METHODS OF SCORING AT WHIST.

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WHISTLE, _v._ To form a kind of musical sound by an inarticulate

modulation of the breath; to make a sound with a small wind

instrument; to sound shrill.

WHISTLE, _s._ Sound made by the modulation of the breath in the

mouth; a sound made by a small wind instrument; a small wind

instrument; the noise of birds; a call, such as sportsmen use to

their dogs.

WHISTLER, _s._ One who whistles.

WHITE, _s._ Whiteness, anything white; white colour; the mark at

which an arrow is shot; the albuminous part of eggs; the white

part of the eye.

WHITE TROUT, _s._ The sea trout.

The whole body is of an elegant form; the lateral line is straight; the

colour between that and the top of the back, dusky and silvery

intermixed; beneath the line, of an exquisite silvery whiteness; the

first dorsal fin is spotted with black, and much forked; they seldom

exceed a foot in length; when dressed, their flesh is red, and of most

delicious flavour.

Their haunts are in rough stony streams, and at the sides and tails of

them, where it is gravelly, and are sometimes to be met with in smooth

gliding currents; they are to be taken with the black and green hackles

(described among the standard flies) and afford great sport when hooked;

they are so strong that some of them will spring with the line a yard

out of the water, and that several times before they can be

landed.—_Daniel._

WHITING, _s._ A small sea fish; a soft chalk.

WHITLOW, _s._ A swelling between the cuticle and cutis, called the

mild whitlow: or between the periosteum and the bone, called the

malignant whitlow.

WHOOP, _s._ A shout of pursuit; a bird.

WHOOP, _v._ To shout insultingly; to shout in the chace.

WIGEON, WHEWN, WHIRN, or PANDLED WHEW (_Anas Penelope_, LINN.; _Le

Canard Siffleur_, BUFF.) _s._ A waterfowl not unlike a wild

duck, but not so large.

[Illustration]

This is nearly of the same size as the gadwall, weighing generally about

twenty-three ounces, and measuring nearly twenty inches in length, and

two feet three in breadth.

The bill is an inch and a half long, narrow, and serrated on the inner

edges; the upper mandible is of a dark lead-colour, tipped with black.

The crown of the head, which is very high and narrow, is of a

cream-colour, with a small spot of the same under each eye; the rest of

the head, the neck, and the breast, are bright rufous chestnut,

obscurely freckled on the head with black spots, and darkest on the chin

and throat, which are tinged with a vinous colour; a band, composed of

beautifully waved, or indented narrow ash-brown and white lines,

separates the breast and neck; the back and scapulars are marked with

similar feathers, as are also the sides of the body under the wings,

even as low as the thighs, but there they are paler; the belly to the

vent is white; the ridge of the wing, and adjoining coverts, are dusky

ash-brown; the greater coverts brown, edged with white, (in some

specimens wholly white,) and tipped with black, which forms an upper

border to the changeable green beauty-spots of the wings, which is also

bordered on the under side by another stripe formed by the deep velvet

black tips of the secondary quills; the exterior webs of the adjoining

quills are white, and those next the back, which are very long, are of a

deep brown, (in some specimens a deep black) edged with yellowish white;

the greater quills are brown; the vent and upper tail-coverts black.

Wigeons commonly fly in small flocks during the night, and may be known

from others by their whistling note while they are on the wing. They are

easily domesticated in places where there is plenty of water, and are

much admired for their beauty, sprightly look, and busy frolicsome

manners.

The tail, which consists of fourteen feathers, is of a hoary brownish

ash, edged with yellowish white; the two middle ones are sharp-pointed,

darker and longer than the rest. The legs and toes are of a dirty lead

colour, faintly tinged with green; the middle of the webs and nails

black. The female is brown, the middle of the feathers deepest; the fore

part of the neck and breast paler; scapulars dark brown, with paler

edges; wings and belly as in the male. The young of both sexes are grey,

and continue in that plain garb till the month of February, after which

a change takes place, and the plumage of the male begins to assume its

rich colourings, in which it is said he continues till the end of July,

and then again the feathers become dark and grey, so that he is hardly

to be distinguished from the female.

These birds quit the desert morasses of the north on the approach of

winter, and as they advance towards the end of their destined southern

journey, they spread themselves along the shores and over the marshes

and lakes in various parts of the continent, as well as those of the

British isles, and it is said that some of the flocks advance as far

south as Egypt. They remain in these parts during the winter, at the end

of which the old birds pair, and the whole tribe in full plumage take

their departure northward about the end of March. While they remain with

us, they frequent the same places, and feed in the same mode as the

mallard, and are often taken in the decoys along with them and other

kinds of ducks.—_Bewick._

WILD, _a._ Not tame, not domestic; propagated by nature, not

cultivated; desert, uninhabited; tempestuous; inconstant,

fickle; uncouth, strange; done or made without any consistent

order or plan; merely imaginary.

WILD, _s._ A desert, a tract uncultivated and uninhabited.

WILD DOG, _s._ An untrained dog; a dog run wild.

In December, 1784, a dog was left by a smuggling vessel near Boomer, on

the coast of Northumberland. Finding himself deserted, he began to worry

sheep, and did so much damage that he was the terror of the country,

within the circuit of above twenty miles. It is asserted that when he

caught a sheep, he bit a hole in the right side, and after eating the

fat about the kidneys, left it. Several of them thus lacerated were

found alive by the shepherds, and being properly taken care of some of

them recovered and afterwards had lambs. From this delicacy of his

feeding, the destruction may in some measure be conceived, as the fat of

one sheep in a day would scarcely satisfy his hunger. Various were the

means used to destroy him; frequently was he pursued with hounds,

greyhounds, &c., but when the dogs came up to him he laid down on his

back, as if supplicating for mercy, and in that position they never hurt

him; he therefore laid quietly, taking his rest till the hunters

approached, when he made off without being followed by the hounds, till

they were again excited to the pursuit, which always terminated

unsuccessfully. He was one day pursued from Howick to upwards of thirty

miles’ distance, but returned thither and killed sheep the same evening.

His constant residence was upon a rock on the Heugh Hill, near Howick,

where he had a view of four roads that approached it, and there, in

March 1785, after many fruitless attempts, he was at last shot.

* * * * *

Another wild dog, which had committed devastation among the sheep, near

Wooler, in the same county (Northumberland) was on the 6th of June,

1799, advertised to be hunted on the Wednesday following by three packs

of hounds, which were to meet at different places; the aid of men and

firearms was also requested, with a reward promised of twenty guineas to

the person killing him. This dog was described by those who had seen him

at a distance, as a large greyhound, with some white in his face, neck,

and one foreleg white, rather grey on the back, and the rest a jet

black; an immense concourse of people assembled at the time appointed,

but the chase was unprosperous; for he eluded his pursuers among the

Cheviot Hills, and what is singular returned that same night to the

place from whence he had been hunted in the morning, and worried an ewe

and her lamb. During the whole summer he continued to destroy sheep, but

changed his quarters, for he infested the fells, sixteen miles south of

Carlisle, where upwards of sixty sheep fell victims to his ferocity. In

September, hounds and fire-arms were again employed against him, and

after a run from Carrock Fell, which was computed to be thirty miles, he

was shot whilst the hounds were in pursuit, by Mr. Lewel of Wedlock, who

laid in ambush at Moss Dale. During the chase, which occupied six hours,

he frequently turned upon the headmost hounds, and wounded several so

badly as to disable them. Upon examination he appeared of Newfoundland

breed, of a common size, wire-haired, and extremely lean. This

description does not tally with the dogs so injurious to the farmers in

Northumberland, although from circumstances there is little doubt but it

was the same animal.—_Daniel._

WILDFIRE, _s._ A composition of inflammable materials, easy to take

fire, and hard to be extinguished.

WILD FOWL SHOOTING, _s._ To shoot water fowl.

During the time of long frosts, if going on the water or into the

marshes, after the wild fowl, does not suit the shooter’s convenience or

choice, by attending the brooks and small rivers that are only partially

frozen early of a morning, and following their course, he may frequently

find diversion, and be almost certain of meeting with wild ducks

searching both for food and fresh water; he will be also equally sure to

get shots, for they will not rise until he is close upon them. In

extreme severity of frost, with hard and permanent snow, the warm

springs which do not freeze are spots that then seldom fail, as the wild

ducks are confined to these places in order to procure the aquatic herbs

growing there, and which are almost the sole food that remains for them

at this inclement period.

In following wild fowl, it is easier to get within twenty yards of them

by going to leeward, than a hundred and fifty if directly to windward;

so very acute is their sense of smelling.

* * * * *

The coast between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is peculiar,

consisting, at ebb tide, of vast muddy flats, covered with green

sea-weed: it affords the fowler an opportunity of practising arts

perhaps not elsewhere resorted to. Fowling and fishing are indeed on

this coast commonly the employment of the same person. He who in summer

with his line or net, plies the shores, when they are overflowed by the

tide; in winter, with his gun, as evening draws on, runs up in his boat

among the little creeks, which the tide leaves in the mudlands, and lies

in patient expectation of his prey. Sea-fowl usually feed by night,

when, in all their multitudes, they come down to graze on the savannahs

of the shore. As the sonorous cloud advances, the attentive fowler

listens which way they bend their course:—perhaps he has the

mortification to hear them alight at too great a distance for his gun to

reach them; and if he cannot edge his boat round some winding creek,

which it is not always in his power to do, he despairs of success that

night: perhaps, however, he is more fortunate, and has the satisfaction

to hear the airy noise approach nearer, till at length the host settles

in some place upon the edge of which his boat is moored. He now, as

silently as possible, primes both his pieces anew, (for he is generally

doubly armed) and listens with all his attention: it is so dark that he

can take no aim; for if he could discern the birds, they would also see

him; and being exceedingly timorous, would seek some other pasture.

Though they march with noise, they feed in silence; some indistinct

noises, however, if the night be still, issue from so vast a concourse;

he directs his piece, therefore, towards the sound, fires at a venture,

and instantly catching up his other gun, discharges it where he supposes

the flock to rise on the wing. His gains for the night are now decided,

and he has only to gather his harvest. He immediately puts on his mud

pattens (flat square pieces of board, which the fowler ties to his feet,

that he may not sink in the ooze) ignorant yet of his success, and goes

groping about in the dark in quest of his booty, picking up sometimes

many, and perhaps none. And, after all, others frequently enjoy more

from his labours than himself: for the tide often throws, next day, on

different parts of the shore, many of the birds which he killed, but

could not find in the night.

This hazardous occupation once led a fowler into singular distress:—it

happened too in the day-time, which shows still more forcibly the risk

of such nocturnal expeditions. Mounted on his mud pattens, he was

traversing one of these oozy plains in search of ducks, and, being

intent only on his game, suddenly found the water, which had been

accelerated by some peculiar circumstance affecting the tide, had made

an alarming progress around him, and he found himself completely

encircled: in this desperate situation, an idea struck him, as the only

hope of safety. He retired to that part which seemed the highest, from

its being yet uncovered by water, and striking the barrel of his long

gun deep in the ooze, he resolved to hold fast by it, as well for a

support as a security against the waves, and to wait the ebbing of the

tide.—He had reason to believe that a common tide would not have flowed

above his middle; but, in the midst of his reasoning upon the subject,

the water had reached him:—it rippled over his feet—it gained his knees,

his waist:—button after button was swallowed up, until at length it

flowed over his shoulders! With a palpitating heart, he gave himself up

for lost! Still, however, he held fast by his anchor:—his eye was

eagerly in search for some boat, which might accidentally be passing,

but none appeared. A head upon the surface of the water, and that

sometimes covered by a wave, was no object to be descried from the land,

at the distance of half a league; nor could he exert any sounds of

distress that could be heard so far! While, as the exigence would allow,

he was thus making up his mind to the terrors of certain destruction,

his attention was called to a new object:—he thought he saw the

uppermost button of his coat begin to appear! No mariner floating on a

wreck could behold approaching succour with greater transport than he

felt at the transient view of his button; but the fluctuation of the

water was such, and the turn of the tide so slow, that it was yet some

time before he durst venture to assure himself that the button was

fairly above the level of the flood; at length, a second button

appearing at intervals, his sensations may rather be conceived than

described; and his joy gave him spirits and resolution to support his

situation four or five hours longer, until the water had fully

retired.—_Daniel_—_Gilpin._

WILD TURKEYS, _s._ Turkeys not domesticated.

One of the keepers in Richmond Park informs me that he has often heard

his father, who was also a keeper, mention that, in the reign of George

the Second, a large flock of wild turkeys, consisting of not less than

two thousand, was regularly kept up as part of the stock of the park. In

the autumn and winter they fed on acorns, of which they must have had an

abundant supply, since the park was then almost wooded with oak, with a

thick cover of furze; and although at present eleven miles in

circumference, it was formerly much larger, and connected with extensive

possessions of the Crown, some of which are now alienated. Stacks of

barley were also put in different places in the park for their support;

and some of the old turkey cocks are said to have weighed from

twenty-five to thirty pounds. They were hunted with dogs, and made to

take refuge in a tree, where they were frequently shot by George the

Second. I have not been able to learn how long they had been preserved

in the park before his reign, but they were totally destroyed towards

the latter end of it, in consequence of the dangers to which the keepers

were exposed in protecting them from poachers, with whom they had many

bloody fights, being frequently overpowered by them.

Though I have not been able, in any of the accounts which have been

given of Richmond Park, to find a notice of the stock of turkeys; there

can, I think, be no doubt of the fact, since the ancestors of the

present head and second keepers of the park had, for many generations,

been keepers in it, and have handed down to their present successors

many curious accounts of the fights which took place between them and

the poachers, in the preservation of the turkeys.

That turkeys would increase rapidly in the park if left to themselves,

there can be no doubt, as a stray hen turkey brought up a large brood,

which I saw, and which were quite wild. They kept in a part of the park

little frequented, and if disturbed would take a flight and settle in

trees: they were subsequently shot, and were in good condition. Had

these birds been suffered to remain, they would probably have increased

rapidly.

The only wild turkeys which I can at present hear of, are to be found in

the park of Sir Watkin Williams Wynne, at Wynnstay, where there is a

flock consisting of about five hundred. They were tried in Windsor Great

Park, but did not succeed there. A few bustards are still to be found

near Newmarket; but I believe they have quite deserted Salisbury

Plain.—_Jesse._

WILLOW, _s._ A tree.

WIND, _s._ A strong motion of the air; breath, power of respiration;

flatulence; windiness; _down the wind_, to decoy.

_Thick wind_ is a common consequence of either acute or chronic

inflammations. In some instances, it is the immediate consequence of

violent or long-continued exercise, particularly on a distended stomach

and bowels, or after full drinking; or it may be brought on by the

application of cold. It is often connected with a plethoric state, and

is therefore very common among gross feeders, and where the exercise is

not proportioned to the work; and more particularly in low-bred and

thickset horses. The remote causes are usually increased vascular

action; the proximate, the deposit occasioned by it, which blocks up the

air-cells, and thus interferes with the freedom of respiration. The

post-mortem examinations of such cases, exhibit, in some instances, a

slight hepatisation of lung, the consequence of repeated congestions in

plethoric habits; in others, the minute bronchial cells are filled with

adhesive matter, or the general parenchymatous substance may be pervaded

with minute granulations of a bluish colour.

The symptoms of thick wind are sufficiently known to any one at all

conversant with horses, and the rationale by which they are produced is

not difficult to explain. The capacity of the air cells being

diminished, renders it necessary for the air to be more frequently taken

in, because, being acted on by a less surface, the blood is not

sufficiently oxygenated; and a sufficient number of air cells not being

expanded, a sense of fulness in the right side of the heart induces the

animal to make hasty inspirations to remedy the defect, and consequently

hasty expirations: the force with which these are operated, occasions

the sound so well known as the distinguishing mark of thick wind. In

this affection, the obstruction to both being equal, the inspirations

and expirations are equal, which serves to distinguish it from broken

wind, in which there is no obstruction to the entrance; and therefore

the breath is drawn in with its usual facility, but is expelled with

difficulty. Thick wind is, however, very apt to degenerate into that

state termed broken wind; and the post-mortem appearances of such horses

as have been examined under thick wind would readily, by an increase of

the disorganisation, account for the symptoms of broken wind; but it

cannot be the hepatised lung that is changed into the emphysematous

state.

The treatment of thick wind can seldom be more than palliative, as, once

established, it remains permanent. In very recent cases, bleeding,

blistering the chest, or mildly stimulating the course of the trachea

and bronchia, by mercurial frictions, to promote the absorption of any

deposit, may be tried. These having failed, a preventive treatment

should be adopted, calculated to avoid any increase of the evil, as in

the treatment of broken wind. I have, now and then, witnessed benefit

from repeated doses of mild mercurial physic.

_Broken Wind._—The remote causes of broken wind are hereditary or

constitutional liability, as well as the remaining sufficiently long

under the action of causes capable of exciting morbid changes in the

respiratory organs themselves. A certain form of body is unquestionably

favourable to its production, and it is from this circumstance that it

proves hereditary. The narrow confined chest, and the pendent belly,

which mark low bred horses and gross feeders, all of whom are observed

to be peculiarly liable to it, are predisponents, by confining the

ordinate action of the lungs, and affording no reserve for the

inordinate. It must be this defect in form which makes it more common in

mares than horses; subjecting horses to a long-continued unhealthy

course of feeding on dry food, as chaff, bran, barley meal, &c., &c.,

brings it on; or working in mills, where much dust is necessarily

inhaled. It is seldom the immediate consequence of pneumonia, but

frequently it results from those states of disordered respiration which

succeed to it, as thick wind, chronic cough, &c. The proximate causes we

are as much in the dark about; we see that it gradually steals on a

horse, occupying months, and even years, in a slight occasional cough,

which ripening into a state of slightly impeded respiration on exertion,

at last ends in broken wind. We see it also follow one hard gallop, and

we can leave a horse well one day, and find him broken-winded the next.

The symptoms of this complaint are well marked; the cough and the mode

in which respiration is performed may be considered as pathognomonic.

The sound emitted by the cough is peculiar to this asthmatic state, and

is often forced out with a kind of grunt through the upper part of the

trachea, in a short but vibrating feeble tone compared with the usual

cough of sound winded horses. The respiration is conducted with a

remarkable difference between the inspirations and expirations.

Inspiration is effected quickly and with the ordinary ease, because, as

would be argued by those who favour the opinion that an emphysematous

state of lungs is the sole cause of this equine asthma, the air is

supposed readily to find its way into the cellular tissue of the

ruptured air-cells, where, becoming entangled, it occasions that

remarkable difference in the ease with which inspiration is effected and

the lengthened laborious effort of expiration, which, it may be

observed, is performed by two distinct efforts, in one of which the

usual muscles operate, and in the other the auxiliary muscles,

particularly the abdominal, which are put on the stretch to complete the

expulsion more perfectly; after which the flank falls with peculiar

force, when these muscles resume their relaxations. An auxiliary symptom

is the peculiar flatulence of every broken-winded horse, which is

strikingly characteristic of that disordered state of digestion so

common in these cases, and of that constant thirst also which is

invariably present.

The treatment of broken wind can seldom be more than palliative.

Whatever increases the distension of the vessels generally, as a state

of plethora, or of the stomach and bowels particularly, aggravates the

complaint by increasing the difficulty of expanding the lungs.

Therefore, avoid stimulants, and promote regular evacuations by the

bowels; abstain from over-distension of the lungs by too violent and too

sudden exertions, particularly after eating; for the food, although it

may be supposed to pass the stomach quickly, yet is retained longer in

the large intestines, which equally press on the diaphragm. By carefully

attending to these principal indications, a broken-winded horse may be

rendered comfortable to himself, and useful to his owner. The food

should be regularly given in moderate quantities only; but most

particularly it should be of such a nature as will contain much

nutriment in a small space: hence corn is more proper than hay, and,

above all, I have found a manger food composed of one part bran, one

part bruised beans, and two parts braised oats, agree particularly well,

given somewhat moistened, as indeed all the food given to a

broken-winded horse should be. On a sufficient quantity of this food a

horse will need but very little hay, and what he does have should be of

the oldest and best kind, and principally given at night as a condiment

to the corn. When they can be got, give also carrots, mangel wurzel,

Swedish turnips, parsneps, or cooked potatoes, which feeding will be

found to combine both medicine and nutriment, and render little water

necessary. Turning out to grass commonly aggravates the symptoms of

broken wind; but a daily run on a very short pasture is generally found

advantageous, and a neglect of moderate exercise aggravates the

complaint greatly; water should be sparingly given, particularly in the

working hours: at night, a moderate quantity may and should be allowed,

but on no account let the broken-winded horse drink his fill at a pond

or trough. Medicinally, it may not be improper to bleed when the

occasional symptoms run high; and benefit has been received from daily

doses of foxglove under these circumstances. I have also administered

antimony and nitre with advantage.

_Modes of distinguishing soundness and unsoundness of the Wind._—These

various affections of the wind are very important to the veterinarian,

nor can he be too well informed of the appearances that characterise

each distinctly; because, as their existence affects the legal soundness

of horses, so he will be very often forced to decide peremptorily on

very slight appearances. To detect thick wind it is generally necessary

that some time be spent with the horse; and it is often requisite that

he should be examined under various circumstances. Does he bear moderate

exercise, immediately after eating or drinking, without blowing high?

Does he cough in so doing, or is he observed to do it on every change of

position, or temperature; particularly after drinking? And does he when

in the stable, field, or when completely at rest, occasionally cough

short, hollow, and not followed by that firm effort we call clearing

afterwards? In such a case the horse has chronic cough; and as his

breathing is more or less accelerated beyond the ordinary standard, he

is more or less thick-winded also. Roaring may be immediately detected

by a brisk gallop; but the person who is to judge of its existence

should be on the ground, and the horse should pass him several times,

but without restraint; for I have seen horses whipped into a momentary

cessation of the roaring.

Broken wind can hardly be mistaken; the cough accompanying it conveys a

peculiar sound; it is short, vibrates within, and is combined with a

grunting effort, more particularly observable on any sudden motion or

surprise; to produce which, dealers hold up the horse’s head, and then

either strike, or pretend to strike, him suddenly, or kick him, which

usually elicits this peculiar grunting sound. The breathing is hurried

in the extreme by exertion, and is remarkable by being made up of three

efforts instead of two. In the first, the air is drawn in naturally, and

the flanks fill up as usual; but in the next, the falling of the flanks,

again to expel the air, is most unusual; for it is not done with a

gradual contraction of the muscles, but takes place at once by a

momentary effort; and then a third action takes place, which is a slow

but strong drawing up of the muscles of the belly, as though to press

out remaining air. Broken-winded horses are also observed to be

peculiarly greedy after water; and a little hurried motion distends the

nostrils, and produces evident distress.—_Blaine._

WINDGALL, _s._ Windgalls are soft, yielding, flatulent tumours or

bladders, full of corrupt jelly, which grow upon each side of

the fetlock joints, and are so painful in hot weather and hard

ways, that they make a horse to halt.

Windgalls consist of distended bursæ mucosæ, which have been described

as small bags or sacs filled with synovia; and interposed between

tendons and the parts upon which they move; but this is not the case.

Windgalls seldom occasion lameness, and rarely disappear even after

blistering and rest. Firing and long rest are the most likely means of

strengthening the parts. In cases where no inconvenience is felt from

them this severe operation is not advisable, but the legs may be kept

bandaged.—_White._

WINDGUN, _s._ A gun which discharges a bullet by means of wind

compressed; the air gun.

WING, _s._ The limb of a bird by which it flies; a fan to winnow;

flight, passage by the wing; the side bodies of an army; any

side piece.

The bastard wings (_alula spuria_, LINN.) are three or five quill-like

feathers, placed at a small joint rising at the middle part of the wing.

The lesser coverts of the wings, (_tetrices primæ_, LINN.) are small

feathers that lie in several rows on the bones of the wings. The under

coverts are those that line the inside of the wings.

The greater coverts, (_tetrices secundæ_, LINN.) are the feathers that

lie immediately over the quill feathers and the secondaries.

The primores or primary quills, (_primores_, LINN.) are the largest

feathers of the wings; they rise from the first bone.

The secondaries, or secondary quills (_secondariæ_, LINN.) are those

that rise from the second bone.

The tertials take their rise from the second bone, at the elbow joint,

forming a continuation of the secondaries, and seem to do the same with

the scapulars, which lie over them. These feathers are so long in some

of the scolopax and tringa genera, that when the bird is flying they

give it the appearance of having four wings.—_Montagu._

WING, _v._ To furnish with wings; to enable to fly; to maim a bird

by hitting the wing; to supply with side bodies.

WINGED, _a._ Furnished with wings; flying; swift, rapid; hurt in the

wing.

WIPE, _v._ To cleanse by rubbing with something soft; to take away

by tersion.

WIRE, _s._ Metal drawn into slender threads.

WISP, _s._ A small bundle, as of hay or straw.

WITHERS, _s._ Is the joining of the shoulder-bones at the bottom of

the neck and mane.

_Fistula of the Withers._—This disease comes by very severe bruises from

the fore part of the saddle, which being neglected and repeated from

time to time, produces at length an inflammation of the spinous

processes of the dorsal vertebræ. A deep-seated abscess is the

consequence, and the matter penetrates in different directions before it

arrives at the surface, where at length it causes a tumour, which is

very different from a common abscess, and requires always a considerable

time to be cured. To give vent to the matter is the first object, and

when that has been done, the extent of the injury must be ascertained.

When this cannot be done, and this is sometimes the case, the caustic

tents must be introduced, as I have described in the chapter on wounds

and bruises; and when the slough or core which this causes, has

separated, which will generally be in three or four days, the finger

should be introduced as well as a probe, and the direction of the

sinuses ascertained. A depending opening for the matter to run off

freely must always be obtained, by cutting open the part freely. If a

clean sore has been thus produced, or if it can be ascertained that

there are no more sinuses or pipes, the cure may be effected by mild

dressings, or tents of digestive ointment, tincture of myrrh, &c.; but

this is seldom the case, and repeated dressings with caustic tents are

generally necessary. As soon as the bottom of the sore is arrived at, it

will often be found that the tops of the spinous processes or the

ligament covering them have been injured, and the bare bone may be

distinctly felt with the probe. When this is the case the bare bone must

be scraped with a suitable instrument, and then dressed with tincture of

myrrh; after this the wound will readily heal by continuing to dress it

with tincture of myrrh or digestive ointment, according to the

directions given on wounds.—_White._

WITHERWRUNG, _s._ An injury caused by the bite of a horse, or by a

saddle being unfit, especially when the bows are too wide.

WOAD, _s._ A plant cultivated in England for the use of dyers, who

use it for laying the foundation of many colours.

WOLFDOG, _s._ A dog of a very large breed, kept to guard sheep; a

dog bred between a dog and a wolf.

WOODCOCK, (_Scolopax rusticola_, LINN.; _La Becasse_, BUFF.) _s._ A

bird of passage with a long bill.

The woodcock measures fourteen inches in length, and twenty-six in

breadth, and generally weighs about twelve ounces. The shape of the head

is remarkable, being rather triangular than round, with the eyes placed

near the top, and the ears very forward, nearly on a line with the

corners of the mouth. The upper mandible, which measures about three

inches, is furrowed nearly its whole length, and at the tip it projects

beyond, and hangs over the under one, ending in a kind of knob, which,

like those of others of the same genus, is susceptible of the finest

feeling, and calculated by that means, aided, perhaps by acute smell, to

find the small worms in the soft moist grounds from whence it extracts

them with its sharp-pointed tongue. With the bill it also turns over and

tosses the fallen leaves in search of the insects which shelter

underneath. The crown of the head is of an ash colour, the nape and the

back part of its neck black, marked with three bars of rusty red: a

black line extends from the corners of the mouth to the eyes, the orbits

of which are pale buff; the whole under parts are yellowish white,

numerously barred with dark waved lines. The tail consists of twelve

feathers, which, like the quills, are black, and indented across with

reddish spots on the edges; the tip is ash-coloured above, and of a

glossy white below. The legs are short, feathered to the knees, and, in

some, are of a bluish cast, in others, of a sallow flesh colour. The

upper parts of the plumage are so marbled, spotted, barred, streaked and

variegated, that to describe them with accuracy would be difficult and

tedious. The colours consisting of black, white, grey, ash, red, brown,

rufous, and yellow, are so disposed in rows, crossed, and broken at

intervals by lines and marks of different shapes, that the whole seems

to the eye, at a little distance, blended together and confused, which

makes the bird appear exactly like the withered stalks and leaves of

ferns, sticks, moss and grasses, which form the back ground of the

scenery by which it is sheltered in its moist and solitary retreats. The

sportsman only being accustomed to it, is enabled to discover it, and

his leading marks are his full dark eye, and glossy silver white-tipped

tail. In plumage the female differs very little from the male, and, like

most other birds, only by being less brilliant in her colours.

The flesh of the woodcock is held in very high estimation, and hence it

is eagerly sought after by the sportsman. It is hardly necessary to

notice, that in cooking it, the entrails are not drawn, but roasted

within the bird, from whence they drop out with the gravy, upon slices

of toasted bread, and are relished as a delicious kind of sauce.

The woodcock is migratory, and in different seasons is said to inhabit

every climate: it leaves the countries bordering upon the Baltic, in the

autumn and setting in of winter, on its route to this country. They do

not come in large flocks, but keep dropping in upon our shores singly,

or sometimes in pairs, from the beginning of October till December. They

must have the instinctive precaution of landing only in the night, or in

dark misty weather, for they are never seen to arrive, but are

frequently discovered the next morning in any ditch which affords

shelter, and particularly after the extraordinary fatigue occasioned by

the adverse gales which they often have to encounter in their aërial

voyage. They do not remain on the shores to take their rest longer than

a day, but commonly find themselves sufficiently recruited in that time

to proceed inland to the very same haunts which they left the preceding

season. In temperate weather they retire to the mossy moors and high

bleak mountainous parts of the country; but as soon as the frost sets

in, and the snow begins to fall, they return to lower and warmer

situations, where they meet with boggy grounds and springs, and little

oozing mossy rills which are rarely frozen, and seek the shelter of the

close bushes of holly, furze, and brakes, in the woody glens, or hollow

dells which are covered with underwood: there they remain concealed

during the day, and remove to different haunts and feed only in the

night. From the beginning of March to the end of that month, or

sometimes to the middle of April, they keep drawing towards the coasts,

and avail themselves of the first fair wind to return to their native

woods: should it happen to continue long to blow adversely, they are

thereby detained; and as their numbers increase, they are more easily

found and destroyed by the merciless sportsman.

The female makes her nest on the ground, generally at the root or stump

of a decayed tree; it is carelessly formed of a few dried fibres and

leaves, upon which she lays four or five eggs, larger than those of a

pigeon, of a rusty grey colour, blotched and marked with dusky spots.

The young leave the nest as soon as they are freed from the shell, but

the parent birds continue to attend and assist them until they can

provide for themselves. Buffon says they sometimes take a weak one under

their throat, and convey it more than a thousand paces.

Latham mentions three varieties of British woodcocks: in the first the

head is of a pale red, body white, and the wings brown; the second is of

a dun, or rather cream colour; and the third of a pure white. Dr.

Heysham, in his catalogue of Cumberland animals, mentions his having met

with one, the general colour of which was a fine pale ash, with frequent

bars of a very delicate rufous; tail brown, tipped with white; and the

bill and legs flesh colour. In addition to these, some other varieties

are taken notice of by the late Marmaduke Tunstall, Esq. of Wycliff, in

his interleaved books on ornithology.

Latham and Pennant assert that some woodcocks deviate from the course

which nature seems to have taught their species, by remaining throughout

the year and breeding in this country; and this assertion Mr. Tunstall

corroborates by such a number of well authenticated instances, that the

fact is unquestionable.

When the woodcock is pursued by the sportsman, its flight is very rapid

but short, as it drops behind the first suitable sheltering coppice with

great suddenness, and in order to elude discovery runs swiftly off, in

quest of some place where it may hide itself in greater security.

* * * * *

To describe the various methods which are practised by fowlers to catch

this bird would be tedious; but it may not be improper to notice those

most commonly in use, and against which it does not seem to be equally

on its guard as against the gun. It is easily caught in the nets, traps,

and springes, which are placed in its accustomed runs or paths, as its

suspicions are all lulled into security by the silence of the night; and

it will not fly or leap over any obstacles which are placed in its way,

while it is in quest of its food; therefore in those places barriers and

avenues formed of sticks, stones, &c., are constructed, so as to lure it

into the fatal openings where it is entrapped; in like manner, a low

fence made of the tops of broom stuck into the ground across the wet

furrow of a field, or a runner from a spring which is not frozen, is

sufficient to stay its progress, and to make it seek from side to side

for an opening through which it may pass, and there it seldom escapes

the noose that is set to secure it.

* * * * *

They leave the north with the first frost, and travel slowly south till

they come to their accustomed winter quarters, they do not usually make

a quick voyage, but fly from wood to wood, reposing and feeding on their

journey, they prefer for their haunts woods near marshes or morasses;

they hide themselves under thick bushes in the day, and fly abroad to

feed in the dusk of the evening. A laurel or a holly bush is a favourite

place for their repose, the thick and varnished leaves of these trees

prevent the radiation of heat from the soil, and they are less affected

by the refrigerating influence of a clear sky, so that they afford a

warm seat for the woodcock. Woodcocks usually begin to fly north on the

first approach of spring, and their flights are generally longer and

their rests fewer at this season than in autumn. In the autumn they are

driven from the north to the south by the want of food, and they stop

wherever they can find it. In the spring there is the influence of

another powerful instinct added to this, the sexual feeling. They

migrate in pairs, and pass as speedily as possible to the place where

they are likely to find food, and raise their young, and of which the

old birds have already had the experience of former years. Scarcely any

woodcocks winter in any part of Germany. In France there are few found,

particularly in the southern provinces, and in Normandy and Britany. The

woods of England, especially of the west and south, contain always a

certain quantity of woodcocks; but there are far more in the moist soil

and warmer climate of Ireland, but in the woods of southern Italy and

Greece, near marshes, they are far more abundant, and they extend in

quantities over the Greek islands, Asia Minor, and northern Africa.

* * * * *

Woodcocks have been known to settle upon a vessel at sea. Mr. Travers,

of Cornwall, records an instance, when at a distance from land unusual

for birds to be seen, a bird was discovered hovering over the ship, when

first discerned it was high in the air, but gradually descended, and

after taking several circuits round, at length alighted on the deck; it

was so wearied as to be taken up by the hand. Probably this bird had

lost its companions, or, by the force of winds, was driven from the true

aërial track. In 1799 a couple of woodcocks, seeking shelter from a gale

of wind, alighted upon the Glory man of war, at that time cruising in

the Channel.

* * * * *

In their flight the woodcock, like other birds, is attracted by a glare

of light, and many instances have occurred, at the Cromer and Eddystone

light-houses, of their falling victims to it; but in 1796, at the

light-house upon the Hill of Howth, the man who attends whilst trimming

his lamps was surprised by a violent stroke against the windows, which

broke a pane of plate-glass cast for the place, more than three-eighths

of an inch thick; on examining the balcony that surrounds the light he

found a woodcock, which had flown with such violence as to break his

bill, head, breast-bone, and both wings. The man had often found birds

which had killed themselves by flying against the windows, but never

before knew the glass to be injured.

* * * * *

Upon the Sussex coast woodcocks have been seen at their first dropping,

in considerable numbers in the church-yard, and even in the streets of

Rye, but during the night, the usual time of their flying, they removed

further inland, and dispersed. At their first coming on that coast, they

are commonly poor, as if wasted by their long journey; and are sometimes

scurfy, though not so much as before their return in the spring; and it

is remarkable, that when the woodcock first arrives, the taste of its

flesh is quite different from what it is afterwards. It is very white,

short, and tender, and seems to have little or no blood in it; but after

it has been in this country a considerable time, the flesh becomes more

tough, stringy, and fibrous, like that of domestic fowls. If a woodcock

is shot just before his departure, it bleeds plentifully, whereas, at

the beginning of winter, scarcely any blood flows from the wounds, by

this it seems that in those countries, where they have their summer

residence, they have a different nourishment to that they here find.

Probably the luxuriant and succulent food which they meet with among us,

prepares them for breeding in those countries where they retire with the

companions of their choice.

* * * * *

The woodcock feeds indiscriminately upon earth-worms, small beetles, and

various kinds of larvæ, and its stomach sometimes contains seeds, which

I suspect have been taken up in boring amongst the excrements of cattle;

yet the stomach of this bird has something of the gizzard character,

though not so much as that of the landrail, which I have found half

filled with the seeds of grasses, and even containing corn, mixed with

May-bugs, earth-worms, grasshoppers, and caterpillars.

* * * * *

The time of their appearance and disappearance in Sweden coincides

exactly with that of their arrival in, and return from, Great Britain.

Their autumnal and vernal appearances on the coast of Suffolk have been

accurately noticed, they come over sparingly in the first week in

October, the greater numbers not arriving until November and December,

and always after sun-set. It is the wind and not the moon, that

determines the time of their arrival, and it is probable that this

should be the case, as they come hither in quest of food, which fails

them in the places they leave; if the wind has favoured their flight,

their stay on the coast where they drop is very short, if any, but if

they had been forced to struggle with an adverse gale, such as a ship

can hardly make any way with, they rest a day or two to recover their

fatigue. So greatly has their strength been exhausted, that they have

been taken by hand in Southwold streets; they do not come gregariously,

but separate and dispersed.

* * * * *

In the same manner as woodcocks quit us, they retire from France,

Germany, and Italy, making the northern and cold situations their

universal summer rendezvous. They visit Burgundy the latter end of

October, but continue there only four or five weeks; it being a dry

country, they are forced away, for want of sustenance, by the first

frost. In the winter they are found in vast plenty as far south as

Smyrna and Aleppo; during the same season, in Barbary, where the

Africans call them the ass of the partridge. It has been asserted that

some have appeared as far south as Egypt, which is the remotest

migration to which they can be traced on that side the Eastern world; on

the other side they are very common in Japan. The woodcocks that resort

into the countries of the Levant, probably come from the deserts of

Siberia or Tartary, or the old mountains of Armenia.

* * * * *

In the neighbourhood of Athens, hares and other game are purchased for

little more than the value of powder and shot. In winter woodcocks

abound, descending, after snow on the mountains, into the plains; and

suddenly retiring if the weather continues severe, they enter the

gardens of the town in great distress, rather than cross the sea, and

are sometimes caught with the hand.

* * * * *

It has been the belief that the woodcock has two broods in the year,

because young ones have been found, just hatched, in the month of

August; but I think the cause of the supposition is this,—that as

woodcock shooting, at flight time, continues till late in the summer,

some of the males may have been shot, and a new pair may have been

formed later than usual. If in shooting you meet with a brood of

woodcocks, and the young ones cannot fly, the old bird takes the young

ones separately between her feet, and flies from the dogs with a moaning

cry.

* * * * *

The woodcock, as it is well known, is a bird of passage. It usually took

its departure from Sweden towards the end of October or beginning of

November, and did not return until the approach of spring. Mr. Grieff

says, he never knew the woodcock to make his appearance in the vicinity

of Stockholm until the 6th of April, which about tallies with the time

of their leaving our shores.

Woodcocks were exceedingly scarce in the vicinity of Stfirn, which was

also the case in all other parts of Scandinavia that I ever visited.

This may be supposed when I mention that I never killed more than three

in any one day during my stay in the north of Europe. Indeed I never saw

more than seven or eight of those birds in the course of a day’s

shooting, and very generally not one-fourth part so many. During the

woodcock’s periodical migrations, however, for during the winter not one

of them remains in Scandinavia, they are occasionally, as it is said, to

be met with in considerable numbers on the western coasts of Sweden and

Norway.

As it is from the countries of which I am now speaking our covers are

supposed to be supplied with woodcocks, it may seem extraordinary that

those birds should there be so scarce as I have just described, and so

plentiful in places with us. This, however, is easily explained, when we

consider, that on their breeding grounds, extending over the whole of

the north of Europe, there is probably a thousand times as much wood as

in the United Kingdom; and, consequently, when they come to us, and are

concentrated, if I may use the term, into our small covers, they

naturally make a very great show.

It is generally said that woodcocks are less plentiful in Great Britain

than formerly. This I have heard attributed to the Scandinavians eating

the eggs of those birds. If, however, persons who entertain this opinion

were to see the almost boundless northern forests, they would probably

think with me, that if the whole of the scanty population of that part

of the world were to go out for the purpose, they would not be able to

explore the hundredth part of the woods in the course of a year, and

consequently they could not take or destroy any considerable number of

eggs.

* * * * *

In 1796, Mr. Yea, of Swansea, killed one hundred couple of woodcocks in

one season. In Ireland, the Earl of Claremont shot half as many in a

day, but then it should be premised, that such was the abundance of

these birds, as to be sold in some parts (for instance, near

Ballyshannon, in the County of Donegal) for one penny each, and the

expense of powder and shot.

* * * * *

In the winter of 1797, the gamekeeper of E. M. Pleydell, Esq., of

Whatcomb, Dorsetshire, brought him a woodcock which he had caught in a

net set for rabbits, alive and unhurt. Mr. P. scratched the date upon a

bit of thin brass, bent it round the woodcock’s leg, and let it fly. In

December next year, Mr. Pleydell shot this bird with the brass about its

leg, in the very same wood where it had been first caught by the keeper.

* * * * *

_Comical Direction._—Hawker says in a country where woodcocks are

scarce, be sure to put a marker in a tree.

* * * * *

_Woodcock Fancier._—Mr. Jeremiah Tupman, who died about thirteen years

since at Berkeley, caught upon his estate at Lyston, a young male

woodcock, which he carefully reared, and having procured a mate for

it, they bred in considerable abundance. He was so pleased with his

success, that he actually altered his will, which was originally made

in favour of a young lady, and left his fortune to the minister at

Berkeley, to be principally laid out in the breed of woodcocks, upon

the neglect of which the estate was to revert to the family relations;

a reversion for which probably the family were not long in

expectancy.—_Bewick_—_Davy_—_Grieff_—_Daniel_—_Wild Sports_—_Lloyd,

&c._

WOODLAND, _s._ Woods, grounds covered with wood.

WOODLARK, _s._ A melodious sort of wild lark.

WOODMAN, _s._ A sportsman, a hunter.

WOODPECKER, _s._ A bird.

[Illustration]

Of these only three or four kinds are found in Great Britain. Their

characters are striking, and their manners singular. The bill is large,

strong, and fitted for its employment: the end of it is formed like a

wedge, with which it pierces the bark of trees, and bores into the wood

in which its food is lodged. Its neck is short and thick, and furnished

with powerful muscles, which enables it to strike with such force as to

be heard at a considerable distance: its tongue is long and taper; at

the end of it there is a hard horny substance, which penetrates into the

crevices of trees, and extracts the insects and their eggs which are

lodged there: the tail consists of ten stiff, sharp-pointed feathers,

bent inwards, by which it supports itself on the trunks of trees while

in search of food; for this purpose its feet are short and thick, and

its toes, which are placed two forward and two backward, are armed with

strong hooked claws, by which it clings firmly, and creeps up and down

in all directions.—_Bewick._

WOODPIGEON, _s._ A wild pigeon; one that builds in trees.

[Illustration]

This species weighs about twenty ounces; length eighteen inches. The

bill yellowish; irides light yellow; the head, coverts of the wings, and

scapulars are of a deep bluish ash colour; the neck and breast

vinaceous, beautifully glossed with green and copper colour, changeable

in different lights; on each side the neck is a large patch of glossy

white, which almost joins behind; the back and tail ash colour, the

latter black at the end; vent and thighs white, tinged with ash colour;

the bastard wing almost black, behind which a few of the coverts are

white, forming a line down to the greater quills, which are dusky, edged

with white; the legs are feathered much below the knee, which, with the

feet, are of a purplish red. There is little or no distinction in the

plumage of the sexes; but the female is not quite so large.

WOODWARD, _s. obs._ A forester.

A subject who has lived within a forest, according to usage, ought to

have a woodward; and if he does not appear at the justice seat, the wood

shall be seized into the king’s hands, till he makes fine and replevy

it; and if he do not replevy it within a year, it shall remain in the

king’s hands for ever.

WOOL, _s._ The fleece of sheep, that which is woven into cloth; any

short thick hair.

WOOLLY, _a._ Consisting of wool; clothed with wool; resembling wool.

WORM, _s._ A small harmless serpent that lives in the earth; a

poisonous serpent; animal bred in the body; the animal that

spins silk; grubs that gnaw wood and furniture; anything

vermiculated or turned round; anything spiral; a favourite bait

in angling.

When the day is dark or lowering, and a gentle whistling wind plays on

the water, or a fine mizzling rain falls without violence; likewise when

trout leap out of the water, and pike shoot after other fishes; and also

when a sudden shower has mudded and raised the water, if the angler

tries on the sides of the stream at the ground, with brandling, gilt

tail, or red worm, well scoured, he will have diversion.

_The ash grub or bank-worm_ is plump, milk white, and bent round from

head to tail, with a red head, resembling a young humble bee, and is

exceedingly tender; it is found under the bark of oak, ash, birch, or

alder, especially if they lie a year after they are felled; it is also

met with in the body of a rotten alder, when broken in pieces, but care

must be observed in breaking the tree, that the worm is not crushed; it

is sometimes found under the bark of an old decayed stump of a tree. It

is best kept in bran, and will by that means be made tougher; but at the

best they are so tender, that great caution must be observed in their

use; the hook, which must be armed with a bristle to prevent its

slipping down, should be introduced under its head, and guided down the

middle of the belly, without suffering it to break the skin in its

passage (for if it does, water and milk will issue from the wound, until

nothing but the skin remains, when the bent of the hook will appear

black through it), until the point of the hook comes so low that the

head of the grub may rest on the bristle that projects to hold it; it

will be thus defended from slipping off by its own exertions, nor will

the force of the stream or quick pulling it out of the water, strip it

off.

_The brandling worm_ is streaked from head to tail in alternate red and

yellow circles; is dark at the head; becomes gradually paler towards the

tail. Brandlings are found in old dunghills which consist of hogs’ and

horses’ dung and rotten earth; also in old thatch and dung; in grass

mown from garden walks after it has lain some time: but those which are

found in tanners’ bark, after being used and laid by until quite rotten,

are the best, and may generally be used without any scouring. When

brandlings are kept in mosses like the lob-worm, they should be fed by

dropping a little cream, about a spoonful a day, upon the moss; it will

prevent their swelling at the knot near their middle, which, when it

takes place, usually kills them. With some anglers it is a rule not to

use these worms and the gilt tail until they have been in moss two days,

nor after they have continued in it more than ten.

The short _white worms_ or _bobs_ are of two sorts: the one found in

mellow, heathy, sandy soils, and is easily gathered by following the

plough in autumn, when such ground is first broken up from grazing; also

by digging one spot deep in the above described lands sufficient may be

got. Those of this class are called the earth bob, white grub, or white

bait, and are as big again as a gentle; have a pale red head, very soft

all over, are yellowish at the tail, and their bodies when taken in some

degree resemble the colour of the earth where found in, but when scoured

are of a pale white. They are an excellent winter bait, and to preserve

them they should be put into a large earthen pot with some of its own

earth, with dryish moss at the top, and set in a warm place.

Dunghill red worms are small and knotted, of a bright red, and are to be

found almost in every heap of horsedung that has much straw rotted in

it. Cowdung red worms are found in the fields, and in nearly dry flakes

of dung; their heads are shining dark brown, with flat tails, are good

baits, and may occasionally be used when taken, but are best scoured and

preserved, like other worms.

The dock or flag-worm is of the colour of a gentle, when scoured, but is

longer and slenderer in his make, with rows of feet down his belly, and

a red head. They are found by pulling up the flags growing round an old

pond or pit, shaking the roots in the water, and when free from dirt,

amongst the fibres that spread from the roots, will be seen little husks

of a reddish or yellowish colour; these must be opened very cautiously

with a pin, and the worm either used immediately, or dropt into some

bran to carry them, where they may be preserved in the same manner as

the cad-bait; they sometimes insinuate themselves into the body of the

round stalk of the flag.

The long dock-worms are of a fine pale red, without knots; are chiefly

found in moist places, near dock-roots, and are best taken by shaking

the earth with a dung-fork. They are excellent baits, especially for

carp and tench. In the hollow parts near the roots of the largest sort

of sedges, may be found a large black-headed grub, about an inch long,

and which is not to be found in any other place; it is a famous bait for

pond-fishing, though extremely tender; but by putting them into boiling

milk for about two minutes, the morning you mean to use them, they will

be rendered tougher.

Gilt-tails are paler and larger than the last-mentioned worms; are

knotted like them, are of a pale yellow, especially towards the tail.

The marsh-worms are middle-sized and knotted; are of a bluish cast and

tender; are to be found in the rich banks of rivers, and in marshy

ground, wherein they are usually got by treading the ground when it is

moist, much backwards and forwards, or in circles, with both feet close

together; they require more scouring in moss than most other worms, at

least fifteen days, but are very lively good baits.

White or marl worms are found chiefly in marl or clay land by following

the plough, and also in turnip fields, where the soil is of a stiffish

quality; the head is very small, and of a pale red; they are larger than

the brandling, and naturally tough, are a good bait, especially in muddy

water; may be preserved in some of their own earth, keeping it properly

damp; with some moss at top, and when scoured are of a pale white.

The red worm is found in all loamy soils; may be collected by following

a plough, turning up garden soil, and under boards, bricks, slates,

tiles, stones, &c. that have lain undisturbed for any time: these four

worms may be preserved together in one pot, and when the brandling or

others are meant to be used, let the angler, the evening before, pick

them out by themselves, and put them into a bag, with moss moistened

with sweet thinnish cream, and they will appear more bright and tempting

to the fish.

The tag-tail is a worm of a pale flesh-colour, with a yellow tag, almost

half an inch long: it is found in marled land or meadows, after a

shower, or in the morning, in calm and not cold weather in March and

April. In discoloured water by rain, it is considered a fatal bait for

trout. They will not endure long scouring.

A three-prong dung-fork thrust into the ground, and continually moving

it, will force all the worms within a certain distance to come instantly

out of their holes; supposing, from the shaking of the earth, it is the

mole’s heaving to come at them.

Get a parcel of cow or horse-hair, and cut it five or six inches long,

into a pan; throw the worms upon it, and in a couple of hours they will

have cleared themselves from the chief of their dirt; take them from

amongst the hair, observing that none of it sticks to them, and

selecting out the dead or wounded worms; clean the pan from the hair and

filth, and put the worms into it, covering them with garden mould, about

an inch thick: they will keep a very long time in this manner,

moistening it once a day with new milk, and changing it every month, to

prevent the growth of young worms, which would occasion the death and

decay of the old.

Amongst the old recipes for scouring worms, the putting them into a

powder got from a dead man’s skull, by beating it to atoms, was deemed

super-excellent.

When worms are wanted for immediate use, and no provision has been made,

the way to scour them quickly, is, if lob-worms, to put them all night

in water; brandlings must not remain above one hour in it, and both

sorts must be then put with fennel into the angler’s worm-bag.

* * * * *

Worms of different kinds inhabit the intestines; but except when they

exist in very great numbers, they are not so hurtful as is generally

supposed, although the groom or carter may trace to them hidebound, and

cough, and loss of appetite, and gripes, and megrims, and a variety of

other ailments. Of the origin or mode of propagation of these

parasitical animals we will say nothing; neither writers on medicine,

nor even on natural history, have given us any satisfactory account of

the matter.

The long white worm (_lumbricus teres_) much resembling the common

earth-worm, and, being from six to ten inches long, inhabits the small

intestines. It is a formidable looking animal, and if there are many of

them, they may consume more than can be spared of the nutritive part of

the food, or the mucus of the bowels; and we think that we have seen a

tight skin, and rough coat, and tucked up belly, connected with their

presence. They have then, however, been voided in large quantities, and

when they are not thus voided, we should be disposed to trace these

appearances to other causes. A dose of physic will sometimes bring away

almost incredible quantities of them. Calomel is frequently given as a

vermifuge. The seldomer this drug is administered to the horse the

better. It is the principal ingredient in some quack medicines for the

expulsion of worms in the human subject, and thence, perhaps, it came to

be used for the horse; but in him we believe it to be inert as a

vermifuge, or only useful as quickening the operation of the aloes. When

the horse can be spared, a strong dose of physic is an excellent

vermifuge, so far as the long round worm is concerned; but perhaps a

better medicine, and not interfering with either the feeding or work of

the horse, is two drachms of emetic tartar, with a scruple of ginger,

made into a ball, with linseed meal and treacle, and given every morning

half an hour before the horse is fed.

A smaller, darker coloured worm, called the needle worm, or _ascaris_,

inhabits the large intestines. Hundreds of them sometimes descend into

the rectum, and immense quantities have been found in the cœcum. These

are a more serious nuisance than the former, for they cause a very

troublesome irritation about the fundament, which sometimes sadly annoys

the horse. Their existence can generally be discovered by a small

portion of mucus, which hardening, is converted into a powder, and is

found about the anus. Physic will sometimes bring away great numbers of

these worms; but when there is much irritation about the tail, and much

of this mucus, indicating that they have descended into the rectum, an

injection of a quart of linseed oil, or of an ounce of aloes dissolved

in warm water, will be a more effectual remedy.

The tape worm is seldom found in the horse.

* * * * *

Worms are most commonly found in the bowels and stomach; but they are

sometimes met with also in almost every part of the body. The worms

commonly found in the stomach are named botts. They are generally

attached to the cuticular or insensible coat of the stomach; but

sometimes clusters of them are found at the pylorus, and even in the

beginning of the first intestine, named duodenum. In one case they were

so numerous in this last situation as to obstruct the passage

completely, and cause the animal’s death. Botts are short thick reddish

worms, surrounded with short prickles, which are arranged in circular

bands all over the body. They attach themselves firmly by two hooks,

which they appear to have the power of straightening and retracting, of

projecting and curvating. They are extremely tenacious of life, and

difficult to be expelled from the stomach, except about the month of

September, or when a horse is taken up from grass. At this period they

may generally be got rid of by brine, or a solution of common salt in

water, in a dose of from four to five ounces of salt to a quart of

water. The horse should be kept fasting the night before it is given;

and about five minutes before the drench with salt is given, let the

horse be drenched with about a pint of warm milk, sweetened with honey

or treacle.

* * * * *

Mercurial physic seems to be generally considered the most effectual,

especially when a little calomel is given for two or three successive

nights, and followed up by a dose of physic. I have seen small doses of

aloes given daily, about two drachms, with good effect. Oil of

turpentine is a powerful vermifuge, if given after some hours’ fasting,

and when the bowels have been brought into a lax state by giving bran

mashes for two or three days, or a small dose (about three drachms) of

aloes the day before.

This previous fasting, as well as keeping the horse without food two

hours after, is necessary to the success of this remedy. In a few

instances, oil of turpentine has produced alarming symptoms; and in one

case, where a horse had taken a mild dose of physic the day before, it

brought on almost immediately a fatal inflammation of the stomach and

bowels. On the other hand, a great number of cases have been reported to

me in which it has been given with the best effect. I should be

inclined, however, to try the mercurial purgative first; but even this,

in the horse, is attended with some danger, unless he is managed

judiciously before, and during its operation. The third remedy is of a

milder nature, but often, I believe, inert; that is, bitter vegetables,

such as rue, box, savine, &c., which are chopped up and given with the

horse’s corn. Ethiop’s mineral, levigated antimony, emetic tartar, very

small doses of arsenic and calomel, have each of them sometimes

succeeded. But, whatever worm medicine is given, the horse should be

kept without food for several hours, or the whole night before, and two

hours after. Chopped horse-hair has been given with success, and brine,

or a solution of common salt. In one case, a great number of worms were

discharged by fasting the horse during the night, and giving him a malt

mash in the morning. Another method is to keep the horse without food

during the night, and give him in the morning a quart of new milk

sweetened with honey, and about ten minutes after, four, five, or six

ounces of salt in a quart of water. A run at grass in the spring is,

perhaps, the best remedy of all, for it is the most effectual means of

invigorating the digestive organs, and purifying the blood. When it is

not convenient to turn the horse out, he should be soiled in the stable

with vetches. The most certain indication of worms, except that of their

being discharged with the horse’s dung, is a yellowish or

brimstone-coloured stain under the fundament. Sometimes worms produce

symptoms of an unusual kind, as in the following case:—A horse was

observed for some time to fall off in flesh and become weak, and, upon

attempting to mount him, he shrunk and gave way in the back, as if he

had received some severe injury in that part; they gave him, however, a

dose of mercurial physic, which brought off a lump of worms and viscid

mucus as large as a man’s fist. After this the horse was perfectly free

from pain in the back, and quickly recovered his flesh and strength. I

have heard of a horse being cured of worms, when reduced by them to such

a degree of weakness that he was thought incurable, by being turned into

a field of young vetches. Powdered tin has been recommended for worms,

and may be given without danger in a dose of three or four drachms made

into a ball with flour and honey. With regard to the short red worms,

named botts, so often found in the horse’s stomach, adhering in large

clusters, most commonly to the insensible coat, but sometimes to the

pylorus, the most likely means of expelling them is to give a drench of

salt and water in the manner before prescribed; that is, to keep the

horse without food during the night, and in the morning to give him a

quart of new milk sweetened with honey; about ten minutes after this

drench is down, the drench of salt and water is to be given. This remedy

should be employed in September, or soon after a horse is taken from

grass. Botts are so often found in the horse’s stomach, that they have

been supposed to do no harm; it is certain, however, that they sometimes

produce the most serious diseases. They sometimes cause ulceration and

sloughing of the stomach, inflammation of the lungs and heart, and

frenzy or mad staggers. According to Gibson they sometimes cause

locked-jaw. Botts appear to be the larvæ of a fly, and are probably

eaten with grass or hay. According to Mr. Bracy Clark, the fly deposits

its eggs on the horse’s coat; and, when they are about to be hatched,

the horse licks them off, so that they are hatched by the warmth of the

mouth and the moisture of the saliva, and then swallowed. Mr. Feron says

he has paid particular attention to this subject, and has found that,

when in large quantities, they are very destructive to horses; that he

has seen several horses whose stomachs had been pierced quite through by

them, the botts making their way into the abdomen. He thinks they are

taken in with the horse’s forage, whether dry or green, as they are

found in horses that have not been at grass for several years, but that

they may also be licked in from the horse’s coat. He is of opinion that

botts, when once attached to the stomach, may remain there during the

horse’s life, and it is only when they become too numerous that they are

forced off and discharged by the bowels. Mr. James Clarke relates a case

of a horse’s stomach being perforated by botts. I have seen several

horses destroyed by botts. In some of them, they caused inflammation of

the lungs; in one frenzy, or mad staggers. In one horse the pylorus was

completely plugged up with them. There is a remarkable sympathy or

consent between the stomach and the lungs, and it is owing to this that

they sometimes cause inflammation of the lungs. In the cases which have

occurred in my practice, the most remarkable circumstance was the great

depression they occasioned, and the inefficacy of copious bleeding.

Castor oil seemed to do more good than anything, and Mr. Feron remarks

that common oil, given in large quantities, has sometimes succeeded in

detaching botts from the stomach; and he adds, it is the only medicine

that seems to have any effect in making them lose their hold from the

stomach. There is a kind of worm I have often met with since I have

practised in Somersetshire, especially at Oakhill, which appears to do a

great deal of mischief. When drawn out, they are from one to three or

four inches in length, from one to two eighths of an inch in breadth,

and scarcely of any thickness; they have numerous transverse lines close

to each other, like those of the leach, and adhere firmly to the bowels

by one of their extremities. When viewed through a microscope, the

transverse lines appear as upright scales applied very near to each

other, and inclining, I think, a little forwards; the extremity, by

which they adhere to the gut, appears as a bulb with holes in it; the

other extremity is square, as if it had been cut off transversely. These

worms are generally of a white colour, and sometimes drawn up or

contracted so as to appear as a flake of mucus, or fat, of about half an

inch in length. I have seen them of a darker colour in horses that were

in a state of great poverty, and sometimes reddish, as if containing

blood. In many dogs and cats that have been opened at Oakhill, they have

been almost invariably found; and they have been discharged, in this

village, from the bowels of men and children. They are found both in the

small and large bowels, most commonly in the former, and near the part

where the ilium terminates in the cœcum. At Easton, near Wells, this

worm has been seen swimming in a small stream that runs through the

village, from which it is probable that their natural habitation is

water, and that they are swallowed while the animal is drinking, and are

capable of living in the bowels.

* * * * *

_Method of worming dogs._—Secure a large dog on his back on a table,

bench, or form; one of a middling size may be held in the lap of an

assistant; a small one may be conveniently taken into that of the

operator. The mouth being held open by means of two pieces of tape—one

embracing the part immediately behind the _upper_, and the other that

_posterior_ to the lower canine teeth—draw the tongue from the mouth,

when, exposing its under surface, a cuticular fold or eminence will

present itself, occupying its median line from the point to the base:

open this with a lancet through its whole extent, which will expose a

minute fibrous cord. Pass a blunt-pointed probe under it, and, carrying

the instrument from one end to the other, detach the cord from its

adhesions; which done, divide it at one extremity, and carefully drawing

it forwards with a tenaculum, divide the other also. The uninitiated in

sporting mysteries may smile at all this minuteness of detail, and

recommendation of caution, in the _division_ of a _line_ of _skin_, and

the _extraction_ of a _thread_ of ligament; but all this is actually

necessary to satisfy the prejudices of those who put faith in the

operation. For with them it is essential to the prospective benefits of

it, not only that the whole of the _worm_ (for which read frænum) should

be extracted, but that, if possible, it should be done in one continuous

mass.

In the removal of this cord by huntsmen, game-keepers, &c., the violence

used in stripping it off, puts its fibrous substance so much on the

stretch, that when extracted, its elasticity making it recoil, gives it

somewhat the character of the contraction of a dying _worm_; and we may

yet read of this appearance, and its general form, being adduced as

proofs of its vermicular identity. And although now no informed person

gives credence to its being other than a portion of the canine tongue;

yet there are many sporting characters of education and ability, who

still lend themselves to an opinion that there is some enigmatical

property inherent in this part, which renders its retention dangerous,

by making the unwormed dog the subject of acute rabies, but the wormed

one the subject of the dumb variety. Of a piece with this palpable error

was that of Marochetti’s vesicles in the same vicinage; which being also

with him the hiding-place of the rabid virus, it became as necessary,

according to his doctrine, to destroy them as it was with the ancients

(and yet remains with some of the moderns) to remove the _worm_.

* * * * *

Of these worms which appear indigenous to the intestines of the dog, the

_tænia_, or tape worm, from its flat figure, is the most prejudicial,

and the most difficult to remove. I have known four or five hundred

joints (each a distinct animal) passed by a dog, whose united length

would encircle his body many times. Sometimes they become coiled up into

a ball, which thus forms an impenetrable obstruction within the

intestines, and destroys the dog.

The _teres_, or long cylindrical worms, resembling earthworms in figure,

but of a whitish colour, are the most common to dogs; and, when existing

in great numbers, particularly in puppies and young ones, sometimes

prove fatal by the convulsions they occasion. In distemper they greatly

aggravate the symptoms; so much so, that to destroy them frequently

cures the dog. The natural situation of these worms is within the

intestines, but they sometimes crawl from them into the stomach, and are

then brought up by the sickness they occasion.

The _ascarides_, or small thread-worms, likewise occasionally infest

dogs, residing principally within the rectum. They produce an

intolerable itching behind, to relieve which those troubled with them

are seen continually drawing the fundament along the ground. Except by

the irritation occasioned, which may weaken when it is excessive, they

do not appear to do much internal injury. The constitution of some dogs

appears particularly favourable to the generation of worms; for, destroy

them as often as you will, they soon return again. Puppies, during every

stage of their growth, are very liable to them; in many, the increase of

the body appears checked by their ravages.

The _presence of worms_, when they exist in considerable numbers, is

easily detected; for such a dog has usually a slight cough, his coat

stares, he eats voraciously, yet seldom fattens: his evacuations prove

also a most unequivocal symptom, for they are, in such cases, peculiarly

irregular, being at one time loose and slimy, and at another more hard

and dry than natural. The belly likewise is often tense and enlarged.

When very young dogs have worms, the first that pass are seldom noticed,

for they seem to affect the health but little; but gradually, as they

increase, purging becomes more frequent; and the animal, though lively,

becomes emaciated; his appetite is often irregular, his nose hot and

dry, and his breath fœtid. The growth likewise appears stationary, and

in this way it is very common for him to continue till a fit or two

carries him off, or he dies tabid. In adult dogs worms are less fatal,

though, from the obstructions they form, they sometimes kill them

likewise; and they always occasion a rough unhealthy coat, with a hot

nose and fœtid breath; and in both the young and the full grown, they

occasionally produce epileptic fits. It does not follow, because no

worms are seen to pass away, that one who exhibits the other symptoms of

them has none; neither, when they are not seen, does it follow even that

none pass; for, if they remain long in the intestines after they are

dead, they become digested like other animal matter.

The _treatment_ of worm cases in dogs has been like that of the human,

and the remedies employed have been intended either to destroy the worms

within the body, or otherwise to drive them mechanically, as it were,

out of the bowels by active purgatives; but, as these latter means were

violent (for, without the very mucus of the bowels, as well as the

fæces, were expelled, no benefit was derived from them), so the remedy,

in many instances, became worse than the disease. Many substances have,

therefore, been tried in hopes of destroying these animals within the

body; and it is evident that any thing that could certainly do this

would be most important, as it would obviate the necessity of having

recourse to the violent purgative means heretofore employed.

For this purpose, substances which present small spiculi, or points,

have been found the best adapted for the destruction of worms, by

abrading their external or internal surfaces, and that without in the

slightest degree injuring the patient. Among huntsmen and gamekeepers

glass, very finely powdered, is a very favourite remedy. An old man of

this description, in Buckinghamshire, was famed for worm-killing in

dogs, and his only means used was glass finely powdered, and given as a

ball. Mr. Youatt also recommends the same. If this should be objected

to, from what I believe to be a groundless fear, that it is dangerous,

try the following:—

Cowhage (_dolichos

pruriens_, LINN.) half a drachm.

Tin filings or iron, made

with a very fine file 4 drachms.

Form into four, six, or eight balls, and give one every morning; after

which, a mercurial purgative will be proper. I have occasionally

succeeded, in very obstinate worm cases, by moderate daily doses of

Epsom salts. Ascarides are best destroyed by soap or aloetic clysters.

The tape-worm is not unfrequently removed by mercurial purges; but a

still more certain remedy for this noxious guest is such doses of the

oil of turpentine as a dog could safely take, remembering that dogs bear

very little of it: to some, however, it proves much less hurtful than to

others. A small dog might be tried with half a drachm, given night and

morning, mixed with the yolk of an egg, for a few days: a larger two

scruples, and the largest a drachm, beginning always with a very small

dose, and increasing it, if it produce no disturbance.—_Daniel_—_The

Horse_—_White_—_Blaine._

WORMEATEN, _a._ Gnawed by worms, worthless.

WORMWOOD, _s._ A plant.

WORMY, _a._ Full of worms.

WOUND, _s._ A hurt given by violence.

Wounds, bruises, and other injuries, may happen in various ways, by

kicks, by bites, in leaping over hedges or gates, by kicking against

stalls, and many other ways. Various names have been applied to such

injuries, according to the manner in which they are inflicted; but there

is no occasion for such distinctions: they are all bruises or contused

wounds, and all require to be poulticed or fomented. It is to be

observed, that, in all injuries of this kind, whether wounds or bruises,

or both, the horse should be immediately bled freely, and have his

bowels opened by a dose of physic. The diet also should be attended to,

allowing only a very moderate quantity at first of grass, or bran

mashes. In all those cases poultices are by far the best remedy, until

the inflammation is completely subdued; and when the situation of the

part will not admit of a poultice, which is seldom the case, then

fomentations of warm water only, almost constantly applied, are the best

substitute. When inflammation has quite ceased, which may be known by an

abatement of the pain and swelling, and by the appearance of white

matter, the poultice may be discontinued, and then the wound should be

carefully dressed to the bottom with a tent of tow, dipped in melted

digestive ointment. The cavity is not to be filled with the tent, but it

must be introduced to the bottom, and then the wound will heal as it

ought; whereas, if it is dressed superficially, or only syringed, it

will often close over at the surface, and the wound appear healed, while

the matter is spreading and doing mischief at the bottom. There are four

obstacles to the complete healing of wounds which sometimes occur, and

these are, when the wound has been complicated with an injury of a bone,

a ligament, a cartilage, or a tendon. In either of these cases the

fleshy parts and skin will generally heal readily, and the wound will

appear nearly or quite healed, except a small or minute orifice, from

which a little matter oozes; and this orifice is not perceptible, being

covered with spongy flesh, until a probe is introduced; it will then be

found that there is a sinus running down to the bottom of the original

wound, and there the probe will be resisted by the diseased bone,

ligament, cartilage, or tendon. The bone may be easily distinguished by

the sensation conveyed to the hand through the probe; and when this is

felt a free opening should be made, if the situation of the wound will

admit of it, and the diseased surface scraped off. A tent of friar’s

balsam should then be introduced, and continued until it is cured. If

the first scraping has not been freely performed, a second may be

necessary. Sometimes sinuses, or pipes, as they are termed, remain after

the inflammation of wounds has subsided. If these are superficial,

running under the surface, or nearly horizontally, they require to be

laid open, and then they heal readily. Sometimes they run obliquely

inward, or perpendicularly, and then require to be dressed at first with

stimulating or even caustic tents, of solution of blue vitriol; and

these must be repeated until the sides of the sinus have sloughed off,

and the very bottom of the wound can be distinctly felt. In all

complicated ulcers of this kind, where the sinus runs in a winding or

crooked direction, or where there are two or more sinuses, the caustic

tents must be repeated until they are brought to the state of one simple

sore, the bottom of which can be distinctly felt; and if the bottom

happen to be bone, it must be scraped freely and dressed with friar’s

balsam. A good method of destroying such sinuses is to take some

corrosive sublimate, or finely pulverised blue vitriol, and fold it up

in a long narrow slip of thin whity-brown paper; this being neatly

folded may be twisted at each end, and may thus be conveniently

introduced into the sinuses, and forced to the very bottom with a long

probe. Several small particles of this kind may be made and forced in

one after another, until all the sinuses are completely filled. By these

means a large core or slough will be brought out in four or five days;

and if the sinuses are not then so destroyed that the bottom can be

ascertained, the same dressing must be repeated.

There is a class of punctured wounds that will not admit of the

treatment I have described; these are punctured wounds of the sheath of

tendons, and the capsular ligament of joints. Such wounds often happen

about the fetlock and hock joint, or in the sheath of the flexor tendon,

or back sinew; and these are often attended with considerable

inflammation and swelling. It will not be proper to introduce tents into

such wounds, or to irritate them by probing: emollient poultices are

considered the remedies for such wounds; but they do not always succeed;

I have in several cases found it necessary to touch the wound with lunar

caustic, before I could procure any abatement of the inflammation and

swelling, and I am inclined to believe that this had better be done on

the first occurrence of such wounds. The caustic should be scraped off

to a point, and introduced within the wound about the eighth of an inch

or a little more; it should then be moved round a little, and withdrawn.

I have seen a punctured wound in the fore leg, near the fetlock joint,

get well rapidly after this had been done; though emollient poultices

and fomentations had been carefully employed for several days before

without doing the least good; on the contrary they were doing harm, for

the inflammation, pain, and swelling, certainly increased while they

were employed. But the caustic seemed to operate almost as a charm; for

the leg got well in two or three days after it was applied. I have seen

a similar good effect from it in a punctured wound of the hock joint.

In lacerated wounds, as they are termed, the skin is often much torn,

and so are the muscles or flesh. Now the muscles must never be stitched

up, on any account whatever; the skin only is to be stitched or sewed

up, and that will rarely be of any use in the horse, as union by the

first intension, I believe I may venture to say, can never be

accomplished in the horse, except in one situation, and that is in the

forehead, when the skin has been torn neatly down or up and not bruised.

When the skin of a lacerated wound has been stitched up, the stitches

always give way, and the wound is completely open again by the fifth

day, and then the flap of skin may as well be removed, for it never will

unite. The scar will then be much less than a person would imagine, for

the skin and hair will be in a great measure regenerated, and scarcely

any blemish will be left.

Bruises always require to be poulticed, and there is scarcely any

situation where this cannot be done, if a person will but take a little

trouble about it. If, however, it cannot be done, a fomentation is the

best substitute. For bruises on the back the old farriers employed a

greasy dish-clout, and this, next to a poultice, is perhaps the best

remedy; for the cloth has been so softened by almost constant maceration

in water, and is so completely imbued with grease, that it really

becomes a good emollient application, and only requires to be kept wet.

By this treatment bruises will be generally brought to suppuration, and

if they are capable of being dispersed, poultices are the best means of

effecting it. When a bruise has been brought to suppuration, or has

thrown off a slough, it may then be considered as a wound or rather

ulcer, for such wounds do become when they have suppurated, and must be

treated according to the directions I have given under that head. These

are all the instructions necessary to be given for the treatment of

wounds and bruises. I think there is no occasion here for the

classification and distinctions that are employed in human surgery; and

it will be found, I trust, that what has been said on the subject, will

be sufficient for every accident that may happen.

* * * * *

When a horse becomes suddenly lame, after the legs have been carefully

examined and no cause of lameness appears in them, the shoe should be

taken off. In many cases the offending substance will be immediately

detected, or the additional heat felt in some part of the foot will

point out the seat of injury; or, if the crust be rapped with the hammer

all round, the flinching of the horse will discover it; or pressure with

the pincers will render it evident.

When the shoe is removed for this examination the smith should never be

permitted to wrench it off, but each nail should be drawn separately,

and examined as it is drawn, when some moisture appearing upon it will

not unfrequently reveal the spot at which matter has been thrown out. In

the fore-foot the injury will generally be found on the inner quarter,

and on the hind foot near the toe, these being the thinnest parts of the

fore and hind-feet.

Sudden lameness occurring within two or three days after the horse has

been shod will lead us to suspect that the smith has been in fault; yet

no one who considers the thinness of the crust, and the difficulty of

shoeing many feet, will blame him for sometimes pricking the horse. His

fault will consist in concealing or denying that of which he will almost

always be aware at the time of shoeing, from the flinching of the horse,

or the dead sound, or the peculiar resistance that may be noticed in the

driving of the nail.

When the seat of mischief is ascertained, the sole should be thinned

round it, and, especially at the nail-hole or the puncture, it should be

pared to the quick. The escape of some matter will now probably tell the

nature of the injury, and remove its consequences. If it be puncture of

the sole by some nail, or any similar body, picked up on the road, all

that will be necessary is a little to enlarge the opening, and then to

place on it a pledget of tow dipped in friar’s balsam, and over that a

little common stopping; or, if there be much heat and lameness, a

poultice should be applied.

The part of the sole wounded and the depth of the wound will be taken

into consideration. It will be seen that a deep puncture towards the

back part of the sole, and penetrating even into the sensible frog, may

not be productive of serious consequence. There is no great motion in

the part, and there are no tendons or bones in danger. A puncture near

the toe may not be followed by much injury. There is little motion in

that part of the foot, and the internal sole covering the coffin-bone

will soon heal; but a puncture about the centre of the sole may wound

the flexor tendon where it is inserted into the coffin-bone, or may even

penetrate the joint which unites the navicular bone with the

coffin-bone, or pierce through the tendon into the joint which it forms

with the navicular-bone, and a degree of inflammation may ensue, which,

if neglected, may be fatal. Many horses have been lost by the smallest

puncture of the sole in these dangerous points. All the anatomical skill

of the veterinarian should be called into requisition, when he is

examining the most trifling wound of the foot.

If the foot has been wounded by the wrong direction of a nail in

shoeing, and the sole be well pared out over the part on the first

appearance of lameness, little more will be necessary to be done. The

opening must be somewhat enlarged, the friar’s balsam applied, and the

shoe tacked on, with or without a poultice, according to the degree of

lameness or heat, and on the following day all will often be well. It

may, however, be prudent to keep the foot stopped for a few days. If the

accident has been neglected, and matter begins to be formed, and to be

pent up and to press on the neighbouring parts, and the horse evidently

suffers extreme pain, and is sometimes scarcely able to put his foot to

the ground, and much matter is poured out when the opening is enlarged,

further precautions must be adopted. The fact must be recollected that

the living and dead horn will never unite, and every portion of the

horny sole that has separated from the fleshy sole above must be

removed. The separation must be followed as far as it reaches. Much of

the success of the treatment depends on this. No small strip or edge of

separated horn must be suffered to press upon any part of the wound. The

exposed fleshy sole must then be touched, but not too severely, with the

butyr (chloride) of antimony, some soft and dry tow placed over the

part, and the foot stopped, and a poultice placed over all, if the

inflammation seems to require it. On the following day a thin pellicle

of horn will frequently be found over a part or the whole of the wound.

This should be, yet very lightly, touched again with the caustic; but if

there be an appearance of fungus sprouting from the exposed surface, the

application of the butyr must be more severe, and the tow again placed

over it, so as to afford considerable yet uniform pressure. Many days do

not often elapse before the new horn covers the whole of the wound. In

these extensive openings the friar’s balsam will not often be

successful, but the cure must be effected by the judicious and never too

severe use of the caustic. Bleeding at the toe and physic will be

resorted to as useful auxiliaries when much inflammation arises.

In searching the foot to ascertain the existence of prick, there is

often something very censurable in the carelessness with which the horn

is cut away between the bottom of the crust and the sole, so as to leave

little or no hold for the nails, while some months must elapse before

the horn will grow down sufficiently far for the shoe to be securely

fastened.

When a free opening has been made below, and matter has not broken out

at the coronet, it will rarely be necessary to remove any portion of the

horn at the quarters, although we may be able to ascertain by the use of

the probe that the separation of the crust extends for a considerable

space above the sole.

* * * * *

Dogs are liable to become wounded in various ways, and their wounds,

however bad, are not, generally much attended to, from an opinion that

the animal’s tongue is the best dressing. This is very questionable: in

some instances, I am certain, no application can be worse to a wounded

dog than his own tongue. Whenever dogs are at all inclined to foulness,

as a tendency to cuticular complaints is called, a sore, so licked, is

sure to become mangy, and to be aggravated by the licking.

Wounds in the chest or belly should be closed up as soon as possible, to

prevent the external air from penetrating: a stitch or two made in the

integuments is proper; over which some adhesive plaster, and a bandage

over that, may be applied. If the intestines protrude in a wounded

belly, and the bowels are themselves wounded; first, neatly stitch up

the intestinal opening, and return the gut; then close the wound in the

integuments, leaving the thread which united the gut, if long enough,

hanging without the external wound.

In wounds of arteries or veins, the hæmorrhage should be stopped by

pressure: should that not succeed, take up the vessel with needle and

thread. Wounds into joints occur from cuts, and often from stabs: great

inflammation is apt to follow, and the dog is often lamed for life. If

the synovia escapes by a very minute puncture, and the inflammation is

not yet very extensive, treat exactly as in horse practice, by firing

with the budding iron. If the wound be a lacerated one, and not already

much inflamed, place over it a pledget of lint, and over that a thick

paste of linseed meal; after which bandage the whole up moderately

tight. Should the inflammation be great, reduce that by a common

poultice, and then endeavour to close the joint as above.

In all extensive and lacerated wounds, a stitch or two should be made

with a large needle and thread, as it will reduce both the sore and the

scar; but as such stitches soon ulcerate out in the dog, so the edges

should be still further secured by slips of sticking-plaster. A recent

wound should be cleansed from the dirt, and then covered up; when it

begins to suppurate, dress with any mild ointment. In thorn wounds, or

others made with splinters, carefully examine that nothing is left

within them; otherwise no attempts to produce healing will prove

successful. The most common wounds in dogs arise from the bites of

others; and, under any such circumstance, should any suspicion arise

that the dog was mad by which the wounded one was bitten, proceed as

directed under Rabies. The wounds arising from common bites, in general

soon heal of themselves. If, however, they are very extensive, wash them

with friar’s balsam, to prevent their becoming gangrenous.

* * * * *

_For a wound from shot._—Oil of turpentine, oil of camomile, and aqua

vitæ, of each two ounces, and half a pint of linseed oil, well mixed

together. A second is goose grease, melted and strained through a

sieve, and an equal quantity of best spirits of wine and spirits of

turpentine: of the three articles put rather most of the goose grease,

which must be fresh, and strained quite clear and fine.—_White_—_The

Horse_—_Blaine_—_Daniel._

WREN, _s._ A small bird.

WRENCH, _s._ A violent pull or twist; a sprain.

WRESTLE, _v._ To contend who shall throw the other down; to

struggle; to contend.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

YACHT, _s._ A small ship anciently used for carrying passengers; a

private vessel of pleasure.

[Illustration: LORD YARBOROUGH’S YACHT.]

The Royal Yacht Club, at the present time, has about five hundred and

eighty-eight persons on its lists, of which one hundred and thirty-six

are members, and four hundred and fifty-two are honorary members. Of the

former number about one fifth are peers, twelve baronets, four knights,

three generals, three colonels, eight captains, two clergymen, and

seventy-nine private gentlemen. Among the latter (honorary members) we

find nineteen admirals, twenty-nine vice-admirals, thirty-one

rear-admirals, and three hundred and sixty-two captains, independently

of eleven eminent civilians, who head the list. The number of yachts is

one hundred and nine—of which eighty-seven are cutters, ten schooners,

three brigs, four yawls, two ships, two ketches, and one lugger. The

greater part of these vessels belong to Cowes and to Southampton, the

rest being distributed among the different ports of the three kingdoms.

The shipping belonging to the club amounts to 7250 tons. Now, at a

moderate computation, each vessel carries ten men on an average; this

gives us the total number employed by the club, one thousand and sixty.

During the summer months, then, while regattas are celebrated, we may

say that the Royal Yacht Club alone supports more than eleven hundred

men. These, with some few exceptions, are discharged on the approach of

winter, and the yachts are laid up for the season, retaining the master

and one man in pay. The crews thus discharged obtain employment in

merchant vessels or otherwise during the winter, and in the middle of

spring are generally re-shipped in the yachts in which they have

previously served. Active and industrious men of good character are

always sure of constant employment in the club on these conditions; and

many members justly pride themselves on the high discipline, manly

bearing, and crack appearance of their crew. The situation of master is

one of much responsibility, and is on all accounts respectably filled.

In some of the largest craft, junior officers of the navy are found to

accept this office. The Flower of Yarrow, the property of the Duke of

Buccleuch, is commanded by one of the oldest lieutenants in the service,

to say nothing of others, respecting which we cannot enter into

particulars.

It has been already remarked, that the shipping of the club amounts to

7250 tons. Now, a vessel of one hundred tons seldom, we believe, stands

the owner in less than from five to six thousand pounds, varying, of

course, from that to ten, according to the ornamental parts, the

internal fittings, and other contingencies. At this rate, the shipping

of the club would have cost more than three millions and a half of

money: but it is impossible to speak decisively on this point; for the

first cost of the yachts vary so much, and the numerous styles of _rig_

are attended with expenses so widely different, that it is idle to

attempt a conclusive opinion on the subject.

Among the most active members of this club we may mention the

following—but we make the selection from past remembrances, and not from

any invidious distinction. Lord Yarborough is well known to the world as

the commodore, and his beautiful ship, the Falcon, is admired no less

for her model than the fine seamanship of her “companie.” Mr. Weld, of

Lulworth, and his brother James, have been indefatigable in their

exertions; and who has not heard of the Arrow, the Lulworth, and the

Alarm, of the former, and the Paul Pry of the latter? Lord Belfast too,

Lord Anglesea, Lord Darnley, Lord Vernon, the Rev. Denis George, Lord

Clonbrook, Mr. Symonds, Lord Errol, Mr. Corbett, Lord Donegal, Lord

Chesterfield, Mr. Brett, Lord Ilchester, Mr. Gibson, the Duke of

Buccleuch, and many others whom we have not room to mention, are known

to take a high personal interest in aquatics. Mr. Assheton Smith, a name

so familiar at Melton Mowbray, seemed to love his yacht as much as he

did the chace; and who is ignorant of the nautical achievements of Sir

Godfrey Webster? Nor can I omit to mention the arduous attention, the

unremitting exertions (to say nothing of his generous disposition), of a

gentleman to whom the Yacht Club is deeply indebted for his

assistance—Richard Stephens, Esq. the secretary. His indefatigable zeal

and valuable aid on all occasions, and at all seasons, is beyond any

praise.

The Northern Yacht Club is a highly interesting society, although its

plan is not so extensive as that of the Royal Club. It contains about

three hundred and fifty members. The documents for 1830, with which the

commodore, J. E. Matthews, Esq. has favoured us, comprise ninety-two in

the Scottish and ninety in the Irish division, with fifty-two honorary

members, in addition to ninety-three members of the Cork Yacht Club, who

are also entered on the honorary lists. It had, in 1830, sixty yachts,

not equal in proportion to the tonnage of the Cowes club, as smaller

vessels are admitted. Many R. Y. C. men are found in the Northern Club;

among others, the Marquis of Donegal, Earl Belfast, the Duke of

Portland, the Rev. Denis George, and Captain Kean. The commodore of the

Irish division is John E. Matthews, Esq. who hoists his flag in the

Water Witch, a three-masted schooner of seventy-three tons; and the Duke

of Portland, in his Clown, ketch, one hundred and fifty-six, still, we

believe, presides over the Scottish division. There are many fine

vessels in this club. Cutters, as usual, excel in number, but there are

many _clippers_ in the shape of schooners; and what is more in a

“ladye’s eye,” their names are equally pretty and well chosen.

We have now to notice the Cork Harbour Club, one of highest descent,

independently of its regatta being considered the oldest in the United

Kingdom. We are deficient in particulars respecting this association;

but we know that it is supported by some of the first men in Ireland,

and has many handsome yachts in its fleet. The Emerald Isle is highly

favoured by having two powerful clubs, equally respected and

respectable; and it is pleasing to see the honourable men of the north

blending the names of Scotland and Ireland under the bright emblem of

friendship.

We must not omit to mention the share Dublin takes in these festivals,

nor pass by in silence Plymouth, with her excellent Regatta Club and

Yacht Society.

At the lowest computation, the number of vessels at present employed for

pleasure in this kingdom cannot be less than from three to four hundred,

ranging in bulk from ten to three hundred and fifty tons. These craft

are variously distributed along our shores, carrying their opulence into

every port and harbour in the sister islands. But there is another

advantage arising from yacht clubs, which as yet has been slightly

touched upon; I mean, that national principle which to a maritime people

is above all choice. The bulwarks of England are her wooden walls; and

if our ships are hearts of oak, let it not be forgotten that “hearts of

oak are our men” also; and we must never allow the proud feeling of

naval supremacy to wither or decay. The yacht clubs, by keeping alive

this feeling, feed the flame of patriotism, and uphold, with just

ambition, our hopes, our honour, and our fame.

_Sailing regulations of the Royal Yacht Club._—First—Members entering

their yachts must send the names of them to the Secretary one week

previous to the day of sailing, and pay two guineas entrance at the same

time.

Second—All vessels starting or entering must be the _bonâ fide_ property

of Members, as well as spars, sails, boats, &c. &c.

Third—Each Member to be allowed to enter one vessel only for all prizes

given by the Club.

Fourth—Cutters to carry four sails only, viz. mainsail, foresail, jib,

and gaff-topsail:—yawls, luggers, schooners, and all other vessels in

like proportion. No booming out allowed.

Fifth—No trimming with ballast, or shifting of ballast allowed; and all

vessels to keep their platform down, and bulk-heads standing.

Sixth—That vessels on the larboard tack must invariably give way for

those on the starboard tack; and in all cases where a doubt of the

possibility of the vessel’s on the larboard tack weathering the one on

the starboard tack shall exist, the vessel on the larboard tack shall

give way; or if the other vessel keep her course and run in to her, the

owner of the vessel on the larboard tack shall be compelled to pay all

damages, and forfeit his claim to the prize.

Seventh—Vessels running on shore shall be allowed to use their own

anchors and boats actually on board to get them off, afterwards weighing

anchor and hoisting the boat in; but upon receiving assistance from any

other vessel or vessels, boats, or anchors, shall forfeit all claim to

the prize.

Eighth—That nothing but the hand-line be used for sounding.

Ninth—That any deviation from these rules shall subject the aggressor to

forfeit all claim to the prize.

Tenth—That if any objection be made with regard to the sailing of any

other vessel in the race, such objection must be made to the stewards

within one hour after the vessel making the objection shall arrive at

the starting post.

Eleventh—That no vessel be allowed to take in ballast, or take out, for

twenty-four hours previous to starting, and that no ballast be thrown

overboard.

Twelfth—Vessels to start from moorings laid down at a cable-length

distance, with their sails set; and that every vessel not exceeding one

hundred tons shall carry a boat not less than ten feet long; and vessels

exceeding one hundred tons, to carry a boat not less than fourteen feet

long.

Thirteenth—That there shall be a member, or honorary member, on board

each vessel.

Fourteenth—The time of starting may be altered by the stewards, and all

disputes that may arise are to be decided by them, or such persons as

they shall appoint.—_Sporting Magazine._

YARD, _s._ Enclosed ground adjoining to a house; a measure of three

feet; the supports of the sails of a ship.