WATERING.—Upon the proper and confident mode of watering a horse, his
health in some degree (but more particularly his condition) principally
depends. During a journey in the summer, as well as in a stable in the
winter, some attention is necessary to both the _quality_ and _quantity_
of water a horse is permitted to indulge in. There are fixed rules with
systematic sportsmen, from which there is never the slighted deviation,
but when circumstances may compulsively occasion a temporary variation:
the most important of these are, never to let a horse drink _cold_ water
when he is _hot_; or to give him _pump_ or _well_ water, when river or
rain water can be obtained. The difference of effect between the two may
(particularly in the winter months) be immediately observed by those who
chuse to make the experiment: hard spring water is frequently known,
from its chilling frigidity, to occasion severe and dangerous fits of
the cholic; and when it has not that effect, it never fails to check the
circulation; producing such an instantaneous collapsion of the pores,
that the coat, though fine a few minutes before, becomes as rough and
staring, as if the horse had been exposed to the inclemency of the
winter season. Horses kept for the sports of the field, and in a state
of condition superior to those employed on more common occasions, are
usually watered with a pail in the stable; but this should never be done
till hay has been previously placed in the rack; and the act of watering
should be instantly followed by the usual ceremony of substantial
dressing, wisping, and brushing over, to prevent either of the two
inconveniencies before described. The old and ridiculous custom of
taking a horse to a pond, that he may have a gallop "to _warm_ the
_water_ in his belly," seems to be nearly abolished with the more
enlightened part of the world; and although the practice is persevered
in upon the turf, it is to be observed, that those horses are restricted
in quantity; and that they are walked for some time after drinking,
previous to what is termed their watering gallop.
WATTLES—are the gills hanging from below the under beak of a cock: these
are taken from _a stag_ (young game cock) at the same time with his
comb, so soon as they are sufficiently grown for the operation, which is
performed before they are turned down to a master walk. The little
finger is insinuated into the throat of the cock, when which is properly
distended, the wattles are cut off close all round with the scissars;
and, lastly, the comb; the whole being slightly washed with a little
weak salt and water.
WAXY—is a horse of recent reputation upon the turf, whose performances
promise to render him a stallion high in estimation. He was bred by Sir
F. Poole; foaled in 1790; got by _Pot8o's_ out of _Maria_, a daughter of
_Herod_. In 1793, when three years old, he won the Derby Stakes (at
Epsom) of 50 guineas each, _half forfeit_, (50 subscribers,) beating
twelve; the remainder paying forfeit. The odds _twelve_ to _one_ against
him at starting. At Lewes he won a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, (nine
subscribers,) carrying 7lb. extra. At Abingdon he won a sweepstakes of
10 guineas each, 5 subscribers. In 1794, he won the Jockey Club Plate at
Newmarket; the King's 100 guineas at Ipswich; a 50_l._ plate, and 60
guineas, at Lewes. In 1795, the King's Plate at Salisbury. In 1796, the
King's Plate at Guildford; a subscription of 10 guineas each, (13
subscribers,) at Lewes; and the King's Plate at Salisbury. In 1797, he
broke down in running for the gold cup at Oxford. The following season
he was announced as a stallion at 10 guineas a mare, and half a guinea
the groom, at Lewes, in Sussex. Two of his produce, each three years
old, were brought to the Post last year, 1802; one called _Miss
Newland_, who won two 50_l._ plates at Canterbury; and _Shock_, who won
100 guineas at Brighton, and 50 guineas at Newmarket.
WEANING—is the act of separating a colt or filly from its dam, that it
may no longer derive support from _suction_, but be compelled to collect
its own subsistence from such proper articles of aliment as present
themselves according to the season of the year, at which such weaning
may be found convenient to take place. This must always become dependent
upon circumstances, in respect to the kind of country in which the colt
is produced, as well as the purpose for which he is bred, and the late
or early part of the season in which he was foaled. A foal produced at
the latter end of April, or the beginning of May, will better bear
weaning in the early part of October, than a foal dropt in June will in
two months after; and this is readily accounted for by the great length
of summer the former enjoys in respect to growth, strength, and
expansion, over the latter. Where the foal, from having fallen late in
the year, or any other cause, is observed to be weak in body and
constitution, or stinted in growth, great advantage may be obtained by
letting him run in an unrestrained state with the dam during the
remainder of the winter.
It is in general the custom, particularly with colts and fillies bred
for the turf, to wean the latter end of September, or during the month
of October; the reason of which is, that as the dam is then again in a
state of gestation, it is by no means proper, nor can it be consistent,
that a subsistence for the colt should be extracted from the dam, which
nature requires to be absorbed for the nutritious support of the fœtus
in embryo. At whatever time weaning may be determined on, the transition
from one food to another so exceedingly opposite, should not be too
suddenly made; the salutary interposition of mashes, made from ground
malt and bran, equal parts, and thin in consistence, from which the
fluid may be sucked, will prove a pleasing and consolatory assistance
for the loss the foal has sustained.
WEASEL.—The weasel, though little seen in the environs of towns, is an
animal very well known in most parts of the country: it varies in no
great degree from the _stoat_, either in shape, make, or propensity. Its
favourite alimentary enjoyment seems the destruction of eggs by suction;
although it pursues and destroys poultry and game with equal avidity. By
some instinctive impulse of scent or sagacity, the weasel is enabled to
follow a hare, which it pursues with a kind of energetic phrensy; and
whenever the hare unsuspectingly squats, if this inveterate enemy
happens to get up, it immediately makes a spring, seizes the hare near
the poll, and never quits its hold till the animal (though running in a
state of distraction, and with the most piteous cries) is deprived of
existence. The weasel may justly rank in the list of _venomous_ animals,
for its bite is almost universally fatal: a hare, rabbit, or any other
object, bit by the weasel, is never known to recover, but continues in a
lingering state till death.
In its pursuits, it has several points much in its favour: its activity,
and the peculiar formation of its claws, enable it to scale walls with
so much ease, that no spot is secure from its depredations. By way of
compensation to the farmer for its luxurious repasts upon eggs and young
poultry, it makes some amends by its inveteracy to rats and mice; having
a spice of the ferret in its nature, it is to those an inveterate enemy,
and pursues them with a most implacable hatred to certain destruction.
It is a more successful invader than any other to these smaller animals,
as, from its diminutive circumference, it can follow them into their
inmost recesses, and destroy with very little _ineffectual_ opposition.
To young pigeons it is likewise a destructive depredator; and when it
has young, is more bold and indefatigable in its researches. In the dusk
of the evening, and by moonlight, it may frequently be seen stealing
from its lurking place, under faggot piles or corn ricks, near the
farm-house, taking the barns, stables, pig-sties, and poultry-house, in
search of prey; which, when they have killed, if not too large, they
carry or drag to the place of their retreat. In the summer season, the
weasel will venture a great distance from its usual haunts, and the spot
which has afforded it winter protection; it is then very frequently
found by the sides of rivulets; and is particularly fond of a situation
near a mill, and that is concluded to be from the plenty of rats with
which they are invariably surrounded.
WEIGHT FOR AGE.—In racing advertisements, propositions of different
kinds appear, in respect to the weights which are to be carried by the
horses who are a year younger or a year older than each other. Such
announcements vary, in some degree, between the weights of one place of
sport and another; but as the GOLD CUP weights at OXFORD are considered
a fair criterion of equity, they are here introduced in explanation.
st. lb.
Four year olds carry 7 7
Five year olds 8 7
Six year olds 9 0
And aged 9 4
WEIGHT FOR INCHES.—When a plate is advertised to be run for by horses
"to carry weight for inches," it is then called a GIVE and TAKE PLATE,
which see.
WEIGHT TO THE SCALE.—Bringing the proper weight to the scale immediately
after _each heat_, is in racing a very important consideration. Whatever
weight by the conditions, in either plate, match, sweepstakes, or
subscription, a horse is appointed to carry, the rider or jockey must
have ascertained before the Stewards, or Clerk of the Course, by the
scales and weights publicly affixed to the starting-post of every race
ground for that purpose. So soon as each and every heat is ended, such
rider or jockey is to ride his horse up to the scales, there to be
weighed in immediate succession; and any rider or jockey neglecting so
to do, dismounting before he reaches the scale, or not bringing his full
weight when there, the horse in either case is deemed equally
_distanced_, and can start no more for that plate or prize, whatever may
be its denomination.
WENS—are enlargements which may appear upon any of the soft or fleshy
parts of a horse's body, and are technically termed encysted tumours;
but divided into different kinds, which are thus distinguished. One,
upon separation, is found to contain a substance somewhat similar to
boiled rice, curds, or a bread poultice; a second, a glutinous adhesive
coagulum, nearly resembling honey when not in a state of absolute
fluidity; a third, in which the substance has every appearance of suet
in its progress from the butcher's to the tallow chandlers; and a
fourth, with the contents a little like half-melted grease. The only
mode of extirpation (where it can with safety be ventured upon) is by
the knife; but if, in performing the operation, every part of the cyst
or bag is not completely removed, it will always be liable to enlarge
again, and render abortive all that may have been done before. Whenever
the tumour is so extirpated, the wound is to be dressed in the usual
way, and a favourable incarnation and union of parts will soon be
obtained.
WHEEZING—is that seeming difficulty of respiration through the nostrils
of a horse, which is by some attributed to a wrong cause; suspecting it
to be a contraction or narrowness between the bones and cartilages of
the nose. This, to a more nice or accurate observer, does not appear to
be the case; on the contrary, attentively investigated, it appears there
is very little, if any, doubt to be entertained of its being a defect in
the natural inflation of the lungs. Admitting this, it is then a
gradational relative to the asthmatic and thick-winded tribe, where some
of the finer vessels are obstructed, become impervious, or tubercles
formed. In the latter, cure cannot be expected; alleviation may be
obtained by a patient perseverance in mild mercurial alteratives; and in
all the different shades of these affections of the lungs, originating
in plethora and a viscid sizy state of the blood, frequently unloading
the vessels of their contents by bleeding, attenuating the blood by
antimonials, and enlivening the circulation by pectoral cordial
detergents, are the only means upon which an expectation of permanent
relief can be entertained.
WHIM PLATE,—in the language of the TURF, is where the horses who run
carry weight for age, and weight for inches.
WHIP.—Sporting whips are of two kinds; one of which, having a handle
with a hook, and a long thong, is called a hunting-whip; being useful in
assisting to manage the hounds. A light straight single-stem whip, is
called a jockey whip, being the sort used on the turf.
WHIP—is the name of a horse of some reputation as a racer, but was
withdrawn from the turf, and announced as a stallion, at five years old.
He was bred by MR. DURAND; foaled in 1794; got by _Saltram_, dam by
_King Herod_, and was the favourite for the Derby in 1797, and expected
to win it easy, had he been well enough to have started. He was tried to
have so much speed, as to be able to give many colts of the same year
from twenty to thirty pounds. The first time he started, he won a
sweepstakes of 20 guineas each, the New Mile at Ascot, beating three
others; and afterwards a 50_l._ plate for three year olds at Reading. In
1798 he won 50_l._ at Ascot Heath. In running for the gold cup at
Oxford, against _Diamond_, _Stickler_, _Johnny_, and _Oatlands_, he ran
out of the Course, when supposed to be winning to a certainty. At
Brighton he won a 50_l._ plate, beating _Combatant_, who had the day
before won a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, (17 subscribers,) beating
seven others. At Canterbury he won a sweepstakes of 20 guineas each,
(five subscribers,) which was the last time he started; having since
been advertised to cover at five guineas a mare, and five shillings the
groom.
WHIPPER-IN—is an assistant subordinate to the huntsman in every hunting
establishment, which, if upon a well-regulated scale of any magnitude,
is never considered complete with _less_ than _two_. One of these has a
shade of superiority, and is called the _first_; the other, the
_second_, whipper-in. The first, upon all and every occasion, is
considered as a second huntsman, empowered to act with his authority
upon every emergency, and at all times during temporary separation in
the chase, or unavoidable absence. Notwithstanding this delegation of
power, it is his duty to remain strictly obedient to the huntsman, and
to execute all his injunctions with the most cheerful alacrity; and
however largely he may be qualified in other respects, it is impossible
he can ever become a _good_ whipper-in, if he is in possession of a
_bad_ temper. It is absolutely indispensible that he should be a natural
philosopher in respect to patience and self-denial, as it is so
peculiarly his province to act an inferior part, unless when
circumstances occur to bring him more forward upon the canvass; the
moment which cease, he must contentedly retire again from the front, to
his former station in the background of the picture.
MR. BECKFORD, after a profusion of the most observant experience,
admitted an excellent whipper-in to be preferable to an excellent
huntsman; and as the opinion he believed was entirely new, he felt
himself in some degree called upon to explain it. He had no doubt but he
should have better sport, and kill more foxes, with a moderate huntsman,
and an excellent whipper-in, than with the best of huntsmen without such
assistance. For he considered, that, in general sporting acceptation, it
might probably be conceived, that a good huntsman might always make a
good whipper-in; not such, however, as he meant; his talent must be
_born with him_. His reasons were, that good hounds (and bad he would
not keep) oftener need the one than the other; and genius, which, in a
whipper-in, if attended by obedience, (his first distinguishing
requisite,) can be productive of no ill, is, in a huntsman, a dangerous
though a desirable quality; and if not accompanied with a large share of
prudence, blended with humility, will oftentimes retard and spoil the
sport, as well as tend materially to hurt the hounds.
It has been erroneously conceived, by some theoretic and _newly-entered_
sportsmen, that it is the business of a whipper-in to attend closely
upon the huntsman, to receive his commands, and execute his orders;
which is by no means the case. If he is on the opposite side of the
covert to the huntsman, he is in his proper place; and if within hearing
of his _halloo_, he is near enough; for that is the signal it is the
province of the whipper-in to obey. The second whipper-in may
occasionally attend upon the huntsman, to act as a field _aid de camp_,
when he is not required by circumstances to be active elsewhere. The
first whipper-in should of course be qualified to hunt the hounds, if
necessary: nothing can be better calculated to keep a huntsman within
the bounds of decency and good manners; as they in general are by no
means deficient in the assumption of imaginary consequence, when once
they have imbibed an opinion of their own superiority.
When hounds are taken from the kennel, it is the place of the first
whipper-in to go before, and of the second to come at some distance
behind them. If permitted to follow too near, however great the
necessity may be, the poor animals will never be allowed time to empty
themselves; for these juvenile whippers-in, upon their initiation,
conceive it their proper element to be always in a gallop, and
incessantly whipping the hounds whenever they can get at them. The first
whipper-in should be of light weight, great agility, quick conception,
of much personal fortitude, and an excellent horseman. With these
qualifications, he has it always in his power to exert and display his
ability to advantage. While the huntsman slicks close to his headmost
hounds, the whipper-in can give proof of his judgment in various ways:
he can _clap forward_ to any great earth that may be open; he may _sink
the wind_, to view and halloo a fox when the scent fails, or keep him
off _his soil_: he may avail himself of the first opportunity to _stop_
the _tail hounds_, and get them forward; and he has it constantly in his
power to assist the hounds, if he has penetration to discover where, and
at what time, it is most wanted. The making and keeping a pack steady,
depend entirely upon him; as it is not the province of a huntsman either
to _rate_ or _flog_ a hound, if it can consistently be avoided.
During the chase, whenever it may be necessary to stop the hounds, the
whipper-in should always be at their head before he begins to make the
attempt. _Rating behind_ can effect but little; and if they are running
riot in covert, it may prevent him from knowing which are the
aggressors. Whippers-in are frequently in the extreme, and continue
rating long after they find that rating will not avail: a hound should
never be struck, unless he is first made sensible what it is for: if
they were a little less hasty, and more disposed to reflection, they
would never strike a hound that did _not_ deserve it, and would strike
those hard who do. In fact, the experience of every additional season
affords ample conviction, that a whipper-in seldom distinguishes
sufficiently the degrees of offence which a dog may have committed, to
proportion his punishment accordingly; and such is the prevalence of
custom, that when only riding a hound, to turn him after the huntsman,
he is rated (if not flogged) as severely as if he had been guilty of the
greatest possible offence.
A whipper-in is generally so exceedingly pleased with his own powers of
vociferation, that he is incessantly _rating_ some one hound or another,
and then as industriously endeavours to _flog_ him; without asking
himself the question, whether it is likely a hound thus rated will not
naturally feel inclined to avoid the whip. It is certainly the most
consistent, whenever a hound may deserve correction, to whip him first,
and to rate him afterwards. The getting forward the tail hounds is a
material and necessary part of the chase, in which a whipper-in, of
energy and judgment, can always give proof of his ability. Where there
are two whippers-in, the _first_ is often justified in getting forward,
when the huntsman, from accident, or unforeseen and unavoidable
obstructions, may be prevented from being up with the hounds; but the
_second_ has no right whatever to be forward, so long as a single hound
is known to have been left behind. Most huntsmen cast an eye of
jaundiced jealousy at a whipper-in, particularly if his merits have
attracted the attention of his employer; upon a presumption he may have
a rival in his subordinate, who may, upon any indiscretion or
disobedience of his own, have a fair chance of becoming his successor; a
circumstance that sometimes a little cankers the basis of unanimity.
After these accumulated remarks upon the personal qualifications and
official efforts of a whipper-in, it may with truth be affirmed, if he
is innately bold, active, and energetic; a prudent, careful, and steady
horseman, with a quick ear, and clear voice; with attentive knowledge,
and observation to distinguish where he can be the most useful; not
possessing the simple conceit of killing a fox without the huntsman,
but, on the contrary, feel disposed to assist him all he can; such a one
may be considered completely perfect in his department, and will seldom
or ever be long out of employment.
WHELPS.—The produce of hounds during their first months are termed
_whelps_; the young of other sporting dogs are in general called
_puppies_. Those who are intent upon forming a hunting establishment,
will, in laying the foundation, recollect, that hounds are very
frequently to be purchased for considerably less money than they can be
bred. The pack once obtained, breeding then becomes indispensibly
necessary for the proper support of the stock, and the acquisition of
superior excellence; by possessing the annual convenience of entering
young, and rejecting old, till the body become perfectly complete. The
business of breeding is considered so very material to the sporting
reputation of the establishment, that, by amateurs and professed
sportsmen, it is conducted with a systematic circumspection, and most
judicious discrimination. Uniformity in size, shape, make, colour,
speed, and constitution, are leading perfections, which should never be
lost sight of. MR. BECKFORD, who seems to have understood the chase much
better than any writer that has ever promulgated an opinion upon the
subject, has laid down some precautionary rules, from which the emulous
and the prudent will seldom deviate.
In a well-regulated and extensive hunting establishment, no less than
nine or ten couple of whelps should be annually bred to keep up a
regular supply: the distemper sometimes making dreadful havoc amongst
the whelps, as well as age and infirmities amongst the old hounds, if a
proper number of recruits were not always ready, much mortifying
disappointment might probably ensue. Whenever it can be so contrived,
the whelps should appear between the second or third week in February,
and the middle of the month of March; they have then nothing to
encounter from the cold severity of the winter season, and the ensuing
summer to bask, expand, and grow in. It is on all hands admitted
injudicious to breed from hounds with palpable imperfections: weak
hounds, babblers, skirters, slow, and tardy-tongued hounds, should
always be rejected. An old dog should never be put to an old bitch; nor
should either dog or bitch be in an unhealthy state, lest the offspring
should be eventually affected.
WHISKEY,—the name of a most excellent runner, whose recent performances
on the turf laid the foundation of his present celebrity as a stallion
of much promised reputation. He was bred by his Royal Highness the
Prince of Wales; foaled in 1780, and got by _Saltram_ out of _Calash_,
(who was got by _Herod_;) her dam (_Teresa_) by _Matchem_. In 1792, when
three years old, in the July Meeting at Newmarket, he won a sweepstakes
of 200 guineas, eight subscribers; and 50_l._ at Bedford. First October
Meeting, a post sweepstakes of 1000 guineas each, three subscribers. The
next day a subscription of 200 guineas each, eleven subscribers. Second
October Meeting, a subscription of 20 guineas each, six subscribers. In
the Houghton Meeting, he beat Sir F. Standish's _Sir John_ across the
flat, staking 150 to 100 guineas. In 1793 (then Mr. Durand's) he won the
Jockey Stakes of 100 guineas each, half forfeit, twelve subscribers. The
next Meeting he beat _Halbert_ a match over the Beacon for 200 guineas.
At Winchester he walked over the Course for a 50_l._ plate; and won a
sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, six subscribers. He was then withdrawn
from the turf, and announced as a stallion at five guineas a mare, and
half a guinea the groom. Two of his get started at only two years, and
were both winners. In 1799, _Clarissa_ appeared, and at two years old
won 150 guineas, and 120 guineas, at Brighton. _Pamela_, three years
old, 50_l._ at Brocket Hall; 200 guineas at Epsom; and 50_l._ at
Ipswich. In 1800, two others appeared, each two years old, both winners
at Newmarket. In 1801, _Eleanor_ started, and won 250 guineas, 700
guineas, and 200 guineas, at Newmarket; and the Derby and Oaks Stakes,
both at Epsom, amounting to 1475 guineas. _Julia_ won the July Stakes,
40 guineas, and 450 guineas, at Newmarket; and _Whiskerandos_ won three
prizes at Newmarket, Brighton, and Egham. In 1802, _Whirligig_ won seven
prizes; _Julia_, six; _Eleanor_, three; _Gig_, two; and _Orlando_, 100
guineas, at Newmarket. Under the increasing merits of which progeny, his
price as a stallion is advanced to double the original sum; standing
announced to cover for 10 guineas a mare the present season, 1803, at
Great Barton, near Bury St. Edmund's.
WHITE-FOOTED HORSE—is always considered an indication of future weakness
in the feet; such horses, in general, having hoofs which become soon
brittle and battered; or an outer sole so thin at the bottom, that it
compulsively submits to the propulsive force of the membranous mass
within, and soon forms a preternatural prominence upon the surface,
rendering the foot not only weak, but exceedingly difficult to shoe,
without pressing upon the part requiring to be protected.
WHITE HOUND.—A hound perfectly white is hardly ever bred up for the
chase; not more on account of their being considered weaker in
constitution than hounds of a variegated description, than their
contributing less to the uniformity of the pack. The hounds in the
highest estimation to constitute beauty, are brown, liver-coloured, or
yellow pied; either of those having a proportional participation with
the white, and of these the most are now bred. There are, however, some
instances, where hounds entirely of a black, or sandy tan, are admitted,
and prove the _crack_ or leading hound of the pack.
WIDGEON—is a species of wild fowl, inferior in size to the wild duck,
but considerably larger than the teal. They afford little or no sport to
the gunner, being but rarely found, except in the utmost severity of the
winter, and then only in certain particular fens and marshes in some few
different parts of the kingdom. Those with which the markets of the
Metropolis are supplied, are caught in the same manner as wild-ducks.
See DECOY.
WILD BOAR.—This animal was formerly a native of Britain, and held in
such high estimation, that those convicted of killing or maiming them in
the time of William the Conqueror, were punished with the loss of their
eyes. Charles the First procured wild boars from the continent, and had
them turned down in the New Forest to promote the breed; but they were
entirely destroyed in the civil wars that ensued. Hunting the wild boar
is considered a magnanimous sport with the grandees of those countries
in which they abound; but it partakes in no degree of comparison with
the exhilarating sport, and enlivening scenes, displayed in the
different kinds of chase in our own country. Wild boars are sought
after, and tried for, in the largest and thickest woods and coverts,
(having angular and cross rides cut through them for the purpose of the
chase,) in the same way by which stags are roused, or foxes unkenneled,
in this country. The dogs used for the sport, are slow and heavy, much
more like a cross between a mastiff and a wire-haired lurcher, than any
species of the hound kind. When the boar is once roused, more by the
incessant noise and clamour of the multitude than any peculiar property
of the dogs, he goes moderately off, not much alarmed at, or seemingly
afraid of, the exultations of his pursuers. During the chase (if it is
worthy to be termed so) he frequently turns round to face the dogs, and
offers to attack them; again proceeds; again turns; and they for a while
keep each other _at bay_: the same ceremony is renewed, till at length
the boar becomes completely tired, refusing to go any farther. The
serious conflict then begins in earnest. His defence being strong, and
wonderfully powerful, before, the dogs (particularly the young ones)
endeavour to attack him behind, in which attempt some lives are
frequently lost; but during the struggle, the hunters get up, and put a
period to his existence with their spears.
WILD DUCK.—See DECOY.
WILD-GOOSE CHASE,—is neither more or less than a metaphorical allusion
to the _uncertainty_ of its _termination_. This originated in a kind of
chase (more properly match) formerly decided in the following way. Two
horses having started at the place appointed, continued to race by the
side of each other, till one having obtained the lead, was entitled to
proceed in whatever direction the rider pleased, (either by shortening
or prolonging the distance to the winning spot previously agreed on,)
according to the qualifications of his horse. This kind of chase so
frequently terminated in _tired_ or _spoiled_ horses, without a
decision, that it was long since changed to a _train scent_, (that is, a
drag across the country;) better known by the denomination of a _steeple
chase_.
WIND BROKEN.—The disorder or malady so called, is (with the most
experienced) discovered by a quick and irregular heaving of the flanks,
accompanied by a great and palpable difficulty of respiration after
brisk exertion. The usual mode of examination with dealers, is to try
the perfect or imperfect state of the wind, by a cough compulsively
excited: this is effected by forcibly pressing the gullet, just below
the under jaw, at the junction of the head with the neck; from which
pressure, if a strong, clear, healthy cough immediately proceeds, the
wind may be considered sound, and naturally good; but, on the contrary,
should it prove a wheezing husky attempt to cough, terminating with a
kind of distant moan, or groan, the horse is asthmatic, and unsound, if
not completely broken-winded; in which state most horses may be
discovered, from the noise they make in their difficulty of respiration
during either a sharp trot or moderate canter; from which they have
acquired the common appellation of _roarers_, which is understood to
imply a certainty of BROKEN WIND; which see.
WINDGALLS—are soft and flatulent or fluctuating tumours, seated on one
or both sides the back sinews, above the fetlock-joint of a horse, and
principally upon the fore-legs; but with horses who have been
immoderately worked, they frequently appear upon the hind-legs also.
They generally make their appearance upon subjects who have been brought
into labour too young, and before the vessels have acquired a proper
strength and elasticity. Permitted to continue long, without
counteraction, they soon possess a rigid inflexibility, which is never
to be subdued. Whenever they are first perceived, early means should be
adopted, to prevent a farther protrusion of the integument. Plentiful
impregnations of the best white wine vinegar, followed by powerful
repellents of camphorated spirits, incorporated with a sixth part of
saturnine extract; or a strong solution of alum in water, assisted by a
moderate woollen bandage; will sometimes obliterate them _entirely_,
provided they are attacked in their infancy, and the mode thus adopted
patiently persevered in.
WITHERS.—The part of a horse so called, is the superior point of the
shoulders, situate above the blades, precisely at the termination of the
mane, from whence the back begins. Upon the good or ill formation of the
withers, the symmetry, strength and value of the horse materially
depend. If the subject is well made in the withers, with a gradually
advancing forehand, long and proportionally erect, it produces a
commanding majestic dignity in the fore quarters, generally accompanied
with a corresponding uniformity behind. A horse of this description is
almost invariably sure-footed, and an admirable goer in all his paces:
on the contrary, if he is defective in this particular point, he is
lower _before_ than _behind_, and is proportionally reduced in
estimation and intrinsic worth. A horse low in the withers, is mostly
short in the forehand also; forcible indications of a deficiency in
speedy action, an habitual tendency to the _perfection_ of _stumbling_,
and the equally mortifying memento of not being able to carry a saddle
in its proper place, without the pleasing appendage called _a crupper_.
The withers are constantly liable to injury, from saddles being wide in
the tree, or coming too far forward, which letting the internal part of
the pummel come into contact with the projecting point of the withers,
mischief (from the pinching, pressure, or friction) frequently ensues,
terminating in inflammation, laceration, tumefaction, maturation, and
sometimes fistula, which see. Injuries sustained in this part by either
of the means before mentioned, should never remain unattended to: a
repetition of the cause, from neglect or inattention, is likely to
render that serious and severe, which might, by a contrary conduct, have
proved only a slight and temporary inconvenience. When such a
circumstance has unluckily taken place, and is attended to without
delay, cool repellents, and mild astringents, will generally effect an
early obliteration; but it should be retained in memory, that the part
once bruised acquires an additional degree of tenderness and
irritability, which will render the cure more tedious and difficult,
should the bruise be inconsiderately or inattentively repeated.
WITHER-WRUNG.—A horse is said to be wither-wrung, when he sustained the
origin of the injuries described under the last head.
WOLF.—The wolf, although not now to be found among us, was once a very
destructive native of this country, and the whole were ultimately
destroyed by mandate from the Crown. Naturalists universally agree in an
opinion, that the wolf and dog were originally of the same class; and
argue, from its external form, that it is in every respect what the dog
was in its natural state of freedom. Although completely annihilated in
this country, they are to be found in great abundance in every other,
from whence they are speculatively imported, and may be seen in the
menageries of those by whom they are established for the sole purpose of
public exhibition. In respect to the degree of similitude between the
two, impartial inspection must admit the perceptible shades of
difference: the shape of the head differs materially; and the eyes being
more obliquely seated, affords an aspect of the most savage ferocity.
The ears of the wolf are sharp and erect; the tail long, bushy, and
bending inwards from its hind legs; its body is of stronger formation
than the body of any species of dog; its jaws and teeth evidently
larger, and more powerful; and its hair both coarser and thicker. The
internal structure of the dog and wolf is precisely the same in every
particular; the latter copulate in the same manner, and their sudden
separation prevented by the same means. The time of gestation also
varies but little, if any; and, from the various experiments recited by
the late celebrated Dr. Hunter, there is left no room to doubt, that the
wolf and dog will copulate, and produce an intermediate species, capable
of subsequent propagation.
In all ages, the wolf has been considered the most savage enemy of
mankind; and at most times, and in all countries, rewards have been
offered for its destruction. When pressed with hunger, from repeated
disappointments, the wolf becomes doubly courageous from necessity;
braves every danger, and will attack the very animals under the
protection of the human species. The horse alone seems to possess the
power of superiority; all inferior animals have no alternative to
unconditional submission, and inevitable destruction. Even man himself
has frequently fallen a victim to its rapacity; and it is said, upon the
best authorities, that when once they have feasted upon human blood,
they become the more incessantly rapacious in the pursuit of it. The
wolf, from his muscular strength, is enabled to carry off a sheep in his
mouth, and even run with it in that manner: his bite is dreadfully
severe, and the keener, the less it meets with opposition; but when
powerfully refilled, he is exceedingly cautious and circumspect, never
fighting when nearly upon an equality, but under the most absolute
necessity. The wolf is hardier, and more robust, than the dog, but less
alive to the powers of intellectual discrimination: he is almost
incessantly prowling in search of prey, and is himself, of all animals,
the most difficult to conquer in the chase.
Every possible means were adopted, many centuries since, to rid this
country of so rapacious a despoiler. KING EDGAR attempted to effect it
in England, by remitting the punishment of certain crimes on producing a
certain number of wolves' tongues: and in Wales, the tax of gold and
silver was commuted for an annual tribute of their heads. Some centuries
after which, they had increased to such a destructive infinity, as to
become again an object of royal attention, and great rewards were once
more held forth for their destruction. EDWARD the FIRST issued his royal
mandate to Peter Corbet, to superintend and assist in the destruction of
them in the several counties of Gloucester, Worcester, Hereford, Salop,
and Stafford. In other counties, certain persons held their lands upon
condition of hunting, taking, and destroying, a number of wolves
annually, in proportion to the quantity of land so held. They were so
numerous in Scotland about the middle of the fifteenth century, that
they completely overrun the country, to the incessant destruction of the
flocks, and the immense losses of the community; nor were they, with
every indefatigable exertion of the natives, extirpated till the year
1680, when the _last wolf_ is recorded to have fallen by the hand of the
then famous Sir Ewen Cameron. Ireland in those times suffered by their
immense numbers in an equal degree with England, Scotland, and Wales,
and for a much longer duration, as they were not perfectly annihilated
in that country till the earlier part of the last century.
WOLVES' TEETH.—Those so called, are the natural teeth of the horse,
enlarged by a preternatural growth, so as to lacerate the fleshy
internal part of the cheek by the prominence of their ragged edges, or
by the upper grinders overhanging the lower; they catch the wrinkled
parts (called flaps) between them in the act of mastication, occasioning
so much pain, that some horses are considerably reduced in flesh by a
compulsive abstinence, eating no more than merely sufficient to keep the
frame in a state of subsistence. With horses labouring under such
infirmity or imperfection, there is no relief to be obtained, but from a
proper file, and the hand of a steady operator.
WOODCOCK.—This is a bird of passage, with a simply variegated plumage,
having a long bill, peculiarly appropriated to the purposes of insertion
and suction, from which its subsistence is principally derived: it is
rather inferior in size to the partridge, varying in weight, according
to the condition it may be in, and the season in which it is killed,
being rarely less than eight, or more than eleven ounces in the scale.
They arrive in this country some time in the month of October; but
whether early or late, depends entirely upon the prevalence of the winds
by which they are brought over. The east and north-easterly winds
(particularly when accompanied by fogs) are the most favourable for
their arrival: reaching our shores fatigued with flight, they drop under
any tree, shrub, or bush, bearing the appearance of covert: after rest
and refreshment, they in longer flights disperse themselves in the
different woods, copses, shaws, and hedge-rows, in various parts of the
country, selecting chiefly such parts as seem best calculated for the
singularity of their accommodation. They are by no means remarkable for
remaining long in one place, or even in the same neighbourhood; on the
contrary, they never continue more than ten or twelve days in any
particular spot, though favourably adapted to their reception.
The woodcock is a very clumsy waddling walker, as is the case with every
kind of fowl having short legs and long wings: when flushed, he rises
heavily from the ground, and makes a considerable noise before he can
gather wind sufficient for flight. If found in a rushy spot, a ditch, or
a hedge-row, from whence he is obliged to present an _open_ mark, he
frequently slowly skims over the ground, and is very easily shot; as,
indeed, is the case elsewhere, provided any obstruction does not arise
from intervening branches of trees, and boughs of underwood, which, in
cock and covert shooting, must always be expected. After a plentiful
arrival, they afford excellent sport, and may be found as well with
pointers as with spaniels, (the pointers being hunted in the covert with
bells:) but cock shooting, with spaniels is almost universally
preferred, as it is more enlivening and exhilarating to _hear_ the
spaniels occasionally in _quest_, rather than pursue so pleasing a scene
with the solemnity of a general silence.
WOODPECKER—was a horse whose blood and performances rendered him, as a
racer, and stallion, of the most distinguished celebrity. He was bred by
Sir C. Davers; foaled in 1773; got by _Herod_, dam (_Miss Ramsden_) by
_Old Cade_, grand-dam by Lord Lonsdale's Bay _Arabian_. His winnings are
now become too remote to give in the detail. As a stallion, his progeny
are infinite; amongst the principal of which the following have been the
most conspicuous. In 1789, _Bullfinch_ won 300 guineas, 100 guineas, 20
guineas, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket.
_Chanticleer_, 650 guineas, 500 guineas, and 400 guineas, at Newmarket.
_Cormorant_, 135 guineas, 62 guineas, 40 guineas, 200 guineas, 300
guineas, 62½ guineas, 300 guineas, and 75 guineas, at Newmarket. _Hawk_,
100 guineas, 150 guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket. _Seagull_, 35
guineas, and 800 guineas, 200 guineas, 100 guineas, 62 guineas, 250
guineas, 200 guineas, 20 guineas, 200 guineas, 400 guineas, 160 guineas,
and 300 guineas, at Newmarket. _Swallow_, 100 guineas, and 100 guineas,
at Newmarket. _Woodlark_, 50_l._ at Stockbridge, and the King's Hundred
Guineas, at Winchester, and Salisbury.
In 1790, twenty-seven of his get started, and were the winners of
_seventy-eight_ subscriptions, sweepstakes, matches, and plates. _Bat_
won 100 guineas, 50 guineas, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, and 100 guineas,
at Newmarket. A bay filly out of _Camilla_, 200 guineas, 143 guineas,
and 200 guineas, at the same. _Buzzard_, 100 guineas, 50 guineas, 200
guineas, and 200 guineas, at Newmarket. _Chanticleer_, 300 guineas, 200
guineas, 100 guineas, and 152 guineas, at Newmarket. _Cormorant_, 50_l._
100 guineas, 200 guineas, 400 guineas, 200 guineas, and 60 guineas, at
Newmarket. _Dragon_, 200 guineas, 200 guineas, 200 guineas, 450 guineas,
100 guineas, 88 guineas, 45 guineas, 200 guineas, and 200 guineas, at
the same. _Griffin_, 300 guineas, 120 guineas, and 125 guineas, at
Newmarket. _Isabel_, 50_l._ 100 guineas, 300 guineas, and 150 guineas,
at Newmarket. _Mrs. Candour_, 50 guineas, 50 guineas, 100 guineas, and
100 guineas, at the same. _Pecker_, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, 100
guineas, 100 guineas, 200 guineas, 100 guineas, and 100 guineas, at
Newmarket. _Seagull_, 200 guineas, 500 guineas, and the Grosvenor
Stakes, at Newmarket; the Oatlands Stakes, of 100 guineas each, nineteen
subscribers, and 500 guineas, at Ascot Heath; 60 guineas, 250 guineas,
200 guineas, and 300 guineas, at Newmarket; and _Tom Tit_, 50_l._ at
Stamford, 97_l._ 5_s._ 0_d._ at Nottingham, and 50_l._ at Derby.
In 1791, twenty-two of his produce started, and were winners of
fifty-eight prizes. _Buzzard_ won 250 guineas, 200 guineas, 120 guineas,
and 300 guineas, at Newmarket, and two fifties at Chesterfield.
_Chanticleer_, 150 guineas, 200 guineas, the Grosvenor Stakes, 100
guineas, and 200 guineas, at Newmarket. _Cormorant_, 100 guineas, 100
guineas, 300 guineas, 100 guineas, and 80 guineas, at Newmarket.
_Dancing Master_, 200 guineas, 100 guineas, and 130 guineas, at
Newmarket. _Dragon_, the Claret and Fortescue Stakes, the Jockey Club
Plate, the 140 guineas, 50_l._ 1000 guineas, the Prince's Plate, and 70
guineas, at Newmarket. _Hawk_, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, 100 guineas,
and 150 guineas, at Stockbridge. _Isabel_, the Queen's 100 guineas at
Chelmsford, and the King's Plate at Lincoln. _Pecker_, 200 guineas, 100
guineas, and the Give and Take Plate, at Newmarket. _Seagull_, 600
guineas at Newmarket; and _Tree Creeper_, 200 guineas, 50 guineas, 60
guineas, and 50_l._ all at Newmarket. In 1792, _Bustard_ won 200
guineas, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, 50_l._ and 100 guineas, at Newmarket,
and 200 guineas, 37½ guineas, 200 guineas, 100 guineas, and 50 guineas,
at the same. _Chanticleer_, 100 guineas, 500 guineas, 500 guineas, 500
guineas, and 400 guineas, at Newmarket. _Dragon_, 275 guineas, the Whip
(with 400 guineas,) and 300 guineas, at Newmarket. _Hawk_, 100 guineas
at Newmarket, and the Bowl at Salisbury. _Ostrich_, 80 guineas at
Newmarket, 50_l._ at Brighton, and the King's Plate at Canterbury.
_Rover_, 50 guineas, and 90 guineas, at Exeter; and 50_l._ at
Dorchester. _Tree Creeper_, 100 guineas, the second class and main of
the Filly Stakes, and 200 guineas, at Newmarket; and the Prince's Stakes
of 50 guineas each, _half forfeit_, seventeen subscribers, at Brighton.
In 1793, _Buzzard_ won the Craven Stakes, 200 guineas, 200 guineas, 60
guineas, 100 guineas, and 60 guineas, at Newmarket; and a two year old
bay filly of Lord Grosvenor's, the July Filly Stakes at Newmarket, and
the Orleans Stakes at Brighton. In 1794, _Buzzard_ won the Craven
Stakes, 50 guineas, the Jockey Club Plate, 200 guineas, 50_l._ and 100
guineas, at Newmarket. _Jack_ of _Newbury_, 50_l._ at Bath, 40 guineas
at Tewksbury, and 60 guineas at Abingdon. _Paroquet_, 300 guineas at
Newmarket; and _Seagull_, 50 guineas, 100 guineas, and 105 guineas, at
the same. In 1795, _Atropa_ (at two years old) won 400 guineas at
Newmarket. _Colibri_, (two years old,) 50 guineas, and 75 guineas, at
Brighton; 200 guineas, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, 80 guineas, and 100
guineas, at Newmarket. _Ida_, 100 guineas at Ascot Heath, 50_l._ and 50
guineas at Brighton, and 50_l._ at Lewes. _Shoveller_, 150 guineas at
Ascot; and _Pecker_, 500 guineas at Newmarket. In 1796, nine of his get
started, and received nineteen prizes. In 1797, six were the winners of
ten. In 1798, three only started, and were winners of five. In 1799,
_Vivalde_, three years old, won 300 guineas, 200 guineas, 100 guineas,
and 100 guineas, at Newmarket, and 100 guineas at Stamford; and
_Thrush_, only two years old, 100 guineas, 50 guineas, and 45 guineas,
at Newmarket. In 1800, _Ephemera_ won the Oaks Stakes, of 50 guineas
each, (twenty-four subscribers,) at Epsom, and 50_l._ at Newmarket.
_Sophia_, 100 guineas at Brighton. _Thrush_, 100 guineas, and 20
guineas, at Newmarket. _Vivalde_, 200 guineas, and 45 guineas, at
Newmarket; 50_l._ at Epsom; and 50_l._ at Reading. In 1801, _Crazy
Poetess_ won 100 guineas at Lewes. _Cocoa-Tree_, the Brocket Stakes of
100 guineas at Brocket Hall; 100 guineas, 75 guineas, and 50 guineas, at
Newmarket; and _Anna Maria_, 60 guineas at Epsom. In 1802, _Mystery_ won
60 guineas, and 50_l._ at Goodwood, and 50 guineas at Epsom; _Paulo_
winning a 50_l._ plate at Northampton. So that, upon a review of
Woodpecker's progeny, he has proved himself inferior to but very few of
his predecessors.
WORMS—are known to be of different kinds; and when any one particular
species has taken possession of the stomach, or any part of the
intestinal canal, in a horse, they not only occasion extreme pain, or
perpetual disquietude, but become inveterate opponents to health, and
constant enemies to flesh and condition. Some horses, of strong
constitution, will bear their persecuting pinchings for a great length
of time, before they give external proof of internal depredation;
others, from less patience, or greater irritability, are very early in
their indications. Symptoms of worms are various, and not unfrequently
deceptive: those most relied upon are a largeness of the belly, with a
leanness of the flesh; an unkind and hollow slaring of the coat, a
flaccidity of the skin, a dryness of the mouth, a fœtidity of the
breath, an occasional looking towards the flank on either side, or
stamping with one hind foot or the other when in pain. A kind of
straw-coloured sulphureous scurfy stain at the sphincter of the anus, is
considered a certain and invariable sign; but ocular demonstration
(which very frequently happens) removes the matter beyond all present
doubt, and subsequent disappointment.
The sorts with which horses are most commonly afflicted, are as follow:
_Botts_, a short circular worm, with a shelly kind of coat, picked at
one end, and nearly round at the other, not unlike the silk-worm in its
dormant state: these adhere closely to the internal coat of the stomach,
causing the most excruciating pains as they increase in numbers, and are
sometimes so numerous and destructive as to occasion the _loss of life_;
instances of which have been proved by an examination of the viscera
after death; of which a case is described in Page 132 of "A Compendium
of Farriery," by the present Author, published in 1796. These take their
seat also in the rectum, (the large intestine nearest the anus,) where
they are seen adhering to the interstices as close to each other, during
the moments of evacuation, as a swarm of bees; and five or six may be
twitched off at a time with the fingers and thumb, just at the critical
contraction of the sphincter.
There is also a large dark worm comes from horses, having a black head,
and in its formation precisely the same as the grub-worm, so destructive
to the roots of strawberries in certain dry seasons; but that these are
of a cream coloured white, and the former of a brownish yellow, which
tinge may probably be derived from the excrements in which they have
been ingulfed. A third is the long white worm, from six or seven to
fourteen inches long, equally picked at both ends, but larger in
circumference towards one end than the other; these are prolific in the
body beyond description, and when completely dislodged by medical
specifics, are evacuated in putrified masses exceeding credibility. The
fourth are a greenish small worm, with a perpetual vermicular motion,
which, by its continual twisting and twirling in the intestinal canal,
so irritates the animal, that he sometimes evacuates suddenly, and in a
state so lax, that these worms are frequently expelled with the dung in
great numbers, and seen working in all directions upon its surface,
exactly similar to the exertions of an eel when thrown upon the grass
from its native element.
Numerous are the quackeries and nostrums recommended by the
_il-literati_, from old books, and unenlightened practice, long since
buried in oblivion; but more particularly since the discovery of those
grand specifics, MERCURY and ANTIMONY, which may be comparatively said
to contain an equal degree of merit with the remaining conjunctive parts
of the whole Materia Medica. After all the various experiments made, and
minute observations collected, it does not appear that any mode, but
mercurial purgation, will be productive of actual and infallible
extirpation. Instances are numerous, where they have been evacuated in
large quantities (and in many cases completely eradicated) by the
advertised Antimonial Alterative Powders of the Author; but MERCURIALS
are certainly entitled to priority, upon the well-founded plea of
infallibity. Worms are as common with dogs as with horses, and may as
certainly be cured by the same proportional means.
WORMING OF DOGS,—when whelps, or puppies, is believed by some to prevent
their wanton and destructive propensity in play when young; and by
others, to render unnecessary any fear of their receiving the canine
infection of _madness_ during their lives: the latter, however, is too
slender a foundation for any decisive opinion to be erected upon. The
operation of worming is simply this; underneath the tongue is a frænum
(or bridle) by which the motion of the tongue is regulated; the exterior
skin of this is to be delicately slit superficially with a lancet, when
a tendinous substance, called _the worm_, will be perceived: the point
of a small probe, awl, or large needle, should then be insinuated
beneath its center, to raise it up, when, with very little force, one
end will come away; this taken hold of, with a linen cloth, or
handkerchief, the other end will soon come away under gentle extraction.
Too sudden force, or violence, must not be used, lest the worm should be
broken, and a part left behind in the attempt.
WORMWOOD.—This plant is of two sorts, distinguished by the names of
Roman and Common Wormwood: both have their properties of utility; but
the former is esteemed the most efficacious of the two. It has a strong
but fragrant smell, and is intensely bitter to the taste: it powerfully
resists putrefaction, and is highly useful in antiseptic and emollient
fomentations; consequently well worthy a place in the garden of every
rural sportsman, to be ready upon unexpected emergencies. Experiments
have been made with this article dried, powdered, and given to horses in
balls, for the cure of worms; but it does not appear to have acquired
reputation for any specific or infallible effect in their extirpation.
WOUNDS—are well known to be occasioned by various means; and, in the
strictest signification, imply an accidental separation of parts, or
solution of continuity, by some sharp instrument, suddenly and
accidentally, or wilfully introduced. In all recent wounds casually
encountered, and in a bleeding state, (if not deeply seated,) little
more is required, or can indeed be effected by the most expert
practitioner, than to absorb the flux of blood, and then to bring the
edges of the wound as nearly into contact with each other as
circumstances will admit, either by suture or bandage, where the seat of
injury will admit of such process; which is not always the case; wounds
sometimes happening where the edges of the separated parts cannot be
brought into _any_ degree of union, and the cure can only be effected by
incarnation. In some circumstances, wounds are sustained in such
singular situations, and across such large muscles, that the insertion
of stitches, to secure the edges, would prove of no effect, as the whole
would inevitably rupture upon every exertion of the horse, in either
laying down or getting up.
Wounds of magnitude vary so much in appearance, as influenced by the
healthy or morbid state of the body, the proper or improper mode of
treatment, or even the changes in the weather, that no precise and
invariable plan can be derived from books, or inculcated by the pen, but
what must necessarily become subject to such alterations as prudence may
prompt, or the judicious practitioner point out. In all wounds of the
smaller kind, and where neither the arteries or the tendinous parts are
affected, dressings of mild digestive or other emollient unguents, upon
pledgets of lint, with a soft bed of tow, and proper covering for the
whole, will promote a speedy incarnation, when cicatrization will follow
of course. Wounds of other kinds are produced by different means, and
require modes of treatment in a degree adapted to their magnitude, and
the causes by which they have been occasioned. See ABSCESS, FISTULA, and
STRANGLES.