts of England, we
may trace three or four families ; the yellow-
pied, with fine silky hair ; the liver-coloured,
long-legged, sharp-eared ; as also the liver-
spotted, round-eared, short-jointed, both pe-
culiar to Devonshire; and the coal-black,
with tan legs and tan spots over the eyes,
in Cornwall. These are all supposed to be
of a genuine breed ; and those which have
been well broken have turned out invariably
ffood ; because thev have ever borne spots
and marks as indicative of their famdy ; and
because, when broken, they have resembled
each other as respectively in their habits and
utility. The rough breed, of various colours,
and the large liver-spotted, with very long
shaggy ears, seem almost extinct.

" When we speak of breed, how ever, in the
spaniel, we speak of one half only of what is
required in this sort of dog. Without good
breaking, the best show their origin and re-
semble their ancestors in appearance only.
It may be worth our while, therefore, to
speak of a circumstance so indispensable in
the subject before us. As puppies, after
weaning and tailing, they should be fed
often ; indeed, until they are three parts of a
year old, and upwards, at least three times a

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

407

day. Provided the proper means be used to
promote their stamina, their native courage
will fuUv meet the ahnost incredible fati"ue
and hardships they will generally have to
cope uith, and this at times in the most in-
clement season of the year. For this pur-
pose, they should have milk several times in
the week, be allowed clean water to lap,
and, if possible, a dry green, to sport and
play on by day, with clean straw, but not hay,
to lie on at nights. Nor must we omit the
precaution, that children be not allowed to
play and toy with them, and that they be by
no means allowed to bask before the tire.
Mudi self-command and patience as it re-
quires, it is well worth the sportsman's wliile
himself to enter them^ and this should be
done before they are a twelvemonth old.
They should not at first be allowed to range
the open field after larks, and every other
incitement to the reverses of control and
order. On the contrary, they should be taken
directly into cover ; and if they range and
hunt the same it is enough. At first, they
should only be whistled to, nor should they
be either chid or encouraged. Kept con-
stantly in good humour, they will soon learn
to work before you, and try the ground with
regularity; but flagelUstiou, and the sowing
the seeds of ill-habits at an early age, should
be avoided as much as possible. Various
are their dispositions, as far as concerns their
regard to work at the first onset ; some are
froward, and others meek, and the bowlings
of one under flagellation may for ever cow
another, whose powers it were possibly worth
much pains to elicit.

"Being entered^ and in some measure shot
to, the first season, at the commencement of

the next for cover-shooting, they. may, with
some patience at first, be admitted to regular
work. Yet an; they inexperienced, inas-
much as they are not aware of the most pro-
bable haunts of game, nor do they know how
to manage a doubtful scent. In the company
of old dogs, however, they improve very t'ast.
At three years old they become very tolerable
finders; at four, get knowing and sagacious
in their work; and, at five years, they are in
the zenith of all their properties and powers;
when, taking all countries, and the divers
kind of work they have to accomplish, and
the fatigue they can endure, into considera-
tion, they become the most valuable appen-
dage to the admirers of cover-shooting.

" It would be improper to dismiss the sub-
ject, without noticing a circumstance in the
treatment of this sort of dog, productive of
the most fatal consequences. With many it
is a common practice not to enter spaniels
till they are two years old, or the third season
from whelping ; and then, because they
range and hunt in cover, they are of a sud-
den, forsooth, required to understand and
obey commands also. Not so ; the instilling
this principle so as to act as a constant bias
on the conduct of the animal, is the work of
time and patience only ; the sense of it must
be entertained when young, increase with
the stature, and grow with the growth.
Without this implicit obedience to command,
you may have many dogs witn you, but no
one employed as it ought to be; one shall
be far a-head hunting upon her own account,
and putting up every thing out of shot;
another close behind your heels, with his
tail between his legs; a third, sneaking and
creeping after you at a more respectful dis-

408

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

tance ; whilst the rest are ranging so wide
on either side of you, as to provoke the most
patient to the use of execrations, and to
oblige him to i^tujrn liomie, as he went out,
with an empty bag."

GROUSE-SHOOTING.

This is a very lauorious amusement, and
requires great judgment, particularly in such
mountains as the sportsman is a stranger to.
Several take this diversion on horseback,
which, of course, considerably I nsens the
fatigue ; and, for this purpose, g»it»oways, or
ponies, are used ; so trained tlat ib^y will
stand still with the bridles on (heir necks
while the sportsman takes aim and shoots.
The sportsman should be. provided with
plenty of dogs ; three brace are sufficient,
hunting only a brace at a time ; and, indeed,
two brace, properly managed, may afford
plenty of diversion. By allowing' the first
couple of dogs to hunt only half the day,
they will be sufficiently refreijhed to hunt the
next morning. 'Aj;; the seasmi for this sport
is generally the hoHesi j.n the year, it becomes
necessary to be clothed accordingly. The
lighter the dress the better, taking care that
the garments next to the skin chiefly consist
of flannel : those who have an aversion to
flannel, may use calico instead.

To walk among' the heath in hot weather,
till a violent perspiration ensues, and then to
become stationary for a time, which is some-
times the case in grouse-shooting, will be
apt to incur a severe cold if a linen -shirt be
next to the skin ; add to which, the disagree-
able sensation it qxcites by sticking to the
back. Short boots, which lace close, and
are easy to the legs and feet, should be worn

instead of shoes. A brandy-flask is a neces-
sary appendage, to the bottom of which a
cup should be attached, for the purpose of
occasionally mixing water with brandy : for
no sportsman, when warm, should, kt him
be ever so thirsty, drink cold water alone.

Previous to this diversion^ it is necessary
to consult the barometer, for grouse foresee
the change of weather, and shift their ground
accordingly. When inclined to rain, they
will generally be found about midway on the
hills, and when the weather is very bad, the
buts of the mountains are the places they
frequent: in fine weather they will be found
near the tops. These birds go io water im-
mediately after their morning ilight^ which
is the proper time to begin the day's diver-
sion : from that time till the extreme heat
of the day comes on, good sport may be ob-
tained ; also, from three o'clock till sun-set.
During the 'iead time of the day, grouse fre-
quently creep into deep roots, and mossy
places, to screen themselves from the e.\ce§-
sive heat of the sun.

These birds are found in difterent parts of
the world, and are of various kinds ; but
those of Great Britain are known by the
name of red grouse, or moor-game, and are
much larger than the partridge, the male
weighing about nineteen ounces. The bill
is black, the eyes hazel coloured, the throat
red, the plumage on the head and neck a
light tawny red, every feather being marked
with several transverse bars of black ; the
back and scapulars are a deeper red, and on
the middle of every feather is a large black
spot ; the breast and belly are of a dull pur-
plish-brown colour, crossed with narrow
dusky lines, the quill-feathers are dusky;

RIIITISII SPORTSMAN.

409

the tail consists of sixteen black feathers, the
four middlemost barred with red ; the thi<rhs
are a pale red, obscurely barred with black;
the lej>s and feet of the old birds are clothed
down to the claws w ith thick, soft, white and
brown feathers, and the outer and inner toes
are connected to the first joint by a small
membrane. Grouse are called poults till they
are a year old. Tho female weiij^hs about
fifteen ounces; her colours, in general, are
less vivid, having more of the white and less
of the red feathers than the male. They feed
on mountain berries and the undertops of
heath.

Grouse pair very early in the spring, and
the female lays from eight to twelve or thir-
teen eggs, in a very simple nest, formed on
the ground. The young leave the nest about
as soon as hatched, and continue to follow
the hen till the severity of the winter sets in,
when they unite in packs of twenty or thirty
brace. The hen is very careful of her brood ;
if a dog appear she will throw herself on the
ground directly before his nose, screaming
dreadfully, and manifesting' an apparent in-
capacity of flying. The dog eagerly pur-
sues, expecting every moment to catch her ;
but when she has drawn him a sufficient dis-
tance from her young, she suddenly extends
her wings, and leaves her astonished pursuer
V) follow her with his eyes.

In grouse shooting be careful to give the
dogs the wind, and diligently try the sides
of the mountains which are most sheltered.
If it blow hard, these birds will be found
where the heath is longest : in tliis case
grouse generally take long flights, and for
the most part down the wind (i. e. not against
the wind) which is the very reverse of what
34.

most other fowls are known to do. 'l*o ihe
disagreeable circumstances attending a ai^h
wind, may be added the difficulty of keeping
the fowling-piece steady, and the probability
of a flash of the pan blowing into the sports-
man's face.

On finding a pack of grouse, the old cock
is generally the first that makes his appear-
ance, and the first to take wing. If not much
disturbed, he will run before the dogs, make
a chuckling noise, and frequently get up and
challenge without any appearance of appre-
hension ; but by this he warns the hen and
poults, who immediately run and separate.
The hen generally runs as far as she can
from her pursuers, in order to draw their at-
tention from the poults ; and if the poults be
strons: enouffh to shift for themselves, she will
sometimes insure her own safety, and leave
them entirely. In this case good diversion
may be expected ; the first object should be
to kill the old cock, which will very proba-
bly lead to the capture of the young ones,
one after another ; for, in the beginning of the
season, they lie very close, particularly after
hearing the report of a gun, which terrifies
them in such a degree that they become in-
sensible, and may be taken up with the hand
under the dog's nose : when this happens
the ground should be carefully beaten. If
much rain should have fallen previous to the
morning of shooting, grouse will not lie, they
will erect their heads and run ; and the only
chance the sportsman has of getting within
shot is to run also ; but this spoils the dogs,
for when they see their master run they wil\
also do the same.

Grouse are very difficult to be netted,
owing to the straggling manner in which
5t

410

THR COMPLETE FARRIER; and

thev lie, and their habit of scattering on the
approach ot the sportsman or the least noise.
Two or three brace are the most that can be
aken at a time in this way, and very seldom
so many. Burning heath on the mountains,
as it is done chiefly in the spring, is very des-
tructive to grouse, as numerous nests are
thereby destroyed. There is an act of par-
liament against it, but the practice is winked
at on account of the benefit derived there-
from by the owner of the mountain.

As grouse are frequently sent to distant
acquaintances after being killed, particularly
in hot weather, it is with great difficulty they
are kept sweet. Mr. Thornhill recommends
the following method of preservation, which
he declares to be the best hitherto discover-
ed : — "' Never draw your game, particularly
grouse, that is, do not follow the usual di-
rections, of taking out the entrails, when you
wish to send them any distance. The best
mode is not to pack them till they are per-
fectly dry. First of all procure bladders, and
put a brace or more in one, if the bladder
will contain them : tie the bladder tight round
the neck, and seal it with sealing-wax, to
prevent the air from getting in ; and in this
state, if put into boxes, they will keep for
three weeks if required." Some put a little
heath in the bottom of the box, and wrap the
birds separately (without being drawn) in
paper.

PARTRIDGE SHOOTING.

The partridge is a simple, timid bird, and
may be easily beguiled ; they are often driven
into a tunnel-net, by which poachers seldom
miss taking a whole covey at once. These
birds generally pair abojit the second week

in February, but in a mild season they are
found in pairs as early as January ; should
the weather afterwards prove severe, they
again assemble in number, or, according to
the sporting term, in packs. Their nest con-
sists of a few blades of withered grass and
leaves, constructed without art, and chiefly
found in corn-fields, amongst clover, long
grass, or in the bottom of hedges.. The fe-
male lays from thirteen to twenty eggs, and
sometimes more. The egg is about the size
of a pigeon's, but more obtuse, and of a
greyish colour. The period of incubation is
three weeks, and so closely do they sit on
their eggs, particularly when near hatching,
that instances have frequently occurred of a
hen partridge being cut in two by a scythe.
The great hatch is about the first ten days in
June, and the young birds begin to fly about
the end of that month. If a partridge's nest
be destroyed, she generally lays again, and
this brood, which is termed by sportsmen
clacking, is not game till October; these
birds are always weak, and generally fall vic-
tims to the inclemency of the weather.

The brood are able to run as soon as they
are hatched, and are, indeed, sometimes seen
carrying part of their shell with them. They
are immediately led by the cocks and hens
to ant-hills, their principal food being, at this
time, the eggs of those insects; and such is
the excellence of this food, that when pro-
perly supplied with it, they seldom fail of
arriving to maturity.

The affection of these birds for their youni^
is very great. In the hour of danger, both
the cock and hen spread their wings and
cover their brood ; from this situation they
are not easily roused, and when they are.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

411

nuicli confusion ensues. Tlie cock, by a
peculiar cry of distress, gives the alarm, and
fluttering before the enemy, in order to win
his attention, and give the hen an opportu-
nity of conducting her brood to a place of
safety, is oftentimes their preserver. On its
full growth, the partridge generally provides
for itself. There arc few instances of this
bird remaining tame : the Rev. Mr. Bird had
a domestic partridge which attended the par-
lour at breakfast, and took food from any one
that gave it.

The cock partridge weighs about fourteen
ounces, and the hen twelve : while young,
and their plumage not complete, they may
be distinguished from the old ones by the
first feather of the wing, which terminates in
a point like a lancet ; but in those which are
not of the last brood, this feather is round in
the extremity. The bill of the young bird
is also brown, while that of the old one is a
blueish white, and the legs of the young are
yellow, and of the old one grey. When they
become game, (or, according to the sporting
term, black tails) the cock in general may be
distinguished by the bay feathers on his
breast, forming a sort of horse-shoe; but
this is not a certain rule : the males, after
the first or second year, can only be distin-
guished by a superior brightness of coKxu-
about the head. '

Partridges are not equally abundant every
year, as their number depends much upon
the weather. The eggs are frequently chil- '
led, and ever, when the young ones leave the
shell, they are often killed by the severity of
the weather. If the months of June and July
are fine, these birds are generally abundant.

In partridge-shooting, both pointers and

setters are used ; but, in a rough country, or
where game is scarce, setters are preferable :
in an open country, and where partridges
abound, pointers are, perhaps, equal to set-
ters ; and two staunch dogs will be found
snfRciept.

The best time for this amusement is frou\
two hours after sunrise until twelve o'clock,
and from half-past two or three o'clock until
dark. When the weather is very dry, espe-
cially at the beginning of the sea.son, and the
.scent, according to the sporting phrase sinks,
the dogs' abilities will be put to the test to
no purpose. In the middle of the day
partridges cease to feed or run, and generally
place themselves by the side of a bank, to
enjoy the heat of the sun. They generally
feed and sleep in separate places, but though
thev often chansre their ground, sometimes
they ren\ain all day, or all night, where they
fed the preceding evening or morning. At
day-break they call, and, when collected,
generally take their flight to the stubbles,
which, if high and thick enough to afford
shelter, will induce them to remain there till
disturbed ; however, particularly in dry wea-
ther, they are frequently found at this time
among potatoes. After feeding in the even-
ing, they again call, and fly to the place
where they intend to remain for the night.
When calling, they seldom lie well for the
sportsman to approach within gun-shot.

This bird is well known all over the world,
as it is found in every country. Wherever
it resides it seems to adapt itself to the
nature of the climate, and, consequently,
varies. In Greenland it is brown during
summer, but in the winter its outward plu-
mage becomes white, like snow, and it i^

il'i

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

clad with a warm down beneath. The part-
ridges of Barakanda are longer-legged, and
much swifter of foot, as they frequent high
rocks and precipices. They all agree, how-
ever, in one general character, and that is,
of being immoderately addicted to venery ;
the cock will frequently pursue the hen to
the nest and break her effffs rather than not
indulge his inclinations.

oa-

PHEASANT-SHOOTING

This is a laborious sport; but before we
enter into the merits of the diversion, it will
be necessary to make some observations on
the game.

The pheasant is a beautiful bird, and de-
rives its name from its native soil, havins:
been brought into Europe from the banks of
Phaisis, a river of Colchis in Asia Minor.
The iris "of the eye is yellow, and the eyes
themselves are surrounded with a scarlet
colour, sprinkled with small specks of black.
On the fore-part of the head are blackish
feathers, mixed with a shining purple. The
top of the head, and the upper part of the
neck, are tinged with a darkish green that
shines like silk. In some, the top of the
head is a shining blue, and the head itself,
as well as the upper part of the neck, ap-
pears sometimes blue, and sometimes green,
as the eye of the spectator may be situated.
The feathers of the breast, the shoulders,
the middle of the back, and the sides under
the wings, have a blackish ground, with
edges tinged with a colour which varies like
the head and neck, appearing sometimes
black, and sometimes purple : under the
purple is a transverse streak of a gold colour.
The tail, from the middle feathers to the root.

is above eighteen inches long ; the legs, feet,
and toes, are of the colour of horn : there
are black spurs on the legs, shorter than
those of the common farm-yard cock, and a
membrane that connects two of the toes to-
gether : the female is not near so beautiful as
the male, her colours being less brilliant.

This bird, which is so beautiful to the eye,
is equally delicious to the taste when served
up to table : its flesh is considered as the
greatest dainty, and when the physicians of
old spoke of the wholesomeness of any viands,
they generally compared them with' the nu-
tritious flesh of the pheasant.

These birds do not pair like partridges,
the cock being sufficient for a number of
hens. They seem, however, occasionally to
pair, as the male and female are sometimes
observed to stray from the provinces and
breed in distant situations. They are much
attached to thickets and woods when the
grass is very long : they also breed in clover-
fields. They form their nests on the ground,
much in the manner of the partridge. In a
wild state, the hen lays from fifteen to twenty
eggs, but when domesticated, seldom more
than ten. Their eggs are smaller than those
of a domestic hen. In moving clover near
the woods, frequented by these birds, the
destruction of their eggs is sometimes very
great : game-keepers, therefore, shouM dTive
them from clover-fields, as soon as they be-
gin to lay, until their haunts are broken, and
they retire into the corn or places more secure.
The young ones, like partridges, follow their
mother as soon as they have broken the shell,
and will remain some time after the corn is
cut amongst the stubbles, and in the bottoms
of hedges if undisturbed; but, if molested.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

413

they seek the covers^ whence they is^iir
uioniiu^- and evening- to feed, as long as food
IS to 1)0 fonnd among- tlie stnbbles : when
corn no longer remains they feed on acorns,
and wild berries.

When at liberty, the pheasant hatches and
rears her brood w ith patience, vigilance, and
conragc ; bnt, w hen tame, she never sits well,
and frequently will not sit at all, so that a
domestic hen is generally substituted on such
occasions ; nor, when in captivity, does she
seem to be conscious of the necessity of
leading- her young to their food, and the
brood will quickly perish if left solely to her
protection. A spirit of independence seems
to attend this bird, which, if left at large, is
remarkable for its fecundity. Though taken
from its native warm retreats, where the
woods supply a variety of food, and the ge-
nial sun suits its tender constitution, this bird
has evinced an extraordinary attachment to
native freedom; and, as if disdaining the
protection of man, has left him to take shel-
ter in the remotest forests, and to feed on the
scanty produce of a chilling climate. By
the owners of parks and manors, great pains
are tiiken for the preservation of this beau-
tiful bird ; l)ut, notwithstanding every pre-
caution, it will frequently stray from preserv-
ed covers — never to return.

In pheasant-shooting, the sportsman should
be properly equippe'd for a cover. Strong
woollen cloth gaiters are thought preferable
to leather, as in wet weather the latter is
very uncomfortable, and the former is a
sufficient guard against briars.

If the night previous to the sport be wet,
tlie droppings of the trees will compel the
pheasants to quit the woods; and, in this case,

34.

(he hediic-rows and furze-covers should be
diligently tried, as good diversion may be
ol)tained. This bird is much attach(;d to
almost all sorts of covers, and especially to
the sides of the pits where alder-trees are

"rownis:

The setter is the best dog for this sport ;
but the use of bells is ridiculous, for as little
noise as possible should be made. Pointers
are frequently too tender to follow this bird
through the brambles, which is not the case
with a good setter. In hunting, however,
with setters, care must be taken never to let
them range out of gun-shot. Many persons
use springers, or springing-spaniels, for this
diversion, and also for partridge-shooting;
but this is not the custom of experienced
sportsmen. The small springing-spaniel
may answer tolerably well in the beginning
of the season, or where the birds have not
been much disturbed ; but he is by no means
equal to a setter. The springer is too noisy
for this diversion. A pheasant, when found
by a setter, instead of going off, will fre-
quently rise into a tree, and challenge, (i. e.
make a chuckling noise) which rarely hap-
pens when found by the springing-spaniel.

As pheasants lie remarkably well in hedge-
rows, here a pointer or setter may be equally
useful, for sometimes the bush must be
shaken before the bird will rise. It is, how-
ever, different in covers, when these birds
frequently run a considerable distance, and
it becomes necessary to encourage the dog
to push the pheasant; though, when a litt'e
used to the sport, he will need no encourage-
ment. A springer may, perhaps, push a
pheasant quicker than a setter, but unless
lie be trained to a degree of perfection not
5 M

414

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

very common^ he will occasion ten times the
trouble of the setter, and the birds will be
more liable to rise out of gun-shot.

WOODCOCK-SHOOTING.

The woodcock, during summer, is an in-
habitant of Norway, Sweden, Lapland, and
other northern countries, where it breeds ;
but, when winter approaches, the severe
frosts force it southward to milder climates.
This bird of passage arrives in Great Bri-
tain in flocks; some in October, but not in
great numbers till November and December,
though they are sometimes seen as early as
September. They generally take advantage
of the night, as they seldom appear before
sun-set. The time of their arrival depends
much upon the prevailing winds ; they are
unable to struggle with the boisterous gales
of the northern ocean, and therefore wait for
a favorable wind. When they have encount-
ered bad weather on their passage, they are
sometimes so exhausted on their arrival as to
suffer themselves to be seized by the hand.
They occasionally take refuge, during very
stormy weather, in the rigging of vessels at
sea, and numbers are frequently lost in their
passage. The greater part of them leave
this country about the latter end of February
or the beginning of March, always pairing
before they set out, and at this time they utter
a little piping noise ; they retire to the coast,
and, if the wind be favorable, set out imme-
diately ; but, if contrary, they remain for
some time, and thus afford good diversion to
those sportsmen who reside near the sea.
The instant, however, a fair wind springs up,
they embrace the opportunity, and where
hundreds have appeared on one day not a
single woodcock may be seen on the next.

This bird has a long, slender, straight
bill, with which he searches for his food,
worms and insects, in moist ground. The
nostrils are linear, and lodged in a furrow ;
the head entirely covered with feathers ; and
the feet with four toes, the hind one very
short, and consisting of several points. The
hen may be distinguished from the male by
a narrow stripe of white along the lower part
of the exterior veil of the outermost feather
of the wing. The same part in the outermost
feather of the cock is elegantly and regularly
spotted with black and reddish white. In the
bastard wing of both is a small, pointed,
narrow feather, very elastic, and much sought
after by painters, as it makes a good pencil.
These birds generally weigh from twelve to
fourteen ounces.

Woodcocks build their nests on the ground,
generally at the root of some tree, and lay
four or five eggs, about the size of a pigeon's, •
of a rusty colour, and marked with brown
spots : they are so remarkably tame during^ I
incubation, that they may be constantly fl
looked at, and even stroked with the hand.
Very few of them remain m England during
the summer season ; a few, indeed, have oc-
casionally tarried, and the female has been
known to make a nest and lay eggs. This
may be probably owing to the birds having
been wounded by sportsmen in the winter,
which has rendered them incapable of taking J
their long journey the ensuing spring, and
when they do stop in this country for the ^
summer season, it seldom happens that two "
of them, male and female, are found toge-
ther, and therefore woodcocks are very rare-
ly bred in England, though the female will
lay eggs.

These birds, which are more plentiful \n

UIUTISH SPORTSMAN

41b

Ireland than in England, Wales, or Scotland,
are chielly found in thick covers, particular-
ly those with wet bottoms, and underneath
iioUy-bushes ; they are not, however, tond of
covers where there is long grass growing in
the bottom, and at the roots of trees. In
mild weather they are found chiefly in the
open country, in hedge-rows, &c. but a se-
vere frost forces them to the thickest covers
and to small running-streams, which are
sheltered with trees or underwood. The
woodcock sees better in the dusk of evening
and by mooidight, his sight being very in-
difTerent in the day-time ; and it must also
be remarked, that these birds lie much bet-
ter the day following a moonlight night than
when it has been preceded by a very dark
one ; on this account, by the light of the
moun they are enabled to make a plentiful
repast, and the uext day are consequently
lazy and unwilling to lly ; but, when the
darkness of the night deprives them of food,
necessity compels them to seek it in the day-
time, which otherwise they never attempt.

In woodcock-shooting small springing spa-
niels are chiefly used ; they give notice when
the bird rises by barking; and, when well-
trained, these dogs answer very well; in fact
they are better adapted for this than for
pheasant-shooting: but a good setter will be
found, even in cock-shooting, to be fully
equal, if not superior to, the springer. —
Pointers are as little fit for this diversion as
for pheasant-shooting.

Woodcock-shooting is a pleasant amuse-
ment in covers, which are not too thick; and
if the covers be cut through in several places
it becomes more easy to shoot this bird in
his passage when he rises, and also to mark

him with more certainly. The woodcock is
a clumsy walker, and rises heavily from the
ground, the general case of birds with lonir
winjis and short Icffs. It is thouiiht that
this bird, as well as the snipe, rises from his
bill. When a woodcock is found in an open
field, a hedge-row, the pass of a wood, or an
unfrequented lane, he generally skims the
ground slowly, and is very easily shot: in-
deed, thus circumstanced, he is the easiest
of shots : but, when he is flushed in a tall
wood, where he is obliged to clear the tops
of trees before he can take a horizontal di-
rection (at which time he frequently rises
very high, and with great rapidity) then it
becomes difficult to seize the moment of
shooting, by reason of the turnings and twist-
ings which he is obliged to make in order to
pass between the trees. A person is often
employed as a beater, which is highly neces-
sary, and may be very useful at the same time
in marking. A good marker is of essential
service; with his assistance it will be diflicult
for a woodcock to escape, as he will g-snerally
suffer himself to be shot at three or four times
before he takes a Ions: fliiiht.

Some have asserted, that too much noise
cannot be made. Certaiidy more noise may
be made in woodcock-shooting than in any
other, but all that is necessary is what the
beater makes with his staff in the thickets
and hedges, and more than this will be de-
trimental to the sport. The use of bells is
also a bad custom.

SNIPE SHOOTING.

The shape and plumage of the snipe are
much the same as the woodcocks, and, in-
deed, its manners and habits are similar.

'HO

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

There are three different sizes of snipes, and
the largest is considerably smaller than the
woodcock. The common snipe, which was
supposed to be the hen, though the contrary
has been proved, weighs about four ounces ;
the jack-snipe is about the size of a lark ; and
the largest weighs about nine ounces.

These birds are to be found all the winter
in wet and marshy grounds, particularly
where there are rushes : they are also to be
found on mountains and moors, among the
heath ; but a severe frost forces them to
springs and running-streams. The common
snipe remains in this country all the year,
and breeds in marshes, laying generally six
eggs, about the latter end of May. The
jack snipe is supposed, like the woodcock,
to go to a more northern latitude to breed,
though he is sometimes seen in summer,
which may arise from accidental causes.
The greatest part of the common snipe mi-
grate, though numbers are known to stay
and breed from choice.

Snipe-shootmg is difficult, and the sports-
man must be experienced before he can
make a perfect aim, on account of the zigzag
manner in which the bird flies immediately
after rising. The best method is to walk
down the wind, as snipes generally fly
against it; and, when he rises, he will not
fly far before he turns, and makes a sort of a
semicircle : by thus remaining longer within
gun-shot, there will be more time to take
aim ; but if the bird fly straight forward, it
will be highly proper to let it get some little
distance, as its flight will become much
steadier. The slightest wound is sufficient
to bring these birds down to the ground.

£n snipe-shooting, an old pointer is tlie

best, for to accustom a young dog to snipes
slackens his mettle, and renders him of little
use for partridge or grouse-shooting, owing
to his getting a number of points with little
exertion. Indeed, when these birds are plen-
tiful, a dog is unnecessary, for walking up to
them will answer equally as well. At all
events, a dog used for grouse-shooting should
never be taken to set snipes, as it will not
only injure him, but cause disappointment
to the sportsman ; for these birds are some-
times found on the moors in the grousing
season, and a grouse-shooter would be mor-
tified if his dog made a mistake.

There is a fierce little hawk, called the
merlin, a bird of passage, which visits this
country in winter only, that is a great enemy
to snipes: it has a beautiful plumage of
dusky blue on the back, and a breast and
belly inclining to yellow. He destroys num-
bers of snipes in the course of the winter.
Abundance of them are also taken by the
country-people, who live where these birds
frequent, by means of a sort of a snare,
sometimes called a pantle.

WILD DUCK-SHOOTING.

Wild ducks in winter, and especially in
frosty weather, may be found with most cer-
tainty at the dawn of day, and in the dusk of
the evening, when they are in search of food.
During severe frosts they are compelled to
seek those springs and running-streams that
do not freeze, for the purpose of finding
aquatic herbs, which, at this time, constitute
their only food. The shooter should then
follow the course of these streams. On
large pieces of water small boats are useful,
and the dog best calculated for this diversion,

I

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

J17

is a water-spuniel. which haviuj^ been pre-
viously tauglit tc fetch and carry, vill, in
case of a duck falling- after hcinjj shot, brinj;-
it immediately out of the water. The places
frequented by wild ducks must be approached
w ith as little noise as possible, and the sports-
man must take his chance of their rising
within j;un-shot, as selting this kind of game
is impossible. The sportsman should be
well clad^ and have a strong pair of water-
proof boots.

The instinct of the wild duck is remark-
able ; the author of the " History of Derby-
shire," (Mr. Pilkington,) was one afternoon
walking in a path leading through a cop-
picCj not much frequented, and passing some
brambles, the roots of which were clothed
with long grass, he espied a wild duck, with
several young ones by her side. He was al-
most close to her before the parent perceived
the danger, when she instantly uttered a loud
note of alarm, and bounded almost close to
his feet ; then, with another jerk, threw her-
self a little forward, out of the reach of his
hand, as he stretched it out to take up what
he supposed an easy prey. Another hop and
flutter threw her to a greater distance; while
lie pursued, supposing her to have both a leg
and winjr broken. He marked the bush with
his eye, where he saw the young ones, con-
cludiu": that he could take them at his lei-
sure, after having secured the dam. He
briskly continued his pursuit, while the bird
persevered in counterfeiting lameness and
inability of flight, throwing herself forward
to a distance proportioned to his speed, but
sufllcieiit to clear his grasp, yet near enough
to encourage his hopes. At length, chagrin-
ed, and increasing his pace, he began to run,

35.

while the bird, on his nearer approach, alter-
nately rose a little on the wing and tumbled
upon the ground, tiuis keeping up his atten-
tion till she led him more than half afiu'long
from the spot where he first perceived her.
Rising suddenly above his head, she then
winged her flight as in triumph, to a marsh,
at the distance of nearly a quarter of a mile,
in which there was a large pond, where she
alighted secure. Disappointed in o])taining
her, he consoled himself l)y considering that
he could certainly take the yoimg ones, and
retraced his steps to the bush for the pur-
pose. He examined the spot with care,
turning back the grass in every direction for
some distance around, and even beat about
the contiguous brushwood, but in vain : no
duckliuffs were to be seen, nor could his ut-
most search discover them. Nature had
taught them, when the parent gave the note
of alarm, to provide for their safety by es-
cape and concealment.

THE GUN.

It will be needless to expatiate on elevated
ribs, patent breeches, water-proof and colli-
sion locks, and similar inventions of the pre-
sent day, it being evident that gun-barrels of
difl^ereut constructions carry with various de-
grees of truth and efficacy. Experience has
also proved, that barrels of the same princi-
ples and constructioifT a»d, indeed, by the
same maker, carry also very differently ; a
circumstance probably arising from a local
difference in the component metal which in
some barrels more than others contains cer-
tain visible blotches, and streams or veins, ad
it were, indicative, perhaps, of its sorter, moie
elastic and malleable oualities.

b H

41B

THE COMPLETE FARRIt^R; and

Such has been the demand for barrels of
this latter description, that the makers, in
order to render iheir articles more saleable,
have used many and various corrosive pre-
parations, in imitation of the same.

The patent breech, and the hollow plug,
as well as many other suggestions and expe-
dients, of the like novel nature, have had
their respective advocates.

Waving, however, the investigation of
such a variety of opinions as prevails on the
introductions of the present day, we shall
proceed only from such data as are univer-
sally admitted in the formation of the gun-
barrel, as necessary to execution. And in
stating that a thorough welded barrel, of
metal nearer to the extreme of soft than
hard, five-eighths of an inch and one half in
the caliber, from thirty-four inches to three
feet in length, having a common six or seven
threaded plug quite up to the touch-hole, of
a perfect cylinder, will throw shot at thirty-
five or forty yards regularly, and so effica-
ciously, as aj;ainst any hard substance, like a
stone, completely to flatten the same, can
be proved by referring to the fowling-pieces
used by our forefathers, amongst whom may
be named as good shots as any of the present
day ; and, on the principles jnst mentioned,
with the exception now and then, but not
always so, of a little widening at the muzzle,
yet not enough to constitute the bell-mouth,
very many of the ancient pieces were con-
structed, though some seem of opinion that
what is called chambering was in former
times universally practised. That a barrel
of the above construction will, at times, kill
much farther than forty yards, as above men-
tioned, cannot be doubted ; but, for our pre-
sent purpose, it will suflice to observe, that

in common shooting, oy far the most ffaine
drops considerably within that distance.

As in other mechanism, it often happens
that the greatest utility results from the most
simple contrivance; a common roller lock,
of truly wrought materials, with a well-tem-
pered hammer, having such length in the
respective springs that they may work
smoothly and eqnal the one to the other,
will, with good powder, promote such in-
stantaneous ignition, that on firing, the noise
of the working of the same (of the lock) shall
be entirely lost in the scarcely subsequent
explosion. So that any one who knows on
what principles to try and select, may, at
this day, be furnished with both barrel and
lock perfectly to his satisfaction, from a first-
rate maker, at a very moderate price.

To command large and distant objects,
such as wild fowl, it requires only that the
instrument to carry the same number of pel-
lets, four times as large as those used in the
common fowling-piece, should be increased
in a given ratio, and on similar principles.
The almost incredible number of wild ducks,
and other aquatic birds of equally strong
pinion, killed, many at the enormous distance
of one hundred yards and upwards, on
King's Sedg-Moor, Somerset, prior to the
reclaiming of this wild and extensive morass,
sufficiently prove the efficacy of the ducking
guns, as they were then called. And of these,
one of which hangs over the fire-place of
almost every cottage on the borders of the
Moor, as now out of commission, nineteen,
at least, out of twenty, have, with the excep-
tion of a little widening at the muzzle, a
barrel of a perfect cylinder. And from what
other than those plain principles alluded to,
n'»t only in the barrel, but in the lock also.

TlRITISn SPORTSMAN'.

419

does many a ^ainc-kcepcr, iiow-a-clays, with
an old ("owliiig-piecc, for which, from its ap-
pearance, a stranger wouUl bid only a trifle,
effect such execution in a day's sport as
wouhl puzzle the philosophy of the most
scientific maker.

That certain effects result from certain
causes is within the comprehension of the
meanest abilities, nor can the proof of the
same affect our gun-makers, whose superi-
ority over those in every other country,
Spain, so much in vogue in former days, not
excepted^ is universally acknowledged.

Tt may be looked on as presumption to
say that our g"iiu-makers would surpass all
the inventions of the present day, great as
are the emoluments, according to some of
them, through the medium of a patent, could
they hit on a plan by which the fowling-
piece could be made to raise more speedily,
and mechanically as it were, to the shoulder,
the muzzle and breech being on its arrival j
equal to the eye, which, however appro-
priate in their latter respect, it may seem, in
our cooler moments, is very rarely so, when
snatched up (as is sometimes necessary in
cover-shooting) in an instant of time. The
more experienced are aware, that, with the
proviso above-mentioned, the least farther
motion, the smallest jog only, if 1 may so
say, transversely or perpendicularly nearer
the object, as circumstances may require, is
necessary to almost infallibly killing on the
wing. Moreover, with the said proviso,
there will be no need of shutting an eye,
confusion, nor discomposure of the person, as
any stander-by may see, that the best shots,
who are generally very particular as to how
the gun meets the eye, are the least flurried,
and take apparently the least pains Nor is |

an aim directly at the centre of the object, if.
as said before, the muzzle and breech be
equal, indispensible. Three or four inches
above or below it will commonly bring the
bird to the ground, and a much less accurate
one will often prevent its escaping

For gunstocks we select chiefly the heart
of the walnut-tree, sound no doubt, and ca-
pable from its solidity and veins of a fine
variegated polish. A part of the wood, how-
ever, we remove from this, and which some
gunsmiths call the sap, is more tough, and
though not capable of such a polish, is vet
less liable to spring, and not so weighty. Ot
this the French seem sensible ; many are of
opinion that even their double-barrelled
pieces, which have this lighter stocking,
meet the eye with singular celerity.

A keen sportsman has generally a favorite
gun, and it is chiefly from the readiness of
coming up rectilineally to the eye in the
time of need, that it becomes so. In proof
of this observation, after many years adhe-
rence to a fowling-piece of this favorite
stamp, let any one have the barrel thereof
fresh mounted, and he will find the difference,
although the original stock was lent to the
smith as a model, in nine instances out of
ten, if not in the shop, at least in cover-
shooting, where, for a whole day together
it often happens that (what are called) snaj-
shots only can be obtained.

To what has been here advanced, may be
added this general observation, viz. that the
inside of the gun-barrel, and the surface of
every thing in, on, through, or from, which
powder can experience the most instantane-
ous ignition, must be as smooth as possible.
Any roughness whatever, any visible poro-
sity, even the smallest thread, caused bv in-

4in

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

direct drilling of the touch-hole, will enter-
tain and prolong- the fusion, if it may be so
called, and produce a diminution of effect.

That the fowling-piece is an object of the
first consideration will be readily admitted,
and every sportsman should be able to form
an opinion of its merits, that he may not lay
out a considerable sum of money uselessly,
or incur those dreadful accidents which pro-
ceed from causes by no means obvious at
first sight.

GUNPOWDER.

Conspicuous as gunpowder will ever ap-
pear among human inventions, we need trace
no farther towards its origin than to the pe-
riod when the due proportion of its compo-
nent qualities became so ascertained as to
create a new era in the system of European
warfare. By the like principles, indeed, was
it rendered subservient to the purposes of
the chase. Before this, the hunter and the
warrior were equipped in the same manner;
nor could offensive weapons only have se-
cured the former against the savage objects
of his pursuit. To either were necessary,
the shield, and the spear, the bow, and the
battle-axe. In proportion to the increase of
civilization, however, in all warlike expedi-
tions, these latter instruinents have been laid
aside, and the musket, with the bayonet, has
been substituted in their stead. We no
longer see the bow or the spear, but in re-
mote and savage tribes, where probably they
will long continue, from their superior effi-
cacy, where so much depends on stratagem
and silence.

In a comparatively interminable extent of
country, as the interior of the continent of

America, where deer are so numerous, and
where it were next to impossible to get a
second view of the object of pursuit, noise
or explosion would scare the herd, whilst the
silent messenger of death might wing its
way, without causing such alarm as would
prompt to evasion, indeed, without discover-
ing by what power the same was impelled,
or from what quarter it came. Of fire-arms,
the first on record is the matchlock as it was
termed, rude and unwieldy ; then, such as
were, for the sake of experiment, of various
weight and calibre, both in brass and iron,
till we hear of the musket and the fusee, and
at length the fowling-piece, which, in point
of efficacy, was completed by an improve-
ment on the invention of the lock, and the
expedient of a greater degree of granulation
in gunpowder. Thus has this composition
been rendered subservient to one of the most
gentlemanlike amusements; which can be
pursued in no part of the world, whether we
consider the game we are in quest of, or the
practicability of the soil for travelling, so
eligibly as in England.

As we are informed from experience, that
powder by the same maker is not always of
equal efficacy, our surprise must cease when
we find a difiTerence in that which we have
from different makers. The difference in
that by the same maker, is generally caused
by an original deficiency in the constituting
properties of one or more of the ingredients ;
the other receiving therefrom an overdue
and preponderating influence. To be always
sure of good powder, it should be had ipso

facto from the maker himself, immediately
after trial, and precisely from this time

] should it be kept in vessels which admit nei-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

431

thcr uir nor exudation. Diimj)iie.ss to any
tlegToe \vill, in the respective particles, cause
a tendeucy to dissolution. For this reason
it should be kept constantly in well-dried
glass bottles, closely corked ; nor can powder,
once havinj;- imbibed dampness approaching
to wet, ever be so recovered as to be uni-
tormly powerful. To tlie respective loads,
according- to the partiality of the mischief
incurred, will attach a proportioned defici-
ency of efiect. To the quick process of dry-
ing powder, generally adopted, many other
objections may be urged, besides that of the
grains being thereby hardened to an impro-
per degree. If the article be kept as above
described, there will be no necessity what-
ever of drying, and the respective loads will
then have each its due and respective power.

BURSTING OF BARRELS

This generally arises from improper treat-
ment. If, by any means, in loading, the shot
be not rammed home close on the powder,
and a space be left between the powder and
shot, the gun will probably burst on being
discharged. Should the space be very small,
and the shot lie so as to leave a little wind-
age, (i. e. admit a small quantity of air to
pass) the barrel will most likely remain
whole ; but if, instead of shot, a bullet be
used, which exactly fits the bore, the acci-
dent will mo.st indubitably ensue : for a
moderate charge of powder, when it has ex-
panded itself through the vacant space, and
reaches the ball, will, by the velocity each
part has acquired, accumulate itself behind
the ball, and, thereby, be condensed pro-
digiously : the barrel, therefore, must be of

35.

extraordinary strength in that part if it
escape.

This accident may take place from the
mouth of the piece being filled with earth or
snow, which sometimes happens in leaping
a ditch, with the muzzle of the piece pointed
forwards. For the same reason the barrel
will burst if fixed when the muzzle is thrust
into water, a very little depth only below the
surface ; the resistance given to the passage
of the iuHamed powder through the mouth
of the piece being in this case much greater
than tliat aflforded by the sides of the barrel.
Independent of these, a barrel may burst
from a defect in the work : for instance, if
the barrel have been imperfectly welded, or
a deep flaw taken j>lace in any part of it ; or,
lastly, if for want of care in boring, or filing,
it have been left of unequal thickness in the
sides. The last defect is common, especially
in low-priced barrels. The elastic lluid,
which is let loose by the inflammation of the
powder, and which endeavours to expand
itself equally in every direction, being repel-
led by the stronger parts, acts with additional
force a":ainst the weaker ones, and frequently
makes its way through them, which is not
the case if the sides be of equal strength, and
aflford an equal repercussion. The weakness
of any part of the barrel, occasioned by the
inequality of the calibre, will be a moreicer-
tain cause of bursting than that produced by
the filing; because the inflamed fluid being
suddenly expanded at the wider parts, nuist
suflTer a compression before it can pass on-
ward, and the whole force is then exerted
against the weak place : as gunpowder acts
in the radii of a circle, and exerts the same
force on every part of the circumference.
J I)

422

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

The conclusion to be drawn from this is,
that a thin and light barrel, which is per-
fectly upright, that is, of equal thickness in
every part of its circumference, is much less
liable to burst than one which is considerably
thicker and heavier, but which, from being
badly filed or bored, is left of unequal
strength in its sides.

Great attention should be paid to the
keeping of the barrel perfectly clean. If a
barrel be fired only once, it should be well
washed with hot water before it be laid by,
(unless it be used again in the course of the
same day ;) for, after firing, the barrel will
quickly become moist, and this moisture will
speedily communicate a very corrosive rust,
occasioned by the evaporation of the salt-
petre used in making gunpowder. After
the barrel is well washed with tow, or a piece
of flannel, wrapped round the rod, it should,
by continual friction with the rod, be made
thoroughly dry, and afterwards be rubbed,
both inside and out, with only tow or flannel.
The breech need seldom be taken out if the
gun be properly treated.

The best oil for the barrel, as well as the
lock, is that which is obtained from sheeps'
feet ; but neats' foot oil will answer the pur-
pose, or that which is procured from the fat
of horses : whichever is used should be first
clarified, for which the following is the best
method : —

Put several small pieces of lead or a few
shot, into the bottle containing the oil, and
let it remain uncorked. The feculent matter
will adhere to the lead, and leave the oil ex-
tremely clear. If the oil be thick, it should
be exposed to the sun, or kept in a warm
situation, while it undergoes the operation
of being clarified.

SHOT.

The patent shot is now generally used,
and it is important to the success of the
chase that the sportsman should proportion
the size of the shot, as well to the particular
species of game he means to pursue, as to
the season of killing it.

In partridge-shooting, during the month
of September, No. 7, 8, or even 9, may be
used, (though some choose No. 6, and others,
more ridiculously, 3, or 4,) for, at this time,
birds spring near at hand, and their feathers
are less capable of resisting the shot, than at
a more advanced period of the year. Hares,
also, at this season, sit closer, and are more
thinly covered with fur.

About the beginning of October, at which
time partridges are stronger in the wing.
No. 5 will, perhap.s, answer best. This size
seems to preserve a proper medium between
shot too large, and that which is too small,
and will kill a hare at the distance of forty,
or even sixty, yards, and a partridge at
seventy, or more. In short, it is adapted for
all seasons, and many sportsmen use no
other. It is true, that distant objects are
frequently missed for want of larger shot ;
but, then these bear no proportion to the
number which are missed by using shot of
too large a size, especially with the feathered
game, which enables them to escape in the
vacant spaces of the circle or disk described
by the shot.

Grouse require larger shot than partridges,
as they are stronger birds. The same may
be said of pheasants. No. 5 will be found
large enough for the strongest game.

For snipe-shooting, mustard-seed is gene-
rally used, and is certainly the best adapte(]

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

4S3

for this diversion. It is the smallest of all^
and called, iu some places, dust-shot.

Swan drops are the largest shot, a few pel-
lets of which will weigh an ounce.

The following table (though considerably
different from Mr. Thornhill's scale) will
exhibit the method by which the different
sizes of shot are distinguished, and also show
the gradations : —

B. B. one ounce contains 58 pellets.

B 65 ditto.

No. 1 83 ditto.

2 112 ditto

3 135 ditto.

4 177 ditto.

5 218 ditto.

6 261 ditto.

7 289 ditto.

8 660 ditto.

9 970 ditto.

The numbers are continued several de-
grees lower than No. 9, but are not common.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

Every one who begins shooting should
take warning, from the many serious mis-
fortunes that have too often occurred : he
should start with the determination of never
suffering a gun, at any time, to be held for
a moment, or even carried, so as to be likely
to come in the direction of either man or
beast

In order to make an old gun shoot well, if
the barrel be of sufficient substance, of tole-
rably good iron, and perfectly sound, first
bore it, so as to have friction downwards,
and this gradually relieved forwards; then
put in a chamber plug, and lastly, give im-

mense strength to the mainspring of the lock.
In a stout barrel, even the deep Haws may
be easily got rid of, by means ot* making it
red hot, and beating them in before you
fresh bore it.

Some, even if they had the means, might
not be perfect masters of the boring ; but
the perforated plug, and the strengthening
of the mainspring, would very much accele-
rate the firing of a musket'; and some of
these barrels, if properly loaded, often make
a very effectual substitute for a duck-gun.

For such, the proper charge would be
about two tobacco-pipes full of powder, and
the same measure of large shot; but, as this
had better be regulated by the recoil of the
piece, the following rule may, with a trifling
alteration, according to circumstances, be
applied to all duck-guns and others: —

Load with powder and shot by equal
measure in as large a quantity as can be
fired with ease to the shoulder, putting the
wadding strong on the former, and light on
the latter.

Water-boots are absolutely necessary for
those who shoot in wet places, or wait in
cold nights for wild fowl, and, if good, will
effectually repel the water for a long time.
They should be drawn over an extra pair of
coar.se yarn stockings ; and so far from being
hard to the feet, they are exceedingly light
and pleasant wear.

Various dressings are recommended,
though, perhaps, almost any grease may
answer. The first application, however,
should be.

Tar, tallow, and bees'-wax, melted, (not
too warm) and then poured into the
boots; which, after having this shaken

4^

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

into every part of them, should be hung
up to let it run out.

Or,

Drying oil 1 pint

Yellow wax .... 2 ounces

Turpentine 2 ounces

Burgundy pitch ... 1 ounce.
Melt these over a slow fire, and then add
a few drachms of essential oil of lavender, or
thyme.

With this the boots should be rubbed,
some distance from the fire. The applica-
tion must be repeated as' often as the boots
become dry, until they are fully saturated.

COOKING OP GAME.

As cookery-books are generally defective
in their directions for cooking game, we
shall here insert Mr. Hawker's instructions
on this subject: —

" In choosing birds you cannot be
guided better than by selecting those which
of their kind are the heaviest in weiffht, and
the least beautiful in plumage. Young birds
may be distinguished by the softne'ss of their
quills, which in the older ones will be hard
and white. The females are, in general,
preferable to the males ; they are more juicy,
and seldom so tough. For example, a hen-
pheasant (provided it be not a very dark-co-
loured one, which denotes an old barren hen,
that is good for nothing,) or a duck is to be
preferred to a cock pheasant or a mallard.
The old pheasants may be distinguished by
the length and sharpness of their spurs,
which in the younger ones are short and
blunt. Old partridges are always to be
known, during the early part of the season.

by their legs being of a pale blue, instead of
a yellowish brown ; so that when a Londoner
receives his brace of blue-legged birds in
September, he should immediately snap
their legs, and draw out the sinews, by
means of pulling off the feet, instead of leav-
ing them to torment him, like so many strings,
when he would be wishing to enjoy his repast.
This remedy ofmaking the leg tender removes
the objection to old birds, provided the wea-
ther will permit of their being sufficiently
kept ; and, indeed, they are then often pre-
ferable, from haying a high flavour.

" If birds are pverkept, their legs will be
dry, their eyes tnuch sunk, and the vent will
become soft, and somewhat discoloured. The
first place to ascertain if they are beginning
to be high, is the inside of their bills, where
it is not amiss to put some hether straw, or
spice, if you want to keep thepi any length
of time. Birds that have ftiUen in the water,
or have not had time to get cold, should ne-
ver be packed like others, but sent openly,
and dressed as soon as possible.

" Sportsmen are often heartily abused by
their acquaintance, for sending them ' tough
and good-for-nothing game;' while all the
blame should, in many instances, rest with
themselves or their pudding-headed cook,
who, may be, dresses an old pheasant, or
hare, the very day after it was killed ; or, per-
haps, while engrossed in a story, or argu-
ment, leaves it to roast away, till there re-
mains neither juice nor flavour.

" All game, &c. should be kept til pro-
perly tender; or, if wanted in a hurry, it
may be picked, wrapped up in a cloth, and
thus buried in the earth for a few hours, be-
fore it is dressed This is the custom abroad,

BRITISH SPDllTSiMAN.

4^

where 1 have supped on wild-fowl,. perfectly
tender, that were killed since an early dinner
on the same day.

" Willi regard to dressing birds, there arc
so many various methods, for which every
cook or epicure has his favorite receipt, that
it would be absurd to enter on the subject ;
but, as so many fail in adapting their sauces
to wild-fowl, 1 shall take the liberty of giv-
ins: one that has been preferred to about fifty
others ; and was, at one time, not to be got
without the fee of a guinea.

" RECIPE FOR SAUCE TO WILD-FOWL.

" Port wine, or claret 1 glass
Sauce a la Russc (the

older it is the better) 1 table spoonful

Catsup 1 ditto

Lemon-juice . . .1 ditto
Lemon-peel ... 1 slice

Shalot (large)

1 sliced

Cayenne pepper (the
darkest, not that like
brickdust) ... 4 grains

Mace 1 or 2 blades.

To be scalded, strained, and added to the
n>ere gravy, which comes from the bird in
roasting.

To complete this, the fowl should be cut
up in a silver dish, that has a lamp under,
while the sauce is simmering with it.

Let a goose, or any strong or fat wild-
fowl, be roasted, with the addition of a
.small onion and a pared lemon in the inside,
as this will draw out the strong fat, and give
the bird a milder taste.

" Hares and rabbits, when old, have blunt
claws • 9>(' broad across the back; their ears

35

arc very tougli ; and, when cut, their Uesli
curls up, and remains dry. The first joint of
their forc-lc"; is lar<;er and stifTer than in
young ones, and their jaw-bones are very
hard. In young hares and ral)bits, all is the
reverse to this ; their ears are easily lorn,
and their jaw-bones may be cracked with the
fore-finger and thumb."

THE KENNEL.

As a stable is the proper home for horses,
a kennel should also be devoted to the use
of dogs. It is true, hounds have sometimes
been kept in barns and stables, but their
keepers have soon discovered, that they have
been thereby rendered good for nothing. On
this subject Mr. Beekford says : —

" Cleanliness is not only absolutely neces-
sary to the nose of the hound, but also to
the preservation of iiis health. Dogs are na-
turally clean animals; they seldom, when
they can help it, dung where they lie ; air
and fresh straw are necessary to keep them
healthy. They are subject to the mange ;
a disorder to which poverty and nastiness do
very much contribute. This, though easily
stopped at its first appearance, if suflTered to
continue long, greatly lessens the powers of
the animal, and the remedies which must
then be used, being in themselves violent,
often injure his constitution ; it had better
be prevented. Let the kennd, therefore, be
your particular care.

" Upon some little eminence erect.

And fronting to the rudely dawn ; its courts

On eitlier hand wide op'ning, to receive

The sun's all-chcariug beams, when mild h<^ sliines.

And gilds the mountain tops."

" Such as Somervile directs may be liie
5p

426

THE COiMPLETE FARRIER; and

situation; its size must be suited to the
number of its inliabitants : the architecture
of it may be conformable to vour own
taste."

Though the poet recommends a high situ-
ation for the kennel, yet Mr. Beckford thinks
water should be preferred. He also wishes it
to be as near the master's house as possible,
though there are many objections to its be-
ing near ; but there are still more to its be-
ing at a distance ; " there is a vulgar say-
ing;," he observes, " that it is the master's
eye that makes the horse fat ; it is even
more necessary in the kennel^ where clean-
liness is not less essential than food."

A kennel should be made large enough at
first, as any addition to it afterwards must
spoil the appearance of it. It should be
neat without, as well as clean within. The
following is Mr. Beckford's plan for the ac-
commodation of hounds : —

" Two kennels are absolutely necessary
to the well-being of the hounds ; when there
is but one, it is seldom sweet ; and, when
cleaned out, the hounds, particularly in win-
ter, suffer both whilst it is cleaning, and as
long as it remains wet afterwards. To be
more clearly understood, I shall call one of
these the hunting -kennel, by which I mean
that kennel into which tlie hounds are draft-
ed which are to hunt the next day. Used
always to the same kennel, they will be
drafted with little trouble ; they will answer
to their names more readily, and you may
count your hounds into the kennel with as
much ease as a shepherd counts his sheep
oui of the fold.

" When the feeder first comes to the ken-
nel in a inornnig, he should let out the hounds

into the outer court ; at the same time open-
ing the door of the hunting-kennel, lest want
of rest, or bad weather, should incline them
to go into it. The lodging-room should then
be cleaned out, the doors and windows of it
opened, the litter shaken up, and that whole
kennel made sweet and clean before the
hounds return to it again. The great court
and the other kennels are not less to be at-
tended to, nor should any omission that is
hurtful to the hounds be passed over in
silence.

" The floor of each lodging-room should
be bricked, and sloped on both sides, to run
to the centre, with a gutter left to carry off
the water, that when they are washed they
may be soon dry. If water should stand
through any fault in the floor, it should be
carefully mopped up, for as v^armth is in the
greatest degree necessary to hounds after
work, so damps are equally prejudicial."

It will be sometimes necessary for the mas-
ter to see that his work is done ; and equally
necessary to be able to give his directions.
'' Orders given without skill are seldom well
obeyed, and where the master is^ either
ignorant or inattentive, the servant will be
idle."

" Contrary to the usual practice in build-
ing kennels, there should be three doors; two
in the front, and one in the back ; the last to
have a lattice-window in it, with a wooden
shutter, which is constantly to be kept closed
when the hounds are in, except in summer,
when it should be left open all the day. This
door answers two very necessary purposes ;
it gives an opportunity of carrying out the
straw when the lodging-room is cleaned, and,
as it is ojiposite to the window, will be the

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

i^ZI

meuns to let in a tlioroiigli air, which will
greatly contribute to the keeping of it sweet
and wholesome. The other doors will be ot
use in drying- the roorrij when the hounds are
out, and as one is to be kept shut, and the
other hooked back (allowing just room for a
dog to pass) they are not liable to any objec-
tion. The great window in the centre should
have a folding shutter; half, or the whole of
which, may be shut at nights, according to
the weather; and the keiniels by that means
may be kept warm or cool."

The two great lodging-rooms of Mr.
Beckford's accommodation for hounds are
exactly alike, and as each has a court belong-
ing to it, are distinct kennels, and are at the
opposite ends of the building; in the centre
of which are the boilinjj-house and feeding-
yard ; and on each side a lesser kennel, either
for hounds that are drafted off, hounds that
are sick or lame, or for any other purposes,
as occasion may require ; at the back of which,
as they are but half the depth of the two great
kennels, are places for coals, &c. for the use
of the kennel. There is also a small build-
ing in the rear for hot bitches. The floors
of the inner courts, like to those of the
lodging-rooms, are bricked, and sloped to
run to the centre, and a channel of water,
brought in by a leaden pipe, runs through
the middle of them. In the centre of each
court is a well, large enough to dip a bucket
to clean the kennels ; this must be faced with
stone, or it will Ik; often out of repair. In
the feeding-yard (here should be a wooden
cover.

The benches, which must be open to let
the urine through, shotdd have hinges and
hooks ill the wall, that they may fold up, for

the greater convenience of washing out tlie
kennel ; and they should be made as low as
possible, that a tired hound may have no dif-
ficulty in jumping np ; be it also observed,
that the boiler should be of cast-iron.

The rest of the kennel should consist of
a large court in front, which should be also
bricked, having a grass-court adjoining, and
a little brook running through (he middle of
it. The earth taken out of Mr Beckford's
was thrown np into a mount, w here the hounds
in summer used to sit. This court was plant-
ed round with trees, and had besides a lime-
tree and some horse-chesnut-trees near the
middle of it, for the sake of shade. A high
pale inclosed the whole, part of w hich, to the
height of about four feet, w as close, the other
open ; the interstices were about two inches
wide. The grass-court was pitched near the
pale, to preventjthe hounds from scratching
out. The posts in the courts were for the con-
veniency of the hounds; for, as Mr. Beckford
observes, — " This is done to save the trees, to
which the urinary salts are prejudicial. If they
are at first backward in coming to them, bind
some straw round the bottom, and rub it
with galbanum. The brook in the grass-
court may serve as a stew ; the fish will be
very safe.

" At the back of the kennel should be a
house, thatched and furzed up on the sides,
biff enousrh to contain at least a load of straw.
Here should be a pit ready to receive the
dung, and a gallows for the flesh. The gal-
lows should have a thatched roof, and a cir-
cular board at the posts of it, (o prevent ver-
min from climbing up."

A stove is made use of in some kennels ;
but, where the feeder is a good one, a mop.

428

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

properly used, will render it unnecessary. —
Mr. Bcclcford prepared a little hay-rick in
the grass-yard, which is of use to keep the
hounds clean and fine in their coats ; they
will be found frequently rubbing themselves
against it ; the shade of it also is useful to
them in summer. If ticks at any time be
troublesome in the kennel, let the walls of it
be well washed, if they still remain, the walls
should then be white-washed.

In the summer, when you do not hunt,
one kennel will be sufficient ; the other then
may be for the young hounds, who should al-
so have the grass-court adjoining to it. It is
best at that time of theyear to keep them se-
parate, and it prevents many accidents which
otherwise might happen ; nor should they be
put together till the hunting season begins.
If the hounds are very quarrelsome, the feeder
may sleep in a cot, in the kennel adjoining ;
and, if well chastised at the first quarrel, his
voice will be sufficient to settle all their dif-
ferences afterwards. Close to the door of the
kennel let there be always a quantity of lit-
tle switches, which three narrow boards,
nailed to one of the posts, will easily con-
rain.

Mr. Beckford's kennel is close to the road-
side, but it was unavoidable. This is the rea-
son why his front pale is close, and only the
side ones open ; it is a great fault ; when
avoided the hounds will be the quieter.

The mount answers all the purposes of an
eminence ; there should be moveable stages
on wheels, for the hounds to be upon, and
the soil should be a dry one.

ON FEEDING OP DOGS.

Much of the health and comfort of this
unimal depends upon judicious feeding, as

many complaints are occasioned by impro-
per diet. The want of food, and the excess
of it, frequently produce the same disease.
A dog badly fed will, in the course of time,
contract the man"re, and an over-fed dos: will
be subject to the same complaint.

The dog is neither wholly carniverous nor
wholly herbiverous, but of a mixed kind, and
can receive nourishment from either flesh or
vegetables. A mixture of both is therefore
his proper food, but of the former he re-
cjuires a greater portion, and this portion
should be always determined by his bodily
exertions.

Sportsmen in the country use various mix-
tures for food ; in some kennels meal and milk
are constantly given, and dogs will thrive on
this diet during the season they do not hunt;
but, when their exertions are required, this
food will not be sufficiently nutritious. All
the meals are used for this purpose, but
wheat-meal is the most preferable, when it
can be procured, it being the least likely to
produce a heated skin ; barley-meal and oat-
meal are most frequently given, and are suf-
ficiently nutritious when mixed with either
milk or broth ; but, when constantly used,
they may be productive of the mange. Po-
tatoes, without meal, will be a wholesome _
food for dogs which are not exercised, and W
are sufficiently nutritious when mixed with
milk or butter-milk.

When circumstances render it absoluteh
necessary to feed dogs principally on barley
or oatmeal, the heating effects will be greatly
obviated by mixing it with butter-milk. In-
deed, butter-milk is an excellent cleanser in
all cases of foulness, the mange, canker, &c.
When it is most convenient to feed them on

BIUTISn SPORTSMAN.

429

potatoes, and the food is not sutliciently re-
lished, let them be mixed with greaves, or
other fatty matter, and they will then be
greedily swallowed. Greaves are, indeed, a
convenient food, and, when mixed with a
sufficient quantity of vegetable matter, form
a hearty meal for large dogs, who are kept
in yards, and are in continual motion.

Horse-flesh is a strong, nutritious food for
dogs who undergo great exercise, but it
should not be given continually, or in great
quantities. Animal food should never be
given to dogs more than once a day, as he
digests his food very slowly, a full meal of
flesh not being digested in less than twenty-
four hours. If full fed with meat, once a day
will be sufficient, except the allowance per
day be divided, and which will be more sa-
lutary, as a dog swallows his victuals very
greedily. Hard-worked dogs, as soon as fed,
should l>e shut up, to encourage sleep, for
digestion is promoted more by sleeping than
by waking.

Parsnips, carrots, cabbages, and, indeed,
all vegetable matter, will feed dogs suffici-
ently well for the purposes of their existence.
Damaged ship-biscuit is often bought for
the purpose of food, and it makes a very good
one, when soaked in broth or milk. The
broth, or liquor, in which salted meat
has been boiled, should never be used for
this purpose ; dogs, who have been confined
on ship-board, during a long voyage, have
contracted a very bad kind of mansre, owiu""
to their being led on salt pot-liquor.

No meat should be given to a dog raw, as
if is productive of the distemper, and many
other dangerous disorders. The best food
for kennels near cities, or large towns, is

36.

tripe, or haunches of sheep, which, after be-
ing thorougldy cleaned, should be boiled
half an hour or forty njinutes, in a moderate
quantity of water. When taken from the wa-
ter they should be hung up to cool, and the
boiling liquor they came out of poured on
bread raspings, if possible those of French
bread. The quantity of raspings should be
so regulated, that when soaked and cold, the
mess may be of the consistence of an ordi-
nary pudding before boiling. The paunches,
being also cold, but not before, should be cut
into fine pieces, and mixed with the soaked
raspings. When raspings cannot be got,
meal, or biscuit, may be substituted. The
mixture may [be made to contain more or
less animal matter, by increasing or lessening
this proportion of paunch, or by adding other
animal matter; though the tripe, of all ani-
mal substances, is allowed to be the purest
food, and tends least of all to make a dog
gross. If deemed necessary to render this
mixture more nutritious and enticing, the of-
fal, or intestines, of chickens and other fowl,
may be procured from the poulterers, and
boiled with the tripe. Of all substances in
general use, except horse-flesh, the entrails
of chickens is the one most eagerly sought
after by dogs, an i fattens them soonest. Tlie
venders of baked sheep's heads sell the trim-
mings for dogs' food, which is exceedingly
wholesome and nutritious.

In feeding dogs, their size and strength
should be considered, and their allow aiices
should be accordingly. All kinds of bones,
except fish-bones, may be thrown to them at
any time ; indeed, the stomachs of these ani-
mals are often benefitted by the action of these
bones

43t'

THE COMPLETE FARRIER ^ and

In the feeding of favorites, much error is
frequently committed ; for their tastes being
consulted, they are too apt to be wholly fed
on flesh, and this in great quantities too. It
may always be in the power of those who
feed them to bring their dogs to live on ve-
getables entirely, if they wish it. Let the
usual quantity of meat a dog eats be minced
exceedingly fine, and a small portion of
mashed potatoes be mixed with it ; it will
not be possible for the dog to separate the
animal from the vegetable portion, and if he
will not eat the mixture, let it remain till
hunger obliges him to relish it. At the next
meal, let an additional quantity of potatoes
be added, and, by these gradual means, the
animal may be brought to live entirely on
potatoes, or any other vegetable. In a me-
dical point of view, a vegetable diet is often
very important. In many cases, a complete
change of food forms the very best alterative,
and, in others, it is an excellent auxiliary to
a medical course. The cases that require a
change from a meat to a vegetable diet are
eruptive diseases, and other affections arising
from too full living ; also coughs, and vari-
ous iuliammatory complaints.

It has been observed, that no flesh should
be given to a dog raw ; yet, on this subject,
there is some diversity of opinion. " In a
state of nature," according to the arguments
of a modern writer, " it is evident that dogs
live on raw meat, and there is no doubt that
this best fits them for very active exercise,
and enables them to perform all their func-
tions with the greatest vigor: when flesh
can be procured sweet and fresh, in that
state it will go farthest and nourish most."
It is impossible for this writer to ascertain
how long a dog lives in a state of nature, or
to enumerate the loathsome disorders to
which he may be subject. Flesh should be
always dressed for dogs, but by no means
overdone ; it will be then more nourishing,
and, we will venture to add, more whole-
some, than raw meat. Dogs accustomed to
dressed meat will not relish it if given to
them raw ; and, perhaps, not eat it until
hunger obliges them, for hunger alone ren-
dered it familiar in a state of nature. Since
domesticated, these animals have become
more numerous, and less exposed to the
calamities of life, owing to the salubritY of
conafortable kennels and regular Ibod.

i

I

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

431

OJV THE DISEASES OF THE DOG

HYDROPHOBIA

The name of this disorder is derived from
iwo words in the Greek language, signifying
the, dread of water, and this is the most dis-
tinguishing feature by which this disease
may be known. At the sight of water, not
only a mad-dog, but a human being, who
has the hydrophobia, will shudder, and turn
from it with the greatest agitation. Dogs
are liable to other diseases, the symptoms of
which, in some degree, resemble those of
madness ; but, in no other case will the dog
manifest that dread of water, as he does when
seized with the hydrophobia. Notwith-
standins:, some writers insist that it is a mis-
nomer, and that mad-dogs, now and then,
conn the water. In the first stage of the
disease, they never drink ; but, when they
become insensible, they may fall accidentally
into rivers, and cross them without drinking;
they may, also, dip their mouths (but very
rarely) into vessels of water, but still they
are incapable of swallowing any of the
liquid. Disorders, in general, take their
names from their chief characteristics, though
sometimes those characteristics never ap-
pear : those writers, therefore, who complain
of the impropriety of the term hydrophobia,
and insist that mad dogs do not feel any
dread of water, seem to confound non-mad-

ness with real madness, or one stage of the
hydrophobia with another.

The following are other symptoms of the
hydrophobia : —

The dog becomes melancholy, droops his
head, forbears to eat, seems to forget his
former habits, and, as he runs, snatches at
every thing; he will often look upwards,
and his tail be partly erect, and partly hang-
ing down : when his eyes become red, his
breath strong, his voice hoarse, and he
drivels, and foams at the mouth, he should
be immediately destroyed ; for, if suffered
to be at liberty, he will break away, and run
as fast as possible over an extent of country,
biting every living creature he meets, and
rendering others, in the course of time, as
mad as himself.

Though the first symptom of hydrophobia
be generally a loathing of food, dogs in this
state have been known, occasionally, to eat
solid meat. At the very commencement of
the disease, he is particularly inclined to
smell and lick the private parts of other
dogs. For the first two or three days, there
may appear intervals of sense ; nevertheless,
he will generally bite every thing that comes
in his way, and leave home for several hours,
returning again. He will shortly afterwards
manifest a disposition to quarrel with other

432

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

dogs, and totally lose his appetite ; he will
betray no symptoms of fear, nor cry out
when struc'K ; but his eyes will become re-
markably dull, and his lips and tongue seem
foul and glossy.

We have already observed, that when a
horse is bitten by a mad dog, it is better not
to trust to fallacious remedies : the destruc-
tion of the animal is necessary for the preser-
vation of mankind. Though the Ormskirk
medicine, and others, have been recom-
mended, they have not been always effica-
cious. The best cure for a mad dog, we are
told, is hanging, but as this may be attended
with serious consequences to the person who
applies the rope, the discharge of a pistol or
gun will be found more speedy and secure.

In 1812, a little strange black dog was
seen to bite a hound, belonging to Mr. Tan-
ner, of Wivelsfield, near Lewes ; but without
creating any suspicions as to its consequences
until about the end of three months, when
the bitten hound betrayed strong symptoms
of hydrophobia, and, in that state, inflicted
the dreadful bite on upwards of twenty
other sporting dogs, the property of Mr.
Tanner, who, much to his credit, caused
them all to be instantly Killed, regardless of
the value of his harriers, which, together,
formed a very staunch little pack.

This dreadful disease has no stated period
for making its appearance : in some in-
stances, the symptoms have been discovered
in a week or ten days, and in others, not for
months : the infection seems to lurk in the
blood, and when the malady is thus disguised,
the best physician may be mistaken. A dog
may drink water freely, and betray no agi-
tation at the sight of a stream, till the fever
comes on ; which is, therefore, very properly

termed, hijdrophohia. A dog, supposed to
have been bitten by one that is mad, should
be immediately shot; for, being ignorant of
the precise time when the disease may break
out, many months may elapse in painful
anxiety.

After a dog, supposed to be mad, has been
killed, the following is deemed a certain
remedy to ascertain the point of his mad-

ness :

Take a bit of bread, rub it on the teeth
and gums of the dead dog, and offer it to a
living dog : if he refuse to eat it, the other
was mad ; but if he eat it, he was not. This,
however, is not a satisfactory proof; but,
probably, a piece of meat, instead of bread,
might render it so.

There are seven sorts of canine madness

1. THE HOT BURNING MADNESS.

This is the most dreadful stage of tht
hydrophobia ; and

2. THE RUNNING MADNESS,

Which is equally dangerous. The effects
of these two sorts have been already de-
scribed, and they may be justly regarded as
incurable, notwithstanding the merits of the '
Ormskirk, and Chapman's medicines. Every
animal which dogs, inflicted with such mad-
ness, bite, and draw blood from, will have
the same disease : they generally bite all
they meet, but particularly their own species ;
and, it is remarkable, that all dogs, even the
most courageous, will fly at their approach ;
and, if unfortunately attacked, will howl,
and make every effort to disengage them- A
selves.

A mad dog always runs straight forward.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

43.'i

and it is said, (with a great degree of proba-
bility) that a person, by tuniing out of the
road, may avoid him, as the dog will not
follow him. The hot burning madness, and
the running madness, are both known by
the common appellation of

THE RABIES,

The animal being then furious and out-
rageous, and very properly termed rabid, by
medical gentlemen.

3. THE FALLING MADNESS.

This disease, which is so called on ac-
count of its lying in the dog's head, makes
the animal reel and fall down, and is often
mistaken for fits. For the cure of this dis-
order.

Take,— Juice of briony . . 4 ounces
Juice of peony . . 4 ounces
Staves-acre pulverised 4 drachms^

Mix together, and administer with a
drenching-horn : also, bleed the dog in the
ears, and in the two veins that come down
his shoulders.

4. THE SLEEPING MADNESS,

So called from the drowsy nature of the
dog, which seems continually desirous of
sleep. This disorder is occasioned by little
worms that are bred in the stomach by cor-
rupt humours, the fumes of which ascend to
the head : for the remedy.

Take, — Juice of wormwood . 6 ounces
Powder of hartshorn,

burnt . • . . . 2 ounces

dearie 2 drachms.

Mix togetner in a little white wine, and
force it down with a drenching-horn.
96

5. DUMB MADNESS.

This disease lies in the blood, and causes
the dos: not to feed: he keep.s his mouth
wide open, and frecjuently rubs his fett
asrainst the sides of it, as if he had a bone in
his throat. For the cure.

Take,— Juice of black hellebore 4 ounces
Juice of spatula putrida i ounces
Rue .... 4 ounces.

Strain them well, and add.

Unprepared scammony, 2 drachms.

Mix and force it down, and then hold the
head of the dog up for some time to preveni
his throwing out the medicine : after which,
bleed, by cutting two or three veins in the
gums.

6. THE LANK MADNESS.

This madness is termed lank, on account
of the dog's leanness and pining away, and
is generally considered as incurable. The
following remedy, however, is said to have
been administered with effect : —

Jalap 15 grains

Calomel .... 3 grains.

The next day give.

Linseed oil , . 2 table spoonfuls.

Which repeat occasionally.

7. THE RHEUMATIC, OR SLAVERING MADNESS.

This disease occasions the head of the
dog to swell, and his eyes to appear yellow,
he will also slaver and drivel at the mouth.

Take,— Powder of the roots of

polypody of the oak 4 ounces
5r

134

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

Juice of fennel-root . 6 ounces
Root of misletoe . 6 ounces

Juice of ivy . 4 ounces.

Let them be boiled together, and the
liquor given to the dog as hot as he can take
it.

Hence it appears, that there are some sorts
of canine madness which are curable ; and,
yet such is the natural dread of encountering
this animal, when supposed to be mad, that
many dogs have been put to death through
false apprehensions : the cry of a mad dog !
occasions an instant pursuit, and a poor ani-
mal, when hunted, will certainly bark and
bite in his own defence. The effects, how-
ever, of hydrophobia are so dreadful, that no
one can be too cautious ; formerly, persons
labouring under this disorder were smothered
by teather-beds : the following recent case
will sufficiently prove its melancholy conse-
quences : —

Henry Rix, a youth, son of George Rix, a
boatsman of Southsea, near Portsmouth, was
bitten in the cheek and over the eye by a
mad dog, on the 25th of March, 1814. He
continued very well until Friday morning, the
13th of May, when he complained of being
indisposed. His friends gave him a cordial,
with the hope of relieving his pain, but he
grew worse, and complained of great thirst:
it was with great difficulty he was prevailed
on to take medicine. He complained ex-
ceedingly of violent pains in his chest and
throat, and, on seeing water that was brought
into his room, his agony greatly increased.
He foamed at the mouth sufficiently to wet
many cloths, and frequently exclaimed —
" Oh ! father, is that from the dog ?" The
meaical gentleman who attended him tried

profuse bleeding, but without any good
effect. His symptoms were very strong : he
could not bear the sight or sound of water,
and even the inconsiderable quantity pro-
duced by his mother's tears, (who leaned
over him and wept) created great distress.
He retained his senses until within a few
hours of his death, when the effects of the
disorder were extremely violent, but the
paroxysms abated about an hour before he
expired : he died. May 15.

Cutting and burning have often failed with
man and beast, but have been sometimes
successful : indeed, it depends upon the part
bitten, which, in the above case, could not
have been cut away ; and the lancet must
be immediately applied after the bite, in
order to prevent the infection from spreading
ill the blood. Profuse bleeding has been
found efficacious. Suffocation by water,
before the hydrophobia takes place, will, it
is supposed, obviate the infection, and restore
the frame to its former vigor. This is a des-
perate remedy, and few patients, we believe,
would submit to the experiment.

William Stark, of Norwich, was unfortu-
nately bitten in the year 1810, by a dog that
died of hydrophobia only twenty-four hours
after he received the wound. The bite was
on the back of his left hand, very deep, and
about two inches long. He thought, at the
time, that the best method to prevent the
virus from being carried into the system
would be to decompose the parts by the ap-
plication of a substance that would act effec-
tually, and also mildly; he, accordingly,
poured into the wound a quantity of muria-
tic acid, preferring this to any other of the
mineral acids^ as its action on animal matter

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

«5

is not so violent. In the course of about ten
minutes^ its effect on the wound was such
that he supposed there could be no danger
of the infectious matter bein<r absorbed. He
then washed the hand with a dilute alkaline
liquor to neutralize the acid^ and prevent any
further action. In the course of a fortnight,
by dressings of simple cerate, the wound was
perfectly healed. This circumstance he
couunuuicated to a friend who happened to
be in the west of England, at a time when
there was considerable alarm about mad
dogs, and, in consequence thereof, he took
(he precaution of keeping a phial of muriatic
acid in his pocket. This gentleman having
seen two horses and a pig bitten, instantly
applied the acid to the wound of the horses,
but not to the pig ; the former of w hich
actually remained unaffected, but the latter
died of hydrophobia the twelfth day after it
was bitten. (Sporting Magazine for Decem-
ber, 1814.;

Another nistance of successful treatment
in a case of hydrophobia vvas published in a
Calcutta paper. May 15, J812.

" On Tuesday, the 5th instant, a bheestie,
who had been bitten three weeks before, in
the leg, by a mad dog, was carried to the
Native Hospital, about three o'clock in the
afternoon, with the symptoms of hydropho-
bia strongly upon him. He was immediately
bled to the extent of forty ounces. The
symptoms of disease yielded in succession as
the blood flowed ; and, before the vein was
closed, he stretched out his hand for a cup
of water, and calmly drank it off, though the
mere approach of water, but a few minutes
before, had thrown him into convulsions.
After the bleeding, hf lay down on a cot^ fell

asleep, and continued so for nearly two
hours. When he awoke, the symptoms of
the disease were threatening to return ; ano-
ther vein was then opened, and eight ounces
more of blood were taken away, which so
completely subdued the disease, that he has
not had a symptom of it since.

" A case lately published in the Madras
papers, as successfully treated by bleeding,
mercury, and opium, led to the practice
adopted in this instance, and which, it is
highly gratifying to remark, has been much
more successful than even on the former oc-
casion ; the cure in the latter case having
been almost instantaneously effected, and
that by bleeding alone, without the aid either
of mercury or opium ; for, though these re-
medies were subsequently used, it was quite
evident that the disease was previously and
entirely overcome by the bleeding."

The following case, which occurred at At-
cham, near Shrewsbury, will be found inte-
resting, as it fully corroborates the success-
ful mode of treatment which had been prac-
tised by Mr. Tymon, of the 22d Dragoons,
at Arcott, and Dr. Schoolbred, at Calcutta.
The present case is thus detailed by Mr.
Wynne, of Shrewsbury : —

" Abraham Cooke, who resides at Atcham,
four miles distant from Shrewsbury, was, up-
on the 22d of January, 1813, bitten in the
hand by a pointer bitch, bearing evident
signs of being mad. He almost immediately
walked to Shrewsbury. On his arrival, the
bitten part was excavated by Mr. Thoma*
Sutton, surgeon. The wound soon healed, and
he continued in good health and spirits, al-
ways making light of the accident, until the
5th of February, when he began to complain

436

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

of an uneasiness and soreness in tliat part of
his hand where he had received the injury.

" On the 6th and 7th, it became gradually
worse ; and, on the 8th, in the morning, after
a restless night, he arose with increased pain
and soreness in his hand, attended with head-
ache, sickness, and oppression at the pit of
his stomach : his breathing was difficult.
Notwithstanding these symptoms he went to
his work, but very soon became much worse.
He was prevailed upon to drink some warm-
ed beer, and was immediately seized with
violent vomitings. He with difficulty reached
his home, and on his way was much distress-
ed, as he apprehended that the people then
passing were determined to ride over him.
His wife pressed him to take some water ;
he shewed great dread of it, and could not
be prevailed upon to drink any, assigning,
as the reason of his objection, the pain and
vomiting occasioned by swallowing the beer.
She then procured some surfeit-water, to
which he made the same objection ; she put
it to his mouth, but could not say whether
any was swallowed ; if any, it must have
been a very small quantity. All the symp-
toms rapidly increased : his looks were fright-
ful ; his eyes staring and inflamed ; his face
likewise was inflamed, and his features were
distorted, and indicated the greatest dread
and anxiety. With difficulty he was detain-
ed in his bed, and he appeared to be watch-
ing, and anxious to escape some object which
occasioned his distress.

" At this time, (about one o'clock p. m.)
I was passing through the village, and was
Jesired to visit him : I found him in the si-
tuation related. In a very short time after-
wards his head, and also his left hand and

arm, appeared convulsed. I waited to hear
the history of the accident from his wife, and
then pressed him to drink some water; 1
could not prevail ; and, although I did not
observe any additional horror at the moment,
still it was evident he was too much agitated
to be able to drink. I was truly anxious for
the advice and assistance of my much-
esteemed friend Mr. Thomas Sutton ; at the
same time I was aware that the delay of an
hour might hazard the life of our patient.
I, therefore, had recourse to the abstraction
of a large quantity of blood, and allowed it
to flow until he fainted. He remained for
near an hour with scarcely a perceptible
pulse; and it was evident, during the whole
time, that his disease was abating. His
countenance became composed, and much
paler; his eyes were less inflamed, the con-
vulsions ceased, and, to my complete satisfac-
tion, he enquired if he might drink some
water; which, when it was brought to him,
he seemed to enjoy. I now left him, desiring
that, if any return of his disease took place,
I might be immediately acquainted. I sent
him large doses of opium, with calomel and
James's Powder, adhering, as closely as pos-
sible, to the successful plan adopted by Dr.
Schot/lbred, and communicated in the Medi-
cal and Physical Journal for January, 1813.
" On the 9th, at seven o'clock in the morn-
ing, I again visited him. He had slept the
early part of the night, but had been disturb-
ed with horrid dreams ; at the same time he
told me, ' he had not been half so much
alarmed by his dreams, as he was with the
appearance of the dog in his room, the day
before, and which did not leave the room
until he fainted from the bleeding.' — He

BRITISH SPOIITSM/VN

437

seemed agitated, said he was dreadfully ill,
and should never sleep ayain. There were
convulsive slartings in his hand, wrist, and
shoulders. He told ine he thought there was
something alive in his wrist — he refused to
take either cofl'ee or water. His countenance
was composed and thougiitful; he started at
thesliglitest sound or motion ; and said every
kind of noise distracted his brain, and that
his neighbours had been making a noise on
purpose all night. 1 repeated the bleeding,
and the res\dt was exactly the same as before
described— he fainted: and from that time
was perfectly composed, until about three
o'clock p. m. when his wife thought for a
moment she observed a twitching in his
shoulder.

" On the lOth, I saw hiin comfortable. —
On the 11th, after sitting up for some time,
he was much fatigued and fainted. 1 was
sent for, and, upon my arrival, his wife said,
she was ' sorry 1 had been troubled to come,
as the fit was nothing like what I had seen
before, and" was not more than such as he
had been accustomed to when he had been
drinking hard, or was much tired, and that
it was against her consent that the messenger
came.' 1 was satisfied, from appearances,
she was right ; and I left him without any
apprehension. Since that time I have regu-
larly visited him, and there has not been one
outward symptom. He is now apparently
well, excepting that his "mouth is sore from
the effect of the mercury

" Imujediately on my return from Atcham,
on the 8th, 1 called upon Mr. Thomas Sutton,
and requested him lo take the earliest oppor-
tunity of observing the case, and begged that
he would have the kindness to suggest any
.S6

thing that he thought likely to be ot service.
He and Mr. Sutton, as well as others of the
profession, have been present."

Some writers admit of only two varieties
of this complaint, the raging and dumb
madness, and others insist that there is no
distinction. If, however, the dumb madness
can be cured or removed, and the raging
madness never can, there must be some dis-
tinction. The efi'ects are different according
to the different parts attacked : when the
inflammation exists most in the bowels, it
generally produces an affection of the
neck and throat ; this affection consists in a
trilling enlargement of all the parts around ;
the tongue hangs out, and is discoloured, and
from a partial paralysis of the muscles of
deglutition there is frequently a difficulty of
swallowing. This case is attended with
greater stupor and distress, and with a marked
weakness of the hinder parts. Though the
dropping of the jaws be termed dumb mad-
ness, it is often accompanied by howling.

When the lungs are the principal seat of
affection, there is usually more irritability in
the dojr's manner : he rather barks with a
hasty tone, than howls ; snaps at passing ob-
jects, and shakes his tail with seeming vio-
lence. The tones of voice should be parti-
cularly attended to in dogs suspected of
madness : a mad dog generally makes a cha-
racteristic noise between a bark and a howl,
but bordering upon the latter.

We have remarked that a rabid dog is the
terror of his own race, as well as of mankind .
but this is contradicted by a writer who, allud-
ing to the attempts of some mad dogs (when
the paralysis and stupor are not extreme) to
make their escape and rove about, observes—
5s

438

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

" It is not an attempt to run away altoge-
ther, neither is it at all the effect of delirium ;
but it is a most peculiar instinctive disposi-
tion to effect the propagation of the disease.
Such a dog trots along, and industriously
looks out for every other dog within his reach
or siffht. Whenever he discovers one, either
little or large, he goes up and smells to him
in the usual way of dogs, and then immedi-
ately falls on him, usually giving him one
shake only ; after which, he commonly trots
off again, in search of another object. The
quickness with which this attack is made
very frequently surprises the bitten dog,
so much as to prevent his immediately
resenting it ; but nothing is more erroneous
than the supposition that a healthy dog in-
stinctively knows a rabid or mad one. 1
have watched these attacks in numerous
cases, and I have seen the mad dog tumbled
over and over, without the least hesitation,
by others that he had attacked."

This writer has been more fortunate in his
observations than others ; and, according to
his exposition, we may well exclaim— "If
this be madness, there is method in it.''
Every person of experience knows that a dog
seized with hydrophobia runs straight for-
ward, bites indiscriminately every object
before him, horse, cow, hog, sheep, and even
man. If a dog gradually trot along, if he
approaches another, and smell to him in the
usual way of dogs, and, after giving him a
shake, trot off again, his madness is question-
able ; and to the speedy cures of such alone
may be ascribed the celebrity of advertised
powders and drinks.

it is a pity this experienced veterinary
surjfeon lias not informed us how a mad dog

approaches a horse, pig, cow, &c. as he
trots along. Instead of a supposition, it is
a fact, that healthy dogs, however couraffeous,
will endeavour to avoid a mad dog; nor is
this instinct, so wisely ordained by Provi-
dence, to be wondered at, for the appearance
of a dog, really rabid, is terrific. Some
years ago, a bitch, on becoming mad, was
avoided by her own whelps, one of whom she
unfortunately bit : the rest, however, were
drowned through an apprehension that the
disease might be hereditary.

Hydrophobia, it is said, has been cured in
Germany by large doses of vinegar, but the
efficacy of this, and other supposed antidotes,
particularly immersion, or salt-water suffoca-
tion, has never been satisfactorily proved.
This disorder chiefly rages in hot weather : —

"When Syrius reigns, and the sun's parching beams

Rake the dry gaping surface, visit thou

Eacii ev'n and morn, with quick observant eye.

Thy panting pack. If in dark sullen mood

The glouting hound refuse his wonted meal.

Retiring to some close, obscure retreat.

Gloomy, disconsolate ; with speed remove

The poor infectious wretch, and in strong chains

Bind him suspected. Thus that dire disease.

Which art ciin't cure, wise caution may prevent."

The best preservatives from this baneful
disorder are plenty of water, whey, greens,
physic, air, and exercise. Let the hounds
be well observed at the time when they feed,
and there can be no danger whilst they cat.
Remove a hound in time if he refuse his
meat, and if the whole pack be in the same
predicament let them be chained up sepa-
rately. Pretended cures sometimes protract
the disorder, as they have been the occasion
of its breaking out a long time afterwards.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

439

Suspected dogs should be i;;?iiiediatcly sepa-
rated from the rest, and a short time, if no
remedy be used, will prove whctlicr they are
really bitten or not. If desirous of trying a
remedy, Mr. Beckford recommends the fol-
lowing prescription, which has also been
suggested by Dr. James ;

Turbith's mineral . 8 grains,
Next morning,

Turbith's mineral . 16 grains.
And, on the third morning,

Turbith's mineral . 32 grains.

The dose is to be given three mornings suc-
cessively. The dog should be empty when
he takes it, and bled the previous day. The
dose should be given early in the morning,
and the dog may have some thin broth, or
pot-liquor, about two or three o'clock, but
nothing else during the time he takes the
medicine. The best way to give it iS in but-
ter, and made up into balls with a little flour.
Care must be taken that he does not throw
it up again. After the last day of the medi-
cine, he may be fed as usual.

All remedies, however, are fallacious,
though various are the drenches and medi-
cines which are given for hydrophobia, and
said to be infallible.

THE DISTEMPER.

This is another grievous disease, frequently
fatal to the canine race. It has not been
long known in this country, but it is almost
inconceivcable what numbers it has de-
stroyed in so short a period. It seems, hap-
pily, to be now on the decline ; at least, it is
less frequent, and more mild ; and, probably.

in time, may be entirely removed. In 1803
it cariied off a great number of cats; but,
ever since, it seems to have been confined
entirely to dogs. Before this disorder was
known, hydrophobia was more prevalent;
I yet there is a great diflerence between the
I two maladies: puppies are not so liable to
(madness as full grown dogs, but they are
more liable to the distemper. A dog seldom
(hiiiks freely in the distemper: in hydropho-
bia he never drinks, though he may, perhaps,
make the attempt. In hydropliobia the dog
loses all recollection of persons and places,
and will as soon bite his master as any other
person ; but, in the distemper, he retains his
recollection, and never bites.

The virulence of this disease may be pre-
vented by diet. If a young dog be fed on
high food (i. e. carrion, raw flesh, &c.) he is
sure to have the distemper violently ; but, if
fed with potatoes and butter-milk, or skim-
med milk, or potatoes alone, with weak
broth occasionally, and a small dose of sul-
phur now and then, he will not suffer by the
distemper, and will require little or no
medicine.

Some recommend inoculation, which is
truly absurd, as dogs frequently escape it,
and, if attacked, are subject to a repetition of
it. The mode of inoculation, is to take the
infectious matter from the nostrils of a dis-
tempered dog, which is placed with a rowel
in the healthy dog's neck, or through one of
his lips, rubbing at the same titne a little on
his nose, and forcing a little, with a feather,
up his nostrils ; in a day or two after inocu-
lation, about two table-spoonfuls of castor-oil
are jriven. It is said that the cow-nock in-
oculation will prevent the distemper.

440

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

It was the opinion of Mr. Taplin, that this
disorder was nothing more than a most vio-
lent obstruction in the bowels, for which he
found no cure but by administering glysters;
and that every case was nearly similar, each
^'after repeated glysters had been given) hav-
ing voided a hard mass, composed of hay,
straw, sand, &c. A gentleman, who was un-
der the i\ecessity of destroying a valuable
pointer, which was in the last stage of this
disorder, had him opened, but, after a care-
ful examination, could not observe the least
obstruction in the bowels : he afterwards sup-
posed that the disorder might originate from
obstruction of the bile ; and he was told by
a professional man, who once opened a grey-
hound, that the contents of the gall-bladder
in that was in colour similar to tar.

In another dog that was dissected, the
throat was much swollen, and almost choak-
ed with slime, and the stomach, besides be-
ing full of the same stuff, had on one side a
considerable ulcer,very much inflamed. There
did not appear to be any absolute obstruction
in the bowels, but in every part the slime
seemed to have deprived the animal of his
natural tone.

We are informed, by Mr. Blaine, that the
distemper appears to vary in different sea-
sons. In one year most of the cases that oc-
cur prove distressing, from the obstinate loose-
ness that accompanies the disease ; in the next
year tits, perhaps, will be the prevailing symp-
tom ; while the third year will exhibit the
complaint in a most putrid and malignant
form. Fits are most prevalent in winter, and
purging in summer. The varieties are so
numerous, that hardly any two cases can be
treated alike ; consequently, no one remedy
can be applicable t.> every case

Such are the contradictory opinions on this
subject ; and the following facts will prove
the fallibility of the Distemper Powder.

In the spring of 1810, a famous poodle
bitch, then about ten months old, caught the
distemper, either from cold, by being shorn
too early in the year, or from another dog
that came to the house, and had it very bad-
ly. By the assistance of Mr. Blaine's medi-
cines the virulence of the disease was got
over, but the animal remained in the most
distressing state of weakness^ so much so as
to be unable to stand, accompanied by con-
vulsive twitchings in every part. Mr. Blaine
advised the gentleman to destroy her, but,
being a great favourite, he was loth to do so
while a chance remainedof saving her. A per-
son who saw her recommended very strongly
bathing in cold water, which he determined
to try. The evening previous to the experi-
ment, he had her bathed and well washed in
warm, water to cleanse the skin, that the cold
water might have the greater effect. He had
a large brewing-tub filled with spring water,
into which he plunged her every morning for
six weeks, the good effects of which were vi-
sible after the first two or three days, and, at
the expiration of that time, she was perfectly
recovered.

Another states, in the Sporting Magazine
for June, 1813, that his faith in Mr. Blaine's
medicine made him persist in it till he lost
almost every good dog he had : he then
though reluctantly, changed his system, and
from that day never lost a dog in the dis-
temper : —

" When the husky cough and slimy dis-
charge from the mouth and nose appeared, I
gave the dog, in the morning, two large tea-
'■noonfuls of common salt, in a ball of butter,

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

441

aiul led him about till he vomited and clear-
ed his stomach of slime. As soon as he was
quiet I gave the same quantity of flour of
sulphur, and as much powder of antimony
as I could lift at once on a sixpence. The
{greatest difTiculty has always been to get the
dog to eat; and, singular as it may seem, I
have found loaf-bread, crumbled into warm
tea, made with good cream, and rather sweet,
the most grateful food 1 could give a dog in
the distemper. Indeed, I have hardly seen
a sick dog refuse to eat a little of this, but
too much must not be put before him at one
time. The greatest attention must be paid
to cleanliness in every respect, and I have
generally thought laying a dog near a fire
had a good effect — but, I never confine him.
According to circumstances, and the strength
of the dog, I gave the medicine every day,
or only every second day. In the latter case,
I sometimes gave the sulphur without anti-
mony, on the intermediate days. But I am
never deterred at first from giving the physic
through the disease having caused purging,
believing" that a dose of this sort is the best
antidote to a scouring from internal disease.
I have cured several high-bred dogs by these
simple remedies."

As reason justifies the belief that this mode
of treatment must be salutary, (except that of
laying the dog before a fire,) we have given
it publicity for the benefit of the sporting
uorld.

In a "Series of Familiar Letters on Sport-
ing, by R. Lascelles, Esq." we find the fol-
lowing observations on this subject : —

" On my return home, I found, to my
regret, as well as surprise, that two of my
best old dogs had caught the distemper, and

37.

to a degree of severity which scarcely left any
hopes of cure ; my mail, however, had very
properly confined them in a distant and se-
parate situation, and I trust its further pro-
gress is, for the present, put a stop to. This
is a species of disorder which no one has yet
been able satisfactorily to account for; it
spares neither age nor sex, and such dogs as
happen unfortunately to be attacked by it,
frequently retain its eflPects to a very distant
period. From the nature and manner of its
appearance, it may fairly be presumed to
originate equally from external as internal
causes ; and, if I may be allowed the expres-
sion, both high and low, rich and poor, are
obliged to receive the unwelcome visit. From
the eflforts which a dog affected with this dis-
ease frequently makes to throw off" something
oflfensive, it of course follows that the lunffs
are, in many instances, liable to the disease ;
and, every future symptom must depend up-
on the method pursued to remove the ob-
struction.

" In all casesof this kind, the remedy which
is first applied is the most likely to be effec-
tive ; and the following, if administered in
proper time, I seldom knew to fail: —

" Take, — Calomel ... 10 grains
Emetic tartar . 20 grains,

" Let these be made into a large bolus, and
divided into twelve equal portions, one to be
given every other morning fasting.

" The diet should be warm strong broth ;
and a single course of this medicine, in the
earliest stage of the complaint, will effectu-
ally cure it ; but, should it happen that the
disorder has been making, for any time, a
5 T

442

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

secret progress^ we must then pursue a more
systematic method.

" The first symptoms are usually similar in
all dogs; their eyes become heavy and duil^
they are suddenly reduced in flesh, accompa-
nied with a kind of dry husky cough, and an
obstinate purging. If these are not speedily
removed, they will be followed by a nasty
moisture issuing from the eyes and nostrils,
and an agitated motion of the limbs, so that
the dog appears scarcely able to support
himself Good air and cleanliness, under
these circumstances, are indispensible to a
cure ; but the dog must not be allowed, on any
account, to lie sleeping near afire, which only
feeds the disorder, without any good what-
ever proceeding from it. A moderate degree
of warmth is the best ; and should the above
recipe, after being twice administered, not
have any visible good effect, I would imme-
diately put a seton, or rowel, in the neck of
the dog, which will give the course of the
distemper a different direction, and draw it,
at any rate, from the head : the eyes must be
kept constantly clean with a sponge and wa-
ter, and a mixture of warm vineffar and wa-
ter should also be frequently applied to the
nostrils, and every filthy appearance removed
from them.

" Whilst the purging continues, the best
food will not in the least improve the condi-
tion of the dog, although his appetite may
be enormous , he will also, in all probability,
continue dull and drowsy, and require some
effort to rouse him even to his meals. You
may, at times, observe these latter symptoms
before others of a more alarming appear-
ance, as the disorder puts on so many diffier-
fwi forms, and continues through such a va-

riety of stages ; its effects being frequently
confined to an individual, but generally em-
bracing a wider and more destructive range ;
and, in some instances, it has acquired the
character of epidemic.

" The two most dangerous symptoms are,
at the beginning, excessive looseness, and af-
terwards fits. So long as the first continues,
no medicine will have any effect, and a dog
in this state can scarcely ever be persuaded
to feed ; to remove this, half-an-ounce of pow-
dered gum-arabic, and the same quantity of
prepared chalk, must be mixed together, and
divided into twelve small balls ; one, two, or
three to be given during the day, until the
purging is stopped : I would then decline any
immediate medical process for a couple of
days, during which time isinglass, boiled in
milk, and given in small quantities every
four hours, will assuredly relieve the dog
from the eflfects of relaxation ; the calomel
and emetic tartar may be again administered,
and, under such treatment, I have seldom
known a dog but which eventually reco-
vered.

" Fits are, of all symptoms, the most to be
dreaded ; and their violence is frequently of
that nature as to prove immediately fatal ; at
least a dog seldom survives after a third. They
generally appear when he has made consider-
able progress towards amendment, and you
are, therefore, taken more by surprise, and
unprepared : a perseverance in the medicine,
after a supposed recovery has taken place, is
the most likely method of preventing a re-
lapse ; and I invariably pursue this system to
the extent of three doses, administering one
every two days, and taking, at the same time,
especial care to keep the animal particularly

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

443

warm. It" the calomel should operate con-
trary to your intended purpose, that is, by
promoting' the purginji;, it will be advisable
to f'ive the dojj about half a grain of opium,
in twenty minutes from the time he had the
previous dose, being also particularly care-
ful that he is well and icarmlj/ supported . The
usual ingredients, which are considered by
many to be eftective in this disorder, are
iEthiop's mineral, syrup of buckthorn, and
not unfrequently salt and water ; these reme-
dies are, by some, thought so precious and
infallible, that they are handed down from
father to son, with the same strict punctilio
as the period of his wife's accouchement, and
are often found to swell the page of that vo-
lume wherein is registered a long line of va-
rious ancestry.

" The distemper, some years ago, must
have been either a very rare disorder, or un-
accompanied by those dreadful symptoms
which at present c'naracterize it; and it may,
perhaps, not be very idle to suppose, that it
was occasionally mistaken for the hydropho-
bia, or madness; indeed, in many of its
stages, the symptoms are so nearly alike,
that a person, either through ignorance or
alarm, might shield himself from the accusa-
tion of improper treatment, the veterinary art
being then not only very partially understood,
but as sparingly practised.

" To shew you how partial this disease
sometimes is, both in the extent and manner
of its attacks, I had lately three pointer whelps,
of the same litter and sex, (all females,) and
which had been suffered to remain with the
dam, m a large open area in London, until
tney were three months old ; at the end of
that period, one of them, completely of a

white colour, lost its appetite altogether, and
was troubled with a violent sickness and con-
tinued purging, so that no physic could be
made to act with any the most distant hope
of success ; a second, nearly all brown, was,
in three days after, attacked in a different
manner, merely by a simple wheezing, or
more resembling a slight kind of hiccup, but
without her spirits or appetite being in the
least diminished ; the third, which was of a
colour betwixt that of the other two, never
became visibly affected, or suffered in any
degree whatever. To remove the purging
was the first object, and this was effected, af-
ter considerable application, by the gum-ara-
bic and chalk ; the sickness disappeared soon
after, and the entire cure was effected by three
doses of Blaine's medicinal powders ; one of
these also was administered to the second
whelp, on the first appearance of the cough,
and another removed her out of danger. To
guard, however, against any bad effects which
might possibly ensue to the third, from being
all the time confined with the others, I first
gave two grains of emetic tartar, and, on the
morning of the following day, one of the pow-
ders, repeating this last dose at the end of
twenty-four hours. From the moment of at-
tack to the period of amendment, the above
were the only symptoms I could observe ; and
I have every reason to believe, except in the
first instance, that the disorder was not of that
excessive description, as I never found the
spirits of any one to be in the least degree
pulled down. I have mentioned the colour
of the whelps, to shew that all opinions (and
I know there are such,) upon their hardy or
opposite nature, are idle and speculative: it
is the inward state of the animal which, at

444

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

the time, must determine the probable con-
sequences of the disease ; but its bad effects
will be considerably lessened, and, the good
ones of the medicine invariably increased,
by high and plentiful feeding."

Mr. Beckford was informed, by a brother
sportsman, that his hounds had found great
\)euefit from an ounce of Peruvian bark, in a
glass of Port wine, taken twice a-day. It is
not infallible; but, in some stages of this dis-
order, it is certainly of use. The hound most
infected that ever Mr. Beckford knew to re-
cover, was a large stag-hound ; he lay five
days without being able to get off the bench,
nor did he receive any nourishment during
the whole time but the medicine, with which
he drank three bottles of Port wine. This
sporting writer adds,

" I once tried the poudre unique, thinking
it a proper medicine for a disorder which is
said to be putrid ; but I canno-t say any thing
in its favor, with regard to dogs, at least.
Norris's drops I have also given, and with
success. I gave a large spoonful of them in
an equal quantity of Port wine, three times
a day ; as the dog grew better, I lessened
the quantity. When dogs run much at the
nose, nothing will contribute more to the
cure of them, than keeping that part clean ;
when that cannot conveniently be done,
emetics will be necessary ; the best I know
is a large spoonful of common salt, dissolved
m three spoonfuls of warm water. The first
symptom of this disorder, generally, is a
cough ; as soon as it is perceived amongst
my young hounds, great attention is paid to
them. They have plenty of clean straw, and
are fed oftener and better than at other times ;
as long as they continue to eat the kennel-

meat, they are kept together ; as soon as
any of them refuse to feed, they are removed
into another kennel, the door of the kennel
is left open in the [day, and they are only
shut up at night ; and, I think, being out in
the air, is of great service to them. To such
as are very bad, I give Norris's drops ; to
others emetics ; whilst some only require to
be better fed than ordinary, and need no
other remedy. They should be fed from the
kitchen, when they refuse the kennel-meat.
Sometimes they will lose the use of their
hinder parts ; bleeding them, by cutting off
the last joint of the tail, may, perhaps, be of
service to them. I cannot speak of it with
any certainty, yet I have reason to think,
that I once saved a favorite dog by this ope-
ration. In short, by one method or another,
I think they may always be recovered.

" The likeliest preservative for those that
are well, is the keeping of them warm at
night, and high fed. This disorder being
probably infectious, it is better to provide
an hospital for such as are seized with it,
which should be in the back part of the ken-
nel. There is no doubt but some kennels
are healthier than others ; and, consequently,
less liable to it. I apprehend mine to be
one of those ; for, in a dozen years, I do not
believe I have lost half that number of old
hounds, notwithstanding the- great number
of whelps I lose at their walks. Neighbour-
ing kennels have not been equ'ally fortunate;
I have observed in some of them a disorder
unknown in mine : I mean a swelling in the
side, which sometimes breaks, but soon after
forms again, and generally proves fatal at
last. I think I heard a friend of mine say,
whose kennel is subject to this complaint.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

445

that he never knew but one instance of a
dog who recovered from it. I have, how-
ever, since known another, in a do^- I had
from him, wliich 1 cured by frequently rub-
bina: with a dijiestivc ointment: the tumour
broke, and formed again several times, till
at last it went entirely away. The disorder
we have now been treating of, has thii, I
think, in conmion with the putrid sore throat,
that it usually attacks the weakest. Women
are more apt to catch the sore throat than
men; children, than women; and young
hounds more readily catch this disorder than
old. When it seizes whelps at their walks,
or young hounds, wheu first taken from
them, it is then most dangerous. I also
think that madness, their inflammatory fever,
is less frequent than it was before this dis-
order was known."

The following medicines have been fre-
quently successful : —

Calomel . . . . H grains
Rhubarb .... 5 grains.
To be given every other day.

Jesuit's bark . . half-an-ounce

Dragon's blood . . half-an-ounce
Gambage .... half-an-ounce.
To be made into pills about the size of a

hazle-nut, and one to be given every other

day.

Great benefit has been also found from
the syrup of buckthorn : its nature is to
operate as physic, at the same time that it
contributes, in some measure, to the nourish-
ment of the animal. Many are fond of giv-
ing castor-oil, which, in general, a dog throws
up almost iuwnediately ; this, however, never
happens with syrup of buckthorn.

37.

The following is Mr. Thornhill's treat-
ment of this disorder : —

" When you first perceive the dog to be
ill, give him half-an-ounce of salts dissolved
in a tea-cup full of warm water, and at
night, ten grains of compound powder of
ipecacuanha in a little warm water, and keep
him in a warm place. If you do not perceive
him to get better in two or three days, give
him sixteen grains of antimonial powder,
and two grains of powdered fox-glove, mixed
witli conserve of roses, sufficient for four
bolusses ; give him one at night and morning
for two days, and, on the third, a tea-spoon-
ful of powdered Peruvian-bark, three times
in the course of the day, in a little milk. If
the distemper still increase, a rowel in the
neck, as near the head as possible, will be
found of great service. The rowel should
be kept running till the dog recover, which
will be in the course of a few weeks, if kept
warm and quiet."

We are told, by this celebrated sportsman,
that he almost invariably cured his own dogs
in this manner; but he, no doubt, found it
very difficult to administer the salts, &c

On this subject Mr. Blaine thus treats : —

"According to the mode in which the
disease attacks a dog, so must the treatment
be conducted. It is to the immense varieties
in the complaint that we must attribute the
endless number of remedies continually pre-
scribed for it ; every one of which, from being
occasionally beneficial, becomes, in the mind
of the person using it, infallible. Distemper,
therefore, is seldom spoken of among a
number of sportsmen, but every one of them
knows of a certain cure, one that has never
failed with him The varieties in the com-
o V

446

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

plaint are so numerous, that hardly any two
cases can be treated alike ; consequently, no
one remedy can be applicable to every case ;
for, however efficacious it may prove in a num-
ber of instances, a judicious attention must be
paid to the varying symptoms.

Dr. Dickson remarks, " that the Distemper, or
catarrhal affection, in its first attack, is marked
by the moisture of the eyes, with dulness, loss
of flesh, slight cough, and some degree of sick-
ness ; after which a purging takes place, and
the moisture in the eyes and from the nose
takes on a more thick and purulent form, and
there is often frequent sneezing, with weakness
in the lumber parts. In this state, when the
complaint is let remain without remedy, a
paralysis of the whole body not unfrequently
succeeds. In the course of the disease there
are sometimes, too, a sort of fits presenting
themselves, in which when one speedily suc-
ceeds another, they display much danger of
the recovery of the animal. Much destruction
is often speedily caused by the fits, as well as
by the largeness and continuance of the eva-
cuations from the bowels ; but in many cases
there is only a gradual wasting in consequence
of the mucous discharge from the nose and
eyes, which is constantly attended with a high
degree of fetor and nastiness.

"Dissection in the different stages of the dis-
order has shown that there is a general inflam-
mation of the mucous or petuitary membrane
lining the cavity of the nose and top of the
throat, which, with the febrile state which is
excited over the whole system, is probably the
origin of the complaint and the source of all
the other appearances, especially as the first
signs of it are those of such an inflammatory
state, and the most continued and constant
mdication of the disorder. And this is still

further confirmed by the inflammation in such
cases being extended and continued from the
linings of these parts to the higher portions ot
the windpipe, and from the upper part down
some portion of the gullet, as is fully evinced
by the swelling and soreness of the glandular
parts of the throat, and the dry husky cough,
which always takes place in such cases. It is
shown, too, that this inflammatory state is
afterwards in some degree extended from these
parts to the same sort of membranous lining of
the stomach and intestinal canal, and may be
productive of the vomiting, purging, or consti-
pation, which so frequently occurs in such cir-
cumstances. This sort of distemper is peculiar
in its generally attacking the weakest and most
debilitated dogs, so that young, not well fed, en-
feebled dogs are more ready in catching or
being seized with it than old strong ones. It
is likewise conceived by some that the ca-
tarrhal affection or distemper has tended to
lessen the frequency of madness in dogs.

•• In the removal of this complaint, many dif-
ferent points and circumstances of the disease
are to be well attended to and considered;
when in cases where the bowels are unaffected
and quite free from any sort of disturbance,
and at the very first onset of the disease, great
benefit may often be derived from such reme-
dies as those directed below :

" Antimonial powder, three or four grains
Compound powder of Contrajerva, ten grains,
" Mix them into a powder, which may be
oiven in the evening in a little fresh butter or
some such substance, being repeated as there
may be a necessity.

" Or, at the same incipient stage of the dis-
order, the discharge of the contents of the sto-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

447

mach may bo occasionally produced with great
benefit by such means as these :

"Solution of tartarized Antimony six drachms
Wine of Ipecacuanha . . . three drachms,
" Mix and make them into an emetic drink,
which may be given every two or three days
in a little oatmeal gruel for two or three times,
if the strength of the dog does not sink too
much.

" A strong solution of common salt in warm
water, in the proportion of from one large table
spoonful or one and a half to from three to five
of the water, as the strength and size of the
dog may be, will often answer the purpose.

The bowels of the dog should at the same
time be kept gently open ; but where there is
an excess of looseness, it must be instantly
restrained by such means as these :

" Compound powder of Chalk three drachms

Ipecacuanha one drachm

Kino, in fine powder . . . half-a-drachm,
" Syrup sufficient to make them into two
balls, which may be given and repeated as
there may be occasion ; mild astringent food
being had recourse to at the same time, such
as flour or rice boiled in milk.

'• Sometimes, in these early states, submu-
riate of mercury in small doses and a mixture
of turilh mineral, in the proportion of four or
five grains, and one of tartarized antimony, are
found very serviceable, a little blood being pre-
viously let where necessary.

" It is necessary to let the dogs have plenty
of proper good food at all times in the course
of the disease except in the very early stage
of its attack, while the active inflammation is
present.

" Besides these means, the distemper pow-
der, so much celebrated and advised for this

use, may be found of much advantage in some
cases at the onset of the disease, and is to be
had with proper directions forgiving it in most
places.

" Where the dogs have much tightness and
stoppage in the nasal parts, common tar and
butter melted together, and put on and rubbed
well upon the higher portions of them, are often
of benefit in relieving them. And in cases of
much distress and confusion with stupor in the
head, utility is sometimes produced by the
application of a blister or blistering ointment
on the top part of it ; but little service is pro-
duced from the insertion of setons in most of
these cases.

" After the first stages of the disease are
over, recourse must be had to the more tonic
and strengthening sort of remedies, such as
the following :

" Cinchona quilled bark, in

fine powder half an ounce

Cascarilla bark, in powder . one drachm

Chamomile flowers, in powder one drachm and

a half,
" Make them into a powder, which may be

given in a little broth two or three times in the

day as necessary.

" The diet of the dogs should now be gra-
dually rendered more full, with increasing larger
proportions of animal matters and a plentiful
supply of drink.

" It has been well observed, on the authority
of much investigation and experience, that as
this catarrhal disease is very commonly marked
by the coming on of a state of considerable
weakness at a very early period of its progress,
the dogs should be exposed to the mild pure
open air as much as possible, as the air which
is taken into the lungs in breathing passes and

448

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

repasses over the diseased parts of the lining
that covers the inside of the nostrils as well as
the maxillary and frontal cavities, and must
necessarily become loaded with and take off
much noxious matter. They should likewise
have fresh new milk and fresh made broth
given them in a very frequent manner, and be
allowed to go among grassy matters in order to
induce them to pick up and eat some of them,
as producing vomiting ; and, where possible,
they should drink at running streams, as the
contaminated mucous discharge from the nos-
trils usually drops into the water where they
are drinking. Portions of raw flesh undressed
are better than dressed animal food ; and where
there are evident appearances of the state of
debility taking place, from five or six to ten,
twelve, or more drops, as the size of the dog
may be, of the tincture of opium may be taken
every six hours with benefit. Where sloughs
are discovered on the inside of the nostrils,
they may be washed with a solution of the su-
peracetate of lead or alum in soft water two
or three times a day, by means of a syringe or
flexible rod with a little sponge fastened to the
end of it, the proportions of such substances
being three or four drachms to a pint or more
of the water."

CONVULSIVE AND SPASMODIC FITS.

There is a particular disposition in dogs to
the taking of fits, which in them arise from
many different causes. They are often attacked
with those of the convulsive kind, in the dis-
eased state termed distemper.

In this case they come on by a sort of chew-
ing or champing of the jaws and a shaking of
the head, which by degrees extends over the
whole of the animal.

Worms, too, are often the cause of fits of the
irritating spasmodic kind, which sometimes
completely take away the sense of the animals,
they running wildly about until they become
worn out, when they recover by degrees, and
probably have not another fit for some time.
Being too much confined has also the same
effect in producing such fits, as well as that of
being too much constipated or confined in the
body.

In the cure in the first sort of these cases,
strong emetic remedies have been found useful
sometimes in checking the advance of the dis-
ease, but they rarely altogether remove it, as
it has very commonly a fatal termination.

In the latter, immersing the dog in cold water
has usually the effect of obviating and remedy-
ing the immediate attack of the fit, when recourse
may be had to a bolus of the following kind:

Sulphate of zinc, in powder two grains and a

half

Opium two grains

Castor, in powder .... ten grains,

Peruvian balsam, as much as is proper for

making them into a ball, which may be given

once a day, or every other day while necessary.

WORMS.

The dog is an animal which experiences
much uneasmess and distress from the worms.
The taenia, or tape-worm, is a common kind,
which is frequently coiled up into a ball, and
becomes an impenetrable obstruction in the
bowels. The long round worm is another kind,
which makes its way from the bowels into the
stomach. A third kind has short bodies, re-
sembling maggots, with a red or black head ;
and the fourth kind resembles the thread-worm,
and principally inhabits the rectum : these
latter kinds are the least injurious.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

44y

Worms, thoiij^h often destroyed, will soon
return again, the constitution of tlie dog
being peculiarly favorable to the breeding of
worms. The tape-worm is very ditficult to
be wholly subdued. Some dogs continue
for months and years to pass some joints
every day, and sometimes without much ap-
parent inconvenience. The danger in such
cases is, that a sudden convulsive attack will
ensue; and, sonietinies, an iiillammatory one.
Worms are particularly fatal to puppies;
and, when not fatal, if they exist in consider-
able quantities, they are productive of fatal
maladies; in both the young and the full
grown they commonly produce fits.

The treatment of worm cases in dogs has
been like that of the human, and the reme-
dies employed have been intended to expel
them, or to destroy them within the body.
The former is not attended with much bene-
fit, and the expedients for destroying them
within the body have been equally unsuc-
cessful. Active purgatives are employed in
the former case, which occasion debility, &c.
For the destruction of them, mercurials, in
small doses, pewter, tin, sulphur, bitters, and
numerous vegetables have been tried. Cow-
hage seems to claim a considerable prefer-
ence. When dogs can be made to take
them, Epsom salts, in moderate daily doses,
will both destroy and expel them. The
thread-worms are best destroyed by aloetic
clysters. The tape-worm has been removed
by mercurial purges. The following reme-
dies are strongly recommended : —

Cowhage

. . half-a-drachm
Connnon salt . . I drachm
Tin-filings, produced

by a very thin file, 2 drachnif

If the salt prove an emetic, it must be
omitted.

Or,

Levigated iron . I drachm
Levigated tin I drachm

Powdered fox-glove 8 grains

Powdered nitre

half-a-drachm.

37

Also,

Powdered jalap ... 20 grains

Calomel 3 grains

Golden sulphur of anti-
mony 4 grains,

Mix them with a little butter or lard, and
give three of these doses, one every other
morning. This remedy is generally effica-
cious.

Others have proposed as much arsenic as
will lie on the top of a sharp pointed pen-
knife, mixed with butter : —

Or,

Two or three purges of aloes;

Or,

Powdered tin . . I ounce.
Mixed with butter, and divided into three
doses, and one given every other day.

Some dogs are so irritable, that wliatever
raises any strong passion in their minds, pro-
duces an epileptic fit: hence, dogs much
confined, on being suffered to run out, fre-
quently have an attack of this nature. This
violence of disposition often produces fits in
pointers and setters when hunting. The
best remedies, therefore, are to give the for-
mer more exercise, and to habituate the latter
to a greater plenty of game. Fear, in irriia-
5 X

450

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

ble dogSj also produces fits ; therefore, such
should be less threatened or chastised. Fits,
also, proceed from the repletion of the ves-
sels in the head ; for which, bleeding, and
an occasional purgative, are necessary ; and
whenever they become habitual, a seton
should be applied, and kept in some months.
The immediate fit may be removed at once
by plunging the dog into cold water, or
throwing water on his head. A healthy dog
may have a fit through simple costiveness,
and, in such case, an active purge should be
administered : indeed, this remedy should
be applied though the dog be not costive.

Bitches, while suckling, if burthened by
too many puppies, are sometimes subject to
very dangerous fits, or convulsions, which
frequently prove fatal to them. No bitch
should be allowed to rear more than two at a
time.

Teething in puppies sometimes produce
fits. Some sportsmen, aware of this, are apt
to consider all the fits of puppies to proceed
from this cause alone ; though they may be
the precursors of the distemper, or the effects
of worms.

THE MANGE.

This is a chronic inflammation of the skin,
dependant, in some instances, on a morbid
action of the constitution ; or it is the effect
of infectious communication, and is thought
to be the most disgraceful to the sportsman
of any disease to which a dog is subject, as
it is generally occasioned by neglect of some
kind or other ; by dirty kennels, foul water,
filthiness, «&c. The canine mange has been
compared to the human itch, and it is thought

to be capable of producing it. Undoubtedly,
it may find its way to the cleanest kennel, as
the human disorder sometimes visits the
grandest mansion ; both consisting of similar
animalcules, lodged in the different protu-
berances.

The mange, when once contracted, will
spread through all the dogs in the kennel,
unless care be taken to keep them separate ;
and it deprives a dog, in a great degree, of
his sense of smelling, but is easily cured on
its first appearance.

This disease is of four kinds, the red, the
common, the spongy, and the surfeit; the
red mange is more difficult to cure than the
common, but is less infectious. A bitch
lined by a mangy dog is very liable to pro-
duce mangy puppies, and the progeny of a
mangy bitch is certain to become affected
some time or other. The morbid constitu-
tional action by which mange is generated is
excited by various causes, and in difl^erent
ways. If a number of dogs be confined to-
gether, the acrid effluvia of their transpira-
tion, &c. may beget a virulent mange, very
difficult to be removed. Ifadogbe.fed on
salt provisions, it will become subject to the
disorder, and full feeding, as well as poor
living, will be a certain cause of it

The red mange is known by the red in-
flammatory colour of the skin : the whole
skin of the body, particularly in white haired
dogs, is in a state of active inflammation ; it
is hot to the feel, and itches intolerably. In
this kind of mange, the hair is often specifi-
cally affected, and becomes altered in its
colour, particularly about the extremities : it
also falls off, and leaves the body almost
bare. The strong course kind, called wire-

lilUTISH SPORTSMAN.

451

hair, is peculiarly liable to suffer this dis-
colouration.

The following are deemed the best cures
for the red mange : —

Powdered charcoal
Prepared chalk
Sugar of lead
White precipitate
Sulphur . . .
Lard ....

1 ounce
I ounce

1 drachm

2 drachms
2 ounces
5 ounces.

To be well mixed, and applied externally.

Or,

Mercurial ointment 1 ounce
Powdered aloes 2 drachms

Lard 6 ounces.

To be well mixed, and applied externally;
but great care must be taken to prevent the
animal catching cold. Mercurial ointment,
though effective, is attended with consider-
able danger.

In slight cases of the red mange, the fol-
lowing will be found successful : —

Corrosive sublimate,

powdered . . 6 grains
Liver of sulphur . half-an-ounce
Lime water . 6 ounces.

To be mixed. &c.

Internal remedies are also necessary ; the
following is recommended as a proper dose : —

yEthiop's mineral 1 ounce

Cream of tartar . . 1 ounce
Nitre 2 drachms.

Divide into sixteen, twenty, or twenty-four
doses, according to the size of the dog, and
give one evei7 morning or evening.

in desperate cases, when others are un-
successful.

Take,— Oil of vitriol K) drops
Klowcr of

sulphur half-an-ounce

Conserve of

roses . 1 ounce.
Divide into eight, twelve, or fifteen balia
and give one every day.

Mr. Beckford proposes the following re-
medy for the red mange ; —

Quicksilver ... 4 ounces
Venice turpentine . 2 ounces
Lard 1 pound

The quicksilver and turpentine are to be
rubbed together till the globules disappear.
When applied, an ounce must be rubbed
once a day upon the part affected, for three
successive days. This is only to be used
when the hair comes off, or any redness ap-
pears.

The common mange may be cured by
some brimstone alone, powdered fine, and
taken inwardly, either in milk, or mixed with
butter, or the powder may be made into an
ointment with hog's-lard, and a small quan-
tity of oil of turpentine, and the dog rubbed
with it every day.

Large millet, and sweet turnip-roots boiled
in cows' urine till it is like both, is a salutary
ointment. The dog should be rubbed three
or four times.

When the disease becomes obstinate, and
scabby eruptions appear on various parts ot
the body.

Take,— Tobacco, in pow-
der half-an-ounce

452

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

White hellebore, in pow-
der half-an-ounce

Sulphur, in powder . 4 ounces
Aloes, in powder . . 2 drachms

Lard 6 ounces

Mix it well, and rub once a-day for a week ;
let fresh straw be also put into the kennel
every other day;

Or,

Powdered sulphur (yel-
low or black) . .

Sal ammoniac, crude,
powdered . . . .

Powdered aloes . . .

Venice turpentine

4 ounces

half-an-ounce
1 drachm
half-an-ounce

Lard 6 ounces.

Mix it well, &c.

Or,

Powdered charcoal
Powdered sulphur
Potash ....
Venice turpentine
Lard ....

2 ounces
2 ounces
1 drachm
half-an-ounce
6 oimces.

Or,

Decoction of tobacco . . 3 ounces
Decoction of white hellebore 3 ounces
Corrosive sublimate ... 5 grains

Dissolve the corrosive sublimate in the de-
coctions, which should be of a moderate
streng'th : when dissolved.

Add,

Powdered aloes . 2 drachms,

Which is always necessary in any mixture,
to prevent i* from bein^ licked oflF.

Or,

Oil of vitriol
Tar ... .
Powdered lime
Lard ....

1 drachm

2 ounces
J ounce
6 ounces

The following is not only a clean remedy,
but, probably, the best: —

Fox-glove leaves . . 2 ounces.

Put them into a jug, and pour upon them
a quart of boiling water : when cold, wash
the dog, and repeat the washing every other
day. A few washings will effect a cure.

The spongy mange requires the same
wash that the red does. When the little
spongy openings will admit of it, the wash
composed of corrosive sublimate, liver of sul-
phur and lime-water, should be injected by
means of a minute sponge. The general
surface should also be anointed with

Ointment of nitrated

quicksilver . . 2 drachms
Goulard ointment . 1 ounce
Washed flower of sul-
phur .... half-an-ounce.
To be well mixed before application.

The surfeit-mange requires little variety in
the treatment, except that bleeding and purg-
ing are more necessary. In this, and all
other kinds of the disease, when the sores
are very irritable and much inflamed, it will
be frequently necessary to allay the heat pre-
vious to external applications ; for this pur-
pose

Take,— Sugar of lead 1 drachm

Spermaceti ointment 2 ounces.
When the irritation is allayed, apply the
washes directed fcr the red mange.

BRITISH SPOU rSMAN.

■ib3

Many are apt, in usinij ointments, to smear
them over the hair, without applying them to
the skin : it requires, at least, two lions to
dress a doj>- properly. The hair should he
parted, and the ointment applied entirely to
the skin, by means of a stick. After every
part is done, let the hair be smoothed down,
and the dog will appear, when the operation
has been well performed, as if nothinj;- had
been applied. After three or foin* dressings
in this manner, the dog- may be washed with
soft soap and water, and this ointment again
applied till the cure is complete. In old and
bad cases of the mange, it will be necessary
to continue the treatment for several days, as
the complaint has been known to continue
for months.

We should always take care to prevent the
mange. Air, exercise, wholesome food, and
cleanliness are the best preservatives; though,
during his exercise, a dog may catch it from
a stranger. Mr. Beckford says, that the feeder
should be particularly attentive, and if he per-
ceive any spot upon a dog, should rub it with
the following mixture : —

Train oil ... 1 pint
Oil of turpentine half-a-pint
Ginger, in powder, a quarter of a pound
Gunpowder, finely

powdered . . half-an-ounce.
To be mixed up cold.

If the disorder should be bad enough to
resist that, three mild purging-balls, one
every other day, should be given, and the
Qog laid up for a little while afterwards.

The following curious prescription for the
cure of the mange is given in Phil. Trans.
No. 25, p. 451.

38.

" Mr. Coxe procured an old mongrel cur,
all over mangy, of a middle size, and having
some hours before fed him pletitifully with
cheeseparings and milk, he prepared his ju-
gular-vein: then he made a strong ligature
on his neck, that the venal blood might be
emitted with the greater impetus. After this
he took a young lame spaniel, about the same
bigness, and prepared his jugidar-vein like-
wise, that the descendant part might receive
the mangy dog's blood, and the ascendant
discharge his own into the dish. He trans-
fused about fourteen or sixteen ounces of the
blood of the infected'inio the veins of the sount/
dog : by this experiment there appeared no
alteration in the sound one, but the mangy
dog was, in about ten days, or a fortnight's
time, perfectly cured ; and, possibly, this is
the quickest and surest remedy for th:it dis-
ease, either in man or beast."

COUGHS.

Dogs and horses are both subject to coughs,
the latter, however, have only an acute and
a chronic kind to contend with, but the for-
mer are troubled with several kinds; and, as
these arise from very different causes, and
have very different terminations, the modes
of treatment must be consequently various.

One of the most common coughs to which
dogs are liable, is that which usually accom-
panies the distemper. This, in general, is
short and dry, producing an effort to bring
up a little frothy mucus. This cough usually
appears when a dog is just attaining his full
irrowth, at some time between four and twelve
months. When, therefore, a young dog coughs
much, shivers, is dull, and wastes, though he
may eat as usual, it is exceedmgly probable

O Y

4^i

THE COMPLL'rE FARRIEll; and

that he is breeding the distemper, and the
mode of treatment should be accordingly.

Sometimes a young full-grown dog has a
short occasional cough, which may likewise
produce nausea, with the accompaniments of
staring hair, and disagreeable breath. This
kind arises usually from worms, for which we
have already given directions.

A cough, arising from a common cold,
may be distinguished from any other by its
particular shortness and frequency, though
resembling the cough of the distemper. If
considerable, bleeding will be proper ; after
which, an emetic of one, two, or three grains
of emetic Tartar (according to the size of the
dog) may be given ; if this be not convenient,
a tea-spoonful to a desert-spoonful of com-
mon salt will answer the purpose, ^f produc-
tive of

INFLAMED LUNGS,

Which are accompanied by a quick, though
laborious, breathing, and a rapid, though
oppressed, beating of the heart, the follow-
ing powders should be administered : —

Take, — Powdered fox-glove 12 grains
Tartar emetic . 3 grains
Nitre .... 1 drachm.
Mix and divide into six, nine, or twelve
powders, and give one every two or three
hours, or form them into balls, and give as
above-mentioned.

If the cough should be violent, then

Take, — Tincture of fox-
glove ... 1 drachm
Tartar emetic . 3 grains
Nitre .... 1 drachm
Oxymei . . 2 ounces.

Give from a tea-spoonful to a desert-spoon-
ful every two or three hours.

The asthmatic cough frequently attends
old dogs : this usually comes on slowly, and
gradually becomes hollow. It is less frequent
than the other coughs, and may be readilj
distinguished.

The cure of the

ASTHMA

is attended with much uncertainty, unless in
the very early stages, and when it has been
of long standing ; though it may be palliat-
ed, it is seldom or ever completely cured. In
some cases, the irritation of the cough, with
the accompanying hectic, emaciates and
wears down the animal : in others, the con-
gestion within the chest stops inspiration,
and kills by suffocation. A spasmodic affec-
tion forms a third termination, in which
cases, from the obstruction the blood meets
with in its passage through the heart, accu-
mulation takes place in the head, and con-
vulsive fits ensue, which generally prove fa-
tal ; sometimes rupture occurs of the heart
or other large vessels.

As confinement and over-feeding are very
common causes of this complaint, so it is
evident that an attention to these particulars
is essentially necessary to the cure. It is un-
fortunate that the accumulation of fat is, in
some dogs, so much a disease that even a
very small quantity of food will still fatten
The food in these cases should be so reduced
as to bringdown the fat; regular, but not
violent, exercise must be allowed, and an
airy place to sleep in. The absorption of
accumulated fat is materially assisted by re-
gular purgatives once or twice a-week. —

BRITISH SHOIITSMAN.

455

Blei^diiig now and then g;ives temporary re-
lief, aiul. ill the first stages, when there is ac-
tive inflammation, it is exceedingly proper.

A continued course of emetics, given at re-
gular intervals, at twice a-week, proves a most
eflicacious remedy. In the intermediate days
alteratives should be administered with the
occasional use of purgatives. The following
alterative is recommended : —

Calomel half-a-grain

Nitre 5 grains

Creum of tartar
Jaiiies's powder

10 grains
2 grains

To be well mixed, and given either as a
powder or made into a ball with honey ; the
dose should be repeated every morning, and,
in very bad cases, every evening : the quan-
tity to be augmented or diminished accord-
ing to the size of the dog. On the morning
that the emetic is given, the alterative should
be omitted, and when the alterative is re-
peated night and morning, the mouth of the
animal should be well washed, that salivation
may not unexpectedly come on. When this
happens the medicine must be omitted for
some days. If the calomel be too disagree-
able, the following may be substituted : —

Nitre . . 3 grains
Tartar emetic one quarter of a grain
Powdered fox-
glove half-a-grain
To be mixed and given as the other, but
not when the emetic is administered

In some cases of long standing, when the
cough has been very harsh and distressing, it
will be proper to add ten, twentv, or thirty

drops of laudanum, or the eighth part of a
grain of opium, to each alterative.

Halsamic gums are also edicacious, and
may be all tried in obstinate cases: the fol-
lowing is recoimnended.

Take, — Powdered squills lialf-a-grain
Gum anniionia-

cum, powdered 5 grains
Balsam of Peru 3 grains.
To be mixed with honey, and formed info
a ball.

The most common cough to which dogs
are liable is that of distemper, and must
be treated according to the rules already pre-
scribed for that malady.

The asthmatical cough frequently termi-
nates in

DROPSY

either of the chest or belly, but more com-
monly of the latter.

The dropsy of the belly is sometimes
occasioned by a diseased liver, neglected
man"-e, &c. : it is not an uncommon disease
with dogs, and a prodigious quantity of wa-
ter is sometimes accumulated within the ab-
domen. This accumulation is sometimes
slow and sometimes rapid. In some cases
the forerunner is a harsh cough, and in others
a ravenous appetite. The breathing becomes
quick and laborious, and the dog lies down
with difficulty. He drinks much, and though,
in the early stages, he may eat heartily, yet,
as the disease advances, his appetite fails,
and, sooner or later, he becomes suffocated
with the pressure which the water makes on
the membrane that parts the lungs *">-om the
bowels.
I Dropsy of the belly may be distinguished

456

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

from fat by the particular tumor that the
belly forms, which, in dropsy, hangs down,
while the back-bone sticks up, and the hips
appear prominent through the skin ; the hair
stares also, and the coat is peculiarly harsh.
It may be distinguished from being in pup
by the teats, which always enlarge as the
belly enlarges in pregnancy ; but more par-
ticularly it may be distinguished by the un-
dulation of the water in the belly; whereas,
in pregnancy, there is no undulation. The
surest way, however, of detecting the presence
of water is by the touch ; if the right hand
be laid on one side of the belly, and with the
left hand the other side be pressed, an undu-
lating motion will be felt.

Medical treatment in these cases is seldom
attended with success, because the complaint
itself is seldom primary, but proceeding from
some other destructive disorder. When the
attacks are apparently not preceded by
asthma, diseased liver, or inverted mange,
success may be obtained from an evacuation
of the water when the recurrence thereof can
be prevented : but, in general, ventral dropsy
is fatal.

Dogs have been often tapped, and many
quarts of fluid, sometimes of a thick, and
sometimes of a thin nature, have been drawn
off. The operation, when repeated two or
three times, has tended to prolong life, but
m few instances to preserve it.

The operation of tapping a dog does not
3iffer in any respect from the same process
in the human. The evacuation of all the
water may be proceeded on at once without
fear; the animal will express no uneasiness
nor faintness. A bandage, moderately tight,

12 grains
2 drachms.

must be applied round the belly, and there
retained for several days.

Diuretics have sometimes been found salu-
tary, and fox-glove is deemed the best; bul
other medicaments of this kind have suc-
ceeded when fox-glove has failed. The fol-
lowing doses are recommended : —

Take, — Powdered fox-glove 12 grains
Antimonial powder 15 grains
Nitre . . 1 drachm.

Mix, and divide into nine, twelve, or fif-
teen parcels, and give one night and mora-

ino" •
'"» >

Or,

Powdered fox-glove . . 9 grains
Powdered squills .
Cream of tartar . .

Mix, and give as above ;

Or,

Oxymel of squills . . 1 ounce
Infusion of tobacco (to

be made by pouring

two ounces of boiling

water on one drachm

of tobacco) . . . half-an-ouncs
Sweet spirit of nitre . half-an-ounce
Tincture of opium . . half-a-drachm
Infusion of camomile . 2 ounces.
Mix, and give from two tea-spoonfuls to a
large table-spoonful, night and morning.

The dropsy of the chest is another common
complaint, and may be either slow or rapid
When the former, it is generally the result of
some other chronic affection ; as asthma, or
neglected mange, although the latter most
frequently produces the ventral dropsy. The

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

457

rapid accumulation often arises from active
inflammation of the lunj^s.

This disease may be known by the extreme
uneasiness which the dog shows when he lies
down, and by his attempts, under such cir-
cumstances, to elevate his head. The chest
will also appear full and swollen, and the
water may be generally heard on motion.
The beating of the heart will also clearly
characterize the complaint; for the hand,
placed on one side of the chest, will be
affected with a kind of thrill, very different
from the usual sensation produced by the
beating of a healthy dog's heart.

This disease is incurable, but if experi-
ments are required, the same remedies pro-
posed for ventral dropsy may be adopted.

CANKER IN THE EAR.

This complaint is evidently produced by
heat and over-feeding, and, in order to throw
off the superfluity, the dog frequently
scratches his ear until a dry red scab appears
from extravasated blood. If the complaint
be not stopped in this state, it terminates in

ULCERATION,

When the internal part of the ear, instead
of being filled with dried blood as before, is
always moist with matter. The dog now
continually shakes his head from the intolera-
ble itching, and when the root of the ear is
pressed, it gives him much pain. When
canker has remained long, the ear has be-
come closed, and the hearing lost; sometimes
the ulceration penetrates inwards, and be-
comes fatal to the animal.

This complaint originates from another
38.

somxe besides over-feedinji', heat, and con-
fuicment, and that is, continual immersion.

It is remarkable, that all dogs w ho frequent
the water, are more particularly disposed to
canker than others : any kind of dog may
have it, but Newfoundland dogs, poodles,
and water-spaniels are most liable to it.
Probably the length of hair around their
ears not only keeps these parts hot, but also
retains the water within, and thus encourages
an afflux of humours. Such dogs have been
cured of the canker by being kept from the
water, which may, therefore, be deemed the
primary cause.

Abstinence and purgatives, air and exer-
cise, are the best remedies when canker or
ulcerated ears are produced by gross feeding.
If there be symptoms of constitutional foul-
ness, which show themselves by a red skin
or stinking coat, in addition to exercise, a
vegetable diet, with occasional purges and
cleansing alteratives (as sulphur, nitre, and
antimony,) should be given. In very bad
cases, a seton may be properly applied to the
neck, and left there till productive of benefit :
when the cankered dog is very fat, bleeding
is also necessary.

External applications are highly beneficial,
and, in some mild cases, (particularly when
it is supposed to have been produced or in-
creased by swimming much, or too frequent
washing) are all that are necessary. In the
early stages, the following wash w ill be suffi-
cient : —

Sugar of lead

. half-a-drachm
Rose or rain-water 1 ounces.
Dissolve the sugar of lead in the water,
and pour a small tea-spoonful (previously
5z

458

THE COMPLETE FARRIER: and

warmed to a blood heat to prevent surprise)
into the ear night and morning, and rub the
ear well to promote the entrance of the wash
into the cavities.

In more obstinate cases add to the wash.

White vitriol 15 or 20 grains.

And if, instead of rose, or rain-water, a
olecoction of oak-bark be made use of to
form the wash, it will greatly promote the

cure.

In some cases, verdigris, mixed with oil,
has proved beneficial ; also, calomel and oil.

The following remedies are also recom-
mended : —

Shaff-tobacco . . 2 ounces.

To be boiled in a quart of water until it
becomes a pint, into which, while warm, dip
the doff's ears till the water reaches an inch
above the affected part. To be repeated
three successive days ;

Or,

Strong mercurial oint-
ment I ounce

Lard half-an -ounce.

To be mixed together, and well rubbed in

every third day, first washing the ears with

soft soap and warm water.

In all probability, cankered, or ulcerated
cars, owe their origin to

FLEAS AND TICKS,

Which are exceedingly troublesome to
these animals. A dog is frequently so an-
noyed with a flea in his ear that he will
sometimes appear as if distracted with the
ear-ache ; but, though subject to colds, they

are not liable to these kinds of aches. Their
partiality for gnawing bones preserves their
teeth from the canker, and dogs, of course,
are not troubled with the tooth-ache.

Though dogs frequently swim, they are
still troubled with fleas and ticks ; these ver-
min, in water-dogs particularly, lodge in the
ears, and are consequently the promoters of
canker and ulcer ; they soon recover a tem-
porary drowning, and become more torment-
ing than before. Though a dog be continu-
ally washed with soap and water, and after-
wards well brushed, these vermin cannot be
completely dislodged, except by means some-
times fatal to the animal if suffered to lick
himself.

Common soap and warm water, made into
a strong lather, and left on the dog for a day,
will remove them for a time. To be repeated
when the inconvetiiency recurs.

Also sweet oil, or four ounces of shae:-to-
bacco, steeped in three quarts of water; to
be well rubbed in before a fire.

Also, Scotch snuff, or trooper's ointment,
rubbed all over him. In hot weather, and if
the dog have much hair, (the case with set-
ters and springers) it will be necessary to re-
peat the dressing very often

CANKER ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE
EAR.

This complaint is very different in appear-
ance from the canker in the ear : it consists
of an ill-disposed ulcer, which is usually
situated on the lower edge of the flap of one
or both ears, dividing it into a kind of slit.
This is kept in a continued state of irritation
by the shaking of the dog s head. It is re-
markablcj that smooth-coated dogs (pointers

BRITISH SFORTSIMAN.

459

and hounds) are the only ones, in general,
affected with this outer canker, while long-
haired dogs (Newfoundlands, setters, and
water-spaniels) arc more subject to internal
canker of the ear. Pointers and hounds,
who have been rounded, by having their ears
cropped, are less liable to it than those who
have their ears of the natural length. From
this circumstance it is common to round them
after the disease has appeared ; but this fre-
quently .ails of curing them, unless the part
taken off extends considerably beyond the
surface of the ulcerated slit. It is common
also to bum out the ulcer either with the
actual cautery, or with some caustic sub-
stance ; but this, likewise, proves an uncertain
cure.

Where over-feeding and the want of ex-
ercise are supposed to be the chief cause of
the complaint, the same rules must be at-
tended to as are mentioned for the internal
canker. In other cases, however, an external
application will be found sufficient.

Take, — Nitrated quicksilver 2 drachms
Turner's cerate . . 3 drachms
Lard 2 ounces.

To be mixed well, and applied once a-day,
carefully securing the ear ;

Or,

Corrosive sublimate, finely

powdered 3 grains

Turner's cerate .... I drachm

Milk of sulphur . . . I scruple.

In Kome cases the following wash has beca
r.f&cficlous : —

Corrosive sublimate 5 grains

Rose water

H ounces.

SORE EARS.

A dog's ears may become scabby by being
torn in the hedges, or otherwise. In this
case, anoint them with oil of bitter almonds,
which will be suilicicnt. If they be sore
within, mix with it tar and lard.

SORE FEET.

Sore feet are cured with brine, or salt and
vinegar ; a handful of salt to a pint of vinegar.

A plaster of black pitch is the best cure
for a thorn, in man, horse, or dog : this has
been successful when other applications have
failed. If the part be much inflamed, a
common poultice bound over the plaster
will assist the cure.

Some have recommended to bathe the sore
feet with greasy pot-liquor, milk, or butter-
milk.

CANKER IN THE LIPS.
Dissolve a lump of alum in some water,
and with this wash rub the affected part two
or three times a-day.

SWELLING IN THE THROAT.
A swelling of the glands of the throat, ap-
parently of the thyroid, is a very common
complaint among dogs. Pugs, barbets, and
French pointers are peculiarly liable to it.
Other dogs, however, terriers, spaniels, &c.
have it ; but it is not common in these, and
in the larger kinds it is scarcely ever seen.
The swelling comes on generally while very
young, and continues to enlarge to a certain
size ; after which, it usually remains station-
ary, seldom increasing to such a degree as to
prove fatal. It is, notwithstanding, trouhle-
some, and, in some measure, injur'ous. from

460

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

the pressure it occasions on the surrounding
parts. The treatment is not difficulty nor
usually unsuccessful when early adopted.

Take, — Burnt sponge 1 drachm

Nitre . . . half-a-drachm.
Mix into six, nine, or twelve balls, (ac-
cording to size) and give one every day ;

Or,

Mild mercurial ointment half-an-ouncc
Blistering ointment . . half-an-ounce.
Mix, and rub the swelling once a-day, with
a portion equal to a hazle-nut, or walnut,
according to the size of the dog, first clipping
away the hair that it may penetrate better,
and, after the application, wrapping up the
neck with a bandage, to prevent it from
being rubbed off. During this application,
the mouth should be continually examined
to guard against the attack of salivation.

The following remedies are probably more
safe : —

(Tried.)

Fresh mutton suet . . 2 pounds
Gum elemi .... 1 pound
Common turpentine . 10 ounces.
The gum and suet to be melted and
stra"ned, and the turpentine to be added
while hot. Anoint the aflected part with it.
Or, wash the swelling with salt and vine-
gar mixed, but not too strong, and then
anoint it with oil of camomile.

INFLAMMATIONS.

The inflamed bladder, though not a com-
mon complaint, was very prevalent in the
year 1810. The bladder in every instance
was much inflamed, and in many cases
which occurred it was exclusively so. The

inflammation of the bladder shews itself bv
great restlessness and panting ; in some in-
stances, there is a total stoppage of urine,
when the belly is hot, swelled, and very ten-
der; and, in others, it is evacuated by fre-
quent drops, tinged with blood.

The dog so affected should be liberally
bled, and have opening medicines. James's
powder, or small repeated doses of tartar
emetic, should be administered. Clysters
and the warm bath are also necessary ; when
the latter is not convenient, warm fomenta-
tions may answer the purpose.

The intestines of dogs are very irritable,
and extremely subject to inflammations,
which are of various kinds, according to
their various causes. Distemper occasions
a species of inflammation. Among the va-
rious inflammatory affections, four kinds are
peculiarly common. The first is brought
on by

RHEUMATISM.

Dogs are very liable to this complaint,
and it is always accompanied with more or
less inflammation of the bowels. In many
cases, the bowels are the only seat of rheu-
matism, and it then produces a peculiar in-
flammation. In this case, the animal is
generally seized with a total loss of the use
of his hind legs; his back, about the loins,
appears tender and painful to the touch, he
screams on being moved, and is often in-
clined to costiveness. but always to pain.

The spring, on account of the easterly,
winds, produces more instances of this dis-
ease than any other time of the year. The
treatment should be as follows : the animal
should be placed in warm water, and kept
there tor a quarter of an hour, the affected

BRITISH SPORTSMAN,

4Ci

parts being frequently rubbed during the
time; when taken out lie sliould be wiped
dry and kept warm. The loUowing should
be previously administered: —

Tincture of opium . . 20 drops

iEther 30 drops

Castor-oil 1 ounce.

This is proper for a middle sized dog, but
it must be increased or diminished according
to size. If this should not operate, try a
clyster, and if that fail, give the following :—

Calomel ... 4 grains

Powdered opium a qwarter of a grain

Oil of peppermint 1 drop

Aloes .... 1 drachm,
Make into a ball, and increase or diminish
according to size. If necessary, repeat
every four hours till the bowels are perfectly
open, in which state they must be moder-
ately kept for three or four days.

The affected parts should also be rubbed
two or three times a day with the following :

Oil of turpentine . . 2 ounces

Spirit of hartshorn . . 2 ounces

Laudanum .... 2 drachms

Sweet oil .... 2 ounces.

The warm bath should be repeated at in-
tervals of one or two days, according to the
quickness or slowness of the amendment.
INIoderate feeding should be allowed ; some-
times the animal refuses food, at other times
he is willing to eat, and often voraciously.

Electricity is sometimes efficacious, when
the paralysis, occasioned by rheumatism,
continues to deprive the limbs of their mohi-
lity. In other cases, mercurial frictions have

a good effect, and on others blisters along
the spine. When the hinder limbs only are
paralytic, a very large pitch plaster, ajiplied
over the whole loins, reaching to the tail and
covering the upper parts of the thighs,
should be worn for six or seven weeks.

The second kind of inflammatory affec-
tions proceeds from costiveness ; dogs will
bear costiveness for many days before in-
flammation comes on, but when it has com-
menced, it is with difficulty removed. This
kind is known by the gradual manner in
which it attacks, and by its not being at first
accompanied with any very active symptoms.
The dog appears dull and dislikes to move,
his belly is also hot and sore. The costive-
ness is sometimes complete, and at others a
few drops of foeces are strained out, by
which an ordinary observer may think the
dog is purged instead of being bound.

Clysters should be constantly applied ;
medicines are also necessary. A large dose
of castor-oil may be at first tried, which, if
not effective, must give place to stronger
means : viz.

Calomel ... 6 grains
Aloes .... 1| drachm.
To be diminished or increased according
to size. If the stomach reject the first dose,
add half-a-quarter of a grain of opium to
the second, or a dose of Epsom salts. To
be repeated every four hours, but with de-
creased strength.

The third kind of inflammation comes on
spontaneously, or is the cUcct of cold. The
dog betrays great heat, thirst, panting, and
restlessness, even from the first attack. The
-toinach is incessantly sick, throws up, and
6a

463

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

all food is rejected. The belly is extremely
hotj the eyes red, and the moutli and nose
first hot and then cold. The animal fre-
quently lies on his stomach, and expresses
much distress.

The treatment should be early and liberal
bleeding, from three to six ounces may be
taken away according to size and strength.
A laxative of castor-oil should be adminis-
tered ; but, unless the bowels be obstinately
bound, no stronger medicine should be
given, as it would heighten the inflamma-
tory symptoms. The dog should be bathed
in water every three or four hours. If this
be found troublesome, fomentations may be
substituted. Clysters of castor-oil, with
mutton-broth, should be frequently applied,
till successful. When the case is desperate,
the belly may be rubbed with oil of turpen-
tine between the bathings, or a mustard
poultice. No food should be given or cold
water, but the dog may be drenched with
mutton-broth. In case the vomiting be vio-
lent, with every dose of castor-oil, and with
every drench of mutton-broth, give from ten
to twenty drops of latidanum.

The fourth kind is a bilious inflammation
of the bowels ; dog-s living indiscriminately
(in animal and vegetable matters, are subject
to a disordered state of the liver, and to a
vitiated secretion of its biliary fluid. This
complaint originates primarily from some
afilection of the liver, which alters its secret-
ing qualities, and makes it, instead of en-
gendering healthy bile, secrete one of a
black noxious kind, which, as soon as it
passes into the bowels, irritates and inflames
them most highly. This species of intesti-
nal inflammation, may be distinguished from
the other kinds, by the early vomiting of a

black or yellow foetid matter, and likewise
by the bilious gripings and purgings.

When judiciously managed, this is not a
very untractable complaint. If the evacua-
tions be frequent and profuse, nothing
stronger than castor-oil should be given,
which is absolutely necessary let them be
ever so considerable. When very trifling, a
I mild mercurial aperient should be adminis-
tered : viz.

Calomel . . 10 grains

Aloes .... 2 drachms.
Make into four, six, or eight balls, ac-
cording to size, and give one every foui or
five hours till successful. Clysters of mut-
ton-broth may be given, and some should
be forced down the throat if the sickness be
very obstinate. If the belly be hot and
stretched, the warm bath or fomentations
will be necessary.

When the evacuations are bloody, no lax-
atives should be used ; but the following ad-
ministered : —

Powdered Colombo . . 1 drachm

Powdered chalk ... I drachm

Powdered gum-arabic . 1 drachm

Powdered opium ... 1 grain.

Mix and divide into three, five, or seven

balls, according to the size of the dog, and

give one every three or four hours. If the

case be desperate, give also a starch clyster.

Should this complaint arise from

POISONS,

The treatment should be very different.
Dogs are frequently poisoned by design or
accident, generally with arsenic, corrosive

HRlTISll SFORTSiMAN.

463

sublimate, white-leiul, or crow-iij;-. When
througli arsenic or corrosive sublimate, the
effects are incessant vomiting, nmiuenchable
thirst, agitation and pain. The bowels are
soon affected, the evacuations become
bloody, and debility ensues.

Dogs frequently lick, paint, and when
there is lead in it injure themselves; this
produces stupidity, dislike to food, and irre-
gular pains in the bowels, sudden starts, and
generally costiveness.

The vegetable called crow-fig (nux vo-
mica) is very destructive, and, in a few
minutes, deprives the animal of all energy.
It is, however, irregular in its action, some
dogs are hardly aflfectcd by it, while others
are destroyed by a slight dose. A strong
infusion of laurel is equally poisonous, and
even more certain in its deleterious effects.

In cases of poison, remedies must be ad-
ministered with speed, in order to be effica-
cious; when suspected to be injured by ar-
senic, or mercurial poison, the following
emetic should be given, notwithstanding the
stomach be already agitated with vomiting :

Ipecacuanha
Liver of sulphur

2 scruples
2 scruples.

To be increased or diminished according
to circumstances. If the vomiting has been
very long and violent, give only the liver of
sulphur, dissolved in boiled milk and repeat
it every hour or two ; give some also as a
clyster in milk. When the stomach seems
a little appeased give laudanum and castor-
oil.

When injured by licking paint, give ac-
tive purgations of calomel, in doses from
lour to eight grains, with a moderate propor-

tion of aloes, and repeat it every six oi eight
hours till successful. Then administer mild
doses of castor-oil, and feed very lightly

Any thing that will cause instantaneous vo-
miting may have the desired effect in every
case. Groat benefit has been derived from two
or three grains of vitriol, or common salt,
forced down the throat. After vomitinir, a
table-spoonful of oil of English pitch may be
given in the morning fasting, as an aperient.

In the month of August, 1809, a very fine
setter was poisoned by crow-fig, which was
given to him by some cruel wretch, and
every remedy was employed in vain to save
his life ; the poor animal expired in the
greatest agony. Some short time had elapsed
before it was discovered that the dog had
taken poison. In the summer of IS 10, a
yard-dog, in the same neighbourhood, was
served in a similar manner, and every effort
for his preservation proved alike ineffectual.
Hence it appears, that unless the poison ol
crow-fiff be ffot rid of almost the minute it is
taken, the dog must inevitably perish. If the
poison has been given whole, that i.s, in a
button, as it is called, he may get rid of it by
speedy emetics; but if it has been grated^
or powdered, and five minutes elapse, his re-
covery is almost impossible.

VENOMOUS BITES.

Dogs are more subject than horses to the
bites of venomous creatures. Many receipts
have been prescribed for the bite of a viper
&c. but their success is precarious. Rubbing
the aflfected part with sweet-oil is a certain
but simple remedy. When a dog has been
injured by a viper, slow-worm, &c. the bitten
part will immediately swell, and oil (olive-

464

THECOMPLETE FARRIER; and

oil is the best) should be instantly applied.
It' a considerable time tlapse before the
sportsman can procure oil, and the animal be
materially affected, pour a spoonful of oil
down his throat, and hold the bitten part
over a charcoal-fire, while the oil is rubbed
in. Very seldom, however, any thing more
will be necessary than a little common sweet-
oil, rubbed well on the wound. Rubbing
with olive-oil over a charcoal-fire will cure
the master as well as the dog.

Mr. Beckford, on this subject, observes : —
" Hounds sometimes are bitten by vipers
— sweet-oil has been long esteemed as a cer-
tain antidote ; some should be applied to the
part and some taken inwardly; though a
friend of mine informs me that the common
cheese rennet, externally applied, is a more
efficacious remedy than oil for the bite of a
viper."

FRACTURES, WOUNDS, &c.

Though dogs' limbs are very liable to be
fractured, yet the irritability of the constitu-
tion is so much less in these animals than in
horses, that they suffer comparatively but
little on these occasions, and the parts soon
reinstate themselves, even without assistance,
though in such cases the limb in general re-
mains crooked. They meet with accidents
also in a different way from horses, the latter
being liable to falls, &c. but dogs to their
being run over by coaches, carts, &c. or be-
ing,kicked or trod upon. The thigh is a very
common subject of fracture, and though it
appears a most serious bone to break, yet it
is one that, with a little assistance, commonly
unites straight, and forms a good limb. When
an accident has happened to the thigh, in case

the fracture has injured the fleshy parts also,
so as to produce heat and inflammation, fo-
ment with vinegar and water till the swellin»"
is reduced. This being effected, apply a plas-
ter of pitch, or other adhesive matter, spread
on moderately firm leather, sufficiently large
to cover the outside of the thigh, and to double
a little over the inside of it also : then fasten a
longboard upon this, which should reach from
the toes, to an inch or two, which will keep
the limb steady. This lath must be kept in
its situation, by a long bandage, carefully
wound round the limb, and secured by cord.

Fractures of the shoulder should be treated
in a similar manner.

Much care, however, is necessary in frac-
tures of the fore and hind-legs, in order that
the limbs may be united straight. Sometimes
there is little or no inflammation at first, but
as soon as the swelling will admit, apply an
adhesive plaster neatly and firmly round the
part ; then fill up the inequalities with tow
or lint, so that the limb may appear of one
size throughout ; otherwise, the points of the
joints will be irritated, and made sore by the
laths. This done, apply two, three, or four
laths before, behind, and on each side of the
limb, and secure them by a bandage.

In all fractures, great care should be taken
not to tighten the broken limbs, by either
the plaster or bandage, as mortification will
then ensue. Fractures of the fore-legs re-
quire supporters a longer time than fractures
of the hinder-legs, otherwise, those legs are
apt to become gradually crooked, after the
apparatus is removed.

In cases of compound-fracture, that is,
where there is an open wound which pene-
trates to the divided bones, the same means

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

465

must be adopted as the human frame re-
quires : irritating- pointed portions must be
sawed off; the loose ones should be removed,
and every means must be used to close the
wound as soon as possible, during- which, the
bones must bo kept in contact with each
other, and sujjportcd by soft bandages until
the wound begins to heal, and will admit of
tighter bandages and boards.

A compound fracture, as well as a simple
one, when neglected, frequently becomes
united of itself; but this union is imperfect,
for, instead of the callus interposed between
the divided ends becoming- bony, it proves
only gristly, and the fractured limb never ac-
quires firmness or strength; indeed, when
examined, an obscure motion mav be felt, a
sufficient proof that the joint is imperfect and
deficient in strength.

One or two experiments may be made to
remedy this evil, though humanity may be
loth to torture the poor animal. Either the
skin opposite the fracture should be opened,
and laying bare the bone, the soft portion in-
terposed should be removed with a fine saw,
treating t*he case afterwards as a compound
fracture : or, which is less painful, a seton
should be inserted exactly through the
gristly part, and kept in about ten days or a
fortnight : after this time it may be removed,
the wound closed, and the part treated as a
simple fracture.

Dogs are liable to be wounded in various
ways, and these wounds are not, in general,
much attended to, from an opinion that tiie
animal's tongue is the best dressing. Nature
is, in many instances, a sure physician, and
there is no doubt but the animal's licking a
sore is of great service ; but, in some cases,
nature may be assisted by art, and in others,

the tongue may be an injurious appiication.
If a dog be inclined to foulness, a wound
licked by a foul tongue will become mangy,
and the soreness will consequently spread.

In all extensive wounds, a stitch or two
should be made with a large needle and
thread, which will considerably reduce the
laceration ; but as such stiches soon ulcerate
in a do^, the edges should be still further
secured bv slips of sticking-plaster. A recent
wound should be cleansed from the dirt, and
then covered up; when it begins to suppu-
rate, dress with any mild ointment. Nature
instructs the dog to lick away the dirt.

In thorn wounds, or others made with
splinters, carefully examine that nothing is
left within them : otherwise, no attempts to
produce healing can prove successful.

The most common wounds in dogs arise
from the bites of others. Under such cir-
cumstances, should any suspicion arise that
the dog was mad by whom the wounded one
was bitten, first carefully wash the wound
with warm water, and, immediately after,
wash the dog all over. The bitten part
itself should then be cauterized, either with
the actual cautery, or with lunar caustic.
Should the wound be an extensive one, or
much lacerated, the lunar caustic \^ill prove
the safest application, and by far the most
convenient.

The wounds arising from common bites,
in general, soon heal of themselves : if, how-
ever, they are very extensive, wash them
with Friar's balsam to prevent their becom-
ing gangrenous. The parts may be rubbed
with Friar's balsam, oil of organum, and
soap lineament.

When a dog is wounded with shot, the fol-
lowing remedies will be found efficacious : —
0 B

466

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; ano

Oil of turpentine 2 ounces
Oil of camomile . 2 ounces
Aqua vitas ... 2 ounces.
To be mixed well together with half-a-
pint of linseed oil.

Or,

Fresh goose-grease, melted and strained
through a sieve, and spirit of wine and tur-
pentine, of each an equal quantity, melted
and strained again clear and fine ; the part
to be well anointed.

When wounded with stakes, or when a
violent effusion of blood is to be stopped,
the hair should be cut off about the wound,
and the part washed with warm vinegar, and
then rubbed gently with the following mix-
ture : —

Oil of spike . . . 2 ounces
Oil of swallows 2 ounces.

Let the animal be muzzled when it is ap-
plied.

For the cure of a flesh wound, cut off the
hair from the part as close as possible, then
take some fresh butter and burn it in a pan :
while the butter is hot, dip a roll of lint into
it, and place it in the hole of the wound.
This should be repeated twice a-day, and
the part washed with warm milk and water
each time.

Fistulous wounds in glandular parts often
prove very obstinate. In such cases, means
must be taken to get at the bottom of the
sinus, and to raise a more promising inflam-
mation therein. This may be either done
by injecting something stimulant in it, as a
vitriolic wash, or by passing a seton through
it. Some fistulous wounds, such as those

in the feet, and about the joints, will fre-
quently not heal, because, either the bones,
or the capsular ligaments, are diseased. In
these cases, the wound generally requires to
be laid open to the bottom, and to be stimu-
lated with oil of turpentine, or with tincture
of Spanish flies, daily, till a healing process
shows itself

SORE FEET

Are generally cured with brine, or salt and
vinegar, a handful of salt to a pint of vinegar.
Stale urine is also used for this purpose. It
is recommended by Mr. Blaine to bathe
them with greasy pot-liquor, milk, or butter-
milk, and afterwards to defend them from
stones and dirt, by wrapping them up. Styp-
tic tincture, however, is preferable in every
respect ; this will even extract thorns, and
enable the dog to hunt the next morning.
Alum-water is a good thing to wash a dog's
feet with, on account of its hardening them.

When the feet become sore from any dis-
eased affection of the claws, an ointment,
composed of nitrated quicksilver and Tur-
ner's cerate will be proper. This is a pecu-
liar disease, in which one of the toes will
appear very highly inflamed, swollen, and
somewhat ulcerated around the claw. In
such a case, the dog employs himself in con-
tinually licking it, and which, instead of
doing good, as is supposed, always makes it
worse. This complaint is commonly mis-
taken for some accidental injury, and the
owner is surprised to find that neither the
dog's licking, nor his own attempts to make
the toe sound, succeed. The fact is, that
this is simply a mangy affection, and may
be cured by the mildest of the remedies pro-

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

467

posed for that complaint. Tlic loot must
be sewed up in leather to prevent the dog-
getting at it, but care must be taken not to
bind it up too tight.

F^uppies have frcqnciitly dew-claws, some-
tiuics they are double : these are small ones,
situated on the inner-side, one to each foot,
distinct from and much above the claws of
the toes. They are frequently unattached,
except by a small portion of skin ; but whe-
ther attached or not, that is, whether there is
any bony attachment or not, it is al\\ays
prudent to cut them oft" while they are very
young : otherwise, they become troublesome
as the dog grows up ; for the nail attached
to the end of it frequently turns in, and
wounds the flesh, or, by its hook-like shape,
it catches into every thing the dog treads on.
The horny claws are also subject, when dogs
have not sufficient exercise, to become pre-
ternaturally long, and by turning in to woimd
the toe and lame the dog. The claws, when
too long, are often cut off" with scissars ; but
unless the scissars used be very short and
strong, they will be apt to split the claws.
It is better, therefore, to saw them off" with a
very fine and hard cockspur saw, and then to
tile them smooth.

DISEASES OF THE EYE.

The eyes of dogs are subject to several
kinds of disease ; the most common of which
is an ulceration of the cornea, or transparent
part of the globe of the eyes. This affection,
which proceeds f'om distemper, usually
connnences by a blueness, or sometimes by a
dimness of the transparent portion, in the
cenlie cf ^^hich a speck may be frequently!
seen, which gradually accumulates to a;

small abscess, which, when it breaks, leaves
an nicer, that generally remains stationary
till the distemper amends : sometimes it ex-
tends, and sometimes forms an excrescence
wliich protrudes. Though the eye in thia
disease becomes more deranged than in any
other, yet if the animal be cured of the dis-
temper, (for which the best remedies are
already given) the eye gradually clears it-
self; and, at length, bears no vestige of dis-
ease. Sometimes, for the sake of vision,
when the eye is very much irritated and in-
flamed, a seton in the neck will be necessary;
also, fomentations of poppy-heuds ; or the
use of goulard-washes in the beginning, and
vitriolic ones as the disease advances.

Sometimes the eyes become suddenly
weak, water much, and if viewed in the light,
look red at the bottom, and also within the
eyelids. There are always marks of pain
and impatience whenever exposed to a strong
light. The animal should be immediately
bled ; then a seton should be inserted in tiie
neck, and a purgative given every third day.
For the first few days adopt a popp^-head
fomentation, and frequently use the follow-
ing- wash : —

Sugar of lead half-a-drachm
Rose water . 6 ounces.

When the inflammation is somewhat mo-
derated, add to this wash.

White vitriol

10 grains

In violent injuries of the eyes, through
blows, punctures of thorns, or scratches from
cats, the above wash may be used till the
inflammaiion has abated. Should a bluish-
dimness be afterwards lett over the eyes, &

46S

THE COMPLETE FARRIEH ; and

small pinch of a powder may be sprinkled
into the eye once or twice a-day, composed
ot

Sugar of lead
Calomel . .

1 scruple
1 drachm.

Cataract is another disease to which the
«yes of dogs are liable. In the old they are
very common through the decay of nature ;
and young dogs are liable to it, it being
sometimes produced by an injury. When
this disease attacks an aged dog, both eyes
are generally affected ; but in a young dog
it is usually contined to one. Let white
vitriol, the size of a pea, be put into half-a-
pint ot sprmg water, and remain in it for a
day; then soak a bit of tine linen in the
water, and bathe the affected eye or eyes
with it; immediately after, bathe them with
pure spring water. This should be done
iwice a-day.

SPRAINS.

For sprains in the shoulder, or any part
except the legs and feet, the following will
be found an efficacious wash : —

Spirit of wine . . bounces
Turpentine ... 1 ounce.
To be mixed well together in a strong

potion of Vegeto's mineral water, and to be

applied before the tire.

For sprains in the legs and feet.

Take, — Spirit of wine If pint
Camphor . . 3 ounces
Laudanum . 60 drops.
To be well mixed, and carefully rubbed in
eight or ten times a-day before a fire.

SCALDS.

If a dog by accident receive a scald, hia
own tongue will prove the most salutary
wash, and by frequently licking himself he
will speedily remove the irritation. It often
happens, however, that the scalded part will
become bald ; in order, therefore, to bring the
hair again, calcine a piece of leather, and
mix it with lard, and rub the affected part
with this ointment. Nothing better can be
used to make hair grow in general, though
there are many receipts for the purpose, but
this, which is the most simple, is undoubt-
edly the best.

Dogs are very subject to

PILES,

But the symptoms by which the complaint
shows itself are very little known as such.
Piles are brought on by confinement, heat,
and heating food, and show themselves by a
red sore protruded anus, which the dog con-
siderably aggravates by dragging it on the
ground. They are also produced by cos-
tiveness.

The habitual piles will be greatly relieved
by the use of the following ointment :—

Sugar of lead 6 grains
Tar . . , half-a-drachm
Elder ointment

or lard . . 3 drachms
Mix, and anoint the affected part with it
two or three times a-day.

A dog accustomed to this complaint should
be fed moderately on cooling food, and be
sufficiently exercised. If the disposition to
it be considerable, give daily one of the fol-
lowing powders :—

I

I

IJRITISH SPORTSMAN.

4G9

Powdered nitre half-a-draclun
Milk of sulphur 3 drachms.
To be divided into nine, twelve, or fifteen
doses according" to size.

Doffs are also accustomed to the

PALSY,

And this cause of the motive power of the
limbs proceeds from various causes. Partial,
or universal, palsy is very usual in hydropho-
bia. The loins and hinder-parts are gene-
rally those which are the most affected.
Sometimes the throat principally suffers, and
now and then it is universal. In distemper
it is very common tor the loins and hinder-
parts to become palsied ; sometimes it affects
tlie head also, and the fore extremities. In
a few instances it contmues during life. In
very bad cases all the muscles of the body
become affected with a spasmodic affection,
which often ends in complete palsy. Acci-
dents may also occasion the palsy, but the
most frequent cause is rheumatism, on which
we have already treated, and for which we
have given the most efficacious remedies.

It is evident, that the direct treatment for
the palsy must vary according to the cause
producing the paralytic affection. General
warmth, with stimulating applications to the
immediate parts, forms the outline of the
treatment proper for most cases. Sometimes
tlie cold-bath proves the most efficacious;
but still, during the intervening time, the
body must be kept warm. As a general
remedy, an extensive pitch-plaster is a very
good one. Blisters and electricity are some-
times useful. When proceeding from acci-
dental injuries, a seton opposite the injured
part will be necessary.

39.

SETON S
Arc artificial drains to the constitution,
cither to lower it generally, or to draw a de-
posit or secretion of matter from one part to
another. Country farriers and grooms make
setons by piercing the skin through with a
red hot iron, but this is barbarous, and leaves
a bad scar: indeed, connnon farriers often
betray consumniate ignorance. fSee page
2Vi.) The proper mode of performing this
operation is by means of a seton-necdle,
which is a well-known instrument, not unlike
a packing-needle, but three times as broad.
This, accompanied with a skain ot thread,
or a piece of tape, about six or eight inches
long, is passed through about two inches of
the skin, commonly of the neck, though any
other part may, with equal propriety, have a
seton placed in it it necessary. The needle
is then removed, and the thread or tape suf-
fered to remain, either tied end to end, or a
secure knot made at each end to prevent its
coming out

CRAMP.

This is a familiar term among sportsmen

for

SPASM,

Which is an irregular motion in the mus-
cular fibre, and is, consequently, partial or
general. Hence arises

ST. VITUSs DANCE,

Which only now and then occurs, and
which generally remains after the distemper.
Other causes, however, will produce a similar
appearance.

We have already treated on spasmodic
affections in our remarks on the rheumatism,
&c. The spasm in tlie bowels frequently
produces

6c

470

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

VERTIGO, OR A GIDDINESS IN THE
HEAD,

For which bleeding* will be sufficient.
The best anti-spasmodics are the warm-
bath, with warm covering afterwards. In
some cases, extraordinary warmth is useful,
with volatile embrocations externally ap-
plied. The following may be given inter-
nally : —

^ther . . 20 to 60 drops
Laudanum . 20 to 60 drops
Camphor . 3 to 6 grains.
To be well mixed together, and given in
a table-spoonful of ale, or wine and water,
according to the urgency of the symptoms.
No fear need be apprehended from an over-
dose of laudanum, for a dog will bear five
times a greater quantity of opium than a
human being. Indeed, a few drops of lau-
danum, even to a human being, is more
dangerous than the proper number which
the constitution requires. When spasm
affects the bowels, much benefit sometimes
arises from clysters with laudanum in them ;
but in such cases, double the quantity of the
opiate, which is administered by the mouth,
must be used.

As dogs are known to be liable to^

THE STONE,

Though by no means a common com-
plaint, we may naturally conclude that they
may also have

THE GRAVEL.

It is not always easy to detect this com-
plaint, though it may be sufficiently disco-
vered.

From ten to twenty drops of oil of turpen-
tine, or from twenty to forty drops of the
spirits of nitre, twice a-day, with from ten to
twenty drops of laudanum added to either
in case of much pain, will form the best
means of relief.

The other disorders to which dogs are
liable may, as they generally proceed from
some of the causes already mentioned, be
easily removed by a discriminate application
of either astringents or aperients.

PUPPING,

Many bitches lose their lives in the act of
pupping, and many of their whelps also
perish with them. Whenever pupping is
protracted considerably, the puppies surely
die ; and, in those cases where the young are
dead before birth, from the effect of accident,
they are the sure occasions of a protracted
labour. Dead puppies come away piece-
meal, sometimes many days after the natural
time, and occasion a foetid discharge for many
days afterwards.

A bitch should never be allowed to suckle
more puppies than her constitutional powers
are equal to. Though she may go on very
well, perhaps, for one, two, or even three
weeks, yet sudden convulsions may ensue,
(as already intimated) which, rapidly follow-
ing each other, may carry her off. Some
bitches can bring up five or six puppies with
more ease than others can rear three. Strong
bitches (that have before brought up young)
may rear four or five ; but delicate ones are
sometimes sufficiently burthened with three,
and sometimes can bear only two.

If a bitch, while suckling, have a fit, the
puppies should be removed ; one or two

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

471

may be giveu to her tor half au liour, morn-
ing and eveniiij:^; or^ if she liave much inilkj
one may be left with her entirely. The fol-
lowing mixture is necessary : —

iEther .... 1 drachm

Laudanum ... 1 drachm

Strong ale ... 2 ounces^

Mix well together, and give a desert, or

two table-spoonfuls, (according to the size)

repeating the dose every three or four hours.

Nutritious food should be also given to her,

and in sufficient quantities.

When you wish to dry up a bitch's milk,
(which is often necessary) bathe the teats
well several times with warm vinegar, or
warm vinegar and brandy.
Puppies are very liable to

RICKETS,

Particularly pugs, and small terriers.
There is a breed of large terriers in whom
this deformity is hereditary : these are called
wry-legged, and are much used for hunting
rabbits, &c. The affection attacks all the
joints of the extremities, which it enlarges,
and also makes the limbs crooked. Clean-
liness, good air, free exercise, and whole-
some food, will commonly prevent it, and
will also amend it in those already affected.

WORMING.

The best time for worming puppies is
when they are entirely taken from their mo-
ther. Worming w ill not injure their growth,
or otherwise spoil then), as some imagine ;
and, indeed, it has this strong reason to re-
commend it: if a wormed dog become mad,
he is prevented from doing mischief by
biting ; for, however vicious his inclination

may be, he becomes so swelled about tlie
tongue and mouth that he camiot get hia
jaws together.

The operation of worming is by no means
difficult. The skin which covers the worm
(situated under the tongue) should be cut
with a lancet; a large needle or awl must
then be introduced under the worm to raise
it up : on being raised, it should be firmly
held, and drawn out gently. Very little
force is necessary, and care must be taken
that the worm does not break in the opera-
tion, as the animal must thereby be put to
additional pain.

We are told, by Dr. Blaine, that there is
no such thing as a worm under the dog's
tongue. The following are his observations
on this subject : —

" Worming. — I could hardly choose a
better opportunity than the present to show
how lamentably ignorant the generality of
persons, even ot those who are otherwise
well informed, are, relative to the animal
economy of this useful quadruped. Many
of those, likewise, who pride themselves on
their knowledge of dogs, actually suppose
that a worm exists under the tongue of every
one of them, the removal of which will pre-
vent them from going mad. Those who do
not carry the opinion to this length, are still
convinced that, provided the dog who has
had this imaginary worm removed should be-
come rabid at any future time, the removal
will effectually prevent him from biting.

" The mouth, in some mad or rabid does,
certainly becomes so swollen, or rather so
paralytic, that it is witli difficulty the jaws
can be closed : but this may happen to an
un-ivormed, or to a wormed dog, equally.

472

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

"Worming is also practised to prevent
gnawing, which young dogs are very prone
to, first, from a playful habit, and next, to
favor the removal of the present, and growth
of the future teeth. In infants, also, the
same habit is observed. But worming only
prevents gnawing by making the mouth sore ;
for, as soon as the wounded part is well, the
dog recurs to the practice again.

" Worming is a custom then founded on
Ignorance, and should not be perpetuated by
any written directions how to perform it."

This writer, who appears in many instances
to have been " lan\entably tvise," acknow-
ledges, however, that there is a something
under a dog's tongue, for he observes, in
another place, — " Anatomists all know that
most pendulous organs, partially attached to
others, have a doubling of the skin to secure
them in their situation, anatomically termed
a poenum, or sort of bridle. It is this dupli-
cature of skin under a child's tongue that is
cut by nurses to give it more liberty. This
poenum immediately appears on opening a
dog's mouth, and lifting up his tongue ; ex-
tending from almost the point to the root of
it, like a prominent portion of skin, that evi-
dently was intended to confine the tongue
from passing backwards into the throat,
which otherwise it might readily do, under
convulsions. The skin is doubled, and has
besides an interposed elastic ligamentous
substance to strengthen it. It is common in
the operation called worming, to strip off
this poenum from the tongue ; the violence
made use of in doing which, puts it on the
stretch, so that, when rem »ved from the
mouth, its recoil is adduced as a proof that it
k alive, and proves it a worm in the opinion
of credulitv.

" That this is no worm, and that there is
no such thing as a worm in the mouth, any
person may easily convince himself of by
examination ; and having convinced himself
of this, it must be evident that a simple re-
moval of a portion of skin, whose use is so
apparent, can have no effect in preventing
madness."

Notwithstanding the plausibility of these
arguments. Dr. Rees rejected them in his
" Cyclopedia," and, adhering to the vulgar
error, has detailed the mode of extracting
this imaginary worm. Every dog, it seems,
has this worm, or " sort of bridle ;" but very
few children are born tongue-tied; and, when
they are, the operation is performed by a
surgeon, and not a nurse. When a dog is
wormed, he does not recur to the act of
gnawing ; and, therefore, the use of " this
duplicature of skin" is not apparent. The
same author acknowledges that " worms are
particularly fatal to puppies ;" they are also,
exceedingly troubled with ticks ; and, surely
Providence, which ordains such extraordi-
nary animation within and without, can allot
those worms whatever home that Infinite
Wisdom thinks fit !

CONDITION.

This term, as applied to dogs, is corres-
pondent with the same term as used among
horses, and is intended to characterize a
healthy appearance, united with a capability,
from full wind and perfect vigour, to go
through all the exercises required of them.

It is, therefore, evident, that condition is
of material consequence to sportsmen. A
horse must be previously trained for racing .
dogs must also be trained for the chase or
the gun. It is well known, that pointers,

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

473

setters, and spaniels, if, according to sporting-
phraseoloi^jy, foul in their coats, never liuvt;
their scent in perfection. Some sportsmen
^and the practice is proper) regnlarly dress
their dogs v\ ith snlphiir, i)efore the hunting-
season, even tliougli no hrcakiiig-ont ap-
pears. The following method of making a
dog fine in his coat has been recommended.

Take, — Native sulphur 1 ])onnd
Train-oil 1 (juart

Oil of tur[)entine 1 pint
Soap . . . half-a-pound.
Rub well with this four or five times in the
course of the summer.

Or,

Rrush him well with chalk, and give him
two large spoonfuls of syrup of buckthorr.
twice a-week for a fortnight.

For dressing puppies.

Take, — Quicksilver . . three-quarters

of an ounce
Spirits of turpentine half-a-pint
Hogs' lard . . 4 ounces
Soft soap ... I pound
Common turpentine
(inwhich the quick-
silver must be kil-
led) . . .3 ounces.

SUMMARY OF THE GAME LAWS, AND LAWS RELATING TO

DOGS.

» ♦ ■

THE QUALIFICATION.

In the reign of Richard II. the qualifica-
tion was forty shillings per amium; James I.
advanced it to ten pounds. Though these
statutes have never been formally repealed,
yet they have been rendered a dead letter by
the following act of 22 and 23 Charles, c. 25.

" Any person or persons, not having lands
of inheritance, or freehold property, in his

39.

own or his wife's right, of the clear annual
value of one hundred pounds ; or leasehold
property for life, or a term of ninety-nine
years, or longer, of the clear yearly value of
one hundred and fifty pounds, (that is. as-
sessed to that amount, and clear of mortgage
or other incumbrance,) are declared ineligi-
ble to have or keep Jor themselves, or am,i
other person, guns, bows, greyhounds, set
ting-dogs, ferrets, lurchers, nets, hare-pipcs,
6 D

^7i

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

gins, snares, or other enojines for the takinj^
or killing rabbits, hares, pheasants, part-
-idges, or other game."

This statute is merely prohibitory, and
does not subject the party to any pecuniary
penalty, but merely authorizes the seizure of
the dogs and engines. But, by the act of the
5th of Anne, c. 14, any person guilty of an
infraction of this law is liable to a penalty of
five pounds, one half of which sum is to be
given to the informer, and the other half to
the poor of the parish, to be levied by dis-
tress ; the offender may be sent to the house
of correction for three months for the first
offence, and for every subsequent ott'ence
four months. The qualifications of Charles
II. and the penalty of Anne, are the modern
practice, and may be summed up in a few
words, thus : — Pursuing, or killing game,
without the recited qualifications, subjects
the offender to a penalty of five pounds (sup-
posing him to have a certificate ; if he has
no certificate, he is liable to an additional
penalty of twenty pounds.) And by 9 Anne,
c. 25, s. 3, a disqualified person is liable to
the same penalty ''or having game in his pos-
session, unless it is ticketed by a qualified
person.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE GENERAL
RULE OF QUALIFICATION.

By the same statute of Charles, the follow-
ing are qualified from the circumstances of
their birth, though they may possess no pro-
perty whatever, viz. the son and heir-appa-
rent of an esquire, or other persons of higher
degree. Esquires, according to law, are the
four esquires of the king's body ; the younger
sons of noblemen and their male heirs for
ever ; the eldest sons of baronets, knights of

the Bath, and Knights bachelors, and thei
heirs male in the right line. Persons of high-
er degree than esquires, are doctors in the i
three learned professions, Serjeants at law, I
and colonels. It has been asserted, that sub-
altern officers, whose names appear in their
commissions, with an esquire attached to
them, are therefore esquires strictly speak-
ing ; though they appear to be esquires by
courtesy only, not in the legal sense of the
word. A justice is an esquire as long only
as he continues in the commission of the
peace. Neither esquires, however, nor any
of these persons of higher degree, are quali-
fied to kill game, unless they nave the requi-
site property, whilst their eldest sons are
qualified, though possessing no estate what-
ever ! 1 T'erm. Rep. 44.

A vicar, in respect of his church, has not
an estate of inheritance in the eye of the law,
but only for his life ; and, therefore, must
possess one hundred and fifty pounds per an-
num. Caldecot's Cases, I8S.

The owners and keepers of forests, parks,
chases, or warrens, being stocked with deer
or conies for their necessary use, are quali-
fied without the requisite estate, merely as
far as relates to their forests, parks, &c.

The lord of any manor, or royalty, is qua-
lified in a legal sense, though his property
may be insufficient for that purpose, hi the
same way a gamekeeper may be said to be
qualified, as he has a legal right to shoot on
the manor for which he is deputed.

Goods distrained for penalties under the
game-laws are not repleviable.

Any justice of the peace, or lord or lady of
a manor, may take away any hare, or other
game, as well as any dogs, found in the pos-
session of an unqualified person.

HRlTISli SPORTSMAN.

476

(laiiickocpors, or any other persons, may,
by warrant of a justice of peace, on proper
information, search the houses or other
places of unqualified persons, and seize and
keep for the use of the lord or lady of the
manor, or destroy any dogs, nets, engines,
&c. as before expressed.

The 1st of James I. c. 27, inllicts a penalty
of twenty sliiliings (to the poor), or three
niontlis' imprisonment, as well as two sure-
ties in twenty pounds each, for shooting or
destroying game. And the possession of
game, i)y William and Marv, c. 23, s. 3, sub-
jects an unqualified possessor to an imprison-
ment of not more than one month, nor less
than ten days, and to be whipped and kept
to hard labour. This act also specifies, that
if any inferior tradesman (whatever property
he may possess), apprentice, or other dissolute
person, shall hunt, hawk, fish, or fowl, such
persons may be sued for wilful trespass the
first time he comes on any person's ground,
and if found guilty, must pay the Jull costs of
suit.

A GAMEKEEPER.

The 23d of Charles il. c. 25, s. 2, authorises
lords of manors, or other royalties, not under
the degree of an esquire, to appoint game-
keepers within their manors or royalties, to
take and seize all guns, bows, greyhounds,
setting-dogs, lurcliers, &c. ferrets, trammels,
nets, engines, &c. for the purpose of taking
and killing game. This act merely em-
powers gamekeepers to use means to prevent
the illegal destruction of game; but the 5th
of Anne, c. 14, s. 4, enables these uame-
keepers to kill game upon the manor for
wbicli they are deputed, for the usc of theii

master. Selling game, however, without the
consent of the lord or hiily of the manor, sub-
jects the keeper to an imprisonment in the
house of correction for three months.

The yth of Anne, c. 25, prevents the ap-
pointment of more than one gamekeeper to
one manor, though, prior to this period, the
number was uuliiiiited. The act also enjoins
that the name of tlie jjerson appointed shall
be registered with the clerk of the peace of
the county, and a certificate granted on the
payment of one shilling, and to the neglect
of such registers, a penalty of five pounds is
attached. This, again, is rendered null by
25 George III. c. 5, s. 2, which enacts, that
the deputation of a gamekeeper shall be re-
gistered with the clerk of the peace, and a
certificate obtained of such registry, under a
penalty of twenty pounds. Gamekeepers of
the royal family are exempt from this, and
the royal family themselves procure no certi-
ficate. The following is the form of a game-
keeper's deputation :

" Know all men by these presents, that I,

A. B. of , in tlie county of . lord of

the manor of , in the same county, have

nominated, deputed, authorised, and appoint-
eo, and by these presents do nominate, de-
pute, authorise, and appoint • , of ,

to be gamekeeper of and within my said ma-
nor of , with full power, licence, and

authority, to pursue, take, and kill any hare,
pheasant, partridge, or otiier game whatso-
ever, in and upon my said manor of ,

for my sole and immediate use and benefit:
and also to take and seize all such gnus,
bows, greyhounds, setting-dogs, lurchers, or
other dogs, ferrets, tranunels, low-bells, hays,
or otlier nets, hare-pipes, snares, or other en

476

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

gines, for the pursuing-, taking, or killing of
hares, rabbits, pheasants, partridges, or other
game, as shall be used within the precincts
of my said manor, by any person or persons
who by law are prohibited to keep or use the
same. In witness whereof I have hereunto

set my hand and seal, this — day of

" . (Seal.)

" Sealed and delivered in the pre-
sence of , of aforesaid."

It is the duty of a gamekeeper to carry
his deputation, as well as his certificate, with
him, as without one or other of these he can-
not legally demand the name or certificate of
any other person ; and, with them, his power
in this respect ceases the moment he sets his
foot oflf his own manor.

If, however, a gamekeeper be qualified in
his own right, he has no occasion to enter
his deputation. But a keeper is not autho-
rised, by any statute, to seize game which he
may find in the possession of poachers even
on his own manor, though it is lawful for him
to take their dogs, nets, or other implements.
Also, gamekeepers, if found killing game otl
the manors for which they are appointed, are
liable to the same penalties as unqualified
persons. The only difference, in this case,
between them is, that a gamekeeper's gun
and dogs are not seizabh ; while those of an
anqualified person may be taken.

However, though there is no legal autho-
rity for seizing the gun, &c. of a gamekeeper,
he is liable, should he be seen heating only
for game on another manor, to the penalty of
twenty pounds for having no certificate, and
also to five pounds more as being disqua-
lified.

By 43 George III :, 23, lords of manors

are enabled to appoint and depute any per-
son whatever as gamekeeper, whether acting
in thsit capacity to any other person or not,
or the servant of any other person, qualified
or unqualified, to kill game within a speci-
fied manor for his own use. or for the use of
any other person or persons to be specified in
such appointment or deputation, whether
qualified or not; nor is it necessary such
person should be entered or paid for as the
male servant of the lord who thus 2:ives the
deputation ; and gamekeepers thus appointed
are to have the same rights and privileges as
if they were legally qualified and appointed
as gamekeepers to the lord of such manors,
under any laws in force prior to the passing
of this act.

On the appointment of a new gamekeeper,
a new certificate need not be taken out ; but
the name and place of abode of the new
keeper must be endorsed on the old certifi-
cate, by the clerk to the commissioners of the
district, or the penalties of the statute will be
incurred.

With respect to the appointment of a
gamekeeper, it appears from 23 Charles II.
c. 25, s, 2, that lords of manors, or other roy-
alties, not under the degree of an esquire, may
appoint gamekeepers; from which it is ma-
nifest, that persons under that degree have
no legal right to depute or appoint, and that
gamekeepers so appointed are liable to the
penalties before-mentioned.

CERTIFICATE.

By the act of 25 George III. c. 20, every
person (except the royal family) in Great
Britain, who shall use any dog, gun, net, or
other engine for the taking or destroying of

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

47'i

game (not being a gamekeeper,) shall an-
nually procure a certificate from the clerk of
the county, charged with a stamp-duty of
two guineas. This stamp-duty was after-
.vards raised to three guineas; and, in the
48 George III. c. 55. the statute underwent
a sort of revision ; and the sportsman is now
to apply to the collector of the taxes, who
will receive the money for the certificate
(which is three guineas and a half,) and
give a receipt for the same, for which receipt
he is legally authorised to demand one shil-
ling. The receipt thus obtained is to be
delivered to the clerk of the commissioners
acting for the district, who will, in return,
give the requisite certificate, without any
additional expense. A gamekeeper's certi-
ficate must be obtained in the same way, the
expense of which is twenty-five shillings, if
he be an assessed servant ; and, if not an as-
sessed servant, three guineas and a half.

The act of 48 George II. also added seve-
ral birds (namely, the woodcock, snipe, and
land-rail) to the list of game, as well as the
rabbit ; w ith, however, the following excep-
tions:—the taking of woodcocks, or snipes,
in nets, or springes, and the taking or des-
troving rabbits in warrens, or any inclosed
ground ; or by any person in land which he
occupies.

It should be observed, that merely the cer-
tificate will not enable a person to kill game :
he must also possess the qualification by
property, which we have already mentioned
and explained. If a qualified person sport
a)iVAou< a certificate, he is liable to a penalty of
twenty pounds ; if a non-qualified person
kill or hunt for game icilh a certificate, he

40.

still subjects himself to a penalty of five
pounds.

The commissioners for the aflfairs of taxes
must annually insert, in one or more of the
newspapers in the county, the names and re-
.sidcnccs of the persons who have procured
certificates.

TRESPASS.

This term applies either to qualified or
non-qualified persons ; and means literally
the entry of one man upon the grounds of
another, without the occupier's permission,
and doing some damage, however trifling, to
his real property, for which an action may
bebrouffht, and satisfaction obtained accord-
ing to the extent of the mischief, or the mali-
cious intention of the trespasser. Neverthe-
less, in order to prevent, as much as possible,
vexatious litigation, it is enacted, by 43
Elizabeth and 22 and 23 Charles II. that
where less damages than forty shillings arc
given by the jury, the plaintift' shall be al-
lowed no more costs than damages ; unless
(see 8 and 9 William and Mary, c. 11) it
shall appear that the trespass was wilful and
malicious, in which case the plaintiff shall re-
cover full costs of suit.

A man becomes a wilful and malicious tres-
passer, in the legal sense of the term, if he
enter again upon the land or manor from
which he has been desired, either verbally oi
by a written notice, to abstain. The occu-
pier of land can, on such land, demand the
address of a sportsman, or a sight of his cer-
tificate, a refusal of which subjects the party
to a penalty of twenty pounds. This de-
mand may also be made by any assessor or
6e

4r7H

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

collector of taxes of the parish;, commissioner,
surveyor, inspector, gamekeeper of the manor,
or the landlord or lessee of the land upon
which the sportsman is found.

A verbal notice from the occupier or land-
lord is sufficient ; and, indeed, the occupier
of land has a legal right to order the lord of
the manor, or even his ovvn landlord, to ab-
stain from sporting on the ground he occu-
pies, unless he has secured this privilege by
a clause in the lease, which sporting land-
lords generally take care to have inserted.

From either a keeper, or a lord of a manor,
a verbal notice is not sufficient ; as keepers
generally carry printed notices, which ought
to be drawn up in the following manner : —

To Mr.

Sept. 3, 1817.

" I hereby give you notice, that if you
hunt, set, net, hawk, fish, or fowl, or use any
other method to destroy the game upon any
of my lands, manors, or royalties, within
, I shall deem you a wilful
trespasser, and proceed against you as the
law directs.

" To Mr.

This notice must be signed by every te-
nant or occupier of land throughout the ma-
nor : — if any tenant refuse his signature, the
notice will not extend to the land of which
he is in possession ; but the mandate of the
lord is generally availing (if the lease provide
no remedy.) As the lord is seldom owner of
the whole fee-simple of the manor, it fre-
quently happens, that occupiers of land in-
dependent of him will have nothing to do
with his notices, and from such land he can-

not debar the sportsman, if the occupier have
no objection to nis sporting on it

N. B. A trespass is deemed wi/Jul (though
no damage may have been done) where the
sportsman comes upon ground from which he
has been legally noticed to abstain.

A notice remains in force for the life of the
individual to whom it is given ; with this ex-
ception, however, that if the manor change
its lord, a second notice from the new lord
will be necessary ; or, if any of the land
change its occupier, a new notice by the
new occuDier must be given.

LEGAL PROPERTY.

The legal property which qualified persons
have, generally continues so long onl^ as the
game remains within the limits of the manor
or liberty of the owner ; yet it is held, that if
after having been started upon a person's
own grounds, it be pursued and killed oh
those of another, it will, nevertheless, be the
property of him who started it, because the
possession which he gained by finding it
within his own liberty is continued by the im-
mediate pursuit. 11 Mod. Rep. 75. But if
it be started on another man's ground, and
killed there, it will belong to him on whose
ground it was killed, this property arising
ratione soli. Lord Raym. 251.

Moreover, if, having been started on an-
other person's groimd, it be killed on thai of
a third person, it will belong neither to him
on whose ground it was started, nor to him
on whose ground it was killed, but to the
person who killed it, though he will be guilty
of a trespass on the grounds of both the other
persons.

BRITISH SPOJITSMAN.

47 y

But if a stranger start game in the chase
or free warren of one man, and hunt it into
the liberty of another, the property will con-
tinue in the owner of the chase or warren,
and the keeper may pursue and retake it ;
for, whilst the keeper pursues it, it does not
in law pass into a new liberty.

A CHASE

Is a privileged place for the keeping of
beasts of chase or royal game, with exclusive
power of hunting therein. 2 Black. Com. 38.

A FREE WARREN
Is a franchise granted by the king for the
custody of beasts and fowls of warren, viz.
hares, rabbits, partridges, and pheasants;
but this franchise is now little known, the
name being retained principally in grounds

set apart
Com.

for

breeding rabbits.

2. Black.

DE-

SEASONS FOR HUNTING OR
STROYING GAME.

The season for shooting grouse (called
red game) commences on the 12th of August,
and concludes on the 10th of December.
Heath-fowl (black game) begins on the 20th
of Auffust, and ends on the 10th of Decem-
ber. The mere possession of these birds
at any other period of the year (except such
as may be kept tame), subjects the party
(13 Geo. HI. c. 55.) to a penalty of not more
than twenty pounds nor less than ten pounds
for the first offence ; and for every subse-
quent offence, to not more than thirty pounds,
nor less than twenty pounds ; half to go to
the informer, and the other half to the poor
of the parish ; and, in case where neither
penalty nor distress can be had, to imprison-

ment of not less than three, nor more than
six months. In new forests, the season for
heath-fowl does not conunence till the ist of
Septeuiber.

Bustard-shooting commences the Ist o(
September, and concludes the Ist of March;
and the same penalties are attached here as
for heath-fowl and grouse.

Upon grouse-mountains, or wastes, the oc-
cupier is forbidden to burn heath, furze, &c.
between the 2d of February and the 24th of
June, upon pain of being committed to the
house of correction, there to be whipped and
kept to hard labour for a period not exceed-
ing one month, nor less than ten days.

The partridge season commences on the
1st of September, and ends the 1st of Febru-
ary. The pheasant season begins the 1st
of October, and concludes with the 1st of
February. The possession of either of these
species of game at any other period (except
where they are kept tame) subjects the party
to a penalty of five pounds for every bird (2
Geo. HI. c. 19, and 39 Geo. HI. c. 34).

The taking of wild ducks, teal, widgeons,
&c. between the Ist of June and the 1st of
October, renders the party liable to a penalty
of five shillings (9 Anne, c. 25, and 10 Geo.
H. c. 32).

The season for hare-hunting is from Mi-
chaelmas till Candlemas; but there does
not appear to be any penalty attached to Itie
infraction of this law.

For tracing hares in the snow a penalty
of twenty shillings is iirilicted (1 Jac. I. c
27), and the taking them in snares or ^ins is
punished in the same manner. The 22d and
2.3d Car. II. inflicts a penalty often shillings
for this oftence. These acts, however, arc

480

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

not resorted to ; for the true sportsman will
never be guilty of such offences, and the
poacher is more effectually punished by the
tine attached to his want of certificate, &c.

For woodcocks or snipes there is no spe-
cified time.

To hunt or destroy game on a Sunday, or
on Christmas day, or in the night (that is,
between seven o'clock at night and six in
the morning, from the 12th of October to the
!2th of February, and between nine o'clock
at night and four in the morning from the
12th of February to the 12th of October),
renders the party liable to a penalty of not
less than ten pounds, nor more than twenty
pounds, for the first offence ; for the second,
not less than twenty pounds, nor more than
thirty pounds ; half to the informer, and half
to the poor (13 Geo. III. c. 80).

By 39 and 40 Geo. III. c. 56, if two or
more persons are found in any forest, chase,
park, plantation, field, &c. or other open or
inclosed ground, in the night (viz. between
the hours of eight and six from the 1st of
October to the 1st of February, or between
ten and four from the 1st of February to
the 1st of October), with any gun or other
instrument to destroy game, the keeper or
occupier is authorised to apprehend such
offenders, who are liable (by 17 Geo. II.) to
be committed to the house of correction as
rogues and vagabonds.

By 4 and 5 Will, and Mary, lords of ma-
nors, or any persons authorised by them as
keepers, are empowered to resist such offend-
ers, and are exempted from punishment on
that account.

Jac. 1. c. 27. inflicts a penalty of twenty
shillings for the wilful destruction of every

egg of a pheasant or partridge. The eggs
of wild fowl are also protected by a statute
of25Henry VIII. c. II.

OF TRAFFICKING IN GAME, &c.

By the 1st of James I. c. 27, it is enacted,
that if any person buy or sell any deer, hare,
partridge, or pheasant, such person shall, on
conviction before two justices (or at the as'-
sizes or quarter-sessions), forfeit, for every
deer, forty shillings; for every hare, ten
shillings; for every pheasant, twenty shil-
lings ; and for every partridge, ten shillings ;
half to the informer, and half to the poor.
But pheasants or partridges reared by the
hand, or brought from abroad, are not in-
cluded in this act.

By the 5th of Anne, c. 14. s. 2. it is enacted,
that if any higgler, chapman, carrier, inn-
keeper, victualler, or ale-housekeeper, shall
have in his possession any hare, pheasant,
partridge, moor or heath-game (unless where
a carrier is transporting such game for a
qualified person), or shall buy, sell, or ex-
pose for sale, any such hare, &c. such offend-
ing person shall forfeit the sum of five pounds ;
and the oath of one witness shall be a suffi-
cient conviction ; half the penalty to the in-
former, and the other half to the poor of the
parish ; to be distrained for, if necessary ;
and, in default thereof, the offender to be
committed to the house of correction for
three months ; and for the second and every
subsequent offence, four months.

The same act allows any person buying
and selling game, to inform against any
other person so offending ; to have the same
benefit as any other informer ; and be dis-
charged himself from penalties.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

481

The lord of the manor, or justice of the
peace, may also take to his own use any
game which shall be found in the custody or
possession of any unciualified person ; unless
protected by a qualitied person.

Finally, if any person, whether qualified or
unqualified, shall sell or expose for sale any
hare, pheasant, partridge, or moor or heath-
game, every such person shall be liable to the
penalty of five pounds for every hare, &c. on
the oath of one witness; half to the infor-
mer, and half to the poor of the parish where
the offence was committed : the penalty to
be levied by distress, if necessary ; and, for
want thereof, the offender to be committed
to the house of correction for three months
for the first, and four months for every sub-
sequent offence. And, if any of the above-
mentioned game be found in the house, shop,
or possession of any poulterer, salesman,
fishmonger, cook, or pastry-cook, the same
shall be deemed the act of exposing them to
sale.

PARTICULAR LAWS TO PREVENT

THE IMPROPER DESTRUCTION OF

HARES.

The act of 14 and 15 Henry VIII. c. 10,
inflicts a penalty of six shillings and eight-
pence for tracing and killing a hare in the
snow. By the 1st of James I. c. 27, three
months' imprisonment is inflicted on the of-
fender for either tracing or coursing a hare
in the snow; unless the offending party pay
to the churchwardens, for the use of the
poor, twenty shillings tar every hare, or with-
in one month after commitment become
bound with two sureties, in twenty pounds
each, not to offend again in like manner.

40.

Two witnesses are necessary in this case, as
also two justices of the peace.

The same penalty (by the same act) is also
inflicted for taking hares with hare-pipes,
snares, or any other engines; and, to convict,
two witnesses and two justices are necessary,
as in the preceding case.

By the 2'2d and 23d of Charles II. c. 23, if
any person be found using or setting any
snare, or other engine, for the purpose of tak-
ing hares, he shall make the injured party
such recompence as the justice of the peace
shall appoint, and pay down immediately
for the use of the poor, a sum not exceeding
ten shillings; or be com.mitted to the house
of correction for a time not exceeding one
month. In this case, the oath of one wit-
ness, before one justice, is sufficient; but it
must take place within a month after the of-
fence is committed.

RABBITS AND PIGEONS.

By 3 James 1. no person has a right to
hunt or kill conies, unless possessed of here-
ditaments of the yearly value of forty pounds,
or be worth in goods two hundred pounds,
or have an inclosed rabbit-ground of the
value of forty shillings a year. An infringe-
ment of this law subjects the offender to have
his dogs or engines seized by any person
having hereditaments in fee, in tail, or for
life, of the annual value of one hundred
pounds in his own right, or that of his wife;
wlio is entitled to keep them for his own
use.

By 22 and 23 Charles II. c. 25, it is en-
acted, that if any person shall, at any time,
enter into any ground lawfully used foi
breeding or keeping rabbits (whether m-
6f

402

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

i

closed or not), and chase or kill any of these
animals, against the will of the owner, not
having lawful title so to do, shall, upon con-
viction by one witness, or his own confession,
before a justice of the peace, forfeit to the in-
jured party treble damages and costs, be im-
prisoned for three months, and find security
for future good behaviour: but the prosecu-
tion must be commenced before the expira-
tion of one month after the offence has been
committed

By the same statute it is also enacted, that
no person shall kill or take in the night any
rabbits upon the borders of warrens or other
grounds lawfully used for keeping conies,
except the owner or lawful possessor of the
ground upon which such rabbits may be
found, or a person employed by such owner
or possessor. An offence subjects the party
to make such satisfaction as the justice shall
think proper, and to forfeit, for the use of the
poor, a sum not exceeding ten shillings; or
be committed to the house of correction for a
term not exceeding one month. This pe-
nalty too is inflicted by the same act upon
any person found setting or using any snares
or other engines for the taking or destroying
of conies.

By 9 Geo. I c. 22, (called the Black Act,)
any person entering, armed and disguised, any
grounds where rabbits are lawfully kept, and
robbing the same; or who shall, though not
armed and disguised, rescue any person in
custody for such an offence, or procure any
person to join him in such an act, such per-
son shall be deemed guilty of felony without
benefit of cler2:v.

The act of 5 Geo. III. c. 14, makes it
transportation for seven years, or such lesser

[punishment by whipping, imprisonment, or
! fine, as the court shall think fit, for any per-
son to enter any rabbit-ground in the night-
time, and there take or kill any coney against
the will of the owner, or aid and assist
therein.

If rabbits, however, come upon a person's
ground, and damage his herbage, or corn, it
is lawful for him to kill them.

Any person who shall shoot, or destroy in
any manner, any pigeon, shall, on conviction
before two justices, on the oath of two wit-
nesses, or on his own confession, pay, for the
use of the poor, twenty shillings for every
pigeon : or be committed to gaol for three
months, and within one month after commit-
ment find sureties not to offend again.

However, by 2 Geo. II. c. 29, one witness
and one justice are sufficient; and the of-
fender is to forfeit twenty shillings to the
person who prosecutes, or be committed to
the house of correction and kept to hard la-
bour for any term not exceeding three calen-
dar months, nor less than on?.

N. B. A man has a right to shoot pigeons,
as well as rabbits, if he find them destroying
his corn.

According to the Mutiny Act, if any officer
or soldier shall kill any kind of game, poul-
try, or fish, and be convicted on the oath of
one witness, before a justice of the peace, the
officer shall forfeit five pounds to the poor of
the parish ; and, if a soldier be the offender,
the commander-in-chief of the place shall
pay twenty shillings for every such offence;
and, if it be not paid within two days after
demand by the constable or overseer of the
poor, he shall forreit his commission. If
however, leave be first obtained of the lord

imiTISH SPORTSMAN.

483

or lady of the manor, under his or her hand
and seal, there is no liability to the penal-
ties.

The 8th of Geo. I. c. 19, provides, that, if
any person shall be liable to any pecuniary
penalty, upon conviction before any justice
of tlie peace, respecting- f^ame, the prosecutor
may, if he think proper, sue for the whole of
such penalties (2 Geo. 111.) in the courts at
Westminster ; and, if he recover the same,
shall be allowed double costs, and no part
of such penalty paid to the use of the poor.
But such action must be brought within six
months after the offence, and in the name of
the attorney-general, or some officer of the
stamp duties. Burn's Inst.

DOGS.

It is provided, by 10 Geo. III. c. IS, that if
any person shall steal ani/ dog or dogs, oj'anj/
kind or sort whatsoever, not only from the
owner, but from any person to whom such
dog or dogs may have been entrusted ; or
shall seZ/, 6mj/, receive, harbour, detain, or keep,
any such dog or dogs, knowing the same to
be stolen, every such offender, being thereof
convicted, on the oath of one witness, or on
his own confession, before two justices, shall,
for the first offence, forfeit a sum not exceed-
ing thirty, nor less than twenty pounds, at
the discretion of such two justices; together
■with all charges previous to and attending
such conviction, to be ascertained by the said
justices. And if such penalty is not forth-
with paid, the offender shall be committed
to the house of correction, or common gaol,
for a period of not less than six, nor exceed-
ing twelve calendar months, or until the said
penalties and charges are paid.

If such person be convicted of a second
offence, he shall forfeit a sum not exceeding
fifti^, nor less than thirtt^ pound.s, together
with the expeiice attending such conviction;
and, in case of non-payment, be committed
to the house of correction or common ffaol,
for any time not exceeding cjg-A<een, nor less*
than twelve months, or until the fine shall be
paid ; one moiety of such penalty to the in-
former, and the other to the poor of the
parish where the offence has been com-
mitted ; and such justices shall order the of-
fender to be publicly whipped within three
days after commitment, in the town wherein
such gaol or house of correction shall be, be-
tween the hours of twelve and one in the day
time.

A justice of peace, upon information, may
grant a warrant to search for any dog or dogs
stolen as aforesaid ; and, in case either dog
or his skin shall be found, the said justice
shall take and restore such dog or skin to its
right owner, and the person in whose posses-
sion or custody such dog or skin was found
(such person being privy to the theft) shall be
liable to the like penalties and punishment
as are inflicted on persons convicted of steal-
ing any dog or dogs under this act. How-
ever, should any person think himself ag-
grieved by any thing done in pursuance of
this act, he may appeal to the next general
quarter-sessions, within four days after the
cause of complaint shall arise, such appel-
lant givingyburfeen days' notice in writing of
his intention to appeal; and the justices at
such sessions shall determine the appeal in
a summary way, and award such costs as
they think proper; which determination
shall be final.

48-5-

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

There must certainly be a mistake oi four
for fourteen, or fourteen for four, for an ap-
pellant cannot give fourteen days notice within
four days after the cause of complaint.

The owner of a mischievous dog, if suf-
/ered to be at large unmuzzled, may be in-
dicted, and an action for damages will, in
such case, lie against him : such action,
however, cannot be brought, unless the
owner had notice of his having bit some
person once before.

An action will also lie against a man for
keeping a dog accustomed to bite sheep,
provided it can be proved that the owner
knew him to be guilty of such a practice ;
and his having once wounded or killed a
sheep is sufficient to constitute it.

If a dog fall upon another, the owner of
the attacked dog may beat, and even kill,
his enemy, in order to save him.

DUTY ON DOGS.

Every person who shall keep any grey-
hound, hound, pointer, setting-dog, spaniel,
lurcher, of terrier, or who shall keep two or
more dogs, of whatever description or deno-
mination the same may be, shall annually
pay fourteen shillings for each.

And every person who shall inhabit any
dwelling-house assessed to any of the duties
on inhabited houses, or on windows or lights,
and shall keep one dog and no more, not
bemg of the above description, shall pay
eight shillings annually for such dog.

Th duty does not extend to dogs under
six months old ; the proof of the age to lie
with the owner, on an appeal to the commis-
sioners.

Persons compounding for their hounds are
charged thirty-six pounds.

POACHERS.

Notwithstanding the game-laws, and the
penalties enforced by them, the number of
poachers is immense. Dog stealers are also
as numerous as horse stealers, though the
latter offence is death, yet the enormous
prices, which, from a variety of causes, good
horses now fetch, present to the unprincipled
such temptations, that, notwithstanding the
forfeiture of life, this offence is as common
as the other.

For the prevention of poaching, and the
preservation of game the following hints
may be found serviceable : —

The keeper ought to be a careful and
honest man, to be out at night after poachers,
to catch vermin, and look after his master's
dogs ; he ought perfectly to know his busi-
ness, to be sober, secret, and so honest as
not to sell or part with game on any consi-
deration ; above all, he must be fond of the
recreation, have a good head to understand
the schemes of poachers, and be resolute
when he takes them. It is a wise plan to
pay him a certain sum per head for vermin, as
it will make him more expert in taking them,
but by no means allow him any thing for the
game he kills. He ought to rise always by
day-break to look after the vermin ; and
earlier for poachers. Two or three persons,
whose land joins, may keep a man to look
after their game, &c. ; another man is also
occasionally necessary to assist, unless one
or more of the masters will look out a little
in poaching affairs.
|| As public-houses are the haunts ot poachers

LlUTlSll SI'OIirSMAN.

465

^

biid fish-stealers, the keeper should sonietiines
make an enaiid there, to hear a little news ;
without seeming to pay attention to what is
said, he may gain much information. If tlie
keeper attend liis church regularly, he should
sometimes go back, as the poachers uiay
watch him there, and, tiiinkiug him safe, pro-
ceed on any plan they wish ; by this means
he will defeat it.

VERMIN.

With respect to vermiu, crows and buz-
zards may be cavight near an old sawpit, by
placing a hedge-hog cut open, or a piece of
meat staked down with a small forked stick
on a lump of sawdust, and putting three
small steel traps round it in a triangular po-
sition, covering them over with sawdust,
which will hide the traps, but not prevent
ihem springing.

For kites, bait a trap with a bird or piece
of meat, and place it in shallow water, so that
the bait may be seen above the surface, but
not the trap; this is almost the only way of
taking ravens.

Most w inged vermin must be shot.

To take stoats, weasels, and polecats,
place the traps in dry ditches, and under runs
at gateways, covered slightly with white
feathers.

For cats, and all vermin in woods, a hutch,
or chest-trap, should be set in the paths with
a hedge made on each side the path up to
both ends, about one foot and a half high,
and ten or fifteen feet long, to turn them into
it ; the paths should be brushed clear from
bushes, grass, &c. Also make, with six or
eight hazle-rods, an arch about a foot high,
two and a half broad, and three long, over a

4t).

narrow partof a path, thatched with the grass
and brushings of the path, then place three
traps under it in and about the middle, and
cover them with feathers ; this will be proved
to be an excellent plan for stoats, &c. Musk
is said to allure stoats, or a piece of very stale
rabbit.

An eg'r is a good bait for crows and mag-
pies. A hedge-hog, used as before-men-
tioned, only in a wood newly cut, instead of
a sawpit, and the traps covered with dead
leaves, is a most excellent way of catching
magpies and crows; when they are shy, re-
move it to another place, a few rods olf. A
jay used in the same way will take buzzards.

The following rules have been also re-
commended by experienced sportsmen: —

Find the nests of kites, &c. when they have
hatched their young, hide yourself near
enough to shoot tlie old birds when they
come to feed them ; if you have shot both
old ones, of course the young must be killed,
as it would be extreme cruelty to suti'er them
to starve.

Get a young magpie, or crow, tie it in a
tree, if any are near they will soon visit it,
and you may shoot several times before they
will leave it. Always practise this if you
wing a bird.

Provide a young cat, and tie it up where
crows and magpies resort; if the cat will
cry loud and frequently, (by keeping out of
sight) many shots may be obtained, and
particularly if the dead are not taken
away.

If woods are much infested with cats, bait
the hutch-traps with a red herring, and draw
train-scents to theni with two or three lier-
rinffs tied to a striner. If herrinjjs cannot be

66

486

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

^otj any fish dried in the sun and half roast-
ed will answer nearly as well.

Where steel traps are used, they ought to
he tied to a stake or bush. These traps may
be had on reasonable terms, but care should
be taken that the spring is sufficiently stiff'.

When stoats and weazelshave been almost
exterminated, mice will multiply to a great
extent, and, by eating the bark of the young
shoots in coppices, do immense damage. In
some measure to prevent this, do not kill, or
suffer to be killed, the kestril wind-cufter, or
wind-bibber: it is a small red hawk, which
hovers or flutters at one place in the air, till
it sees a mouse or insect; it then darts down
on it. This bird has been watched for many
hours at a time, but it has never been seen
to catch any thing larger than a mouse.
The white or barn owl should also be
spared.

In order to preserve five or six hundred
acres, the principal haunt of the game should
be near to the owner's house, and be as lit-
tle disturbed as possible. If the house be
in the midst of the land, preserve sixty or one
hundred acres round it, and hunt the outsides
of the estate when game is wanted ; by this
means it will always be near home. The
keeper, if not living with his master, should
have a house, where the most wood and
game are. If the owner's house be on one
side of the estate, preserve the woods at the
back of it, and let the keeper live near the
middle or farther end of the estate. The
foregoing rules are applicable to large es-
tates, only a larger quantity should be pre-
served near home ; it may sometimes be
hunted to see what game it contains; but, in
general, it should be kept quiet. The phea-

sants ought to be fed there, and the vermin
close caught off.

It is strictly necessary to look into the
hares' files for wires, where they are mostly
preserved. If wires, &c. have been watched
by the keeper for some time, without any
persons coming to (hem, get one or two more
who may be relied on to watch them ; let
the keeper shew himself in the nearest vil-
lage or town, at public houses where poach-
ers frequent, or hunt at some distance from
the wires, &c. ; or send him away with game,
or any other errand, to entice the poacher to
visit his snares; for, finding the keeper out of
the way, he will naturally go to see his suc-
cess. When it is supposed the poachers are
out, and the keeper has been his round, he
should go again, as it is probable he may
be watched home the first time of his

going.

In lar<je fields, hares are caught in nets set
in gate or bar-ways, and in purse-nets, or
wires, set in the muises ; they are hunted into
them by a mute lurcher or two. The gates
or bars being painted white is a good pre-
ventive. An old poacher having been se-
cretly asked how hares were mostly caught,
confidentially answered by lurchers: about
thirty years ago, only one or two persons in
a parish knew how to set up wires; now it is
so common almost every one can do it, and
also find out when it is done, consequently
wires are now often detected.

To prevent night coursing is almost im-
possible, as little noise is made except the
hare cries when caught; it may, hov.ever. be
seen where the hare and dogs have run :
when a net is used, the marks of the meshes
will be plainly seen under the gate if it be at

lilUTlSli SPORTSiMAN.

4H7

all dirty; in dry weather, the (lix will be
lyiii«5; al)out, unless it be taken away.

Some recommend placing- -spring-guns at
dusk, or dark, in the fields where hares
feed, (clover or turnips is the most likely)
about the height to shoot a dog; or at gate-
ways, several dog-spills, or spikes, set in a
line about a rod or two in the field ; if it
join a wood, set one up in every file, about
a rod in ; one may be placed about nine
inches above the steepers of a hedge, as a
dog generally leaps over when a hare takes
the muise. A dog running against either of
these engines, would certainly be deterred
from ever running again, if it did not kill
him. It is, however, worth remarking, that
a gentleman had spills set in his woods; it
was supposed he spiked the poachers' legs
or their dogs; they, in return for his kind-
ness, one night set a great number in a large
wood (two hundred acres) and the next time
he hunted several of his best hounds fell a
prey to the spills. A well-trained lurcher
will bring either a hare or rabbit when
caught to his master, who has only to hide
himself in a hedge or behind a tree; if he
does not use nets, or wires, his do"; or dojrs
will do the work without his assistance.

In a country where there are few woods,
sow some small fields with furze, or plant
them with fast growing wood, to shelter the
hares and pheasants.

The corn-fields which lie near the woods
should be narrowly watched both early and
late, as it is there where the poachers shoot.

When only a wire or two are found, it is
pioper to watch them, unless in looking over
the covers the stumps are found, atid it is
plain that wires have been setup; it then

may be concluded they were missed uy ti»c
poacher. When no marks are found, (hey
may be put to attract the keeper's attention,
whilst the poacher besets another place; if
not watched, lift the wire ofl'from the stum))
and leave it, as the poacher may come in a
little time; if he find it safe, he will suDjjOse
no one has found it, and, perhaps, ma) work

agani.

Wires are mostly placed in the files of a
standing or high wood ; on the side hares go
out to feed, about three or four rods in, un-
less the woods are well watched, then they
are placed eight or ten rods in ; they gene-
rally are set up by day-light, and left until
next morning about one or two, except a dog
is used, therefore woods ought to be looked
over before dusk.

If the poacher suspects he is watched, he
will sometimes lie near his wires all night.
When it is suspected that wires are set up in
the evening, put on a thick great-coat, carry
a dark lantern under it, and examine the field
about nine or ten at night.

Pheasants are caught in their roads in cop-
pices, with horse-hair nooses, fish-hooks, and
rat-traps baited with a bean ; as pheasants do
not move in the night, these destructive en-
gines must be set in the day, therefore they
are not very difllcult to find. In winter they
are set in hares' files, round the place where
pheasants are fed.

If the woods be large, look out on very
windy days, as persons then have an oppor-
tunity to shoot with a dog that hunts silently.
Pheasants are shot at dusk, and by moon
light, as they sit in the boughs or tree."?, or
early in a morning as they are feeding in the
stubbles ; star-light nights are as dangerous

iSS

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

as moonlight. Oii most manors >t is a cus-
tom not to shoot at hen-pheasants; which is
an excellent way to stock a manor, if not
curried to excess; on some preserved grounds
they allow as many hens as cocks to be kil-
led in the month of October and cocks only
afterwards.

Horse-hair nooses are generally set in a
wood-hedge, by an oat-stubble; they are
tied to a bough, and put at all tlie old
inuises, and every place where there is room
for a pheasant to pass. Nooses and wires
(like hare-Wires, only smaller) are placed in
coppices and in high woods, in the leading
files to a stubble. Springes are always set in
slanding wood, as the bender of them, when
sprung, would shew a bird over a coppice of
two or three y^ars growth. Generally, the
poacher makes Sonne mark where he places
his snares of all descriptions; sometimes by
cutting a bough off, breaking a twig so as to
hang down ; or bendinor a sinijle scion across

o ' or?

the files; also he cuts off all the small bot-
tom twigs at the opening of a fde, and lays a
small bough to turn the game the way he
wants it to go. If, on going into a wood, he
does not take the paths, a post, tree, or a
mark, he may make his guide when he comes
the second time to know his success; these
marks are easily missed by persons not used
to look after woods; when found it is best to
let them remain.

When a person shoots in the night very
often, and he cannot be taken, if any know-
,edge of the man can he had, watch his
house; or if more than one be suspected,
next morning look near where the gun was
fired, and if you find the foot-print, measure
it with a keen eye, and, at some convenient

opportunity, examine all their shoes, to see
which comes nearest to the size -if the print,
but do not in the least let any one of them
know what is doing. If there be nails in the
shoe, it is very well to tell them.

If a wood have a pond in it, look it care-
lully round, as springes, &c. are often set for
pheasants as they come to drink ; they are
very fond of lying in the flags and rushes
round it. Some recommend stacking buck-
wheat in the woods ; it is a very bad plan, as
the poachers soon find it out, and work round
it. The best method of feeding pheasants is,
to rake out the earth about six inches deep,
between the claws of a large tree, bury the
corn in it, lay a little on the (op of the earth
and round about it; tiiey will soon find and
scratch it out: this is to be done at several
places in the preserve and near to water,
which is most necessary in keeping these
birds ; but all pains and trouble will be of
no use if the covers be continually pestered
with dogs and guns.

When the woods are small, walk round the
outsides of them; if the ground be moist it
may be seen if a person has gone into them;
if there be marks of feet, follow them to see
whether they are poachers or not.

Hunt clover and grass fields early, and as
near to mowing as it is possible; that will
prevent pheasants and partridges breeding
there ; it will make them remove to corn-
fields, where they should not be disturbed on
any account

On large estates, in the shooting season,
partridges should be disturbed early in the
morning to prevent persons shooting ; but
on small ones, the less they are moved the
better, as the land is not such a distance from

BRITISH SPORTSMAN

489

home ; but a spoitsiiian may be prevented
from Iiaviiij: more tlian throe or four diots.
It is proper to kill some Ijircls from every
covey; if they are left untouched few will be
had the next year. Wlieat stubble* should
be bushed over with bramble and thorn-
bushes to prevent partridges beinjj netted.

In snow, partridges, and, indeed, all kinds
of game, are easily found and sliot, as they
arc plainly seen, and are very tame; every
person carrying a gun ought to be watched.
It is to be hoped, that no person who calls
himself a sportsman, would shoot at game at
that time, but do his utmost to prevent others.
Partridges, it is said, are caught by limcd-
twigs, and are found by hunting a pointer or
setter round the hedges, as they cannot (ly.
Mr. Thornhill, in his Shooting Directory,
mentions it ; and it is also spoken of in seve-
ral sporting books. It is certain that it can-
not answer on ground that is at all hunted,
as it must be easily found out, and require
some considerable time to complete it in.

RABBITS

As these animals afford considerable sport,
the following observations may be found
iiei^essary : —

A few rabbits turned out in the spring into

' a wood of a dry light soil, will breed plenty
for the sportsman's diversion, and will dig
themselves earths if they like the wood ;
should they not breed well the first sea.son of
turning out, they must be spared the next
winter. Any person who may have a few
acres of sandy land, should sow spots of
furze of an acre or two each on it, and turn
out some rabbits ; they will, in running from
furze to furze, shew very great sport. Should
they make many burrows, stop the most of
thein with a wisp of grass, and take it out
when as many as are wanted are killed. Two
or three beagles are the best dogs to hunt
them.

It is well known to experienced sportsmen,
that some days' rabbit-shooting have very far
exceeded the best days' pheasant-shooting,
in number of shots.

Poachers will catch rabbits, either by
ferreting the earths, coursing with a lurcher
in nets, in wires, the same as hares, only they
are not set so high, or shoot them where they
feed at dusk, or by moonlight. Cats must
be destroyed. It has long been thought
hares will not lie in a wood with rabbits : this
is very wrong ; on an estate belonging to a
sportsman of celebrity, they shoot one hun-
dred couple of rabbits in a year, and oear
half that number of hares.

41.

6H

490

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

ON THE DOCILITY, SAGACITY. AND FIDELITY OF THE
DOG, WITH ILLUSTRATIVE ANECDOTES.

Having already alluded to the docility and
sao-acitv of this animal, in oLir observations
on trainii)^ up dog-s, we shall confine our
present remarks to a confirmation of those
qualities. Nature, undoubtedly, gave to the
original dog all the ferocity so usually met
with in the English mastiff; but the deter-
mined perseverance, the contempt of pain,
danger, and death, that characterize the
bull-dog, are cultivated properties. Every
dog instinctively crouches and points pre-
vious to the attack he makes; whereby, his
form is altered, or his bulk diminished, in
order to surprise his prey, or to deceive his
adversary. Thus, a steady point between
two mongrels may be frequently witnessed :
therefore, as this property is common to all,
the introduction of a pointer and setter was
probably a chance selection of two strong
kinds of dogs accustomed to hunt. In these
the instinctive principle was cultivated and
improved til! it became perfectly subservient
to the purposes of the sportsman.

I3y domestication and cultivation, all the
other aduiirable properties observable in
this animal have been matured, and brougnt
to their present perfection. Every day
affords fresh instances of the docility and
sagacity of the dog. The master of a New-
foundland dog laid a wager with a friend that

the animal would bring him back a piece oi
money which he laid under a stone, near a
building, in a road. He had previously
shown the money to the dog, who marked
the place where it was deposited. The
gentleman having returned home with his
friend, which was the distance of about three
miles from the road where the money lay,
ordered the dog to be fed. When he thought
he had sufficiently rested, he ordered him to
go look for the money, and bring it to h'un.
The evening and night, however, elapsed.

and no dog returned.

The next morning

the master concluded that his wager was
lost, and offered a reward for his dog. On
the third day the gentleman had a large
party, and in the evening, while the company
were at tea, the dog ran in with a pair of
breeches in his mouth ! The master found
his money in the pocket of the breeches^ and
the owner thereof having advertized his
loss, an explanation took place. He had
seen the dog in great agitation in the road,
and removed a plank which one of the work-
men employed at the building had laid down
on tlie stone which covered the money. He
also found the money, but not deeming that
tlie object of the dog's search, put it into
his pocket, and continued to examine the
ground, as he suspected some murdored

IJUri ISll SPORTSiVIAN.

4'JI

body had hccii hid there. Bciiij^-, however,
caressed by the dog-, w lio loUowcd him \\ hcrc-
ever he went, he thoiij^ht no more about it,
but mounted his horse and proceeded home,
which was at some distance. The dog- never
quitted him, and. being- considered an unfor-
tunate wanderer, the "enthMnan t<Jok com-
passion* upon his unexpected guest, and al-
lotted hiuj a place tor his abode, but did not
admit him into his bed-chamber. It seems,
however, that the dog watched an opportu-
nity of carrying off his prize, which created
no small confusion when the gentleman arose
to dress himself.

Several stories have been related of the
sagacity of the dog, but they have appeared
so repeatedly in print, that we shall
prefer anecdotes of a more novel nature
Many, no doubt, have often noticed the
wonderful sagacity of a little white dog
which has been a recent visitor to London.
His master, a foreigner, sometimes goes about
the streets playing on an or^an, and this
pauper is entirely supported by his faithful
dog, who carries a hat to every door for a
donation. In the summer of IS17, this sup-
pliant appeared at the door of a house in
Richmond-buildings, Dean-street, Soho, and
a child was sent to give him a halfpenny.
The child, however, (a little girl) was afraid
of the dog, and threw the halfpenny down :
the dog immediately picked up the gift,
brought it to his master, and put it into his
pocket ; he then returned to the same door,
and gave three barks, (this being his mode
of returning thanks) and repeated his appli-
cations elsewhere.

To this faithful animal man has been often
indebted (o\ the ])res(rvation of his life.

Mr. Walker, an auctioneer, since deceased,
was, during a journey, with considerable
property in liis possession, accompanied by
his terrier to an inn, where, having- supped,
he prepared to go to bed. On entering the
chandxr allotted to him, the dog displayed
unconunon symptoms of uneasiness. in
short, he would not suffer his master to un-
dress, and INIr. ^Valker, surprized at his agi-
tation, and conceiving that it arose from
some latent and important cause, remained
sitting on his bed while the terrier lay at his
reet. Suddenly the dog sprang up, and
seized a man by the throat, who begged Mr.
Walker to call off the dog, promising to sur-
render himself

On being released from the gripe of the
dog, the man confessed that he had way-laid
the gentleman, took some refreshment in
the inn on purpose to discover his bed-cham-
ber, and found means to secrete himself in a
closet for the purpose of plunder. Mr
Walker always prized this faithful terrier ;
but, we are sorry to add, that, after the death
of his master, this poor animal, because he
was ugly, was entirely neglected by the sur-
viving relatives, (though Mr. W. had left
behind several children) and was suffered to
perish of absolute want in a field !

A native of Germany, fond of travelling,
was pursuing his course through Holland,
accompanied by a large dog. As he was
walking one evening on a high bank, winch
formed the side of a dyke, his foot slipped,
and he was precipitated into the water, and,
bcinff unable to swim, soon became senseless.
When he recovered his recollection he found
himself in a cottage, on the contrary side of
II the dyke, surrounded by peasants who had

492

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

been using- the means so generally practised
in that country for the recovecv of drowned
persons. The accounts given by the peasants
was, that one of them returning home from
his labour, observed, at a considerable dis-
tance, a large dog in the water swimming and
(living, and sometimes pushing something
that he seemed to have creat difficultv in
supporting, but which he at length succeeded
in getting into a small creek on the oppo-
site side to that on which the men were.
When the animal had pulled what he had
hitherto supported as far out of the water as
he could, the peasants discovered that it was
the body of a man. The dog having shaken
himself, began most affectionately to lick the
hands and face of his master, while the men
hastened across, obtained assistance, and
conveyed the body to a neighbouring house.
Two very considerable bruises, with the marks
of teeth, appeared, one on his shoulder, and
another at the root of the poll of the head ;
whence it was presumed that the faithful
animal first seized his master by the shoulder,
and swam with him in this manner for some
time, but that his sagacity prompted him to
let go his hold, and secure his neck, which
enabled him to support his load, and keep it
out of the water.

In Mary-le bonne parish a servant care-
lessly left a child, four years old, alone, whose
cap caught fire from a candle with which she
was amusing herself. A small terrier, agitat-
ed by the situation of the child, barked so
violently and dreadfully that timely assist-
ance was procured. At another time, a ter-
rier bitch, perceiving the skirts of his mis-
fress's gown on lire, caught hold of it, and
dragged her on the carpet, which extinguished
the tlame.

Nobie and generous as the horse is, yet
the dog's disposition is, in many instances,
I more amiable. He will fight for, and even
die in the defence of, his master, or any of
the family; yet most patiently endure all in-
sults ofi'ered to himself. He is jrrateful for all
the favors which he receives, though, too
often, his services are repaid by base ingra-
titude. Some time ago, an inhuman brick
layer took his dog with him up a scaffold,
but, on his return, forgot to carry him down
again. The poor animal whined for assist-
ance, which the wretch heard, but would
not trouble himself to re-ascend the ladder.
The dog, seeing his cruel master about to
depart, leaped from the height, and broke
his thigh. The dog, it is said, was rewarded
for his courage and attachment by a se-
vere kick ; but notwithstanding, he limped
home, apparently comforted by having re-
joined his master. Every humane person
must conclude that the story has been ex-
a operated.

The fidelity of the dog is every day con-
spicuous ; how often does the butcher entrust
his meat to the care of a mastiff; who, though
ever so hungry, refrains from satisfying his
appetite, and patiently waits for the bits and
bones which are given to him. A half-starved
meagre cur may be often seen in the middle
of a wheelbarrow, which contains food for
other dogs and cats : though surrounded
with horse-fle.sh he neither touches it himself
nor suffers any other animal to approach it.
No bribe whatever can make a dog which is
properly trained up to be the guardian of
goods, betray the trust which is reposed in
liiin : his fidelity is without interest, and not
to be corrupted. Every cat, though well-fed,
will steal whenever an opportunity offers, but

HRlTlSll SPORTSMAN.

4V'."<

a dog has frequently prevented puss from
committing- depredations, by extcudiuf;- itsell
lieJore a joint of meat, a fowl, or a ilisli of
fish, and snarliufj whenever the tliief ap-
proaches. Spaniels are particularly remark-
able for thus guardiiifj victuals, &c.

The following- anecdote, recorded by the
late INIr. C. Dibdin, affords a striking instance
of the attachment of a dog: —

" A geiillemun, who had a dog of a most
endearing disposition, had an occupation
which obliged him to go a journey periodi-
cally, about once a month. His stay was
.short, and his departure and return regular,
and witliout variation. The dog always
grew uneasy when first he lost his master,
and moped in a corner, but recovered him-
self gradually as the time for his return ap-
proached. ^V'hen he was convinced that his
master was on the road, at no great distance
from home, he (lew all over the house, and
if the street-door happened to be shut, he
would suffer no servant to have any rest till
it was opened. The moment he obtained
his freedom, away he went, and, to a cer-
tainty, met his benefactor about two miles!
from town. He played and frolicked about
him till he obtained one of his gloves, with
which he ran, or rather flew home, entered
the house, laid it down in the middle of the
room, and danced round it. When he had
sufficiently amused himself in this manner,
out of the house he flew, returned to meet
his master, and ran before him, or gambolled
by his side till he arrived with him home.
This lasted till the old gentleman grew in-
firm, and incapable of continuing his jour-
nies. The dog, by this time, had also
grown old, and became at length blind, but

4i.

thisinisfurtune did not hinder him from fbno
lin;; his master, whom lie knew from everv
other person, and for whom his alleetiori and
solicituile rather increased than diminisln;d
The old gentleman, after a short illness, died.
The dog knew the circumstance, \Natched the
corpse, blind as he was, and did his utmosi
to prevent the undertaker fron» screwing up
the body in the cofiin, and most outrageously
opposed its being taken out of the house.
Being past hope, he grew disconsolate, lost
his flesh, and was evidently verging towards
his end. One day he heard a gentleman
come into the house, and rose to meet him.
His master being old and infirm, had worn
ribbed stockings for warmth. This gentle-
man had stockings on of the same kind.
The dog, from this information, thought it
was his master, and began to demonstrate
the most extravagant pleasure ; but, upon
further examination, finding his mistake, he
retired into a corner, where, in a short time,
he expired !"

The sagacity of the dog has, by some of
his admirers, been ridiculously considered as
a kind of rationalitT/ , or intelligence. How-
could the dog know the circumstance of his
?naster's death ? The mistake w hich occur-
red evidently proved the contrary. There
is also something paradoxical in a blind dog
being deceived by ribbed stockings : a dog
acts chiefly by scent, and not by sight, and
is endued with a most wonderful share of in-
stinct. We are told, that a butcher in Cum-
berland had a dog, which, with uncommon
adroitness and dexterity, managed the cattle.
He became so well convinced of this dog's
expertness, that he laid a wager he would
entrust him with so many sheep aud oxen

494

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

<o drive, unaccompanied by any man, to Al-
stone market. It was stipulated that no
person should be within sight or hearing
who had the least controul over the doe:, nor
was any spectator to interfere, or be within
five hundred yards. On trial, this extraor-
dinary animal executed his task in a most
astonishing manner; and, although he had
frequently to drive his charge through other
herds who were grazing, yet he never lost
one, but, conducting them into the very yard
where he was used to drive them when with
his master, he significantly delivered them
up to the person appointed to receive them,
by barking at his door. It is also remark-
able, that when others were grazing in any
place through which the herd -travelled, the
dog ran forward, stopped his own drove, and
then, driving away the strangers, collected
his scattered charge and proceeded. He
was several times afterwards thus sent alone
for the convenience of his master, or for the
aii)usement of the curious, and always per-
formed his task to the satisfaction of all. A
gentleman, who heard of this dog's dexterity,
gave a considerable sum of money for it.

This dog certainly distinguished his own
herd by their smell, and not by their colour,
or any other marks : his sagacity, however,
in keeping them from mixing with others
cannot be denied.

It is a common thing for a dog to carry a
basket with money in it for articles, and to
return to the family with those articles safe.
A gentleman had a Newfoundland dog- who
went every morning to the baker's for rolls :
he also carried letters to the post-office, and
always went to his own horse flesh dealer for
his meat. The Poodle breed are remarkable
for performing tlie offices of a domestic ; they

can be taught to shut and open doors, ring
bells, &c.

We have, however, intimated, that this
animal's sagacity is carried to an extrava-
gant length by some writers ; and this may,
in a great measure, account for the romantic
tales ofwhichtheyare the Aeroesat our theatres.
Some writers have inferred, that dogs have
the " faculty of remarking time, and inform-
ing themselves of the moment of recurring
periods," &c. In the anecdote which we
have already quoted from Mr. C. Dibdin,
the author has ridiculously asserted, tnat tne
dog " knew to an hour, nay, to a minute," the
time of his master's return. There were
certainly preparations for the old gentleman's
return, which served as a clue to the dog's
sagacity ; and, on seeing these preparations,
the animal immediately took the road to
meet him.

The following anecdote is recorded as a
confirmation of the dog's faculty of remark-
ing time : —

" A dog, who was several weeks in the in-
firmary, and attached to the premises, was
visited every Sunday by his master, who
never could find leisure to see him at any
other time. Though no alteration was made
in the treatment of the dogs around, nor any
thing done on the premises on that day dif-
ferent from what was done every other day,
yet this faithful animal knew very well when
Sunday morning arrived. Stationing himself
at the door, he left it not one moment till his
master had paid his accustomed visit. This
was so well marked, and occurred so regu-
larly on every Sunday, and on that day only,
that no possible doubt could be entertainei!
as to the circumstance."

The riuffiu"- of the church-bells was alone

I5R1TIS1I SPORTSMAN.

495

siifficieiit to apprise the dog of his master's
ooiiiiiig- : it is only by this, or simihir sijj^iis,
that a do"^ could know when Sunday morninjj
arrived.

These animals certainly distinguish voices,
which is a proof of wondorfiil instinct : those
accustomed to be fed in London by particu-
lar dogs'-meat sellers, will instantly know the
call of his butcher, though two or three of
the same trade may be together in the street :
it may be thought, indeed, that they knoio
the time of their arrival ; but hunger is their
master on this occasion.

Like the horse, a dog possesses the extra-
ordinary faculty of finding his home from
any distance, though a heavy fall of snow
miiiht conceal the track from either si"ht or
scent. If the earth be thus suddenly ob-
scured, and the whole surface be covered
with snow, turn a horse repeatedly round,
and, notwithstanding all attempts to bewilder
him, yet, at the moment he is left at liberty,
with little or no hesitation, he directs his
head towards home, and, if unmolested, ar-
rives there in safety. In like manner a dog
will find his vvay, and even return to any
■spot though unassisted by any object for
sight or scent; let the distance be one, ten,
or twenty miles, this extraordinary faculty is
alike active and certain. The author of the
" Tableaux Typographiques de la Suisse,"
in his description of the Alps and Glaciers,
relates the following circumstance : —

" The Chevalier Gaspard de Brandcnberg
.vas buried, together with his servant, by an
;nalanche, as they were crossing the moun-
tain of St. Gothard, in the neiglibourhood of
Airolo. His dog, who had escaped the acci-
d«>nt, did not quit the spot where he had

lost his master for some time. Ilajjpily, this
was not far from a convent. The fail!»fi:l
animal scratched the snow, and howled for
several minutes with all his might; he then
ran to the convent, returned, and then ran
back again. Struck by his perseverance,
the domestics followed : he led them directly
to the spot where he had scratched the snow,
and the chevalier and his servant were dug-
out safe and well."

In like manner, sheep, which have been
buried in snow, have been discovered and
preserved : the breath, however, will melt a
certain portion of the snow, and, in this in-
stance, a dog may be assisted by his scent.

Dogs have been kept by the monks of the
monasteries in the Swiss Alps for the express
purpose of hunting, during heavy snow
storms, for travellers who may have fallen
into cavities or pits, in which situations they
would soon, if no timely assistance were ad-
ministered, be starved or frozen to death.
These dogs were sent out in pairs, and, being
perfectly conversant with their employ, tra-
versed a great extent of country round. By
marks in the snow, but principally bv the
scent formed from the breath of persons .so
situated, exhaling through the mass, they
discovered the pits that contained the buried
travellers ; in which case, they instantly re-
turned, and gave the alarm, and then led the
benevolent monks to the relief of the dis-
tressed persons.

A gentleman having brought from New-
foundland a dog of the true breed, gave it to
his brother, who resided in the neighbour-
hood of Thames-street, London ; but who,
having no other means of keeping the ani-
mal except in close confinement, sent him to

496

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

a friend who was living in Scotland. The
dogv, who had been originally disembarked
at Thames-street, was again re-embarked at
the same place on-board a Berwick smack;
by which means, during his stay in London,
he had never travelled half-a-mile from the
spot he first landed at. During the short
time he remained, he had, however, con-
tracted a friendship for his master, and when
he arrived in Scotland, his regret at the
separation induced him to take the first op-
portunity of escaping ; and, though he cer-
tainly had never before travelled one yard
of the road, yet he found his way back in a
very short time to his former residence on
Fish-street-hill ; but in so exhausted a state
that he had only lime to express his joy at
seeing his master, and expired within an
hour after his arrival.

About the year 1810, a dog who lived with
a family at Brompton, and who was endeared
to them on account of his affection for his
deceased master, was stolen by a relative
resident in Oxford, who took him there in
the stage-coach. He was kept tied up two
or three days, but when he recovered his
liberty he ran away, and found the means to
reach his former situation in Brompton ; but
was so exhausted that he immediately ex-
pired.

A spaniel-bitch, bred in London, was
brought in a chaise to Essex, at the distance
of forty-eight miles, where she remained
some months. She was given to a friend to
breed from, who afterwards brought her
back to Loudon in a similar manner, and
left her in a kennel, from whence she con-
trived to escape during night, by digging her
vay out in a most extraordinary manner, and

travelled the whole forty-eight miles back
into Essex so expeditiously that the servant
saw her at the door of the residence early in

the morning.

The bitch remained at large

during the day, and actually returned again
to London in search of her original master.

It is recorded, that Lord Maynard lost a
coach-dog in France, which he, in vain, en-
deavoured to recover. His lordship returned
to England, where, to his great surprise, he
found the dog, but the mode of his return
could never be ascertained. It is supposed,
that the dog, when he made his escape from
confinement, went to the sea-coast, and
found means to get on-board some vessel
bound for England. These animals will fre-
quently attach themselves to persons for si-
nister motives; this is evident from the anec-
dote already mentioned, of the dog follow-
ing a man for the sake of his breeches. No
doubt Lord Maynard's animal caressed the
captain, and, by a temporary attachment,
obtained a passage home.

Though dogs are inclined to greediness,
they can abstain from food for a length of
time, satisfying nature, in the interim, by the
bones which they casually find. A bitch was
accidentally locked up for several weeks in
St. Paul's cathedral, yet recovered on being
released, though afterwards run over and
killed by a waggon. Their sagacity is fre-
quently displayed by their various modes of
obtaining food. A poor man's dog has often
concealed himself for the purpose of profiting
by a rich man's table. Sometimes, when he
has had his usual quantum at home, lie will
pay visits to his master's acquaintances, jjar-
ticulariy those from whom he has been accus-
tomed to receive favours, and if he cannot

UIUTISH SPORTSMAN.

497

iintnediately manage all he gets, he saga-
ciously conceals the overplus until his next
visit. The late tourist, Mr. C. Dibdin. has
recorded the following curious anecdote.

" At a convent in i<\-ance, tweniy paupers
were served witii a dinner every day at a
given hour. A dog belonging to a convent
did not fail to be present at this regala, be-
cause of the odds and ends which were fre-
quently thrown down to him. The guests,
however, being poor and hungry, the dog
did not get much. The portions were served
one by one, at the ringing of the bell, and
delivered out by means of what, in religious
houses, is called a tour, which is a machine
like the section of a cask, that, turning round
on a pivot, exhibits whatever is placed on
the concave side, without discovering the
person who moves it. One day this dog,
who had only received a few scraps, waited
till the paupers were all gone, took the rope
in his mouth, and rang the bell. Tiiis stra-
tagem succeeded. He repeated it the next
day v. ith the same good fortune. At length
the cook, finding that twenty-one portions
were given out instead of twenty, was deter-
mined to discover the trick, in doing which
he had no great difficulty ; for, being hid,
and noticing the paupers as they came in
great regularity for their difi'erent portions,
and that there was no intruder except the
dog, he began to suspect the real truth, which
he was confirmed in when he saw him wait
with great deliberation till all the visitors
were gone, and then pull the bell. He was
every day afterwards rewarded with a plate
of broken victuals, which he punctually
rang for."

Mr. Douce, of Hampstead, (cryer of the
41.

Court of King's IJench, in Lord Mansfield's
time,) had a favorite pointer, whose fore-leg,
in jumi)ing a gate, wasbroken. Un\\illiiig to
lose him, Mr. Douce took him to his friend,
a surgeon at Mill -hil, who set the leg, and
put on the proper bandage, and, about once
a-week, Mr. Douce went with Caio to the
surgeon's to Iiave the leg inspected. After
continuing so to do for a time, the surgeon
one day informed liim that he need not take
the trouble of walking there with Cato, for
that Cato frequently came by himself to have
his leg looked to, and continued to do so till
his leg was well.

Some time after the leg was cured, the sur-
geon one morning, while at breakfast in a
room behind his shop, saw Cato jump the
half-door, and observed to his wife, that his
old friend was come to see him. The dog
approached, and shewed signs to the surgeon
that he wanted the door opened ; on going
to which the surgeon found that Cato had
brought him a patient which he had picked
up, a poor terrier, with a broken leg.

The following is another authenticated
instance of this animal's sagacity. About the
year 1811, a gentleman gave a greyhound
bitch, named Trenck, to his brother, residing
at Biackheath, who received her as a pen-
sioner, by way of reward for her past services
(vvliich had been eminent,) that she might
pass the remainder of her days in ease, in
preference to hanging her, because she could
no longer " take the lead and keep it." She
arrived there on a Sunday, and remained ap-
parently satisfied with her new quarters, un-
til Tuesday afternoon, when she absconded,
and, on the following Friday, made her ap-
pearance at home, so completely exhausted
G K

498

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

that she had not streno^th left to lap a little
milk. The distance is not very great (about
forty-two miles) but what rendered it very
extraordinary, was her coming through such
a place as London, and of course over one of
the three bridges, usually so crowded, except-
ing for three or four hours in the middle of
t'?e uight, particularly as she had never heen
even used to a country town, but first saw
light, and passed the whole of her life, at a
lone insulated house. She was a white bitch,
excepting her ears, which were yellow, and
remarkably fond of being noticed, so that it
is wonderful she escaped being taken up in
London, had she come through in the day-
time ; it is, therefore, probable that she passed
through in the night.

Poor Trench had better liave remained in
Kent, as, about a month after her return, she
was bitten by a mad dog, with five or six of
her companions, and was, in company with
them, immediately shot.

The amazing sagacity of the dog, his gra-
titude, his mishaken fidelity, that acute sense
of shame which often betrays his faults, and
consciousness of good desert with which he
comes to claim the reward of his services ; all
these circumstances approximate very nearly
to that which we observe in the human cha-
racter. These qualities, together with his
great utility for various purposes, have ren-
dered him the constant attendant and prin-
cipal favourite of man. Every anecdote that
tends to elucidate the nature and powers of
this very superior animal, must be particu-
larly amusing and interesting to all the
lovers of natural history.

A gentleman, who usually spent the win-
ter months in the capital of North Britain,

having gone with his family to pass the sum-
mer at his country seat, left the care of his
town residence, together with a favourite
house-dog, to some servants, who were
placed on board-wages. The dog soon found
board-wages a very short allowance, and, to
make up the deficiency, he had recourse to
the kitchen of a friend of his master's, whicti
in latter days he had occasionally visited.
By a hearty meal, which he received here
daily, he was enabled to keep himself in
good condition till the return of his master's
family to town, on the approach of winter.
Though now restored to the enjoyment ot
plenty at home, and standing in no need of
foreign liberality, he did not forget that hos-
pitable kitchen, where he had found a re-
source in his adversity. A few days alter,
happening to saunter about the streets, he
fell in with a duck, which, as he found it in
no private pond, he concluded to be no pri-
vate property ; he snatched up the duck in
his teeth, carried it to the kitchen where he
had been so hospitably fed, laid it at the
cook's feet, with many polite movements of
his tail, and then scampered off with much
seeming complacency, at having given this
testimony of gratitude and sense of favours.

Those valleys, or glens, as they are called
by the natives, which intersect the Grampian
mountains, are chiefly inhabited by shep-
herds. The pastures, over which each flock
is permitted to range, extend many miles in
every direction. The shepherd never has a
view of his whole flock at once, except when
they are collected for the purpose of sale, or
shearing. His occupation is to make daily
excursions to the different extremities of his
pastures, in succession, and to turn back, by

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

499

means of his dog;, any stra<rj;lers that may be
approaching the boundaries of his ncijjh-
bours. In one of these excursions a shepherd
happened to carry along with him one of his
children, an infant about three years old.
This is an usual practice among the High-
landers, who accustom their cliildreu from
the earliest infancy to the rigours of the cli-
mate. After traversing his pastures for some
time, attended by his dog, the shepherd found
himself under the necessity of ascending a
sunuuit at some distance, to have a more ex-
tensive view of his range. As the ascent was
too fatiguing for the child, he left him on a
small plain at the bottom, with strict injunc-
tions not to stir from it till his return. Scarce-
ly, however, had he gained the summit, when
the horizon was suddenly darkened, by one
of those impenetrable mists which frequently
descend so rapidly amidst these mountains,
as in the space of a few minutes almost to
turn the day to night. The anxious father
immediately hastened back to find his child,
but. owing to the unusual darkness, and his
own trepidation, he unfortunately missed his
way in the descent. After a fruitless research
of maTiy hours, amongst the dangerous mo-
rasses and cataracts with which these moun-
tains abound, he was at length overtakein by
night. SliU wandering on, without knowing
whither, he at length came to the verge of
the mist, and, by the light of the moon, dis-
covered that he had reached the bottom of
his valley, and was now witliin a short dis-
tance of his cottage. To renew the search
that night was ccjiuilly fruitless and danger-
ous. He was, therefore, obliged to return to
his cottage, having lost both his child and his
dog, who had attended him faithfully for years.

Next morning, by day-break, the shepherd,
accompanied by a band of his neighbours,
set out in search of his child ; but, after a
day spent in fruitless fatigue, he was at last
compelled, by the approach of night, to de-
scend from the mountain. On returning to
his cottage, he found that the dog, which he
had lost the day before, had come home, and,
on receiving a piece of cake, had instantly
gone off again. For several successive days
the shepherd renewed the search for his
child, and still on returning home in the
evening to his cottage, he found that the dog-
had been home, and, on receiving his usual
allowance of cake, had disappeared. Struck
with this singtdar circumstance, he remained
at home one day, and when the dog as usual
departed with his piece of cake, he resolved
to follow him, and find out the cause of his
strange procedure. The dog led the way to
a cataract, at some distance from the spot
where the shepherd had lost his child ; the
banks of this cataract almost joined at the
top, yet separated by an abyss of immense
depth, which so often astonishes and appals
the travellers that frequent the Grampian
mountains, and indicates that these stupen-
dous chasms were not the silent working of
time, but the sudden effect of some violent
convulsion of tlie earth. Down one of these
rugged and almost perpendicular descents,
the dog, without hesitation, made his wav,
and at last disappeared into a cave, the
month of which was almost upon a level
with the torrent. The shepherd with diffi-
culty followed, but, on entering the cnve,
what were his emotions, when he beheld his
infant, eating with much satisfaction the cake
the dog had just brought him, w hile the faith-

500

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

ful animal stood by, eying his youn<j charge
with the utmost complacence. From the si-
tuation in which the child was found, it ap-
pears that he had wandered to the brink ol'
the precipice, and then either fallen or scram-
bled down till he reached the cave, which
the dread of the torrent had prevented him
fiom quitting. The dog, by means of his
scent, had traced him to tlie spot, and after-
Hards prevented him from starving, by giv-
ing up to him his own daily allowance. He
never quitted the child by night or day, ex-
cept when it was found necessary to go for
its food, and then he was always seen running
at full speed to and from the cottage.

Nature often produces monsters, either by
excess or defect. The following account of
the sagacity of a canine lusus naturcB was
first communicated to the public by M. Feret,
jun. in the Journal de Physique for the
month of August, 1810: —

In the month of May, 1808, at Paris, a
black spaniel bitch, with red spots, pupped
ei"-ht young ones : she was only allowed to
keep four, and of these four it was discovered
in a few days that one of them was deprived
of the two front legs. It was thought it
would not live ; but this defect of conforma-
tion did not prevent it growing equally as
fast and as strong as the others ; and it was
two years old wiien the following description
of 't wa.^ drawi, up.

Two-legs, (for so she was called) had a
considerable resemblance to the wolf-dojr,
but the body was more elongated. Her hair
was long, rather rough, and of a brow^n
colour. She often carried her ears erect ;
her tail was a good deal like that of the fox,
not only in its form, but also in the maimer
in which she carried it. She would caress
very freely, and approached towards persons
whom she knew, upon her two hind-legs,
which she held wide apart, and toes very
open. If she wished to advance quickly, she
used the under part of her neck as a third
leg to support herself with, and then pro-
ceeded with considerable velocity by suc-
cessive leaps and springs ; but this con-
strained progression fatigued her very much;
her respiration seemed to be interrupted
each time her neck touched the ground, and
to save her head and nose from the blows
which they were likely to receive, the mus-
cles of the neck were always in a state of
contraction, in order that the head mis^ht
constantly be erect.

If Two-legs heard any noise, she immedi-
ately sat upright, even for a considerable
time. If she wished to go up stairs, she
effected it pretty easily by means of her neck,
but to descend was absolutely impossible.
In 1809, this extraordinary creature had six
i young ones, none of which were in any man-
ner tiefiarmed.

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

bOl

LAW CASES RELATIVE TO DOGS.

—• ♦-^

The (log has been the cause of much coii-
tentioUf both in the lield and in the courts of
justice : we have had a recent instance of a
fatal duel occasioned by this animal ; and the
wanton destruction of sporting dogs has pro-
duced some remarkable decisions.

CORNER V. T. S. CUAMPNEYS, ESQ. AND ANOTHER.

This was an action brought against T. S.
ChampneySj Esq. and his gamekeeper, Ralph
Crozier, for shooting the plaintiff's grey-
hound, which was proved, by several sporting-
gentlemen, to be of such extraordinary value,
that, had it been their own, they would not
have taken fifty, or even one hundred guineas
for her. It appeared, that Mr. Champneys
had ordered his servants to destroy all dogs
found on his premises : and one witness sta-
ted, that the greyhound was forcibly taken
and tied to a stump in Mr. Champneys's wood,
and there shot and buried. This action was
attempted to be justified by Mr. Champneys
having caused boards to be put up on the
outside of his grounds, specifying, that all
dogs found therein would be sliot ; but, the
judge was clearly of opinion, that such notice
could not justify them in shooting the grey-
hound : and he, in summing up the evidence,
animadverted on Mr. Champneys's conduct
in suffering suth a cause to be brought into

court; observing, that if Mr. Champneys au-
thorized such practices in his keepers, he
would find it in the end a losing game. The
learned judge directed the jury to find for the
plaintiflfto the full value of the greyhound,
and the jury, without hesitation, accordingly
returned a verdict, damages fifty pounds.

This cause, which was decided at the So-
merset assizes, in 1814, was of importance to
the sporting world, as it promulgated a law
not generally known : that no gentleman,
however exalted his station, has a right to
destroy greyhounds, or dogs of any other de-
scription, being the property of other per-
sons, whether trespassing or not: cautionary
boards are of no avail.

DEAN V. SIR WILLIAM CLAYTON, BART.

This was an action tried at the assizes in
Oxford, 1814, to recover the value of a dog,
killed by means of a dog-spear, in a wood
called the Moor-wood, the property of Sir
William Clayton, Bart. This wood, which
is near six miles in circumference, and is
situated on the confines of Oxfordshire and
Buckinghamshire, had for several years been
converted into an enormous game-preserve
by the owner, whose estate it joins for about
one mile and a half only, afterwards abut-
ting, for a space exceeding four miles more,
6 I.

SOS

THE COMPLETE FARRIER; and

on the lands ot different proprietors, in both
the counties before mentioned, to the great
loss and injury of the farmers of those lands.
The destruction committed by the immense
number of wild animals to which so large a
wood afforded protection, became so serious
a grievance, that one farmer, Mr. Benjamin
Stallwood, of Becking, actually renounced
his farm ; and his landlord, Mr. Johnson,
together with Mr. Copestake Townsend, the
landlord of another farm adjoining, called
Pinnimore, published an invitation in the
newspapers to all qualified persons to sport
upon their estates. This, however, did not
afford an adequate remedy for the evil; be-
cause the different keepers belonging to this
vast preserve, made it their constant practice
every morning, before sun-rise, (Sundays
only excepted) to drive all the game from
the adjoining grounds into the preserve, and
then to fix their dog-spikes in all the tracts
by which the game entered the wood; so
that if any sportsmen arrived afterwards,
little or no game was to be found on the
grounds contiguous to this vast wood, al-
though the produce of those grounds was
constantly eaten up by them ; and if unfor-
tunately, these s[)ortsmen started a solitary
animal, it was sure to take to this well-known
asylum, and the dog by which it was pursued
was as certain of being destroyed by the
sharp spikes which guarded every inlet.

Mr. Dauncey, in stating the case to the
jury, lamented that the defendant had not
adopted a more manly line of conduct. It
would have better become him either to have
justified the act he had done, or if not justi-
fiable, to have admitted his error; but, in-
stead of this, pleaded not guilty to the charge,
denymg that he was the cause of the mis-

chief; and he understood it was now in-
tended to be maintained, that Sir William
Clayton was totally ignorant of what was
done in this wood, of which he was sole
proprietor ; that it had never been made a
game-preserve with his knowledge and con-
sent; although, as such, it was a well-known
nuisance to all the surrounding country, and
had drawn him (Sir William) into many un-
pleasant altercations. Several persons in
the employment of the defendant, as game-
keepers, &c. would, he said, be brought for-
ward ; and though he was aware that they
would turn out to be very reluctant witnesses,
yet he hoped he should be able to screzo the
truth out of them.

The first person examined was the Rev,
Ml . Turner, of Great Marlow, to prove the
killing of the dog. He deposed, that he went
with the plaintiff', Mr. Dean, to shoot, on
Finniniore farm, by leave of Mr. Townsend ;
that in Finnimore-wood they started a hare,
which took directly into the Moor-wood ;
and that the only boundary between the two
woods was a shallow ditch. Mr. Dean's dog
pursued the hare, and was soon caught upon
a dog's-spear, which entered his breast; on
being drawn off the spear, he instantly died
A plan of the wood was exhibited to the
court, by which it appeared to be intersected
with roads in different directions: also, the
fatal spear itself was produced ; the sight of
which made a sensible impression on both
the judge and the jury. It was confessed to
be a very formidable instrument of destruc-
tion either to man or beast ; and it was
proved, that several of these spears were
placed close to the foot-paths, frequented
by men, women, and children likewise

Stevens the blacksmith, who made the

BRITISH SPORTSMAN.

.503

spears, was thou exaniincd ; he positively
swore, that he did not know what use they
were made for; that he did not think Sir
William Clayton knew any thin^ about them ;
that Joseph Webb, a farmer, under Sir W.
Clayton, and also one of his «i;aine-keepers,
paid him for making them. It appeared,
however, that this man was but a journey-
man blacksmith; that he manufactured Sir
William's iron at so much a day, and that
he had carried a lar<:fe quantity of these
spears, made out of strike-iron, to House,
the j^ame-keeper, who lives in the Moor-
wood.

House being sworn, declared that he was
not hired to look after the game, but to take
care of the wood ; that he knew nothing
about dog-spears; that sometimes he had
seen such an instrument as was shown to him
in court, sticking in a tree, but could not tell
what it was for, or who placed itthere. Being
examined as to the place where the dead
dog was found, he said he did not know how
it was killed, nor the distance from the boun-
dary, whether it was fifty yards, one hun-
dred, or one hundred and fifty yards, but
afterwards contradicting himself, he said it
was sixty-five yards, for he had measur-
ed it

Woodrow, another game-Keeper, was
sworn; he likewise did not know what was
meant by a dog-spike, and was sure his
master. Sir William Clayton, had never
ordered any such things to be set in the
wood. Being shewn one, and asked if he
had never seen such a thing before, answer-
ed, yes. he thought he had. — Whore.? In the
wood.— What did he think it was put there
for ? To destroy foxes.

" Admirable!" exclaimed Mr. Dauncey
to the jury. " Gentlemen, you have heard,
as well as I, that foreign foxes are import-
ed into this country at a very great expence,
and so, I suppose, after they are let loose in
our woods, these things are set to destroy
them, and got quit of them again."

The prevarication of these three last wit-
nesses e.xcited the indignation of the Bench.
It appeared clearly, that Sir W. C. knew of
the. dog-spears being set in his woods; and
Mr. Townsend proved that foin- dogs, be-
longing to different gentlemen upon visits at
his house, had within these few years been
killed by them. The defendant called no
witnesses.

Mr. Justice Dallas reprehended severely,
in his charge to the jury, a practice so im-
minently dangerous and unfeeling, particu-
larly as it appeared that womea and chil-
dren frequently passed that «ay. He said
he had little doubt as to the illegality of the
act in his own mind; but, as it was a new
case, as well as a very important one, and as
he was a very young judge, he did not wish
to lay down the law upon it without the
concurrence of the other judges, subject to
whose decision a verdict was given to the
plaintiff for fifteen pounds, the supposed
value of the dog.

The following action against the owner of
a savasre dog:, was decided in the court of
King's Bench, June 2, 1813: —

FiNcu V. Duval.

This action was brought to recover da-
mages for injury sustained by the plaintiff,
who had been severely bitten by the defend-

504

THE COMPLETE FARRIER : and

ant* s (log; an animal, which, to use the
words of the pleadings, " was in the habit
of biting and worrying all mankind."

The defendant was a market-gardener,
residing at Camberwell, Surry ; the plaintifl"
was a baker, dwelling at the same place.
On the 24th of September, the plaintiff was
proceeding through Loughborough-house-
lane, when he met the two sons of the de-
fendant, accompanied by the obnoxious dog,
an animal of great strength, between the
lurcher and the bull-dog breed. Some al-
tercation took place between the parties, and
a gun which the pUiintift' had in his hand
was wrenched from him. The doo- imme-
diately flew at him, seized him by the cheek,
and threw him to the ground. In that situa-
tion he repeatedly bit him. With much
difficulty he got away from the animal, but
his respite from violence was of very short
duration. The dog again seized him, threw
him into a ditch, and wounded him in vari-
ous places; the sons of the plaintiff having
refused, for a considerable time, to call him
off. The plaintiff, it appeared, had received
no less than eighteen bites, and was confined
to his bed in consequence for several weeks.

The surgeon who attended the plaintiff
proved the injury he had sustained. He
^*as for a considerable time in a very perilous
state.

Brome, a publican ; Haynes, a constable ;
and a boy of the name of Appleton, proved
the vicious disposition of the animal. The
witnesses deposed to their having been se-
riously injured by the dog, at different
periods, within the last two years. Brome
and Appleton were confined for several
months in consequence. Haynes applied to

Mr. Bewles, the magistrate, who desired the
defendant to prevent his dog from going at
large, but of this caution he had taken no
notice.

The attorney-general, for the defendant,
called a number of witnesses, who gave the
dog an excellent character for mildness and
forbearance towards the honest and inoffen-
sive, and for great discriminative sagacity in
attacking thieves. All these witnesses, how-
ever, on their cross-examination, admitted
that they had heard of the injuries sustained
by the persons called on the part of the
plaintiff; injuries which they had received
from the dog, when peaceably walking on
the king's high-way.

Lord Ellenborough summed up the evi-
dence, and the jury returned a verdict for
the plaintiff, damages one hundred pounds

The following trespass for shooting a dog
was decided in the court of King's Bench,
Trinity Term, 1816.

Meedford v. Du Rieu.

The defendant pleaded not guilty; and,
secondly, a justification; that the dog was of
such a ferocious disposition, as rendered him
dangerous to the neighbourhood, that pre-
vious to the shooting in question, the dog
had worried a child of the defendant's, and
had sprung upon him in such a manner as
to compel him to fire to defend himself
Upon these pleas issue was joined.

Evidence was given in support of the de-
fendant's pleas, but the jury found a verdict
for the plaintiff, damages fifteen pounds.

By this decision, it is quite clear that the
killing of a ferocious animal can be justi.'ed,
if it be for the prevention, but not for ihe
subsequent punishment of a personal injury.

505

A. P P E N D I X.

Having already treated generally on the bones
of the animal body of the horse, (see pages 278
to 292.) we shall here subjoin a full explanation
of the anatomical plate of the skeleton accom-
panying this work. The plate explains the
nature of the bony structure of the animal,
which may be divided into the head, trunk, and
extremities.

The letters and figures relate to the several
bones of which the head is formed : aaaa show
the OS frontis, forehead, or frontal bone; bbi
the parietal or vertical bone \ c c c, the occipital,
or bone which by some is called the knoll bone;
d d, the temporal bone, made up of two parts,
the squamous and petrous ; e e, maxilla supe-
rior, or anterior bone ; f, jugal, or cheek bone ;
gg, nasal, or bones of the nose ; h, os unguis ;
i a, posterior jaw, or maxilla posterior ; which
are all the bones forming the head that appear
on a side view of it.

The figures below relate to particular parts
of tJie bones, as, 1, the petrous portion of the
temporal bone ; 2, the meatus auditorius, or
opening of the ear ; 3", the maxillary process of
the temporal bone ; 4, the cuneiform process of
the occipital bone ; 5, the zygomatic process of
the temporal bone, joined to the jugal process,
and forming the zygoma, or arch of this part ;
6, the occipital protuberance ; 7, the orbit, or
cavity of the eye ; 8, the coronoid process of
the posterior or lower jaw ; 9, the condyloid
process that articulates the posterior jaw with
the head; 10, a hole, called su per ciliarij fora-
men, through which the frontal nerve and artery
pass ; 11, a process of the frontal bone joining
with the zygomatic process of the temporal
bone ; 12, a hole transmitting a nerve and ar-

tery to furnish the face; 13, a third foramen,
from which proceeds a branch of the fifth pair
of nerves, and an artery ; 14, the grinding
teeth; 15, the tushes; 16, the nippers. Ageneral
explanation of the age of the horse, from the
state of the teeth, is given in pages 217 to 221,
and which is elucidative of the various appear-
ances of the horse's teeth as represented in the
subjoined plate.

Neck, or Cervical Bones. — A A A, &c. the
seven cervical or neck vertebrae, the first of
which, b, is called the atlas ; as the second of
them is termed dentata ; c marks the trans-
verse process of the first ; as ddddd d do the
same processes of the other six ; eee, &c. the
superior or anterior oblique processes of the
six last, in the first it is wanting : ///, &c.
their inferior or posterior oblique processes ;
ggg, Sac. the spinous processes of the same;
the rest of the bones of the spine are aaaaaa,
&c. the eighteen dorsal vertebrae; b, their
spinous processes ; c, their transverse pro-
i cesses ; d, their upper or anterior oblique pro-
' cesses ; c, their lower or posterior oblique
processes ; /, the cartilage interposed between
i each dorsal and lumber vertebrae ; one is only
I marked, which may serve as a guide for the
rest.

B C D E F G, the lumber vertebra;, or those
of the loins, in which the same description an
swers as the dorsal, the great length of their
trans verse processes only being seen; 1,2,3,4,5.
mark the five pieces of which the sacrum is
composed in the young ungrown animal, but
which, by age, becomes one entire bone ; 1,2,3.
&c. to 18, the eighteen bones of the tail.

Bones of Thorax and Shoulder Blades. — A A,
6 M

50fi

APPENDIX.

the sternum ; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, the eight true
ribs, so called, as their cartilages are immedi-
ately attached to that part ; 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, the false ribs, so called from
their cartilages not being inserted into the ster-
num, but into each other ; a, the head that arti-
culates with the transverse process of the first
vertebrae of the back ; b, the anterior part of
the head that is connected to the body of the
seventh vertebrae of the neck ; the same de-
scription suits for each other rib.

A A, the scapula, or shoulder blade ; a, the
superior, or, more properly, anterior spinatus
fossa ; c, the spine which divides these two
fossa, and from which they take their names ;
d, the upper costa ; e, lower costa ; /, the neck ;
g, coracoid apophysis : at the upper part is
seen a line, showing the extent of the cartilage
of the scapula.

Bones of Fore Legs. — B, the humerus, or
bone of the arm, or fore leg ; i, its head, that
articulates with the shoulder blade ; k, its ex-
ternal condyle ; /, the fossa, or cavity, receiving
the radius ; m, that which receives the cubitus.
C, the cubitus, or ulna ; this, in the young ani-
mal, is a distinct bone, but, in the grown horse,
is fastened to the radius ; b, the process called
olecranon, forming the elbow. D, the radius ;
0, its upper end ; p, its lower extremity, form-
ing a part of the knee. E, the carpus, which,
in the horse, is formed of seven bones ; the
trapezium, which in the human subject forms
the eighth, is wanting in the horse ; this part,
forming the wrist of man, is called the knee of
the animal. F, the metacarpus, or shank
bones, to each of which are joined two imper-
fect metacarpal bones, marked g, called, by
the French, epinettx ; r r, the sesamoid bones.
G, the pastern bones. H, the coronet, or little
pastern bones. I, the coffin bone. There is
another sesamoid, or small bone, within the
curve of the coffin bone.

Pelvis and Hind Extremities, or Legs. — K, the
pelvis, which is composed of three bones in the

young animal, which are, aaaaa, the ilium;
b b b, the ischium ; ccc, the pubis ; d, foramen
magnum. I, the femur ; e, its head, articulating
with the acetabulum, or cavity in the pelvis ,
///, the great trochanter ; g, the linea aspera ;
k k, the patella, or stifle, but more properly the
knee bone. M, the tibia. N, the fibula ; this,
as in the cubitus, or ulna, is firmly attached to
the tibia, and is an inconsiderable bone, com-
pared with that in the human subject. O, the tar-
sus, consisting of six bones, the great cuneiform
bone being wanting, which, in the human sub-
ject, forms the seventh ; b b, the calcaneum.
P P, ;jp, the metatarsus, which are of the same
description as in the anterior extremities, ot
fore legs, in this animal.

MOVING POWERS, or MUSCLES OF
THE HORSE.

These have much similarity to those in the
human subject, and are elucidated in the sub-
joined plate.

In Head. — a bed, The lateral dilator of the nos-
tril and upper lip ; b c, its insertion, into the up-
per lip and nostril ; d, its origin ; /, the anterior
dilator of the nostril ; ghi 1c, the orbicular
muscle of the mouth ; g-, the part belonging to
the lower lip ; h, the corner of the mouth ; ?',
the part belonging to the upper lip ; k, fibres
which tend upwards to the insertion of the
nasal muscles of the upper lip; Imno, the
long nasal muscle of the upper lip ; Imn, the
fleshy part ; m, its origin ; at n, the tendon
begins; o, the tendon ; ^jp^, the masseter ;
r 8 8, buccinator ; s t, the broad ligaments of
the eye-lids, which are membranous elonga-
tions formed by the union of the periosteum of
the orbits, and pericranium along both edges
of each orbit ; uuw, the ciliaris muscle ; %d,
its origin ; xy, a muscle belongmg, in part, to
the alse narium z, but chiefly to the concha na-
riiim inferior; x, its insertion into the al»
narium ; y, its origm, by a small tendon from
the bone along- the nasal muscle of the upper

Vlov !>,•[•. .I'O^^-.KHS.OU INIr^CI.KS OY TWV. llOilBK. <

k

APPENDTX.

507

Up ; below x, it passes under the alcv nariwn
to the inside of the nostril, and is there inserted
into the conclia nariwn inferior, z, alcv narium
and septum narium ; 2, 2, 3, the temporal
muscle ; 3, its insertion into the coronary pro-
cess of the under jaw-bone ; 4, 4, muscular
fibres which extend and draw outwards the
pituitary membrane ; 5, 5, membrana pitui-
taria ; 6, 7, 7, a muscle called caninus, or ele-
vator of the corner of the mouth, arising from
the upper jaw-bone, under the muscle x?/, and
inserted at 7 7, into the buccinator; 9, 10, the
depressor of the lower lip : it arises along with
the buccinator, and is afmost divided into two
muscles, one superior, the other inferior, lor
the passage of nerves and blood-vessels to the
lower lip ; the super, or arises tendinous, and
is inserted fleshy into the lower lip laterally ;
the inferior arises fleshy, and is inserted ten-
dinous nearer the middle of the lower lip ; 12,
the elevator of the chin ; 13, a nerve going to
the alae narium; 14, vena-angularis, which is
a branch of the vena jugularis externa ante-
rior ; 15, arteria angularis ; 16, a branch of the
vena temporalis ; 17, 17, two valves, in a
branch of the jugular vein; 18, branches of
the nervous maxillaris inferior. They are
branches of the third branch of the fifth pair of
nerves. 19, The salivary duct ; 20, the ante-
rior cartilage of the outer ear; 21, the outer
ear ; 22, 23, a muscle arising from the anterior
cartilage at 22, and inserted at 23 into the
outer ear; 24, a muscle which arises by two
fleshy heads from the internal surface of the
anterior cartilage, and is inserted into the
lower convex part of the external ear near the
root, nearer the posterior edge than the ante-
rior. It assists the posterior part of the retra-
hcns when in action : 25, a muscle which is a
sort of antagonist to that marked 24 ; it arises
from the ridge of the occiput under the retra-
hens, and is 'nserted into the ear at 25. It
helps to turn the opening of the ear forwards ;
26,26,26, c, the parotid gland.

In Neck. — a b c, Sterno mastoidaeuSjOr sterno
maxillaris : it arises from the top of the ster-
num at /j, and is inserted by a flat tendon into
the lower jaw-bone, under the parotid gland
at, or near c, is likewise into the root of the
processus mastoidaeus by a flat tendon ; d, the
spungy fatty substance of the mane, cut di-
rectly down the middle, and the left side re-
maining on to show its thickness ; e, ligamentum
colli ; //, caracohyoidseus ; it arises from the
upper and internal side of the humerus, betwixt
the insertions of the subscapularis and teres
major by a flat membranous tendon ; it begins
to be fleshy as it comes from under the serratus
minor anticus, and is inserted into the os
hyoides ; g-, sterno-hyoidaeus ; h i, transver-
salis ; h, the tendinous part ; i, a fleshy part ;
Ic I, the tendon of the trachelomastoidaeus ; /, a
fascia or membranous part ; m n, rectus internus
major capitis ; m, its lowest origin from the
transverse process of the fourth vertebrae of
the neck, and the part p, of the longus colli,
which origin is sometimes continued down
almost as low as the lower part of the trans-
verse process of the fifth ; oooo, inter trans-
versalis minores colli ; they run from the trans-
verse process of one vertebra to the transverse
process of the next to it ; p q, longus colli ;
rstuw, splenius; r, the part coming from the
origin of this muscle, which is from the expan
sion common to it, and the serratus minor pos-
ticus, &c. It arises tendinous from the liga-
mentum colli under the rhomboides, and fleshy
about the superior part of the neck. At s it is
inserted into, or attached to, the transvcrsalis ;
at t, to the tendon of the trachelomastoidaeus :
71, the part which goes to be inserted into the
occiput. It IS also inserted into the transverse
processes of the fifth, fourth, and third vertebrae
of the neck, by flat strong tendons, which run
on the internal side of the muscle ; it is exter-
nally fleshy within a very little of these inser
tions. X, Sternothyroidaeus ; y, hyothyroidaeus ;
z, cricothyroidaeus. And, the lower constrictor

508

APPENDIX.

of the pharynx, 1, 1, vena jugularis communis ;
2, vena jugularis externa anterior ; 3, vena
jugularis externa posterior, or superior ; 4,
part of the carotid artery, or caro.tis communis ;
5, glandulae claviculares, or axillares, but in
this animal there are no claviculae, or cervi-
cales inferiores, or thoracicae superiores lym-
phaticae. They are lymphatic glands. 6, 6, 6, 6,
Branches of the cervical nerves, accompanied
Vfith arteries which are distributed to the mus-
culus levator humeri proprius, &c. and integu-
ments ; 7, branches of the cervical arteries and
veins coming out of the splenius to go to the
trapezius and integuments.

Muscles in Neck and Trunk, inserted into the
Scapula. — aab, Rhomboides ; a a, the origin
from the ligamentum colli ; it has another origin
from the superior spines of the vertebra; of the
back ; b, its insertion, or the part going to be
inserted into the scapula; edef, serratus
minor anticus ; c d, the fleshy part arising near
c, from the sternum, and part of the first rib,
and from the cartilaginous endings of the second,
third, and fourth ribs, near their joining to the
sternum ; and is inserted into the superior
costa near the basis scapulee and tendinous
surface of the supra spinatus ; and is connected
to the teres major by the fascia ef, which is
sent from its muscle over the infra-spinatus
scapulae and supra-spinatus scapulae to its
outer edge Its flat tendon may be separated
some part, of the way to the basis and spine of
the scapula from tlie tendinous surface of the
supra-spinatus scapulce. g'Ai'^ / op, Serratus
major anticus ; g, part of its insertion on the
external part of the scapula ; the rest of its
insertion possesses about half of the internal
part of the scapula ; h, the part which arises
from the transverse process of the third vertebra
of the neck ; i, that from the fourth ; k, that
from the fifth ; /, that from the sixth ; o, its
origin from the seventh rib ; p, from the eighth.
This muscle arises from the six superior ribs,
jlso within about five mmutes of the cartilages.

It does not adhere to the intercostals as it
passes over them ; but at the extremity of its
origin sends off a membranous tendon over the
intercostals, towards the sternum : it arises
all the way, from its first beginning, from the
external surface of the ribs, up to the insertion
of the tendons of the sacro lumbalis.

Muscles and Tendons inserted into the Hu-
merus and Cubit. — 1,1,2,3,4,5,5,6, Pecto-
ralis ; 1, 1, its origin from the linea alba abdo-
minis ; 1,2, its origin from the lower part of
the sternum ; 3, its origin from the superior
part of the sternum ; the part 3, 4, which is the
superior part of this muscle, sends a flat mem-
branous tendon in betwixt the biceps and leva-
tor humeri proprius, to which it is joined before
its insertion into the humerus ; 5, 5, 6, the flat
tendon cut off at 5, 5 ; the external part below
this runs down the cubit ; abcdef, supra spi-
natus scapulae ; it continues its origin from the
scapula from a to about b, and is inserted at c
into the head of the os humeri, and capsular liga-
ment on the outside of the origin of the biceps
cubiti ; and by the other half into the head
and capsular ligament of the os humeri, or the
inside of the origin of the biceps cubiti ; the
lower part is covered by a tendinous fascia,
which runs from the supra-spinatus to the ser-
ratus minor anticus, and binds that muscle in
its place ; it is pretty strong at d, but stronger
at c, below the protuberating part of the hu-
merus ; at ef, a fascia runs over this muscle
from the serratus minor anticus to the teres
minor ; h i k I m n, infra-spinatus scapulae ; from
h to i, are marked traces of the superior part
of the trapezius's insertion on the surface of
this muscle, it is attached to it at i, but strongly
inserted into it near hhk, marking the inser-
tion of the superior part of the trapezius upon
this muscle ; /, the beginning of its origin from
the dorsum scapulae, and the cartilage on the
border of that bone; ikm, marks the inferior
outline of this muscle, where it is bounded by
the teres mmor, but not easily distinguished,

APPENDIX.

009

by reason of the tendinous surlacc by which
they are both coverctl and attached together ;
7t, its strongest tendon, by which it is strongly
inserted into the protuberating part of the hu-
merus under the tendinous expansion which
goes from the teres minor to the lesser anterior
saw muscle. The lines upon this muscle show
the direction of some of the principal fibres of
the tendinous covering; opqq, teres minor;
0, its origin along with the triceps cubiti ; p,
its insertion into the fascia arising from the
humerus ; q q, its insertion into the humerus ;
from q to /c, it sends off a fascia that connects
it to the serratus minor anticus. The outline
is much obscured by the fascia or tendinous
covering of part of this muscle, and the infra-
spinatus with the supra-spinatus, which con-
nects them ; /( p, marks the cutting off of the
membranous tendon of the superior part of the
trapezius, as h/c marks it upon the infra-spi-
natus ; rrsttu w, the latissimus dorsi ; rr stt,
its flat tendon ; r r, its origin from the spinal
processes of the back ; at /• t, this tendon is
cut away from its attachment to the fascia lata ;
and at r I, it is entirely cut away to uncover
the glutsei ; ttu «', the fleshy part ; 1 1, the
origin 'of the carnous fibres; rrv, mark the
traces of the inferior part of the trapezius, en-
closed betwixt the tendon of this muscle, and a
tendinous fascia which covers them both toge-
ther ; the said fascia being cut off at r«<, and
lefl on the latissimus dorsi, leaves the marks of
the trapezius very plain ; t n u, shows the di-
rection of the fibres of the tendinous fascia
which connects this part of the muscle to the
triceps cubiti : these fibres run over the infra-
spinatus towards the insertion of the trapezius
h k ; n\ the fleshy part going to be inserted
into the humerus ; s I, the aponeurosis which
runstovvards theobliquus descendens, and seems
to be lost upon it, degenerating into a mem-
branous state.

In Trunk.— 1 1 1 1 1 K K K L M, Obliquus
externum, or descendens abdominis ; 1 1 1 1 1,

the place where the thickest carnous part ceases
to arise from the ribs, and begins lo run ovet
thetn without adhering to them or the intercos-
tals ; K K K, the ending or insertion of the
carnous part into the tendinous part ; L. the
linea alba, or strong broad aponeurosis, formed
by this and the internal oblique muscle ; it is
like a broad, strong ligament, much resembling
that of the neck, forming a sort of rugae, which
appear on its external surface, running from
above downwards : it has a communication
with the serratus major anticus by an aponeu-
rosis, which arises from that muscle ; its first,
or superior origin, is from the fifth rib, it arises
tendinous from the back part of the insertions
of the indentations of the saw muscle into the
ribs, and at its origin receives the insertion of
the lower part of the indentations of the saw
muscle ; it arises from the posterior or inferior
labeum or edge of the eighth rib, nearly all the
way from I, to the insertion of one of the in-
dentations of the superior, or lesser posterior
serratus ; from the posterior labeum of the
ninth, almost as high as where an indentation
of the lesser serratus posterius is inserted into
the superior or anterior labeum of the same
rib ; it also arises from the tenth ; and, in this
subject, opposite to the insertion of the serratus
minor posticus, it arises from all the ribs be-
low that from the part where the indentations
of the serratus major posticus are inserted, or
a little higher than that more externally, which
is the case generally with the three or tour last
digitations, but most as they are the lowest,
and runs over the indentations of the saw
muscle: these digitations continue their origin
from the ribs all the way down to the part
marked 1 1 1 1 1, and unite with the intercostal
muscles in their passage ; this muscle has a
communication with the latissimus dorsi by an
aponeurosis, which is sent over it by that
muscle; I r, marks the cutting away of the
tendon of the latissimus dorsi to uncover the
cluta-M, &,c.: it is inserted into the os ilium

G N

6\0

APPENDIX.

and OS pubis, and to its fellow by the linea
alba.

The blood-vessels and nerves which are
marked on the thorax are those which are dis-
tributed to the parts taken off as the mem-
brana-carnosa, &c. and integuments ; the
nerves come from the nervi dorsales^ or cos-
tales, and nervi lumbares ; the arteries from
the arteriae intercostales inferiores and arteriae
lumbares ; the veins from the ^enae intercostales
and venae lumbares.

In Right Upper Limb. — N O P, triceps
brachii ; N, the head, which is called extensor
longus major ; O, the short head of the triceps,
called the extensor brevis ; P, the head, called
brachialis extensor longus minor. The short
head, O, arises from the humerus, the other two
from the scapula ; its insertion is into the ole-
cranon ; Q R S, biceps brachii, or coraco radi-
alis ; Q, the belly of the short head ; R, the
belly of the long head ; S, the fascia of this
muscle, which is sent down upon the muscles
of the cubit ; aAbcdeegh,a. fascia or strong
membranous production lying over the extend-
ing muscles on the cubit ; a A, its origin from
the edge of the triceps from the levator humeri
proprius, and from the two protuberating parts
of the humerus, between which it is extended
like a strong ligament, and gives origin to
some of the fleshy fibres of the extensor carpi
radialis : it is inserted into the radius at b c b, at
bb, into the ligament ; and being expanded over
all the extending muscles which lie on the cubit
is inserted into the internal side of that bone,
all along the bounds of the bending muscles
on that side ; there lies under it the extensor
carpi radialis, of which d is the fleshy part ; eef,
the tendon ; b c, extensor digitorum communis ;
g, what is analogcjus to the extensors of the
thumb, This fascia is attached to the upper
edge of the extensor digitorum communis, and
may, perhaps, be properly called a flat tendon,
arising in common to this muscle, and the ex-
tensor carpi radialis, and sending an expansion

not only over but also under them, and being
attached to the bone on each side down to the
carpus, and also to the ligaments that bind
down the tendons, running over the carpus, it
makes a continued case for them from their
originations down to the carpus, confining them
steady in their proper places. It communicates
with the fascia of the biceps muscle, and with
it is inserted into the tendon of the extensor
carpi radialis ; /, the tendon of the extensor
carpi radialis, inserted into the metacarpal
bone ; i, the tendon of the extensor digitorum
communis going to its insertion into che coffin-
bone ; myiooFpqr st, an expansion arising
at 0 0, from the articulating ligament, and at n
from the olecranon : it receives an addition
from the longus minor, and internal protube-
rance of the humerus, and expansion of the
biceps muscle, then descends over the bending
muscle down to the ligaments on the carpus,
to which it is attached, as well as to the bones
of the cubit on each side of the bounds of the
bending muscles ; the different directions of
its fibres being marked, as at q r, &c. and its
insertion into the bone on the external side, as
at P m 6 ,- it then runs into the ligaments. It
gives rise to fleshy fibres of the muscle m,
which is analogous to the extensor minimi di-
giti, all the way from ihe outline qmb to the
bone where the expansion is inserted. It has
a strong insertion at P into that protuberating
bone of the carpus called the os pisiforme or
orbiculare, and another betwixt the tendons ss
of the flexor carpi ulnaris, bes'des its conjunc-
tion with the ligaments on the carpus, to which
it is a considerable addition ; t, a part of the
expansion which appears like a number of
small tendons. At z, a ligament arises, which
joins the tendon wi near m w, and goes along
with it to be inserted into the great pastern. A
slender ligament arises about P, which covers
the tendon m, and then runs between it and the
tendon i, to be inserted into the upper and an-
terior part of the great pastern ; hhV p u w x ii

APPENDIX

511

yz, ligaments which bind down the tendons
lying upon the carpus ; 10 hlu/j/ii a ligament
whose fibres run in a transverse direction over
the anterior part ot" the carpus to which the car-
nous membrane adheres at u ; at 16, the liga-
ment hhyy 10, adheres to thebursalligainent;
X w, the insertions of the articular ligamcMit :
betwixt c and k is a ligament proper to the ex-
tensor digitorum communis, inserted at two
protuberating parts of the radius, one on each
side the channel in which the tendon lies ;
pzw, a ligament, the fibres of which run in the
upper part transversely, in the lower rather
obliquely downwards ; it lies on the lateral or
external part of the carpus — it was covered in
the plale, first by the production of the mem-
brana carnosa, and pcctoralis, but rather the
membrana carnosa, as it lies on the external
part; 1, 2, a ligament arising at 1, and in-
serted at -2 w ; it helps to bind the projecting
bone of the carpus, and serves as a stay to it,
when the flexor carpi ulnaris is in action : there
is a large vein protuberating under it ; 3, a
ligament which helps to bind down the tendons
of tlie sublimis and profundus ; 4, the tendon
of the profundus ; 5, the tendon of the sublimis ;
6, a vein arising from under the hoof, called
vena plantaris externa ; 7, ncrvus plantaris
externus ; 9, an articular ligament ; 10, a liga-
ment sent from the interosseus, and inserted
into the tendon of the extensor digitorum com-
munis, which it binds down ; 11, 12, the horny
part of the hoof; 11, the superior part; 12,
the sole, or inferior part going under the coffin
bone ; 13,. a substance resembling the villous
surface of a mushroom, arising from the coffin
bone, and received by the like arising from
the hoof, which it mutually embraces.

In Right Lower Limb. — a b cc dddT) efg g
hi Id, Shew the fascia lata; a, its origin from
the ilium ; b, its anterior fleshy belly ; D, the
posterior fleshy belly, over which the fascia
lata sends a strong membrane, as well us under,
so that it is received or contained in a duplica-

ture of the fascia lata; the fibres dddTie,
arising from the superior or external fascia,
and descending to be inserted into the inferior
on its external side ; the part a b c, arises from
the spine of the os ilium, internally tendinous ;
fleshy fibres arising from that flat internal ten-
don, and descending to be inserted chiefly into
the inside of the fascia in the angle cdgg ;
the fleshy part in the superior angle d, being
thickest, it gradually diminishes till it is lost
in the line "•"•; the dark, colour of the fleshy
fibres make some appearance in this angle,
though the fascia is very strong, but not near
so much so as the part ab g, because the cover-
ing of that is a little more than a common
membrane ; the line a e, marks the place where
tlie fascia lata is cut cif, before it passes be-
tween this muscle and the glutseus externus,
to be inserted into the anterior costa of the o&
ilium ; d c, marks the place where the produc-
tion of the fascia lata, which is sent over this
muscle, is cut off; and ddd, the place where it
joins to the broad tendon of this muscle, in
which place it is cut off"; ef, shows the place
where the fascia lata is cut from its conjunc-
tion with what may be called the broad tendon
of this muscle, in order to pass down over the
leg and bot ; at b. the tendinous surface oft',
rectus cruris makes its appearance through the
tendon of this muscle; fX-, shows the tendon
or ligament which binds the patella to the tibia
protuberating ; /, the ligament which binds the
patella to the external protuberance of the os
femoris. This muscle is inserted, by a strong
tendon, into the tibia at i, adhering to the ten-
don of the anterior and middle part of the
biceps muscle in its way ; its adhesion is ali
the way from / to the superior -1, where it has
a little insertion into the patella; muoop,
glutaeus externus ; m, a fleshy origin from the
ligament which runs betwixt the spinal and
transverse processes of the os sacrum ; m n.
the place where the fascia lata is cut oflFfroiu
the production which it sends under this muscle.

512

APPENDIX.

or from its attachment to the tendinous surface
of the internal part of this muscle, which arises
from the ligament running betwixt the os
sacrum and ischium; and which receives first
the insertion of those fleshy fibres which arise
betwixt it and the ends of the spinal processes
of the OS sacrum from the same ligament, and
then the fibres in n o o, which arise from the
fascia lata and descend obliquely inwards and
downwards to be inserted into it ; o o, the place
where this muscle ceases to arise from the
fascia lata, and goes to be inserted at p, into
the lateral protuberance of the thigh bone ; it
sends off a fascia over the posterior part of the
thigh bone, which runs in a transverse direc-
tion, and into which the pyramidalis is inserted,
or joins in v/ith it before its insertion into the
superior or rather posterior part of this protu
berance : qQrst, glutaeus medius ; qrs, its
origin from the tendinous surface of the sacro
iumbalis ; s, its origin from the ilium ; qQrs,
the part which is covered by its own proper
membrane, and does not adhere to the tendon
of the latissimus dorsi, &c. nor fascia lata ;
(]Qt, the part wb.ich receives fleshy fibres from
the fascia lata, going under the glutaeus exter-
nus to be inserted into the great trochanter,
i klunwrc X}/ x,3, 4,4, 5,7,7,8,8, 9, 11,
biceps cruris ; u u %c ic, mark the superior or
anterior head where it arises by fleshy fibres
from the fascia lata ; its principal origin is
from the ligaments which run from the spinal
to the transverse processes of the os sacrum,
and from thence to the tubercle of the ischium ;
w 5,1/ z, mark the inferior or posterior head,
where it arises by carnous fibres from the fascia
lata ; its principal origin is from the tubercle
of the ischium, beginning at the extremity of
that tubercle from the inferior angle, and con-
tinuing its origin by a flat strong tendon, about
six minutes along the inferior edge of that bone;
this tendon is continued down from the tubercle
towards 5, betwixt// and z, from which, a little
above i/, the fleshy fibres ?/ 5, 7 /, begin to

arise: but the fleshy part, a: ;? 7, begins its
origin from the tubercle, and continues it down
the said tendon ; w ic 1 4, the fleshy part of the
anterior head, where it does not arise from the
fascia lata, it is inserted into the patella, and
superior and anterior part of the tibia ; betwixt
p and w are marked tendinous fibres which
bind the anterior part of this muscle to the ex
ternal gluteus ; and a httle below that it is
inserted into the thigh bone by a flat tendon,
and by this insertion the anterior part of this
muscle is kept from starting too much forwards,
the fibres of this tendon or ligament running in
almost a transverse direction ; the part/4, 4/w,
lies under a fascia sent from the anterior part
of the posterior head, to the tendon of the mus-
culus fascia lata, which is cut off at wf, and on
which the direction of its fibres is marked ;
3C z 5, 1/ w n , 7, the fleshy part of the posterior
head, where it does not arise from the fascia
lata ; It 8, 8, 9, 3, 7, 7, the tendon of the pos-
terior head, which joins the tendon of the ante-
rior head near the patella, and is likewise
inserted at iS, 8 into the anterior part of the
tibia, all the way down to the ligament common
to the extensor longus digitorum pedis and
tibialis anticus, and into part of the upper edge
of that ligament, and forms the tendon 1 1 with
the fascia lata (which is cut off at 3, 9), and is
inserted into the os calcis ; 7 ,7, 3, is the strong-
est part of the posterior tendon, which is in-
serted into the os calcis ; 15, the tendon of the
plantaris ; 16, 17, 17, 18, 19, semi-tendinous ;
16, its origin from the ligament which runs
between the spines of the sacrum and the is-
chium, from the ligament betwixt the spinal
and transverse processes of the os coccygis ;
16, 17, 17, marks the part which receives fleshy
fibres from the fascia lata ; 18, the fleshy part
which does not adhere to the fascia lata ; 19,
the tendinous production which wraps over trie
gemellus, to join in with the fascia lata and
tendon of the biceps cruris : the lines 16, 17.
betwixt this muscle and the biceps, mark the

APPENDIX.

513

fascia lata where it runs in between these
muscles ; the posterior of the two lines marks
the cutting off of the part of the fascia which
runs over the semitendinosus to the large ad-
ductor of the thigh ; its principal insertion is
by a flat tendon into the superior and anterior
part of the tibia internally ; it is also attached
to the plantaris, near the bottom of its fleshy
part, by a flat tendon or expansion : 22, shows
the large adductor of the thigh ; 24, 25, 25, 26,
27,30,31,34,33,34. ligaments which bind
down the tendons, &c. on the tarsus, the infe-
rior and anterior part of the leg or tibia, and
the superior part of the metatarsus laterally
and anteriorly; 24,25,25, a strong ligament
common to the tendon of the extensor longus
digitorum pedis and tibialis anticus ; at 24, it
falls off" to be very thin, but continues to receive
some origin of tendinous fibres from the tibia
for some way upwards, which run internally
till they are lost in the tendinous expansion of
the biceps muscle, &c. which is inserted into
the upper internal edge of this ligament pretty
strongly, but falls away to little or nothing in
its way towards the external lateral part of
this ligament; from 24 downwards, this liga-
ment strengthens, as it descends towards 25,
25, where it is thick and strong : its origin, on
the external lateral part of the tibia, is marked

25, 33: there is another strong ligament marked

26, proper to the tendon of the extensor longus
digitorum pedis, which shows itself under the
common membranous ligament 27, which covers
it, and the articular ligament as well as blood-
vessels, &c. upon the tarsus, and is attached to
ihe ligament 24, 25, 25 ; at 25, 25 ; at 30, are
marked the directions of the tendinous fibres,
m this ligament, which arise from the bones of
the tarsus, and descend obliquely inwards and
downwards ; 31, marks fibres arising from the
splint-bone, or a bone of the metatarsus, and
running transversely over the anterior part of
tlie metatarsus, joins in with the part 30 ; it is
inserted into the superior and anterior part

of the metatarsal bone; 34, marks some little
appearance, by protubcration, of a ligament
common to the tendon 37, and the blood-ves-
sels marked 14; 32, shows a ligament proper
to the said tendon 37, its origin and insertion
being both from the tibia ; 35, a ligament which
binds down the tendons of the flexors ; 36, 36,
extensor longus digitorum pedis ; 37, 37, pe-
roneus anticus ; 38, flexor digitorum pedis ;

39, a branch of the arteria tibialis anterior;

40, plantaris ; 41, flexor digitorum pedis ; 42,
46, vena plantaris externa ; 43, nervus plan-
taris externus ; 44, the intcrosseus, &c.; 45, a
ligament sent from the interosseus, &c. by
which the tendon of the extensor longus digi-
torum pedis, 36, is bound down, otherwise it
would start from the bone when the fetlock
joint gives much way ; 47, 48, the horny part
of the hoof; 47, the superior part ; 48, the sole,
or inferior part, going under the coffin-bone ;
49, a substance resembling the villous surface
of a mushroom arising from the coffin-bone,
received by the like arising from the hoof,
which it mutually embraces.

In Internal Side of Left Lower Limb. — fl.The
tendon of the rectus cruris ; d, vastus internus ;
c d, sartorius ; e ef, gracilis ; g hkl, semi-ten-
dinosus ; g, the fleshy part ; k I, the tendon
which is inserted into the tibia at k ; at /, it
sends off a tendon to the gemellus, to which,
at 0, the fasci8e are attached ; m m m, gemellus ;
wi, a fleshy part ; under n lies the tendon over
which the tendon of the plantaris is twisted ;
n, a tendon formed by that going off from the
semi-tendinosus at /, and by another tendinous
fascia; opqrs, the fasciae which are inserted
into the os calcis gemellus and plantaris ; a,
the place where the fascia lata is cut off'; p,
the part going to be inserted into the os calcis,
on the external side; the part (^ joins with the
part /• to be inserted into the os calcis at s ;
tuuw X, the tendon of the plantaris arising
from under the fascias and twisting over the
gemellus at t ; w, a part which it sends off" to
6 o

514

APPENDIX.

the OS calcis, which makes a sort of ligament
to bind in the tendon of the flexor digitorum
pedis ; it is spread a little upon the ligament
8, 9, 9, and inserted into it near its origin from
the OS calcis about 8 ; y, the tendon of the
flexor digitorum pedis, lying under the thin
ligament marked 3, 5, on the right leg in the
^laU ; the bounds of it are here marked, though
it falls off gradually into nothing more than a
common membrane, and is insensibly lost as
it descends from about y ; the lowest parts of
its insertion into the splint-bone is about y, but
is here hid by the blood-vessel; z \, the tibialis
anticus appearing under the fascia ; 2, 3, 3,
the ligament marked 24, 25, 25, 33, 36, in the
■plate of the right leg ; 3, 3, its insertion into
the tibia ; 4, the ligament marked 30, on the
right lower limb in the plate ; 5, a ligament
which covers the tendon of the tibialis posti-
cus, arising from the posterior and inferior
part, or internal inferior angle, and inserting
itself into the articular ligament 9, 9 ; 6, 6, 7,
a ligament arising at 7 from the astragalus,
and inserted, at 6, 6, into a cartilage lying
under the tendon of the flexor digitorum pedis,
which, assisted by another ligament on the
other side of the limb, confines it in its place.
These ligaments seem to be a part of the fascia
which covers the muscles on the external side
of the limb, which (passing under the tendon
of the flexor digitorum pedis) forms a cartila-
ginous substance as it passes, and is a smooth
proper bed for that tendon to slide upon ; 8, 9, 9,
a strong ligament which binds the os calcis to
the astragalus, os naviculare, ossa cuneiformia,
and splint-bone, arising from a protuberance
about 8, and inserted into the other bones of
the tarsus and metatarsus about 9, 9 ; 9, 9, the
articular ligament which binds the tibia to the
bones of the tarsus ; 10, 11, a ligament run-
ning over the tendon of the plantaris, inserted
into the ligament 8, 9, 9, and splint-bone. It
is marked 35 on the right leg in the plate; 12,
12, )2, a sort of ligamentous fascia between

which and the bursal ligament the mucilaginous
glands are contained ; 13, the ligament proper
to the tendon of the extensor longus digitorum
pedis, marked 26 in the right limb in the plate ;
14, 15, 16, 17, the tendon of the extensor digi-
torum, at 14 going to be inserted into the last
bone of the toe, or coffin-bone : it receives the
ligament 19 at the part 16, and the ligament

20 at the part 17; and, in its passage down
the toe, it adheres to the bursal ligaments under

21 and 20. It is marked 5 in i\\e plate ; 18
interosseus, Sui.; 19, the ligament marked d
in the plate. It arises from the interosseus,
&X2. and is inserted into the tendon of the ex-
tensor longus digitorum pedis, and binds it
down ; 20, a ligament which arises from the
internal, lateral, and inferior part of the first
bone of the toe, and is inserted into the tendon of
the flexor digitorum pedis, and binds it to this
side, as 46 on the right lower limb does the
same tendon to the other side; 21, vena sa-
phena ; 22, nervus sciaticus internus; 23,
nervus plantaris internus ; 24, vena plantaris
interna; 25,26, the horny part of the hoof;
25, the superior part ; 26, the sole, or inferior
part, going under the coffin-bone ; 27, a sub-
stance resembling the villous surface of a
mushroom arising from the coffin-bone, re-
ceived by the like arising from the hoof, which
it mutually embraces.

hi Left Upper Limb. — c, Part of the biceps
which sends an expansion over the bending
muscles lying upon the cubit ; d ef, the expan-
sion marked m noo p F q rs s t, on the left
upper limb in the;j/«/t; ; g g, the fascia marked
a Kb c deegh, on the left upper limb in the
plate ; h, the tendon of the muscle, which is
analogous to the extending muscles of the
thumb, marked g, on the right upper limb, in
the plate; iik I m, the ligament marked 16 h h
yy u, on the left upper limb in the plate : the
articular ligament appears under this : from
k to /, this ligament communicates with the
fascia (Ze/; h o, a ligament arising at 7i and

APPENDIX.

515

inserted about o, like the ligament marked 1,2,
on the right upper limb in the plate ; p, the
ligament marked 3, on the right upper limb in
the plate. It is a continuation of the ligaments
marked 7io on the right, and 1,2 on the left
upper limb in the plate ; it is here something
thinner than the ligaments no and 1,2, but as
it descends down the limb, is soon insensibly
lost in a membrane (J, thetendon of theprofundis;
r, the tendon of the siiblimis ; s, a vein arising
from under the hoof, called vena plantaris in-
terna ; t, nervus plantaris internus ; w x, the
tendon of the extensor digitorum communis ;
w, the part which is sent off from the principal
tendon to be inserted into the superior and in-
ternal part of the great pastern ; x, the princi-
pal tendon inserted into the coffin-bone, but in
its way is attached to the coronary-bone on
its anterior and superior part ; y, a ligament
which arises from the interosseus, &c. and is
inserted into the tendon of the extensor digito-
rum communis, which it binds down ; z, the
interosscus, &c.:,--l, 2, the horny part of the
hoof; 1, the superior part ; 2, the sole or in-
ferior part, going under the coffin-bone ; 3, a
substance resembling the villous surface of a
mushroom, arising from the hoof, received by
the like arising from the coffin-bone, which it
mutually embraces.

Different Viscera or Internal Parts of the
Horse. — Fig. 1, in the subjoined ;j/a/e on the
intestinal parts, represents such of the abdo-
minal viscera, or contents of the belly, as ap-
pear immediately on the integuments being
removed ; and such of the thoracic viscera, or
contents of the chest, as become evident on
raising the sternum ; rtoaa a, the skin ; bbbb,
the integuments thrown back, consisting of
muscles, tendons, and peritoneum ; cccc, the
most extensive of the large intestines, called
the colon ; ddd, the ligamentous bands of the
colon, drawing it into folds ; e, one of the small
intestines ; //, the diaphragm, a large muscle,
dividing the chest from the abdomen ; gg-^-

the lungs ; h, the heart ; Hi, the pericardium,
a bag surrounding the heart, containing a quan-
tity of fluid ; it is here opened to show the
heart ; k k, the ribs ; / /, the sternum ; m, the
ensiform cartilage.

Fig. 2. represents the two cavities of the
chest and belly ; with such of their contents as
are immediately seen when the parts repre-
sented in the first ^g-?<re, as the heart, lungs,
and intestines, are removed. A, the stomach,
nearly in its natural situation : upon its sur-
face are seen its vessels. B B B, the lobes of
the liver. C, the omentum or caul, attached
to the stomach throughout its whole length,
covering the pancreas entirely, and in part
the spleen. At one part it is held back by a
pin, forced into the substance of the spleen, to
shew the renal gland. D, the spleen. E E.
the kidneys. F, part of the rectum. G G.
the ovaria. H, the uterus or womb. I, the
bladder distended with urine. K K, the dia-
phragm, or midriff, a large muscle dividing the
chest and belly ; a a a, the aorta descendens,
seen in both cavities ; b, vena cava descen-
dens ; it is not seen plainly in this view in the
chest, therefore is not distinguished ; c c, the
emulgent veins, emptying their blood into the
vena cava ; d d, the emulgent arteries, arising
from the aorta ; e e, the spermatic arteries and
veins, united by a cellular substance soon after
their origin, distributed to the ovaria ; //, the
ureters, arising from the kidneys, and inserted
into the sides of the bladder rather superiorly ;
<r g, the iliac vessels, being the bifurcations of
the aorta and vena cava ; h h, the cavity of the
pelvis ; i, part of the duodenum or first intes-
tine, with which the expellcnt orifice of the
stomach is united; k, the gall duct, seen
arising from the liver, and inserting itself
obliquely into the duodenum ; /, ligamentum
suspensorium, one of the ligaments attaching
the liver to the diaphragm ; m m, capsulae re-
nales. or renal glands, described in old anato-
mical books as deputy kidnevs ; receiving

516

APPENDIX.

vessels from the emulgent artery and vein ; 7171,
the oesophagus, or canal for the passage of the
food into the stomach ; 0, the ascending aorta ;
0 the ascending vena cava ; g, the division of
these vessels into branches, the principal of
which are rr, the subcostal arteries cut off,
furnishing with blood the fore legs : s s, sub-
costal veins cut oflF, returning the blood from
the fore legs; tttt t, iugular veins returning
the blood from the head ; ic u u u, carotid arte-
ries, carrying blood to the head ; v, a pipe,
supporting these last vessels, to render them
more distinct ; w w, the trachea or windpipe ;
the portion entering into the chest is removed;
X, the oesophagus or gullet, brought from its si-
tuation behind the trachea, and supported with
a knife ; yyyy, the integuments of the abdo-
men thrown back. See general treatise on the
Blood, page 269, and on the Abdomen, page
284, &c.

The plate exhibiting the Apparatus and Imple-
ments for Nic/dng, Docking, ^c. placed at page
249, is explained by reference to the figures as
follow : The operation of Nicking, fig. 1, shows
the manner in which the tail is held and
kept up by pulleys and weights, after nick-

ing ; a, the cushion to which the straps b
and d are fastened round the horse ; c ef,
the strap, by which the tail is held up ovei
the pad.

Fig. 2. The pad, in which abed, show the
side parts efg, the width and opening for
the tail ; ii, the two hind side straps ; k k, the
length of the middle one ; /, /, the fillets for
tying the tail down with.

Fig. 3. cd ef, show the manner in which the
pad is fixed on at the root of the tail.

Fig. 4. A proper instrument for removing the
tail, in the operation of docking.

Fig. 5, The form of the straps to be put round
about the legs for the hobbles, in casting
horses to be cut.

Fig. 6, The hobbles properly fixed on the
legs.

Fig. 7. The implements termed clams, em-
ployed in the above operation.

Fig. 8. The searing iron applied to the ends
of the cut vessels, after removing the parts.

Fig. 9. The form of the _^n?jg- iron.

Figs. 10, 11, and 12, show the difierent
useful modes of drawing the lines in firing, in
different cases.

APPENDIX.

317

GAME LAWS

[2 fTm. IF. c. 32. blh Oct. 1831.]

1. Afler repealing several Acts as referred to in pages
173 to 483, the |ireseiit Act is declared to take effbct on the
1st ot' November next.

2. The word Game iiicUulcs Hares, P/ieasanti, Par-
tridges, Grouse, Heath and Moor Game, Black Game and
Uustards.

a. For killing; or taking any paine, or nsini^ any do"^,
gun, net, or other engine for killing' or taking any game on
a Sunday, or Christmas-day ; or lor killing or taking any
partridge between the first of February and the first ol
Seplendicr in any year ; or any pheasant between the first
of February and the first of October ; or any black giuiio
between the tenth of December in any year and the twen-
tieth of August in the succeeding year; or in the county
of Somerset or Devon, or in the New Forest in Southamp-
ton between the tenth of December and the first of Sep-
tember ; or any grouse between the tenth of December and
the twelfth of August ; or any bustard between the first of
March and the first of September ; on conviction before
two justices of the peace, a penally lor the first otl'ence not
exceeding 5/. and for the last, for every head of game, not
exceeding 1/. with costs; and for putting poison on any
ground, open or enclosed, where game usually resort, a
penalty not exceeding 10/.

4 If any person licensed to deal in game by this Act,
shall buy or sell, or knowingly have in his house, &c. any
game aller ten days from the respective days on which it shall
become unlawful to kill or take such game ; or if any per-
son, not being licensed to deal, shall buy or sell any game
nfter ten days from the time aforesaid, or shall knowingly
have in his house, &c. any game (except game kept in a
mew or breeding place) after Ibrly days from the time
aforesaid, he shall, on conviction before two justices, forfeit
for every head of game so bought or sold, or found in his
house, &c. not exceeding 1/.

5. Not to affect existing laws respecting game certifi-
cates.

6. Dispenses with qualifications, and allows every cer-
tificated person to kill game, subject to proceedings for
trespass.

7. The lessor or landlord may enter upon land occupied
under any lease or agreement made prior to the Act, or
authorize any other certificated person to enter upon such
laud to kill or take game thereon ; and no such occupier,
as aforesaid, may kill oj take the game on such laud, ex-
cept when such right has been expressly granted by such
lease or agreement, or a fine shall have been taken, or such
lease or agreement shall have been made for a term ex-
ceeding twenty-one years.

8 and 9. This Act not to affect any existing or future
agreements respecting game, or any rights of manor, Ibrest,
chase, or warren, nor any of his Majesty's forest rights, &c.

10. Not to extend the rights of any cattle-gate, or rights
of common; but the lord of the manor is to have the game
on the wastes.

11 and 12. The landlord having the game, may author-
ize certificated persons to kill it ; where the landlord, &c.
has a right to the gaine in exclusion ot the occupier, the

occupier shall be -able to a penalty not exceedii.g 21. t.nd
for every head of game, not exceeding 1/. lor killing it or
permitting others to kill it.

13 and 14. Lords of manors may appoint gamekeepers,
and may antliori/.e them to seize lor the use of such lords,
all such dogs, nets, or other engines for the killing or
taking game as shall he used within the limits of the said
manors by any uncertificated persons : and such lords
may depute any ])erson whatever, whether acting as a
gamekeeper to, or retained as the male servant of any per-
son or not, to be a gamekeeper for such manors, or for
such divisions of such manors, as such lords shall think fit,
and may authorize such person as gamekeeper to kill game
for his own use, or (or the use of any other person speci-
fied in such deputation, and may give all the powers of
ij-amekeeper ; ami no person so appointed, and not killing
any gume for the use of such lords, shall be deemed to be
the gamekeeper or male servant ol such lords.

15. Every person entitled to kill game upon any lands
in Wales of the clear amiual value of 500/. whereof he
shall be seized in fee, or as of frethold, or to which he
shall otherwise be beneficially entitled in his own right,
not within the bounds of any manor, or, being within the
same enfranchised or alienated tlicrefrom, may appoint
gamekeepers.

16. All appointments of gamekeepers to be registered
with the clerk of the peace.

17. Certificated persons may sell game to licensed deal-
ers; but no certificate with a less duty than 31. \3s. 6d.
shall authorize gamekeepers to sell, except with the autho-
rity of their masters.

18. Justices to hold a special session yearly for granting
licenses to any person being a householder, or a keeper of
a shop or stall and not being an innkeeper or victualler, or
licensed to sell beer by retail, nor being the owner or
guard or driver of any mail coach or other vehicle eni-
ploved in the conveyance of the mails of letters, or of any
stage-coach, stage-waggon, van, or other public convey-
ance, nor being a carrier or higgler, nor being in the em-
plo\ment of any of the abovemenlioned persons, a license
Id buy game at any (ilace from any person who may law-
fully seil game by virtue of this Act, and also to sell the
sanie at one house, shop, or stall only kept by him ; pro-
vided that every person while so licensed to deal in game.
shall allix to some part of the outside of the front of hi«
house, &c. a board with his christian and surname in
le-jible characters, with the words licensed to deal in same ,
and every such license granted in the present year shah
contimie in force until the fifteenth of July, 1832, and in
tny succeeding year for one year.

19. Persons licensed to deal in game must take out a
I certificate, with a duty of 2/. (which shall be In force lor the

same period as the license) under a penally of 20/.

20. Collectors to make out a list of persons licensed to
deal in game; and shall at all reasonable hours prodnc-e
such list to any person, on making verbal application fur
inspection, for 1.?.

21. Only one license to partners.

6 P

518

APPENDIX.

22. On commission of ijiy offence against the Act,
license to be void.

23. Penalty for killing game without a certificate, not
exceeding 5/. but to be cumulative.

24. Penalty for destroying or taking the eggs of tiie
grouse, swan, wild duck, teal, or widgeon, for every egg, 5.5.

25 and 26. Penalty for selling game without license,
and on certificated persons selling to unlicensed persons,
for every head of game, not exceeding 2t.

27. Penalty on unlicensed persons buying game, except
from licensed dealers, for every head of game, not ex-
ceeding bl.

28. Penalty on licensed dealers buying game from uncer-
tificated or unlicensed persons, not exceeding 10/.

29. Buying and selling game by any person employed
on behalf ol any licensed dealer and acting in his usual
course of business upon the premises, shall be deemed to
be lawful, and any licensed dealer may sell any game which
shall have been sent to him to be sold on account of any
other licensed dealer.

30. If any person shall trespass in the day-time upon
any land in search of game or woodcocks, snipes, quails,
landrails, or conies, he shall, on conviction before a justice,
forfeit not exceeding 21.; and if any persons to the number
of five or more together shall commit any trespass, by
entering in the day-time upon any land in search of game,
&c. each shall forfeit nut exceeding bL ; and in defence, any
matter may be proved which would have been a defence to
an action at law at such trespass, and where the occupier
of the land, not being entitled to the game, allows any per-
son to kill it, the party entitled to the game may enforce
the penalty.

31. Trespassers in search of game, &c. may be required
by the party entitled to the game, or by any ganiekeepercr
servant, or any person authorized, to tell their names and
abodes; and in case of relusal, or giving illusory descrip-
tions, or of continuing and returning on the land, may be
apprehended by the party aforesaid, or any person acting
in his aid, and conveyed beibre a justice : penalty not ex-
ceeding 5/.

32. Penalty on five or more persons found armed using
violence, &c. to prevent being required to leave the land,
not exceeding bl.

33 and 34. Penalty for trespass in day-time, i. c. be-
tween sun-rise and sun-set, in his Majesty's forests, not
exceeding bl.

35. The provisions as to trespassers not to a])ply to per-
sons hunting, having right of free chase; nor lords of
manors and their gamekeepers.

36. When any person shall be found cither by day or by
night upon any land in search of game, and shall have in
his possession any game appearing to have been recently
killed, any person having the right of killing game upon

such land, or any gamekeeper, or servant, or any person
acting in aid of him, may demand of the person so found,
such game in his possession, and in case such person shall
not immediately deliver up such game, may seize and take
the same from him, for the use of the person entitled to the
game upon such land.

37. Penalties for offences against this Act, to be given to
the parish to be applied to the county rate.

38. Time for payment of penalties and of imprisonment
for non-payment in the discretion of the justices; two
months only under the sum of 'i/. ; three months only for
above 5/.

39. If any person summoned by a justice shall neglect
to appear at the time and place appointed, and no reason-
able cause for his absence shall be proved, or on appearing
shall refuse to be examined on oath, touching any offence
by the justices, he shall forfeit not exceeding bl.

40. Prosecution for offences to commence within threo
calendar months, and the parties charged or summoned not
appearing, or are likely to abscond, justice may issue his
warrant for the apprehending the party before him.

41. Prosecutor not required to prove a negative, but the
party seeking to avail himself of any certificate, license,
consent, or authority, shall be bound to prove the same.

42. Any person aggrieved may appeal to the quarter-
sessions of the peace to be holden not less than twelve days
after the conviction, for the county, riding, division, liberty,
franchise, city, or town wherein the cause of complaint
shall have arisen, but a notice in writing of the cause of
such appeal, within three days after such conviction, and
seven clear days, at the least, before such sessions, is to be
given, and the party either to remain in custody until the
sessions, or within such three days enter into a recogni-
zance, with a sufficient surety, beibre a justice, to appear at
the said sessions, and to try such appeal, and to abide the
judijment of the court, and to pay costs ; and after such
notice and recognizance, the justice shall liberate such per-
son, if in custody; and the sessions shall determine the
ajjpeal, and make such order therein as to them shall seem
meet, and order the defendant to be dealt with according
to the conviction, and to pay costs, and, if necessary, issue
process for enforcing such judgment.

44. This Act not to preclude actions for trespass but no
double proceedings for the same trespass can be had.

45. Actions and prosecutions for any thing done in pur-
suance of this Act shall be commenced within six calendar
months, and notice in writing of the cause of such action
shall be given to the defendant one calendar month at least
before the action, and no plaintiff shall recover if tender of
sufficient amenils be made, or if a sufficient sum of monev
be paid into court by the defendant.

46. This Act not to extend to Scotland or Ireland.

INDEX.

HORSJX

» » » — ^-

\8SCESSES, 2.T5 — 244.

4.biloiiieii, the, 284.

Occidents, prccautiuns for, 355.

Achievements of the horse, 363 — 370.

;£scu1aplus, 3(W.

Age of a horse, how to discover the, 2)7.

Agnes, 364.

Alcohol, 366.

Algernon, 363.

Alligator, the, 23.

Alonzo, 365.

Allisidora, 369.

Amadis de Gaul, 364.

Ambling, 65, 303.

Anticor,tlie. 231.

Antimonials, 262—269.

Apoplexy, the, 169,

Arabian breed, 20.

Assafoelida, tincture of, 359

B

Babraham, 29, 362
Bacchante, 363.
Bagatelle, .365.
Barbary breed, 20.
Bay colour, 297.
Beddick, 164.
Benedict. .363.
Benvolio, 363.

Benzoin, tinctuie of, 339.
Biscuit, 164.
Bites, venomous, 356.
Black colour, 298.

Diamond, 365.

Jack, 367.

Bleeding, 221.

, when impro])er, 229.

, when proper, 228.

Blindness, 19.
Blood, on the, 269.

Horse, 9.

• Spavin, the, 80.

Bluchcr, 370.
Body, 12.

Bone-spavin, the, 78.
Bones, 278.
Bourdeaux, 364.
Bramble, 365.
Breast, (Sec Swelling.)
Breed, Arabian, 20.

•, Barbary, j6.

, Danish, ih.

, English, ih.

, German, ih.

, Hanoverian, 21.

•, Persian, ih

, Spanish, ih.

, Turkish, ih.

Breeding, 24.
Ikccds, dilVcreiit, 20.
Bridle, the, 136, 311

Briscio, 36S.
Broken knees, 86
Bulrush, 365.
Burleigh, ih.
Bustler, ih.

Camcleopard, 363

Candidate, 365.

Cainion-ball, 388.

Canter, the, 306

Captain, 365.

Cardinal York, 368.

Catherine, 364.

Catton, 363.

Cecilia, 365.

Charmer, ih.

Chase, the, training for, IW.

Chcsnut colour, (Sec Colocr.

Cincinnatus, 362.

Cleveland, 365.

Coflin-joint, the, 80.

Clysters, 112,194.

Colic, 109, 358.

Colour, bay, 297.

. -, black, 298.

, brown. I'J.

, cliesmit, ih,

_ , croani, 300.

, dapple grey, 509.

, dan, or lead, tf .

INDEX.

Colour, nutmeg grey, 299.

, sorrel, 298.

, while, 299.

Colours, difl'erent, 297.

Colt, the, 32.

Colt-breaking, 61

Consumption, the, 25S.

Convulsions, the, 357.

Cossack, 363.

Coughs, 140. 259.

Cream colour, (See Colour.)

Crib-biting, 99.

Critic, 362.

Croup fo the wall, 319.

Crown-prince, 364.

Curbs, the, 80.

Cwrw, 363.

Daffy's Elixir, 359.

Danish breed, 20.

Dapple-grey colour, 299.

Deceiver, 365.

Diabolus, 363.

Diarrhoea, 116.

Dick Andrews, 363.

Discount, 365.

Diseases, 44, 47, 73, 82, 89, 1 17, 122, 148,

151, 179, 205, 215, 231, 233, 235, 245,

246, 252, 255, 259.
Distemper, 104.
Docility ot the horse, 360.
Docking, 251.
Don Carlioso, .364.

Carlos, 363.

Julian, 364.

Drink, proper, 144, 148, 200.
Drouthy Kate, 364.
Dulcinea, 363.
Dun colouj-, 299.
Dungannon, 362.

Eclipse, 26, 362.
English breed, 20.
Engraver, 363
Epicure, 364.
Epilepsy, 177.

Everlasting, 369.
Euphorbium. 360.
Euryalus, 36 <.
Exercise, 13S,
Eye, the, 16.
— diseases of, 205

F

Fairville, 363.
Fallow colour, 29a.
Farcy, 151.
Farriery, art of, 7.
Feet, diseases of, 44.

, fever in the, 47.

Fever drink, 357.

Fevers, 47, 142, 154, 357.

Fireaway, 362.

Fitz-Oliver, 364.

Flora, 362.

Food,proper, 128— 141, 193,200.

Foot, the, 13.

Friars' balsam, 358.

Frog, 14.

I'Ugitive, 364.

FiUford, 370.

Gall, 288.

Gallop, the, 69, 307.
Geranium, 363.
German breed, 21.
Glanders, the, 157—169.
Gohanna, 363.
Goldfinch, 362.
Grease, the, 50,

, molten, 135.

GrejTiiarquis, 366.
Gripes, (See Colic.)
Gundy, 3f5.

H

Hambletonian, .1(i3.
Handel, 365.
Hanoverian breed. ?!.
Haphazard, 363.
Harmless, 368.
Head, the, 10.
to tlie wall, 317.

Heart, the, 215.
Heels, opening the, 38.
Heliantha, 363.
Hephestion, 362.
Hermit, 364.
Highflyer, 26.
Hocuspocus, 363.
Hoof, 14, 36.

contracted. 45.

Horse, on the, 7.

■ sitting on a, 331.

Horsemanship, 300.
Hydaspes, 365.
Hylos, ih.

Idleboy, 365.

Illumination, ib.

I'm sure he shan't, 364,

Inflammation i''f *hp inn^s. lixt.

Invalid, 365.

Jacinth, 362.
Jaundice, tlie, 246.
Jaw, locked, 89.
Johnny, 362.
Juby, 335.

K

Kid, 364.

Kidney, the, 289.

Kidnies, diseases of the, 117.

King Coil, 369.

Knees, broken, 86.

Knight Eirant, 369.

Lama, 365
Lameness, 75.

in the coflTin joint, 3J.

-. in (he ligaments, 78.

in the shoulder, Si.

in Uie stifle, ib.

in the whirlbouc, tit.

Langold, 364.
Langton, ib.

INDEX.

Latoiia. ■'{(><'>.

Lcapinj;;, V!47.

Legacy, UGH.

Legordcniaiii, 3(»4.

l,i-MilUT, ib.

Litlli; I'rcstoii, 3C6.

LiTcr, llif, -248.

Lookcil-j;iw, 8!y.

Lop, 362.

[iiiiiii, 3U3.

Lungs, diseases of the S9 ! IJ.

. iiinainmalioii oftlio, 100.

Lurcher, 362.

M

Macaroni, 363.
HI,-iml)i iiio, 362.
Atainouuc, 363.
MaPfc, 111". 14.9.
Manuella, 364.
Marciaiia, 363.
Marksman, ib.
Marlborough, S62.
Mask, 29, 302.
Master Bctly, 36.5.

Robert, 36!>

Matter, animal, 293.

Mermaiil, 300.

Merryfleld, 363.

Me.vico, ib.

Miss Cannon, 368.

Molineux, 363.

Molten grtasc, l3iK

Moon bbndness, 19.

Mule, 34.

Myrrh, tincture of, 359

N

Navigator. 364.
Neck, the, II.
Ned, 3G5.
Newcastle, 369.
Nicking, 249.
Nerval, 365.
Nut-cracker 362,
Nutnic^tiroy colour. 299

O

Oatlands. 3G2.
Oliver, 366.

Opening of Ihc bco.'<, 3*
0|)inni, 36U
Opodeldoc. 3.vi
Oriatia, 36-1.
Olfeiinglon, SOil.

Pagoda, .'}o,>.
PaLsy, Ihc, 176.
Partisan, 370.
Passaging, 317.
Pedestrian, 365.
Pelisse, ib.
Penelope, 363.
Pericles, 366.
Persian breed, 21.
Pliantom, 363.
Phenomenon, 368.
Piaffing, 324.
Pigeon, 363.
Pleurisy, the, 102.
Plonghboy, 369.
Postmaster. 362.
Poulton. 198.
Precipitate. 366.
Prime Minister. 36Vi.
Prior. 365

Query, 304
Quiz, 363.

K

Kambler, 365.
Ranger, 363.
liaspborry, 364.
Kavcdinc, ih.

Hearing, 31.'>.
Hegnhis, 29.

Ill spiratio:;. disensed. 9S.
Kluiharb, tincture of. 'Vj7.
Khcnniatism, 177.
Piiding, 331.
Kingbonc, the, 77.
Roaring, 08.
Romeo, 366.
Rossinglon, 369.
Rover, 363.
Roundbone, 81.
Uuptnre, the, 23o.

Saddle, 136.

Sagacity of the horse, 381.

Salamanca, 363.

Sancho, ib.

Sandcrack, the. 48 .

Scamp, 363.

Senna, tincture of. 3iW.

Sharke, 362.

Shepherd's boy, 363,

Shoeing, 36.

Shoes, various forms of, 4'S.

Shoulders, H, 81.

Silslon, 363.

Sir Edwird, ?ei.

Sir Hedworth, 36-1.

Sir Peter Teazle, 36n.

Sitting on ahorse, 33i

Skin, diseases of the, \in.

Skip, 364.

SUgo, ii.

Smasher, 368,

Sn;ip, 302.

Sole, pupiioJ, 47,

Sorrel, 364

Sorrel colour, 398.

Spadille, 303.

Spanish breed, 21

5-"prains, 368.

Sprightly, 363.

Stable, the, 62, 201.

Staggers, the, 57, 16»

Stallion, choice cf a. 'Hi.

Still-joint, 77.

6q

INDEX

Stiimi-s, 339.

Stomach, diseases of the, 122.

Straujiles, tlie, 73.

Stringkalt, the. 81.

Surve3'or, 364.

Suwarrow, 366.

Swelling of tlie breast, 231

Swiftsuie, 368.

Teeth, the, 218.
Thorough-pin, the, 79.
Tincture of Assafoetida, 359.

Benzoin, ib.

M^Trh, ib.

■ Rhubaib, ib.

Senna, ib.

'ioiith-ache, 355.

Tot, 365.

Totteridge, Z&i.

Tragan, 364.

Training for the e^.&se. \bi.

Tramp; 364

I Trot, the, 85, 305,328, 334.
I Trump, 365
' Truth,*.
Turkish breed; 21.

V and U

Vanity, 365.

Viscount, 363—364.

Vives, 245.

Vulpecula, 365,

Ulcers, 86.

" Useful Cub," a Lincolnshire horse, 28,

W

Walk, Uie, 301.
Weaver, 365.
Wens, 252.
Whalebone, 370.
Whirlbone, 81.
Whisker, 37C.

White colour, 2^9.

nose, 368.

William. 36&.
Windle, 368.
Windgalls, 80
Wisdom, 364.
Woodman, 36S.
Woodville, 365.
Worms, 179.
Wounds, 82, 92, 366.

X Y Z, 36.3.

Yellow Blossom, 363.

York, 360.

Young Delpini, 3&b.

ZIgizag, 388.

lADEX

DOGS.

Aiiecdoks, 490—500.
Altaclimriit of the Dog:, 'i'-H-

B.-.^; -foxes, 385.

Bacrels, biirsliDj; of, 421.

niooilhoiiiid, 37S.

Breaking dogs, (So« Does.)

Bull-dog, 374.

Bursting of barrels, (See Bakkels.)

C

Cato, 497.
Certificate, 476,
Chase, 479.
Condition, 472.
Cooking of game, 424.
Cramp, 469.

D

Dalmatian, 377.

Docoy for wild fowl, 403.

Diseases, 431, 439, 466, 471.

Distemper, 439.

Docility of the dog, 489.

Dog, 371.

, attachment of the, 491.

, fidelity of the, 490.

, sagacity ol the, 490 — 500.

Dogs, breaking of, 39(5.

, diseases of, (See Diseases.)

, dntv on. 484.

•— — , feeding, 42«.

Eye, diseases of the, 46fl.

Feeding of dogs, 428.
Feet, sore, 466.
Fidelity of the dog, 490.
I'ood, 372, (See Feeding.)
Foxhound, 379.
Foxes, 385.

Game, cooking of, 424.

laws, summary of, 47.3.

, seasons for destroying, 479.

, trafficking in, 480.

Gamekeeper. 475.
Giddiness in Uio lieaa. 47a
Gravel, io.
Greenland dosr. 376.
Greyhound, 391.
Grouse-shooting, 428.
Gun, 417.
Gunpowder, 420.

ir

Habits, 372.

Hare-hunting, 387

Hares, laws to prevent the Improper de

struction of, 481.
Hound, (See FoxHouND, Greyhound

and Stag HOUND.)
Hydrophobia, 431.

Kennel, the, 423.

Law-cases, 501 — 508.
Laws, 473.

■ , particular, to prcNent «lie destroc-

tion of hares, 481.

relative to dogs, 483.

pigeons, 481.

rabbits, lb.

M

Madness, dimib, 433.

, falling, lA.

, hot-burning, 432,

■, lank, 433.

, rheumatic, ib.

.running, 432.

, sleeping, 433.

MaslifT, 374.

Palsy, 469.

Partridge-shooting, 410.
Pheasant-shooting, 412.
Pigeons, laws relating to, 481.
Piles, 468.
Poachers, 484.
Pointer, 399.
Property, legal, 478.
Pupping, 470.

Qualification, 473.

, cxceptioni to the gtueinl

rule of 474.

INDEX

(ph—

R

Rabbit-shooticg', 489.
Rabbits, laws relating to, 481.
Rickets, 471.

S

Sagacity of the dog, 490.

St. Vitus's dance, 469.

Seasons for hunting, 479.

Setter, the, 400.

Shepherd's dog, 373.

Shooting, (See Grouse, Partridge,

Pheasant, Rabbit, Snipe, Wild

Duck, and Woodcock.)
Snipe-shooting, 415.
Spaniel, cock, or springing, 401.
, water, 402.

Spanish pointer, 399.
Spasm, 469.
Sprains, 468.
Springer, the, 401.
Stag-hound, 3T*
Stone, the, 470.

Teeth, 372.
Training dogs, 396.
Trenck, 497.
Trespass, 477.
Two legs, 500.

Vermin, 485.
Vertigo, 470.

Warren, free, 479.
Water-boots, 423.
Water-d,.g, 405.
Wild dog, 373.

duck shooting, 41.'j

fowl, 403.

Wolf-dog, 375.
Woodcock-shooting, 414.
Worming, 410.
Wounds, 405.

, common, ib.

, fistulous, 460.

, through bites, 483.

shot, ib.

•- stakes, 4S6.

thorns or splinters. 4*

DIRECTIONS to the BINDER for placing the PLATES.

Benedict — to face the Fignetie Title-page as a Frontispiece.
Blood or race-breed, and hunting-horse .... 9

Eyes of the horse 17

Dungannon, got by Eclipse 26

Baronet 66

Diseases of the horse's legs 77

Sharke, got by Mask 128

Nicking and docking apparatus . . . . 249

Goldfinch, by Lop, a celebrated hunter .... 360

Flora, a hunting mare 363

Dogs 371

Skeleton, or bony structure of the horse .... 505
Muscles, or moving powers ditto ..... 506
Viscera, or internal parts ditto 515

Place the following Plates to follow page 370.
Lottery, the famous steeple-chase horse.
Old English hunter, the property of Sir Watkin Wynn.
Prize mare at Northampton Agricultural Society of Eng-
i land, 1847.
Stallion, gained the first prize, Northampton, 1847.
Cossack, winner of the Derby, 1847.
Sultan, the celebrated stallion.
Alice Hawthorn.
Imaum, celebrated Arabian, the property of J. F. Herring,

Esq., 1848.
Surplice, the winner of the Derby Stakes, 1B4S.
Inheritress, 1849.
Polly, a celebrated trotting pony.

A

llWi'i'rimMi

r

fill

if i
'"ill,.,

i

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