purify the juices, to invigorate the frame, and reanimate the system, it
is absolutely necessary the horse should have his annual run of _six
weeks_ or two months in a luxuriant pasture, and at a proper season of
the year, if either his frame or health is thought worthy protection. In
the Metropolis, and in large towns, where the environs are entirely
appropriated to HAY FARMERS and COW-KEEPERS, no such convenience can
probably be obtained for any pecuniary consideration whatever; in which
predicament the only alternative to be adopted, is to supply them with
green food daily, and this is termed SOILING in the STABLE. Even this
process, simple as it is, requires some previous precaution. The article
with which the Metropolis, and other cities and large towns, are
supplied, are mostly _tares_, (in some countries called _vetches_;)
though _clover_ is at some-times, and in some places, to be procured;
but whether one, or the other, it is absolutely necessary the supplies
should be fresh, and, if possible, never more than thirty or
six-and-thirty hours off the scythe; from which time (particularly if
laid in a heap) they begin to heat exceedingly fast; and when once the
juices are exhaled, become tough, turn black, and rapidly approach
putrefaction.
This, however, must be admitted a very inferior substitute for natural
pasture; as repeated experiments, and constant observation, hesitate not
to pronounce the NATIVE (in its nutritive and exhilarating property)
superior to every _artificial_ grass hitherto introduced. The quantities
of the latter grown in various parts of the kingdom (and in some it
cannot be avoided) is immense; but no doubt need be entertained of the
nutritious superiority of the native meadow grass, whether green or dry,
if it is cleanly cultivated, and well got in. It is very much the custom
in and about London, to send horses to what are called the SALT MARSHES
in Essex, from whence some arrive in tolerable condition; but where,
from their contiguity to town, or other causes, the land is overstocked,
and the summer dry, they come up in a state of wretched emaciation, as
if passing in mournful procession to some neighbouring dog kennel. Those
marshes, at a proper distance from town, where they are free from
offensive filth, and the pasture plentiful, are remarkable for their
peculiar property of attenuation, in altering the property of the blood,
promoting the secretions, purifying the system, and invigorating the
frame. They are well known to act as perfectly as the most powerful
antimonial or mercurial alterative, in obliterating the remains of
cutaneous disease; and this is readily accounted for by their first
effects, which is for many days equal to a state of medical purgation;
to which, however, the subject soon becomes superior in health,
strength, and an accumulation of flesh; demonstrating the process to
have been a very salutary interposition.
Those who wish their horses to avail themselves of every advantage to be
derived from SOILING, will certainly retain it in memory, that TWO
months in the prime and _early_ part of the season, will be preferable
to THREE at the _latter_ end: a dry summer, short pasture, and the
infinity of flies, and other insects, constitute a very sensible
drawback upon the privilege of liberty, as well as upon the restoration
of FLESH, and the renovation of STRENGTH. Horses in a plethoric state,
with a cough, full of blood, or the relics of disease about them, will
most likely come up in a much worse state than when turned out. Horses
of this description should undergo _bleeding_, and proper evacuations,
previous to their being set at liberty; as the nocturnal collapsion of
the porous system might probably repel the perspirative matter upon the
overloaded vessels, and thereby render the remedy (in _turning out_)
worse than the disease.
What is termed a _winter's run_, although attended with promised
advantages in some respects, is not without the chance of loss, anxiety,
vexation, and expence, in others: _frozen_ limbs, and an _empty_
carcase, are not calculated much for the promotion of flesh, strength,
or purity of condition. A horse, by such, is in possession of his
_shivering_ liberty, perhaps in some contracted spot, wretchedly
despondent over the effluvia of his own excrements, 'tis true; but how
far that may compensate for the want of shelter, food, care, and
attention, in the most severe, dreadful and dreary season of the year,
must be left entirely to the decision of those whose _pecuniary_
sensations may prompt them to make the experiment.
SOLE.—The external part of a horse's foot so called is at the bottom,
and situate between the _frog_ in the center, and the _wall_ or
_bearing_ which totally surrounds the outside. This will be the more
perfectly understood by referring to Fig. 2. of the letter A in the
Plate of "DEMONSTRATIVE SHOEING," where the SOLE, the WALL, and the
FROG, being accurately represented, will collaterally explain themselves
in the following description. The _outer_ sole (as it is called in
contra-distinction to the _inner_, which is its membranous lining) is a
sound and horny substance; but not so very firm and impenetrable in its
texture, as the hoof, by which it is surrounded, and is evidently
intended as a protection to the inferior structure of the foot. The
sole, to assist generally in constituting what is considered a
well-formed and substantial foot, should be thick, strong, and inclining
much more to a hollow, than the least appearance of _prominence_; for
when a shoe is well set, no bearing whatever should be sustained by the
sole, but the whole must positively rest upon the _crust_ or _wall_ of
the hoof, which may be seen in the line of articulation accurately
represented upon the Plate; where, on the inside of the circle, will be
observed the sole, Fig. 2. on the outer, the wall or crust, Fig. 1. When
the bottom of the foot has what is termed a crowned sole, with a
prominence similar to the convex side of an oyster shell, and the sole
projecting above the circular wall of the hoof, the horse is tender,
sometimes halts, and is tardy in progress: such horses are said to be
_fleshy-footed_, and require great care and attention in shoeing; and
unless the shoe is properly arched or hollowed within, to take off every
chance of pressure from the prominent sole, pain and subsequent lameness
must inevitably ensue.
SORREL—is the colour by which certain horses are distinguished, and
might, without any degree of inconsistency, be termed a _red chesnut_:
they are a colour nearly between a bright bay and a yellow chesnut,
giving and taking a tinge or shade either way, having invariably manes
and tails red or white. When tolerably well bred, of handsome shape,
make, and symmetry, with full silver mane and tail, they are majestic,
commanding figures, and are, in general, secured as cavalry chargers for
field officers, when they are to be obtained of size and strength for
the purpose.
SOUNDNESS,—in a horse, is of such extensive meaning, and infinite
importance to the sporting world, to dealers in horses, and to
individual purchasers, that it is exceedingly necessary some criterion
should be fixed by which its present _undefined_ meaning should be more
properly and more equitably understood; for want of which, more
litigation is carried into the Courts at Westminster for the emolument
and amusement of the Gentlemen of the Long-robe, than any other subject
whatever, the constantly increasing evil of _crim. con._ excepted. The
general custom between BUYER and SELLER is precisely this; the horse is
sold with or without certain conditions in respect to SOUNDNESS, and
this is done by what is called a WARRANTY on the part of the seller
thus: "He is warranted perfectly _sound_, free from _vice_ or _blemish_,
and quiet to _ride_, or _draw_," as either or both the latter may happen
to be. A horse sold without a warranty, and _taken as he is_, is then
purchased (and the purchase abided by) with all faults, and cannot be
returned under any plea whatever, unless he can be proved to have been
glandered at the time of purchase, in which state no horse can be
_legally_ sold.
In the strict and equitable sense of the word, a horse, to be _perfectly
sound_, should be _completely perfect_: he should have no obstruction to
_sight_, no impediment to _action_, but be in an acknowledged slate of
natural purity; neither _diseased_, _lame_, _blind_, or _broken-winded_:
he should not only be free from impediment at the time of sale, but
_bona fide_ never known to have been otherwise. Some there are who
support a different opinion, and conceive (or pretend so to do) that a
horse may be sold warranted perfectly sound, after he has recovered from
a palpable lameness: those should recollect, that such horse is always
liable to a relapse, or repetition of the injury; and whoever becomes so
obstinate as to defend an action brought under such circumstance, will
certainly feel the mortification of having a VERDICT pronounced
_against_ him, so soon as sufficient evidence has proved such horse to
have been _lame_ at any time whatever _previous_ to the purchase.
Some years since, a late Lord Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench
laid it down as a rule, and promulgated the opinion, from the bench
during a trial then pending, that TWENTY POUNDS was a good and
sufficient price for a SOUND HORSE; and whether a _warranty_ was or was
not given, was totally immaterial: that sum implied a warranty, not only
for the horse's soundness at the time of his being then sold, but that
he should continue so for _at least_ three months afterwards; a
declaration so truly ridiculous in itself, and so void of every
principle of equity, that any man, to make it now, would lay
indisputable claim to the appellation of FOOL or MADMAN.
SPANIEL—is the name of a dog of which there are different kinds; and
even these have been so repeatedly crossed, that, unless it is in the
possession of sportsmen who have been careful in preserving the purity
of the breed perfectly free from _casual_ contamination, the well-bred
genuine _cocking_ Spaniel is difficult to obtain. There are four
distinct kinds of dog passing under this denomination; the large _water
Spaniel_, and a smaller of the same sort. Of _land Spaniels_ there are
two kinds also; the one larger than the other, much stronger in the
bone, but with curly waves in the hair; and the small yellow pied
springing Spaniel, (used in pheasant and cock shooting,) whose hair is
rather long, soft, and delicately pliable, with ears of the same
description, reaching, when extended, beyond the point of the nose. The
two kinds first mentioned are chiefly confined to the purposes of wild
fowl shooting, in moors, marshes, and the neighbourhood of rivers; where
ducks, wigeons, teal, coots, moor-hens, dab-chicks, and snipes, are to
be found; to all which they are particularly appropriate; not more for
their indefatigable industry in _finding_ the game, than for their
surmounting every obstacle to recover it, and bring it to hand when
_killed_. They are also of most wonderful sagacity, fidelity, and
observation; their olfactory sensations almost exceed belief, by which
alone they are taught the most incredible performances. Sticks, gloves,
handkerchiefs, coin, or any other article left some miles behind by the
owner upon the road, or any remote spot, (totally unknown to them,) they
will retrace to any distance upon a signal being given with the hand,
and never relinquish the search till they bring it safe to their master.
The large _springing_ Spaniel, and small _Cocker_, although they vary in
size, differ but little in their qualifications, except that the former
is rather slower in action; neither catching the scent of the game so
suddenly as the latter, or seeming to enjoy it with the same extatic
enthusiasm when found. The small cocking Spaniel has also the advantage
of getting through the low bushy covert with much less difficulty than
the larger Spaniel, and does not tire so soon, whatever may have been
the _length_ and _labour_ of the day. Spaniels of each description are
frequently used as finders in COURSING with GREYHOUNDS, and are
indefatigable in their exertions: from the time they are thrown off in
pursuit of game, the tail is in a perpetual motion, (called feathering,)
by the increasing vibration of which, an experienced sportsman well
knows when he gets nearer the object of attraction. The nearer he
approaches it, the more violent he becomes in his endeavours to succeed;
tremulative whimpers escape him as a matter of _doubt_; but the moment
that doubt's dispelled, his clamorous raptures break forth in full
confirmation of the gratification he receives. And this proclamation may
be so firmly relied on, (though in the midst of the thickest covert,)
that the happy owner may exultingly boast he is in the possession of one
faithful domestic who never tells a lie.
As it is the impulsive principle of this animal to give the most
outrageous proof of joy upon finding, or coming upon the foot or haunt
of game, so it is his determined disposition never to relax in his
perseverance till he brings it _to view_. It is therefore necessary for
all young and inexperienced sportsmen, who take the field with Spaniels,
not to be too tardy in their own motions, but to let their agility keep
pace with the incessant activity of their canine companions, without
which they may expect to cover many a weary mile without a successful
shot. Spaniels, when broke for the field, should never be taken out more
than one young dog at a time, and that in company with one or more old
and seasoned dogs, to whom they will mostly attend in every action, and
the sooner acquire the necessary knowledge of the business they are
engaged in. If young dogs are taken out alone, and in too great number,
their great eagerness, and emulative opposition, frequently occasions
them (particularly in covert, where they are safe from correction) to
hunt or chase _one_ thing for want of finding _another_; and in the
event of not being corrected when necessary, to become uncertain
_babblers_, and never to be relied upon. The judicious and experienced
sportsman will never be seen to hunt SPANIELS with POINTERS either in or
out of covert; for, although it can do little or no injury to the
former, it may very materially warp the _integrity_, if not totally
destroy the principles of the latter.
SPARRING—is a ceremony practised with game cocks during the time they
are in feeding (alias training) to fight in any MAIN or MATCH, for which
they stand engaged. When COCKS are brought up from their _walks_, and
placed in their pens, some are, of course, too full in flesh; others, as
much deficient: in the judgment of equalizing these different degrees,
(by reducing the weight of one, and increasing the substance of the
other,) does the art of cock-feeding entirely depend. On every second or
third day, during the time they are preparing for the match, each cock
has a _sparring_ with an opponent of nearly equal weight with himself;
and this _sham fight_ continues a longer or shorter time, according to
the flesh, weight, and wind, of each cock so exercised, in proportion to
the superflux of substance he is required to lose. For the occasion, and
that they may not injure each other, they are equally shielded with
mufflers upon the parts where their spurs have been sawed off; and that
they may be the better inured to labour, and prepared for difficulty,
the ceremony takes place upon a truss or two of straw loosely scattered,
that, having no firm hold for their feet, they have less power to oppose
each other. Cocks too full of flesh, and foggy, that require a great
deal of _sweating_ to bring them down to their proper match weight, are
sometimes permitted to continue the controversy till nearly exhausted.
SPAVIN-BLOOD—is a preternatural distension of the vein which runs down
the inside of a horse's hock, forming a soft and elastic (or puffy)
enlargement, commonly occasioning _weakness_, if not _lameness_, of the
joint. They are in general produced by sudden _twists_ or _strains_, in
short turns with loads, either in riding or drawing; and not
unfrequently by too rapid turning in narrow stalls. The cure is
frequently attempted by strong spirituous saturnine repellents, or
powerful restringents, with a compress and bandage firmly fixed upon the
part: these methods, however, seldom afford more than temporary relief.
The former mode of operating, by incision, and instrumental extirpation,
is in present practice entirely laid aside; a repetition BLISTER, or
slightly FIRING, being the only means relied on to ensure certain
obliteration.
SPAVIN-BONE.—The defect so called, is an enlargement on the outside of
the hock, originating in a gristly or cartilaginous protrusion, which
increases gradually to a callosity, and ultimately to a perfect
ossification as hard as the bone itself. In its early state, but little
limping or impediment to action is observed; but as it advances in
progress, the lameness becomes proportionally perceptible. A bone-spavin
is never known to submit to liquid applications, or solvents of any
description; repeated BLISTERINGS, and substantial FIRING, seem the only
means by which the enlargement and its painful irritability can be
reduced.
SPAYED BITCH,—is a bitch upon whom an operation has been performed, by
which she is deprived the power of generating a farther progeny. An
incision being made in the flank, midway between the hip-bone and the
belly, the ovaries are extracted through the orifice, and separated from
the parts to which they were united: these being returned, the wound is
stitched up, and heals in a few days, (if performed by a judicious
practitioner,) without farther trouble or inconvenience.
SPEED—is sportingly applicable to HORSE, HOUND, or GREYHOUND; and upon
this depends (in a great degree) the estimation in which they are held.
It is customary to say, such a horse has great _action_, or he is in
possession of the _gift_ of _going_. This is, however, considered
applicable only to excellent TROTTERS and _hacknies_ upon the road.
SPEED is always used in a superior sense, and intended to convey an idea
of the greatest rapidity of which the animal is capable, and which
enhances his value in proportion to his qualifications. In the art of
TRAINING for the TURF, there are ambiguities of such magnitude, that it
is averred by those who have made the practical part their study, that
one training-groom (from judgment, experience, and observation) shall
bring a horse to the post full half a distance better than another,
although their _speed_ was considered equal when placed under the racing
management of their different superintendants. This is admitted so much,
and so truly, an incontrovertible fact, that TRAINING-GROOMS have their
lights and shades of reputation and celebrity, in an equal degree with
the most eminent artists in the universe. JOCKIES also are admitted to
possess their different degrees of excellence, and to so very great and
discriminating a _nicety_, that when MATCHES are lost by some lengths,
and for large sums, offers are frequently made to run the match over
again for the same money, or to _double_ the STAKES, provided the
WINNING JOCKEY is permitted to ride the _losing_ horse. Thus speed is
not always the same, but is evidently dependent upon contingencies,
which the utmost human circumspection cannot always either foresee or
prevent. The increase of speed with RACE HORSES in this country, is very
readily admitted to have been great during the last fifty years; and
this is impartially attributed to the introduction of, and judicious
crosses from, the ARABIAN BLOOD with the best bred mares of our own:
although the effect of these experiments were held in great doubt for
some years, but are now universally acknowledged to have exceeded the
utmost expectation, and cannot be supposed to extend much farther.
There are two modes of trial for SPEED, according to the present
reformed mode of English racing: the one is to run _a mile_, which is
termed running for SPEED; the other, of _going off_ at SCORE, and
absolutely racing the whole _four miles_, which is called running for
_speed_ and _bottom_. _Flying Childers_, whose speed was almost
proverbial, went one third of a mile in twenty seconds. _Firetail_ and
_Pumpkin_ ran a mile in a few seconds more than a minute and a half.
_Childers_ ran the distance of four miles in six minutes and forty-eight
seconds, carrying nine stone, two pounds; he made a leap of _thirty
feet_ upon level ground; and he covered a space of twenty-five feet at
every stroke when racing. It was formerly known that any horse who could
run four miles in eight minutes, would prove a WINNER of PLATES: this
is, however, very materially refined, by judicious crosses in blood, or
improvements in training; as _Bay Malton_ ran four miles over York in
seven minutes, forty-three seconds and a half. _Eclipse_ ran the same
distance over York in eight minutes with _twelve stone_, though going
only at his rate, without any inducement to speed.
The means by which the wonderful velocity of the greyhound can be
ascertained are but few: there are, however, well authenticated
instances upon record; and as they are again quoted in MR. DANIELS
"Rural Sports," are entitled to credibility. In February, 1800, a hare
was darted before a brace of greyhounds in Lincolnshire, and upon the
distance being measured from her form to where she was killed, it proved
upwards of four miles in a direct line; but there having been several
turns, as well as some oblique running, during the course, it must have
increased the length considerably: this ground was run over in the space
of _twelve_ minutes; and the hare fell dead before the greyhounds
touched her; which serves to demonstrate the speed and strength of the
former. It is known that horses are more distrest (if they keep up) in a
moderate COURSE than in a long CHASE; of which an instance lately
occurred in the neighbourhood of Bottisham, in Cambridgeshire, from
whence the hare being started, took away for the Six Mile Bottom; and
although two-and-twenty horses went off with the greyhounds, only one
could make a _gallop_ at the conclusion of the course. The hare (who had
reached within fifty yards of the covert) dropped dead before the
greyhounds; and they were so exhausted, that it was found necessary to
bleed them to promote their recovery.
A few years since a hare was suddenly started at Finchingfield, in
Essex, when the brace of greyhounds running at her came into contact
with so much velocity, that both were killed on the spot. At Offham, in
Sussex, a brace of greyhounds coursed a hare over the edge of a
chalk-pit, and following themselves, were all found dead at the bottom.
The high spirit, persevering speed, and invincible ardour, of the
greyhound, not being universally known, (at least to those who have
either few or no opportunities to partake of the sport,) it may not be
inapplicable to introduce a singular circumstance which occurred in
1792. As LORD EGREMONT'S game-keeper was leading a brace of greyhounds
coupled together, a hare accidentally crossing the road, the dogs
instantly broke from their conductor, and gave chase, fastened as they
were to each other: the pursuit afforded an uncommon and no less
entertaining sight to several spectators. When the hare was turned, she
had a manifest advantage, and embarrassed the dogs exceedingly in
changing their direction; notwithstanding which, she was at length
killed at Pikeless Gate, after a course of between _three_ and _four_
miles. In 1796 a similar occurrence took place in Scotland, where a
brace of greyhounds, in couples, killed a hare after a course of a mile
with intervening obstructions.
Endeavours having been made to acquire some degree of information upon
the subject of comparative speed between a _greyhound_ and a RACE-HORSE
of superior powers and celebrity, it was at length brought to a decision
by absolute matter of chance. It having been previously submitted to the
opinion of an experienced sportsman, which would prove to possess the
greater portion of speed for _a mile_, or for a longer or shorter
distance, he returned for answer, that, upon a flat, he had no doubt but
a first rate horse would prove _superior_ to the greyhound; unless in a
_hilly_ country, where he conceived a good greyhound would have the
advantage. The information not to be acquired by any direct mode, was
brought to trial by an incident which occurred upon the Course of
Doncaster in 1800, and was precisely thus.
A match was to have been run between a horse and a mare for one hundred
guineas. At the time appointed, the former not appearing, the mare
started _alone_, to insure the STAKES; when, after having ran little
more than a mile, a greyhound bitch (to the great admiration and
entertainment of the company) took to her from the side of the Course,
and continued racing with her the other three miles, keeping her regular
line nearly _head_ and _head_, which produced a most excellent match;
for when they reached the DISTANCE POST, five to four was betted upon
the greyhound; when they came abreast of the stand, it was even betting;
and the mare won by only _a head_.
The speed of the fleetest and highest bred FOX HOUNDS, was brought to
public proof in the well-known match made between MR. MEYNELL and MR.
BARRY, for 500 guineas a side, and decided over Newmarket in the month
of September of the year in which it was run. The hounds of Mr. Barry's
(called _Bluecap_ and _Wanton_) were put in training on the first of
August with the famous WILL. CRANE. Their food consisted only of
_oatmeal_, _milk_, and _sheep's trotters_. The ground was fixed on at
the time of making the match; and upon the thirtieth of September the
drag was taken from the Rubbing-house at Newmarket Town end, to the
Rubbing-house at the starting-post of the Beacon Course: the four hounds
were then laid on the scent: at the conclusion, Mr. Barry's _Bluecap_
came in first; _Wanton_ (very close to _Bluecap_) second. Mr. Meynell's
_Richmond_ was beat more than a _hundred yards_; and the bitch never ran
in at all. The length of the drag was between eight and ten miles; the
time it was crossed in was some _seconds_ over _eight minutes_. Some
tolerable idea, in this instance, may be formed of the SPEED, when there
were SIXTY horses started fairly with the hounds, and only twelve were
up. COOPER, Mr. Barry's huntsman, was the first; but the mare that
carried him was rode blind in the exertion. WILL. CRANE, who rode _Rib_,
(a King's Plate horse,) was the last of the twelve who came up. The
current odds at starting were _seven_ to _four_ in favour of Mr.
Meynell, whose hounds were reported to have been fed upon legs of mutton
during the time they were in training.
MERKIN, a famous bitch, bred by COLONEL THORNTON, was considered far
superior in speed to any fox-hound of her time: she was challenged to
run any hound of her year five miles over Newmarket, giving 220 yards,
for 10,000 guineas; or to give _Madcap_ 100 yards, and run the same
distance for 5000. She ran a trial of four miles, and crossed the ground
in _seven minutes_ and half a second. _Merkin_ was sold, in 1795, for
four hogsheads of claret, and the seller to have two couple of her
whelps.
_Madcap_, at two years old, challenged all England for 500 guineas.
_Lounger_, brother to _Madcap_, did the same at four years old: the
challenge was accepted, and a bet made to run Mr. Meynell's _Pillager_
for 200 guineas. The parties were also allowed by Colonel Thornton to
start any other hound of Mr. Meynell's, and _Lounger_ was to beat both;
but, upon his being seen at Tattersal's by many of the best judges, his
bone, shape, and make, were thought so superior to any opponent that
could be brought against him, Colonel Thornton consented to accept a
pair of _gold_ dog-couples as a forfeit to the bet.
SPLENT—is the term given to an ossified prominence when it appears upon
the shank-bone of a horse's fore-leg: they are frequently seen upon the
legs of young horses, and are sometimes known to disappear without any
application whatever. If they do not make their appearance during the
fourth or fifth year, they are seldom seen after that time, unless
occasioned by blow, bruise, or accident. They are very rarely productive
of lameness or inconvenience, unless they curve towards the back sinews,
and vibrate in action. Various are the means too hastily and too rashly
brought into use for their extirpation, and many times without the least
necessity; for when they are not attended with pain or inconvenience, it
must be more prudent to let them remain in a state of dormant
inactivity, than rouse them into painful action. If some mode must be
inevitably adopted, a spirituous saturnine solvent is the most safe and
efficacious application.
SPORTSMAN—is the appellation, for time immemorial, annexed to any man
whose partiality to the SPORTS of the FIELD are universally known: they
are evidently marked out for him by the dispensing and benign hand of
Providence, for the promotion of health, and the gratification of
pleasure, of which, enjoyed with moderation and rationality, he is never
ashamed. The name of SPORTSMAN has ever been considered concisely
characteristic of strict honour, true courage, unbounded hospitality,
and the most unsullied integrity. However the character may have been
broken in upon by time, or mutilated by the innovations of fashion,
caprice, or folly, the original stock was derived solely from the
_blood_ of the true OLD ENGLISH COUNTRY ESQUIRE; who, uncontaminated by
the curse of insatiate ambition, is only happy himself in the happiness
of his domestic dependents, the corresponding smiles of his tenants who
surround his mansion, and an hospitable association with his numerous
friends.
His HOUNDS are kept from an instinctive attachment to the sport itself,
as well as to perpetuate the respectable and exhilarating establishment
of his ancestors, (hitherto transmitted to their posterity without a
stain,) and not from the least desire of having his name blazoned
through every part of the county in which he resides, for keeping what
he has neither PROPERTY to SUPPORT, or spirit to enjoy. Personally
frugal, (amidst the most spirited hospitality,) he never suffers his
mind to be disquieted by the pecuniary applications of people in trade:
having a soul superior to the idea of living beyond his income, and
running in debt, it is an invariable maxim, never to let his tradesmen
be a single quarter in arrear. The guardian of his own honour, he never
affords a chance of its becoming degraded by the officious and
unprincipled pride of a subordinate, under the appellation of STEWARD;
or to be disgraced, or prostituted, by the barefaced, unqualified
_denial_ of a menial bedaubed with lace and variegated finery, under the
denomination of a _footman_.
Innately philanthropic, the true, well-bred, liberal-minded SPORTSMAN is
always equally easy of access to friends, neighbours, tenants, and even
to necessitous parochial solicitants; and never countenances false
consequence amongst his domestics in one department, or impertinent
pride in another: by a persevering adherence to which system, his rustic
mansion seems the summit of all worldly happiness and earthly
gratification: not a dependent but eyes him with the warmest sensations
of gratitude; not a servant within, or a labourer without, but looks
awefully up to him as their best friend. The pleasures of the field he
extensively and judiciously engages in with all the fervency of a
well-informed and experienced sportsman; but by no means with all the
unqualified enthusiasm, and fashionable furor, of an indiscreet and
determined devotee. Capable of distinguishing between the _use_ and
_abuse_ of what is so evidently and benignantly placed before him, as an
excitement to exhilarating action, bodily invigoration, and general
health; he enters into all its _spirit_, avails himself of all its
_import_; not more as a personal gratification (in respect to sport)
than a mental perusal of one of Nature's many instructive volumes,
displaying to the ruminative and expansive comprehension, the applicable
and coinciding speed of the HORSE; the instinctive impulse, invincible
ardour, and corresponding perseverance of the HOUND; the various shifts
and evasions of the GAME; and lastly, the firm and manly fortitude of
those who join and surround him in the CHASE. These are the
distinguishing traits by which the true and generous sportsman may be
known: and it must be freely admitted, that so congenial are the
feelings, so sympathetic the liberality, and so uniform the hospitality
of SPORTSMEN in the scale of universality, that no friendships are
better founded, none more disinterested, few more permanent, and none
more sincere.
SPRAIN OR STRAIN,—is a preternatural extension, and forcible elongation,
of the tendons, beyond the power of immediately recovering their
previous elasticity; or a sudden twist of some particular joint, by
which the ligamentary junction sustains an injury, and produces
lameness. Whenever they happen in the hip, stifle, round-bone, or
shoulder, they then become serious considerations; the injured parts
being seated too deep for the effect of external applications. In such
cases it is seldom of use to lose time, and encounter disappointment, by
persevering stimulants; time and rest constitute the best foundation for
permanent relief. Horses having encountered such accidents, should be
turned out in a still and quiet pasture, where they may be free from
alarm and disturbance; and this should be adopted before any stiffness
is brought upon the joint, by too long standing in one position; which
they mostly do, when confined in a stable as invalids. When at
unrestrained liberty, it is natural to conclude, he adapts the
gentleness of his motion to the state of his case, and exerts himself no
more than a proper respect to his own safety may render secure. It is a
self-evident fact, that a restoration of elasticity or strength of the
part, is more likely to be obtained by rest, and the efforts of nature,
than any superficial or topical applications that can be made.
STRAINS (or LAMENESS) in the shoulder require nice investigation to
discriminate between such as arise from accident, rheumatic affection,
or chest-foundering. It is remarked, that when a horse has sustained a
severe injury in the shoulder, by wrench, slip, twist, short turn, or
any other accident, the pain prevents him from bringing the leg on that
side forward, in a parallel line, or in an equal degree with the other;
which being sound, is much more firmly set to the ground, with an
evident intent to save from pain the side that is lame. When a horse in
this situation stands still, the leg of the lame shoulder is almost
invariably placed before the other; and if he is trotted in hand, he
generally brings forward the leg of the shoulder affected with a kind of
circular sweep, and not in a direct line: if any attempt is made to turn
him _short_ on the _lame_ side, he instantly dreads it, and becomes
almost repugnant to the exertion: when compelled to make it, he will
almost sink on the lame side, to support himself entirely on the sound
one.
BLEEDING should in such accidents immediately precede every other
consideration; it unloads the vessels, prevents local stagnation, and
sometimes a general stiffness of the quarter in which the injury has
been sustained. Where either the season of the year prevents, or an
opportunity to turn out cannot be obtained, the only alternative, hot
fomentations, and stimulative embrocations, must be adopted. In strains
of the hip, the horse in general draws his leg after him with a painful
reluctance; and if impelled to a _trot_, is observed to drop upon his
heel. If the injury is in the stifle, by treading on the toe, his motion
is a kind of _hop_ with the side affected. Strains of the hock are
easily discovered, by a sort of limping twist in that joint at every
motion of the leg. Lamenesses of the _hip_, _stifle_, and _hock_, are
more likely to be assisted by external applications, judiciously
prescribed, than those which are more deeply seated.
The ligamentary junction of the pastern joints are sometimes greatly
weakened by incessant work and little rest; in unerring proof of which,
they frequently make sudden _drops_, as if falling to the ground. The
knees of many are affected in the same way, and overhang the shank-bone
and fetlock-joint; the moment a tendency to which is perceived, any
horse should be turned out to enjoy the rest he is so individually
entitled to, for want of which salutary and humane attention, very many
good and useful horses have been completely ruined and destroyed. There
is no part of a horse more liable to strains, than the back sinews of
the forelegs; they are materially concerned in every description of
labour, and are always in proportional danger. Whenever these happen,
there is no difficulty in making the discovery; there is an evident
enlargement, with inflammatory tension; and if one leg only is affected,
it is generally placed before the other, and rather upon the toe. In
slight cases of this kind, fomentations of hot vinegar, and
strengthening embrocations, assisted by rest, may produce a restoration;
but, in general practice, without blistering, firing, or both, a
permanent cure is seldom obtained.
SPUR—is the well-known weapon with which the heel of the horseman is
armed to enforce his authority; and which the well-broke horse will
always instantly obey.
STABLE.—Stables are the receptacles for horses in general, and are of
very different descriptions; not only in respect to the various sorts of
horses for which they are intended, but the improved mode of
construction, and the numerous conveniencies they are now made to
contain. As horses were never in such high estimation, or of such
intrinsic worth, as at the present moment, so never was so much money
expended upon their preservation. There can be no doubt, but the health
and condition of valuable horses, may depend much upon the situation and
structure of the stable; and although every person will appropriate the
size of the stable, and the number of stalls, to their own wants, yet
there are certain judicious rules, and desirable conveniencies, which
should admit of no deviation. Whether a stable consists of two stalls,
four, or six, it may be rendered equally uniform, and confidently
replete with every thing that can possibly be required.
It is an established opinion, that a building of BRICK (lined or not
lined with deal) is preferable to STONE for the purpose; the former
being _dry_, and always in the same state: the _latter_ is influenced,
or acted upon, by the changes of weather; and in a hazy atmosphere,
generally _damp_; and in constant (or continued) rains, the walls are
frequently streaming with _water_. This, however, depends much upon the
aspect to which they are erected; a circumstance not always sufficiently
attended to, till it is found too late to repent. Stables are paved with
_bricks_, _clinkers_, _flints_, _pebbles_, or _stone_, as may best
correspond with the conveniences of the country in which they are
erected, and where, perhaps, some of those articles are difficult to
obtain. Stalls should never be less than _six_ feet wide; nor the stable
less than _nine_ feet high: _eight_ feet in the clear should be allowed
from the heels of the horse to the wall behind him; and iron hay-racks
are preferable to wood, as the latter (wherever spirited horses stand)
are always in want of repair. No stables can be called good, unless they
have proper rooms annexed for the reception of SADDLES, BRIDLES, HORSE
CLOTHS, and every article necessary to the proper support of such an
establishment; each of those become more perishable amidst the nocturnal
steam of the horses than by daily use.
Experience has demonstrated the advantages of general cleanliness,
temperate air, (according to the season,) and regular exercise: to the
want of these, in part, or all, may be attributed the ills at INNS and
LIVERY STABLES, as well as the fashionable increase of Veterinarians.
Upon entering the stables of these public receptacles, (particularly if
the door has been a few minutes closed,) the olfactory sensations are
instantly assailed by such a profusion of volatile effluvia, as to
extract moisture from the eyes, in opposition to every endeavour made to
restrain it. Here stand rows of poor patient animals, absolutely
fumigated with the perspirative transpiration of their own bodies,
broiling with _heat_, and panting with _thirst_, in a degree beyond the
temperature of a common hot-house, in the severity of the winter season.
Each horse is observed to stand upon a load of litter (clean at top, and
rotten underneath) very little inferior to a common _cucumber-bed_ in
heigth, with all the _advantages_ of equal _warmth_ from the dung
_below_!
In this unexaggerated state stand hundreds within the environs of the
Metropolis; their owners the complete dupes of _ignorance_,
_indiscretion_, and _imposition_; the animals themselves in a constant
state of languid perspiration, and bodily debility: deprived the
comforts of pure air, and regular exercise, they become dull, sluggish,
and stupid, as if conscious of, and depressed with, their almost
perpetual imprisonment. All this erroneous mode of treatment instantly
affects the eye of experimental observation. The carcase seems an
incongruous accumulation, evidently full, and unnaturally overloaded,
for want of gentle motion, and general friction; the legs become
swelled, stiff, and tumefied; and, sooner or later, terminates in
_cracks_, _scratches_, _grease_, or some more vexatious disorder. The
_hoofs_, by being constantly fixed in a certain degree of heat, begin to
contrast, and get narrow at the heels, holding forth the _pleasing_
promise of hoof-bound lameness. The eyes, from a constant watry
discharge, give proof of habitual weakness; the lassitude of the body,
the heat of the mouth, the general gloom, and every corresponding
circumstance, seems to display a frame the reverse of those whose health
is preserved, and condition promoted, by a system of discipline opposite
in practice, and different in effect. See GROOM.
STAG, OR RED DEER.—The STAG and HIND are the _male_ and _female_ of this
tribe, as the BUCK and DOE are of the _fallow_ deer. The latter are
mostly the natives of parks, and bred for domestic purposes, producing
venison for the table; the former are the majestic inhabitants of those
extensive and sequestered tracts called FORESTS and CHACES, where they
are preserved as more peculiarly appropriated to the pleasures of the
chase, in which even his MAJESTY, with his hunting retinue, condescends
to engage. The STAG, individually surveyed, is one of the grandest and
most stately figures in the animal creation; his very appearance
instantly exciting attention and admiration. Naturally disposed to
solitude, he never obtrudes upon the haunt of man, but revels in the
remote and obscure shades of abstrusity. When caught sight of amidst the
umbrageous stillness of his abode, the grandeur, lofty look, and
commanding aspect, of his first survey, cannot be encountered without
the most aweful and impressive sensations. With ample power to oppose,
he has pliability to submit, and, after a few moments interview,
deliberately retires to his protecting covert, seemingly more
_surprized_ than _alarmed_ at the sight of the HUMAN SPECIES.
In the dignity of his deportment he stands unrivalled, and may, with
allegorical propriety, be considered the hereditary MONARCH of the
WOODS, as every other animal is observed to give way upon his approach.
In his peaceable and undisturbed retirement, he is perfectly tranquil
and inoffensive, displaying no antipathy or opposition to those who come
not in _hostility_ to him. His form is the most sublime and beautiful
that can possibly be conceived; the elegance of his figure, the
commanding effect of his stature, the flexibility of his frame, the
elasticity of his limbs, the velocity of his motion, and the
proportional immensity of his strength, in addition to the impression
made upon the mind by the magnific grandeur of the antlers, branching
from his brow, all seem uniformly calculated to render him an object of
the most serious and pleasing attraction.
The RED DEER, formerly so plentiful to be found in different remote
parts of ENGLAND, the Highlands of SCOTLAND, and the Lake of Killarney,
in IRELAND, are greatly reduced, and but very rarely to be found in a
wild and unpreserved state in either. This must of course be attributed
to the more advantageous distribution and cultivation of land, and the
improved state of every country. STAGS, or HINDS, were then found
_singly_, and hunted or pursued by those who happened to find them; but
now in the Forest of Windsor, and the New Forest in Hampshire, where
they are bred and protected for the ROYAL CHASE, they assemble together;
and upon Ascot Heath, near Swinley Lodge, (the official residence of the
Master of his Majesty's Stag Hounds,) may be seen the largest herd in
the King's dominions.
The colour of both STAG and HIND is a dingy red, with darker tints about
the eyes and mouth: down the upper part of the neck, and over the points
of the shoulders, is a shade of dark brown, bordering upon black: the
countenance is commandingly expressive; the eye beautifully brilliant,
even to poetic celebrity; and his senses of _smelling_ and _hearing_
equal to any animal of this country. When in the least alarmed, his
position is the most majestic; he raises his head to the highest pitch,
erects his ears, swells his neck, extends his nostrils, and snuffs the
air, as if in curious and impatient investigation of the cause by which
it was occasioned. Let this be what it may, he never takes to sudden
flight, without first measuring, by his _eye_ and _ear_, the magnitude
of the danger, and proceeds accordingly. If dogs are not of the party,
men, cattle, or carriages, seem to give him little or no concern; for,
after turning twice or thrice, to take a repeated survey with a kind of
confused admiration, he moves off very deliberately, without any
alarming sensation.
The season for copulation with the deer tribe (see "RUTTING TIME")
begins at the latter end of August and beginning of September, and
terminates in the beginning or middle of October; depending, in that
respect, a little upon the state of the season, and the ages of the
different head of deer; those of two and three years old being
backwarder, of course extending the time beyond those who are older.
From the moment of conception with the hind, to the time of parturition,
is nearly nine lunar months; as they produce in the last week in MAY, or
one of the two first in JUNE. Immediately after impregnation, she
separates herself from the STAG; no intercourse takes place; even common
association ceases; and nothing during the period of gestation ensues,
but mutual and marked indifference. The hind is seldom or ever known to
produce more than one, (which is called a CALF:) this she deposits in
the most remote, sequestered, and best sheltered spot to be procured,
for the purpose of secretion from its numerous enemies, amongst whom
there is none more determined or malicious than the masculine occasion
of its existence, even the sire himself. Mysterious as this may appear,
it is an unexaggerated fact; and the dam, perfectly conscious of the
stag's unnatural propensity, is more industrious to conceal the calf's
retreat from him, than the aggregate of its other enemies.
The CALF, when once it is of strength sufficient to accompany its dam,
never leaves her side during the first summer; and the ensuing winter,
none but the HINDS, and males _under_ a year old, remain together; the
annual separation between the STAGS and HINDS invariably taking place as
before described. During the months of infancy, the courage of the dam,
in defence of her offspring, is equal to any maternal affection of our
own species; she opposes every force, encounters every enemy, exposes
herself to every danger, and hazards her own life to insure the safety
of her young. The hind has but little protection upon the score of
self-preservation, nature having left her without horns, those useful
and ornamental weapons with which the stag is so powerfully armed. The
first year the male has no horns; the second they are straight, and
_single_; the third, they shew _two_ branches; the fourth, _three_; the
fifth, _four_; and the sixth, _five_; when the stag is reckoned
complete, and at his full growth: notwithstanding this, the antlers
continue to increase till there are _six_ or _seven_ on each side; and
though the age of the deer is mostly ascertained by the number, yet it
is not always certain, but is more nicely to be depended on from the
thickness and size of the trunk or body by which they are sustained.
These horns, enormous as they appear, are shed _annually_, which happens
in the latter end of FEBRUARY, or during the month of MARCH; of which
there is a most perfect regeneration before the commencement of the
RUTTING TIME, when they fight for the hind with the most determined and
incredible ferocity. After the season of _rutting_, the stags having
been found too weak to stand long before the hounds, the operation of
castration was adopted; and the stag thus deprived of the means of
propagation, (by the loss of the testes,) feeling no stimulative
propensity to copulate, is never debilitated, but always ready for the
field, and affords _runs_ of great duration. Thus operated upon, they
are then called HEAVIERS; and it is a remarkable fact, that if a stag is
castrated while his horns (alias antlers) are in a state of perfection,
they will never exfoliate: on the contrary, if the operation is
performed when the head is _bare_, the horns will _never_ return.
STAG,—the sporting term for a young GAME COCK during his second year.
For the whole of the first year, he is called a _chicken_; from which
time to the completion of the second, he is a STAG; and from thence
forward, a COCK. In regular matches and mains for considerable sums of
money, very few are brought to Pit before they are of that age; unless
it is made, and so agreed on both sides, in which case it is called a
stag main, or main of stags. See COCKING, GAME COCK, and COCK-PIT ROYAL.
STAG-EVIL—is a disorder of the most distressing kind, to which horses of
the draught kind are more particularly subject: it partakes of the
paralytic stroke and spasmodic affection, coming on suddenly, without
the least previous indication of approaching disease. The muscles become
so instantaneously contracted, that the head is raised to its utmost
heigth, the jaws are fixed, the neck stiff and immoveable, the eyes are
turned upwards, leaving only the whites to be seen; the palpitations of
the heart are exceedingly violent, and the laborious heavings of the
flank incessant. This disorder, difficult as it is in its cause to
define, is always more or less dangerous, in proportion to the mildness
or severity of the attack. If it proceeds from a profuse flux of _blood_
to the BRAIN, in consequence of too great and powerful exertions,
plentiful bleeding, and nervous stimulants, will be the most expeditious
and likely means to relieve.
When its symptoms are so exceedingly severe and alarming, that the jaws
are locked, and no medicines can be administered by the MOUTH, recourse
must be had to _collateral_ aids. Strong hot fomentations, with a
decoction from the most fragrant aromatic garden herbs, under the
_jaws_, behind the _ears_, and both sides the _throat_, followed by
fumigations from _myrrh_, _ammoniacum_, and _assafœtida_, grossly
powdered, and sprinkled upon a hot iron, or fire-shovel, held below the
_nostrils_; glysters of gruel, in which _valerian root_ has been boiled,
and _assafœtida_ dissolved, with an addition of _liquid laudanum_ and
_olive oil_ to each, and repeatedly frequently; are the only means,
properly persevered in, that can afford any hope or expectation of
success. These exertions are in general too much trouble for the lower
order of the Veterinary tribe, who fly to their _favourite_ and
_contemptible_ introduction of a ROWEL, many hours before which can
become productive in its effect, death closes the scene, and relieves
the subject from its accumulated misery.
STAGGERS.—This is likewise a disorder of the head, to which horses of
the same description are constantly liable, bearing in many respects no
distant affinity to the former; for although it cannot be deemed the
very same disease, yet, as it is known to derive its origin from the
same cause, it is evidently entitled to rank in the same class. BRACKEN,
who speaks of it with more scientific and professional precision than
any writer before or since, assimilates it to the _apoplexy_ and
_epilepsy_ of the human frame, and enters into an anatomical
disquisition of many pages to justify his opinion. He most judiciously
attributes it to its proper and only cause, a plethoric state of the
body; and that by the preternatural distension of all the vessels, the
blood is more forcibly propelled upon the brain, from whence
inflammation (in a greater or less degree) consequently ensues; making
the following remark, to which every experienced practitioner will yield
his unqualified approbation.
"That where one creature dies of a distempered brain from the loss of
_too much_ blood, there are _twenty_ lives _lost_ for want of taking
away a _sufficient_ quantity." In direct conformity with the opinion of
BRACKEN upon the subject of REPLETION, may be quoted a plain and true,
but less scientific remark of CAPTAIN BURDON, in his _Pocket Farrier_;
who, for want of more polished terms, and technical phraseology, thus
expresses himself: "Don't let your horse stand too long without
exercise; it fills his belly too full of meat, and his veins too full of
blood; and from hence the staggers, and many other distempers, proceed."
Admitting the affinity between the DISEASES, as lethargy, or
sleeping-evil, falling-evil, or convulsions, frenzy and madness,
stag-evil, or staggers, all practitioners consider them _individually_ a
species of APOPLEXY, originating in nearly the same cause, and to be
relieved only by the same means. Under which conjunctive authority,
plentiful bleedings, repeated stimulative glysters, and internally,
assafœtida, camphor, valerian, castor, and such other ingredients as
powerfully act upon the nervous system, constitute the whole that can
with consistency be introduced in all cases of a similar description.
STAG-HUNTING—is one of the most rapturous and enchanting pursuits within
the privilege or power of the human frame and mind to enjoy. As HUNTING,
in its general sense, is known to comprise an imaginary view of
different kinds under that concise term, so various remarks will be
found upon _each_, under the heads of CHASE, FOX-HUNTING, HARRIERS, and
HUNTING; rendering unnecessary the introduction of _new_, or repetition
of _former_ matter, more than what may strictly appertain to the
distinct sport now before us.
Opposite opinions have always been entertained by the advocates for each
particular kind of chase, as may have proved most applicable and
convenient to their situation, occasions, residence, and time of life.
That every description of HUNTING has its proportional attraction to its
distinct and different votaries is well known; but the constant struggle
for superiority in vindication of their _respective sports_, has ever
been between those who hunt FOX and those who hunt STAG; each being
equally violent in defence of the cause his private or personal reasons
prompt him to espouse. MR. DANIEL, in his "Rural Sports," when
animadverting upon the STAG, makes the following remarks: "At the
present day, as an object of chase to the sportsman, the stag requires
but cursory mention: those, indeed, who are fond of pomp and parade in
hunting, will not accede to this opinion; but the only mode in which
this chase can recommend itself to the _real_ sportsman, is, when the
deer is looked for, and found, like other game which hounds pursue. At
present very few hounds, except those of the royal establishment, are
kept exclusively for this amusement; and were the KING once to see a fox
well found, and killed handsomely, he would, in all, probability, give a
decided preference in favour of fox-hounds; for what a marked difference
is there between conveying, in a covered cart, an animal, nearly as big
as the horse that draws it, to a particular spot, where he is liberated,
and cheerly riding to the covert side with all the ecstacy of hope and
expectation!"
After quoting a few lines of beautiful imagery from the poetic sublime
of SOMERVILE, descriptive of throwing off, the drag, the unkenneling,
and breaking covert with fox-hounds, he proceeds thus: "The most
impassioned stag-hunter must confess, that no part of his chase admits
of such description. The only variety he can fairly expect, depends upon
the wind and the temper of the deer, who, by being either sulky, or not
in condition to maintain a contest with the hounds, (to whom he leaves a
burning scent, that gives them no trouble in the pursuit,) shortens or
extends his gallop; but there is none of the enthusiasm of hunting,
which the sportsman feels, when he is following an animal, upon whose
own exertions of speed and craftiness his life is staked; and where no
stoppages, but the checks arising from the two sources above mentioned,
intervene."
Without the most distant intent of endeavouring to depreciate the noble,
exhilarating, delightful, and universally admitted excellence of
FOX-HUNTING, (of which, by the bye, no adequate description can issue
from the pen,) such few remarks may be made, as will display the sport
of STAG-HUNTING in a different point of view to that in which the writer
just mentioned has been pleased to place the picture; and probably
rescue it from any little stigma of _disgrace_, or _inferiority_, which
his promulgated opinion may have stamped upon the canvass. There is
positively no instance in which the philosophic decision of SIR ROGER DE
COVERLEY ("much may be said on both sides") could have been more
strictly applicable, or more truly verified, than upon the present
occasion. The candid, judicious and experienced sportsman will readily
admit, that each retains its attractions too powerful to resist, as well
as some inconveniencies impossible to remove: these, however, are
reconcileable to the modification of those whose motives induce them to
engage in either.
Previous to the recital of a chase with the STAG-HOUNDS, a few
preparatory and comparative remarks are due to the observations already
quoted from the justly popular work of MR. DANIEL. That there are but
"few establishments" of the kind is certainly true, and for a most
substantial reason; if they were numerous, the question would instantly
present itself, from _whence_ are they to be supplied with GAME? The
idea of "the KING'S giving the preference to FOX-HUNTING, if he had once
seen a fox well _found_, and _killed_ handsomely," is an entire new
thought; and affords immediate mental reference to the degradation of
MAJESTIC DIGNITY, should it ever be found making its _dreary way_
through the _bushy brambles_ of a BEECHEN WOOD two or three miles in
length, following the chase by the reverberating sounds of distant
holloas! but without the _sight_ or _sound_ of a single hound. This is a
constantly occurring trait in FOX-HUNTING, constituting no small
drawback on its boasted _perfection_.
Whichever kind of chase is pursued, the ultimatum of enjoyment is much
the same; horses, hounds, air, exercise, health, society, and
exhilaration, constitute the aggregate: and TIME, which, to the opulent
and independent, seems of _trifling_ value, is to the scientific
inquisitant, or professional practitioner, neither more nor less than a
LIFE ESTATE, no part of which should be _wasted_ or squandered away. The
former class, in general, are industriously engaged in _killing_ time:
the latter, who know and feel its worth, are as constantly employed in
its preservation. The loss of time in the enjoyment of the two chases,
is nearly or full _half_ between the one and the other: this is a
circumstance, however, not likely to attract the _serious_ attention of
the gentleman who has thus attacked the "_pomp_ and _parade_" of hunting
the STAG; for as a clerical character, he had, of course, all the week
upon his hands, being _particularly_ engaged only on A SUNDAY. To one of
this description, who has most of his time to _kill_, and very little to
employ, a long and dreary day through the gloomy coverts of a dirty
country, without a _single challenge_, or one consolatory _chop_ of
drag, must prove a scene of the most enchanting enjoyment; and in the
very zenith of _exultation_, it must be acknowledged by professed and
_energetic_ FOX-HUNTERS, that riding thirty or forty miles in wet and
dirt, (replete with alternate hope, suspense, and expectation,) to enjoy
the supreme happiness of repeated disappointments, terminating with a
_blank day_, is equal, if not superior, to a STAG HUNT of even the first
description.
STAG HOUNDS are very rarely kept, and the sport but little known in many
parts of the kingdom: those of the most celebrity are the Royal
Establishment upon Ascot Heath, in Windsor Forest, (see "KING'S
HOUNDS;") the Earl of Derby's, near the Downs, in Surrey; and the
Subscription Pack near Enfield Chace. The greatest inducement to hunt
with either of which, is, the invariable _certainty_ of _sport_, that
first object of desirable attainment, not to be insured with hounds of a
different description; the great gratification of going away with the
pack, and covering a scope of country, without perpetual interruption
from frequent intervening coverts, where checks, faults, delays, and a
repetition of _wood riding_, so often ensue. Stag-hunting, indifferently
as it is spoken of by some, is too _severe_ and _arduous_ for others to
pursue: laborious as it is to the HORSE, it is in many cases not less so
to the RIDER: difficulties occur which require great exertions in one,
and fortitude in the other, to surmount, and none but those can lay at
all by the side of the hounds.
Rapturously transporting as is the moment of meeting and throwing off
with fox hounds, no less so is the awefully impressive prelude to
turning out the deer. The scene is affectingly grand, far beyond the
descriptive power of the pen, and can only be seen, to be perfectly
understood. Unless an outlying deer is drawn for, and found in the
neighbouring woods, as is sometimes the case, a STAG, HIND, or HEAVIER,
is carted from the paddocks of his Majesty at Swinley Lodge, (where they
are previously and properly fed for the chase,) and brought at a certain
hour, (ten o'clock in the morning,) to the place appointed, of which the
surrounding neighbourhood have been sufficiently informed. At the
distance of a quarter or half a mile from the covered convenience
containing the deer, are the hounds, surrounded by the Huntsman and his
assistants, (called Yeoman-Prickers,) in scarlet and gold; a part of
these having French horns, and upon which they must be good performers.
In a very short time after the expiration of the hour agreed on, his
MAJESTY is seen to approach, attended by the MASTER of the HORSE, and
Equerries in waiting; it being the official duty of the MASTER of the
STAG-HOUNDS to be with _them_, and ready to receive his Majesty when he
arrives. So soon as his Majesty resigns his hack, and is remounted for
the chase, the Huntsman receives an injunctive signal from the Master of
the Hounds to liberate the deer. The moment which is obeyed, the usual
_law_, amounting to ten minutes, (more or less,) is allowed for his
_going way_: during this interval the sonorous strains of the HORNS, the
musical melodious echo of the HOUNDS, the mutual gratulations of so
distinguished an assemblage, and the condescending kindness and
affability of the SOVEREIGN to the loyal subjects who love and surround
him, is a repast too rich, a treat too luxurious, for the side of a
fox-hunting covert to be brought into the least successful similitude.
The anxious crisis thus arrived, and every bosom glowing with emulative
inspiration, a single aspiration of acquiescence, and a removal of the
horse who heads the leading hound, give a loose to the _body_ of the
PACK; and superlatively happy he who can lay the nearest to them. Upon
the DEER'S going off from the cart, two of the YEOMAN-PRICKERS start
likewise, in such parallel directions to the _right_ and _left_, as not
to lose sight of the line he takes so long as they can keep him in
_view_; by which means they get five or six miles forward to assist in
_stopping_ the _hounds_ at any particular point where they happen to run
up to them: and if it was not for this prudent and necessary precaution,
half or _two thirds_ of the horsemen would never see the hounds again in
the course of the day.
The joyous burst, and determined velocity of every hound, followed by
upwards of a hundred horsemen, all in action at a single view; the spot
embellished, or rather variegated, with carriages containing ladies, who
come to enjoy the ceremony of _turning out_; and the emulative exertions
of HORSES, HOUNDS, and MEN; afford a blaze of sporting brilliancy beyond
the power of the utmost mental fertility to describe. At this moment of
rapturous exultation only it is, that the kind of horse indispensibly
necessary for this particular chase can be ascertained; for out of a
hundred and twenty, thirty, forty, or a hundred and fifty horsemen,
_seven_ or _eight_ only shall lay any where near, or within a hundred
yards of the hounds; for the longer the burst, the more the slow-going
horses _tail_; so that when the hounds are _stopt_ upon the heath, or in
an open country, by the few who _are up_, lines of horsemen are seen
behind, more than a mile in length, getting forward in a variety of
directions, bearing no inapplicable affinity to various teams of _wild
ducks_ crossing from one country to another. These horses, to whom it is
all labour, are so distrest even with the _first burst_, that if the
hounds break away, and the deer crosses the country, they are seldom to
be seen at the end of a _second_. This is a most palpable and
incontrovertible demonstration, that _any_ horse may _follow_, but none,
except THOROUGHBRED horses, can go _with_ the hounds.
During the time the chase is suspended, and the hounds are at bay,
(which is till the King gets up,) the exhilarating sound of the horns
before them, and the clamorous impatience of the hounds to proceed,
constitute a scene so truly rich and ecstatic, that the tear of
excessive joy and grateful sensibility may be frequently observed in
almost every eye. After this relief of a few minutes to both HOUNDS and
HORSES, in which they collect their _wind_, and become proportionally
refreshed, the hounds are permitted to break away, which they do with a
redoubled ardour, as if it had absolutely increased by their recent
restraint. The same scene of racing and _tailing_ continues during every
_burst_ to the termination of the chase, the longer which is, the more
the field of horsemen become reduced; while the blood horses only move
in perfect unison, and, at their common rating stroke, lay with _ease_
by the _side_ of the HOUNDS; and this is the reason why, in _long_ runs,
so many are completely _thrown out_, and left to explore their way in
different parts of the country through which the chase has passed. One
material difference is known to exist between this kind of sport and
every other; the utmost fortitude and indefatigable exertions are _here_
made to _save_: in all the rest, the summit of happiness, the sole
gratification of local ambition, is to _kill_: so that, at any rate,
STAG-HUNTING has the plea of HUMANITY in its favor; in proof of which,
the hounds are never known to run from _chase_ to _view_, but every
individual is feelingly alive to the _danger_ of the DEER, who have so
largely and laboriously contributed to the completion of his own most
ardent happiness: a secret inspiration operates upon every latent spring
of human sensibility; and no difficulty at the moment seems too great to
surmount, for the preservation of a life in which every spectator feels
himself most impressively concerned. This final burst of a chase is most
dreadfully severe, particularly if the last mile or two is _run in
view_; when which is the case, the deer exerts all his utmost and
remaining power to take the _soil_, if water is within his reach: this
he sometimes does with the hounds so close to his haunches, that it is
impossible to prevent their plunging with him into the stream. In such
predicament, if it is found impracticable to draw off the body of the
hounds, to insure his safety, the YEOMAN PRICKERS, and _others_, are
frequently seen above their middles in water, (uncertain of its depth,)
to preserve the life of the DEER, at the hazard of their own. This may
be considered, by the recluse and callous Cynic, a degree of valour
beyond discretion; but the debt of humanity, like the Hibernian Major's
_word_ in the Comedy, is "a DEBT of HONOUR, and must be _paid_."
The most moderate chases with the stag extend from an hour and a half to
two hours; though from three to four hours is by no means uncommon in
the course of the season. Horses too deficient in speed, too heavy in
formation, too full in flesh, or foul in condition, frequently fall
martyrs to a want of judgment or prudence in their RIDERS during the
_chase_: every man ought to know when his horse is dangerously
distressed, and of course should bow implicit obedience to the occasion:
there are times when _self-denial_ would add lustre to the brow of a
MONARCH; and it never can be displayed with a more humane effect, than
when in the defence and preservation of so useful an animal; who, being
deprived the privilege of free agency, is not possessed of the power to
protect himself: under the influence of which consideration, there is
not a SPORTSMAN of EXPERIENCE or HUMANITY existing, who would not
philosophically retire with patience from the field, to save the life of
a faithful persevering companion, than to see him _sink_ (never more to
rise) a victim to inadvertency, folly, or indiscretion. In a severe
chase of more than _four hours_, recited in the former part of the Work,
(where the stag was taken at Tilehurst, near Reading, in Berkshire,) one
horse dropped dead in the field, another died before he could reach a
stable, and seven more in the course of a week. The concluding ceremony
of the chase is the preservation of the deer, the baying of the hounds,
and the melodious concert of the horns; after which the former are drawn
off, and the stag, hind, or heavier, is deposited in a place of safety,
from whence he is taken the following day, in a convenient vehicle
constructed for the purpose.
The regular hunting days with the STAG hounds of his Majesty, are
_Tuesdays_ and _Saturdays_, from Holyrood Day (Sept. 25) to the first
Saturday in May; except in Christmas and Easter Weeks, in each of which
they hunt three times. The two grand or most public days, are HOLYROOD
DAY and EASTER MONDAY, when the field is uncommonly numerous;
particularly if the weather favourably corresponds with the occasion.
STALING—is the evacuation of urine by either horse or mare, which is at
some times partially obstructed, and at others totally suppressed. The
secretion of urine may be retarded from a variety of causes; such as
injuries sustained in the spine, particularly in the LOINS, near which
the _kidnies_ are seated; and these, from their irritability, are also
easily susceptible of disease, by which the discharge may be affected.
The urine, with a horse or mare in a healthy state, should flow in a
moderate stream, of a transparent colour, midway between a brown and
red; not inclining to a milky, foul consistence, or tending to a tinge
of blood. The evacuation should take place with ease, perfectly free
from laborious groanings, and equally so from partial dribblings, or
periodical trifling stoppings, which always denote a something imperfect
in the secretion, or some obstruction in the urinary passages.
Staling, when the urine is strongly impregnated with appearance of
blood, should be early attended to, as it is mostly occasioned by some
serious injury to the kidnies, or elsewhere. It is very frequently
brought on by hard, long and immoderate riding, or drawing; and may be
the effect of a rupture of some blood-vessel, the seat of which it may
be impossible to ascertain: if it should be a discharge of nearly pure
blood, and that in any considerable quantity, great danger may be
apprehended. Bleeding (to constitute revulsion) is a preliminary step to
every degree of hope, followed by small quantities of nitre in powder,
blended with equal parts of gum Arabic in the same state. Gelatinous
fluids, as oatmeal gruel, or malt sweet-wort, with _nursing_, _rest_,
and small doses of LIQUID LAUDANUM, are the only means to be pursued.
STALL.—The partitions into which a stable is divided are denominated
STALLS; and the space allotted to each horse is called a stall. These,
in stables constructed with judgment, and erected with a necessary
respect to health and convenience, should never be less than nine or ten
feet high, and six feet wide: the heighth will contribute much to the
equal temperature of the air; and the width will contribute to the
comfort of the horse in an occasional extension of his extremities, as
well as prevent many of those injuries sustained in too suddenly turning
in narrow and confined stalls, particularly in the common livery stables
of the Metropolis. In many large equestrian and hunting establishments
there are single stalls (called loose boxes) of such dimensions as are
adapted to the accommodation of horses either _sick_ or _lame_, where
they are then at liberty to expand at full length, and enabled to roll
at their ease: these are of great utility, and few sportsmen continue
long without them.
STALLION—is the appellation given to a perfect horse, not mutilated by
the operation of _castration_, but preserved in a state of nature, for
the purpose of propagation. Stallions should be of great strength,
according to the distinct breed they are intended to promote, of correct
shape, uniform make, and corresponding symmetry; free from every kind of
hereditary taint; good eyes, long forehand, short back, round barrel,
wide chest, straight legs, free from splents before, and spavins behind.
Although it is a difficult task to obtain perfection, some little
circumspection may be necessary, in coming as near to it as
circumstances and situation will permit. Experimental observation has
produced demonstration, that stallions really blind, or with eyes
defective, have produced colts of similar description; such defects not
appearing in their first _two_ or _three_ years, nor, indeed, till they
have been worked, and the powers brought into action. Instances are
never wanting of the great number annually disposed to breed, who as
annually _repent_ for want of these prudent precautions. Not only the
above points, but the temper and disposition of a stallion should be
also attended to: vicious and restive horses should be equally avoided;
those imperfections are very frequently transmitted from _sire_ to
_son_, and continued to posterity.
Stallions of the racing kind were never known to have covered at so high
a price as in the memory of the present generation. _Marsk_, after the
appearance of that prodigy _Eclipse_, covered a certain number of mares
at 100 guineas each; and none now of the first celebrity, cover at less
than ten, fifteen, or twenty. Those in the highest sporting estimation,
and announced for the present season, 1803, are _Alexander_, at 10
guineas; _Ambrosio_, 10 guineas; _Beningbrough_, 10 guineas; _Buzzard_,
10 guineas; _Coriander_, 10 guineas; _Dungannon_, 10 guineas; and _Sir
Harry_, at five. _Hambletonian_, 10 guineas; and _Patriot_, at five.
_Volunteer_, at 10 guineas; and _Shuttle_, at five. _Pegasus_,
_Precipitate_, and _Sir Solomon_, at 10 guineas each. _Stamford_,
_Idris_, _Meteor_, and _Mr. Teazle_, at five. _Sir Peter Teazle_, 15
guineas; _Young Eclipse_, 20 guineas; _Whisky_, _Worthy_, and _Waxy_, at
10 guineas; _Trumpator_, eight guineas; _Oscar_, at six. _Grouse_,
_Gouty_, _Fidget_, _Totteridge_, _Don Quixote_, and _Old Tat_, at five
guineas; and _Petworth_, _Stickler_, _Warter_, _Gamenut_, _Moorcock_,
(brother to _Grouse_,) and _Zachariah_, at three.
The following famous stallions died at or about the dates annexed to
their names. _Old Fox_, in 1738, aged 23 years. _Old Partner_, 1747,
aged 29. The GODOLPHIN _Arabian_, 1753, 29. _Old Cade_, 1756. The BOLTON
_Starling_, 1757. _Snip_, the same year. _Young Cade_, 1764. _Old
Marsk_, July 1779. _King Herod_, May 12, 1780. _Matchem_, February 21,
1781. _Imperator_, 1786. _Morwick Ball_, January 4, 1787, aged 25 years.
_Eclipse_, February 26, 1789, in his 26th year. _Goldfinder_, in 1789.
_Fortitude_, the same year. _Conductor_, in 1790. _Phlegon_, the same
year. _Faggergill_, 1791; and _Florizel_, the same year. _Fortunio_,
_Jupiter_, and _Soldier_, all died in 1802.
STANDARD—is the name of an instrument by which the exact heighth of a
horse is taken (to the eighth of an inch) when engaged to carry _weight_
for _inches_, or entered to run for a GIVE and TAKE PLATE. The standard
is about six feet six inches high, and so constructed with a line and
pendulum, in the centre of a circle, that no mismeasurement, by fraud or
imposition, can take place. The standard is one straight square piece of
oak or mahogany, and divided, from the top to the bottom, in figured
spaces of _four inches_ each; every space of which is termed a HAND; so
that a horse of fifteen hands is precisely _five feet high_. From the
standard branches horizontally a projecting arm, of about twenty inches,
or two feet in length, which sliding upwards or downwards, is raised
higher, or sunk lower, with the hand, till it rests easily upon the
extreme point of the wither; when, by looking at the proper suspension
of the pendulum and the figures at the same time, the heighth of the
horse is instantly ascertained.
STAR—is the white centrical spot in the forehead of a horse, directly
between, and rather above, the eyes. These are considered great natural
ornaments in _bays_, _chestnuts_, _browns_, and _blacks_; inducing
DEALERS to remedy the deficiencies of nature by the obtrusion of art.
This is effected by scraping off the hair carefully with a razor, from
the part where the intended star is to appear, when, by wetting the
surface with oil of vitriol, an eschar will soon appear, when which
exfoliates, it is followed by a growth of hair of the colour required.
STARING OF THE COAT.—This external appearance in a horse, so strikingly
denotes him _out_ of _condition_, or _diseased_, that it never escapes
the eye of the most superficial observer. It is originally occasioned by
a sudden collapsion of the porous system, from an exposure to cold
chilling rains, after having been previously heated; a change from a
warm stable to one less comfortable, and a consequent viscidity of the
blood; or from a low, impoverished, and acrimonious state of the
circulation. See HIDEBOUND, SURFEIT, and MANGE.
STARTING,—in horses, is an imperfection, if it becomes habitual, that is
of the most dangerous description. It is exceedingly different from a
horse _skittish_, _wanton_, and _playful_ only, for which the rider is
always prepared; and if a good horseman, it is generally as pleasing to
one as to the other. But when a horse is eternally in fear, and alarmed
at every object unlike himself, he not only sometimes snorts and stops
suddenly in the midst of a rapid career of either _trot_ or _gallop_,
but, by an instantaneous spring of five or six feet, brings the rider
over his head, or dismounts him on one side or the other. It is not at
all matter of surprise, that most of the young horses brought from the
country, should at first be alarmed at the infinite variety and velocity
of carriages, as well as with other strange and unaccountable objects,
to which they must have been entirely unaccustomed before they reached
the environs of the Metropolis. Horses of this description,
(good-tempered, and not viciously inclined,) are never known to be long
so disposed, provided they are treated tenderly, and encouraged mildly
to pass the object by which they have been so suddenly, accidentally,
and perhaps unnecessarily, alarmed; but when the fools who ride them
permit _passion_ and _inhumanity_ to predominate over reason, obstinacy
on one side often begets opposition on the other, and accident or death
frequently ensues; in confirmation of which, the following fact may be
applicably introduced, as a check to the impetuosity of those _heroes_
on horseback, with which every road, and every country, so plentifully
abound.
Some few years since, a medical practitioner, of much celebrity in the
town of Putney, not many miles from London, being suddenly called from
home upon a professional occasion, happened to meet a broad wheel waggon
upon the turnpike road, at which the horse being greatly terrified,
immediately started, and sprung to a considerable distance, producing,
in fact, no small degree of alarm and passionate mortification in the
rider; who most inconsiderately adopted the usual mode of attempting to
obtain by _violence_, what might have been probably acquired in an equal
space of time with _patience_ and _philosophy_. Not affording time to
recollect that the horse had his sensations of joy, fear, surprise, and
dread of danger, in an equal degree with himself, he immediately
proceeded to the use of _whip_ and _spur_, till the horse approached the
waggon, which the poor complying animal no sooner did, in obedience to
his master, than a sudden gust of wind passing under the tilt, raised it
in such a manner just in the face of the horse, that so strange and
aweful a renewal of the first alarm repeated the start, and with such
violence, that the rider was dismounted, and the wheels going over his
body, he lost his life upon the spot. A retention of this transaction in
the memory of every juvenile or inexperienced reader, may, perhaps,
prove an applicable preventive to unmanly passion at the very moment of
its intentional exertion.
STERN.—The tail of the HOUND, or GREYHOUND, is sportingly so called.
STEW—is a small reservoir of water, to which fish are brought from
larger receptacles where they are bred or caught, and there deposited
for the daily use of the family, the supply being constantly kept up in
proportion to the domestic consumption.
STIFLE.—The part of a horse called the stifle, is the projecting point
of the hind-quarter, which comes forward under the flank towards the
belly, forming an angular joint from the round bone above to the hock
below. Injuries are not often sustained at this junction; and when they
are, it is much oftener by neglect, a blow, or inadvertence, than by
unavoidable accident. Lameness in this part can receive no assistance
from bandage; fomentation, embrocation, and rest, are the only means
that can be adopted to obtain _relief_; for when a lameness in the
stifle is severe, or of long standing, a perfect cure is seldom obtained.
STIRRUP—is the well-known polished iron convenience suspended from each
side of the saddle; of a proper shape, make, and size, to receive and
support the foot, for the joint promotion of ease and safety. Upon the
length of the leather strap (called stirrup-leather) entirely depends
the graceful position of the rider, and his command of the horse; if
which is _too short_, he is in danger, upon any start or sudden exertion
of the horse, of being thrown over his head: if they are _too long_, he
is in an equally aukward predicament; for having then no assisting
support, but the internal part of the knees, they must, if the horse is
a rough goer, be soon in a state of laceration. The proper length of the
stirrup-leathers, for either field or road, is so as to be able, when
sitting firm upon the saddle, to disengage the foot from the stirrup
with one action of drawing back, and to receive it again with the
reverse. In racing, the stirrups are required a degree shorter; as it is
by the joint and corresponding support of the knees, and the strength of
the arms and shoulders, that the horse is held to his stroke.
STONE.—This is a sporting term upon the TURF, and used in _matches_,
_plates_, and _sweepstakes_, to denote or imply what weight each horse
is to carry; that is, so many STONE, so many POUNDS. Every stone is
_fourteen_ pounds, and this is called "horseman's weight," in
contra-distinction to a common stone, of _eight_ pounds, by which meat,
and other articles in trade, are sold.
STOAT.—The stoat is a most mischievous little animal, very much
resembling the weasel, and at a small distance, when running, not to be
readily distinguished from each other. They abound near large farms
surrounded with corn-ricks and faggot-piles, under each of which they
ensure to a certainty never-failing protection. This diminutive pest,
though but from two to three inches in heighth, (ten inches long, the
tail half the length of its body, disgustingly hairy, and pointed with
black, the edges of the ears and the toes both of a cream-coloured
white,) is a most indefatigable, determined, and destructive enemy to
GAME in all its _forms_, and POULTRY in all its _branches_.
STRAIN.—See SPRAIN.
STRANGLES—is a disorder to which young horses in general are always
liable, and few or none escape, any more than children escape the
small-pox, hooping-cough, or measles. It first displays itself in a
heaviness of the head, a dulness of the eyes, a reluctance to action, a
heat in the mouth, and a gradually declining appetite: this is followed
by a swelling in the concavity beneath the under jaw, which being
centrical, is sometimes surrounded by two or three tumefactions of
smaller formation. These, in their progress to maturation, are
frequently slow, and require patient perseverance in external
application; for in all cases of suppuration, NATURE may be _led_, but
will never be _driven_. During the time the matter is forming, and
progressively getting into a state of concoction, an _internal_ soreness
of the _throat_ correspondingly comes on, and is followed by an almost
or total refusal of food. When it is ascertained that STRANGLES is the
true face of the disorder, care must be taken to avoid bleeding, and
every kind of medical evacuants, which would tend to embarrass Nature in
her own efforts, and protract the crisis of disease; upon which the very
safety of the horse, and his expeditious cure, entirely depend.
The strangles is a disorder standing in much greater need of nursing,
and constant stable attendance, than the least medical interposition:
the system requires to be kept up by art, and every nutritious attention
in proportion as the appetite has been observed to decline. In its
earliest stage, no attempt whatever should be made at repulsion, (by
external astringents, or any spirituous application whatever;) on the
contrary, hot emollient fomentations to the part, (with two sponges dipt
in the decoction alternately for a quarter of an hour daily,) followed
directly with stimulative poultices of a proper heat, _repeated_ and
_patient_ offers of gruel and sweet-wort, mixed a little warm in a pail
perfectly clean, and free from grease. Small quantities of mash
(prepared of ground malt and bran, equal parts) should, at proper
intervals, be placed in the manger: these and the gruel being constantly
refused, the case will then require the additional adoption of a
pectoral cordial ball, to be dissolved in a pint of gruel, and mildly
insinuated about a third part with the horn at each time, till the whole
is got down; and this should be repeated three times in every
twenty-four hours, till the tumor is broke, and the crisis arrives; when
which is observed, if the aperture is too small, it may be a little
enlarged with the point of any instrument, that the matter may the more
easily run off. To promote this, the poultice, covering a pledget of
digestive ointment, should be continued for two or three days, when a
cure is soon effected. Two or three doses of physic, or a course of
alteratives, is always necessary after this disease.
STRANGURY—is a temporary suppression of urine in horses, brought on more
by the indiscretion of their riders or drivers, than any morbid
affection, or constitutional defect in the horse. It may proceed from a
spasmodic stricture upon the sphincter, or the neck of the bladder,
occasioned by a too long retention of urine; in continuing an immoderate
length of time on the road, or in the field, during which the distrest
animal has no opportunity to stale; as well as from a slight
inflammation, or tendency to tumefaction, in the kidnies; likewise from
calculous concretions in the bladder, jaggy particles of which may
irritate, and painfully plug up the urinary passages. Some horses feel
great pain when labouring under the suppression, which, when judiciously
managed, seldom proves more than a temporary inconvenience.
Instantaneous bleeding will sometimes, by unloading the vessels, take
off the stricture, and produce instantaneous effect. If the horse is
perpetually straining to stale, evacuating only a few drops, or partial
dribblings, two or three cloves of a separated onion, or divided garlic,
may be insinuated, and left within each side of the sheath; in addition
to which, a large sponge, dipt in very warm water, and repeatedly
applied to the neighbouring parts, will assist; those local applications
proving salutary and expeditious substitutes for the more tedious
process of medicine internally administered. In cases of long
continuance, and increasing emergency, more commanding means must be
adopted; of which DIURETIC BALLS, with a drachm of _camphire_, and a few
grains of _opium_ incorporated with each, and periodically repeated,
will be found to answer the most sanguine expectation.
STRING-HALT.—This defect in a horse is a kind of spasmodic jerk, or
sudden twitching of one or other of the hind-legs in action, and has
been, in different opinions, attributed to various causes, and probably
by none to the right; as there is no one disorder, disease, defect, or
imperfection, to which the horse is liable, upon the origin, progress,
or cure of which so little has been introduced. It is conjecturally said
by some "to be brought on by sudden colds, after severe riding or hard
labour, particularly by washing a horse when hot with cold water; a
practice too common, and erroneously ridiculous; and that it may also be
produced by blows or bruises near the hock." All this may be well upon
the score of speculative amusement, but it forms no feature of
scientific disquisition. The string-halt, from its appearance, must
palpably originate in a previous distortion of some part of the
ligamentary junction; or a preternatural contraction, (or partial
rupture,) of its muscular appendages; in either or both of which, no
regular road to relief can be adverted to without a much greater
probability of repentant trouble and mortifying disappointment.
STUBBED.—A horse is said to have sustained this injury, when in hunting
amongst the stumps of newly cut coverts and underwood, he is punctured,
cut, or bruised, in any part of the foot, coronet, or fetlock, by some
of the infinity of stubs with which newly cut copses so plentifully
abound. When accidents of this kind happen, the applications must depend
entirely upon the magnitude of the injury received. In all slight cases,
amounting to little more than simple laceration, Friar's balsam,
tincture of myrrh, or even common vinegar, may soon close the mouths of
the vessels, harden the surface, and effect a cure. Where swelling and
inflammation ensue, poultices must follow; and WOUNDS must of course be
treated as _such_. Although misfortunes may frequently occur, and
cannot, even by the most circumspect, be always avoided, yet it is
certain, more horses are stubbed by the folly and indiscretion of those
who ride them, than by any casual or inevitable occurrences of the chase.
STUD—is a term applicable to three distinct meanings, and is so used in
its different significations. A stud, in its more extended acceptation,
applies to an aggregate collection of horses, without giving priority to
any particular sort; as the person having a great number of horses, is
said to have _a very large stud_; but the term, in its divided and
sub-divided state, proves more extensively comprehensive. One is in
possession of a very expensive RACING STUD; another has a numerous STUD
of HUNTERS; and a third, still more opulent, or still more
_fashionable_, shall have a BREEDING STUD, to produce an annual supply
for the two preceding. The management of each _individually_, is now so
perfectly understood, by those perpetually engaged in the practice, that
no information can be derived from literary or theoretic inculcation.
STUD-BOOK—is the hereditary deposit of PEDIGREE, transmitted from one
generation to another, and punctually preserved by the proprietor of
every RACING STUD of eminence in the kingdom; in which may be retraced
the exact lineal descent of each HORSE and MARE, from the earliest time
in which _racing blood_ began to bear a promise of estimation. From a
most industrious and elaborate accumulative collection of these, Mr.
Weatherby has given to the public, a full, clear, explanatory and
well-authenticated pedigree of between four and five thousand of the
best bred horses who have raced and covered in England, Scotland, and
Ireland. This publication bears the title of "Weatherby's General
Stud-Book;" and must, to every sportsman of taste and literature, prove
a most useful and entertaining volume.
STUMBLING—is so great an imperfection in a horse, that it affects his
intrinsic worth, in proportion to the readiness with which it is
perceived. Horses having short forehands, large heads, and thick
shoulders, are the most subject to this defect of any other formation:
those low at the point of the withers, (which is called being lower
_before_ than _behind_,) in addition to the deficiencies already
mentioned, are the worst of _stumblers_; the whole forming such a
combination of _bad points_, as not to leave one enlivening hope of
reformation. A horse addicted to _stumbling_, occasions so many dreadful
sensations to the rider, that he may almost as well encounter so many
shocks of electricity. Those who unluckily get into possession of such,
cannot separate too soon. The old sportsman never rides a _stumbler_
more than _once_, which he thinks _once_ too _often_.
SURBATING—is a term getting into disuse, and with the last of the old
school of farriery will in a few years be buried in total oblivion: this
it well deserves to be, as a word without either meaning or derivation.
Insignificant as it sounds, it has been, till within a very few years,
used to signify a hoof so _battered_, _bruised_, and _worn_, with bad
shoeing, bad shoes, and sometimes with _no shoes at all_, that the
horse, having hardly any feet to stand upon, was then said to be
_surbated_; which, in more explanatory and comprehensive language, is
neither more or less than the sole of the foot so completely destroyed,
(by the means before-mentioned,) that a horse in such situation is now
said to be foot-foundered, who was formerly said to be surbated.
SURFEIT.—In respect to the disease in horses so called, it seems, with
most veterinary writers of the preceding and present time, to be an
almost indefinite or undefined term. It is not only differently
described, but attributed to various causes; without the superfluous
investigation of which, it is only necessary to observe, that it is the
effect of acrimonious morbidity in the blood, possessing gradational
shades of progress, in a corresponding degree with what is denominated
scurvy in the frame of the human species. In the first stage of what is
professionally deemed SURFEIT, the horse's coat partially stares, and is
in some parts nearly erect: under the raised parts is perceived a kind
of blue dusty hue, which, not counteracted by medical means, or an
increase of good _healthy provender_, soon degenerates to a palpable
scurf; this continuing to extend itself over the surface, so hardens by
time, that each becomes a pustule or eschar, which afterwards
exfoliating, leaves alternate appearances of the bare skin and hair,
somewhat similar to an advanced stage of the _mange_, to which species
of disease it is, in fact, no very distant relation. Its progress to
inveteracy is not the same in all subjects, as it will continue its
ravages with fixed scales, or dry barky scabs, in some, but will emit a
sharp serous ichor from others.
This discharge is generally of such a sharp and acrid property, that the
violent itching it occasions, keeps the poor object in a state of
incessant misery; for when the disorder is far advanced, the time is so
constantly appropriated to the indispensible office of rubbing, (for the
attainment of temporary relief,) that very little is afforded to the
purpose of subsistence, should pasture be furnished in plenty; which,
with such unfortunate and unprofitable subjects, is very rarely the
case. The first step to cure, is to alter and enrich the _property_ of
the _blood_, by altering the aliment to a more nutritious and
invigorating kind than it was before. In a week or ten days, when the
frame is in a perceptible degree improved, a first bleeding may take
place, followed by such antimonial alteratives, as may be found best
adapted to the complexion of the case. Many instances there are, where,
from long standing, and great malignancy, mercurial solutions, or
vitriolic lotions, become so indispensibly necessary, that a cure cannot
be perfectly insured without. When the system is in a certain degree
restored, and visibly rising superior to the depredating effects of
disease, _bleeding_ may be repeated, and _antimonial powders_ in mashes
nightly administered, till indications of certain recovery appear, when
a course of mild mercurial physic should be proceeded upon, that no
doubt of obliteration may be entertained.
SWAINMOTE—is a peculiar court, appertaining solely to the LAWS of a
_forest_, and held three times within the year. In this court the
VERDERERS preside in the official capacity of Judges; for although the
Warden, or his deputy, may take their seats in the court, they have no
judicial authority there. The court of Swainmote may enquire of
offences, receive informations, and proceed to conviction; but judgment
is not within the limits of this court; their province extends no
farther than to _hear_ and _convict_; judgment cannot be given but from
the judgment-seat, where the JUSTICE in EYRE presides as chief officer;
and all associated with him, are called Justices of the Forest. This
court being a COURT of RECORD, can fine and imprison for offences within
the forest; and therefore if the judgment is conceived erroneous, the
record may be removed by _writ_ of _error_ into the Court of King's
Bench.
SWEAT—is the transpiration of perspirative matter through the skin by
the effect of an increased circulation of the blood. This, in a moderate
degree, is so conducive to the _promotion_ of HEALTH, that those horses
who regularly enjoy exercise to a proper state of perspiration,
occasionally, and at proper times, are always in the highest condition;
provided they are taken care of in proportion to the exercise each has
had, or the work he has undergone. By the appearance of a horse in a
high perspiration, immediate judgment may be formed of the property of
his blood; and in a collateral degree, of the state of his health; for
when a horse in good condition is under a profuse perspiration, the
sweat is so congenially incorporated with the coat, (particularly if the
horse is _well bred_,) that the hair lays so uniformly one way, that if
the sun happens to shine, it seems a covering of satin: on the contrary,
when a horse, after equal (or, in fact, much less) exertion, bears a
_greasy_ kind of perspiration upon the surface, with the coat turning in
different directions, bearing a gross matted appearance, and of a faint
fœtid effluvia, the blood is in an improper state, and the horse in very
bad condition. SWEATING a horse in the _stable_, by the administration
of medicine, is a practice, the propriety of which has not hitherto been
clearly ascertained; at least not perfectly demonstrated upon the true
principles of science, uncontaminated by the obtrusive aid of deceptive
speculation. See "TARTAR EMETIC."
SWEATING FOR THE TURF—is a sporting ceremony with training-grooms, to
which, in their opinion, no small probable consequence is attached; as
is fully confirmed by the invariable punctuality with which it is
performed. The two reasons assigned for the necessity of this operation,
is to preserve the WIND in its proper state of _purity_, and to prevent
a superfluous and improper _accumulation_ of FLESH. Horses in training
are (in strict conformity with this intent) sweated at certain periods,
or intervals, of six, seven or eight days each; which are brought nearer
to, or delayed farther from each other, by the increasing or reduced
state of the subject so to be sweated. The ceremony is performed in the
morning, soon after the dawn of day, under the ancient superstitious
opinion, that the AIR is then more _pure_ than at any other part of the
twenty-four hours; and with those whose department it is to execute the
office, as much _imaginary_ consequence appertains to it, as to making
up the most important national dispatches at the principal office of
Administration.
The horse intended to be sweated, is previously loaded with a profusion
of sheets, quarter-pieces, and horse-cloths; the number and weight
judiciously proportioned to the quantity of perspirative matter it is
intended he should lose: when all which is completely fixed in the
stable, he is then brought to the exercise ground, with a light or
_feather weight_ upon his back, where, after having been walked time
sufficient to afford ample opportunities of unloading the carcase by
excrementitious evacuation, he is permitted to start for a sweat of
_two_, _three_, _four_ or _five_ miles, according to his age, his
strength, his state of flesh, and the kind of race (in respect to
distance) he is in training for; as well as the sort of course he is
intended to run over. It is a most judicious and confirmed rule in
sweating, that the horse is to begin at a very slow rate, and so
continue till he has covered half the ground he is to go, when he should
have his speed moderately increased during the third quarter, so that
his fourth should be at a degree of speed very little short of his rate
in racing.
Having ran his ground, and pulled up, he is walked in hand for a few
minutes, to give time (in the language of the turf) for the _sweat to
come out_, which, when the cloths are taken off, follows in copious
streams that the animal seems to enjoy. At this moment two assistants
are ready with each a thin wooden instrument, called a _scraper_, made
of oak or ash, in shape resembling half the blade of a mowing scythe,
(narrowed at the ends for the convenience of the hands,) with which they
scrape the sweat from the neck, back, sides, belly, and quarters, so
long as the least moisture is observed to appear; the moment which
ceases, the scrapers are exchanged for wisps of soft straw, or separated
hay-bands, 'till the body, and every part, is perfectly clean and
refreshed. He is then furnished with dry sheets, hood, &c. brought to
the ground for the purpose; when being led home to the stable, he is
supplied with the necessary quantity of soft water, a little warm,
previous to undergoing a regular and complete dressing, with greater
nicety, than in the open air: when this is systematically gone through,
he has a farther moderate supply of water, which is most commonly
(though there are occasional deviations) followed by a warm and
comfortable mash; upon depositing which in the manger, and setting the
stable fair, the door is closed for a _double period_ of the usual hours
for going to stable when a horse has _not_ been sweated; and although he
undergoes the afternoon and evening routine of being fed, set fair, &c.
he is neither stripped, or goes to exercise, any more on that day.
SWEATING OF JOCKIES—is a ceremony which every JOCKEY is under the
necessity of going through when engaged to ride, and the horse is to
carry less than his own natural weight. For the reduction of weight,
jockies are obliged to encounter great inconveniencies, particularly
when they have much to lose, and a very short time to lose it in. The
means of reducing themselves to the weight required are various, and
depend upon the greater or lesser quantity they wish to lose in a given
time, and have to waste themselves accordingly. If they have but _two_
or _three_ pounds to lose, they will waste that in a single day's
abstinence, and a morning and evening's walking: should four or five
pounds be required, a gentle laxative, followed by two or three days
extra walking, with an additional waistcoat or two, will generally carry
the point: if more is necessary to be lost, it is sometimes a hazardous
reduction, and great exertions are made to effect it: additional
purgation, continued abstinence, increased perspiration, and almost
perpetual exercise, all which, if persevered in to an extreme, tend to
undermine the natural stamen by which the frame is supported, and
absolutely saps the constitution. Instances have been numerous, where
JOCKIES have undertaken to _waste_ fourteen or sixteen pounds against
the day of running; which having been at no great distance, they have,
in addition to the evacuations already described, submitted their bodies
to the debilitating FUMES of a _hot-bed_; and what is still more
extraordinary, to be immersed in the _stench_ and _steam_ of a DUNGHILL
to effect their purpose, which so completely relaxed the solids, and
deranged the system of the natural economy, that _consumption_ followed,
and DEATH soon closed the scene.
SWELLED LEGS.—See LEGS SWELLED, HUMOURS, and GREASE.
SWELLING in the SHEATH or GROIN,—of a horse externally in good health,
and without any predominant symptoms of pain or disquietude, is
sometimes of little consequence; denoting no more than a general
plethora, or distension of the vessels, which immediate bleeding,
followed by gentle friction, and moderate evacuants, may be expected to
remove: but if it makes its appearance at the crisis of any inflammatory
disorder, of either liver, lungs, or kidnies, it may be considered a
very unfavourable prognostic, and the worst is yet to come; though the
writer has seen many cases of extreme danger, where the patients have
recovered by persevering in the medical means which were previously
known to be right.
SWAN.—The swan, as the most majestic and distinguished of all water
fowl, is honoured with royal protection: those who disturb their nests,
destroy their eggs, or injure, wound, or cripple the swans, are liable
to imprisonment for twelve months, and a fine at the pleasure of the
King. The corporate body of the City of London, as CONSERVATORS of the
RIVER THAMES, have an annual aquatic excursion to Staines, (which is the
western extremity of their boundaries,) in the most pleasant and most
plentiful season of the year, with colours flying, music playing, and
all the appropriate parapharnalia of the first and most opulent city in
the universe. All the swans upon the Thames, within their district, are
under the protection of the Conservators; and this display of civic
grandeur is perpetuated from one generation to another, by the
appellation of "Swan-hopping day."