DACE,—a small fish, common in most rivers, where it is seen swimming
near the surface, mostly in shallows, and near bridges, held in no
estimation but with the common people.
DAISY-CUTTER,—a sporting term for horses that go so near the ground,
they frequently touch it with the tip of one toe or the other, and are
constantly in danger of falling. A horse with _broken knees_ may be
considered of this description.
DAPPLE.—Horses are so called who have partial variegated hues in the
coat of different sizes, constituting small circles, both _lighter_ and
_darker_ than the general colour of the horse. Such are said to be
_dappled_; hence we have dapple bays, dapple greys, and sometimes dapple
blacks.
DEALERS.—See HORSE DEALERS.
DECOCTION.—A decoction for the purpose of fomenting swellings, tumours,
or enlargements, (either as an emollient or discutient,) is made by
boiling a double handful of Roman wormwood, camomile flowers, bay
leaves, and elder flowers, in two gallons of water, for a quarter of an
hour, and applying it to the part with _sponge_ or _flannel_ as hot as
it can be used without injury to the hair. This will be found more fully
explained under the proper head, FOMENTATION.
DECOY,—a canal, river, pond, or sheet of water, appropriated to the
profitable purpose of taking _wild ducks_ and _teal_: it is a business
peculiar to those only who profess it, and conducted upon a principle of
the strictest stillness and regularity. The person having the management
of a decoy, must possess taciturnity and patience in a very great
degree, both being brought into constant practice; without which,
success can neither be expected or deserved. The fowl are brought within
the tunnel of the net by _stratagem_, where, at a critical moment, they
are enclosed and taken. All this, however, depends upon the industry,
sagacity, deception, and exertion, of the DECOY-DUCK, by whose _wiles_
and _allurements_ the whole flight are brought within the space allotted
to their destruction. The decoy-ducks are trained to their business
almost from the shell, and amply demonstrate what services may be
obtained, what fidelity insured, or what attachment excited, by the
exertion of tenderness and humanity, even to the more inferior parts of
the creation.
It, however, often happens, that the wild fowl are in such a state of
sleepiness and dozing, that they will not follow the decoy-ducks. Use is
then generally made of a dog trained to the business, who passing
backwards and forwards between the reed screens, attracts the eye of the
wild fowl, who not choosing to be interrupted, advance towards the
_small_ and _contemptible_ animal, that they may drive him away. The dog
all the time, by the direction of the DECOY-MAN, plays among the screens
of reeds, _nearer_ and _nearer_ to the purse-net; till at last the
decoy-man appears behind the screen, and the wild-fowl not daring to
pass by him in _return_, nor being able to escape upwards on account of
the net-covering, rush on into the _purse-net_.
The general season for catching fowl in decoys is from the latter end of
October till February: the taking of them _earlier_ is prohibited by an
act 10th of George II. which forbids it from June 1st to October 1st
under the penalty of five shillings for _each_ bird destroyed within
that space. An action will lie against the disturber of a decoy, by
_firing a gun_, or any other act of _wilful_ injury to the owner.
DECOYS cannot be formed, nor need they be attempted, but where nature
has been a little diffuse in her favors for the formation: marshy low
lands, plenty of water, and sequestered situations, are indispensably
necessary to a successful embarkation. They are to be found in different
parts of the kingdom, but more plentiful in the northern and eastern
counties than in any other. Essex, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, and
some part of Warwickshire, are remarkable for many of considerable
extent, and from the principal of which the markets of the Metropolis
are so plentifully and so reasonably supplied.
DEER,—a word indiscriminately used, implies (in its most extensive
sense) the animals inhabiting parks and forests, whose flesh is equally
denominated VENISON, though very different in size, flavour, and
estimation. DEER are of two kinds; the one principally bred and
preserved for the chase, the other for the table. A perfect description
of the first will be found under the proper heads of RED DEER, STAG, and
HIND; of the latter, under FALLOW DEER, BUCK, and DOE.
DEER-STEALERS—are those nocturnal desperadoes who, setting at defiance
all laws, all possession of property, and the protectors of it, disguise
themselves, and, under cover of the night, attack, seize, kill, and
carry away, from the best fenced parks, _bucks_ or _does_, (according to
the season,) with the greatest impunity. Their mainspring of action is a
dog of the cur kind, called "a coney-cut lurcher:" this is a breed
peculiar to itself, and those who use it; being a light sort of brindled
wiry-haired mongrel, with a natural stump tail, having the appearance of
a _bastard_ greyhound. They are exceedingly fleet and lasting, run
_mute_, (by either _nose_ or _sight_;) and are so well trained for the
purpose to which they are solely appropriated, that they are equally
expert in _picking up_ a HARE, or _pulling down_ a BUCK. After having
executed their office, though in the darkest night, they will soon
recover their master by _scent_, and lead him to the _game_ so pulled
down, which is repeated till a sufficiency is obtained for _that
journey_; the business having been so systematically conducted, by the
various neighbouring emissaries and associates concerned, that horses
and carts were employed, and a regular routine of robbery carried on, by
periodical and alternate depredations upon most of the parks within
_fifty and sixty_ miles of the Metropolis. Many living in a line of
respectability in other respects, were publicly known to be employed in
the nefarious practice without fear of detection; for no _informer_
could come forward, without a very great probability of destruction to
his PERSON or _property_, from some of the many confederates concerned.
These offences, so long thought but little of, became at length
enormities of such magnitude, that the Legislature discovered a
necessity for the introduction of new and more severe pains and
penalties. A variety of statutes were enacted in the reigns of former
sovereigns for the punishment of such offenders, which are now fully
concentrated in the Acts of Parliament passed in the present reign of
George III.
By these statutes, if any persons shall hunt, or take in a snare, kill
or wound, any red or fallow deer, in any forest, chase, &c. whether
inclosed or not, or in any inclosed park, paddock, &c. or be aiding in
such offence; they shall forfeit _twenty pounds_ for the first offence;
and also _thirty pounds_ for each DEER wounded, killed, or taken. A
GAME-KEEPER, guilty of either, to forfeit _double_. For a second
offence, the offenders may be transported for seven years.
JUSTICES may grant _warrants_ to search for heads, skins, &c. of stolen
deer, and for toils, snares, &c. and persons having such in their
possession, to forfeit from _ten_ to _thirty_ pounds, at the discretion
of the justices. Persons unlawfully setting nets or snares, to forfeit,
for the first offence, from _five_ to _ten_ pounds; and for every other
offence, from _ten_ to _twenty_ pounds. Persons pulling down pales or
fences of any forest, chase, park, paddock, wood, &c. subject to the
penalties annexed to the first offence for killing deer. _Dogs_, _guns_,
and _engines_, may be seized by the PARK-KEEPERS; and persons
_resisting_, shall be transported for seven years. PENALTIES may be
levied by _distress_; in default of which, offenders to be committed for
_twelve months_.
Persons _disguised_, and _in arms_, appearing in any forest, park,
paddock, &c. and killing red or _fallow deer_, deemed felons without
benefit of clergy. Prosecutions limited to twelve months from the time
of the offence committed. Destroying goss, furze, and fern, in forests
and chases, being the covert for deer, is liable to a penalty from
_forty_ shillings to _five_ pounds; to be levied by distress; and if no
distress, the offender to be committed to the county gaol, for a time
not greater than _three_ months, nor less than _one_.
DEFAULT;—a term in hunting, which custom has reduced to an abbreviation,
and is in general called FAULT. The hounds, during a chase of any kind,
when losing the scent, throwing up their noses, seeming at a loss, and
dashing different ways, in anxious and earnest hope of recovery, are
then said to be at "_a fault_." This is the very moment when the
judgment of the huntsman is most required, and the soonest to be
observed. Different opinions have been formed, and decisions made,
respecting the proper mode of proceeding at so critical a juncture,
whether to _try forward_, or to _try back_: here a great deal depends
upon the GAME you are _hunting of_, and the country you are _hunting
in_, which circumstances at the time can only determine. However
opinions may vary upon some particular points, all seem to coincide upon
others; that the ground should invariably be made good _forward_,
previous to trying _back_; that a general silence should prevail, and
not an unnecessary aspiration be heard, that can tend to attract the
attention of a single hound from the earnest endeavours he is so busily
engaged in; by which means _nineteen_ faults are hit off out of
_twenty_, without greater delay, suspense, or disappointment.
If HOUNDS, in pursuit of deer or fox, _throw up_ on a fallow or highway,
they cannot be got forward _too soon_; certain it is they have neither
of them stopt there: not so with the hare, who is likely to have thrown
herself out by the _side_ of _one_, or squatted in a land (or furrow) of
the _other_. Faults with the two former, are much more easily and
expeditiously _hit off_ than with the latter, with whom they are
sometimes tediously incessant, particularly with a young or a
hard-hunted hare: it should therefore, be a fixed rule, never to abandon
a fault, if possible, without _recovery_; it being as likely, at least,
to bring the lost hare to _a view_, as to find a fresh one.
DEFECTS—in horses differ very materially from what are termed BLEMISHES,
(which see:) the latter are always considered conspicuous, and easily
observed by the eye of experience and judicious inspection. A horse may
have _defects_ not so readily to be perceived, and consequently remain a
longer or shorter period before they are discovered: he may prove
incorrigibly restive, and not happen to display it in a _new situation_
for days or weeks; he may be a _seasoned_ and invincible _crib-biter_;
he may be vicious to dress; a kicker in the night; doubtful in the
_eyes_; aukward in action; troublesome to _saddle_, and when saddled,
more troublesome to _ride_. Though these are defects, yet the DEALER
(proceeding upon the _purest_ principles of _integrity_) conceives them
professional privileges of _secrecy_, which he is not bound _in honor_
to disclose; affecting to believe, they are totally abstracted from
every idea conveyed in the declaration and warranty of being "perfectly
sound."
That this matter, however, may be the better and more universally
understood, it cannot be inapplicable to introduce the opinion which the
late LORD MANSFIELD held publicly in the Court of King's Bench; "that a
_restive_ horse was tantamount to an _unsound_ one; and upon this
principle, that if the subject so purchased was evidently restive, and
_would not_, or _could not_, by _fair means_, be prevailed upon to go
where he was required, he was equally _useless_ with an invalid whose
_lameness_ or infirmity prevented him from executing the purposes for
which he was purchased." From such authority (founded upon the basis of
equity) there can be but little, if any, doubt, an action brought for
the recovery of money paid for a _restive_ horse, such horse having been
"WARRANTED SOUND," would obtain a verdict. As, however, the proverbial
_uncertainty_ of the LAW, the confusion of witnesses, and the caprice of
a _sleepy_ jury, are very slender reliances for the man of prudence and
honor, who wishes "to do unto others as he would be done unto," the
safest method for every purchaser is to take (from the GENTLEMAN as well
as a _dealer_) a proper receipt, upon payment of the money, that such
horse or mare is warranted sound and free from vice; by which litigation
and law-suits may be prevented.
DELPINI,—originally called "_Hackwood_," was bred by the late DUKE OF
BOLTON; foaled in 1781; and got by _Highflyer_ out of _Countess_, who
was got by _Blank_. _Delpini_ proved himself a very capital racer,
beating most of the best horses of his year at all ages. He has also
acquired some celebrity as a STALLION, being the sire of _Kilton_,
_Prior_, _Skelton_, _Miss Ann_, _Tiptoe_, _Abram Wood_, _Cardinal_,
_Clymene_, _Dido_, _Golden Locks_, _Dapple_, _Flutter_, _Little Scot_,
_Miss Beverly_, _Nixon_, _Opposition_, _Timothy_, _Agnes_, _Blue Beard_,
_Camperdown_, _Duchess_, _Hopwell_, _L'Abbé_, _Laborie_, _Patch_,
_Stourton_, _Symmetry_, _Baron Nile_, _Maid of the Mill_, _Slap-bang_,
_Sabella_, and many others, all winners.
DIABETES,—divested of medical dignity, and technical ambiguity, is
neither more or less than a profuse, frequent, and involuntary discharge
of urine, from a weakness of some of the parts necessary to the
secretion and evacuation of that particular excrement. Whatever may have
been the cause, whether an injury in the loins, near the region of the
kidnies, violent and excessive purging from improper physic, or a
relaxed state of the sphincter of the bladder, the road to relief and
cure is still the same; invigorants of every kind. Oatmeal gruel for
drink, instead of water, in which gum arabic is dissolved, so that four
or six ounces may be taken every day; not submitting to which, half an
ounce, or six drachms of liquid laudanum, may likewise be given in a
little gruel, with a horn, every night and morning.
DIAMOND—was esteemed for some years the speediest and best bottomed
horse in the kingdom. He was foaled in 1792; bred by Mr. Dawson; got by
_Highflyer_ out of the dam of _Sparkler_, and was own brother to
_Screveton_. At three years old he repeatedly ran in handsome with some
of the first horses, and was within a length of winning the _Derby_ at
EPSOM when twelve started, but did no more than receive 50 guineas
forfeit from _Lark_ at the second NEWMARKET Meeting of the year 1795.
First Spring Meeting, 1796, he won the Jockey Stakes of 100 guineas
each, six subscribers. In the July Meeting of the same year he WALKED
OVER for a sweepstakes of 200 guineas each, seven subscribers. In 1797,
when MR. COOKSON'S, he won the KING'S HUNDRED at NEWCASTLE, and a 50l.
plate the next day at the same place; 50l. at York; the 50 guineas for
_all ages_ at NEWMARKET, beating _Yeoman_, _Play or Pay_, _Aimator_, and
others. The next day he won the KING'S HUNDRED GUINEAS, beating the
famous _Hermione_ and _Vixen_. In 1798 he beat _Moorcock_, over the
Beacon Course, for 200 guineas, Monday in the Craven Meeting. First
Spring Meeting he won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, twelve
subscribers. Second Meeting, received a compromise from LORD CLERMONT'S
_Spoliator_. At OXFORD he won the GOLD CUP of 100 guineas value, with 50
guineas in specie, beating _Stickler_, _Johnny_, _Oatlands_, and _Whip_;
all excellent runners. The KING'S HUNDRED at NOTTINGHAM; the KING'S
HUNDRED at YORK; and beat SIR H. T. VANE'S _Shuttle_ four miles over
DONCASTER for 1000 guineas: the odds eleven to eight upon _Shuttle_. In
1799 he was beat _half a length_ the great match by _Hambletonian_, over
the Beacon Course at NEWMARKET, for 3000 guineas; the odds five to four
upon Hambletonian. More money was sported upon this match, and more
company went from the Metropolis to see it decided, than ever was known
upon any other race in the kingdom. The next day he won the first class
of the OATLANDS STAKES 50 guineas each (ten subscribers) beating eight
of the best horses of the year. First Spring Meeting he won the KING'S
HUNDRED, beating _Grey Pilot_, _Lounger_, and _St. George_. Second
Meeting won the Jockey Club plate, and 50 guineas, beating _Stamford_
and _Lounger_. In 1800, First Spring Meeting, he won a subscription
50_l._ beating _Stamford_, the _famous Coriander_, and _Wrangler_. First
October Meeting he received 250 guineas _forfeit_ from _Warter_. Second
October Meeting he beat _Hippona_ over the Beacon Course, 200 guineas.
Here ended his career of GLORY by the _death_ of MR. COOKSON; after
which he was sold, and taken to IRELAND; where being engaged by his
owner in a match of much magnitude, he was LAMED by _over training_ in
another country, after running _five successive_ years in this, without
being lame, or having paid FORFEIT from indisposition, or being once
_amiss_.
DIET.—The diet of horses in this country is now so universally known,
that very little is required upon the subject of explanation under this
head. The articles called _oats_, _beans_, _hay_, _bran_, _chaff_,
_carrots_, and _grains_, are individually brought into use, as may best
coincide with the pecuniary propensities, or liberal sensations, of the
owners. Whatever may be written upon the subject of _quantity_ and
_quality_, will very little influence the enquirers upon those heads;
the GENTLEMAN and the SPORTSMAN will never alter their invariable plan
of _plenty_, and of the _best quality_; but the long list of
coachmasters, postmasters, job and hackney-men, carmen, carriers, and
inferior tradesmen, who merely _exist_, under the unavoidable
accumulation of taxes, cannot _feed_ their horses as _they would_, but
are compelled to feed them _as they can_. No particular instructions,
therefore, become materially necessary; but some general rules may be
laid down for occasional recollection.
The management of horses of every description, whether for the turf, the
field, or the road, is now so systematically understood by the different
classes of society, that nothing new, instructive, or entertaining, can
be introduced under that head. Each horse is supported in a way (at
least in respect to _quantity_ and _quality_ of food) individually, and
regulated by the opinion of the owner, or the work he has to perform.
One conceives, from his own sensations of liberality, even _four_ feeds
of corn a day _too little_; another considers _two_ rather _too much_.
In such contrariety and diversity, who can expect to see opinions
concentrate in one particular point? Such hope, if adopted, will be
eternally disappointed. It may not be inapplicable to have it always in
memory, that it is not the _number_ of feeds, or the _quantity_ of hay,
that should constitute the criterion, but the _quality_ of both upon
which the nutritious support entirely depends. _Three_ measures of good
corn will contribute more nutriment to the frame, and invigoration to
the system, than _five_ of _bad_: and twenty-eight pounds of substantial
fragrant hay will at all times be more prudent, and more profitable,
than even double the quantity of a very _inferior_ quality.
This _data_ judiciously and occasionally adverted to, will sufficiently
widen the ground of information to every comprehension; it being only
necessary to hold in memory the additional circumstance, that horses fed
too high, without proportional work, exercise, and evacuations, must
become _full_, _plethoric_, and ultimately disordered; while, on the
contrary, those whose blood is permitted to become impoverished from a
want of the necessary supply of FOOD, will soon display it in a wasting
of the flesh, a contracted state of the crest, and, if long continued,
probably produce some of those diseases originating in a serious and
acrimonious state of the blood.
DIOMED—was in great repute as a racer, and afterwards as A STALLION at
ten guineas a mare. He was bred by Sir C. BUNBURY; got by _Florizel_;
dam by _Spectator_, and grand-dam by _Blank_; was foaled in 1777, and
proved himself an equal runner with the best horse of his time. As a
stallion, he has propagated some of the finest stock in the kingdom.
DIOMED is the sire of _Anthony_, _Charlotte_, _Grey Diomed_, _Laïs_,
_Mademoiselle_, _Playfellow_, _Quetlavaca_, _Sir Cecil_, _Whiskers_,
_Montezuma_, _Glaucus_, _Speculator_, _Champion_, _Little Pickle_,
_Michael_, _Monkey_, _Young Grey Diomed_, _Snip_, _Tom_, _Robin Grey_,
_Dalham_, _Guatimozin_, _Habakkuk_, _Adela_, _Cædar_, _Switch_,
_Greyhound_, _Laurentina_, _Poplar_, _Wrangler_, and _Egham_; all
considered WINNERS; exclusive of many others who won MATCHES and
SWEEPSTAKES, (as _colts_ and _fillies_,) but were never named.
DISEASE—is not only a state of the body directly opposite to the
standard of health, but may be defined of two kinds; as those with which
we are afflicted by the influence of a superior Power, whose wisdom we
are not permitted to explore; and by others that, in acts of _neglect_
and _indiscretion_, we bring upon ourselves. Diseases are differently
conceived: some writers describe them by their _cause_, some by their
_effect_: leaving the investigation in a kind of medical mystery,
bearing no ill affinity to theological ambiguity. In fact, the word is
only introduced here to remind every reader, that, in respect to both
MAN and HORSE, prevention is preferable to CURE.
DISTANCE;—a sporting term appertaining solely to the TURF. It is a
length of _two hundred and forty_ yards (actual measurement) from the
WINNING-POST of every RACE-COURSE in the kingdom; precisely at which
spot is fixed a post corresponding with others, but having a gallery
annexed capable of holding three or four persons, which is called the
DISTANCE-POST. In this gallery, as well as in the gallery of the
winning-post, before the horses start each heat, is stationed a person
holding a crimson flag; during the time the horses are running, each
flag is suspended from the front of the gallery to which it has been
appropriated; but immediately upon the first horse passing the holder of
the flag in the gallery of the WINNING-POST, he strikes THE FLAG; at the
_very moment_ of his doing which, the holder of the flag in the gallery
of the distance-post strikes his _also_, in confirmation that the heat
is decided; and such HORSE or HORSES (running for the plate) as may not
have passed the DISTANCE-POST before the _flag is struck_, is then
deemed a _distanced_ horse, and disqualified from _starting again_ for
the same PLATE or PRIZE. A horse running on the _wrong side_ of a POST,
the RIDER not bringing his proper and full weight _to scale_ after the
heat, or dismounting without first riding HIS HORSE up to the side of
the _scale_, and _weighing_, are also deemed _distanced_ horses, and not
permitted to start again.
DIURETICS.—The class of medicines so called, are those which, by their
peculiar stimulus, act solely upon the parts appropriated to the
secretion of urine and its evacuation; thereby relieving the frame from
such impurities, or slight disorders as pass under the denomination of
HUMOURS, and are said to originate in the state of the blood. The
advertised diuretic balls of the Author are recommended and established
for their well-known efficacy in "cracks, scratches, inflammation of the
eyes, perceptible foulness, swelled legs, and grease." DIURETICS are the
more useful and convenient, because a horse can be _moderately_ used at
any time during their operation.
DOE—is the female of the FALLOW DEER, bred in PARKS, and are the species
from which the table is supplied with venison: the male is called A
BUCK; the female, A DOE: the young (of which they produce but one
annually) is called A FAWN. Doe venison is not considered equal in
epicurean estimation with the buck, either in _fat_ or _flavour_; nor is
it in season till the latter has declined: this happens at the beginning
of autumn, when the season for copulation (called _rutting time_) comes
on. FAWNS are killed for the table at three months old, consequently in
use during the latter end of August, and first weeks of September.
DOGS,—that well-known species of animal whose fidelity, attachment,
gratitude, and general utility, very far exceed every eulogium within
the power of the profuse pen of admiration to bestow. Their virtues and
useful qualifications are beyond the most prolific description: they are
the protectors of our property at home, the promoters of our pleasures
abroad, and the pleasing partners of our domestic comforts by the
fire-side. The REV. MR. DANIEL, in his elegant production called "Rural
Sports," has given a very full and satisfactory historical account of
their origin, the different kinds and crosses, with instances, and well
authenticated proofs, of their mutual affection, fidelity, sagacity, and
docility. He has also introduced "a laughable philosophical account of
dogs, under the supposition of a transmigration of souls;" with a great
variety of matter, truly entertaining to the SPORTSMAN of curious
investigation.
In the reign of Queen Elizabeth was published a systematical arrangement
of the different kind of dogs peculiar to Britain; but many of the names
by which they were known, having since become obsolete, they have been
most judiciously classed by Mr. Daniel under the following genealogical
heads. 1. _Shepherds' Dog_; _Wolf Dog_; _Iceland Dog_; _Lapland Dog_;
_Siberian Dog_.—2. _Hound_; _Harrier_; _Terrier_.—3. _Large Spaniel_;
_Small Spaniel_; _Water Dog_; _Small Water Dog_.—4. _Bull Dog._—5.
_Large Danish Dog_; _Irish Greyhound_; _Great Hound Mongrel_; _Large
Greyhound_; _English Greyhound_; and lastly, the _Mastiff Dog_. When,
after an investigation so seemingly clear, and a description so truly
systematic, every sportsman must be equally surprised, that there is no
collateral branch of the "Genealogical Table," by which the POINTER has
been produced; so that, with both these Authors, his _ab origine_, or
_unde derivatur_, is left in equal obscurity.
As the qualification of each particular sporting dog will be more
minutely adverted to under the distinct heads of HOUND, GREYHOUND,
POINTER, TERRIER, &c. it becomes only applicable here, to introduce such
useful remarks as appertain to the species in general, under the
separate fatalities of MADNESS and DISEASES.
The signs of madness in a dog are as follow: He becomes dull, solitary,
and endeavours to hide himself: he seldom barks, but makes a kind of
murmuring noise, and refuses all kinds of meat and drink: he is enraged
at, and flies upon, strangers; but in this stage he remembers and
respects his master: his ears and head hang down; he walks nodding, as
if overpowered with sleep: this is the first stage; and _a bite_ now,
though dangerous, is not so bad as afterwards. After these symptoms, the
dog begins to pant; he breathes quick and heavy; hangs out his tongue,
to emit a great deal of froth from his mouth, which he keeps perpetually
open: sometimes he walks slowly, and as if half asleep, and then
suddenly runs, but not always directly forward, as pretended: at length
he forgets his master; his eyes look dispirited, dull, full of tears,
and red; his tongue is of a lead colour, he grows faint and weak; oft
reels, staggers, and falls; then rises suddenly, and attempts to fly at
every thing, becoming now mad and furious: this second stage seldom
continues thirty hours, death putting by that time an end to the
disease: and a bite received during the last stage is justly considered
incurable. To these distinguishing traits of the dreadful malady, may be
added the following, which are believed certain and invariable. All
other dogs are alarmed at the approach of a dog _really mad_, and, upon
smelling him, not only _instantly_ avoid him, but run away with horror.
The tone of the dog's voice when he barks, seems hoarse and hollow. In
the dumb madness, if the dog is confined, he barks incessantly for a day
or two.
Those who wish to go into a most ingenious and explanatory investigation
of madness, and its _different kinds_ in dogs, will feel themselves
highly gratified in a perusal of that part of MR. DANIEL'S "Rural
Sports," who has systematically introduced the best and most judicious
opinions and authorities upon the subject.
The disease occasioned by the bite of a mad dog is called HYDROPHOBIA;
and the smallest quantity of his saliva, either _fresh_ or _dry_, will
produce it. The infection frequently lies dormant for many months, and
then displays itself with the greatest violence; but, in general, it
appears from a month to six weeks, at the expiration of which, if no
symptoms of disorder are perceptible, the patient is considered to be
safe, and not to have received the infection. It has been thought by the
best medical authority, that the nearer the place bitten is to the
salivary glands, the sooner the symptoms appear; and this, by
observation and experience, is now fully confirmed.
In order to communicate the infection, a wound is no more necessary than
it is in the small-pox; to the HUMAN SPECIES it can be communicated by
the _saliva_ only; but _dogs_ have received it by being in the KENNEL
where _mad dogs_ have been before. This disorder, it seems, is only
inherent and natural to the canine species, (as the dog, fox, and wolf;)
but other animals having received the infection, by the puncture of the
tooth from either of those, may then communicate it to any other
species, and by the same means.
When the human species become unhappily the subjects of this disorder,
though in particular instances some variation may be observed, the
symptoms are in general a slight pain in the wound, sometimes attended
with _itching_, but always resembling a rheumatic pain; it extends also
into the neighbouring parts, and at length from the extremities it
passes into the viscera; the cicatrix (if there has been a wound) begins
to swell, inflames, and then to discharge an ichor; and this _alone_ may
be considered the primary and invariable symptom of a certain
hydrophobia. There are other more general pains, resembling rheumatic
ones, and are of a quick, flying, convulsive kind: they affect the
patient in the neck, joints, and other parts; a dull pain often seizes
the head, neck, breast, belly, and even runs along the back-bone. The
patient is gloomy, murmurs much, is forgetful, and drowsy; at times the
mind seems disordered; by turns he is watchful; his slumbers become
disturbed, and awaking from them, convulsive agitations immediately
follow.
A deafness is sometimes complained of; the eyes are watery, the aspect
sorrowful; the face becomes pale and contracted; sweat also breaks out
about the temples: an unusual flow of saliva at length comes on, with a
dryness of the fauces, a foulness of the tongue, and a disagreeable, or
rather fœtid, effluvia from the breath. As the above symptoms increase,
the second stage advances: a fever comes on, which at first is mild, but
attended with momentary horrors, and violent periodical agitations;
wakefulness becomes continual; the mind is more and more disturbed; a
delirium approaches; and an aversion to _fluids_ and _polished_ bodies
is at this time plainly perceptible. At first, a constriction of the
gullet is perceived, and a difficulty of swallowing; but as yet liquids
are freely taken, although soon refused: this symptom augments so
visibly, that, when any _liquid_ comes before their sight, an horror
immediately seizes them; and if they make an effort to drink, spasms are
produced, on which horrid gesticulations, and loss of senses, follow.
The patient now murmurs, groans, and mourns most distressingly, loses by
degrees all knowledge of his most intimate acquaintance, and then
becomes _desirous_ of _biting_: reason returns at intervals, and he
laments his own calamity; the thirst excites a desire to drink, but in
vain they strive, and soon sink into the most affecting despondency.
Conscious of the approaching inclination to _bite_, he warns his friends
of their danger, and, by words or motions, advises them to keep at a
distance. Toward the conclusion, the fever and thirst increase, the
tongue hangs out, the mouth foams, strength fails, cold sweats come on,
the tightness in the breast increases, as well as all the predominant
symptoms, till the patient expires in strong convulsions.
The subject of MADNESS in DOGS, and the HYDROPHOBIA in the human
species, afford ample scope for reflection and scientific disquisition:
this, however, not being the proper place for a literary enlargement
upon either, it becomes necessary to introduce a few remarks upon that
well known destructive disorder called "THE DISTEMPER," which Mr. Daniel
properly observes, "is the most fatal (the plague only excepted) that
any animal is subject to. It is astonishing what numbers have been
destroyed by it within the period of its being known in this country,
which is about forty years: whether the attention paid, and the
medicines of different kinds now usually administered in its first
stages, have occasioned the alteration, certain it is, the disease is
milder, and less frequent, than it was twelve or fifteen years since."
After all the dissections and minute investigations that can possibly be
made, _the distemper_, in respect to its original or remote cause, sets
every enquiry at defiance; and it remains in the same state of
uncertainty in which it has continued for thirty years past. Great and
indefatigable exertions, however, on the part of MR. BLAINE, (a
professional gentleman of anatomical and medical celebrity,) have done
much in the investigation; and as his researches are constant and
unwearied, the SPORTING WORLD have yet much to expect from his
perseverance. Mr. B. most candidly observes, that, "amidst all his
investigations, although unable to discover the original cause of the
disease, and after many experiments made upon probable ground to provide
a cure for it, what enquiry, conducted on principles of reason and
science, could not do, was effected by _chance_; and a remedy was found
as certain in its effects, as it is possible for a remedy to be. Under a
fair trial it has never been known to fail; even in the worst stages,
when the convulsions were very frequent, it has removed the complaint;
yet, where the disease is so malignant, the certainty must be
diminished."
MR. BECKFORD, whose series of "Letters upon Hunting" are amongst the
happiest efforts of truth and accurate observation, communicates a
remedy for the distemper, transmitted to him by a friend whose hounds
had derived great benefit from the experiment, of taking "an ounce of
Peruvian bark in a glass of port wine twice every day;" whether as a
_ball_ or _bolus_ does not appear; but, perhaps, upon trial, it will be
found, that _an ounce_ of bark in powder will absorb (or take up) _four_
glasses of wine, before it can be rendered sufficiently _fluid_ for
administering in that form.
MR. DANIEL has so largely and judiciously treated upon the subjects of
the _distemper_ and _canine madness_ in his RURAL SPORTS, that it is
impossible to add a single thought or line upon either, without the most
palpable appearance of plagiarism: his own observations, blended with a
collection of well-authenticated facts, are so numerous, so just, and
the inferences drawn so truly scientific, that nothing new or
additionally advantageous can be introduced.
DOGS of every description are held in such general estimation, that the
Legislature has thought proper to render the _privilege_ of _keeping
them_ a matter of pecuniary contribution to the support of government,
and the exigencies of the state; under which increased and accumulated
act, they are become very efficient objects of taxation, as will be
readily conceived by the annexed abstract.
"Persons keeping _one_ DOG, not passing under the denomination of
GREYHOUND, HOUND, POINTER, SETTING DOG, SPANIEL, LURCHER, or TERRIER, to
pay the annual sum of six shillings."
"Any person keeping _one_ or _more_ dogs, of either of the above
description, is to pay ten shillings for _every_ DOG up to any number of
DOGS so kept."
"Persons may compound for their HOUNDS at THIRTY POUNDS per _annum_."
DOGS, from their general utility, and the estimation they are invariably
held in by their owners, have been thought worthy an ACT of PARLIAMENT
formed solely for their protection; rendering them of proportional value
with any other kind of property, and equally entitled to legal
preservation. By this statute it is enacted, "If any person shall steal
any _dog_, or _dogs_, of any kind or sort whatsoever, from the owner
thereof, or from any person entrusted by the owner thereof with such dog
or dogs; or shall sell, buy, receive, harbour, detain, or keep any dogs
of any kind or sort whatsoever, knowing the same to have been _stolen_
as aforesaid; every such person being convicted thereof upon the oath of
one credible witness, before two JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, shall for the
first offence forfeit and pay any sum not exceeding 30l. nor less than
20l. and the charges of conviction."
And "in case such penalty shall not be forthwith paid, the offender to
be committed to gaol for any time not exceeding _twelve_ months, nor
less than _six_, or until the penalty and charges are paid. Any person
guilty of a subsequent offence, to forfeit and pay any sum not exceeding
50l. nor less than 30l. together with the charges; which penalties to be
paid, one moiety thereof to the informer, and the other to the poor of
the parish. On non-payment, the offender to be imprisoned for any time
not exceeding eighteen months, nor less than twelve, or until the
penalty and charges shall be paid, and be publicly whipped. Justices may
grant warrants to search for dogs stolen; and in case any such dog or
dogs, or their skins, shall, upon such search, be found, to take and
restore every such dog or skin to the owner; and the persons in whose
custody any such dog or skin shall be found, are liable to the like
penalties and punishments. Persons aggrieved may appeal to the
quarter-sessions, and the determination there to be final."
DOCKING.—The amputation of the tail is so called, from that part of the
tail left to the body being called the DOCK. It is a very short and
simple operation, attended with no danger, and may with yearlings be
performed even with a common knife. A very slight cauterization with a
hot-iron, and a little powdered rosin, immediately stops the bleeding,
and a cure takes place in a few days. It was formerly a custom to dock
horses _close_ to the quarters, under the erroneous and ridiculous
impression of making the horse strong in the spine: such idea and
practice are, however, in the present more enlightened age, entirely
relinquished.
DOUBLE—a term in HARE HUNTING. The hare is said to double, when, being
considerably ahead of the hounds, she throws herself to the right or
left, and returns in a parallel line to the track she went before;
getting into which, she is said to _run the foil_. If during the chase
the lays down, she is then said _to quat_.
DRAG—is a sporting term in HUNTING, and used exactly in the same sense
with THE FOX, as _trail_ is with THE HARE. Upon throwing THE HOUNDS into
_covert_, to _draw_ for a FOX, any single hound _giving tongue_, is said
to CHALLENGE, and to have hit upon _drag_; that is, to have come upon
the _foot_ or _scent_ of the fox, where he had been in the night or
early part of the morning, before he retired to secrete himself for the
day. When it was the custom to be at the covert side so soon as there
was day-light sufficient to RIDE up to the HOUNDS, drag was _speedily_
obtained; and in many instances a GOOD DRAG proved better than a _bad
chase_; but in the present fashion of going to covert, and throwing off
at _mid-day_, drag is but very little known, and but of trifling use if
found; for the SCENT must, from the great length of time, have so
generally _died away_, and so partially remained, that no expectation
can be entertained of THE HOUNDS carrying it up to THE GAME.
DRAG-NET—is the particular NET in use with those nocturnal depredators
who exert their utmost endeavours to devastate every water in the
neighbourhood where they reside. It is of sufficient length to extend
from one side of any moderate _pond_, _moat_, or _river_, to the other;
and having the bottom plentifully loaded with leads at equal distances,
with the addition of assistants at each end to bring the two together,
encloses of course all the fish within its draught.
DRAUGHT OR DRAFT HORSES—are of two kinds; the one adapted to the light
carriages and splendid trappings of the great; the other to the purposes
of agriculture, and the commercial transactions of the Metropolis, where
their numbers, their strength, and powerful execution, exceed every idea
of the most fertile imagination. See CART HORSES.
DRAWING—is a term used in FOX and STAG HUNTING, when _drawing a covert_
to find either of the former, or an outlying deer; it being customary to
say, "we _draw_ for A FOX;" "we _try_ for A HARE."
DRAW-NET—is used for taking birds of different kinds, but more
particularly applied to the net made use of with the SETTING DOG for
taking PARTRIDGES, by which mode the whole COVEY are frequently secured.
The old birds are liberated, and the young destined to the table. This
is, however, considered so _destructive_ and _unfair_ a practice, that
it is continued but by very few, and those principally consist of RUSTIC
TYRANTS, or _rigid Cynics_, who wish to monopolize not only the SPORT
and the GAME, but all the good things of this life.
DRAY.—A squirrel's deposit for its young is so called; it is built in
the triangular branches of a tree, and resembles the nest of a magpye.
DRENCH, OR DRINK,—any medical composition prepared in a liquid form, and
given to horses or cattle for the cure of disease. A distinction is made
between the two in general; it being the custom to say, DRINK for a
HORSE, _drench_ for a _cow_. They are given with a horn, sold by
saddlers and collar-makers for that purpose.
DRIFT—is the act of driving A COMMON. This ceremony takes place _once_,
_twice_, or _thrice_, a year, (according to the custom of the place,) to
insure and continue the privilege of the LORD OF THE MANOR, as well as
to preserve the rights of the parishioners. The cattle upon the COMMONS
and WASTES being all driven to some particular spot, are there examined,
and their owners ascertained: those belonging to parishioners (or such
as have _right of common_) are immediately liberated, and return to
their old _lair_: others, the property of ALIENS, are impounded, and the
owner is _fined_ such reasonable sum as may be thought equitable by the
BAILIFF of the MANOR. No owner being found, the object (whatever it be)
is called an _estray_, which being cried three times in the nearest
market-towns, and not claimed within twelve months and a day, it then
becomes the property of the LORD of the MANOR.
DRIVER,—a name given to many famous horses, but of very different blood.
The first was foaled in 1727, bred by the DUKE OF ANCASTER, and got by
the Wynn Arabian, of no great note. MR. BEAVER'S _Driver_ was foaled
1732, and got by _Snake_ out of THWAITES'S dun mare. MR. LAMEGO'S
_Driver_ (commonly called _Little Driver_) was got by BEAVER'S _Driver_;
dam by _Childers_; grand-dam by the _Walpole_ Barb; was foaled in 1743;
and for some years proved one of the best plate horses in the kingdom,
having won upwards of _thirty fifties_; but as a stallion never produced
any winners. LORD EGREMONT'S _Driver_, foaled in 1783, was got by
_Trentham_, dam (_Coquette_) by the Compton Barb, and proved a tolerable
runner.
DROPSY OF THE CHEST—is a disorder to which horses are subject; and many
instances have occurred in the practice of the Author, where seven,
eight, and in one case near ten gallons of water were found in the
CAVITY of the CHEST, upon opening the body after death. This
accumulation of fluid being completely extravasated, no hope of cure can
be entertained, as the preternatural collection can neither be taken up
by absorption, or carried off by evacuation. There seems to be only one
predominant trait, or distinguishing symptom, by which this disorder can
be even tolerably ascertained, and that is solely by the ACTION of the
_horse_. In either walk, trot, or gallop, (and the more as his pace is
increased in each,) the fore legs seemingly spread from each other, as
if they were internally distended by painful pressure, similar to
division by forcible expansion, not at all unlike the means used by
butchers in the stick pointed at each end to extend the limbs of
carcases when displayed for sale. The legs in a trot constitute a
_painful hobble_; and in a GALLOP the subject cannot get his legs before
him, but appears at every motion likely to pitch upon his head. All this
gives every reason to believe the defect, when first discovered, is
frequently thought a lameness in the shoulder, and the patient presently
deemed a chest-foundered horse. If a horse having a DROPSY in the CHEST,
and the collection of water (from the duration of disease) is large,
much information may be derived respecting the certainty, by the
following experiment. Lead, or let him be rode up a gentle _ascent_, and
he will be observed to move with but very little pain or impediment: the
moment he is turned round, and _descends_, the weight of the water in
the chest coming forward, and being pressed upon by the contents of the
abdomen, in the action of going _down hill_, instantly produces so much
pain, and such difficulty of proceeding, that with judicious
practitioners, or nice observers, no great hesitation can arise in
pronouncing the probable CERTAINTY of this _disease_.
DRUGS.—The parts of the MATERIA MEDICA are so called in their individual
state, previous to their incorporation with each other, when they then
become CHEMICALS or GALENICALS, according to the different processes
they have undergone; and the most eminent commercial houses in that way,
announce themselves dealers in "Chemicals, Galenicals, and Drugs." There
is nothing requires more the scrutinizing eye of the SPORTSMAN, or the
judicious exertion of the VETERINARIAN, than the _selection_ of
MEDICINES; upon the pure and unadulterated properties of which, he has
alone to depend for the foundation of all his hopes, the gratification
of all his wishes, and the support of all his professional reputation.
It is a matter too universally known to require much information, that
DRUGS of different kinds (or qualities) are sold under the _same_
denomination at _various_ prices; by which the prudent and the
experienced may easily judge of the gradational shades of ADULTERATION
by which those _prices_ are reduced. The lower class of FARRIERS,
particularly in the country, are remarkable for purchasing the
_cheapest_ articles they can obtain, and have of course the regular
channels through which they are supplied. The paltry articles sold for
LIQUORICE POWDER, DIAPENTE, FŒNUGREC, ANISEED POWDER, and TURMERIC, are
mostly a compound of _flour_, _bean meal_, _oatmeal_, and various kinds
of _rubbish_, slightly impregnated with a small proportion of the
genuine drug or medicine it is intended to represent. See ADULTERATION.
The DRUGS and MEDICINES indispensibly necessary for the professional
embarkation of the VETERINARIAN, are as follow; and without the entire
possession of which, it will be impossible to do justice to the good
opinion of his employers, or to the reputation he may be anxious to
obtain.
Aloes Succotrine and Barbadoes. Assafœtida. Diaphoretic Antimony. Crude
Antimony Levigated. Butter of Antimony. Barbadoes Tar. Alum, Plain and
Burnt. Aniseeds, Whole and in Powder. Balsam of Sulphur. Bay Berries.
Bole Armeniac. Burgundy Pitch. Cream of Tartar. Calomel. Cammomile
Flowers. Camphor. Camphorated Spirits of Wine. Carraway Seeds. Corrosive
Mercury. Elecampane. Emetic Tartar. Euphorbium. Ægyptiacum. Fœnugrec
Seeds. Frankinsence. Friars Balsam. Ginger. Gum Arabic. Guaiacum. Gum
Ammoniacum. Honey. Jalap in Powder. Juniper Berries. Long Pepper.
Liquorice Powder and Juice. Linseed and Linseed Powder. Mustard Seeds.
Myrrh Gum and Tincture. Nitre and Spirits of Nitre. Oil of Aniseed. Oil
of Castor. Oil of Turpentine. Oil of Vitriol. Oil of Amber. Opium.
Peruvian Bark. Red Precipitate. Quicksilver. Saffron. Sulphur.
Saltpetre. Sal Armoniac. Sugar of Lead. Salt of Tartar. Spermacæti.
Syrup of Buckthorn. Snake Root. Tutty and Turmeric. Philonium. Venice
Treacle. Turpentine. Roman Vitriol. White Vitriol. Verdigrease.
To which may be added ointments detergent, digestive, and healing; lint,
tow, syringes, pipes, bladders, &c. to meet all emergencies. Nothing so
much betrays a want of medical knowledge and consistency, as the
habitual indolence of being without the necessary apparatus, when
suddenly called upon in cases of ALARM and DANGER. Judicious
practitioners never fall into the slovenly mode of substituting _one_
medicine for _another_, unless difficulties or distance prevent the
possibility of their being obtained.
Many of the foregoing articles will also be found useful in the
possession of gentlemen resident in remote parts of the country, or at a
distance from towns; particularly as the practice of the VILLAGE SMITH
or FARRIER may be too confined and unprofitable to admit of his keeping
up a stock adapted to a more extensive concern. SPORTSMEN who are
anxious for the uniform consistency of stable discipline, and the
preservation of their studs in good condition, stand not in need of
advice upon a subject become so universal; as very few sporting
establishments are now to be seen, but what have their collection of
medicines ready prepared for any unexpected emergency.
DUBBING.—Taking off the COMB and GILLS from a game chick, before he is
turned to a master-walk, is so called. The operation is performed with a
penknife for the _comb_, and scissars for the _gills_; after which wash
the parts with vinegar, or weak salt and water, which terminates the
whole.
DULNESS—in a horse of any tolerable spirit, may be considered an
_infallible_ sign of present disquietude, or approaching DISEASE. In all
cases, accurate investigation, and early relief, are much to be
commended: even a _slight cold_ attended to at its _commencement_, may
be prevented from speedily producing an INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS,
FEVER, or many other disorders of equal anxiety, trouble, and expence.
DUNG.—The excrement of the horse is so called, and should be
occasionally attended to, as its appearance will sometimes tend to the
prevention of disease. If the dung is bright in colour, the globules
uniform in shape and consistence, and not _fœtid_ in _effluvia_, the
body may be considered in good state: on the contrary, if the dung, when
voided, is hard, black, and offensive, or the parts adhere to each other
by a viscid ropy slime, they are equal prognostics of internal heat,
foulness, and impending disquietude. Horses in this state should be put
under a course of physic without delay; for till they are thoroughly
cleansed, they cannot with propriety be brought into any strong
exertions whatever. Another advantage is frequently derived from an
accurate inspection of the dung, where WORMS are sometimes seen in great
plenty, although, from the general appearance of the horse, no such
circumstance may have been expected.
DUNGANNON,—the name of a horse of much celebrity, his winnings being
equal to any racer of his day. He was bred by COL. O'KELLY, and foaled
in 1780. He was got by _Eclipse_; dam (_Aspasia_) by _Herod_; her dam
(_Doris_) by _Blank_; grand-dam (_Helen_) by _Spectator_, &c. &c. After
beating every horse of eminence, particularly the famous horse
_Rockingham_ over NEWMARKET, he was taken out of training, and as a
stallion produced annually some of the speediest and best bottomed
horses in the kingdom. He covered first at twenty guineas, then at
fifteen, and lastly at twelve. He was sire of _Sybil_, _Cinderella_,
_Equity_, _Lurcher_, _Harriet_, _Northland_, _Bandalore_, _Clementina_,
_Fancy_, _Griffin_, _Hambleton_, _Hop-picker_, _Minimus_, _Parrot_,
_Bedford_, _Pastor_, _Billy_, _Edgar_, _George_, _Little Devil_,
_Totterella_, _Totteridge_, _Cannons_, _Dispute_, _Inferior_, _Outcast_,
_Pensioner_, _Bragger_, _Oatlands_, _Boaster_, _Omen_, _Ploro_, and
_Miss Totteridge_; all WINNERS; exclusive of many others, both _colts_
and _fillies_, who ran and won without a name.