P.

PACE—is an expression to signify the motion, or progressive action, of a

horse, as well as one of the human species. When speaking of a man's

pace, it is usual to say, he _walks_, he _runs_, or he goes a _good

pace_; which becomes applicable to either, meaning, that he is an

expeditious WALKER, a fleet RUNNER, or perhaps _both_. A horse has a

great variety of PACES, as a _walk_, _trot_, _amble_, _canter_,

_gallop_, _rating-gallop_, and _at speed_; _some_ of which many horses

have in great perfection, and are exceedingly deficient in _others_; as

for instance, a horse shall be a most excellent TROTTER, who happens to

be a shuffling, execrable WALKER; he shall be a gay, airy, light figure

in a CANTER, and wonderfully deceptive in _speed_. Good GALLOPERS are

very frequently bad TROTTERS; and perfection is very difficult to obtain.

Some years after the death of that famous horse _Eclipse_, which

happened on the 27th of February, 1789, MR. CHARLES VIAL DE SAINBEL,

Professor of the VETERINARY COLLEGE, published a work, to prove the

unprecedented speed, and astonishing powers, of _Eclipse_, proceeded

from the peculiarity of his construction. The work was embellished with

ANATOMICAL, GEOMETRICAL, and MECHANICAL drawings, to establish and

confirm an opinion, that the motion of the horse became proportionally

accelerated, by the precise proportions of the subject geometrically

described. The work itself was elaborate, sublime, and so remotely

abstruse, that its contents were very superior to common comprehension;

and as it communicated but trifling information, (and that founded upon

conjecture,) it established no satisfactory data to engage public

attention. Whatever was advanced upon the supposed effects of the

geometrical proportions of _Eclipse_, would but ill apply to the action

of the species in general; it being a fact well ascertained by those who

are the most practically concerned, and personally interested, that

ill-shaped horses of equal blood frequently exceed those of the fairest

proportions; and that horses _inferior_ in SIZE shall prove _superior_

in SPEED.

PAD—is a common rustic term for a GALLOWAY, or small horse.

PADDOCK,—in earlier times, signified a PADDOCK enclosed with a wall or

paling of an immense height, a mile in length, and a quarter of a mile

broad, in which DEER were coursed with GREYHOUNDS, in the same manner as

HARES are coursed at present, but with numerous variations in respect to

the coursing rules now in use, These paddocks, from their great extent,

were seldom seen, but in the ROYAL PARKS, or upon the demesnes of the

most opulent and distinguished subjects. The sport itself has been a

long time discontinued, and is most probably buried in oblivion; the

word paddock applying, in the present time, only to a small enclosure of

pasture, having a pale to protect it; or to a small tract of land,

surrounding, or appertaining to, a rural mansion, where a few brace of

FALLOW deer may be kept, but not of magnitude sufficient to acquire the

appellation of a PARK.

PALATE.—The entire roof of the horse's mouth, amongst FARRIERS and

SMITHS, is generally distinguished by the simple unmeaning appellation

of PALATE; the _ridges_ crossing which are called the BARS: these, when

they become too luxuriant and fleshy just behind the nippers, (the upper

front teeth,) are then said to constitute a defect called the LAMPAS,

which are reduced by repeated scarifications with a lancet, or

extirpated by means of a red-hot iron, called the ACTUAL CAUTERY. (See

LAMPAS.) In all cases of emergency, particularly upon inflammatory

disorders, coming suddenly on in the night, when circumstances may

render BLEEDING in the _neck_ a matter of inconvenience, the operation

may be instantly and expeditiously performed by lancet, bistoury, fleam,

or even a common pen-knife, by passing either three or four times

moderately across the bars, when the blood will be observed to flow most

plentifully, and by being _swallowed_, is admitted by most of those who

have attended to EFFECTS, to have been almost invariably attended with

immediate advantage, particularly in the cholic, or a suppression of

urine.

PALSY—is a disorder, or rather a species of disorder, so nearly allied

to the various degrees of staggers, apoplexy, or deprivation of sense,

that the best Veterinary writers do not seem to have laid down any fixed

rule, or unerring diagnostic, by which the discriminating shades, or

predominant traits, of _each_ are to be precisely ascertained. As the

causes may be different of either, so the disorder may be more or less

violent, according to the gradational excess of the cause. One attack of

the species may arise from a too great and sensible flux of the blood to

the brain, producing a severe and rapid inflammation: this, of course,

might be introduced by extra exertions of continued speed, or in drawing

loads of unreasonable weight; as well as from cruel and inhuman blows

about the head; and from the two latter it is, that most of these

disquietudes certainly proceed. Where the whole frame is affected, it is

then natural to conclude the BRAIN is more particularly the SEAT of

DISEASE, and that the whole system is from thence universally affected;

but where the attack is partial, affecting only one limb and extremity,

or any single part of the frame, it has then more the appearance of

spasmodic affection, acting solely upon the muscles of the precise spot

so far as they extend; and in the latter case, lay more readily open to

a chance of relief by topical application, than where the entire frame

and system is affected.

In the former, plentiful bleeding, followed by immediate hot

fomentations, prepared from the various aromatic well-known garden

herbs; succeeded by almost incessant friction with two able men, whose

persevering efforts should alternately relieve each other; rubbing in

occasionally stimulative embrocations of camphorated spirits,

incorporated with essential oils; will frequently relieve in a very

short space of time. In cases where the whole frame is affected, more

reliance must be placed upon internal administrations; because the same

means applicable to a single limb, or extremity, cannot be brought into

perfect use with the whole. BLEEDING, and persevering FRICTION, are as

strictly proper in one as in the other; but the extreme irritability of

the nervous system should be acted upon and reduced with all possible

and proper expedition: camphire, assafœtida, and gum ammoniacum, a

drachm each, blended with small proportions of opium, and formed into

small balls, with a sufficient quantity of mithridate, or London

philonium, should be introduced every _three_ or _four_ hours, till

there is a termination of the case one way or the other. The ancient and

well-founded axiom, that "dangerous diseases require desperate

remedies," cannot be more completely verified than in the different

species of this; where no hope or expectation of cure can be derived,

but from indefatigable exertion, and the most patient perseverance.

PARK,—in its plain construction, is an extensive tract of ground, or

country, enclosed with WALL or PALING, well variegated with WOOD and

WATER, for the support of cattle, and preservation of VENISON and GAME.

It becomes a park by the privilege of prescription, or by the King's

grant. There are many parks in possession of the Crown, (as well as of

opulent individuals,) of which WINDSOR GREAT PARK is the largest in the

kingdom. It is upon record, that the Park of WOODSTOCK was the _first_

in ENGLAND, formed and enclosed about the year 1124, and bounded by a

stone wall _seven miles_ in circumference. The example was followed by

Henry EARL of WARWICK; after which park-making became a common practice

in different parts of the country.

PARTNER.—There were five famous horses of this name in succession, from

_Old Partner_, in 1718, to _Little Partner_, in 1745. The first was

called CROFT'S; the second, MOORE'S; the third, GRISEWOOD'S; the fourth,

BRIGHT'S; and the last, PEARSON'S. _Old Partner_ was got by _Jigg_, out

of a sister to _Mixbury_; he was a most excellent runner, and produced

an astonishing progeny of winners; from whom his blood is ramified

through most of the studs in the kingdom. He was sire of _Sedbury_,

_Tartar_, _Cato_, _Traveller_, _Badger_, GRISEWOOD'S _Partner_, _Little

John_, LARKIN'S _Looby_, DUKE OF BOLTON'S _Little John_, _Barforth_, the

_Witherington Mare_, VANE'S _Little Partner_, PARKER'S _Lady Thigh_,

GRISEWOOD'S _Lady Thigh_, LODGE'S _Roan Mare_, &c. &c.

PARTRIDGES—are those well known timid, harmless, inoffensive branches of

the feathered creation, the beautiful variegations of whose plumage, and

the nutritive property of whose flesh, have entitled them to the

distinguished appellation of GAME, and the honour of parliamentary

protection. They begin to pair off from the fragmental remains of

COVIES, about the last week in FEBRUARY, and through the month of MARCH;

make their nests upon the ground, in hedges, and the banks of hedge-rows

principally; though they are sometimes found in fields of CLOVER, but

very rarely in standing CORN. The hen usually deposits from fifteen to

twenty eggs, and produces mostly a bird from every egg she lays. They

hatch about the second or third week in June. The young in the aggregate

are called COVIES, and they are known to _run_ almost as soon as they

are _hatched_. Although they are sometimes reduced by VERMIN, or

unexpected _torrents_ of _rain_, yet from SIX to EIGHT BRACE are

generally brought up to fly with the old ones. They are included in

every Act of Parliament for the preservation of the game; and the

penalty for killing a partridge by any unqualified person, is FIVE

POUNDS: if such unqualified person kills a partridge, without having

taken out an ANNUAL CERTIFICATE from the CLERK of the PEACE for the

county in which he resides, (or where such partridge may have been

killed,) he is then liable to a farther penalty of twenty pounds; making

a forfeiture of TWENTY-FIVE POUNDS in the whole.

If a person qualified to kill game in right of his property, (that is,

by inheritance of a FREEHOLD landed estate of the clear yearly value of

ONE HUNDRED POUNDS per annum, or a LEASEHOLD of ONE HUNDRED and FIFTY in

his own, or his WIFE'S right,) does so at any one time without having

taken out an annual certificate as aforesaid, and for which the sum of

THREE GUINEAS has been previously paid, he is then liable to a penalty

of twenty-pounds. And _any_ person qualified, or unqualified, killing

any PARTRIDGE between the _first_ of FEBRUARY and the _first_ of

SEPTEMBER, in any year, is liable to an additional penalty of FIVE

POUNDS to those already recited for each offence. It is natural to

conceive, that the various modes of punishment annexed to a

transgression of what are termed the GAME-LAWS, would have operated to a

perfect and complete prohibition: that it may _now_ have nearly reached

the zenith of that effect _by day_, is admitted; but that a total

suppression of the NOCTURNAL depredators can ever be accomplished, the

annual destruction, and almost _public sale_, of game, leave very little

reason to expect.

PARTRIDGES, in their natural and infant state, accompany the hen in

search of food, obey the cluck of the mother, and are protected by the

clutch of her wings, in the same manner as chicken, and other domestic

fowl. The hen is so instinctively attached to her young, that she will

encounter every difficulty, and face death in every form, to insure

_their_ safety: although stupidly timid, and rendered almost insensible

by her own fears, upon _other_ occasions, yet great sagacity is

observable in her endeavours to preserve her offspring. When they are

very young, and unable to save themselves by flight; and in all cases of

danger, when approached by that fatal enemy the dog; the hen will rise,

and lead him on, by short flights, or rather hoverings, of twenty and

thirty yards, but just above the ground, till, having induced him to

follow a sufficient distance from the seat of all her fears, she takes a

long, and more circuitous route at her next flight; where, after finding

she has completely baffled her pursuer, another effort brings her to her

young in safety. When separated by danger (whether the approach of the

dog and gun in the sporting season, or by other means) even to a great

distance, they are invariably brought again together by the inherent

property of CALLING, which they possess in so powerful a degree, as to

insure a very expeditious recovery of each other. The imitation of this

_call_ has been brought to great perfection by the fraternity of

POACHERS, who avail themselves of the birds' too great credulity, which

is frequently the cause of their destruction.

PASTERN.—The pastern of a horse is the distance between the fetlock and

the coronet, which terminates at the junction of hair and hoof. The

pastern should be short, strong, and uniform; when long, it is

proportionally weak; and the nearer the fetlock is to the ground, the

more liable such horse is to be let down in the back sinews, and become

lame.

PATTEN-SHOE—was a shoe formerly used with lame horses; but from the

palpable absurdity of its adoption, seems now to be nearly banished from

modern practice. This shoe was constructed with a ring, circular, or

nearly oval, at the bottom, which being fixed upon the SOUND foot, its

intentional use was to _compel_ the horse in _all_ injuries to stand

upon the lame leg, that a contraction of the muscular parts might be

prevented. Happily such ridiculous and ill-founded notions are gliding

into oblivion.

PATTERN-SHOE—is a shoe formed upon rational principles, and of a

scientific construction, for transmission to any part of the world, as a

PATTERN by which the ART of SHOEING may be universally improved, and

reduced to one general standard of purity and perfection.

PEDIGREE.—The pedigree (or genealogical descent) of a horse is in the

present day so fabricated by _hearsay_, or framed by _fiction_, that

nothing less than a well-authenticated certificate, under the hand of

the BREEDER, can with propriety be received as an indisputable proof of

the PURITY of his BLOOD: and this is the more evidently necessary to a

SPORTSMAN, lest he should be induced (relying upon his _deceptive_

pedigree) to enter into a racing engagement, and that too, perhaps, for

a sum of much magnitude; the whole of which, with the additional

training expences, might be lost for want of that very blood he has been

villainously taught to believe he has got in possession. To such an

enthusiastic pitch has the desire of pedigree attained, under the

fashionable sporting phrenzy of the time, that a horse is absolutely

considered of neither value or utility, unless his pedigree is properly

attested, and he is known to "carry the catalogue of his endowments by

his side." The DEALERS (as well as others) are so well aware of this

partiality for _blood_ and _pedigree_, that every common roadster has

the _report_ of his _get_ ready prepared, and no purchaser need be

without it. Upon the subject of authenticated pedigrees, for near a

century past, MR. WEATHERBY'S STUD BOOK is, beyond a doubt, the first

publication extant.

The great merit and CREDIT of a PEDIGREE, consists in its continued and

undivided chain of proofs on the distinct sides of both SIRE and DAM, up

to such links as are eminently connected with the known authority, where

no contamination could have taken place. A pedigree of one single

descent is amply sufficient, where the reference terminates on _each_

side, in a SIRE and DAM, whose pedigrees and performances are previously

known. Instance: _Jupiter_ was got by _Eclipse_, dam by _Tartar_; he is

own brother to _Mercury_, _Venus_, and _Volunteer_; sire of _Cardock_,

_Halkin_, _Thunderbolt_, _Confederacy_, _Terror_, _Contest_, &c.

PHEASANT.—The pheasant is not only the most beautiful bird in plumage of

any bred in this kingdom, but the first in estimation; not more for the

sport it affords in the field, than its delicious attraction for the

table. They are about one fourth less in size than common poultry, lay

nearly the same number of eggs, and bring up their young in the same

manner. They principally frequent the WOODS and hedge-rows, are seldom

found in the fields, and then but very rarely far from _covert_: when

upon WING, they are so exceedingly _slow_ in flight, that he must be an

exceeding _bad_ marksman who does not HIT his BIRD. The pheasant is

included in every successive Act for the preservation of the game; and

although they are less liable than HARES and PARTRIDGES to the

destructive depredations of the POACHERS, they suffer considerably by

FOXES, MARTERNS, POLE-CATS, and other vermin.

Persons of every description, qualified and unqualified, stand exactly

in the same state with respect to PHEASANTS as with PARTRIDGES, so

lately described under that head, but with this difference in the legal

_season_ for taking or killing: it is enacted by two distinct

legislative Acts of the present reign, That any person who shall, under

any pretence whatever, _take_, _kill_, _destroy_, _carry_, _fell_,

_buy_, or _have in his possession_, any PHEASANT, between the _first_

day of _February_ and the _first_ day of _October_, (unless such

pheasant shall have been taken in the proper season, and kept in a mew

or breeding-place,) shall forfeit FIVE POUNDS for every PHEASANT so

taken, to be paid to the informer, with full costs of suit.

PHÆNOMENON—was one of the most celebrated sons of _Herod_, both as a

RACER and a STALLION. He was bred by SIR J. KAYE, and foaled in 1780;

was got by _Herod_, dam (_Frenzy_) by _Eclipse_, grand-dam by

_Engineer_, out of _Lass of the Mill_, who was got by _Traveller_. His

performances upon the _turf_ so strictly corresponded with his name,

that the infinity of mares brought to him in the first seasons of his

covering, afforded him an opportunity of adding to his reputation in a

degree almost beyond former example. He covered in Yorkshire at 10

guineas a mare, and in 1791 produced the following winners: Lord A.

Hamilton's Chesnut Colt, who won two fifties; _Freeholder_, who won 100

guineas at York, and a 50 at Stockton; _Mongrel_, who won 25 guineas at

Lewes; _Pigeon_, who won 200 guineas at York, 50 at Manchester, 50 at

Wakefield, 50 at Boroughbridge, and 50 at Northallerton; _Roman_, 140

guineas at York; _Rosalind_, 700 guineas, and 300 guineas, at York, 300

guineas at Doncaster, and 50_l._ at New Malton; and _Stride_, 600

guineas at York.

In 1792, Lord A. Hamilton's Brown Colt, 120 guineas at Doncaster, and

50_l._ at Penrith; _Charactacus_, 50_l._ at Tenbury; _Comet_, 50 at

York, 50 at Hull, and two 50's at New Malton; _Forester_, 50 at

Carlisle; _Freeholder_, 50 at Durham; _Heroine_, 300 guineas at

Newmarket, 100 guineas and 50 at ditto; _Huby_, 400 guineas and 50_l._

at York, 50_l._ and 50 guineas at Carlisle, and 100_l._ at Doncaster;

_Lizard_, 50_l._ at Preston; _Pigeon_, 50_l._ at Catterick Bridge;

_Rosalind_, 150 guineas at York, the King's Plate, and 50_l._ at

Lincoln; _Squirrel_, 125 guineas at York, 160 at Wakefield, and 100

guineas at Doncaster.

In 1793, _Comet_ won 80 guineas, the Stand Plate, and the King's Plate,

at York; _Heroine_, the Queen's Plate at Chelmsford, the King's Plate

and 70 guineas at Lincoln; _Huby_, 400 guineas at Newmarket, 175 guineas

and 295_l._ at York; _Messenger_, 50_l._ at Manchester; _Restless_,

50_l._ at York, 100 guineas at Preston, and the King's Plate at

Carlisle. In 1795, _Ambush_, 50 guineas at Wakefield; _Charmer_, 50_l._

at Catterick Bridge, 50_l._ at Lamberton, and 50 guineas at Stockton;

_Gay Deceiver_, 300 guineas at Doncaster; _Heroine_, 50_l._ and 50

guineas at Newmarket, and the King's Plate at Lincoln; _Huby_, two 50's

at Stockton, and the King's Plate at Dumfries; _Sheperdess_, 100 guineas

at York.

To these excellent runners, in the successive years have been added

_Laura_, _Roseberry_, _Caroline_, _Bellissima_, _Wonder_, _Stella_,

_Stripling_, _Tartar_, _Hyale_, _Jupiter_, (Mr. Hawke's,) and many

others who won large stakes as COLTS and FILLIES, but were never named.

PHYSIC—is a term sometimes given (particularly in the country) to every

kind of MEDICINE that can be administered to either MAN or HORSE: the

more polished and general acceptation confines it solely to the

operation of PURGING, in which sense alone it can be properly

understood. It is but a few years (since the appearance of "The

Gentleman's Stable Directory,") that the general necessity for, and

palpable utility of, occasionally PHYSICING HORSES, became almost

universally admitted. Its salutary effects stand, however, upon too firm

a basis to be again shaken by the obtrusion of speculative opinions:

there are but _few_, if _any_, remaining, who will presume to arraign or

challenge the consistency of annually cleansing full _thirty_ yards of

the intestinal canal, replete with INTERSTICES, and appropriated to

little other purpose than the excretion of _filth_.

PHYSIC is prepared of different proportions, and of different

ingredients, according to the purposes for which it may be designed. If

only to soften and remove the accumulated contents of the bowels, and

prevent PLETHORA, and its probable _effects_, the MILDEST degree will be

sufficient. If the carcase is evidently enlarged, the vessels

perceptibly distended, the horse _dull_, _heavy_, and _inactive_, a

STRONGER must be brought into use. In cutaneous diseases, SWELLED LEGS

of long standing, tendency to GREASE, old obstinate COUGHS and WORMS,

mercurial physic had better be adopted; letting the extra care be

proportioned to the mildness or severity of the season in which it is

given. Under judicious and proper management, there is no more danger in

the operation of MERCURIAL than in any _other_ physic, provided it is

faithfully prepared, and of the proportions by which safety is in a

great degree to be insured; but if given in _immoderate_ quantities, and

little attended to during the progress of its operation, _danger_ and

_death_ may probably ensue. Neither one, or the other, are, however,

known to happen, where a proper degree of circumspection is used by

those whose business it is to superintend the subordinates.

PICKER.—A horse-picker is a small iron instrument, so truly convenient

upon many emergencies, that a prudent traveller, or experienced

sportsman, is hardly ever seen without one annexed to the handle of a

knife which he carries in his pocket: its use is to extract stones,

pebbles, or flints, from the bottom of the foot, when they are picked up

in hunting, or upon the road. They are sometimes so firmly fixed between

the inner edge of the SHOE and the FROG, that nothing but very violent

force with a hammer can remove them; in such cases, horses are sometimes

led a considerable distance to some dwelling-house, before the stone can

be extracted; and the foot is probably bruised, or sustains a serious

injury, for what might be obtained at a trifling expence, and carried

with little inconvenience.

PIGEONS—are the well-known domestic birds, of which there are only TWO

sorts entitled to attention here, as affording equally nutritious

support for the frame, but _neither_ calculated to excite sport in the

field, or emulative attraction in their destruction. The two different

kinds are distinguished under the denomination of WILD and TAME; the

former are bred in COTES and DOVE-HOUSES, (such as are seen at the

rustic mansions of the great, and at large farms in open countries;) the

latter in less numbers upon a smaller scale, and in receptacles of

smaller construction, affixed to out-offices, barns, stables, or upon a

pedestal; in either of which situations, they have their provision

mostly before them. The WILD or dove-house pigeons, as they are called,

breed only once a year _generally_; though there are many in the same

flock who produce a second, or what is termed a harvest or autumn

flight. Those called TAME pigeons, who are still more domesticated, have

a greater degree of fecundity, and continue to breed a pair every month

or five weeks during the year, except the three most severe and dreary

months of winter.

For the protection of this species of property against the wanton

attacks of the idle and ill-designing, it is enacted, by the 2d of

George the Third, c. xxix. That any person who shall _shoot at_, or by

any means kill or take, with a wilful intent to destroy, any PIGEON, he

shall, on conviction thereof, by confession, or oath of one witness,

before one Justice, forfeit 20_s._ to the prosecutor; and if not

immediately paid, such Justice shall commit him to the house of

correction, for any term not exceeding three months, nor less than one,

unless the penalty be sooner paid. Persons who are convicted on this

Act, shall not be convicted on any former Act; and prosecutions under

_this_ must be commenced within TWO MONTHS after the offence was

committed.

PIGEON-SHOOTING—is a sport principally resorted to at that season of the

year when guns are laying dormant, and game of every other kind is, by

the privilege of Parliament, permitted to enjoy its rest.

Pigeon-shooting is a match between two individuals, or any fixed number

on each side, and is decided by one, or the other, killing the greatest

NUMBER of PIGEONS within an _equal_ number of shots. The match made, and

the place agreed on where it is to be decided, the dove-house pigeons

are provided in proportion to the parties who stand engaged to shoot; of

which there are generally four, five, or six, on each side; and as every

individual feels disposed to shoot at least five or six times, less than

eight or ten dozen are hardly ever procured for the occasion.

Previous to the commencement of the match, an open spot is fixed on,

agreeable to the arbitrators, one appointed by _each_ side; here TWENTY

YARDS are measured with accuracy, and both extremities correctly marked.

At one end a hole is made in the earth, in which is deposited a small

box, about eight inches deep, six inches wide, and a foot long; its

surface two inches above the level of the ground, with a sliding-lid

running in a groove: to the front of this lid is affixed a string, or

small cord, of one or two-and-twenty yards in length, which extended,

will reach a little beyond the precise distance of _twenty yards_, where

each of the parties concerned will afterwards stand to shoot. The

preliminaries adjusted of having taken _the toss_, to determine which

side is to take _the lead_, and all parties ready, a PIGEON is lodged in

the BOX, and the runner (as he is called) resuming his post, by the side

of the person whose turn it is to shoot, he is there ready to pull the

STRING annexed to the SLIDER, and give liberty to the bird, the moment

he is ordered by the SHOOTER so to do. It is a fixed rule, that the GUN

is never to be advanced to the SHOULDER till the bird is upon _wing_;

this is to be decided (as well as every other cause of dispute) by the

persons appointed; and every pigeon so shot at, must fall to the ground

within ONE HUNDRED YARDS of the BOX, or it is not admitted a BIRD

KILLED, but a _shot missed_. The first person having shot, (_hit_ or

_miss_,) he is succeeded by one of the opposite side; and they continue

to shoot in alternate rotation till the match is decided according to

the original terms upon which it was made, in respect to the number of

pigeons to be shot at by each distinct party, when those who kill the

most are declared the winners, and entitled to the stakes made.

PILOT.—There have been three horses of this name; two of which were

excellent racers, and esteemed equal, as plate horses, to any of their

time. The first was bred by SIR CHARLES BUNBURY; foaled in 1762; got by

_Snap_, dam by _Cade_, grand-dam by _Crab_, out of Lord Portmore's

_Abigail_. The second was bred by Sir H. Harpur; foaled in 1770; got by

_Dainty Davy_, dam by _Blanck_, grand-dam (_Dizzy_) by the famous and

original _Driver_. The third was bred by the late Counsellor Lade;

foaled in 1782, and got by the above, dam by _Marske_, grand-dam by

_Regulus_. The two last won a great number of fifty-pound plates

annually for several years in succession, and afterwards proved very

excellent country stallions.

PLAY OR PAY,—a description of BET so made. Whether the subject of such

_bet_ be MAN or HORSE; the object _a race_, or a _boxing_ match; either

party being present at the time and place appointed, ready to perform

_their_ part of the engagement previously entered into; the other _not_

appearing, or appearing, and _then_ and _there_ refusing to enter into

the contest, upon the event of which the article or bet was originally

formed, can lay no claim whatever to the stakes deposited; and the

holder stands justified in handing such stakes over to the WINNER,

having sufficient evidence in justification on his own part, to prove

that it was _bona fide_ a "PLAY or PAY" bet.

PLAY OR PAY,—the name of a horse of much recent and racing celebrity,

the property of MR. DURAND. He was bred by MR. PARKER, and got by

_Ulysses_ out of _Tiffany's_ dam. In 1794, at three years old, (in the

name of _Mars_,) he won 50_l._ at Epsom, beating _six_ others. At

Stockbridge, a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, nine subscribers. At

Winchester he walked over the Course for a sweepstakes of 20 guineas

each, eight subscribers. In 1795, when four years old, he beat Mr.

Turner's _Tim Tartlet_, two miles for 200 guineas. The next day he beat

Mr. Cauty's _Alderman_, two miles for 50 guineas. He won also 50_l._ at

Guildford; a sweepstakes of 15 guineas each at Stockbridge, seven

subscribers: the next day a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, six

subscribers. At Winchester, a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, eight

subscribers. At Egham he walked over for a sweepstakes of 10 guineas

each, five subscribers. The next day he won a 50_l._ plate, beating

_Pandolpho_ and _Serpent_. In 1796, when five years old, he won the

Craven stakes, of 10 guineas each, at Newmarket, beating _eleven_

others. 50_l._ at Ascot Heath. In 1797, then six years old, he won

50_l._ at Epsom, beating five others. 50_l._ at Lewes, beating _Gohanna_

and _Keren-happuch_. 50_l._ at Abingdon, beating _Keren-happuch_,

_Paroquet_, and _Roland_. In consequence of having been so _hard run_

for FOUR years in succession, he started SEVEN times in 1798 without

_once_ winning. In 1799, he won 50_l._ at Epsom, beating _Yeoman_ and

_Midnight_. 50_l._ at Guildford, beating Mr. Lade's _David_, and two

others; and 50_l._ at Egham, beating Lord G. Cavendish's horse by

_Jupiter_; after which he was purchased by Mr. Dashwood, in whose

possession, at nine years old, in 1800, he beat Mr. Whaley's _Post Boy_,

four miles over Ascot, for 100 guineas, and walked over at Egham for a

sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, three subscribers: after which he

appeared no more on the turf.

PLEURISY—is a disorder in the horse so nearly allied to an INFLAMMATION

of the LUNGS, that probably the most judicious and experienced

VETERINARIAN would not, without much difficulty, be enabled to

distinguish between one and the other. The predominant symptoms are

sudden and violent: he first becomes heavy, dull, and oppressed; soon

shews great difficulty of respiration, pants exceedingly; is distressed

with an almost incessant painful endeavour to cough: the mouth

continues, from the commencement of the attack, hot, parched, and dry:

at this time he is exceedingly restless, frequently laying down, and as

suddenly rising; but as the disorder advances, he stands in his stall so

overwhelmned with fever, pain, and bodily oppression, that he displays

no wish or desire to vary his position, but stands fixed in one posture,

resigned to his fate. As the disease approaches nearer its crisis, a

slimy saliva appears in the mouth, and a ropy viscid discharge from the

nostrils. This being one of the disorders so rapid in its progress, and

so destructive in its effects, as sometimes to set all efforts to

relieve at defiance, every necessary means of counteraction should be

most expeditiously adopted upon the first discovery of the attack.

It is in general produced by some sudden and powerful revulsion; as an

instantaneous change from _heat_ to _cold_, in which the perspiration

becomes so severely checked by a collapsion of every pore, that NATURE

sustains a shock, productive of almost immediate and perceptible

_morbidity_. Journies of speed, and afterwards standing still in cold

rains, or sharp winds, as well as being supplied with _water_ when in a

high state of PERSPIRATION, are probably the principal causes from which

the disorder is mostly known to arise. The direct road to cure is too

plain and unequivocal to admit of different opinions. BLEEDING, and that

both largely and repeatedly, must be submitted to, if circumstances

require it; no hope of relief can be expected without it. It is no

uncommon thing to bleed a horse _four_ or _five_ times in as many days,

and his recovery to be justly attributed to that important mode of

subduing inflammation. Gruel, impregnated with small quantities of NITRE

and GUM ARABIC, should be the common drink. Mashes, of ground malt and

bran, should be placed in the manger boiling hot, that the head, throat,

and glands, may derive every possible advantage from FUMIGATION, to

assist in taking off the pulmonary stricture, and promoting a plentiful

discharge from the nostrils, which is one of the leading proofs that the

disease has reached its crisis, and may be considered the first

indicative expectancy of recovery. In the greatest bodily debility, when

no food is taken, a cordial ball, dissolved in gruel, should be given

(with a horn in small quantities at a time) twice a day. Equal parts of

the wort squeezed from the malt, and good clean-boiled sweet gruel,

should be patiently held before the horse _twice_ or _thrice_ in every

hour for some minutes: from the great internal heat, he is frequently

induced to swallow a quart or two at each time; although, if offered and

taken away _in haste_, he might invariably decline it. It is only by

such persevering attention, both NIGHT and DAY, any expectation of cure

can be entertained.

PLUMAGE.—The feathers upon every kind of fowl, wild or tame, is so

termed: if speckled, or interspersed with different streaks, or opposite

lights and shades, it is then called variegated plumage. If a GAME COCK

is bred perfectly WHITE, he is called a SMOCK.

POACHERS—are those determined destructive nocturnal depredators, by whom

the game is so shamefully reduced in opposition to all LAW, and defiance

of all ORDER, from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. This head

cannot be better elucidated, than by transcribing literally, from the

recent work of a writer of much celebrity, his judicious remarks upon

the subject.

"It is, perhaps, among that description of persons well known by the

name of _poachers_, that the greater number of those are trained to

rapine, who infest every rural neighbourhood with their petty thefts,

and whose dexterity almost bids defiance to precaution. Accustomed, in

the ensnaring of game, to the secresy of fraud, and committing their

depredations amidst the silence of night, those horrors, and that

consequent dread, which frequently deters from the commission of great

offences, gradually lose their effect. Solitude and darkness, which have

wherewithal to appal the human mind in its first deviations into guilt,

are divested of their terror in those pilfering pursuits; and the

consequence is sufficiently well known to all, who, in the capacity of

magistrates, are called to sit in judgment on the delinquency of public

offenders. It is to this initiation they ascribe their subsequent

enormities.

"When guilt, however venal, becomes, by repetition, familiar to the

mind, it is not in the power of the ignorant and uneducated to restrain

its excesses; they cannot arrest their career of iniquity; they cannot

chalk out the line of wrong beyond which they will not pass. Confining

their first nocturnal excursions to the snaring of HARES, and netting of

PARTRIDGES, whenever they have a less booty than _usual_, they are

tempted to compensate the deficiency by petty plunder of some other

kind, and the _log-pile_, the _stack_, the _fold_, the _hen-roost_, all

in turn, pay tribute to the prowling vagabond, who fills as he can that

void in his "capacious bag," which has been left by his want of success

as a POACHER.

"The great evil is, that a culprit of this class, feeling no compunction

in the early stage of his guilt, proceeds carelessly to a state of the

most complete degeneracy. GAME is a species of property of which he has

so indistinct a conception, that he scarcely thinks he has committed a

moral injustice in the various stratagems by which he has contrived to

obtain it; he sees not that the claim of a stranger is better than his;

he knows not whence that absolute right in another to that which he has

taken is derived; his companions, to whom he recounts his manœuvres, are

more likely to applaud his cunning than to reprove his crime. Thus the

remorse of conscience being but slight and feeble in the outset, the

wretch is encouraged by degrees to trample on the laws with greater

boldness, and at last suffers as a FELON."

That these facts are fairly stated, and the natural inferences

judiciously drawn, must be candidly and universally admitted. Previous,

however, to the conclusive remarks requisite under this head, it becomes

directly applicable to introduce a few passages from another writer of

equal eminence, who, in his animadversion upon the well-founded

principle of the GAME LAWS, observes, "that, in a highly cultivated,

well-peopled country, no animal can properly be considered as wild; all

are supported by the property and labour of those who cultivate the

soil. Some, from their peculiar instincts, are, indeed, less capable

than others of being appropriated, and therefore, like lands uninclosed,

are held as a joint property. But he who has no land, and consequently

contributes nothing to their maintenance, is no more entitled to any use

of them, than the inhabitant of one parish is to a right of commonage on

the waste lands of another; and he who chuses to reside in a town, and

to keep his property in money, has no more a pretence to seize to his

own use a HARE, or a PARTRIDGE, than a sheep or a goose, from him who

has chosen to vest his property in land. In the former, as in the latter

case, he ought to tempt the owner to sell what is wanted."

Thus much is introduced from the speculative opinions of respectable

writers upon the political and equitable basis of the GAME LAWS, which

every rational observer, and good subject, will probably admit _ought to

be obeyed_; although the great and infinite body of POACHERS, and that

much greater infinity their ABETTORS, seem to be of a direct opposite

opinion. However just, proper, and political, such laws may have been in

their formation, and laudable in their continuance, little reliance can

be placed upon the _deceptive_ expectation of a reduction in the number

of POACHERS, sanctioned and supported, as they are, by _thousands_ in

the METROPOLIS, and the middle classes of people in every CITY, TOWN,

and VILLAGE, from one extremity of the Island to the other. If there is

one of his Majesty's subjects so weak or inexperienced, as to suppose

any one species of game is _difficult_ to be obtained, he must be

deplorably ignorant in the common occurrences of life, and requires to

be informed, that the wholesale _art_ and _trade_ of poaching is carried

on almost "as public as the noonday sun" during the whole of the season;

and no one of that commercial and opulent body in the city, or epicure

in the suburbs, sits down without game at his table whenever he pleases

to order it: it is not the business of a steward, butler, or

housekeeper, to expostulate upon what may be immediately obtained for

MONEY, with a consolatory verification of the school-boy's well-known

adage, that "one good turn deserves another;" and money in one hand can

invariably procure game for the other.

There have always been two opinions held respecting the policy and

prudence of the GAME LAWS, between two classes of people equally

opposite to each other, the HIGHEST and the _lowest_; in support of

which, it has been the persevering practice of the former, to enact laws

for the protection of what they conceive their RIGHT; and the latter

have been as invariably engaged (from one generation to another) in

devising plans to counteract and undermine it: thus the _cunning_ of one

is engaged in a perpetual war with the POWER of the other, and most

probably centuries only can ascertain the victory. Here the eye of

impartiality will naturally advert to a passage from a writer lately

quoted who is of opinion, that "a person having _no land_, and who

chooses to keep his property in _money_, has no more right to a HARE or

PARTRIDGE, than he has to the _sheep_ or _goose_, from him who has

chosen to vest his property in LAND." This writer, probably, in his

hasty zeal to exalt the LANDED interest above its proper weight in the

scale of WEALTH, had totally forgotten (or never knew) that great

national depositary of immensity, called the BANK of ENGLAND, situate in

the CITY of LONDON; the millions eternally in motion through the medium

of COMMERCE, and moving in all directions, to every quarter of the

globe; as well as the EAST and WEST INDIA possessions, to an extent of

riches beyond conception.

All these, to gratify the _self-importance_ of the holders of a _little

land_, the learned writer had found it convenient to bury in oblivion.

_Sir Roger de Coverley_ would most probably have said, (could he have

been at this moment consulted upon the subject,) "MUCH may be said on

BOTH sides." In saying which, he would have spoken wisely; for it cannot

be conceived, that every individual of the infinity of STOCK-HOLDERS,

who loyally place an implicit faith in the stability of Government, and

embark all their property to support it, (in many instances from FIVE to

FIFTY or a HUNDRED THOUSAND pounds each,) does not feel himself

_equally_ affected with the appetites of a GENTLEMAN, as he who

possesses 100_l._ a year in LAND; and not feeling more disposed to

sacrifice at the _shrine_ of SELF-DENIAL than his neighbour, finds it

necessary to avail himself of all the comforts and advantages to be

derived from his MONEY, that the other does from his LAND; under which

candid and impartial consideration it is fair to conclude, that so long

as there shall be a natural propensity to good living, and the

delicacies which Providence has so plentifully bestowed; so long as the

monied THOUSANDS of the METROPOLIS shall incline to believe they are

_entitled_ to a _participation_; and so long as GAME shall be _bred_,

and human degeneracy in the lower classes of society continue; so long

will POACHERS continue undiminished, in opposition to every means that

the utmost limits of human wisdom can suggest for their extirpation.

POINT.—A horse standing in his stall, or elsewhere, with one fore-leg at

some distance before the other, is always concluded, by the most

experienced, to have sustained some irreparable injury either in the

SHOULDER, or the ligamentary junction of the COFFIN and CORONARY bones,

concealed in the box (or cavity) of the hoof. This is in a considerable

degree to be relied on; but there are many instances in which a horse

accustoms himself to awkward positions, and they become habitual: some

stand with either the _near_ or the _off_ fore-leg eternally before the

other, and are as perfectly sound as any horses in the kingdom. To say,

therefore, from a horse's manner of standing, that he is lame, would be

as absurd as to say any man could not be either a good dancer, or

fencer, because he stood, when disengaged from both, in a careless,

lounging, ungraceful attitude.

POINT—is the position of a POINTER, when standing seemingly fixed and

immoveable at the game before him; at the moment of observing which,

particularly with young or unsteady dogs, the natural ejaculatory

caution of "TO HO!" "HAVE A CARE!" transpires; not more as an injunction

of _steadiness_ to the dog standing, but as a communicative mode of

enjoining the attention of every dog in the field to the first who has

obtained the point.

POINTER.—The pointer is that species of dog well known to contribute

more to the contemplative pleasures and pursuits of a sportsman, than

any other in the canine catalogue. This peculiar breed, on account of

their universality and general utility, have been so incredibly crossed,

re-crossed, bred _in_, and bred _out_, to gratify the various opinions,

(as prompted by fancy, caprice, or speculation,) that they are now to be

found of all sizes, and all qualifications; from the slow, short-headed,

heavy-shouldered remains of the original Spanish pointer, (who will tire

in half a day's work,) to the cross of _in_ and _in_ with a FOX HOUND,

of which none are ever known to tire; many of them having speed enough

to catch a leveret three parts grown, when they jump up before them.

Pointers, forty or fifty years since, were hardly ever seen but entirely

white, or variegated with liver-coloured spots; except the then DUKE of

KINGSTON'S black and white, which were considered superior to every

breed in the kingdom, and sold for most extravagant sums after his

death. They are now, from the constantly increasing attachment to field

sports, to be seen of every description, from pure white, and a

flea-bitten blue or grey, to a universal liver-colour, and a perfect

black. In a choice of pointers for general use, that is for _every_

species of GAME, the extremes in _size_, as well as in _speed_, are

better avoided, and the line of mediocrity adhered to: overgrown, heavy

dogs, soon get weary in the hot and early part of the season: the

smaller sort have also their inconveniencies in hunting in very high

turnips, heath, broom-fields, &c.

As some advantages have been obtained by the various crosses, both in

respect to speed, and the durability of fatigue, so something has been

sacrificed on the score of patient forbearance, and olfactory

sensibility; the gradational shades of one species introduced by _every_

change having so diversified the original stock, that a much greater

degree of trouble is requisite in breaking now than formerly, to bring a

POINTER of _perfection_ into the field. The impatient volatility of some

men probably prompted them to indulge a design of introducing a breed of

pointers, with speed sufficient to outstrip the rapidity of their own

imaginations, that they might enjoy the unprecedented and supreme

felicity of _hunting_ and _shooting_ at the same time; hence, perhaps,

arose the emulative struggle for a superiority of _speed_ in addition to

POINT, which, it must be acknowledged, has at length reached the very

summit of perfection. POINTERS are never considered complete, unless

they are perfectly staunch to "BIRD, DOG, and GUN;" which implies,

first, standing singly to a _bird_ or a _covey_; secondly, to _backing_

(or pointing instantaneously _likewise_) the moment he perceives another

dog to STAND; and lastly, not to _stir_ from his _point_, upon the

firing of any gun in company, provided the GAME is neither _sprung_ or

_started_ at which _he_ made _his_ original point.

The art of breaking pointers for the field, was, twenty or thirty years

since, looked upon as a very mysterious and difficult piece of business;

many (called dog-breakers) deriving a subsistence from the employment:

the charm, however, has been long since broken, and the process is known

to be so exceedingly simple, that a tolerable well-bred pointer puppy

may have the foundation of all his future perfections theoretically

inculcated in the VERY KITCHEN or PARLOUR of his MASTER, before he is

taken into the field. This is so truly and practically possible, that it

may be done with _two_ or _three_ _brace_ together in a large room, or

small yard, with no other assistance, than the alternate words of

"TO-HO!" "TAKE HEED!" and "HAVE A CARE!" (with the small field whip in

hand to impress attention,) although meat is tossed before them in every

direction; when not a dog will stir till the signal of "HIE-ON" is

heard, which they eagerly _obey_; but are as _instantly_ stopped at the

very moment of seizing their meat, by either of the cautions previously

mentioned. Young dogs, having thus imbibed the principles upon which

they are to act, have nature, and their instinctive impulse, to point

out their practice when brought into the field: few are seen who hunt

too little, the major part are inclined to range too much, and then it

is that the cool and steady patience of the experienced sportsman

becomes necessary to check the impetuosity. Juvenile gunners frequently

spoil young dogs, by keeping them under as little restraint as they wish

to be kept themselves; and too often let them break away out of all

reasonable distance, till they acquire a habit of inattention and

disobedience, of which some are with very great difficulty, if ever,

divested.

When brought into the field, they should be taught to traverse every

yard of the ground, (in proper lengths, and at proper distances,) so

that none be left unbeaten; and this should be done with as few words,

and as little noise, as possible. Short verbal signals, low vibrative

whistles, and the motion of the hand to the _right_ or _left_, are all

that's useful; more does mischief: one steady shot of this description,

with a brace of pointers _obedient_ to _command_, and staunch to DOG and

GUN, will kill more game in any country, than a noisy crew with three or

four brace of dogs before them. All young pointers should not be

permitted to deviate from the proper rule of quartering the ground

before them; that is, to cover a line of fourscore yards _transversely_

in the front of his master, taking forty yards to his right, and

re-passing him, take the same distance to the left; and in such

proportions as not to let his crossings and re-crossings be more than

five-and-twenty or thirty yards from each other. If a brace of pointers

are in the field, they should alternately cross the same beat, by

_meeting_ and _passing_ each other; but never beat the same way in a

parallel direction.

Those who wish pointers to bring the GAME when _killed_, will find it

very easy of attainment, by teaching them to fetch and carry before they

take the field; it is an amusement they are much delighted with, and

never forget: it has, however, one chance of inconvenience annexed to

the experiment, if they become hard-mouthed, and take to _breaking_ both

flesh and feather; it is a fault, or rather a crime, never obliterated,

but with incessant trouble and severity. It is a practice with some to

hunt their pointers in coverts, with bells about their necks, both in

COCK and PHEASANT shooting; those who do it, hold their pointers (at

least their excellence) in very slender estimation, as it invariably

reduces their speed; renders them slow, tardy, undisciplined, and

inclined to hang and puzzle, by constantly drawing upon the foot of the

pheasant, or upon a hare in covert, when one happens to start before

them; in a persevering pursuit of which, high-spirited dogs, full of

blood, are subject to fits, and of long duration: cutting off half an

inch of the tail, or bleeding in the roof of the mouth, is the only

extemporaneous remedy in the field. Previous to the beginning of the

season, that is, a fortnight before the commencement, each dog should

have two doses of physic about four days apart; after which proper

attention should be paid to the provision, which should be of a sweet

and healthy kind, to preserve as much as possible their faculties in

full perfection. From the hardness and heat of the ground in the first

weeks of September, it sometimes happens, that the feet become

lacerated, inflamed, and exceedingly sore; when which is observed, a

plentiful washing, with warm gruel and a sponge, will afford

considerable relief; in an hour or two after which, the application of

some weak salt and water, or cold white-wine vinegar, will harden the

surface, and probably prevent a repetition.

POLE-CAT.—The pole-cat is a species of vermin, partaking, in some

degree, of the figure and propensities of the MARTIN and the FERRET; or

rather between both. It is smaller than the one, and considerably larger

than the other; is an inhabitant of the bushy coverts in the

neighbourhood of lonely farm-houses; to the POULTRY, EGGS, and

DOVE-HOUSES, of which they are constant and destructive enemies. The

effluvia, or rather _stench_, arising from their bodies is so truly

offensive, that it has long since laid the foundation of the well-known

proverbial expression of "_stinking_ like a POLE-CAT."

POLL-EVIL,—in its first stage, is a tumefaction formed upon the poll of

a horse immediately behind the ears, and is, in general, occasioned by a

blow, bruise, or, perhaps, sometimes by the heavy weight and constant

pressure of old harsh, stubborn harness-halters; as it is a kind of

casual defect, or misfortune, with which only draught-horses are known

to be much affected. Upon its discovery, when in an early state,

repulsion may be attempted by mild restringents, as a few minutes

patient fomentation with HOT VINEGAR and a sponge, followed by a slight

application of CAMPHORATED SPIRITS; not evidently submitting to which at

a _third_ or _fourth_ repetition, but continuing to increase, and

display symptoms of impending maturation, those appearances must be

immediately encouraged by proper means, and every attempt at repulsion

instantly discontinued. Hot fomentations with gruel, immediately

succeeded by emollient poultices of linseed powder, milk, and a small

quantity of turpentine well incorporated; or bread, milk, and white lily

root, bruised to a paste, and applied of a proper warmth, are the best

modes of expediting suppuration; when which takes place, no small share

of Veterinary knowledge, and professional punctuality, is requisite to

obtain a sound and perfect cure.

POMONA.—There have been three well-bred mares of this name: the first

bred by LORD CLERMONT, foaled in 1769, got by _Squirrel_, dam by _Young

Cade_, grand-dam by _Rib_, out of Grisewood's _Lady Thigh_. The second

was bred by the late DUKE of CUMBERLAND, foaled in 1775, got by _Herod_,

dam by _Snap_, grand-dam by _Regulus_. This mare was the dam of several

runners, including _Nina_, _Spear_, _Gardener_, and _Halbert_. The third

was bred by MR. O'KELLY, foaled in 1783, got by _Vertumnus_ out of

_Helen_, (who was got by _South_,) the dam of _Paris_, _Saturn_, _Lady

Thigh_, _Troy_, _Golden Apple_, &c.

POST MATCH—is a term in RACING, where it is only necessary to insert the

age of the HORSES in the Articles, and to run any horse of that age,

without declaring what horse, till he appears at the post.

POT8OO'S,—the name of a horse whose performances as a RACER, and progeny

as a STALLION, will transmit his celebrity to succeeding generations in

various directions: he was bred by the late LORD ABINGDON, foaled in

1773, and got by _Eclipse_ out of _Sportsmistress_, the dam of

_Lexicon_, _Jocundo_, _Roscius_, _Siddons_, _Peg Woffington_, _Sir

Thomas_, and _Sulky_. This horse was so named to gratify a little pique

against the late COLONEL O'KELLY, in allusion to the place of his

nativity, ironically called the _Land_ of POTATOES. Upon the turf he

proved himself equal to any horse of his time: as a STALLION, few, if

any, have stood in higher estimation. Exclusive of an infinity of annual

winners, who have ran as COLTS and FILLIES for large stakes, but without

a name, he is the SIRE of _Parsley_, _Smack_, _Telescope_, _Turnip-top_,

_Asparagus_, _Coriander_, _Flea_, _Misseltoe_, _Tiny_, _Alderman_,

_Gumcistus_, _Cayenne_, _Chigwell_, _Golden Rod_, _Triptolemus_,

_Cynthius_, _Druid_, _Emma_, _Guy_, _Lady_, _Lilliput_, _Polyanthus_,

_Vesper_, and _Waxy_. _Aurora_, _Capsicum_, Sister to _Druid_,

_Doricles_, _Edwin_, _Kidney_, _Mealy_, _Vixen_, and _Warwick_.

_Doubtful_, _Faunus_, _Lambourn_, Brother to _Lilliput_, _Oliver_,

_Molly Maybush_, _Rowland_, _Thereabouts_, _Golden Dab_, and _Yorkshire

Bite_. _Dutchess of Limbs_, _Outcast_, _Schedoni_, _Trip-it_, _Dr.

O'Liffey_, _Scrub_, _Snuff-box_, _Worthy_, _Champion_, _Crazy Jane_,

_Canterbury_, _Lampedo_, and _Trifle_.

PRECIPITATE,—a horse of much recent celebrity, whose name was truly

applicable to his descent. He was bred by LORD EGREMONT, foaled in 1787,

got by _Mercury_, (a son of _Eclipse_,) dam by _Herod_, grand-dam

(_Maiden_) by _Matchem_, out of Mr. Pratt's _Old Squirt_ mare. In the

first Spring Meeting at NEWMARKET 1790, when three years old, he won the

first class of the PRINCE'S STAKES of 100 guineas each, beating

_Thunderbolt_, _Chanticleer_, and _Sir Pepper_; four having paid

forfeit. In the same week he won the BOLTON STAKES of 50 guineas each,

beating _Dragon_, _Chambooè_, and _Palafox_; seven paying forfeit.

Second Spring Meeting, he won the third class of the PRINCE'S STAKES of

100 guineas each, beating _Thunderbolt_; seven paying forfeit. In the

same week he received 100 guineas forfeit from Lord Grosvenor's

_Rhadamanthus_. In 1792 he won 50_l._ at Guildford, beating _Doge_,

_Thunderbolt_, _Seringapatam_, and _Stout_. The next day 50_l._ at the

same place, beating _Cardock_ and _Griffin_. The King's 100 guineas at

Lewes, beating _Skyscraper_ at three heats, the first being deemed _a

dead heat_; after which he became a stallion in his Lordship's stud at

12 guineas a mare. He is the sire of _Jonquille_, _Petworth_,

_Matrannee_, _Rosalba_, Chesnut Colt out of _Bobtail_, Chesnut Colt out

of _Rosemary_, _Humbug_, _Lazarus_, _Raginer_, _Apollo_, _Gulliver_,

_Tag_, _Louisa_, _Tipstaff_, and many others now in training.

PREVENTION—is in itself a matter of so much magnitude, that it should

ever be predominant in the mind of the sportsman and the man of

pleasure. PRUDENCE, PATIENCE, and PHILOSOPHY, when properly exerted, are

frequently preventives to disease, mental mortification, trouble,

expence, and consequent compunction. It is an established and

incontrovertible maxim, that PREVENTION is preferable to CURE; under the

influence of which impression (if properly attended to) a very great

number of those occurrences, accidents, and dangerous diseases, which so

constantly happen, might certainly be avoided; as, upon strict

investigation, the far greater part may be found to originate in

carelessness, neglect, indolence, or inhumanity. Riding or driving

horses immoderate and unreasonable journies, without _stopping_ upon the

ROAD; riding hunters _hardest_ in the DEEPEST ground, and taking very

strong unnecessary leaps in the field; placing horses in a cold stable

without immediate attention, when in a high state of perspiration; are

amongst the many foundations of disease and disquietude which may be

prevented, and are well worthy retention in the memory of those who wish

to see their horses in health and good condition.

PRICKED.—A horse is said to be _pricked_, when, in SHOEING, any one of

the nails is accidentally or injudiciously driven too near the membranes

with which the box of the hoof is lined: this may happen with the most

expert operator by a sudden inversion of the point when in its _seeming_

proper direction. A tenderness and halting is also very frequently

occasioned by the nails passing _close to_, and pressing _upon_, the

internal parts, which, by tight _clinching_, constitutes so great a

compression, that pain (particularly in action) inevitably ensues; in

which case instantly taking off the shoe, well oiling the hoof,

replacing the shoe with more care and less force, will prove it a mere

temporary inconvenience.

When a horse is suspected to be pricked, in consequence of going lame

immediately after having been shod, and not before, it is then of course

natural to conclude some injury has been sustained during the operation

of shoeing, and that he does not go lame in consequence of any previous

accident. Circumstances thus tending to justify the inference, a careful

examination should be made without delay: the nails should be extracted

singly in succession; and when the shoe is off, a proper degree of

pressure should be made with the PINCERS, to ascertain the _tender_

part. This done, it is too much the custom, particularly with the

obstinate of the old school, to recur to their usual practice of

devastation, by an immediate and immoderate definition of parts, under

the plea of an "absolute necessity for going to the bottom," to

_prevent_ what most probably is by no means likely to ensue. If the

particular nail is discovered by which the injury has been sustained,

opening the spot of its insertion in a very trifling degree upon the

surface, and pouring in a small quantity of FRIAR'S BALSAM, or compound

TINCTURE of MYRRH, will in general allay the irritability, harden the

punctured part, and subdue any tendency to inflammation: on the

contrary, should any painful symptoms of impending maturation appear,

emollient poultices, and warm digestives, should be applied to the

bottom of the foot, to obtain a discharge from that part, that the

formation of A QUITTOR may, if possible, be prevented.

PRICKET.—The male produce of the BUCK and DOE (fallow deer) is so called

at two years old, when he begins to put forth his head.

PRICKING—is the unsportsmanlike act of _tracking_ a HARE by the points

of her feet, upon the paths and highways, when the hounds are _at

fault_: it is a common practice, and can only be justified where hares

are exceedingly scarce, and difficult to be found, with packs very small

in number, or deficient in effect; but it is a custom too mean and

degrading to be permitted with hounds of eminence, who must kill their

game with a reputation _untainted_, or not kill at all.

PROBE—is a silver instrument used by SURGEONS and VETERINARIANS, in

sounding the depth of cavities, sinusses, fistulas, and wounds: they

are, upon unexpected emergencies, so very frequently useful in the

country-house, or remote residence of a sportsman, that it should never

be without _this_, and some _other_ trifling instruments of little

expence; exclusive of lint, tow, ointments, tinctures, and a few other

cordial and diuretic medicines, for which there is sometimes a sudden

and unexpected occasion.

PULSE.—In all dangerous and inflammatory diseases of horses, much

information may be derived from the state of the PULSE; in addition to

the observations to be made upon the difficulty of respiration, the

heaving of the flank, the heat of the mouth, and the state of the eyes.

It seems, by the nicest observations, that the pulsations in a healthy

horse seldom exceed from forty to forty-five in a minute; exceeding

which in any material degree, there is then reason to believe,

inflammatory heat is predominant in the frame, and that fever is rapidly

advancing in proportion to the increased velocity of the blood. FARRIERS

in general, either from a want of attention, or want of judgment, are

most culpably deficient in this part of their professional examination;

upon a competent proficiency in which, must solely depend the

CONSISTENCY, or _impropriety_, of repeated bleedings, in all cases of

high and increasing inflammations, where REPETITIONS are absolutely

indispensible for the preservation of life.

PURGING—is an operation with horses, upon the propriety, consistency,

danger, and utility of which, various opinions have been opposed to each

other for half a century past; these, after the public experience of the

last fourteen years, seem to have centered in an acknowledged

preponderation of its occasional use; and that without its frequent

salutary introduction, certain diseases are neither to be prevented or

cured. The absolute necessity for sometimes PURGING, is not only now

universally admitted, but the practice as generally adopted; the first

step to a successful termination of which operation is, to adapt (by

every possible degree of precaution) the strength of the physic to the

_size_, _state_, and _constitution_ of the HORSE, as well as an eye to

the particular cause for which the purgation is become necessary. Proper

attention paid to these leading circumstances, and due care observed

during its process, no apprehensions of danger need be at all

entertained.

It is necessary those who have not been accustomed to the management of

horses under so serious an operation, should know, that, from the great

length of the intestinal canal, a horse requires a considerable decree

of cathartic stimulus to insure excremental expulsion. When the contents

of the larger intestines are become indurated by long retention, little

work, and a want of exercise, there is then a kind of constitutional

tendency to constipation, when, of course, more disquietude or pain will

be experienced by the subject, than when the body is in a more

favourable and less costive state. The intestines (when extended)

exceeding thirty yards in length, and laying compressed in a horizontal

position within the frame, and in so small a compass, is the principal,

and almost only, reason to be advanced, why the combination of purgative

ingredients continue from eighteen to twenty-four hours in the frame,

before the fæces are sufficiently softened for the operation to begin.

Exclusive of the various disorders to which horses are subject,

requiring a course of physic upon their first appearance, or at their

termination, (as may be collected from the works of those who have

written professedly upon the subject,) there are many instances, in

which PURGING may be very advantageously brought into use, as a critical

PREVENTIVE to DISEASE, although there may, at the time, be but little

external cause to believe such morbidity is impending. Horses constantly

standing in a stable upon full and good keep, with but very little work,

and short exercise, generate blood freely, and lose a very trifling

proportion of the constantly accumulating contents of the frame, by

either perspiration or evacuation. Thus then the vessels, as well as the

carcase, become so evidently overloaded, that the whole labours under

the rigidity of one universal distension; constituting a preternatural

stricture upon the body and its extremities, by which the system of

_secretion_ and _excretion_ is partially or universally affected, and

the regular routine of the ANIMAL ŒCONOMY proportionally deranged. Under

this concise, but explanatory, definition of repletion, and its effects,

will be found the necessity for occasionally unloading the body by

proper evacuants, and relieving the vessels from the unnatural stricture

which reduces the elasticity of the solids, and retards or obstructs the

easy circulation of their contents.

PURITY—was a mare of distinguished celebrity originally, but rendered

much more so, as the dam of the famous horse _Rockingham_, whose

performances will be found under that head. _Purity_ was bred by MR.

PRATT; foaled in 1774, and got by _Matchem_ out of the old _Squirt_

mare. She was the dam of _Rockingham_, _Archibald_, _Fitzwilliam_, and a

filly by _Highflyer_; as well as others by _Florizel_, _Magnet_,

_Paymaster_, and _Saltram_. Her dam (the old _Squirt_ mare) produced

many racers of the first class: _Virgin_, _Miracle_, _Dido_,

_Conundrum_, _Ranthos_, _Enigma_, _Riddle_, _Miss Tims_, _Pumpkin_,

_Maiden_, _Rasselas_, _Purity_, and three others; having continued to

breed from 1755 to 1774; during which period of nineteen years, she

produced the fifteen colts and fillies here described.

PURSIVENESS—is a disorder, or degree of disease, with a difficulty of

respiration, beyond the effect of a common _cold_ and _cough_, but

falling short of the malady denominated BROKEN WIND. Pursiveness in a

horse bears no ill affinity to the asthmatic complaints of the human

species. Although there have been refined distinctions adopted, and

definitions attempted, between the symptoms of a cold and the disorder

called pursiveness in a horse, yet one is very little more or less than

an inveterate stage of the other. The blood having, from some particular

cause, become sizey, has consequently passed through the finer vessels

with a languor far inferior to the purposes of health; hence

obstructions are first formed; and these continuing to increase,

tubercles follow. The parts necessary to a free and easy respiration

being thus affected, it becomes laborious and oppressive in a

proportional degree with the increasing viscidity of the blood, and the

length of time it has been permitted to continue in its progress without

restraint. The finer vascular ramifications of the lungs being thus

partially closed, imperfect respiration ensues; producing those

whistling wheezings with which ASTHMATIC horses are observed to be

distressed, particularly in _brisk action_, until it progressively

terminates in broken wind, which it will inevitably do, unless the

proper means of alleviation and cure are earnestly adopted. Frequent

bleedings, pectoral detergents, intervening attenuants, and mercurial

purging balls, (administered with patient and punctual perseverance,)

are the only medical aids from which permanent relief must be expected,

or can be obtained.