NABOB—was a horse of much temporary note, and considered one of the best
country plate horses of his time; he was bred by MR. SWINBURNE, and
foaled in 1753; was got by _Cade_, dam by _Crab_, grand-dam by
_Childers_. Although he was a known good runner, he never as a STALLION
produced any racers of much celebrity.
NAG—is rather a provincial than a general term, and varies a little in
its signification, according to the county, or part of the kingdom, in
which it is used. In the most common country acceptation, it implies a
RIDING horse or ROADSTER, in contra-distinction to a _carriage_ or
_cart-horse_. A "complete nag" may be considered a kind of horse beyond
the line of mediocrity, and bordering upon the idea of a moderate
hunter. A "smartish nag" is what the opulent farmer rides to market; and
a "tightish little tit" is a well-bred galloway of SPEED and ACTION,
which, in a state of purity and perfection, are always difficult to be
obtained.
NARROW CHESTED.—A horse is so called, whose breast is so narrow (when
standing before him) that the fore-legs gradually extend wider in
proportion as the eye accompanies them nearer the ground; so that, in a
front view, they bear the form of two legs of a common country
washing-stool, where the legs are inserted in the narrow part of the
wood at the top, and are four or five inches more in width at the
bottom. Horses of this description are invariably weak before; and when
put into hard work, or severe exertions, are the very sort of which so
many upon the roads are seen in a "CHEST-FOUNDERED" state; which see
under that head, where it will be found fully explained.
NARROW HEELS.—Enlarged upon under "HEELS NARROW," which SEE.
NAVEL-GALL—is an injury sustained upon the centrical part of the
back-bone, corresponding with that part below, from whence it originally
derived its present denomination. It is always occasioned by the _pad_
of the SADDLE being in itself too wide, (and deficient in stuffing,)
letting the _iron_-work of the _tree_ come into contact with the SPINE;
or from the long and constant use of a roller in the stable, till having
lost the elasticity of its stuffing, it then becomes sufficiently
_hard_, particularly with too tight buckling, to occasion the injury,
which is often productive of much trouble, long vexation, and tedious
disappointment. It is a disgrace to the rational part of the world, that
cases should occur from neglect, indolence, or inattention, which may,
with no more than just and necessary caution, be so easily prevented. A
navel-gall, in the first instance, if immediately attended to upon the
earliest discovery, (if that be so soon as the injury is sustained, or
in its recent state of inflammation,) will mostly submit to mild
astringent repellents, repeated at short intervals; and the contents of
the inflammatory tumefaction will be absorbed into the circulation. But
"as it is the curse of fools to be secure," so an impatient _repetition_
of the _cause_ occasions a constantly increasing addition to the injury,
till the renewed HEAT and FRICTION upon the part constitute an eschar,
or leather-like substance, upon the surface, which being separated, or
coming spontaneously away, displays a _foul_, if not an INVETERATE
ulcer, and requires no small share of Veterinary skill to insure a
successful termination.
NEAR-SIDE.—The near-side of a horse is the LEFT SIDE, and of course the
side on which the rider goes to mount. The right-side of the horse is
always called the OFF-SIDE; but the _right_ side, or the _left_ side, is
never so termed, when speaking of a horse. It is the invariable custom
to say, that horse is lame of the "_near_-leg before;" the other, is
evidently defective in the "_off_-leg behind."
NECK.—The neck of a horse has been so often enlarged upon under a
variety of different heads, that little or nothing is left useful,
entertaining, or instructive, to introduce upon the subject. All that
can be required, will be found largely explained by referring to "HORSE"
and "FOREHAND," where, if it is not already remarked sufficiently, it
may be here more forcibly inculcated; that a horse with a short neck, is
in general lower before than behind; that he is never easy in action;
carries his head low, and lifts his legs with difficulty; is much
addicted to tripping, or rather _blundering_, and with that pleasing
perfection (so gratifying to the sensations of his rider) is always in
danger of FALLING; in addition to which, it may be observed, that a
horse of this formation is neither fleet or handsome.
NEEDLE-WORMS—are small white worms with a sharp-pointed head, having
their seat in the rectum of a horse, from whence they are frequently
discharged with the dung, but are difficult to dislodge and extirpate
entirely. By their unceasing action, (twirling and twisting in the dung
when expelled,) it is natural to conceive, how very much they irritate,
disquiet, and distress an animal where they have acquired possession; of
this there needs no greater proof, than the excrements frequently and
suddenly coming away in a liquified state, as if the horse was under a
course of physic. And this is evidently the cause why horses eternally
teazed and persecuted with these diminutive enemies, always appear low
in flesh, rough in the coat, sunk in the eyes, and depressed in the
spirits: eternally labouring under internal disquietude, they derive but
little advantage from REST, or nourishment from FOOD. They are sometimes
not only reduced, but eradicated, by ANTIMONIALS; but as this is not
always to be relied on, MERCURIAL PHYSIC is justified upon the broad
basis of experience, as the only _infallible_ mode of extirpation.
NEIGHING—is an exclamatory sensation (or vociferation) by which the
horse evinces either anxiety, suspense, or pleasure; but the passion he
feels is expressed with much more force and energy in the two first,
than in the latter, which is ejaculated with low and gradual vibrative
sounds, too expressive to be mistaken by even the inexperienced
naturalist, or least attentive observer. Being separated from a
companion with whom he has been accustomed to stand in the same stable,
and to accompany each other abroad, his inquiries are loud and incessant
upon the road or in the field; and if made upon a RACE COURSE, amidst a
_thousand_ horses, they are so completely masters of their _own
language_, that they can instantly distinguish the exclamation of _each
other_ from the innumerable NEIGHINGS of all the rest. Finding
themselves answered, at whatever distance, they display their eagerness
to get together; and as they approach each other, the pleasure becomes
perceptible in the way before described, and by the experienced
sportsman so perfectly understood.
NETS—are the well-known articles constructed of thread, packthread, and
small cord, made of every sort and size, for the various purposes of
taking fish, fowl, and game of every denomination; from the GUDGEON to
the SALMON, from the SPARROW to the WILD DUCK, and from the RABBIT to
the RED DEER: all are destined to bow obedience to human ingenuity. Nets
are to be obtained from the makers, of almost every possible
description, under a variety of names, according to the distinct use for
which each is employed. Of these there are the _minnow-net_, the
_casting-net_, the _landing-net_, the _draw-net_, the _drag-net_, the
_bat-folding-net_, the _tunnel-net_, the _flue-net_, the _clap-net_, the
_fowling-net_, with a long list of inferiors; the insertion of which
here is not likely to prove of the least general utility; each being
practically known to those of the different SPORTING or _poaching_
classes with whom they are principally in use.
NEWMARKET—is the name of a small town, about sixty miles from the
METROPOLIS, and ten from CAMBRIDGE. In itself it lays claim to little
attention, but is rendered of much celebrity by the beautiful country by
which it is surrounded, and the periodical RACING MEETINGS there
established; constituting a kind of carnival to the SPORTING WORLD,
that, to be properly conceived, must be seen; and to be enjoyed, must be
understood. During the whole of each meeting it is a complete MART of
BUSINESS in the midst of _dissipation_, forming a scene of profit and
loss, pleasure and anxiety, exultation and despondency, beyond the power
of the most fertile pen to depict. Nothing, perhaps, can more nearly
equal the general confusion, the various passions, and variegated
countenances, (as agitated by the pecuniary sensations of each,) than
the contortions of disquietude, and gesticulations of mental misery,
upon the EXCHANGE, when some sudden political shock produces a dreadful
and unexpected _fall_ in the price of stocks.
NEWMARKET derived the origin of its brilliancy from KING JAMES the
FIRST, after whom its pleasures lay nearly dormant, till the gay court
of CHARLES the SECOND renewed its sport with renovated splendour; having
laid the foundation of the present regular meetings, and erected a
building for the accommodation of the royal retinue, which is still
retained in the possession of the Crown, as a princely residence
whenever the SOVEREIGN, or any part of the royal family may be disposed
to honor the spot with their presence. The meetings consist of seven in
every year, and are thus distinguished: the CRAVEN Meeting; the FIRST
SPRING Meeting; the SECOND SPRING Meeting; the JULY Meeting; the FIRST
OCTOBER Meeting; the SECOND OCTOBER Meeting; and the HOUGHTON Meeting;
during the whole of which (the July and Houghton excepted) the sport
generally continues for SIX days, beginning on the Monday, and
terminating only with the week. The heath, as it is called, is a most
extensive tract of land, and beautifully diversified in its prospects;
it contains TWENTY different courses, of various lengths, and almost
opposite descriptions, adapted to horses of every age and qualification;
where, during the exercise hours in the summer season, may be seen from
a hundred and fifty to two hundred of the finest and best bred horses in
the kingdom, displaying their various powers in every direction. For
farther particulars see "HORSE RACING," "JOCKEY CLUB," and "KING'S
PLATE."
In addition to all which it may not prove inapplicable to observe, that
a correct and faithful recital of every RACING TRANSACTION at NEWMARKET,
and every other place of SPORT, is published in the form of a newspaper,
once a fortnight, during the whole of the season, from APRIL to
NOVEMBER, and is transmitted, _free_ of _postage_, to individuals (who
are SUBSCRIBERS) from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. At the
end of each year, it is repeated in a handsome volume upon fine paper,
with various additions, including the WINNERS of the different PLATES
given by his MAJESTY; the particulars of the sweepstakes, and
subscriptions entered into; and a list of STALLIONS of eminence intended
to cover the year ensuing. This most respectable and authentic
convenience to the sporting part of the world, is published under the
title of "THE RACING CALENDAR," at a subscription of only ONE GUINEA per
annum, by Messrs. E. and J. WEATHERBY, No. 7, Oxendon-Street, near the
Haymarket. The latter of whom has likewise accommodated the public with
a "GENERAL STUD BOOK," containing the pedigree of almost every HORSE,
MARE, and GELDING, of note, that has appeared on the TURF for the last
fifty years and upwards; together with some account of the foreign
HORSES and MARES from whence is derived the present breed of RACERS in
GREAT BRITAIN and IRELAND. This is a most elaborate, useful, and
entertaining production, well worthy the attention of every enlightened
sportsman in the kingdom.
NICKING—was formerly considered an OPERATION of much MAGNITUDE, and not
without its proportion of _danger_; and then performed only by such as
were considered eminent in the PRACTICE, and expert in the ART. It is
now, however, a matter of so little consequence, that anatomical
knowledge is not thought at all necessary to the execution; it being a
well-known fact, that almost every DEALER (or even his principal
servant) is an operator from one extremity of the kingdom to the other.
The intent of NICKING is to prevent (by a counteracting power) a horse
from depressing his TAIL, and flicking it between his hind quarters;
giving him all the appearance of perpetual fear, and constitutional
dejection. A horse of this description is held in very trifling
estimation, and purchasers are not readily to be found till this
operation has been gone through, and the _good_ or _bad_ set of the TAIL
ascertained, upon the ornamental part of which, both the figure and
proportional value of the subject greatly depend.
This operation, as it was formerly performed, indeed as it is _now_ by
common FARRIERS and inexperienced GROOMS, appears one of the most cruel
and severe that could possibly originate in the human mind; though in
the hands of those well acquainted with the STRUCTURE of the PARTS,
having a quick eye, and steady execution, it is a matter so superficial,
and attended with so little pain or difficulty, that it does not seem
entitled to even serious consideration. In order that the process, and
proper use of NICKING, may be the better comprehended by the younger
branches of the SPORTING WORLD who have never seen it performed, it
becomes directly applicable to observe, that there are in every limb of
either the human or brute creation, two sets of muscles, acting in a
contrary direction to the other. The office of one is to EXPAND; the
other, to CONTRACT: the former are technically termed the EXTENSOR; the
latter, the FLEXOR muscles: thus, then, it is, that the _extensors_
possess the power of extending or straightening the limb; the _flexors_,
of relaxing and completely bending it. Of these two sets, the flexors
have the greater predominance, and can always overcome the resisting
property of their opposites; but when, by an effort of the will, the
extensors are brought into forcible action, then overcoming the little
resistence that is either made or felt: of this force in the flexor
muscles, ample proof may be obtained, by endeavouring to raise the TAIL
of an _unnicked_ horse against his will.
The extensor muscles, of course, passing in a longitudinal direction on
each side the superior part of the tail, from the spinal bone to the
extremity, retains the power of raising the tail at pleasure; the
flexors, running in a similar line at the inferior, or lower part, there
possess a greater power of counteraction, and render the operation the
more necessary, as, by diminishing the power of _one_, proportional
strength is added to the _other_. Previous to the present expert and
easy mode of operation, it was common to see the incisions (or nicks)
the breadth of a very large finger, and a small one might be lodged in
the cavity. These enormous chasms were made under an expectation of more
_readily_ reaching the flexor muscle, which it was the intention to
discover and divide; but which, in most cases, had been previously
divided, and receded in the _first_ efforts; and sometimes, from the
unnecessary destruction of parts, and profuse bleeding, produced alarm,
followed by inflammation, frequently _danger_, and sometimes DEATH.
This, however, is, as it ought to be, very much reformed, and not
without a substantial reason, when it may be observed, that, upon
raising the tail of a horse in its natural state, the two flexor muscles
may be clearly seen, and distinctly felt, one on _each_ side the
CENTRICAL bone, in common termed the DOCK, laying in a midway direction,
between the bone and the edge of the tail where the hair begins. In
performing this operation in a superior and masterly manner, the horse
having been previously secured, (with hobbles and side-lines,) the tail
is to be firmly grasped with the left hand, and turned up with
considerable force towards the rump, when a superficial incision is to
be made with a crooked pointed knife, directly over the seat of the
flexor, which will be instantly perceived of a strong elastic texture,
ready for separation by the knife, steadily held for that purpose; the
tail being exceedingly firm in hand, by which the separated tendon will
have the less power to recede. Immediately after the separation, the
lower extremity having lost its elastic support, will be seen to hang
full half an inch from the first incision; when a second, a third, and
even a fourth, if necessary, is to be made in the same way on _each
side_ the tail; it not being a matter at all requisite, that the skin in
the middle, passing over the bone, should be divided, or that the wounds
on each side should communicate with each other. The incisions being
completed, the ends of the separated muscles should be secured with a
pair of FORCEPS, or a curved NEEDLE, and when a little drawn out by
moderate force, should then be taken off with a pair of scissars, or a
knife, as close as they can be conveniently come at. It is a custom with
some, to separate the tendon of each incision before they proceed to
make another, and this seems to be the most rational and expeditious
mode of the two.
In this method of performing the operation, there is a very trifling
loss of blood, which is almost immediately suppressed by a pledget of
tow, previously prepared, and slightly impregnated with any of the
simple styptics, or FRIAR'S BALSAM, incorporated with a little BALSAM of
PERU. Custom has established a rule, which it will most probably be very
difficult to affect by any verbal or literary expostulation, which is
the affixing an immoderate weight to the tail, to prevent a reunion of
the divided tendons, by the continued separation of parts: this, it must
be remembered, is the less likely to happen, when one of the divided
extremities has considerably _receded_, and the other is totally _taken
away_. In respect to the precise distances at which the incisions are to
be made, that depends upon no fixed rule whatever, but must be regulated
by the _thick_ and _fleshy_ formation of the tail, and the height it is
required to be carried. The HIGHER it is to be _raised_, the nearer the
_first_ incision is to be made to the BASE, observing to let the NICKS
decline gradually the _nearer_ they come to the point of the tail; being
particularly careful, that the _last_ is not of equal depth and
magnitude with the two _nearest_ the quarters; if so, the subject may be
expected to carry it with _a curve_ at the extremity, which will add
none to the FIGURE or FASHION of the horse.
Although the most expert operators are exceedingly alert and expeditious
in the execution, and in general perform the operation with only a
_single side-line_, leaving the horse in a very unconfined state; yet
the absolute necessity for greater precaution cannot be more forcibly
inculcated, than by a recital of the following recent accident, which
must hold forth an aweful lesson to those who may be induced to ruminate
a few moments upon the event. On SUNDAY morning, October 17th, 1802, as
MR. WELCH, a noted and opulent dealer in horses, resident in
Oxford-street, in the Metropolis, was NICKING a horse not properly
secured, he received so _sudden_ and _severe_ a kick on the BREAST, that
threw him to a considerable distance, and _instantly_ deprived him of
LIFE. The reflections naturally arising upon the day on which such an
operation was performed, open a wide field for religious contemplation;
particularly as the sufferer was a man of the most pleasing manners, and
personal respectability; having raised himself, by the mere dint of his
own merits, from the most subordinate offices of servitude, to a state
of perfect affluence.
NIDE—is the term sportingly applied to the offspring or produce of the
COCK and HEN PHEASANT, so long as they continue to _clutch_ or _brood_
together, before they separate, and are able to provide for themselves.
To be technically correct, it is usual to say, a _nide_ of PHEASANTS; a
_covey_ of PARTRIDGES; a _clutch_ of CHICKENS; a _setting_ of GULLS; and
a _brood_ of DUCKS.
NIPPERS.—The four teeth in the front of a horse's mouth (two above and
two below) are so denominated: these are the teeth which expel their
predecessors (called _colt's teeth_) when a colt is two years old off,
and rising three. See COLT.
NIPPERS.—The smaller sized PINCERS of the shoeing-smith are so called.
NITRE—is an article in too much general use to stand in need of minute
description. Its medical properties are of the most universal kind, with
respect to the diseases of horses; but it is, on account of its being
easily obtained, (for little money,) frequently introduced with the
greatest indiscretion. NITRE is an useful assistant in most inflammatory
disorders, as it is both of a diuretic and cooling property; it is
consequently to be recommended in FEVERS, INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS,
swelled legs, and other defects or diseases, where an additional
discharge of urine, or an attenuation of the blood, is to be promoted.
Its well-known good qualities have rendered it the more subject to an
almost perpetual perversion of the excellent properties it so clearly
contains; for, although it never should be given in _large_ quantities
without some _proper_ corrector, yet the invincible propensity of
COACHMEN and GROOMS to become VETERINARIANS, renders them completely
_miserable_, unless they can be constantly displaying some specimen of
their _art_; to which nothing can possibly become more happily
appropriate, than the _profuse_ administration of NITRE; as it affords a
frequent opportunity of preying upon the pecuniary sensations of the
master, by means which it is unnecessary to introduce.
NOSEBAND—is that part of a military bridle, headstall, martingal, or
hunting rein-halter, which passing below the under jaw, and round the
nose above the nostrils, assists in keeping the other parts of either in
their proper position.
NOSTRILS.—The nostrils of a horse are generally a tolerable criterion of
his _wind_, as well as his _blood_. A horse having a wide and
well-extended nostril, may be supposed to possess a free and easy
expansion of the LUNGS: this cannot be more perfectly comprehended, than
by adverting occasionally to the shape of horses who RACE, and are
thorough BRED; where the form and expansion of the nostrils will be
found more than one third the size of such horses as are of common
lineage, and inferior description.