L.

LAIR—was a term formerly applied to the haunt of outlying deer, and

implied the place near which they might probably be found. It is,

however, but little known in that sense, and is now used to express the

part of a forest, chase, heath, or common, where any particular horse,

cow, or other cattle, is accustomed to frequent when turned out, which

is then called their LAIR, and where (or in the neighbourhood of it)

their owners are generally sure to find them.

LAMENESS IN HORSES—proceeds from a variety of causes, and requires much

patient investigation to ascertain, to a certainty, the exact seat of

injury; for want of which judicious precaution, mischief frequently

follows. Horses are sometimes _persecuted_, _blistered_, and _fired_,

for a LAMENESS in _one_ part, which ultimately proves to be in

_another_; and this alone sufficiently points out the absolute necessity

of a deliberate discrimination. As lameness proceeds from different

causes, so it is of different kinds, and requires various modes of

treatment, equally opposite to each other. This cannot be more forcibly

elucidated, than by adverting to the difference between a lameness

originating in a relaxation of the SINEWS, and a ligamentary injury

sustained by a sudden _turn_, _twist_, or _distortion_, of some

particular JOINT. These require a very different mode of treatment; and

yet it is too much, and too unthinkingly the custom, to treat every kind

of lameness in the same way. From either a want of patience in the

owner, or a want of prudence in the practitioner, the favourite

operation of BLISTERING is thought applicable to _every case_ without

exception; and being often resorted to before the inflammation of the

part has sufficiently subsided, occasions a permanent enlargement, with

a thickening of the integument, and consequent stiffness, rendering the

remedy equally injurious with the original defect.

In all lamenesses occasioned by a relaxation of the TENDONS, blistering,

and even firing, are admitted to have a forcible effect, provided they

are brought into use at a PROPER time; but not _before_ the inflammation

(which is generally attendant upon such case) has previously subdued. In

all ligamentary injuries, BLISTERING is seldom, if ever, known to be

productive of permanent advantage; and is, perhaps, upon most occasions,

so immediately adopted, because a _single_ application is of so much

less _personal trouble_, than a daily persevering hour bestowed in hot

FOMENTATIONS, and stimulative EMBROCATIONS. Upon the subject of lameness

in general, it is necessary to remark, that injuries sustained in the

tendons (commonly called the back sinews) are more frequently relieved,

and a lasting cure obtained, than in a lameness of the joints; where,

after patient and persevering medical applications, and a corresponding

portion of REST, a renewal of work has almost immediately produced a

relapse.

LAMPAS,—called also LAMPERS, and LAMPARDS, is a spongey elastic

enlargement of the roof of a young horse's mouth, just behind the

nippers of his upper jaw, which frequently acquires such a luxuriance in

growth, as to be equal with, or to exceed, the surface of the teeth, and

is supposed to occasion pain to such horses in the mastication of their

corn. Different opinions have been entertained, and are still supported,

upon this subject; some considering it only a temporary operation of

NATURE during the formation of the TEETH, which would _contract_, and

disappear, upon their attaining their full and proper growth; whilst

others, less comprehensive in their conceptions, less scientific in

their reasoning, and more hasty in their decisions, maintain the

necessity of radical extermination, and that too by a process no less

severe than the _red-hot iron_, or burning cautery. The most critical

examination of the case (whenever it occurs) does not seem to justify

the necessity for, or the cruelty of, such operation: various are the

means which may be brought into use for the most perfect completion of

the purpose, without resorting to such as bear the traits of former

_barbarity_, when the times were less enlightened, and the system of

FARRIERY less improved.

Admitting the part to have acquired its prominence, or preternatural

distension, (a mere elastic, spongey puffiness,) by a slight

inflammation originally, and a proportional propulsion of blood to the

finer vessels surrounding that particular spot, it follows, of course,

that extracting from those vessels the contents with which they are

overloaded, and compulsively distended, will lay the foundation of

contraction, which, followed by proper constringents, will constitute a

perfect obliteration, to the PRUDENT and HUMANE exclusion of a practice

not more replete with _cruelty_ during the operation, than with danger

in its consequence. Whenever the LAMPAS are found so protuberant, as to

justify an opinion, or produce a proof, that they occasion pain in

mastication, it is then time enough, to pass the point or edge of a

sharp penknife, or lancet, transversely, and longitudinally, over the

puffy and prominent part, so as to let it BLEED in that state for a _few

minutes_; then let it be washed with a solution of ALUM in water, and no

farther inconvenience need be feared from a _molehill_, which the

illiterate have long since magnified to a MOUNTAIN, without the least

rational plea for its foundation.

LASSITUDE,—horses are frequently subject to, which does not amount to

palpable pain, or evident indisposition. If a horse, who is usually in

high spirits in the stable, as well as out, becomes depressed, dull,

heavy, inattentive, and indifferent to food, it may be presumed

something is going on in the system not directly consonant to the

indications of health. In such cases, the necessary examination should

be made without delay, and proper modes of counteraction adopted, to

prevent the severity and danger of disease, which sometimes advances

with great rapidity, to such a state as would never have happened, if

proper attention had been paid to the _cause_ of LASSITUDE upon its

earliest appearance.

LAW-SUITS,—in respect to horses, are become so common, from the frequent

deceptions in BUYING and SELLING, (as well without _others_ as with

DEALERS,) that not a term passes without various litigations of this

description. When the expence and anxiety attendant upon both PLAINTIFF

and DEFENDANT, during the time a suit is pending; the uncertainty of its

termination, which ultimately depends so much upon the effect of

_chance_ in EVIDENCE; the misrepresentation, or misconstruction, of

FACTS, are all taken into consideration, it is much to be regretted,

that such circumstances cannot be brought to a more friendly and less

expensive conclusion. As, however, such propensity to mutual

accommodation is not likely to abound amidst the complicated tempers,

caprices, and versatilities, of society at large; it becomes the more

necessary to avoid, as much as possible, whatever may be eventually

productive of so unpleasant and unprofitable an embarkation;

particularly when it is constantly seen in COURTS of LAW, to what a

wonderful degree of villainy human depravity is extended, for the

completion of points in which the parties are individually or

collaterally interested; and perhaps in no causes whatever, so much as

in those where the soundness or unsoundness of a horse is concerned.

Those who have had occasion most to frequent the Courts, best know (in

fact, there are cases on record to justify and corroborate the

assertion) that suits have occurred, where _six_ witnesses swore "they

saw the horse almost daily for some weeks previous to his death, and

that he had the GREASE so bad he died with it;" when, to the

astonishment of a crouded court, (before MR. JUSTICE BULLER, who tried

the cause,) the DEFENDANT produced an _equal_ number of witnesses who

_swore_, "they likewise saw the horse almost daily to the last hour of

his life, and that he never had the least mark, trait, or sign of grease

about him;" to corroborate which, a HUNTSMAN (making the _seventh_

witness on that side) was produced, who swore "he stripped the horse for

his hounds, and he had no mark of grease about him." The Judge remarked,

"that the mass of perjury was absolutely beyond human conception on

_one_ side or the _other_; and so far exceeded the power of his

discrimination, that he submitted it entirely to the province of the

Jury," who immediately returned a verdict for the defendant.

It is much to be lamented, that every horse cause brought before a Court

favours more or less of this complexion; in a perfect knowledge of

which, the parties concerned strengthen their interest, and select their

_necessary_ evidence, with as much pains and eagerness as votes are

solicited at an election: and it is not at all uncommon to have a body

of evidence produced to SWEAR a horse "_dead lame_" on one side, and a

much greater number to prove him PERFECTLY SOUND on the other. In such a

glorious _uncertainty_ of the LAW, what reflecting man can indulge a

sufficient hope of success, to encounter a load of mental disquietude

during the process, with the additional expence of _thrice_ the VALUE of

the object in dispute?

LEAD.—The EXTRACT of LEAD is a preparation passing almost universally

under the denomination of GOULARD'S EXTRACT, whose properties are

acknowledged of great medical utility, and in many cases amount to a

specific. See GOULARD, where the effects of this article are more

particularly explained.

LEAPING—is a leading perfection in a horse that very much enhances his

value as a HUNTER; without which qualification, he is held in no great

estimation when shewn in the field. LEAPING, in its general

signification, extends to the two kinds called _flying_ and _standing_;

a horse perfect in each, with equal temper, and a fair portion of SPEED,

is then called a complete or made HUNTER; and if he has a corresponding

uniformity of figure, and excellence of action, both his reputation and

worth become increased in proportion. There are very few horses of speed

and spirit, but what become good FLYING LEAPERS by short practice in the

field with hounds, which, indeed, is the only proper place to teach

them; but it is not so with STANDING LEAPS which should be taught

_coolly_ and _calmly_ at the leaping-bar, with great serenity of temper,

patience, and perseverance, by which alone any horse can attain

perfection.

LEASH,—the sporting term in use to imply the number THREE, as exceeding

ONE, and not reaching TWO brace; for instance, a brace of hares, a leash

of pheasants, and two brace of partridges. A brace of pointers, a leash

of greyhounds, and two brace of spaniels. Custom, however, in this, as

in most other things, admits of deviation and exception; in proof of

which we say, a brace of spaniels, a couple and a half of hounds, and

two brace of pointers. A brace of snipes, a couple and a half of

woodcocks, and two couple of rabbits. It is therefore confident, and

sportsman-like, to say, a LEASH of birds, (partridges,) a leash of

pheasants, a leash of hares, or any other article where TWO are termed a

BRACE; but improper to call _three_ a LEASH, where two of the kind are

called a COUPLE.

LEGS.—The legs of a horse are, in their length, shape, and construction,

so material to graceful and expeditious action, that they become, at the

time of purchase, objects of minute inspection: if observed _too long_,

in proportion to the DEPTH of the CHEST, and the LENGTH of the CARCASE,

they may be considered a tolerable criterion of constitutional

_weakness_, as few of this description are found equal to a constant

repetition of even moderate work. Too straight in the lower part of the

leg, with the hoof overhung by the fetlock, is an indication of

stiffness and constraint in action; as, on the contrary, those who are

exceeding long in the lower joints, and whose pasterns extend the hoof

considerably before the leg, with a palpable bend or flexibility in

walking, and the heel nearly down to the ground, are mostly horses of

speed, (so far as their strength will permit;) but they are in general

_weak_ in those parts, and there is always a well-founded fear of their

breaking down. The legs and feet are constantly liable to _injuries_,

_accidents_, and _defects_, as CRACKS, SPLENTS, THRUSHES, &c. all which

are explained under their different heads.

LEGS SWELLED—originate in various causes; but from none so much as a

sizey, viscid state of the BLOOD, a laxity of the SOLIDS, a shameful

neglect of stable discipline, or a great deal of work at _one_ time, and

no regular exercise at _another_. That swelled legs arise from different

causes, is sufficiently demonstrated by the opposite state of their

external appearance in the examination of different subjects; where the

legs of one shall be found distended to the utmost possible extent of

the skin, with a degree of tenseness from the knee or hock downwards,

not submitting to pressure, and without the least cutaneous pliability

whatever. These are the kind of swelled legs occasioned by stagnant

fluids, originating in the sizey and viscid state of the blood. When

they are equally distended, but pliable in the skin, yielding to

pressure, and resuming their previous extension, it may be justly

concluded, they proceed from a laxity of the solids, and a want of

regular exercise without, and manual labour (leg rubbing) within.

Proceeding from which ever cause, they are productive of temporary

anxiety; and the cause should be removed without delay. Bleeding, with

evacuants, and a course of alteratives, will expeditiously eradicate the

former; cordial invigorants, malt mashes, moderate exercise _out_, and

regular bodily friction and leg-rubbing _within_, will soon obliterate

the latter.

LESSONS,—in the language of the MANEGE, are what is received by man, and

given to the horse, according to the purposes for which they are

designed, or the particular duties they are destined to discharge.

Diverted of the practice of the schools, there are lessons which every

man has it in his power to inculcate, and which never should be relaxed

from, till the horse has attained a degree of perfection in those

points, which render him a pattern of obedience, and consequent object

of attraction to others, and a valuable acquisition to the owner. The

first and principal is, never to let him move a single step forward,

till his rider is firmly fixed upon his back, or his driver seated in

his carriage; the same rule of standing perfectly still, being as

invariably persevered in at the time of dismounting or alighting; by

which some degree of safety will be insured; and it will soon become as

habitual to the horse, as to those who RIDE or DRIVE him. He should

always be accustomed to his own side of the road upon every emergency,

which every horse soon knows from habit, and will not, but with

reluctance, or upon _compulsion_, take the wrong, whatever may be the

occasion; to a want of which very prudent, and very necessary

precaution, may be attributed a majority of the accidents which so

frequently happen in and round the Metropolis.

LEVERET—is the term for a young HARE during her _first year_, or till

FULL GROWN.

LETHARGY.—The lethargy, or SLEEPING EVIL, as it is called by the lower

class of rustics and farriers, is a drowsy kind of stupefaction, to

which DRAFT HORSES are more particularly subject than any other; with

whom it is considered a kind of prelude to the STAGGERS, which in

general soon follow, if the cause is not speedily removed. A horse upon

being attacked, closes his eyes, drops his head into the manger,

suddenly recovers himself, and as gradually drops again; opens his eyes,

as if surprized, picks a little hay, or corn, relapses with it in his

mouth; and this is, perhaps, alternately repeated, till fixing his head

in one corner of the stall, he seems to be deprived of both ACTION and

ANIMATION, standing in a state of perfect _insensibility_. This

prognostication (for in its first stage it can hardly be called a

disease) denotes a _struggle_, in which the whole SYSTEM is affected;

but where the struggle is dependent entirely upon the state of the

circulation, which is become (from some remote cause) partially

defective, and stands in need of such STIMULATIVE assistance, as may

prove the means of constituting immediate REVULSION. Instantaneous

BLEEDING, followed by much _friction_ upon the body, as well as upon the

extremities; warm glysters of gruel, in which a couple of sliced onions

have been boiled; and to which a handful of common salt, and a gill of

linseed oil, may be added; should be given and repeated in three or four

hours. The pectoral cordial balls, impregnated with a drachm of myrrh,

assafœtida, and ammoniacum, might be administered with advantage; all

which not completing a cure within _two_ or _three_ days, BLISTERING

largely behind the ears should not be neglected.

LIGHT IN HAND.—A horse is said to be light in hand, who, bearing

properly upon his haunches, (or hind-quarters,) requires little or no

assistance from the BIT. Horses of this description are generally well

formed in their fore-quarters, with a curved crest, carrying their heads

well up, with long necks, high withers, and a commanding forehand. Those

with short necks, thick shoulders, dull spirit, slow action, and the

withers lower before than the spinal (or rump) bone behind, are always

of a _contrary_ description; they _bore_ along, invariably bearing upon

the bit, and from that circumstance are said to be heavy in hand.

LIGHT CARCASED—is a term applied to horses, the shape of whose bodies

bear no ill affinity to the form of a GREYHOUND. The carcases of such

are flat at the sides, narrow in the chest, and gradually contract in

circumference from the GIRTH to the FLANK; where, after a little hard

work, they appear so _tucked up_, it would seem to a stranger that they

were emaciated for want of food. Horses of this description possess, in

general, a SPIRIT so much beyond their STRENGTH, that, although they

never will relinquish their pace, or seem even to tire, till nature is

quite exhausted, they debilitate themselves so much by impetuosity, and

unnecessary exertion, that, after a single day's hard work upon the

road, or a severe chase in the field, they are not fit to be brought

into use for a week after. They are always _bad_ feeders; and it is an

old maxim with the SPORTING WORLD, "that those who won't _eat_ can't

_work_;" and this remark is literally just; they certainly cannot for

any length of time together. Light carcased horses are mostly hot and

fiery in their tempers, excellent goers, but troublesome in company;

invariably eager to be first; and will sink under persevering speed and

fatigue, rather than be exceeded in action and emulation. They are by no

means desirable purchases, but to those whose journies are _short_, and

work _easy_; to such their defects may not be considered of material

consequence.

LINSEED—is a well-known article, and of so much general utility, that

the house of a SPORTSMAN (in the country) should never be without it:

its properties, either in its state as SEED, or sold in the shops as

_powdered_, become equally applicable to the stable wants of the winter

season. A DECOCTION of the seeds, one handful boiled for a quarter of an

hour in two quarts of water, and strained, is the best mucilaginous wash

for sore or cracked heels during _frost_ or _snow_ that can be brought

into use; as well as an excellent article (in such weather) to prevent

their appearance. In FEVERS, or an inflammation of the lungs, an

INFUSION of the seed made with boiling water (standing covered for an

hour) and then strained, being afterwards incorporated with a moderate

quantity of honey, will be found useful in allaying the severity of

disease.

POULTICES made of linseed powder and milk, with the addition of a small

quantity of olive oil, is the leading step to a cure of CRACKED HEELS of

the _worst_ description: they are also, from their EMOLLIENT property,

the best possible _external_ application to legs affected with GREASE,

either in an _early_ or more _advanced_ stage; in which disorder it is

too much the custom to rely implicitly upon the medicinal power and

effect of _internals_, without considering that, by striking

industriously at the very root of disease, it might often be completely

cured in half the time by the assisting effects of both.

LIOUORICE ROOT.—This is an article so much in use with HORSES, (in a

pulverized state,) that it is absolutely necessary it should undergo

some degree of elucidation; to prevent, if possible, a part of the

medical _deception_, and _adulteration_, which so universally prevails.

Liquorice root is plentifully produced in most countries of Europe, and

is in all held in the same degree of estimation for its utility. What is

grown in England is preferable to what is brought from abroad; the

latter being generally mouldy, and in a perishing state, which it will

always soon become, if not kept in a dry place, or buried in sand. It is

remarkable for its peculiar property of allaying thirst, particularly as

it is the almost only sweet known so to do: it is in constant use as an

article of much medicinal efficacy with the human species, both as a

most excellent PECTORAL and DETERGENT, as well as to soften

_acrimonious_ humors, reduce glandular irritability in colds, and

promote expectoration.

The article called SPANISH LIQUORICE is an extract prepared from the

root in Spain, and other countries, where it is cultivated in large

quantities; but it is rarely to be met with in the shops in a state of

purity and perfection; those who are the makers being either very

slovenly in the preparation, or interested in the event, constantly

mixing it with sand, (or other impurities,) to enlarge the weight, and

increase the profit; under which disadvantages it is universally known

as, and experimentally proved to be, a pectoral balsamic of general

utility. In respect to what is dispensed at the shops, under the name of

LIQUORICE POWDER, it is only necessary to observe, that it may be

purchased at any for little more than _half_ what the real dried root

can be bought and powdered for by the first wholesale houses in the

Metropolis. The deception is clear, and self-evident; as it is an

article of great consumption, so it becomes the more properly

appropriate to the _pecuniary_ purpose of adulteration: those who _best

know_ the advantage arising from such practice, best _can tell_, that

two pound weight of GENUINE LIQUORICE ROOT, ground in the _drug mill_,

and there incorporated with the customary proportions of _bean meal_ and

wheat flour, will make _fourteen pounds_ of _most excellent_ liquorice

powder for _retail_; and is the very article with which the public are

supplied as a substitute for a medicine of so much efficacy, that it is

to be regretted it should so easily become a matter of such general

prostitution. See ADULTERATION.

LIVER OF ANTIMONY—is a medicine possessing a very powerful and active

property; and would not have been introduced in this place, but with a

view to _prevent_ some of the MISCHIEFS which would probably happen,

from too free a use of so dangerous an article, when in the unrestrained

hands of the illiterate, the injudicious, the unthinking, or the

inexperienced. It will create some surprise with the considerate, that

this preparation, (known also by the name of CROCUS METALLORUM,) from

_two_ to _six_ grains of which will operate as a violent _emetic_ with

an adult of the human species, should be given in doses of _half an

ounce_ each by common farriers to a horse, and that probably _three_ or

_four_ times in twenty-four hours; under an impression, that it would,

and does operate _only_ by perspiration, or as an alterative; beyond

which, probably, their ideas or intentions may not extend. When it is

taken into consideration, that the horse does not possess the power of

regurgitating by _vomit_, it then becomes a matter of due deliberation,

how far it may be consistent and proper, to permit valuable horses to be

drenched with medicines of this description in such immoderate

quantities; a very _few grains_ of which will excite such violent

operations with one of the human species. Those who administer it as an

ALTERATIVE, will, perhaps, prudently conceive, two drachms a day, in

doses of a drachm each, full as much as ought to be ventured upon,

incorporated with such other articles as the urgency of the case may

seem to require.

LIVER.—The liver in a horse is liable to disease, as obstructions by

tubercles, indurated tumefactions, and schirrosity; either of which may

be produced by various means, and treated as JAUNDICE, which SEE.

LOCKS—are elastic leather pipes, or circular pads, stuffed with does'

hair, about the size of a second finger in circumference, and made to

buckle just above the fetlock of either leg, as a preventive to cutting

with the other. There are others of a different form, made flat, having

a padded oval in the center, which are called cutting-boots: the former,

however, have the preference, as they occasion less stricture upon the

tendons.

LOINS—are the part of a horse at the extremity of the back immediately

preceding the rump and hip bones, situate above the flanks. Beneath the

loins internally are seated the KIDNIES, which, as well as the loins,

are very susceptible of injury, by carrying improper weights, drawing

too heavy loads, particularly up hills, or in short turns; to prevent

all which should be humanely attended to. Injuries of this kind, when

unfortunately sustained, are very easily ascertained by a little serious

attention. The subject will sink and contract himself, if pressed

forcibly upon the part with the hand; he will also move in his stall

with a kind of curved motion, groaning probably if compelled to move

suddenly; likewise in laying down, or in attempting to stale, which he

frequently does, but mostly in small quantities. Exclusive of whatever

medical means may be adopted, BLEEDING, gum Arabic dissolved in gruel,

as common drink, and mucilage of linseed, to sheath the acrimony of the

juices in an inflammation of the kidnies, or surrounding parts, will be

found admirable collaterals. See KIDNIES.

LOOSE-JOINTED. A horse is said to be LOOSE-JOINTED, when his PASTERNS

are so _long_ as to let his HOOF come considerably from under the

perpendicular position of the FORE LEG, so that the _heel_ is

exceedingly _flat_, and the hinder part of the FETLOCK joint, by a kind

of elastic bend or _drop_, seems nearly to touch the ground. Horses of

the blood kind have frequently this failure in their formation, and is

the principal reason why so many of them are seen in common hands of

_little_ or _no_ value, as properly appropriate to no particular

purpose, or of the least general utility: most of this description have

the first defect accompanied by a second, which is a long back, and

consequent weakness of the loins; these, in the aggregate, constitute a

complete _loose-jointed_ horse; the purchase or possession of which will

reflect no predominant RAYS of JUDGMENT upon the owner.

LOOSENESS—is a laxity of habit, or debility of the intestines, which is

constitutional with some horses; but in others is the effect of

temporary disease; produced, probably, by an effervescent putrefaction

of the excrements too long locked up in the intestinal canal, and at

length suddenly and forcibly expelled by an effort of NATURE, to relieve

herself from the offending cause. This latter is the kind of looseness

not to be immediately checked, or restrained, by the aid of aromatic

restringents; but rather to be assisted, and promoted, by a free use of

warm mashes, and gruel, till the disorder has run itself off, and

effected its own cure. Some horses are habitually irritable, and begin

to dung _loose_ upon the most trifling occasions: young horses sometimes

do so from a stranger's approaching them _suddenly_ after coming from a

DEALER'S stable; this must arise from the memory of the _whip_: others

from being put into expeditious action upon the road too _soon_ after

their _water_ in a morning. HORSES fond of HOUNDS, and eager in the

chase, will frequently begin to purge at the place of meeting, and

continue so to do half a dozen times within an hour, when the superflux

being thrown off, the excrements again become firm, and are evacuated

with their usual solidity during the whole of the day. A warm cordial

ball before the water, for two or three mornings in succession, is

generally all that is necessary to be done upon such occasions.

LUNGS.—The lungs of a horse are two elastic lobes, consisting of air

vessels, blood vessels, lymphatics, nerves, and cellular membranes,

possessing conjunctively the properties of contraction and expansion;

nearly filling three parts of what is termed the CHEST, and may, without

much deviation from the line of professional consistency, be pronounced

the very mainspring of existence. It is the _good_ or _bad_ state of the

LUNGS upon which the duration of life becomes in a proportional degree

dependent; and by the perfect ease of inspiration, and respiration,

health, and bodily strength, may in general be ascertained. The lungs

are subject to inflammation, obstructions, tubercles, ulceration, and

consumption; the cause of one and all originating in COLDS and COUGHS,

produced by a sudden collapsion of the pores; when the perspirative

matter being repelled, and thrown upon the circulation, the blood

becomes sizey, viscid, and diseased; assuming some _leading_ feature of

the ills described, which, suffered to continue _long_ without the

proper means of counteraction, frequently attain a height too great for

the power of medicine to subdue.

LURCHER.—The dog so called is rough and wirey haired, with ears erect,

but dropping a little at the points: they are above the middle size, of

a yellowish or sandy red color; and of great speed, courage, and

fidelity. They were originally produced from a cross between the

SHEPHERD'S DOG and the GREYHOUND, which, from breeding _in_ and _in_

with the latter, has so refined upon the original cross, that very

little of the shepherd's dog is retained in its stock, its docility and

fidelity excepted. Thus bred, they are neither more or less than bastard

greyhounds, retaining most of their perfections, but without their

beauty. They are the favorite dogs of inferior or small FARMERS, as they

act in the _nominal_ capacity of a SHEEP DOG; but can occasionally

_trip_ up the _heels_ of a LEVERET three parts grown. They are also the

constant companions of the most professed and notorious POACHERS, being

so admirably adapted to the universality of the service required: they

equal, if not exceed, any other kind of dog in sagacity; and are easily

taught any thing it is possible for an animal of this description to

acquire by instruction. Some of them are very little inferior in speed

to well-bred greyhounds: HARES they frequently run up to; RABBITS they

kill to a certainty, if they are any distance from home: if near a

WARREN, the dog invariably runs for the _burrow_, by doing which, he

seldom fails in his attempt to secure his aim. His qualifications go

still farther; in _nocturnal_ excursions he becomes a PROFICIENT, and

will easily _pull down_ a FALLOW DEER, so soon as the _signal_ is given

for pursuit; which done, he will explore his way to his master, and

conduct him to the GAME, wherever he may have left it. In poaching, they

are individually instrumental to the destruction of hares; for when the

_wires_ are fixed at the meuses, and the _nets_ at the gates, they are

dispatched, by a single word of command, to scour the FIELD, PADDOCK, or

PLANTATION; which, by their _running mute_, is effected so silently,

that a harvest is obtained (according to the stock of the country) with

very little fear of detection.

LURCHER,—the name of a horse of some recent celebrity; he was the

property of MR. RIDER; was got by _Dungannon_, dam by _Vertumnus_. In

1792, when three years old, he won a 50l. plate at ASCOT HEATH, beating

seven others. At STOCKBRIDGE, a subscription of 20 guineas each, (ten

subscribers,) beating _Hamlet_, _St. George_, and two others. At

WINCHESTER, a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, eleven subscribers; and at

LEWES, a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, ten subscribers. He was then

purchased by MR. WILSON, in whose possession, 1793, when four years old,

he won at NEWMARKET a sweepstakes of 500 guineas each from the Ditch in,

beating _Kitt Carr_ and _Ormond_. On the Saturday in the same week, he

won a sweepstakes of 200 guineas each, _half forfeit_; beating LORD

CLERMONT'S _Pipator_. LORD FOLEY'S _Vermin_ paid. Second Spring Meeting,

he beat LORD CLERMONT'S _Speculator_, a match across the Flat, 200

guineas each. In 1794, at the Craven Meeting, NEWMARKET, he won the

first class of the OATLANDS STAKES, of 50 guineas each, (twenty-one

subscribers,) half forfeit, beating _thirteen_ others, with the odds of

nine to one against him at starting. For the Main of the Oatlands, First

Spring Meeting, he beat LORD GROSVENOR'S _Druid_, 200 guineas each,

Ditch-in. Second Spring Meeting, he received 150 guineas forfeit from

the DUKE OF BEDFORD'S _Teucer_; after which he appeared no more upon the

turf.