In MATCHING (with relation to the battles) it is an invariable rule,
that, after the COCKS of the MAIN are weighed, the MATCH BILLS are
compared, to see that they are equally correct.
In WEIGHING, it is to be observed, that every PAIR of COCKS of _dead_ or
_equal_ weight falling together, are to be separated, and matched
against others coming within the limited weight of each other; provided
that it appears the main can be enlarged, by adding thereto, either one
battle or more thereby.
In FIGHTING, it is to be mutually understood, that the MAIN BATTLES
begin to be fought with the _lightest_ pair of cocks, proceeding in
succession with the next in weight upwards to the end; so that every
lighter pair may fight earlier than those that are heavier.
In farther elucidation of this SPORT, See COCKING, COCK-MATCH, COCKPIT
ROYAL, and GAME COCK.
MALLENDERS.—The DEFECT or DISORDER so called, is a large flat scab, or
more properly an accumulation of eschars, (more or less inveterate,)
seated at the hinder part of the fore-legs, directly behind the knee,
just where the back sinews have their insertion at that joint. They are
seldom seen with horses who are properly managed, but merely with those
of an inferior description, that are little attended to. If discovered,
and proper means of counteraction adverted to in their early state,
little or no inconvenience ensues; but if suffered by time to become
inveterate, with deep-seated _cracks_, from whence oozes a greasy kind
of _ichor_, with bristly hairs making their way through the hardened
scabs upon the surface, they are productive of much trouble before a
perfect cure can be obtained. When advanced to this stage, they are not
only exceedingly painful in action, but constitute such a stricture upon
the part, as to affect the _elasticity_ of the TENDONS; in which state
the horse is retarded in progress by the preternatural rigidity of the
joint, with the additional danger of stumbling and falling in every
effort he makes to avoid it.
Those horses having the greatest quantity of hair upon their legs are
the most subject to this malady, where it remains a long time obscured
from the eye of the MASTER; as it is not to be expected, a discovery
will be made, and communicated, by a servant, in palpable proof of his
own _neglect_ and _indolence_. If the part inveterately affected is
covered with hair, either totally or partially, it must be taken off as
close as possible, before any attempt at cure is made; that done, a
patient fomentation of hot gruel, a decoction of linseed, or mallow
roots and leaves, should be persevered in for a quarter of an hour
daily, letting, however, the process of soft soap and warm water be
adopted on the first day, continuing one of the before-mentioned
fomentations every day after. When the scabs or eschars are completely
softened, got loose, and begin to exfoliate, the parts may be well
impregnated with camphorated SPERMA CÆTI LINIMENT every day after the
fomentation; but not before the part is made properly dry to receive it.
If the subject is supposed to have an acrimonious tendency in the blood,
or displays the least appearance of cutaneous eruption in any other part
of the body, the best method will be to put him upon a course of
ANTIMONIAL ALTERATIVES, which he will consume with his corn without
farther trouble.
MALLOWS,—as well as MARSH-MALLOWS, are ingredients so useful and
efficacious in fomentations, and emollient cataplasms, upon various
unexpected emergencies, that the house of a SPORTSMAN in the country
should never be without them.
MALT, GROUND—is an article of the utmost utility when incorporated with
an equal quantity of bran, and given in a mash to horses labouring under
cough, bodily debility, (from over fatigue,) or disease; it possesses
the property of invigoration, is highly nutritive; and, by its
attracting fragrancy, horses are induced to take it in small quantities,
during the progress of dangerous diseases, when they refuse every other
kind of food. Mashes thus made, and given nightly, are useful in
promoting CONDITION, as well as a proper vehicle for ALTERATIVE powders,
or during the operation of PHYSIC.
MANEGE.—The MANEGE is a term used in a synonymous sense with equestrian
academy, or riding school; implying not only the receptacle itself, but
the instructions there to be derived from those who profess to teach the
ART of HORSEMANSHIP by riding the great horse. There are many of this
description, and of much celebrity, in and round the Metropolis, replete
with every convenience for the accommodation of gentlemen, and the
breaking of horses; and for ladies also, who have the advantage of
riding under cover at all seasons of the year. In every MANEGE a
centrical spot is appropriated to the regulating the round or volts, in
which is fixed a pillar; and to this horses are occasionally fastened in
their first lessons. Other pillars are likewise placed in pairs at the
sides of the manege, for the more perfect completion of their volts and
airs.
The MANEGE may be properly divided into the GREATER and the LESSER; or,
in the precise words of a modern writer, "the grand and petit manege:
the former, or management of the great horse, intended purely for the
purposes of parade and shew; the latter, confined solely to the _utile_
of military tactics. The grand manege consists in teaching a horse,
already perfectly broke in the common way, certain artificial motions,
the chief of which are called the _terra a terra_, _demi-volt_,
_corvet_, _capriole_, _croupade_, _balotade_, and the step and the leap;
which last is a motion compounded of three airs; namely, the _terra a
terra_, _corvet_, and the _leap_, by which the motion is finished. When
a horse is perfect in all these, he is styled a full dressed, or maneged
horse.
"The _petit manege_ is that drilling, or training, by which the army
riding-masters fit the horse for military service in the ranks. The
chief objects of it are, to set him upon his haunches, and make him rein
well; to give him a cadenced pace; to teach him to rein back, or
retreat; to move sideways, to stand fire, and to leap. After these, a
horse will soon become capable of all the necessary military evolutions.
The common business of our town riding-schools, is to teach grown
gentlemen and ladies, and to set ill-broken horses upon their haunches.
It is well known that the grand manege has been long out of fashion in
this country; and farther, that it has for years past been upon the
decline in every other. I look upon it as a relict of that superstition
in all things, which is the characteristic of barbarous times. It is
unnecessary to any good or useful purpose, because all such, whether of
parade or business, may be fully answered by the common, rational, and
uninjurious management; whereas there is always more or less cruelty
practised in completing the full-dressed horse; such, for instance, as
severe whippings, the meaning of which the horse cannot possibly
comprehend, and which are therefore unnatural and illegitimate measures;
the labour and irritation also are excessive; and, after all, the
natural paces of the horse are spoiled, and he is rendered unfit for
common business; the only compensation for which is, that he has learned
sundry harlequin tricks; two of which are, to _skip_ like a GOAT, and
kick up _behind_ like an ASS."
MANE—is the name by which the long hair is called hanging from the neck
of a horse, and extending from the back of his ears to his withers: a
handsome full mane adds much to the natural beauty of a well-formed
horse, and is of course preserved, not more in respect to ornament, than
its utility in mounting, to the ease and agility in which it affords
material assistance.
MANGE IN HORSES.—The disorder so called, and with which only horses of
the inferior sort are affected, originates in an impoverished state of
the blood, occasioned by a want of proper healthy food, and a constant
exposure to the elements in the severity of the winter season. When
arrived at a certain degree of virulence, it becomes infectious,
particularly as the warmer months of summer advance; and of this
contagious property no doubt can be entertained; the LAW having provided
a remedy, that no such horse shall be suffered to go at large, upon any
lair, common, or parochial pasture, where there is a possibility of
communicating the infection. The subjects of it are generally in a state
of wretched emaciation, bearing the external appearance of leprosy, or
partial excoriation: the leading symptoms are a perpetual itching behind
the ears, down the mane on each side the neck, and at the insertion of
the tail near the rump. These parts, from incessant rubbing to allay the
irritation, are soon divested of the hair, to which a dirty kind of
scurf appears, bearing upon its surface a malignant oily sort of
moisture, which soon degenerates into variegated-coloured scabs,
constituting a confirmed mange; which, the longer it is permitted to
continue unrestrained in its progress, the more difficult a cure is to
be obtained.
As the MANGE is principally a cutaneous disease, by which the skin only
is materially affected, so the cure must chiefly depend upon external
applications; prescriptions for which may be amply supplied from either
_old_ books, or _new_ Veterinarians; neither of these being now
difficult of attainment. If the disease has arisen from an impoverished
state of living, and a consequent acrimonious state of the blood,
altering its property, by a change of aliment, and more liberal
invigoration of the system, will greatly tend to the promoting a speedy
obliteration. Should a horse in high HEALTH, FLESH, and CONDITION, have
received the disease by infection, BLEEDING, evacuants, or alteratives,
should be brought into use in aid of external applications.
MANGE IN DOGS—will be found fully treated on under a continuation of the
head HOUNDS, in page 485 of the first Volume.
MANGER—is the name by which the trough is called that is fixed in all
stables, and from whence a horse eats his corn or mashes; it is usually
placed under his rack, from which he receives his hay; and this, in
well-managed stables, is not deposited there in large quantities, but in
light proportions, and at stated periods. It is an excellent and healthy
custom, though, perhaps, not much in practice, to let all MANGERS, in
constant use, have a substantial scrubbing with soap, brush, and boiling
water, once a month; the absolute necessity for which may be seen by
making an occasional observation upon the _filthy_ state of mangers in
general, particularly at INNS upon the ROADS, and LIVERY STABLES in the
METROPOLIS.
MARE—is the well-known feminine of the HORSE, but not held of equal
value with the masculine in respect to the gender, which is not only
troublesome, but found to be productive of temporary debility at certain
seasons of the year. Mares are evidently weaker, and less adequate to
severe work, during the time they give proof of a desire to copulate,
than at any other; which, perhaps, is the principal reason why GELDINGS
are so generally preferred, as far as they can be obtained.
Notwithstanding this partiality, MARES are not without their advocates,
and have their conveniencies: in cases of LAMENESS, or other occurrences
in the long list of _casual ills_, they, of course, become appropriate
to the purpose of PROPAGATION, without much loss being sustained. Those,
however, who expect to derive either pleasure, emolument, or a
gratification of ambition, from BREEDING, must be a little prudent and
circumspect in the shape, make, distinct points, and general symmetry,
of the MARE, before they too hastily embark in so critical, and so truly
expensive, an undertaking. Although it is a maxim universally admitted,
that an equal degree of precaution should be used in respect to the
HORSE, it is doubly and trebly necessary with the mare; because strict
observation has demonstrated, that nearly, or full _two_ out of every
_three_ FOALS, display, in their appearance, more of the DAM than the
SIRE: and that there are more FILLIES than COLTS fallen every year, will
not admit of a doubt.
A variety of opinions are held, and occasionally propagated, upon the
best and most proper age for putting a mare to horse: that a FILLY
covered in her third year, will produce a fine healthy foal in her
_fourth_, is sufficiently known; and that BROOD MARES bring forth
excellent stock from their _twentieth_ to their _twenty-fifth_ year, is
equally true; but if the two extremes are avoided (when it can be
conveniently done so) the produce may most likely come some few shades
nearer perfection. In the _first_ instance it is fair to infer, that the
component parts may not have reached the extreme points of STRENGTH and
MATURITY; and that in the _latter_, from the natural effect of AGE, the
frame is verging upon _decay_; and that the LACTEALS from whence the
NUTRIMENT for the FOAL is to be obtained, must be _contracted_ in
proportion.
The best and most approved season for letting the mare take the horse,
where the produce is bred for general purposes, is from the first week
in MAY to the last in JUNE; as then the offspring is dropt in APRIL or
MAY in the following year, and are the properest months a foal can fall
in, to have the advantage of all the summer for growth and expansion,
preparatory to the drawback of WEANING, and the ensuing severity of the
winter. Mares during the time of GESTATION, are liable, but very little
subject to ABORTION; reasonable work, and moderate exertions, affect
them but slightly in that way; nor does the disappointment but seldom
happen, unless by some severe, cruel, or inhuman treatment. MARES are
the most uncertain of all animals in bringing forth from the time of
conception. Numerous attempts have been made to discover the precise
time of a mare's carrying her foal, which, however, does not yet appear
to have been ascertained to a certainty. Long-standing opinions and
authority, transmitted from one posterity to another, has established at
eleven months and as many days as the mare happens to be years old:
strict attention, in a variety of instances, to both the LUNAR and
CALENDAR months, has proved the uncertainty of this calculation, and
left them, in those events, dependent upon neither _one_ or the _other_.
Certain it is, they go many days longer with a COLT FOAL than they do
with a FILLY; and cases frequently occur, where a mare carries her foal
within a few days of the twelve months.
MARK!—a term used by SPORTSMEN, particularly in COVERT SHOOTING, where
they are necessarily separated from each other; when one of the party,
having _sprung_ a PHEASANT, or _flushed_ a COCK, (at which he either did
not get a _shot_, or missed his _aim_,) he then vociferates the signal,
MARK! in a hope his companion may get a shot, or _mark_ the spot near
where he alights, to insure a better chance of his recovery. It is also
used in partridge shooting, where hedges or hedge-rows interrupt the
sight, or divide the parties.
MARK IN THE MOUTH.—The black cavity in the TEETH of a HORSE, by which
his age is correctly known till seven years old, is called the _mark_;
when which is obliterated, the age can be no longer precisely
ascertained. DEALERS adopt a successful mode of _deception_, by which
the young and inexperienced are frequently imposed upon. See BISHOPING
and COLT.
MARK ANTHONY,—the name of a horse of some celebrity as a RACER, and
equal to any horse of his time: he was bred by MR. C. BLAKE, and foaled
in 1767: he was got by that known good horse _Spectator_ (who was got by
_Crab_) out of _Rachel_, (who was got by _Blank_;) her dam by _Regulus_,
grand-dam by _Soreheels_. He acquired some reputation as a STALLION, and
was the sire of several good runners.
MARSK—was a horse whose distinguished celebrity arose more from chance
than any peculiar merits of his own. He was bred by the then DUKE of
CUMBERLAND; was foaled in 1750; got by _Squirt_, (who was got by
Bartlet's _Childers_;) dam by _Blacklegs_, grand-dam by _Fox Cub_.
Although his blood and racing ability stood fairly admitted, yet, so far
from having acquired any reputation as a STALLION, he was permitted to
COVER common mares at the Lodge, in Windsor Great Park, for only
_half-a-guinea_, which was the GROOM'S FEE. Precisely at this period (in
the year 1763) _Spilletta_, the dam of _Eclipse_, having proved _barren_
for two or three years in succession, a new experiment was made, and she
was covered by both _Shakespeare_ and _Marsk_ in the same season; when
stinted, and some time after perceptibly in foal, it was uncertain who
was to be declared the SIRE, till the produce falling to correspond with
the last leap from _Marsk_, he became (from _Eclipse's_ astonishing
powers) loaded with honours, publicly acknowledged the sire with an
enhanced reputation, and a constantly increasing _seraglio_; from which
time he continued a stallion of the first eminence, and produced a
progeny of winners by much too long for introduction under this head.
_Spilletta_ afterwards produced _Proserpine_ by _Marsk_, foaled in 1766;
and that well-known horse _Garrick_, foaled in 1772; both excellent
runners.
MARTIN, OR MARTERN,—is an animal inhabiting woods and bushy coverts,
rather inferior in size to a domestic cat, but longer in the neck and
body, having a head and tail corresponding in make and shape with the
FOX, but not so sharp-pointed in the ears. They are nearly as expert in
climbing trees, and leaping from one to another, as a squirrel; they
breed in the hollows of trees, and produce four, five, and even six,
young at a time. They live upon poultry, game, and birds: most probably
the casual food of the FOX is taken by the MARTIN also. As, by their
great agility in climbing, they become a most destructive enemy to
PHEASANTS, so by their SCENT they are frequently the subject of much
mortifying disappointment to a field of expectant sportsmen. When found
amidst the bushes, the general burst of the finding hounds is as great
as when a FOX is _unkenneled_, and so continues, till, being closely
pressed, some friendly tree (probably clothed with ivy) suddenly
terminates the _deceptive_ chase.
MARTINGAL.—The article so named is of two kinds; one of which is termed
a HEADSTALL martingal; the other, simply, a martingal: each consists of
a long strip of leather, about an inch and a half wide, passing between
the fore-legs, with a loop or wide noose at its extremity, through which
the hinder girth is to pass, and by which it is secured at that end: at
the front of the breast it divides into two equal branches; and having
SWIVEL RINGS at the extremity of each, they are slipt on upon the
bridoon (or snaffle) rein, and are used to keep down the head of a
hard-mouthed or _high-staring_ horse, that he may see the ground upon
which he is to move with less danger to the _neck_ of the RIDER. The
headstall martingal is of similar construction, except its having a
headstall the same as a bridle, to which the divided branches before
described are united at the cheek on each side; but this is a hazardous
practice, and should only be used with COLTS in breaking; for if a horse
once _stumbles_ in action, he is so confined, that his sudden exertion
to raise his head, and to recover himself, being counteracted, he almost
inevitably comes to the ground.
MASH—is a name given to a kind of universal PANACEA for horses during a
course of PHYSIC, or labouring under COUGH, COLD, or DISEASE. Mashes are
differently made, according to the necessity which occasions their being
brought into use: some are made with BRAN and HONEY; others with equal
parts of OATS and BRAN, with or without honey; but the most fragrant,
useful, attracting, and invigorating, is made from GROUND MALT, with
such proportion of BRAN as will disunite the glutinous adhesive property
of the MALT, and reduce its sweetness enough to prevent a satiety by its
clamminess in mastication. Malt mashes (and the liquid pressed from
them) horses will generally take in different dangerous disorders, as
FEVERS, INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS, STRANGLES, &c. when they will take
(spontaneously) no other kind of FOOD or NUTRIMENT. Mashes should be
always made of ingredients perfectly SWEET, without the least taint of
_mustiness_, and in pails or vessels free from every possibility of
_grease_; they should also be prepared with water _boiling hot_, which
being once stirred together, may then be covered down till of a proper
warmth to be placed in the manger; which should never be of greater heat
than _new milk_ from the cow, unless in cases where a FUMIGATION may be
required to relax and take off a stricture from the glandular parts, and
promote a discharge from the nostrils.
MASTER OF THE HORSE—is an office of high honor and great trust, seldom
conferred upon any but some distinguished individual of the peerage, in
possession of his MAJESTY'S confidence, and honored with his personal
approbation. The department of the MASTER of the HORSE is of very
considerable magnitude, possessing a greater extent of patronage than
almost any other appointment in the GIFT of the CROWN. The Master of the
Horse is the supreme superintendant of every thing appertaining to the
establishment of the KING'S STABLES and their contents. It is within his
official department to take cognizance of every part of the royal
retinue in which HORSES, CARRIAGES, and their requisite attendants, are
concerned; as well as personally to attend upon his Majesty whenever
they are employed; but more particularly upon all public occasions, and
in all PROCESSIONS of STATE. He also appears in personal attendance upon
his Majesty in the chase; unless upon some occasions, by the King's
permission, or particular desire, that official service is dispensed
with. Subordinate to the Master of the Horse in the stable
establishment, are the equerries, pages of honor, clerk of the stables,
yeomen riders, mews-keepers, coachmen, footmen, grooms, postillions, and
helpers, exclusive of saddlers, coach, harness, and bit-makers. The
establishment of the ROYAL HUNT is also officially announced in the
department of the Master of the Horse; although the patronage and
appointments remain of course with the Master of the Stag Hounds.
MASTER OF THE STAG HOUNDS. See KING'S HOUNDS.
MATCH COCK.—A cock intended to fight in a MATCH, must not be less in
weight than three pounds six ounces, or exceed four pounds eight: if
either less than the _first_, or more than the _latter_, he cannot be
shewn or brought to the SCALE. See MAIN of COCKS.
MATCH IN RACING—is a BET made between the OWNERS where only _two_ horses
are concerned, one of which must become the winner. For explanatory
particulars, see HORSE RACING. Horses are said to MATCH (for a carriage)
when they correspond, and constitute a similitude in height, marks,
action, and color. A HUNTING MATCH (generally termed a steeple chase) is
made by parties, to ride their own horses across a country to some point
agreed on, encountering all difficulties, and taking the LEAPS in
_stroke_: this kind of match is, upon most occasions, run with a few
couple of hounds; a person going forward with a DRAG to the spot
appointed where the match is to be decided.
MATCHEM—was a horse the most eminent of his time as a RACER, and for
many years was the most esteemed STALLION in the kingdom. He was bred by
MR. FENWICK, foaled in 1748; got by _Cade_, dam by _Partner_, grand-dam
by _Makeless_, great grand-dam by _Brimmer_, &c. &c. He produced an
annual succession of winners (many of them excellent runners) too long
for enumeration.
MERCURY—is become an article of so much medical utility with HORSES, as
well as with the human species, that it seems entitled to some mention
here, being a specific much talked of, but not universally understood.
Mercury (alias quicksilver) is an opaque silver-colored mineral fluid,
appearing to the eye like melted TIN or LEAD; it is heavier than any
other fluid, and does not congeal in the greatest degree of natural cold
ever yet known. This mineral is met with in its fluid form in the earth,
or extracted by art from certain metallic ores. There are considerable
mines of it in HUNGARY and SPAIN; but the greatest quantities are
brought from the EAST INDIES. The use of mercury was but little known
till within the last century; and its more subtle preparations, with
their efficacious properties, of a much later date. The ancients looked
upon it as a confirmed corrosive poison, though perfectly void of
acrimony, taste, and smell. Experiments have been made, and instances
proved, of its having been lodged for years in cavities of both bones
and fleshy parts, without the least injury, or smallest sensible or
perceptible effect. Taken into the human body in its crude and undivided
state, it passes through the intestinal canal unchanged, and has not
been found to produce the least inconvenience.
Notwithstanding the _mildness_ and _inactivity_ of QUICKSILVER in its
crude and undivided state, yet, when resolved by FIRE into FUME, or
otherwise divided into very minute particles, and prevented from
re-uniting by the interposition of proper substances, or combined with
mineral acids, it has very powerful effects, affording the most violent
POISONS, and yielding the most excellent and salutary remedies, of any
with which the medical world are acquainted. There are now (introduced
upon the broad basis of experimental practice) a variety of mercurial
preparations, some of which are given internally; others are introduced
(or rather insinuated) into the habit by external application, either in
a liquid solution, or in an unctuous form: in whatever way it be
administered internally, or applied externally, it evidently possesses
the power of solving all stagnant fluids, liquifying the viscid juices
which obstruct the finer vessels, and most minute passages; and has been
known, by patient perseverance, to obliterate cancerous affections, and
schirrosities of dangerous magnitude. The fundamental effects of mercury
(or rather mercurial preparations) do not depend upon the increase of
the sensible evacuations; as its gradual introduction into the habit (or
system) of either man, or beast, may be so managed, by judicious
proportions, as to promote excretion through the different emunctories,
without perceptibly deranging the frame of one or the other.
Thus much being introduced upon the properties of mercury and its
preparations, as applicable to the convenience of those who may not have
entered into medical disquisition, it becomes necessary to advert to its
use, now become so evidently efficacious in many of the disquietudes and
disorders to which horses (as well as ourselves) are so constantly
liable. The only modes by which it can be with prudence and safety
administered to a horse, is either in a course of PURGATIVES, in the
form of CALOMEL incorporated with the cathartic ingredients, or
introduced as an ALTERATIVE, by throwing _daily_ very small quantities
of that article into the system; or the better alternative (if meant as
an alterative) of giving the ÆTHIOP'S MINERAL, in doses of two drachms
each, every morning, mixed up with a cordial ball. Much DANGER, and many
LOSSES, having recently occurred with individuals from a too free use of
_calomel_ in PURGING BALLS, where horses, from a certain degree of
constitutional irritability, or a want of proper care and attention
during their physic, have died in the most excruciating agonies, with
only _two_ or _three_ drachms (unless erroneously weighed in the shops)
of calomel; it certainly will be the most PRUDENT, evidently the most
SAFE, to adopt the three gradational quantities of a drachm, a drachm
and a half, or two drachms, according to the size, strength, and
constitution, of the horse, taking care never to exceed that quantity
even with the strongest.
MERCURY—was the name of a horse, that, as a RACER, and afterwards a
STALLION, stood very high in sporting estimation. He was bred by the
late COLONEL O'KELLY; foaled in 1778; was got by _Eclipse_ out of a
TARTAR mare, who was likewise the dam of _Whitenose_, _Maria_,
_Antiochus_, _Venus_, _Jupiter_, _Adonis_, _Lilly of the Valley_,
_Volunteer_, _Bonnyface_, and _Queen Mab_. After having acquired
considerable celebrity as a good runner, and proved himself equal to any
horse of his time, he became a favourite STALLION in the possession of
LORD EGREMONT, where he has produced a numerous progeny, including a
very great number of winners, many of much note; and amongst the rest,
the following celebrated horses, some of whom are stallions in high
reputation: _Calomel_, _Sublimate_, _Hippolyta_, _Mercutio_, _Old Gold_,
_Precipitate_, _Quicksilver_, _Young Mercutio_, _Felix_, _Cinnabar_,
_Mother Bunch_, _Hermes_, _Pill Box_, _Silver_, _Transit_, _Gohanna_,
_Caustic_, _Stadholder_, _Buckingham_, &c. &c.
MESHES—are the vacancies in all kinds of NET-WORK, of which there are
various sorts, with their meshes of different dimensions; as the
_gate-net_, _flue-net_, _tunnel-net_, _drawing-net_, _casting-net_, &c.
&c. as adapted to their distinct uses, for taking either FISH or FOWL.
MEUSE—is the opening at the bottom of quick-set and other hedges, as
well as in the bushy underwood of COVERTS, through which HARES take
their _track_, when going to, or coming from, FEED during the _night_.
At these meuses the expert and experienced POACHER fixes his _wires_
(commonly called snares) with so much security, and confidence of
success, that he generally insures a tolerable proportion to his own
share, according to the stock of the country.
MEWING—is an old forest term for a STAG'S shedding his horns.
MEWS—is a receptacle for horses and carriages, appropriated to no other
use whatever. The buildings consist of stables and coach-houses only,
with conveniencies above for the residence of coachmen and their
families. In all the newly-erected squares and streets at the western
extremity of the Metropolis, most of the houses are so constructed, that
the master and servants have access to the stables by a communication at
the back of the dwelling-house, without the inconvenience of passing
through the streets.
MOLTEN GREASE.—This disorder is defined by every writer in succession, a
solution of the FAT with which a horse may abound, when brought into
sudden and _excessive_ action; that in its state of liquefaction, a
great part falls upon the intestines, there becomes in a certain degree
incorporated with the contents, and is more or less discharged in an
oily state with the excrements. This is proved by long experience to be
a well-founded description of both the case and the cause, which very
frequently prove fatal, and that in a short time, without the lest
relief or alleviation to be obtained from medicine. The leading symptoms
are preceded by an agitated trembling, with sudden starts or motions, as
if frightened in the stall; this is succeeded by violent fever, with
great heat and clamminess of the mouth, a shortness of breath, and
difficulty of respiration, beyond description, bearing no ill affinity
to the most distinguishing symptoms of a horse labouring under an
inflammation of the lungs. The great hope of cure must depend upon
plentiful bleeding without delay, and that to be repeated at short
intervals, till the blood is divested of its sizey, viscid, and
inflammatory appearances. If not soon relieved by such medical
interposition as may be thought most applicable to the state he is in,
great bodily debility speedily ensues, the frame gradually declines in
flesh, and becomes emaciated, the skin adheres to the ribs, the solids
begin to relax, the legs to swell; and if the blood and juices are not
properly corrected, by a judicious mode of medical management, a general
decay may be expelled in _glanders_, _farcy_, or some one of the
diseases which terminate fatally.
MOON EYES.—Horses said to have MOON EYES, or to be MOON-BLIND, is one of
the relics of former superstition, when certain defects of the eyes were
ridiculously supposed to have been influenced for _better_ or _worse_,
by the increasing or declining state of the MOON. Such opinions seem now
to be wearing away, and verging upon oblivion, in proportion as the
structure of the parts, as well as the remedies to relieve, become more
perfectly comprehended by the indefatigable researches of VETERINARIAN
investigation.
MOOR GAME.—See GROUSE, HEATH FOWL, and GAME.
MORTIFICATION.—This state, in a PHYSICAL sense, with either MAN or
BEAST, is the total cessation of vital heat in any part of the body or
extremities, which then becomes, insensible, and is followed by
putrefaction. When a mortification arises from some external injury done
to the part, it is not preceded by a gangrene, but is produced by an
absolute stagnation of the blood and juices, and all the injured parts
become insensible and putrid at the same time, without any previous
inflammation. A mortification arising from some internal cause, or a
deficiency of natural heat, comes on in the same manner, but is more
tardy in its progress, although it exhibits similar appearances; but the
nature of the disease may be readily discovered. When an external injury
is the cause, if an incision is made early in the diseased part, it will
be found insensible, and nothing but extravasated blood will be
discharged. In all cases of MORTIFICATION, the disease, with its
concomitant symptoms, proceeds with a rapidity that sets every medical
interposition and exertion at defiance, till DEATH closes the scene.
MOTION.—A horse is said to be of easy motion, when he has a fine length
of forehand, goes off the ground lightly with his head up, gliding his
hind-legs under his carcase in action, without the straddling spring for
which rough-going horses are so remarkable.
MOUTH.—The good or bad mouth of a horse depends upon the pliability of
his temper, and his obedience to the bit. Some horses (particularly
those of violent and refractory dispositions) are so truly insensible to
every effort of even the best riders, that hardly any kind of bit can be
invented to reduce them to subjection; while, on the contrary, there are
those, and even blood horses, of such good temper, and constitutional
docility; that they may be regulated instantaneously to any purpose, by
the most tender bearing of a common snaffle.
MULE.—The MULE is that well-known cross-bred animal, generated between
an ASS and a MARE. Some are, but very rarely, produced by the HORSE with
a SHE ASS; but they are smaller, weaker, and of less utility,
consequently not bred with design. The mule has all the good qualities
of the ass, without its bad ones; it is as patient, and as permanent
under labour; it can bear the most incessant fatigue, with the lead
sustenance; is without the instinctive stupidity of the ass, and is
equally tractable with the horse. The mule, when well descended, and
well fed, is adequate to a variety of services, and will, if taken the
same care of _when young_, nearly reach the size of a moderate horse.
Many have measured fifteen hands high and upwards, are exceedingly
strong and sure-footed, which qualities render them very valuable in the
different parts of Europe where the countries are mountainous, and the
roads stony, as they will travel with the greatest ease and security
where a horse would be very likely to break his neck. They are likewise
exceedingly useful in harness, and will draw immense weights for long
journies without displaying the least fatigue.
The MULES bred in SPAIN, with a proper attention to their intentional
use, whether for travelling or shew, are bred between very large
he-asses and Spanish mares; these are exceedingly tall, stately, and
their colour inclining to black. A still larger kind are, however,
produced by these asses out of Flanders mares, some of which have been
known to reach seventeen hands high, and of equal apparent strength to
our common carriage horses; but they are much stronger than horses of
their own size, will bear infinitely greater hardships, and are kept at
a much less expence; as well as an additional recommendation, that they
are not so subject to diseases, which is a material consideration to the
justification of their more general use. They are found equally fit for
the saddle, as for the more laborious employments of draft and
agriculture; they are remarkably docile, are easily broke, and walk or
trot with ease to themselves and to the rider.
It has been already remarked, under the head MARE, that foals more
frequently take after the DAM than the SIRE, and this is perceptibly
striking in MULES; for those bred between an ASS and a MARE, invariably
partake more of the nature of the _latter_ than the former; being in
general of good formation, lively, swift, and tractable; inheriting only
the good qualities of the ass, as his strength, patience, and
perseverance, under fatigue; while, on the other hand, those bred
betwixt a horse and a she-ass, are more of the nature of the latter,
dull, heavy, sluggish, ill-formed, and small in size. What few mules are
produced in this kingdom, at least the major part, may be probably bred
more from chance than design, by the common intermixture and
unrestrained association of asses with mares, upon the large wastes and
commons in various parts of the country, where they are frequently seen
in the act of propagation. Of mules, it is to be observed, that,
although such intermediate animal is produced between the two which
generate the third, there the prolific property ceases, and propagation
goes no farther. Thus it is with a part of the feathered creation; it is
known by those who breed, that a cock goldfinch, or a linnet, will pair
with a hen canary, and produce young; but in that offspring the power of
procreation entirely ceases, and they are therefore termed MULES.
MUTE—is a sporting term, applied to a HOUND when he pursues his GAME by
the scent, without giving _tongue_. As some are by much too free, and
give tongue too hastily, when in a state of uncertainty, acquiring
thereby the degrading denomination of a _babbler_; so there are others
equally tardy in proclaiming the certainty when known. Hounds of each
description are considered injurious to the discipline and desirable
excellence of the pack, and are generally rejected so soon as their
imperfections are known, and too much confirmed for reformation.
MUZZLE.—Muzzles are made of leather, and are of two sorts; the one
called a _dressing_, the other a _setting_, muzzle. The first is of the
same form as the last, but of different construction, having a few
straps crossing each other transversely, and so united as to be about
nine inches in depth, and of a shape to cover the nose of the horse so
high; to which are annexed two straps; one of which passes up the cheek
on each side, and buckles at the top of the head behind the ears; the
use of this is to dress such horses in as are disposed to vice with the
teeth, as well to prevent the MANGER from _injury_, as the GROOM from
_danger_. The other is in little use, except in TRAINING STABLES; its
form is not unlike the exact shape of a common water-pail, being made of
the thickness of substantial leather, having a number of round holes
punched in every part of it, for the free admission of air, and is
brought into use on those nights _preceding_ a horse's RUNNING
engagement on the following day; as well as before taking a SWEAT, or
running a TRIAL. It is called a SETTING-MUZZLE, because, when put on,
the horse is said "_to be set_," (that is, to fast;) and the intent is
to prevent his consuming the litter, or obtaining more food than what
the training-groom has a perfect knowledge of.