C.

CADE—was a horse of the best _blood_, _speed_, and _bottom_, ever bred

in the kingdom. He was foaled in 1734; got by the GODOLPHIN ARABIAN; dam

(Roxana) by the Bald Galloway. He beat most horses of his time, and was

afterwards, as a STALLION, the sire of CHANGELING, MATCHEM, YOUNG CADE,

MERCURY, MERRYMAN, CADORMUS, BOLD, BYWELL TOM, VICTIM, TURPIN, and a

long list of _et ceteras_; through the channels of whose different

progenies his blood is to be found in almost every stud of celebrity

from one extremity of the kingdom to the other.

CADENCE,—divested of its mere technical idea in the manege, is, in

horsemanship, what _time_ is in _music_, uniformity in manners, or

consistency in conduct: a horse complete in his _cadence_, is to be

considered perfect in his action.

CALKING, or _Corking_,—is the projecting part erroneously formed at the

_heels_ of horse-shoes in general, particularly in frosty weather; at

which time their utility may be admitted, and, in fact, cannot be _done

without_, where horses are in frequent use. These calkings, however,

cannot be justified upon any scientific principle whatever, without

chance of accident to the rider, and of lameness to the horse; for upon

level ground the horse cannot move but in a distorted motion; and if the

prominence in the shoe comes into immediate contact with a

rolling-stone, or a projecting part in the pavement, ligamentary

lameness probably ensues. If it is found necessary to bring them into

use at all, _even in frosty weather_, both heels should be equally

raised, as there will be much less danger in a double than a single

calking.

CALOMEL—is a medical article, well known by this name as the mildest

preparation of mercury: it is in general use in private practice, and a

certain specific for the obliteration of _worms_ in HORSES, when added

in proper proportions to the ingredients for purging-balls.

CAMPHIRE—is a vegetable concrete, unctuous to the touch, with a fragrant

smell, somewhat like that of rosemary, and a bitter pungent taste,

accompanied with a sense of coolness on the tongue. It is volatile, like

essential oils, but without their acrimony: it burns in water; it

receives no empyreumatic impressions; nor does it suffer any resolution

from any degree of fire, to which it can be exposed in close vessels,

though readily combustible in the open air. Camphire is known to be

good, if, when it is put upon hot bread, it becomes moist; if dry, it is

bad. It should be kept in a glass stopper bottle, or close tied in a

bladder, not more to prevent it from losing its property, than to

prevent the loss of the whole by exhalation. Used as a medicine,

internally or externally, it has a narcotic effect, and greatly

diminishes the irritability of the system; as an external, it is

singularly useful, particularly in weakness, rheumatic pains, or

spasmodic affections.

CAMPHORATED SPIRITS—is a prescription standing in the Dispensatory of

the London College of Physicians, and is thus prepared. "Take of camphor

two ounces; rectified spirit of wine, one quart; shake frequently till

the camphor is dissolved." It is a very useful embrocation in slight

strains, as well as to prevent the breaking of chilblains in the winter

season.

CAMOMILE.—The flowers are so useful in fomentations, that no good

sportsman in the country should ever be without them in the house.

CANKER,—a diseased state of the foot of a horse, originating in a

neglected thrush, which having acquired a corrosive property by its

retention, continues to rot and destroy the surrounding parts, till, by

a judicious separation of the fungus from the sound parts, fresh

granulations may be promoted, and the cure confirmed.

CANKER—in the ear of a dog, is mostly occasioned by injury from bushes

in beating or hunting covert, and might be easily cured at first with a

little Friar's balsam, or tincture of myrrh: this being omitted, a rigid

eschar forms upon the surface, when which is separated by accident (as

it repeatedly is) it leaves the wound larger than before. A very slight

touch with the _butter of antimony_, is the surest and best mode of

destroying the foundation of inveteracy, and healing the wound.

CANKER—in the mouth of a horse, invariably proceeds from an injury

sustained from severe and improper jerks of the bridle by the passion

and petulance of the rider: in the seat of the wound or laceration, is

formed a sort of insensible slough, which either a little burnt alum, or

borax powdered fine, and sprinkled upon the surface, will soon separate,

and bring away: the part will afterwards promote its own cure.

CANTHARIDES.—Spanish flies, the principal ingredient in every

composition prepared for the purpose of blistering; some of which are in

the form of ointments; others, less powerful, are applied as liquids,

and called liquid blisters.

CAPARISON—is mostly used as a military term, appertaining to cavalry

regiments, and applicable to the apparatus of every individual; the

saddle, bridle, housings, holsters, and trappings, of every distinction.

CALF—is the male produce of the _stag_ and _hind_: they are the largest

of the species in England, and known in the aggregate by the general

appellation of RED DEER; these are mostly the natives of forests and

chaces, (as Windsor and the New Forests, Sherwood, Enfield Chace, &c.)

in contra-distinction to _fallow deer_, bred in parks, and called BUCK

and DOE; their produce a _fawn_.

CALLS—are instruments for imitating the call of partridges and quails;

some of which are so admirably executed, that, with those who are adepts

in the execution of the plan, and the management of the nets, it becomes

a pleasing, if not a profitable, amusement.

CAPON;—a young cock divested of his testes (by incision and separation)

so soon as he is large enough for the operation: the best time is at

about three or four months old. The only useful intent is to acquire

additional size and growth, as capons are frequently killed of seven,

eight, and even _nine_ pounds weight.

CARP—are esteemed one of the richest fresh water fish we have in the

kingdom: they are the principal stock of park canals and manor ponds, to

the owners of which they afford considerable profit; particularly near

populous cities, where they can be disposed of to advantage at the

season when such ponds are drawn, and new stocked with stores. Much

success depends upon the nature of the soil where the pond is situate:

if in a soft marley kind of earth, or warm clay, impregnated with hazel

earth, and a muddy bottom, they thrive beyond expectation; but upon a

dead, black, moory gravel, or a flinty, chalky bottom, they are sterile

beyond description, in both growth and propagation. They are a fish so

exceedingly shy, (or so exceedingly cunning,) that they afford very

little success to the angler, who ought to be one of the most patient

adventurers that ever embarked in sporting speculation. They are but

little found in running streams or rivers, notwithstanding very large

quantities of small stores are constantly thrown in from the reservoirs

and breeding ponds of gentlemen living in the vicinity of such rivers,

not more to get rid of their own superflux, than to promote a friendly

supply for the accommodation of their neighbours. In large ponds, well

stocked, the _poachers_ are never deficient in means of procuring

themselves _a share_: this they effect by forming a paste of crumbled

bread, flour, and treacle, to which they add some of the coculus indicus

(an Indian berry) in powder: this being well incorporated, and thrown

into the pond in various parts, about the size of common baits, in the

latter part of the evening, the fish will be found at daylight in the

morning floating upon the surface in a state of stupefaction, when they

are taken out with the hand close to the bank without the least

difficulty. This is a business carried on to a wonderful extent for

thirty and forty miles round London, in which circle the _system_ of

_supply_ is as regularly conducted as the first commercial concern in

the metropolis; as will be seen when we come to a more minute

description of the _art_ under the head POACHING.

CARMINATIVES—are all such warm aromatic seeds or medicines as expel

wind, amongst which may be justly ranked most of the spices; likewise

aniseed, carraways, cardamoms, ginger, grains of paradise, &c. They are

excellent aids in the flatulent disorders of horses; but should not, if

possible, have been too long _in the shop_, as some of them lose their

property by long keeping.

CARROTS—are, after the fair experiments of late years, become an article

of very considerable consumption, as a collateral kind of food for the

support of horses employed in agriculture. The most candid attention,

and minute observation, at length admits, that horses having a

proportion of carrots, washed, cleaned, dried, and cut either alone, or

mixed with the barn chaff, do their work as well, look as firm in their

flesh, and fine in their coat, as those who are kept upon corn, chaff,

and hay. Although their utility in this way cannot be denied, yet it

must be remembered, they are not sufficiently nutritious for horses in

_hard_ or _expeditious_ work upon the public and posting roads; they

require a more firm, substantial support: for horses in easy, slow, and

moderate work, they answer well, incorporated with other articles; or

even alone, in small quantities; but if given _too largely_, they

attenuate the blood, and impoverish the frame.

CART HORSES.—The horses so called are principally the horses employed in

drawing farmers' waggons, carts, and the plough; as well as the infinity

employed with waggons upon the turnpike road, in the conveyance of

articles in trade from one part of the kingdom to another. The

incredible number supported in the metropolis, and its environs, by the

merchants, breweries, coal merchants, carmen, and the proprietors of

wharfs, exceed the utmost conception of those not accustomed to such

prospects, or to such calculations. Of cart horses this kingdom has to

boast different kinds, and those kinds are most judiciously appropriated

to the different work, and different countries, for which they seem to

be more particularly or individually adapted. Great pains have been

taken, and no expence spared, to improve this peculiar and most useful

breed of horses to the utmost possible pitch of perfection. The sorts

mostly in use, are the large heavy blacks, for which Leicestershire,

Lincolnshire, and the midland counties, are the most remarkable; the

little stout, uniform _punches_ from Suffolk; and some of the strong,

hardy _sturdies_ from Clydesdale, in North Britain. The former of the

three sorts, when well shaped, and uniform, constitute as perfect

beauties to the contemplative eye of the patriotic agriculturist, as the

best bred blood horses can possibly do to the most enthusiastic admirer

of the turf. From these midland blacks of the largest size, strength,

and uniformity, are selected all the capital stock of the most opulent

firms and manufactories in and round the metropolis. Those one degree

inferior in height, strength, uniformity, and price, constitute the

_bell teams_ of the farmers in BERKSHIRE, HANTS, and WILTS; at the

principal market towns of which, as _Reading_, _Wallingford_,

_Abingdon_, _Basingstoke_, _Alton_, _Alresford_, _Winchester_, &c. may

be seen some of the strongest, handsomest and finest teams of draft

horses in the kingdom without exception.

The Suffolk punches are a considerably coarser kind of horse, less

uniform in shape, and less constant in colour; they run greatly into a

mealy chesnut, or roan sorrel, having mostly a blaze in the face, with a

white mane and tail; they are very staunch to their work, and the

hardiest, perhaps, of any horse brought into use. These qualifications

destine them to the possession of small farmers, having the least money,

and, in general, to countries having the least keep. By the account of a

previous writer, they are entitled to a more pre-eminent situation. He

says, "they are nimble walkers and trotters: they have ever proved

themselves the truest and best drawers in the world, as well as the

hardiest and most useful cart and plough horses. Their nimbleness, it

should seem, is owing to their moderate size; and their immense powers

in lifting weight, to the same cause, combined with the low position of

the shoulder, which occasions weight to be acted upon in a just and

horizontal direction. Their superiority over all other horses, at

drawing dead pulls, is, no doubt, in some measure owing to early

training, as in no county is such pride taken in teaching horses to

draw; and it is well known, that a team of Suffolk horses, the signal

being given, will all down upon their knees, and leave nothing behind

them, that is within the power of flesh and blood to draw away."

Of the Clydesdale or Scotch horses it is said, "they are probably as

good and useful a draft horse as any we are possessed of; larger than

the Suffolk punches, being from fifteen to sixteen hands and a half

high; strong, hardy, and remarkable true pullers; a restive horse being

rarely found amongst them. In shape, plain made about the head, sides,

and hind legs; mostly grey or brown; said to have been produced from the

common Scotch mare and Flanders horses, a hundred years ago." The same

writer also recommends "the mixing a little racing blood with the cart

flock; enlarging also upon the wonderful exertions in carting business

upon the road by the Cleveland bays, a sort of coach horses. Although

bred horses are, of all others, the most sluggish; yet it is well known,

that a _cross of their blood_ gives spirit and activity to the heavier

kind of horses."

CASTING NET.—In a half extended form, (when in part suspended from the

ground, and resting on the leads fixed to its bottom,) it resembles a

bell in its shape; but when _cast_ in the _water_, or spread on the

ground, it constitutes a complete circle. They are made of different

dimensions; and so constructed, as to be completely grasped by the right

and left hand, having the centre of the net spread over the left

shoulder; when, by a sudden exertion, (in which there must be great

expertness,) the net is so cast as to fall upon the water in its _utmost

circular extent_; where sinking with all possible expedition, by the

weight of the lead affixed to its edges, which now becoming the bottom,

incloses within it all the fish in the space so covered, and from whence

no one can escape. To the centre of the net is fixed a line of ten or

twelve feet long, which line, in throwing (or casting) the net, is of

course extended, the extremity being previously fastened to the wrist:

when the leads have reached the bottom of the water, and rest on the

ground, the fish rise into the bell part of the net; then the person

having the line in hand begins to draw the net gently to land; in doing

which, the edges approach each other at bottom, where there are tucks to

receive the fish; and those, particularly _roach_, _perch_, and

_gudgeons_, are sometimes caught in great abundance. The person casting

the net should use a round frock, or a jacket without buttons; for want

of using which precaution, many a sportsman of this description has

received a complete and dangerous ducking, to which he did not seem to

think himself fully entitled.

CASTING THE HAIR;—an almost obsolete (or provincial) term for a horse's

shedding his coat.

CASTRATION—is the loss of the testicles by extirpation, which requires a

very nice eye, and steady hand, in the operator: for, although it has,

in general, been performed by Vulcanians of the inferior order, who are

strangers to the delicate structure and formation of the parts, yet it

is now to be anxiously hoped, we are fast emerging from former

ignorance, and that we shall become as expert and dexterous in this art

(if not so famous) as the _Italians_. There are two modes of operation;

one of those not of long standing: the original manner of operating was

by first casting the horse upon a bed of straw, properly prepared for

the purpose; then securing the testes by bandage, and making an incision

longitudinally through the scrotum; laying bare the testicle, and, after

making firm a waxed thread around the spermatic cord, the testicle was

then extracted by the knife, and the farther effusion of blood prevented

by the hot iron, or actual cautery. This is the method still in use in

most parts of the kingdom, and most probably where the greater number of

colts are bred; but in the present increase of veterinarians, some

verification of the old adage, "New lords, new laws," must be expected;

and they proceed in a different way.

Presuming upon the possibility of the cauterized eschar coming away by

chance or accident, and the profuse hæmorrhage that might probably

follow, before the apparatus could be again collected, and the horse

reduced to a proper position for securing the arteries from a farther

effusion of blood, the following mode is now adopted. The horse being

cast, and the incision made through the scrotum, as before described,

the spermatic cord is then secured by passing across it a slit stick up

close to the body, which is secured at each end with the waxed thread

used by shoemakers: this acting as a tourniquet upon the artery, the

separation and dissection is then made with the knife; after which a few

pledgets, of warm digestives, are introduced; no cautery at all applied;

a trifling inflammation, with consequent discharge, ensues; the

superfluous parts slough off, and ten days or a fortnight terminates the

whole.

In respect to the _age_ and _season_ most applicable, and best adapted,

to the operation, custom and experience seem to have left no room for

improvement: twelve or thirteen months old is the best time to perform

the operation, and in the months of _April_, _May_, or _June_, that

either extreme of heat or cold may be equally avoided. In the last seven

years, several practitioners of the new school (to shew the superiority

of _art_ over NATURE) held forth the theory of castrating horses of _any

age_, without the least confinement or rest, the subject being permitted

to go directly about his business as usual. This proposition was too

surprising, and too alluring, not to obtain converts; numbers

acquiesced; theory was in a variety of instances reduced to practice;

and the practice soon proved (to the mortification of the owners) the

truth of the adage, "Dead men tell no tales."

CATARACT,—the technical term for a defect of the eye, to which no

particular _cause_ of _origin_ has been yet decisively ascertained. The

faculty define it, "an opacity of the crystalline humour of the eye,

which prevents the rays of light passing to the retina, and of course

preventing vision." DOCTOR HUNTER says, "it is when an inflammation in

the coat of the crystalline humour hath rendered it opaque." But MR. ST.

YVES seems to be of opinion that the crystalline humour swells. He also

divides the cataract into the _true_, the _doubtful_, and _false_: the

true he subdivides again into _three_; the doubtful into _four_; and the

false into the glaucoma, and the shaking cataract. All this division and

sub-division seems little regarded even by the most curious and

indefatigable in anatomical researches; particularly as it is much to be

regretted, that, with every professional and energetic endeavour, no

medicines, external or internal, have ever been discovered, that are

known certainly capable of removing this disorder. In the human frame,

methods of operating on the crystalline humour were successfully

practised by SHARP, DAVIEL, and others: little, however, is to be

expected with the horse. In such case, perhaps, it may be "better to

bear those ills we have, than venture upon those we know not of."

CATHARTICS—are synonimous with purgatives, and include all medicines of

that description.

CAUSTICS—are medicines which externally constitute a destruction of the

texture (or superficies) of the parts to which they are applied.

Caustics are of different kinds, and of various powers, according to the

reduction, or extirpation, for which they are intended. The actual

cautery, or red-hot iron, is used in firing, as well as for the farther

prevention of sand-cracks already broke out. The antimonial caustic, or

butter of antimony, (in judicious hands), is a complete and perfect cure

for _poll evil_, _fistula_, _quittor_, and _canker in the foot_. Lunar

caustic is an admirable counteraction to warts, and fast-shooting

fungus. Red precipitate is an excellent substitute, when so much

strength is not required; few wounds in horses can be brought to a

favourable state of cicatrization without it.

CAVESON—is an article used in the breaking of colts, as well as in the

manege: it consists of a semi-circle, of iron or blocked tin, passing

round the nose, about five inches above the nostrils, having three

hinges or joints, concave on the inside, and covered with leather, list,

or woollen cloth. This has three swivel rings, one in the center of the

noseband, and one on each side; to all or either of which the reins are

affixed, that he may be accustomed, in the ring, to pace either to the

_right_ or _left_. The caveson is mounted with a headstall, somewhat

similar to the headstall of a bridle: and to the rings on each side the

caveson, are straps long enough to be buckled to the sides of the

saddle, that his head may be kept in a proper position (when bearing

upon the _colt's bit_) to render him pliable, and to insure a good mouth.

CHACE.—A chace is, in general acceptation, considered a receptacle for

game, interspersed with _fern_, _thickets_, _underwood_, and probably

with _small coverts_, for its preservation. It is understood to be

superior to a park, but inferior to a forest, having none of those laws

for its protection. It is not unfrequently the property of a subject,

and is then protected by its own manorial rights and privileges. CHACES

there are, also, the property of the CROWN; and those are generally

regulated by the FOREST LAWS, as is the case with _Cranbourne Chace_,

situate in WINDSOR FOREST.

CHASE.—The chase, as well as other pleasures of equal attraction, has

had its most inveterate opponents, as well as its equally determined

devotees. Various and vehement have been the declamations against it;

equally numerous, and equally energetic, have been the expostulations in

its defence. That it was practised, and enthusiastically enjoyed, by the

ancients, as perseveringly pursued by the moderns, and will be continued

to the end of time, (in opposition to every species of puritanical

rigidity,) will not admit of the least contrariety in opinion. The

CHASE, taken in a general point of view, includes the chase of every

description, and implies a pursuit of GAME (or vermin) found in a state

of natural liberty, with a body (called a _pack_) of hounds, who follow

the object, whatever it may be, by the _scent_ left on the ground, (from

which an effluvia exhales,) so soon as the game thus found may have

_broke from their view_. Upon the subject of _scent_, its origin, its

duration, and its evaporation, innumerable conjectures have been sported

by literary theorists; in opposition to the animadversion upon which,

much more might be introduced; but as it must unavoidably terminate,

like all other matters of _hypothesis_, to which no criterion of

certainty can be produced, very little entertainment, and no _positive_

information, can be derived from the investigation.

The CHASE, in this its most comprehensive meaning, implies _hunting_ of

_every kind_, whether STAG, FOX or HARE, (with either or all of which,

_the otter_ is not of sport or magnitude sufficient to be put in

competition.) These three different kinds of chase afford equal sport,

but in a more distinct and different way from each other; most admirably

adapted to the different inclinations, dispositions, and personal

sensations, of the various admirers who enter into its spirit, according

to the different stages of life and gradations of age. FOX HUNTING, it

must be admitted, is most applicable and exhilarating to the fire and

impetuosity of unrestrained juvenility, or manhood more matured; where,

perhaps, the pleasure is enhanced only in proportion to the difficulties

of the day, upon the military principle of "the more danger, the more

honor."

STAG HUNTING may probably be more adapted to the taste or prudence (or

more appropriate to the wishes) of the SPORTSMAN, who having past the

meridian of life, has long since discovered the _value_ of _time_, and

knows how to appreciate its loss: he wishes to insure a chase of _two_

or _three_ hours to a _certainty_, without employing perhaps _double

that time_ before the game is _found_; with the additional chance of

exploring a dull and dreary journey of fifteen or twenty miles home, in

a dirty country, with no other consolation, than a great deal of riding,

but _a blank day_.

HARE HUNTING is, in the estimation of the sporting world, held in a

certain degree _inferior_ to the other two, (so far as hard riding and

personal courage is concerned;) because the exercise is not so violent,

nor is the chase of equal duration. Indeed, strong advocates for STAG

and FOX hunting hold this sport exceedingly cheap, and satirically say,

"it is better calculated for the initiation of _juveniles_, the

entertainment of _women_, and the amusement of those gentlemen in the

more advanced stages of life, who, like the old woman in the farce, is

highly pleased with the _sound_ of the _fiddle_, though no longer _able

to dance_." Hare hunting, however, though not so attracting to those who

wish to recount the difficulties, the toils and vicissitudes of the day,

after a long chase, yet to the contemplative mind of reflection, much

more of the _minutiæ_ of _hunting_, and the instinct of animals, is to

be enjoyed than in either of the other two: of this most probably ample

proof will be adduced, when they come to be separately enlarged upon

under their different heads.

CHALLENGE—is a term used for the first _tongue_ of a hound after

throwing into covert, to draw either for _fox_, or an _out-lying deer_.

Upon the _challenge_ of a single hound, if he is staunch, and to be

relied on, a general silence ensues; ears are all open for a repetition,

and every eye for _a view_; the huntsman (who well knows how far to

depend upon the truth of the declaration) instantly encourages the pack

to the promised point, by "_hark_ to _Gamboy_!" "_hark_ to _Galloper_!"

or whatever may be the name of the favourite hound so to be relied on.

The hounds by this means are immediately rallied to the precise spot,

and ready to go off in a body with their game, as a _lucky find_

frequently follows an unexpected challenge; more particularly in the

present fashion of going to covert, at a time of day when our

predecessors of only one generation past used to return.

CHAFFING,—so called, is a loss of hair, and laceration of the skin, by

the pad of the saddle having got too hard in the stuffing from constant

use, and for want of timely circumspection. It is also frequently

occasioned by the extreme heat and friction, in continuing to travel

_very long stages_ in the hotter months, without more frequent relief or

rest to the horse. This is a very common fault, or act of indiscretion,

with the mechanical part of the community; who possessing rather too

much of the _spirit of trade_, anxiously endeavour (in the extent of

their sagacity) to do much more, in less time, than nature ever

intended, by _humanely_ travelling a horse _two stages_ instead of

_one_, thereby saving most arithmetically one half the expence, upon the

city principle of Old Philpot, that "a penny _saved_, is a penny _got_."

There cannot be a more prudent precaution in either sportsman or

traveller, than an occasional inspection of the _stuffing_ of the

_saddle_, which invariably gets hard with constant use: it should

sometimes be beat and softened with a stick, afterwards lightly raised

in every part with the point of a packing needle, and made smooth and

free from lumps upon the surface, by which means every chance of injury

will be avoided. Nothing can be productive of more anxiety than a sore

back of the horse, either to the traveller on his journey, or a

sportsman in the field; or any thing more mortifying, than to recollect

such injury originated in the _neglect_ of the _master_, and not in a

fault of the horse. The backs of some well-bred and thin-skinned horses,

particularly young ones, are subject to _chaffing_ and _warbles_ upon

very slight occasions; to counteract which, nothing can be better, more

simple, or more easily obtained, than two or three table-spoonsful of

the best white wine vinegar, bathed cold upon the part, and that so soon

as the saddle is taken off, and while the pores are open.

CHARGE—was a favourite part of former practice in farriery, and

consisted of compositions in the form of an adhesive mass, which being

_plastered_ upon the part afflicted, was there left _to act_ as a

_corroborant_, an _emollient_, a _discutient_, a _repellent_, or, in

fact, to effect any purpose intended, or that the case might require.

These preparations were applied in different states, and were

denominated _hot_ or _cold charges_, according to the mode in which they

were laid on. As, however, no great proofs of their efficacy were ever

established, or any authenticated records of their utility known, they

seem to have glided out of modern practice, and been totally superseded

by the more rational introduction of penetrative stimulants, in

fomentations, embrocations, &c. which come into more immediate contact

with the affected parts, where injury has been sustained.

CHEST—is the part of a horse comprehended in the side view, from his

wither to the bottom of his ribs near the elbow, at the upper part of

the fore arm; and is perfectly understood, when we say, "that horse is

well let down, and deep in the chest." If, in addition to this, he is

"round in the barrel," he may then be said to have a _good carcase_. To

judge well of the chest, it is necessary to come before, and take a

front view, if which is broad, and the horse stands wide and firm, it is

a proof of strength; but if narrow in the breast, (alias the chest,) he

will not only be very likely to cut before, but to become

chest-foundered, if put to any extraordinary exertions.

CHEST-FOUNDERING,—a debility in the shoulders, chest and fore-quarters

of a horse, seemingly less understood, and certainly less explained

hitherto, than any one disorder or defect to which the horse is

incident. Those who have written upon this subject, evidently _echo each

other_; as they literally and individually say, "it proceeds from hard

labour, whereby the horse becomes surfeited; so that, upon the whole, it

is no more than a severe cold, and is to be managed accordingly." These

are, in fact, the very words of BRACKEN, who precedes it with this

remark: "Most authors agree it is so;" giving no opinion of his _own_,

beyond its originating in a "severe cold," and is to be "_managed

accordingly_." He says, "the signs are a staring coat, and heaving of

the flanks more than common." That a chest-foundered horse may _happen_

to have a _staring coat_, or a heaving of the flanks, from some

different or _remote_ cause, cannot be denied; but that _either_ of them

are diagnostic symptoms of chest-founder, no scientific practitioner

will ever admit.

A horse said to be chest-foundered, is almost invariably contracted in

the breast between the points of the shoulders; becoming narrower there,

as if there was a _wasting_ of those particular parts. If you put him

into a _trot_, he moves his legs one before the other with great

difficulty, as if they were internally connected, and prevented farther

extension by two latent links of a chain. When pressed to a gallop, the

case becomes _instantly_ decisive; he labours to get his legs from

_under him_ without success; a general constriction pervades the whole

of his fore parts; and his action may, with much more propriety, be

termed _jumping_ than galloping.

Although no one author has given a proof he ever bestowed an explanatory

thought, or condescended to transmit a single line, upon the _absolute

cause_ of this very common defect, yet it by no means seems sufficiently

involved in ambiguity, to render fair conjecture, or professional

opinion, a matter of the least difficulty. As the disorder is invariably

fixed upon those subjects who have done the _most expeditious_ and

_constant_ work, without having been ever known to affect those who have

done little or none; so it is natural to conclude, the intercostal and

subclavian muscles must have sustained injury, from the incessant

vibrative concussions occasioned by the almost eternal contraction and

expansion of those parts, in such labour as horses are put to who become

subject to the misfortune, which partakes much more of oppressed nature

than of disease. It should seem, by the great number of horses

(decidedly chest-foundered) who experience evident relief, and go with

much less pain and difficulty, when they have got warm, that the

muscular parts acquire rigidity when in a state of inaction, but expand,

and gradually throw off the stricture, so soon as the circulation is

encreased by action, and perspiration produced; both which subsiding,

the previous stiffness returns. Let, however, what will be the cause,

(and upon which the best opinions may vary,) instances are very rarely

or ever known of perfect cure, or complete eradication. Long rest, by

either a summer or winter's run, will always be found productive of

relief, and sometimes hold forth a descriptive promise of permanence,

which very mild and gentle work may continue; but hard riding, long

journies, or severe labour, will always produce a relapse.

CHILDERS—was distinguished from _four_ others in succession of the same

name, by the appellation of the DEVONSHIRE, or FLYING CHILDERS, having

been the _fleetest_ horse ever bred or trained in this kingdom, and said

to have ran _a mile in a minute_. The fact, however, was not so; he went

the _fourth_ of a mile at the rate of a mile in a minute, and beat every

horse of his time with ease. He was bred by MR. CHILDERS; was foaled in

1715; and got by DARLEY'S ARABIAN, dam (Betty Leedes) by CARELESS. He

covered as a stallion, and was sire of _Firetail_, _Blacklegs_,

_Second_, _Plaistow_, _Snip_, and _Commoner_; all good runners,

particularly the first three; also _Blaze_, _Winall_, and _Spanking

Roger_; horses of some note; as well as LORD W. MANNERS'S _Poppet_, (an

extraordinary runner at five years old,) _Steady_, _Fleece'em_, &c. He

covered but very few mares, except the Duke of Devonshire's.

BARTLET'S CHILDERS was likewise bred by MR. CHILDERS, and was _own

brother_ to Flying Childers.

HAMPTON COURT CHILDERS was got by the Devonshire Childers, dam (Duchess)

by the Newcastle Turk; and was likewise bred by Mr. Childers.

SMALE'S CHILDERS was bred by Mr. Smale, and foaled in 1726. He was got

by Bartlet's Childers; dam by the Byerley Turk.

CHILDERS, commonly called _Grey Childers_, was bred by LORD CHEDWORTH,

and got by the Devonshire Childers; dam by Sir W. Wharton's Commoner.

CHOLIC.—The disorder so called in horses, is properly divided into two

kinds, and should be carefully attended to in the attack, before

medicines are administered in _one_, which might have been more

applicable in the _other_. One species of cholic (which is the most

common) originates in a retention of confined air, from having been

supplied with too much _flatulent_ provender, or too much _water_, at an

improper time. This disorder, in general, soon submits to warm, cordial,

anodyne medicines, accompanied by friction and flank rubbing; seldom

terminating in death, though always accompanied with symptoms of danger.

The other is produced by hardened fæces plugging up the intestinal

canal, and frequently proves fatal: the least delay is dangerous, and

too much expedition cannot be used to obtain relief. In the "Gentleman's

Stable Directory," they will be found distinctly described, and the mode

of cure explained.

CLICKET—is the sporting term for the act of COPULATION with both HARES

and FOXES. During the first _warm_ weeks in FEBRUARY, when the _males_

and _females_ seek each other, they are then said to be CLICKETTING; or

that at this particular season they go to CLICKET. After _conception_,

they are said to be _knit_; when the DOE HARE or VIXEN FOX will make the

most powerful and persevering efforts before the hounds to save their

lives. JACK HARES and DOG FOXES at this season generally _fly their

country_, and lead long chases.

CLYSTERS—are, in a variety of cases, and upon many emergencies, so truly

and so expeditiously useful, (without the least danger of being

injurious,) that their salutary effects cannot be too well known, or too

generally understood. They are differently prepared, from a decoction of

the aromatic garden herbs, as _marshmallows_, _camomile_ _flowers_, and

_wormwood_, _gruel_, a handful of _salt_, and half a pint of _oil_; or,

indeed, from any of the prescriptions with which books upon physic and

farriery are generally loaded. When prepared, and of a proper warmth,

they are gently conveyed into the body through a wooden pipe, to which

is fixed a large bullock's bladder, containing the clyster to be

injected. The pipe having been previously moistened upon the surface,

with either sweet oil or lard, is then insinuated within the sphincter

of the anus; when which is effected, the string hanging from the bladder

(and to the other end of which the cork is annexed, that plugs up the

internal mouth of the pipe confined in the bladder) is steadily pulled

with the right hand, while the left is employed in keeping the pipe in

its proper situation, and supporting the bladder with its contents: upon

the cork's being withdrawn, and a free passage made for the clyster, the

hands are pressed moderately, and _in motion_ upon the bladder, so as to

force the whole into the body; when which is done, the pipe is gently

taken away, and the effect of course is waited for, or repeated, if

necessary. The mild and advantageous mode of obtaining relief by

_clysters_, is greatly preferable to the rough old method of extracting

the dung from the rectum by introducing the hand, which is not only

producing unnecessary pain to the patient, but very frequently of

exciting inflammation. Every sportsman of experience must know, that,

upon all emergencies, in _fever_, _cholic_, _strangury_, _inflammation_

of the _lungs_ or _kidnies_, a clyster may be so soon prepared, and so

soon administered, (particularly in remote situations in the country,)

that no gentleman, anxious for the safety and preservation of his _stud_

or _stock_, should be without such articles as would enable him to adopt

some extemporaneous means of relief, till assistance (which is sometimes

at a great distance) could be obtained.

COAT.—The coat of a horse (which the hair is called) is not only an

object of sporting exultation when the horse is in fine condition, but,

to the judicious and penetrating eye, is in a great degree indicative of

the state of health. Nothing will so soon demonstrate the _ability_, the

_care_ and _attention_ of the GROOM, as the coat of his horse. If the

coat is observed to become suddenly rough, standing different ways, with

a dusty hue underneath, and the hair to look harsh and bristly upon the

surface, the blood is then sizey, and tending to an unhealthy state; the

porous system has been collapsed by some chilling exposure to _wet_ or

_cold_; the integument acquires a tightness and rigidity, which, if not

relieved, soon displays itself in some slight degree of disease: this

may, in general, be prevented, by taking away blood, and proceeding upon

a short course of antimonial alteratives.

COCKING—was formerly a sport so exceedingly prevalent (from the great

and perpetual variety it afforded in _betting_) that matches were

constantly fighting between different counties, as well as opulent

individuals, and at most of the horse-races in every part of the

kingdom, for very considerable sums of money. This practice, however,

like every other _species_ of _sporting_, in the course of time, opened

so great a field for villainy amongst the subordinates, who become

unavoidably instrumental, (as _feeders_, _setters-to_, and

_assistants_,) that, in addition to the incredible expence of

_breeding_, _walking_, _feeding_, _matching_, removing and carrying

cocks from one walk to another, collecting them when brought up to

fight, injuries sustained upon their walks, consequent disappointments

when taken up, with a long train of collateral considerations, have very

much reduced both the _sport_ and the _breed_ in every part of England.

When all the leading expences are brought into one point of view

previous to a MAIN of COCKS being placed in the _pens_, and the

aggregate of expenditure annexed to the _match money_, (then to be

deposited,) it plainly appears, that any man so fighting, is doing it at

a disadvantage of _two_ to _one_ against himself. If he wins, he wins

but the match money; this, probably, may, or may not, even pay his

expence: if he loses, he has then lost both the _deposit_, and his

previous expenditure in _breeding_, _feeding_, &c. constituting _loss

upon loss_; and if he wins, he is no gainer, because the winning has

been absorbed in the predatory payments already described. In fact,

COCKING then (divested of every moral consideration in respect to its

alledged cruelty) is the most ungentleman-like, the least entertaining,

and the most doubtful in probable profit, that any sportsman of honour

and integrity can possibly engage in: but as fashions continually vary,

and it may hereafter undergo a renewal, farther particulars respecting

the sport will be found under the proper heads of GAME COCK, and COCKPIT

ROYAL.

COCKNEY—is the distinguished appellation by which those gentlemen are

honoured, who, being _natives_ of the Metropolis, are supposed never to

have very far exceeded the vibrative limits of _St. Paul's clock_, or

_Bow bell_. The term, however, well known as it is, would not have been

entitled to a place in this collection, had it not been thought

necessary to communicate to the sporting world, a _derivation_ so very

little known. A citizen of the above description making an excursion

with his son to the neighbourhood of Highgate, the lad (who had never

before _taken a journey_ of such magnitude and extent) happening to hear

a horse neigh, (which was quite _new_ to _him_,) hastily exclaimed, "How

that horse _barks_!"—"Barks! you booby," replied the father; "_Neighs!_

you mean. A _dog_ barks; a _horse_ neighs!" They had not proceeded far,

when the youth, finding his ears assailed by the sudden _crowing_ of a

_cock_, was so fascinated with the shrill and unexpected sound, that he

instantly attracted his companion's attention with, "Hark, father, how

that _cock neighs_!" To which happy effusion of fancy, citizens will

probably stand indebted for the name of cockney to the end of time.

COCK-FEEDER—signifies a person whose occupation it is to _collect_,

_handle_ and _feed_ a pen of cocks, to fight such main or match as may

be made or agreed on, by those who deposit the battle money, and are

called the MASTERS of the MATCH. These find or procure the cocks, of

which the feeder takes charge; and to his judgment is submitted the

entire management of _selecting_, _rejecting_, _feeding_, _physicing_,

_sweating_, _sparring_, _weighing_, _cutting out_, (alias trimming,) and

bringing his bag and cock to the pit; where, upon delivering it to the

_setter-to_, his function ceases in respect to that particular cock,

till death has sealed his disgrace, or success proclaimed his victory.

COCK-MATCH;—an agreement and article entered into by opposite parties,

to shew any number of cocks (as "twenty-one, thirty-one, or forty-one)

on each side in the _main_ and ten in the byes, to fight for ten guineas

a battle, and fifty the odd." The cocks so agreed to be matched, are

under the management of their different feeders till the day specified

in the article for their being _shewn_ and _weighed_; which day is, upon

most occasions, _the day but one_ preceding the day on which the main

begins to be fought. This ceremony is attended to with the most

scrupulous nicety on each side; every cock is weighed precisely to a

_quarter_ of an _ounce_; his colour described almost to a _feather_; his

marks in the eye, the _right_ and _left norrel_, the _in right_ and _out

left_ in the feet, are all taken down in writing with the same accuracy

as the weight; the whole being entered in the match-bills to be

produced, read, and compared, with the cocks as they are brought to pit

at the commencement of every battle.

The number of cocks having been shewn and weighed on each side, the

match-bills containing their weights are compared; and all those who are

either dead weights, or within an ounce of each other, are said to _fall

in_, and are called _main battles_; in contra-distinction to those who

do not come within the ounce of each other, and are _thrown into_ the

_byes_; which are generally fought for a trifling sum, and have no

affinity whatever to the MAIN. Should the cocks thus falling in

constitute either a very small or an _even_ number, it is usual then to

separate cocks of _dead weights_, or the nearest so, to match against

others, (giving or taking an ounce in weight,) that the main may be

extended in respect to the number of battles, and that number to be

_odd_; thereby preventing, if possible, the MAINS being _undecided_;

which, indeed, sometimes happens unavoidably by the chance of _a drawn

battle_.

That the match may be the better understood, let it be supposed that A

stands engaged with B "to shew twenty-one cocks on each side, _ten_

guineas a battle, and _fifty_ the MAIN or _odd_ battle." Of these

fifteen fall into the _main_; and the remaining six are thrown into

_byes_, and fight for two guineas a battle. It is in such case a custom

to fight a part of the byes, both _before_ and _after_ such part of the

main as is fought on _each day_, whether it is finished in one day, or

is a long main of many days duration. The match being concluded, we find

A has won _nine main_ battles and _two byes_; B _six main_ battles and

_four byes_; when the winning and losing will stand precisely thus: A

having three battles ahead in the main, is a winner of fifteen guineas

upon the _single_ battles; and winning the main also, he wins the

twenty-five guineas upon that event; making himself the creditor for

forty guineas: but in the _byes_, B having the advantage of _four_

battles to _two_ won by A, affords him a drawback of two guineas; and B

is the loser of thirty-eight guineas battle-money upon the whole match;

it being remembered, the byes were fought for only two guineas a battle;

or, in other terms, a guinea _each cock_. And this it will be necessary

for young adventurers to remember, that a match made for "ten guineas a

battle," is tantamount to five guineas _each_ cock; and "fifty guineas

the odd of the main," is always _bona fide_ understood a deposit (if

required) before fighting of five-and-twenty guineas a-side.

Cocks of middling size, and adequate powers, are always considered the

sharpest and best fighters; in confirmation of which opinion, custom has

established the match weights from three pounds six ounces to four

pounds eight; none to be shewn and weighed in the main under the former,

or above the latter, unless an extension to either a _lower_ or a

_higher_ weight should be agreed on by the parties. Sometimes (but very

seldom) a short match, of a different kind, takes place, and is termed a

"_shag-bag_" match, (or battle;) which is no more (the battle money

having been previously agreed on) than "turning the cock out at the

bag's mouth" in the pit, to meet his opponent, without ever having been

brought to the scale, or the weight of his adversary ascertained.

In weighing the cocks, and making the match-bill, it is an invariable

rule to begin with the _lightest_ pair, who are to fight _first_, and so

continue according to their weight _upwards_; such successive pair being

heavier than the former, so that the heaviest pair of cocks is fought

the last. Various sums being betted upon a match (or main) soon after it

is made, it may not be inapplicable to observe, that those who lay _the

odds_ in any proportion, as _five_ to _four_, _six_ to _four_, _two_ to

_one_, (or whatever odds may be laid,) either upon the main or a

_single_ battle, is always entitled to the privilege of _choosing his

side_, although it may not be mentioned; and this right he is possessed

of in consequence of _laying the odds_.

COCKPIT,—a place appropriated entirely to the purpose of COCK-FIGHTING,

for which it is erected; it is usually of an oblong or circular form,

surrounded with seats, to which the spectators pay for admission; and in

great mains, or subscription matches, the FEEDERS generally agree with

the masters of the match to receive the whole of this _door money_,

(equally divided between them,) as their compensation for the fortnight

or three weeks they are engaged in feeding the cocks.

COCKPIT ROYAL.—The cockpit royal is considered sanction sufficient for

the diversion of COCK-FIGHTING in every part of the kingdom. It is

situate on the south side of St. James's Park, from which it has its

entrance, and was erected in the reign of King Charles the Second, who,

having been himself fond of the sport, is said to have frequently

honoured it with his presence, when matches were made and fought amongst

his nobles. It is the only place where _long mains_, and great

SUBSCRIPTION MATCHES, are fought in the Metropolis; some of which are

for considerable sums between opulent individuals, who procure their

cocks from different parts of the country; and others (particularly the

subscription matches) by many members on each side, who breed their

cocks in distant counties, but fight them only in town; of which

description many matches are annually fought during all the spring

months, when both STAGS and COCKS are in the finest feather and highest

perfection.

The cockpit is circular, and completely surrounded with seats six tier

deep; exclusive of a rail, with standing room all round the summit of

the uppermost seat; forming, in the whole, a perfect amphitheatre. The

centrical circle upon which the _cocks fight_ is a raised mound of

earth, (surrounded with boarding,) about twenty feet in diameter, and

should, according to the technical term of the _sport_, be covered with

a fine green turf, denominated _sod_; in conformity with the general

acceptation of the word in the sporting world, where by "_the sod_" is

implied COCKING. By "the _turf_," RACING is equally understood. In all

mains or matches fought in the country parts of the kingdom, cocks

invariably fight upon the sod; but as it is an article difficult to

obtain in the Metropolis, and would be inconvenient and inapplicable

during _hard frosty_ weather, when many matches are fought, _matting_

upon the surface is substituted in its stead.

On each side the circular mound, at its extremity, and exactly opposite

to each other, are two small seats for the _setters-to_; who retire to

those seats during long fighting, or when ordered by the betters and

spectators so to do. Directly over the centre is suspended from the

dome, by a chain, a very large circular branch, containing a great

number of candles, affording a profusion of light; for nearly all the

matches fought here are very _unnaturally_ decided by _night_, the

company going to pit at six o'clock in the evening.

At the hour previously agreed on, _the bags_ containing the cocks are

brought into the pit by the FEEDERS, or who ever they may appoint: they

are there received by persons called the _setters-to_, whose

qualifications depend upon a _quick eye_, a _light hand_, and _agile

heel_; without the whole of which, celebrity can never be acquired in

their way. The cocks being taken from the bags, are most scrupulously

compared in _feather_ and _marks_ with the original description entered

in the match-bill on the day of weighing; if there should prove the most

trifling deviation from which, a mistake _wilful_ or accidental is

supposed to have taken place, and no progress whatever is made _in

fighting_, till it is completely rectified, and the cause done away.

This scrutiny is seriously critical, and made by the FEEDERS, who attend

minutely to the _match-bill_ and _marks_ of each other's cocks; which

ceremony gone through, and admitted to be right, the feeders retire from

the centre of the pit, becoming spectators; and the _setters-to_ are

then the sole possessors with the cocks in hand. In this state they are

shewn to each other "_beak to beak_;" and if they "show fight," they are

(for form's sake in the first battle only) given into the hands of the

makers (called masters) of the match, who are situate in the lowest

circular seat opposite to each other, and they giving the cocks a

_set-to_ toss upon the mat, the battle begins amidst clamours

indescribable, and offers of bets innumerable, according to the

pecuniary sensations, opinions and predictions of the different parties

interested in the event, constituting a scene very far beyond the power

of description, and which must be seen to be perfectly understood.

_Bettings_ now take place of every kind, as well upon the battle then

fighting, as upon the main (meaning the _odd_ battle) of the first

_three_, the first _five_, &c. Bets made upon the "LONG MAIN," imply the

winner of the match at its termination, in contra-distinction to betting

upon the main of _three_, of _five_, or of _seven_ battles, which are

very frequently made. Sometimes the cocks on one side are rather greater

favourites than on the other, from an idea of their being better blood,

better fed, or in finer condition; in this case, there are offers of, "a

shilling,"—"eighteen-pence,"—and not unfrequently even "half a crown for

a guinea;" the meaning of which is, the person so offering, is willing

to give you either of the sums mentioned, to bet him a guinea upon the

battle, he taking his choice for _buying the bet_. The person receiving

the half-crown to bet a guinea, stands precisely thus; if his cock is

successful, he is the winner of one pound, three shillings and sixpence;

on the contrary, he can be a loser of only eighteen shillings and

sixpence, having previously received half a crown from his adversary

toward the guinea he has got to pay: a recollection of this advantage is

equally necessary in proportional betting of greater magnitude, as

sometimes half a guinea is offered for five pounds, or a guinea for ten.

Persons taking these bets, whether for large or small sums, should, if

the odds in fighting come to _two_ or _three_ to _one_ in favor of the

cock they have backed, immediately take such odds, which is called

"hedging," (alluding to _a fence_ for the bet,) and the party then

stands the chance of _winning_ a certain number of pounds to the losing

of _nothing_! This is the only mode by which money can be made in a

cockpit, and what the _professional amateurs_ are always prompted by

prudence to do; as it is a very common thing, during a battle, for the

odds to vary, till _three_, _four_, or _five_ to _one_ are betted upon

each cock: a person taking the five to one _each_ way, will consequently

derive an advantage of _four_ guineas from _either_ cock, let which ever

will win. There are never wanting persons in a pit who are attached to

the cocks on one side or the other; these are always ready to offer bets

of _ten_, _eleven_, and _twelve_ to _four_, that the opposite party

"does not win two battles running:" If the cocks on that side are

healthy, properly fed, and in equal condition, with those in the other

pens, these are not bad bets to take. As for instance; A bets B twelve

half guineas to four, that Charles Walter (the _feeder_) does not win

_two battles running_; it happens he wins the _first_, (which is no more

or less than _even_ betting he does;) then B prudently backs the

opposite party for two guineas the _second_ battle of the two, and of

course stands the winning of _four guineas_ to the losing of _nothing_.

In a cockpit, the faculties of every man, who sports his money, must be

feelingly alive, to escape the most villainous depredations. _The

family_, who exist only by the most abandoned and unprincipled scenes of

infamy, are always prepared to _deny_ their bets _when they lose_,

particularly with noviciates; and with this advantage, they are always

supported by _gentlemen_ of their own party on each side of them, _ready

to swear_, "he had _no bet_ with you;" but if he _wins_, he demands his

money of you, and receives it; consequently, in the difference of

receiving and _not paying_, he has _ten_ to _one_ the advantage of a

YOUNG ADVENTURER, particularly as you cannot call for "cover," in the

ten thousand clamours, and _Babel-like_ building, of a cockpit. At the

termination of every battle, the betters leave their seats to adjust,

pay and receive the winnings and losings dependent upon the battle just

decided; it being a regular point, that the _winner_ makes application

to the better who has _lost_; and no disgrace is annexed to the

character of the latter by his omitting to follow the former, it being

sufficient to pay the _bet_ when _demanded_.

There are certain rules and laws of custom to be observed in fighting;

the most material of which it is necessary to explain. When once the

cocks are pitted, neither of the SETTERS-TO have the privilege to touch

or handle his cock, so long as they continue to fight, unless their

weapons hang in the mat, they are entangled with each other, are got too

close to the edge of the pit, or have left off fighting while the umpire

or law-teller can count _forty_; when, in either of those cases, each

setter-to instantly handles his cock, bringing them _beak to beak_ in

the middle of the pit: if _one cock_ has refused to fight while the

telling forty took place, his adversary, who made the last fight, with

either _heel_ or _beak_, is said to have the first law in his favour.

When brought beak to beak, and set on their legs, if the cock who did

not fight while the _forty was telling_, continues to decline fighting,

the setter-to of his adversary (or umpire, if there is one) proceeds to

tell _ten_; which being done, they are again handed, and brought _beak_

to _beak_; if the same cock continues still unwilling or unable to

fight, the ceremony of telling ten, and bringing _beak_ to _beak_, at

the conclusion of every ten, takes place, till it has been repeated _ten

different times_, when the cock so refusing to fight has lost his

battle. But should he fight during any part of the law, (even in telling

the last ten,) what has been told is of no effect, and the first ten

must be begun again, whenever a fight is renewed. Instances sometimes

happen, when the cock who has the _long law_ in his favour, retreats

from the cock seemingly beaten, and in his turn has the law going on

against him; so that the cock who fights last has the law in his favour,

till one side or other is counted out.

If, during a battle, (either by long fighting or a cut down blow,) any

person offers to bet _ten pounds_ to a _crown_, or throws his _hat_,

_glove_, or _handkerchief_, into the pit, which is the same thing, and

so understood, though not a word is spoken, the teller immediately

begins to tell _forty_ in a deliberate manner, which being done, he

proclaims, "ten pounds to a crown is betted; will any body take it? will

any body take it?" No reply being made, the battle is won by the cock

upon whom the odds were offered. On the contrary, should the bet be

accepted in words, or a handkerchief, _hat_, or _glove_, be thrown into

the pit, during the time of so telling _the forty_, it is an acceptance

of the _ten pounds_ to a _crown_ offered, and the cocks are instantly

handed beak to beak in consequence. If a cock, having the law in his

favour, _dies_ before the _long law_ is _told out_, his adversary wins

the battle, although he did not fight within the law; for there cannot

be a greater criterion of victory, than having killed his opponent.

When the cocks are first shewn in the hands of the setters-to, and

either refuses _to face_, that is, to fight, it is deemed _no battle_,

upon the equitable principle, that no man _can_ lose where he has _no

chance_ to win. There are frequently disputes between the setters-to

respecting which cock is in for the law in his favour, during the

changes which sometimes happen by the various changes in setting-to

during the _long law_; as well as disputes amongst the spectators

concerning bets made, and misunderstandings during the _heat of battle_;

to prevent litigation, and long-standing animosity, it is an invariable

rule, that all disputes are to be decided by a majority of the pit; but

in all pecuniary altercations, both parties deposit their money before

the _question is asked_, in proof of their readiness to acquiesce in the

decision when made. Persons making bets in a pit, which they were

afterwards unable or unwilling to pay, were formerly drawn up in a

basket by pullies, and suspended during _the play_; that ceremony,

however, is now nearly dispensed with, the aggressor being instantly

turned out of the pit, with a variety of _cuffs_ and _kicks_ plentifully

bestowed upon him in the gauntlet of his escape.

COCK'S WALK—is the place to which a _game chick_ is removed, from the

place where he was bred, (and where he walked _under his sire_,) to the

spot where he is to remain till taken up to fight; this is called _his

walk_, of which he is the master, not walking _under_ any other cock.

They are commonly sent out to walk at six or seven months old, previous

to which they have their combs and gills taken off, and are marked in

the _eyes_, _norrils_, and _feet_. At this age they are called

_chickens_; when turned of a year old, they are termed _stags_; and at

two years old, COCKS.

COFFIN-BONE.—This bone is situate at the lower extremity of the foot,

deposited in the membranous mass with which the box (or _coffin_) of the

hoof is lined, and is in nearly the shape of the hoof itself: in the

centre of the coffin-bone is a concavity, into which is inserted the

_inferior_ part of the _coronary bone_, supported by the _nut bone_

behind: upon the superior part of the coronary bone (that is just above

the line said to be "_between hair and hoof_") is lodged the lower part

of the fetlock bone, its upper part articulating with the fetlock joint.

Injuries are very frequently sustained by holes in the road, or cavities

in the pavement, into which a part, or the whole, of the foot getting,

ligamentary twists or distortions happen to the lower joints. Too much

pains cannot be taken in accurately ascertaining the exact seat of

lameness, particularly in these parts, as a great number of horses are

annually _blistered_ and _fired_ by much too hastily, and upon parts

where no lameness has ever been.

COFFIN-JOINT,—the joint situate below the fetlock, and just above the

union of hair and hoof; this is the part universally known by the term

_coffin-joint_; but, in fact, it is not in _reality_ so; for this being

formed by the upper part of the coronet with the lower part of the

fetlock-bone, leaves the whole coronary bone between the spot described

and the coffin-bone. The coffin-joint is buried in the body of the hoof,

and is formed by the convex junction of the coronary bone with the

concave part of the coffin-bone, as explained in the article preceding.

COLD.—A COLD is evidently occasioned by some sudden transition from heat

to cold, a long exposure to chilling rains, or a confined current of

external air, through some partial or particular channel: it may be

defined a _species_ of _disease_ derived from some one peculiar cause,

to which there may be many probable points of termination, according to

the constitution, or pre-disposition of the subject at the time of

attack.

COLD is much more likely to be acquired in a horse by neglect or

indiscretion, than by the effect of chance: it is certainly prevented

with more ease than it can be cured; and those who ride or drive their

_own_ horses, have this in constant recollection; those who ride or

drive the horses of _others_, have seldom any such recollection at all.

HORSES are hardly ever known to get _colds_ under the eye of the MASTER,

but unluckily he cannot be employed in the eternal superintendance of _a

servant_, nor can he carry the horse in his pocket. Colds unattended to

upon the first attack, not unfrequently degenerate to something worse,

displaying its progressive virulence upon the eyes, the lungs, or in

glandular tumefactions. Colds (in general thought very little of) cannot

have their probable tendencies too soon counteracted, particularly when

it is remembered, that if the blood is previously in a state of sizey

viscidity, an inflammation of the lungs may very speedily follow, and

carry off the patient in _two_ or _three_ days, in opposition to every

medical endeavour that can be made to prevent it.

A COUGH is generally one of the first and most distinguished symptoms of

_cold_; for the collapsion of the porous system having thrown the

perspirative matter upon the blood, its circulation through the finer

vessels of the lungs becomes proportionally retarded, and constitutes

the obstruction and consequent irritation (or _tickling_) which almost

incessantly excites the cough; to relieve which, all writers agree, that

bleeding is the first step to be taken: this to be followed by cordial

balls, malt mashes, thin gruel, &c. &c. the particulars of which may be

found fully explained in the "Gentleman's Stable Directory," or

"Compendium of Farriery," by the present Author.

COLOUR.—Strange notions have formerly prevailed, and much hypothetical

writing and reasoning have been equally produced, to collect sufficient

criterions to decide upon, for _a proof_ that the strength and

constitutional stamen of the horse depended as much or more upon his

_colour_ than his formation. Sound judgment, and rational reflection,

would, however, induce a well-founded reason to believe, there is more

of fancy or _fallacy_ in such suggestion; and that the old maxim still

stands upon firm ground, "a GOOD horse can't be of a _bad_ colour."

The bright and the dark _bay_, the jet _black_, the _chesnuts_, the

_browns_, and the _dappled greys_, are each proportionally beautiful

when in fine condition; and are held preferable in pecuniary estimation

to the _sorrel_, the _dun_, the _roan_, the _flea-bitten_, the

_strawberry_, and the _nutmeg_ or _iron-grey_. There is a prevalent idea

amongst people of a certain class, that many of the latter description

are very much inferior in spirited exertion, less calculated for hard

work, not such good feeders under fatigue, that they feel the effect of

age sooner, that their powers do not continue so long unimpaired, that

they are more susceptible of disease, and, lastly, that they are shorter

lived, than those called the _hardy_ colours, first mentioned. That

there will always be a variety of opinions in mere matter of conjecture

cannot be denied, any more than that the framers and supporters of those

opinions will magnify _mole hills_ to _mountains_ in defence of their

own sagacity; notwithstanding which, it must be admitted, that variety

of inferences might be drawn to justify a conclusion, that many of those

observations may have the basis of truth for their foundation, if this

was the place proper for such elucidation.

Whatever may be the colour of the horse, it is a practice with old

sportsmen, and good judges, to reject _white heels_, and _white hoofs_,

if they can be avoided: experience has proved, beyond all fear of

contradiction, that white heels are more _tender_, and white hoofs more

subject to _defects_, and susceptible of injury, in _thrushes_, _corns_,

and _sand-cracks_, than any other; and none more so, than light chesnuts

with blazes and white heels: the hoofs are frequently shelly, brittle,

narrow at the heel, diseased in the frog, and contracted in the feet.

Prudence should prompt every man (in a new purchase) to pay some respect

to the _lower_ as well as the _upper_ story; it being evidently more

advantageous to _reflect in time_, than to repent at leisure.

COLLEGE VETERINARY,—an equestrian establishment for the improvement of

farriery: it is situate about a mile north-east of Tottenham-Court Road,

at Camden Town, in the parish of St. Pancras, and will be explained more

at large under the head, VETERINARY COLLEGE.

COLT,—in the general sense, and immediate acceptation of the term,

implies a produce from HORSE and MARE, without adverting for the moment

to either the _masculine_ or the _feminine_ gender; but in a more

contracted point of view, (as well as in just and sporting-like

phraseology,) it is meant to convey an unequivocal idea, that the

produce being A COLT, is really so, (that is a _horse colt_,) in

contra-distinction to the opposite gender, invariably called _a filly_.

The bone and growth of a colt depends greatly upon two circumstances:

the first, his being foaled late or early; that is, _early_ in _April_,

or _late_ in _June_; as well as the difference of his being weaned in

November or March. Although it is admitted that colts (in the first year

termed foals) running with the dam during the winter, will afford

greater probability of size, bone, and strength, yet it is not at all

times it can be complied with, unless in studs, where _brood_ mares are

kept for that purpose only, and are left fallow (_uncovered_) for the

season. When a mare has been covered with a foal at her foot, and is

evidently in foal again, it should be an invariable rule to wean the

foal in October or November, upon the palpable impossibility of giving

suck to the one, without an impoverishment of the other. Whether the

colt is, or is not, weaned in either of those months, he should be well

kept, and have daily supplies of corn and hay, as well as proper

_stable_, _shed_, or _shelter_ from the inclemency of the winter season.

Upon the liberal keep of the two first winters, his size, growth,

strength, and bone, entirely depend, and must be particularly attended

to, lest repentance come too late; for it must be held in remembrance,

that if a colt is _small_ at two years old, from having been _stinted in

keep_, there is not one in a hundred ever attains to good size, by any

additional exertions or expence, after the natural efforts for expansion

have been so long retarded.

As COLTS of any description (except for THE TURF) are seldom taken in

hand, at least offered for sale, or brought into work, till they are

_three years old_, it is totally unnecessary to go into a minute

description of their AGE by the TEETH previous to that period. Suffice

it, therefore, to observe, the _twelve teeth_ in the front of the mouth

are, from their original appearance, called COLT'S TEETH, and so

continue to be, till dispossessed, and followed by _others_ which we

proceed to describe: and that a matter of such necessary information may

(with very little attention) be perfectly understood, an accurately

engraved PLATE is annexed, with such explanatory matter, as will bring

the subject home to the plainest comprehension.

[Illustration: _To face Page 153, Vol. 1ˢᵗ_

_Fig. 1._ _Rising Three._

_Fig. 2._ _Four Years old._

_Fig. 3._ _Rising Six._

_Fig. 4._ _Aged._

AGE by the TEETH.]

COLTS' TEETH are, in whiteness and appearance, not inferior to polished

ivory; are individually smooth upon the surface, or seat of mastication,

and so continue till some time between _two_ and a _half_ and _three

years old_; when, a few weeks sooner or later, (depending entirely upon

their having been _late_ or _early_ foals,) but within the space of time

specified, he sheds the two middle teeth of the SIX in the under jaw:

these are pushed forward, and succeeded by two of a stronger formation,

deeper in color, fluted, as it were, or having small grooves from top to

bottom, with a natural black cavity in the centre, as represented in

_figure the first_ of the PLATE, when the colt will be found rising

THREE YEARS OLD.

Some time in the _last half_ of the _fourth year_, the same process

takes place with the teeth on _each_ side the two in the centre,

(already described to have undergone the change;) so that at four years

old we find a repetition of (or addition to) the _first two_, at which

particular period he becomes possessed of FOUR horse teeth in the

middle, and _one_ colt's tooth only on each side, as will be observed in

the _second figure_ of the PLATE, where is represented the mouth of a

colt when FOUR YEARS OLD off, which he should be properly called till

the fall of the leaf; after that time it is the custom to say, he is

RISING FIVE.

At this time, that is, some time in the autumn, as _September_,

_October_, or _November_, (depending a little upon his having been a

late or early foal,) he sheds the two remaining outside or corner teeth,

the successors to which continuing to push out till the May or June

following, when he is full in the mouth, FIVE YEARS OLD, and then called

a horse.

During the course of this year, the single teeth, called TUSKS, seated

beyond the corner teeth upon the bars, appear; and proper attention to

the infantine or advanced state of this projection, will evidently

demonstrate the _fifth_ year of age; notwithstanding any trifling

variation, or singular exception, to the law of Nature already laid

down; as may be accurately collected from an attentive inspection of the

_third figure_ in the PLATE, where the subject is to be considered FIVE

YEARS OLD, off, and through the whole of the year is termed "rising

six;" the year not terminating till the FIRST OF MAY, from which every

horse takes his age; and it is customary to say he is coming six, or

will be _six years old_ next grass.

In the space of the last six months of the _sixth_ year, the cavity of

the two _middle_ teeth of the SIX (already described to have succeeded

the two in the _first_ change at three years old) gradually fill up, and

when turned of SIX YEARS OLD, retain a faint remains of the original

_black mark_, but is nearly or quite smooth upon the surface.

In the _last half_ of the SEVENTH YEAR, when the horse is termed "_six

off_," (or rising seven,) the teeth on each side the two centrical, last

described, become _gradationally_ possessed of the same appearance; and

when SEVEN YEARS are fully attained, the two outside or corner teeth

_only_ bear _any mark_ of the original cavity. At this period the HORSE

is said to be _aged_; and from this time to the completion of his

_eighth year_, the faint mark in the corner teeth continues gradually to

disappear (varying a little in different subjects) till quite

obliterated, when the AGE by the TEETH is no longer a matter to be

relied on, but becomes totally dependent upon the _immaculate_

declaration of the DEALER, or the _ipse dixit_ of the BREEDER, if that

can be _bona fide_ obtained. This description will be found accurately

delineated in the _fourth figure_ of the PLATE.

As the curious, but very common, _operation_ of BISHOPING has been

properly explained under _that head_, so another _deception_, in full

practice by the fraternity of _horse-dealers_, must not be forgotten;

they consider it a LAW of PRIVILEGE, and never omit an opportunity of

gratifying their professional sensations. By referring to _figure the

second_ of the PLATE, (where the teeth represent the state of the mouth

at _four years old off_,) may be seen the four centrical teeth with the

_black cavities_, and the two COLT'S TEETH at the corners, without any

mark at all. In this state they are frequently purchased of the simple

harmless BREEDER in the _country_; but they are very seldom a few hours

in the possession of a DEALER, before the _fertility_ of his imagination

is at work to _rectify_ the _deficiencies_, and to anticipate the very

intent and effort of NATURE.

The two corner COLT'S TEETH just described, are immediately _wrenched_

from their sockets, with even a common _door key_, or the first iron

instrument that can be found applicable for the purpose; and this is

done as a substitute for the impending exfoliation, by way of giving

earlier opportunity for the appearance and growth of their successors,

that the HORSE may be shown out as, and affirmed to be, a FIVE YEARS

OLD, when, in fact, he is positively no more than four. This is an

imposition very little better than a ROBBERY, and principally practised

upon the young and inexperienced, (the DEALER'S best _friends_,) but

seldom attempted to be _played off_ with the OLD SPORTSMAN, whose very

_mode_ of making his examination, speedily displays a proof of his

qualifications, and generally shields him from any very palpable species

of depredation.

When a HORSE is considerably advanced in _years_, but still _full_ in

the _frame_, and _fresh_ upon his _legs_, it is a general rule, even

with the best and most experienced judges, to form an opinion tolerably

accurate by the _length_ of his TEETH; but this can by no means be

considered infallible; as some horses carry a mouth _so much better_

than others of a less age, that it can constitute no certain criterion

of decision.

CONDITION—is a word in frequent use with the sporting world, to express

the state of a horse in respect to his health and external appearance.

If low in flesh, rough in his coat, hollow above the eye, and depressed

in his spirits, he is then said to be "very much out of _condition_."

But, on the contrary, if full of good sound flesh, his skin loose and

pliable, with his coat soft and sleek, he is then said to be in "perfect

condition to start," if for the TURF; fine condition to _take the

field_, if a HUNTER; or, if a roadster, to be in good condition to

undertake his journey. Horses too full of flesh or of blood, are said

not to be in _condition_, because they are not fit for strong exertions

without the danger of disease: brought into constant work in such state,

they soon, as it is termed, "_fall all to pieces_;" that is, if they

escape inflammation upon some of the various parts, morbidity soon

displays itself, either in a swelling of the legs, cracked heels, bad

eyes, defective wind, cutaneous eruptions, tumours, or in one of the

many ills to which horses in this state will always be subject.

Experience has so fully confirmed this fact, and custom has so firmly

established the great prudence of prevention, that much disgrace and

mortification is incurred by both MASTER and _groom_, who are so

unfortunate as to have horses _out of condition_; and this is so

perfectly understood in the present state of equestrian emulation, that

the necessity for occasionally cleansing the frame by BLEEDING, PURGING,

DIURETICS, or a course of ALTERATIVES, is not only almost universally

acknowledged, but generally practised by every judicious and well

informed SPORTSMAN in the kingdom.

CONSTIPATION—implies that state of the bowels, when, for want of the

necessary secretion of mucus, their excrementitious contents acquire a

degree of solidity bordering upon induration; the dung becomes too hard

and adhesive, fœtid in effluvia, and dark or nearly black in appearance.

A horse in such state should not be long neglected; inflammatory cholic

and consequent danger may ensue; or an indurated mass may be formed in

the intestinal canal, which no medicine may have the power to move in

time to prevent mortification. Too nice attention cannot be paid to a

horse's regular evacuations: if the body is evidently foul, he should be

proportionally physicked. Circumstances not rendering that perfectly

convenient, opening mashes might be adopted, and continued nightly (or

oftner) till the constipation is removed.

CONSUMPTION.—A consumption is a disorder to which horses are very much

subject, particularly the carriage horses of the great and opulent:

these fall victims to the unmerciful ambition of _nocturnal_ grandeur,

in the four, five and six hours street-waiting in the most dreary nights

of the most dreary winter. Consumptions originate in _colds_, which

being ill managed or neglected, constitute an increasing viscidity of

the blood; this preternatural consistence renders it more languid in its

circulation; and it is, of course, proportionally impeded in its

progress through the finer vessels of the lungs. Here then

_obstructions_ are first formed; as these increase, the passages become

impervious; the _tubercles_ continue to enlarge, till the vessels are

partially distended to their utmost extent, when inflammation takes

place, and maturation follows. This stage completed, the tumours

rupture; some probably heal by the efforts of nature, and others become

_corroding ulcers_, laying the foundation of inevitable danger, and

distant death. To a penetrative eye, and distinguishing hand, the

predominant symptoms will be immediately found to exceed the traits and

appearances of a common cold: the unequal and difficult respiration; the

kind of half-suppressed, sore, hollow cough, (denoting an internal

sensation of pain,) terminating in a sort of resigned moan; a constant

desire to masticate hay, without any seeming enjoyment of it; a general

heavy dulness, the palpable effect of conscious decay or debility; and a

frequent looking to and after the person accustomed to superintend him,

exciting reason to believe he may expect or hope for relief from the

very hand from whence it has been usual to derive support.

When brought into motion, the flanks heave, and the cough comes on in

proportion to the increase of action and circulation: the pain thus

produced soon excites profuse perspiration: by the efforts of snorting,

sneezing, and blowing, to relieve himself from the load under which he

labours, the discharge from the nostrils is increased, and gets deeper

in colour, according to the duration and inveteracy of disease.

Different subjects are very differently affected by the gradations of

this disorder, (to which but a faint expectation of relief can be at all

formed;) as one horse will continue to appear constantly declining, and

to waste away perceptibly, every symptom becoming more predominant and

distressing, till the scene is _finally closed_; while another shall

alter but very little in flesh, coat, or external appearance, till

within a few days of his _falling dead_ in his stall.

CONVULSIONS—are a spasmodic affection of the muscular parts of the body,

occasioned by extreme pain acting upon the irritability of the nervous

system; and generally proceed from cholic, inflammation of the kidnies,

strangury, worms preying upon the internal coat of the stomach, a

fullness of the vessels, and too great a flux of blood to the brain; as

well as a variety of causes, many of which are, perhaps, very far beyond

the utmost extent of human investigation. Whenever they come on, the

scene becomes truly distressing; they may be considered almost

invariably certain indications of approaching dissolution, instances

being exceedingly rare of a horse's recovery.

COMPRESSION—is a term meant to convey the idea of an injury sustained in

the foot of a horse from a contraction of the hoof, more particularly at

the heel, by indiscreet management in the mode of _shoeing_: first, in

forming the shoes too narrow, and giving them an improper internal curve

at each heel; the injudiciously cutting away the bars of the foot,

(formed by nature for its proper expansion;) the rasping away each side

of the heel, to make the _foot fit the shoe_, already put on too small;

all which is still more aggravated, by the equally _infernal_ and

equally _invincible_ practice of _fitting_ the shoe _red-hot_ to the

foot, in opposition to every argument and entreaty, thereby drying up

and consuming the natural moisture of the internal or fleshy sole, at

the moment of cauterizing and contracting the surface.

A hoof in the state described, holds forth, in its appearance, ample

proof of _compression_ upon the parts constituting the internal

structure of the foot; the membranous mass, the nut and coffin-bone,

thus pressed upon by the surrounding stricture, occasions a torpidity,

and consequent defect in action, by no means dissimilar to the hobbling

gait of an infant in pain from the tightness and rigidity of new leather

shoes. Horses whose feet are thus destructively reduced, are generally

those to whom neither MASTER or MAN ever condescends to look: if proper

injunctions were laid upon the shoeing smith, at each time of performing

the operation, such a scene of devastation could never ensue. When the

feet, by such mismanagement, have got into this state, every possible

application should be made to promote growth and expansion. If the horse

stands constantly in the stable, fresh stopping of moist cow-dung every

night, with a plentiful impregnation of spermacæti oil, all round the

hoof, every night and morning, are the most expeditious remedies for the

defect; but if it can be adopted with convenience, _turning out_ two or

three months upon a moist marshy piece of land will prove superior to

every other consideration.

COOLERS—are such medicines as, by their attenuating property, tend to

divest the blood of its viscidity, and to counteract threatened

inflammation. They are always useful in plethoric appearances: when a

horse is evidently overloaded, and above himself in flesh, when the legs

are full, round, and all the vessels are palpably distended, cooling

medicines, and gentle exercise, are the direct means of obtaining

relief. BLEEDING should take the lead, followed by a course of

diuretics, _mild_ or _strong_, according to the size and strength of the

subject. Nitre, incorporated with half its weight of gum Arabic in

powder, and dissolved in the water, is an excellent article of this

description.

CORNS,—as they are called, would be much more properly denominated

_bruises_, and are of infinite trouble to those who implicitly submit to

the Quixotic schemes and manual dexterity of the SMITH; who, with a

_secundum artem_ expedition, instantly renders the remedy worse than the

disease. As his principal province is the art of _cutting_, he has no

sooner the _drawing-knife_ in his hand, than he is at "_the bottom_:"

his great object is the destruction of parts; and he piques himself upon

doing more mischief in two minutes, than NATURE can restore in three

months. Impressed with no idea but instrumental extirpation, he proceeds

to excavate the sole of the foot, till, having reached the membrane, a

protrusion ensues, and leaves him a happy opening for the bar-shoe,

hot-stopping, a daily dressing, and the collateral considerations which

constitute a _sum total_ by no means necessary.

CORNS mostly originate in the shoe having swerved a little from its

proper seat upon the wall or crust of the hoof, and becoming, as it

were, indented upon the outer sole, occasions _a bruise_, appearing to

have ramifications of extravasated fluid in very fine and oblique

directions: the shoe being permitted to press upon this part, (become

irritable by the injury it has sustained,) produces pain and impediment

to action. Upon the discovery that such has taken place, the remedy is

as simple as the cause by which it was occasioned. The shoe being

carefully removed, take from the surface of what is _miscalled a corn_,

just enough to leave the part free from pressure by the shoe; moisten

once externally with a few drops of oil of vitriol, or simple aqua

fortis; and the operative smith, farrier, or veterinary surgeon, will

not find a plea for the devastation he is generally so ready to promote.

CORDIALS,—medically considered, are the very reverse, in their property,

of what has been said under the subject of "_coolers_:" they are warm

aromatic articles, which stimulate to action the internal coat of the

stomach, enliven the circulation, invigorate the frame, expel wind,

strengthen the digestive powers; and are, perhaps, without exception,

the best and most useful discovery yet made for the prevention and cure

of colds in horses, as well as of some other disorders arising from an

impoverished state of the blood. Horses subject to incessant fatigue in

all weathers, particularly in the wet and dirty months of winter, should

never be without the occasional interposition of a warm malt mash, or a

CORDIAL BALL, after long journies or severe chases, whenever

circumstances may render either or both necessary; the first being given

at night, the latter in the morning. After a previous bleeding, these

means may be considered infallible in a cold and cough, and never known

to fail, if properly persevered in and attended to. The cordial balls

are also exceedingly useful, where a horse is off his appetite, either

from being overworked, or from the very common and very injudicious

custom with weak servants, or penurious masters, of administering large

quantities of _nitre_, (as a _cheap_ and _efficacious_ medicine,) till

the blood is attenuated and impoverished below the standard of health,

the solids reduced to a state of flaccidity, the stomach nauseated, and

the digestive powers proportionally impaired.

CORIANDER,—the name of A HORSE who acquired much celebrity by his

performances upon the TURF for six years in succession. He was bred by

MR DAWSON, and was got by Pot8oo's out of _Lavender_, who was got by

_Herod_; her dam by _Snap_, out of _Sweet William's_ dam by _Cade_. He

was foaled in 1786. In 1789, when three years old, he beat _Jericho_,

from the ditch-in, for 200 guineas, and SIR W. ASTON'S _Marcia_, two

year old course, 100 guineas. First Spring meeting, 1790, he beat

_Buzzard_, seven stone each, 100 guineas. Second spring meeting he beat

him again for the same sum. He beat _Egbert_ and _Isabel_, a sweepstakes

of 100 guineas each; and _Shovel_, _Glaucus_, _Alexander_, and _Sir

Thomas_, a sweepstakes of 50 guineas each; _Baronet_, _Nimble_,

_Egbert_, and _Sir Pepper_, paying forfeit. He walked over for the

King's hundred at Ipswich; and beat LORD BARRYMORE'S _Pellegrine_ the

two middle miles of the Beacon for 200 guineas.

In 1791 he won a subscription purse, beating _Spear_, _Isabel_,

_Ruffian_, _Black Deuce_, and _Mouse_. He also won the plate at

SWAFFHAM, beating _Isabel_ and the _Sister to Imperator_; and the next

day won the other plate, beating _Clayhall_. At Newmarket, in October,

he beat _Highlander_, _Serpent_, _Halkin_, and _Espersykes_; after

which, from the ditch-in, he beat _Escape_, _Skylark_, and _Pipator_.

When rising six years old, he received forfeit from SIR C. TURNER'S

_Weathercock_, and won the King's plate at GUILDFORD, beating

_Enchanter_ and _Braggadocio_; also the King's plate at NOTTINGHAM,

beating _Young Cicero_.

In 1793 he won the aged plate at NEWMARKET, beating _Dragon_, _Halbert_,

and _Halkin_. He won the King's plate also, beating the DUKE OF

BEDFORD'S _Skyscraper_. Second spring meeting, he won the Jocky Club

plate, beating _Skyscraper_, _Bustler_, _Cardock_, and _Pipator_; and on

the same day won the weight for the aged plate, beating _Huby_,

_Volanté_, and _Eager_. In the same meeting he beat _Buzzard_ the Beacon

Course for 200 guineas.

In 1794, when aged, he won THE WHIP and 200 guineas, beating _Creeper_,

ten stone each, over the Beacon. He won 50_l._ at CHELMSFORD, beating

_Sweeper_, and _Portland_; likewise 50l. at NORTHAMPTON, beating

_Triumvirate_, and a son of _Faggergill_. At NEWMARKET, in October, he

won the aged plate, beating _Quetlavaca_, _Exciseman_, and _Halkin_; and

in the same week he beat LORD EGREMONT'S _Gohanna_ (giving him 24lb.)

and LORD STRATHMORE'S _Hermes_. In the second October meeting, being the

last time of his running, he won a subscription purse, (paying 50

guineas entrance,) beating LORD GROSVENOR'S _Exciseman_, and LORD

SACKVILLE'S _Silver_. This extraordinary horse was one of the very few

who stood so many years training, and so much severe running, without an

accident. He covered afterwards in the north, at seven guineas, and has

produced some good runners.

CORNER TEETH—are the four teeth at the extremities of each row in both

the upper and the lower jaw, situate between the middle teeth and the

tushes: the corner teeth in the lower jaw, are those which the horse

sheds when four years old off, and rising five: these not spontaneously

exfoliating in time to accommodate the pecuniary propensity of _the

dealer_, he possesses the means and the practice of selling a _four_

year old colt for a FIVE year old horse; and this is so constant, that

there is _with that class_ nothing _dishonest_ considered in the custom.

CORONET—is the part surrounding the foot of the horse just above the

junction of hair and hoof: the bone from which the name is derived,

bears great affinity in form to a ducal coronet, and is situate between

the lower part of the fetlock-bone and the coffin, into which it is

inserted, jointly supported by the nut-bone behind. Ligamentary twists,

or distortions, sustained at the superior junction of the coronary bone,

frequently occasion a prominence upon the _coronet_, which becoming

first callous, and then ossified, is termed A RINGBONE.

COVEY OF PARTRIDGES—consists of the cock, hen, and their produce of that

year before they are broken, and so continue to be termed till killed

down too thin to bear the appellation: they are then distinguished by

the small numbers they are found in; as, a leash, (three;) two brace,

(four;) &c.

COURSE OF MEDICINE,—so called where the case is chronic, requiring a

rectification in the animal œconomy, or an alteration in the property of

the blood. Chronic cases are disorders of some continuance, (producing

symptoms of disquietude more than of danger,) and are thus called to

distinguish them from those which, proceeding rapidly, terminate sooner,

and with more alarm. CHOLIC, STRANGURY, FEVER, &c. in horses, are

_acute_ diseases: on the contrary, _grease_, _surfeit_, and some others,

may with propriety be termed CHRONIC, and can only be completely

eradicated by such _course_ of _medicine_ as shall be considered

applicable to the state of the frame, and the origin of the disease.

COURSING—is a species of sport that a celebrated writer has traced to

great antiquity; "it having been treated on by ARRIAN, who flourished A.

D. 150." The same author, the REV. MR. DANIEL, in his elegant and truly

entertaining publication upon "_Rural Sports_," says,

"In our country, during the reign of KING JOHN, greyhounds were

frequently received by him as payment in lieu of money, for the renewal

of _grants_, _fines_, and _forfeitures_, belonging to the Crown. The

following extracts prove this Monarch to have been exceedingly partial

to this kind of dogs. A fine paid A. D. 1203, mentions five hundred

marks, ten horses, and ten leashes of _greyhounds_. Another, in 1210,

one swift running horse, and six _greyhounds_."

"In the days of ELIZABETH, when she was not disposed herself to hunt,

she was so stationed as to see the coursing of _deer_ with greyhounds.

At Cowdrey, in Sussex, the seat of Lord Montecute, (now Lady

Montague's,) A. D. 1591, one day after dinner, the Queen saw from a

turret sixteen bucks, all having fair law, pulled down with greyhounds

in a lawn before the house."

Coursing was formerly extended to the DEER, the FOX, and the HARE; and

much ceremony was observed in _park_ and _paddock_ coursing with the

_former_, even in the Royal presence. It is, however, now principally

confined to the hare, (except in the season for _fawn_ killing;) is not

only universal in most counties, but particularly patronized and

promoted in others. CLUBS are composed of the most opulent and

respectable members for the enjoyment of the sport, who have mostly two

(some three) meetings in each season; the first established and

principal of which is the "Swaffham Coursing Society," instituted in

Norfolk by the late EARL of ORFORD in the year 1776, which is supported

with true personal spirit and sporting energy; the Bradwell and

Tillingham meetings, in Essex; the Flixton Wolds, in Yorkshire; and the

Ashdown Park meeting, at Lambourn, in Berkshire.

The meetings at Swaffham are held on the second Monday in November, and

the first Monday in February, unless prevented by frost or snow, in

which case they are then held the first open Monday in or after

November, and the first open Monday in February; and not later. The

Ashdown Park meeting to be held at the Red Lion at Lambourn, annually,

the second Monday in November.

The LAWS of COURSING were arranged in the reign of QUEEN ELIZABETH by

the Duke of Norfolk, and were sanctioned by the acquiescence of the

nobility, gentry, and sporting world, who then followed the diversion;

and have since been considered the fixed criterion for the decision of

all bets, by which they are regulated and determined to the present day.

The person appointed to let loose the greyhounds, was to receive into

his slips (or thongs) those matched to run against each other so soon as

he came into the field; and then to follow next the hare-finder, or him

who was to start the hare, until he came to _the form_; and no horse or

foot men were to go before, or on either side, but directly behind, for

the space of about forty yards.

RULES.—A hare never to be coursed by more than A BRACE of _greyhounds_.

The hare-finder to give the hare three _soho's!_ before he put her from

_her form_; to give notice to the dogs, that they may attend to

_starting_.

The hare to have _twelve score yards law_ before the dogs were loosed,

unless the small distance from cover would not admit it without danger

of immediately losing her.

The dog who gave the _first turn_, if there was neither _cote_, _slip_,

nor _wrench_, during the course, WON.

A _cote_ is when a greyhound goes endways by his fellow, and gives the

hare _a turn_.

_A cote_ serves for _two turns_, and two _trippings_ or _jerkins_ for _a

cote_: if the hare did not turn quite about, she only _wrenched_, and

two _wrenches_ stand for a _turn_.

If there were no cotes given between a brace of greyhounds, but that one

of them served the other at _turning_, then he that gave the hare _most

turns_, _won_; and if one gave as many turns as the other, _then_ he

that _bore_ the hare, won.

If one dog gave the _first turn_, and the other bore the hare, he that

bore the hare, won.

A _go-by_, or _bearing_ the hare, was equivalent to _two turns_.

If neither dog _turned_ the hare, he that led last to the covert, won.

If one dog turned the hare, served himself, and turned her again, it was

as much as a _cote_; for a cote was esteemed _two turns_.

If all the course was equal, the dog that bore the hare, won; if the

hare was not borne, the course was adjudged dead.

If a dog fell in a course, and yet performed his part, he might

challenge the advantage of a _turn_ more than he gave.

If a dog turned the hare, served himself, and gave divers cotes, and yet

in the end stood still in the field, the other dog, if he _ran home to

the cover_, although he gave no turn, was adjudged the winner.

If by accident a dog was rode over in his course, the course was void;

and he that did the mischief was to make reparation for the damage.

If a dog gave the first and last _turn_, and there was no other

advantage between them, he that gave the _odd_ turn, won.

He that came in first at the death, took up the hare, saved her from

being torn, cherished the dogs, and cleansed their mouths from the

fleak, was adjudged to have the hare for his trouble.

Those who were appointed judges of the course, were to give their

decision before they departed from the field.

Exclusive of the county clubs and local societies established for the

annual enjoyment of the diversion upon a larger scale, COURSING has its

devotees, who are as energetic in its defence, as its most enraptured

advocate can possibly be, for what he calls the inexpressible pleasures

of the chase: taken, however, in a more extensive point of view, it is

held in nearly an equal estimation with _angling_, when put in

competition with the more attracting sports of the field; and seems much

better calculated for the amusement of a _cynical solitary_

disciplinarian, than a mind open to all the more noble and exhilarating

sensations of the CHASE.

COSTIVENESS—will be sound satisfactorily explained under the head

CONSTIPATION; to prevent which, regular exercise, great friction, flank

rubbing, and frequent changes of food, will greatly contribute.

CRACKS—in the heels of horses, during the winter season, are found only

in stables where the master seldom or ever condescends to appear. These

trifles are too frequently attributed to a defect in the _constitution_

of the _horse_, when, with more propriety, they might be fixed upon a

_want_ of _constitutional_ punctuality in the _groom_. Horses left with

_wet legs_ and _heels_ after chase or journey, particularly in sharp

easterly winds, or in frost and snow, constitute the evil to a

certainty. So severe a rigidity is occasioned in the texture of the

integument, that it becomes partially ruptured, (or broken in various

places,) upon being brought into action the following day: this, with

the irritation and friction occasioned by the sharp particles of gravel

and extraneous matter in the dirty roads, soon produce enlarged

lacerations of the most painful description. The prudent part of the

world will always consider, as well in this, as in every other case,

that _prevention_ is better than _cure_: servants should be allowed in

the stables, linen cloths for rubbers to the heels, that they may never

be left in the least wet, particularly in the winter season, when once

getting _tender_, the stubbed ends of the new and stiff straw frequently

occasion or increase such lacerations.

CRAMP—is a most extraordinary spasmodic muscular contraction of some

particular limb, where the stiffness and rigidity of the part exceeds

belief. To those who have never been accustomed to such cases, they are

serious and alarming; for the strength of two men is inadequate to the

task of rendering the affected limb pliable and active. The cause is

sometimes not to be ascertained; but it has frequently arisen from a

horse, in a high state of perspiration, having been placed in a current

of _cold_ air, or a _damp_ stable, and in a few minutes found not able

to move. Standing still two or three days in succession without

exercise, after long and constant travelling, is likewise known to

produce it. But whatever cause it may have originated in, the direct

road to relief is still the same. Instantaneous BLEEDING, hot

fomentation with a decoction of aromatic herbs, immediately followed up

by strong friction with an old stable horse-brush, and this by an

embrocation of camphorated spirits, half a pint, incorporated with one

ounce of oil of origanum, and a part of it patiently rubbed in upon the

particular part affected, never fails to relieve in a _short time_.

Should it, however, not take effect so soon as expected, dissolve a

_cordial-ball_ in a pint of gruel, to which add an ounce of _liquid

laudanum_, and let either or all the operations be repeated in a few

hours, should the case (or a relapse) require it.

CREST-FALLEN.—A horse is said to be crest-fallen, when the part running

from the withers to the ears, and upon which the mane grows, is

impoverished, and wasted, from the natural prominence of its beautiful

curve, to a state of reverse hollowness or indentation. This is

generally accompanied by a total emaciation, brought on by very _bad

support_, or neglect under different degrees of disease. The firmness

and corresponding curve of the crest is almost invariably a tolerable

criterion of the _health_ and _condition_ of the horse; and a judicious

inspector seldom omits this part of the examination. If the flesh upon

the crest is _firm_, _solid_, and not flabbily soft, or fluctuating, it

is a good sign of constitutional strength; but a horse having a low,

bare, indented crest, will always have a poor, weak, and impoverished

appearance, doing his owner no credit. This defect, however, proceeds

more from penurious keep, and temporary starvation, than any cause or

defect in Nature, and may always be expeditiously remedied by liberal

support, and nutritious invigoration.

CRIB-BITING—is a habit acquired by some horses, of incessantly biting

the manger, and gulping the wind; which appears, from observation, to be

more prejudicial to character, than to bodily exertion. It is said,

"young horses are most subject to it; and that it is often occasioned by

uneasiness in breeding of teeth, and from being ill fed when they are

hungry. The bad consequences are wearing away their teeth, spilling

their corn, and sucking the air in such quantities, as will often give

them the cholic or gripes."

It is certain a _crib-biter_ never appears high in flesh, or so full in

condition as horses that are not so; and so prejudicial is it considered

by many, that they will not admit a horse to be _perfectly sound_ if

sold with this infirmity. Opinions vary upon the _difference_ it makes

respecting the labor and fatigue a horse of this description can

undergo; some asserting that "the defect keeps him _weak_, _languid_,

and unable to endure much work:" while others as strenuously insist upon

its being in no way whatever prejudicial.

"Who shall decide when doctors disagree?"

CROPPING—is the operation of taking off the ears, which was till very

lately performed with a knife and wooden mould, rendering it both

tedious and painful: it is, however, now very much improved by the

invention of an instrument admirably adapted to the purpose, by which

the separation of the ear is almost instantaneous. It is only adopted

where horses are _lop-eared_, and bear the appearance of mules about the

head. As the operation is at best but a cruel mutilation, every humane

and tender mind will think it "more honored in the breach than the

observance."

CROWN-SCAB—is a partial appearance about the coronet of a horse, varying

in different subjects, according to the state of the object diseased. It

partakes a little of the disorder called _grease_, to which, if

unattended to, it would soon degenerate; being a species of that defect,

but in an inferior degree. In some it appears as a scurfy eruption,

raising the hair, and turning it different ways, from whence soon oozes

a kind of oily ichor, fœtid in smell, and greasy in appearance: in

others, the discharge is _thinner_, and more _watery_, according to the

greater or less degree of morbidity in the frame, or acrimony in the

blood. It has been a practice with the old school to counteract its

effects by vitriolic lotions, slight styptics, and strong repellents:

scientific disquisition will not, however, justify such treatment, but

recommend daily mollification with warm oatmeal gruel and a soft sponge;

when which is wiped gently dry with a soft linen cloth, it may be very

mildly impregnated with camphorated spermacæti ointment, and the cure

assisted by mercurial physic, diuretic balls, or a course of antimonial

alterative powders.

CUB.—A young fox is so called during the _first_ year.

CURB—is a callous enlargement, approaching ossification, and is situate

at the lower junction of the bones, at the hind part of the hock,

originally attended with stiffness, and lastly with lameness and pain.

Curbs are evidently produced by _kicks_, _blows_, sudden _turns_ or

_twists_, riding too hard (or drawing too much weight) up hill: they

should be attended to on their first appearance, when they soon submit

to the usual modes adopted for extirpation. Mild blistering frequently

succeeds, particularly where the operation is _twice_ performed; but

when the case is of long standing, a few slight feather strokes with the

firing-iron may be necessary to confirm the cure.

CURB.—The chain is so called, which is the part of the bridle-bit fixed

to one cheek, and passing under the lower-jaw (and above the beard or

chin) to the other. By the rein being fixed to rings or loops, at the

lower extremity of the bit, this chain, called curb, constitutes a

fulcrum; and the harder such rein is pulled, the harder will be the

pressure of the curb upon the under jaw, and of course the greater power

given to the rider. The curb consists merely of a neat wrought chain,

small rings and links, by which it is fixed to the cheek-eyes of the

bit, and easily taken off and on for the purpose of cleaning.

CURRY-COMB,—a well known stable utensil, in constant use for the

cleaning of horses. They are much more applicable to _post_ and _draft_

horses, than to horses of superior description, the fineness of whose

coats, and the tenderness of whose skins, occasion much uneasiness to

them during the _prickly persecution_, and to whom good, sweet, clean

straw-bands are greatly preferable; it being matter of fair doubt,

whether more horses are not lamed in the stable under the _dancing_

ceremony of the curry-comb, than by accidents upon the road, or strong

exertions in the field.

CRUPPER,—a leathern convenience, or long strap, annexed to the hinder

part of the saddle, having at the other extremity a loop to pass under

the tail; by which the saddle is prevented from getting forward, and

bringing the rider upon the neck of the horse. Such aid is by no means

required with horses well made, and uniformly proportioned: they are

rarely brought into use, but where a horse is _lower before_ than

_behind_; and are in so much disrepute with amateurs and connoisseurs,

that a real sportsman would sooner part from his horse than to _be seen

ride_ with _a crupper_.

CUTTING.—Explained under CASTRATION.

CUTTING IN ACTION,—in the manege called _interfering_, is lacerating the

round inside projecting part of the fetlock-joint, with the edge of the

shoe, upon the foot of the opposite leg. This arises much more

frequently from the indifference or neglect in the owner, than from any

imperfection or defect of the horse; more horses _cut_ from being broke

and put into work too young, rode too long journies in a day, or

over-worked when weary, than from any cause whatever. Some horses, it is

true, _cut_ from their formation, particularly those narrow in the

chest. Carriage horses, too, very frequently cut _behind_; but this must

in a great measure be occasioned by the projecting parts and cavities in

the pavement, for all which the surest footed horse existing cannot be

prepared.