Chapter D (5)

EXTERNAL CAUSES also frequently give rise to its appearance; a sudden check to perspiration by change of weather, or change of situation, from one stable to another; or from either to the external air, by turning out to grass from a warm and comfortable stable, unfavourably followed by a succession of cold nights, bleak winds, and rainy weather; washing the heels in hard well water after profuse perspiration; standing too constantly upon stale and filthy dung, for days and nights, impregnated with urine, so evidently prejudicial to the feet and frogs. Horses fed upon grains are remarked to be much subject to the disorder in a slight degree, and this tendency is probably strengthened by a want of cleanly attention, or a little assistance from medicinal counteraction.

Much mischief is frequently occasioned by the rash and injudicious interposition of some illiterate practitioner, who, with a degree of _self-cunning_, (peculiar to professional ignorance,) piques himself upon the superiority of his art, and confidently proceeds to oppose the predominant efforts which NATURE has been induced to make for her OWN RELIEF. Influenced by the deceptive impression of _imaginary_ success, he begins with mild _repellents_, drying _washes_, sharp _waters_, strong _astringents_, then _styptics_, and lastly MERCURIAL or VITRIOLIC _caustics_ and _escharotics_, where having reached the utmost extent of his fertile faculties, he is _surprized_, but not MORTIFIED, at finding what he erroneously thought a _remedy_ has proved TEN TIMES WORSE than the original disease. The Grease, upon its first appearance, is, by a proper course of medicine, and judicious management, very easily subdued, and radically cured. In its second stage, great PATIENCE and PERSEVERANCE is required; and no expence should be spared, or necessary means omitted. In the third and last, DEATH is preferable to any attempt at cure.

GREY.—The COLOUR of a HORSE is so called, where dark-coloured or BLACK hairs are proportionally intermixed with WHITE: some of those are beautifully mottled upon the rump, down the hind quarters, and across the gaskins, and are then called DAPPLED GREYS. It is admitted by the old proverb, and verified by all opinions, that "a GOOD horse can never be of a BAD colour:" there is, however, an exception to the adage, in a white or a light grey; for, by laying down with the hind quarter, on one side or the other, in the dung newly fallen, it is no uncommon thing to have a daily _washing_, and _drying_, before a horse of such colour can be taken out of the stable either to WORK or to EXERCISE.

GREYHOUND.—The particular species of DOG passing under the denomination of GREYHOUND, was formerly called GAZEHOUND, and is at the present day more universally known by the appellation of LONG DOG in many parts of the kingdom. The breed has been at all times carefully cultivated by the lovers of coursing, but has never been brought to so great a degree of enthusiastic perfection, as since the establishment of the different COURSING CLUBS and SOCIETIES in Norfolk, Essex, Berkshire, and the Flixton Wolds of Yorkshire. The members of each have, with an unremitting perseverance, endeavoured to excel each other with an unalloyed spice of SPORTING EMULATION: the late LORD ORFORD; the MARQUIS of TOWNSEND; COLONEL THORNTON, of Thornville Royal; MAJOR TOPHAM, of the Wolds, and the _Reverend_ H. BATE DUDLEY, of the Bradwell and Tillingham Club, in Essex, are those who have excelled every competitor, and improved the breed to the highest possible state of perfection.

_Czarina_ was bred by the late LORD ORFORD; _Jupiter_ and _Claret_, by COLONEL THORNTON; _Snowball_, by MAJOR TOPHAM; _Miller_, by the Reverend H. B. DUDLEY; and _Schoolboy_, by the celebrated MR. (Vauxhall) CLARKE. Czarina, the grand-dam of Snowball, was purchased at the late Lord Orford's sale by Colonel Thornton, with an intent to improve the breed, in which he was not disappointed. She won FORTY-SEVEN matches in Norfolk, Wiltshire, and Yorkshire, and _never_ was beat. She displayed no signs of producing progeny till _thirteen years old_, when she brought forth _eight whelps_, got by _Jupiter_, who all lived, and ran in high form.

_Snowball_ was got by _Claret_, (one of the eight whelps of Czarina,) and supposed to be, taken "for all in all," the surest dog to _kill_ and _take up_ that ever ran. He won FOUR CUPS, COUPLES, and upwards of thirty matches; one of which was so severe, that his opponent (a dog of MR. PLUMER'S) died immediately after the course. _Claret_ was got by young _Jupiter_, out of old _Czarina_; he challenged all Yorkshire, which was twice accepted; one match he won; and received forfeit for the other.

That truly celebrated dog, the _Miller_, was so large, awkward, and clumsey, when a puppy, that he had been nearly thrown aside, and not thought worthy of being brought into the field; but a friend of Mr. Dudley's having borrowed him, took him to the Marshes at St. Osyth, where, at only twelve months old, he won several matches in one day against the best dogs in the field. Having thus accidentally _ran_ himself into _reputation_, he was, at his return, introduced to more powerful, at least more _popular_, opponents, where, however, he for SEVEN YEARS maintained his superiority, during SEVENTY-FOUR successive MATCHES, without having been beaten. He is at present a stallion in great estimation, as all the stock he has yet produced are excellent runners.

_Schoolboy_ was of great celebrity; he was bred by SIR C. BUNBURY, and got by Dr. Frampton's _Fop_, out of Sir Charles's _Miss_: he ran a great number of MATCHES for very considerable sums, particularly over NEWMARKET, and _never_ was _beat_. Several of his get have been sold for twenty guineas each, as _Troy_, _Traveller_, and _Lilly_; all very good runners.

MR. DANIEL, who, in his "RURAL SPORTS," has given most beautiful and admirably executed portraits of _Czarina_, _Maria_, _Venus_, and _Claret_, engraved by Scott, has also introduced the following, as a criterion of comparative speed between the race-horse and the greyhound. "A match was to have been run over Doncaster course, in the December of 1800, for one hundred guineas; but one of the horses having been drawn, a mare started alone, to make good the bet, and, after having gone the distance of about a mile, a greyhound bitch started from the side of the course, and ran with her the other three miles, keeping nearly head to head, which produced a singular race; and when they reached the distance post, five to four was betted on the GREYHOUND; when they came to the stand, it was _even betting_; but the mare won by about a head."

A variety of singular occurrences respecting the invincible ardour and velocity, as well as persevering fortitude, of greyhounds, might be introduced, but a few must suffice. In February, 1800, a BRACE of GREYHOUNDS coursed a hare upwards of _four miles_ in a straight line from where she was found, (exclusive of turns,) when she _ran herself dead_ before she was touched by the dogs.

A famous dog of the Reverend Mr. Corsellis, who chanced to be wind-bound at Dover, coursed a hare, who had beat a variety of pursuers in that neighbourhood, when the dog proved so superior to her in speed, and pressed her so close, that she ran immediately for the cliff, as her only chance of escaping; but the greyhound threw at, and caught her at the brink, going with her in his mouth to the _bottom_ of the _precipice_, where they were literally _dashed_ to _pieces_. In 1797, a brace of greyhounds coursed a hare over the edge of a chalk-pit, at Offham, in Sussex, and both hare and dogs were found dead at the bottom. In December, 1794, a company of gentlemen were coursing at Finchingfield, in Essex, when a hare was started, and a brace of greyhounds starting from two different points, ran against each other with so much violence that they both _died on the spot_.

The greyhound is always mild and inoffensive, and his fidelity cannot be better described than in the words of the unfortunate CHARLES I. who said, amidst his courtiers, during his troubles, that "the GREYHOUND had all the good-nature of the SPANIEL, without his _fawning_."

GRIPES.—The disorder this term is meant to imply, is more properly distinguished by the appellation of INFLAMMATORY CHOLIC, and is much more painful and dangerous than that species of intestinal complaint known by the name of FLATULENT CHOLIC, or FRET. The inflammatory cholic, or GRIPES, proceeds from a painful obstruction in the intestines, occasioned by an accumulation of indurated excrement, which must be _mollified_, and _removed_, before EASE can be obtained. In cases of this kind, no time should be lost, the intestines being preternaturally distended beyond the original intention of Nature, the pain is most excruciating, the state of the animal dreadful; and, unless relief is very speedily procured, INFLAMMATION of the BOWELS immediately comes on, MORTIFICATION follows, and DEATH ensues.

GROGGY—is a knowing term, peculiar to the lower order of stabularian and horse-dealing gentry, and implies a _tenderness_ and _defect_ in action, either from a CHEST or FOOT FOUNDER, or an injury sustained in the _back sinews_, as mentioned under the head GORGED. Horses of this description, although they come apparently _crippled_ out of the stable, yet, when the circulation is increased by action, and the stiffness gone off as the perspiration comes on, their exertion is incredible, and their endurance of fatigue beyond conception. These are the kind of horses by which the _inferior_ kind of JOBBERS obtain a livelihood, in supplying the POST-WORK upon the _roads_, and the HACKNEY COACH-MASTERS of the _Metropolis_.

GROOM—is the appellation by which a person is known who is a complete and perfect master of every part of stable discipline; if he is not so, it is a prostitution of the word to admit the term; and in any other point of view, he can rank in _no_ other degree than a _common stable-boy_. The qualifications necessary to form A GROOM of superior excellence, are almost as numerous and distinguishing as those admitted to be requisite for the formation of a MINISTER of STATE: obedience, fidelity, patience, mildness, diligence, humanity, and honesty, are equally indispensible; without the whole of which, he may be _entitled_ to the denomination of _a strapper_ in a stable-yard; but will never prove worthy to be thought A GROOM.

If a groom is judicious, honest, and industrious, intending DUTY to his MASTER, and justice to himself, he will never be prevailed upon to undertake more than he can perform: the MASTER who wishes it, will always be instrumental to his own deception and disappointment. Those who expect GROOMS to dress hair, as well as their horses; or to leave the latter _wet_ and _dirty_, or half dressed, in the stable, while they dance attendance at the back of the chair, during the _hour_ of _dining_, must be content to see their horses in _equal condition_ with those of the DANCING, MUSIC, and DRAWING MASTERS, so frequently seen, _in all weathers_, standing the disconsolate hour, at different doors, in almost every respectable street of the Metropolis.

The department in which A GROOM is placed, if the stud is valuable, must always be considered an office of very considerable trust; where great confidence is placed on ONE SIDE, and strict integrity should be observed on THE OTHER. It is upon the sobriety, steadiness, and invariable punctuality, of the groom, that the HEALTH, SAFETY, and CONDITION, of every horse depends; and by his incessant attention only can they be insured. GROOMS (at least those completely qualified to be termed so) are men who, from the arduous talk they stand engaged in, the variegated nature of their servitude, and the property entrusted to their care, lay claim, and are entitled to, (their _sobriety_, _steadiness_, _fidelity_, and _punctuality_, once established,) all the equitable pecuniary compensation, and personal kindness, their employers can possibly bestow.

GROOMS and coachmen, deprived of _free agency_ by their situation in life, and doomed to eat the bread of DEPENDENCE, _exist_ to act solely upon compulsion; they receive (sometimes the most supercilious) injunctions only to _obey_, and are not permitted the privilege of either remonstrance or expostulation. Tacitly submissive, they encounter the severity of the elements at _all hours_, and in _all seasons_; and what should more influence the reflecting mind in their favor, is, that when the inclemency of the weather compels the RICH and OPULENT to take shelter under the ROOF of HOSPITALITY, servants must bear the "_pelting_ of the _pitiless_ storm" unprotected; and when a satiety of pleasure drives the reluctant frame of their superiors to the downy pillow of nocturnal relief, their task as yet "is but half performed," and not unfrequently, till the broad sun serves only to remind them of a speedy renewal of their daily labour.

These observations are impartially introduced, to demonstrate their utility in the great scale of OPULENT SOCIETY, as well as to bring home to the reflection of the _illiberal_ and _penurious_, palpable conviction how highly they stand entitled (upon many particular occasions, and distressing emergencies) to _their_ salutary tenderness and kind consideration. It should be always held in remembrance by SUPERIORS, that the services are _reciprocal_; and that, in strict truth and candour, the obligation is no greater on _one side_ than the _other_. GRATITUDE and AFFECTION is much more likely (in a good soil) to be excited by _kindness_ than _severity_; and instances are very rare of a SERVANT'S fidelity having been _obtained_, or _preserved_, by the unkind treatment, or unjust _rigidity_, of the MASTER.

GROOMS of a certain description are, in general, too much disposed to a degree of self-consequence, and studiously endeavour to obtain an ASCENDANCY in the stabularian department, to which, if the master imprudently and _pusillanimously_ submits, he becomes in some degree a non-entity, and bids adieu to every particle of power upon his own premises. The groom once possessed of _this power_, and conscious of the ground he stands upon, becomes so confident of his own _imaginary_ superiority, that the master is little more than an instrument of mere passive convenience; barely permitted _to think_, hardly presuming TO SPEAK, or, in fact, _daring_ to _obtrude_ an OPINION even where his own horses, their health, and safety, are concerned. Grooms, so long as they continue to execute the trust reposed in them with fidelity, that is, with _care_, _kindness_, _punctuality_, and _attention_ to their HORSES, and a dutiful attachment to their employers, will ever find themselves respected; but when, from a false, ridiculous, and ill-founded confidence, they exceed the bounds of consistency, and go beyond their own sphere, in an _affected_ knowledge of the PROPERTY of MEDICINE, QUACKING their masters' HORSES, and becoming _self-coined Veterinarians_, they, in the eye of every judicious observer, abandon their own merits, and render themselves objects of both pity and contempt.

This _affectation_ of MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE is so very prevalent with _stabularian gentlemen_, that they support it with a great degree of irritable tenacity; and would sooner have even their HONESTY, than their _medical ability_ called in question. To stem the torrent of this dangerous practice, should be the first principle, and persevering determination, of every GENTLEMAN, who expects to see his HORSES in good CONDITION, and his _servants_ in a state of _uniformity_: and if he wishes to shield himself from mental disquietude, and his horses from perpetual persecution, he will lay a serious injunction, that no _medicine_, or _nostrum_, whatever, shall be administered to any horse or horses under the GROOM'S care, without the MASTER'S acquiescence first had and obtained.

If GENTLEMEN will condescend to give the subject a trifling consideration, they will instantly perceive, that the symptoms of disease, the state of the body, the languor or velocity of the circulation, and the property of the blood itself, must require a greater degree of SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION, than people of this description have the power of going into; from which palpable fact may be inferred, the sole reason why they so often miscarry in their experiments, and so frequently render that a matter of permanent difficulty, which, _properly treated_, would have proved no more than a mere temporary inconvenience.

GROOMS (as well as Coachmen) should have it strongly impressed on their memory, and never lose sight of the reflection, that by a slight, or almost momentary, deviation from the line of rectitude, in either _error_, _inattention_, _inadvertence_, or _neglect_, injuries may be sustained that neither _months_ or _money_ can repair. Their minds should be always alive to the interest of their employers; they should, in all seasons (but more particularly in the colder months) have it in perpetual recollection, that COLDS are sooner _caught_ than _cured_; that SWELLED LEGS, and CRACKED HEELS, are much easier _obtained_ than _obliterated_; that LAMENESS (either by accident or indiscretion) is easier _got_ than _gotten rid of_; and that _bad eyes_ are much more frequently the effect of a _careless_ or a _malicious blow_, than of "HUMOURS," to which they are upon all occasions so industriously attributed.

COLDS and COUGHS are suddenly acquired, and by means at the time but little thought of, till the event first _prompts_, and then _reproaches_ retrospection. A horse in fine condition, standing in a warm and comfortable stable when _at home_, is always liable to inconvenience _abroad_; accidentally exposed to a _long_, _wet_, and _dirty_ journey, or a severe chase in sharp winds and unfavourable weather, with a cold and comfortless stable after either, he insures it almost to a certainty, without incessant care and unremitting circumspection. A horse after one or the other, should never be left _one minute_ without the precaution of substantial and unwearied wisping, so long as a _wet_ or _damp_ hair is to be found about him. He should never be permitted to stand still _in rain_, even with HOUNDS, so great is the _danger_ of throwing the perspirative matter _suddenly_ upon the CIRCULATION; thereby constituting a _sizey viscidity_ of the BLOOD, and laying the foundation of various diseases.

HORSES kept in good style, should never have their customary cloathing reduced, but with the strictest care and attention: the internal air of a stable should be regulated, and its temperature equally preserved entirely by the _state_ of the _season_, (or, in other words, by the SEASON of the YEAR;) and external air should never be additionally admitted in _cold_ and _chilling_ winds, but with the greatest circumspection; as it is to be remembered, it is not the admission of such air _in itself alone_, by which the injury is sustained, but by the contrast it constitutes, when opposed to the previous warmth of the stable.

GROUSE;—the name of a HORSE who promised much celebrity on the TURF. He was bred by the DUKE of GRAFTON, and was got by _Highflyer_ out of _Georgina_, who was got by _Matchem_, and was own sister to _Conductor_. He was foaled in 1790; and at three years old beat _Monkey_, _Silver_, _Tick_, _Æacus_, _Agamemnon_, _Black Puss_, _Edwin_, _Rally_, and MR. VERNON'S filly by _Florizel_ out of _Eve_, three miles over the Beacon; but soon after falling lame, he became a STALLION in the Duke's possession, and having already produced _Chuckle_ and _First Fruits_, both good runners, he is in considerable estimation, and will no doubt contribute to TURF STOCK with increasing reputation.

GROUSE, OR RED GAME,—that species of game for the protection of which the Legislature has provided, is a native inhabitant of HILLS and MOUNTAINS, difficult of access, and much more common to the remote than the centrical parts of the kingdom. They are beautiful in the variegations of their plumage, but inferior to the PHEASANT (particularly the cock) in both feather and size. They are included with PHEASANTS and PARTRIDGES in every act for the PRESERVATION of GAME; but differ individually in respect to the time limited for the commencement and termination of the shooting season.

It is enacted by the 13th George Third, c. lv. s. 2, That no person shall _kill_, _destroy_, _carry_, _sell_, _buy_, or _have in his possession_, any GROUSE, commonly called RED GAME, between the _tenth_ day of _December_ and the _twelfth_ day of _August_ in any year, upon pain of forfeiting, for the _first offence_, a sum not exceeding 20_l_. nor less than 10_l_. and for the _second, and every subsequent offence_, a sum not exceeding 30_l_. nor less than 20_l_. one moiety thereof to go to the informer, and the other moiety to the poor of the parish: and in case the penalty be not paid, and there be no distress to be had, the offender may be committed to prison, to be kept to hard labour for any time not exceeding SIX, nor less than THREE MONTHS.

And for the further preservation of both BLACK GAME and GROUSE, or RED GAME, it is enacted, That any person who shall, between the _second_ day of _February_ and the _twenty-fourth day_ of June, in any year, burn any _grig_, _ling_, _heath_, _furze_, _goss_, or _fern_, on any mountains, hills, heaths, moors, forests, chases, or other wastes, shall be committed to the house of correction for any time not exceeding _one month_, nor less than _ten days_; there to be whipped, and kept to hard labour.

GUN.—A GUN is that well-known instrument of pleasure used in the destruction of GAME, for the privilege of carrying which, its devotees voluntarily contribute so largely to the exigencies of State, and the support of Government. FASHION, that great centre of fluctuation, has in this, as in almost every thing else, wrought a very considerable change. GUNS formerly in use for this purpose, were principally constructed from three feet eight and ten inches, to five and even six feet in the length of the barrel only; which, by the effect of constantly increasing ingenuity and persevering invention, are now reduced to a standard varying but little _below_ two feet nine, or _above_ three feet and an inch; these having been improved to such a degree of perfection, as to bring down a bird from FORTY to SIXTY yards _distance_; and at no greater would any SPORTSMAN wish to put a gun to his shoulder. Guns with longer barrels are generally appropriated to the killing of _water fowl_, and are called FOWLING-PIECES.

H.

HACK.—Any horse appropriated to every kind of purpose, (and upon which no great estimation or value is placed,) it has been the custom for time immemorial to distinguish by the appellation of HACK. Custom, however, has permitted a slight deviation from a practice of long standing, and A HACK is now generally understood to imply the idea of a _hired horse_; that is, a horse the property of a HACKNEY-MAN, JOB or POSTMASTER, who lets out horses by the _day_, _week_, or _month_, and who is obliged to take out an annual licence for permission so to do, paying FIVE SHILLINGS for the same: doing which _without_ A LICENCE, renders him liable to a penalty of TEN POUNDS.

HACK HORSES, whether for _riding_ or _drawing_, used in travelling post, are individually liable to a duty of _one penny halfpenny_ per mile, for as many miles as such horse shall be engaged to travel within a day, or any less time; but where the distance cannot then be ascertained, _one shilling and ninepence_ shall be paid for each horse so hired. This duty is demanded by the person letting the horse or horses to hire, who, upon receiving such payment, shall deliver to the person so hiring, one or more STAMP-OFFICE TICKETS, under a penalty of TEN POUNDS.

HACKNEY,—in the general acceptation of the word with the SPORTING WORLD, is a horse superior to all others upon the SCORE of UTILITY; being rendered subservient to every office of exertion, speed, and perseverance, or, in other words, to all the _drudgery_ and _labour_ of his situation, from which his cotemporaries, the RACER, the HUNTER, and the CHARGER, by the _imaginary_ superiority of their qualifications, and pampered appearance, are always _exempt_. It is the peculiar province of the HACKNEY to carry his master _twelve_ or _fifteen_ miles in an hour to covert, (where the HUNTER is in _waiting_,) and sometimes to bring back the GROOM with still greater expedition, whose _engagements_ may probably have occasioned him to be much more in _haste_ than his MASTER. It is in the department of the HACKNEY to encounter and overcome emergencies and difficulties of every description: his constitution should be excellent, and his spirit invincible; he must be enabled to go _five-and-twenty_ or _thirty miles_ at a stage, without _drawing bit_, and without the least respect to the _depth_ of the _roads_, or the dreary state of the weather; and if he is not equal to _any weight_, in these _trifling exertions_, he will be held in no estimation as a HACKNEY of FASHION.

HACKNEY-MEN.—Those so called are the proprietors of COACHES, CHAISES, and HORSES, for the accommodation of the public, and of whom may be obtained vehicles of such description for any length of time required. They are subject to a LICENCE ANNUALLY, and various duties upon the different carriages, all which are clearly explained in concise abstracts (called "TAX TABLES") from the Acts of Parliament upon this particular subject.

HAIR,—with which the frame of the horse is so completely covered, and more familiarly termed COAT, is, in general, indicative of the _good_ or _ill_ state of the horse; not only in respect to health, but to his CONDITION, for whatever work he may be designed. If the subject is sleek in his coat, with a glossy shining surface, soft and pliable in the skin; not tight upon the ribs, as if firmly adhering to the side; no enlargements upon the lower joints of the legs, nor any _profuse_ and _faint_ perspiration upon moderate work, the BLOOD may be pronounced in a HEALTHY STATE, and the horse in fair and GOOD CONDITION.

If, on the contrary, the coat is rough, hollow, staring different ways, of a variegated hue, with a tinge of dust or scaly scurf beneath the surface, the perspirative matter has been thrown upon the circulation by a collapsion of the porous system, the blood is become sizey, and disposed to morbidity, in proportion to the preternatural weight by which it is overloaded, and the obstructions it has to encounter in its passage through the finer vessels, occasioned by the languor of the circulation.

It is no uncommon thing for HORSES in tolerable GOOD CONDITION to go _all to pieces_, particularly in the autumn months, without the least cause to be assigned, the least reason to be suggested, by either MASTER or GROOM. Certain it is, that to two successive acts of indiscretion, (or error in judgment,) this very prevalent defeat may be attributed, without the least fear of being at all _wrong_ in the conclusion. GROOMS and COACHMEN, in general, totally unmindful of the _great heat_ of their stables during the night, throw open the doors immediately upon coming in the morning, (regardless of even _frost_ or _snow_,) and frequently so continue during the whole ceremony of "mucking out" and carrying away the dung, if not with the addition of _stripping_ and _dressing_ the horses into the bargain.

That the measure of indiscretion may be complete, the ceremony not unfrequently terminates in a three or four gallon pail of _hard cold_ water from the PUMP in the _yard_ or _mews_; immediately after which, a judicious observer will perceive

"Each particular hair to stand on end,
"Like quills upon the fretful porcupine."

This prevailing practice has frequently laid the foundation of various ills, not one of which were ever attributed to the right cause. Such an accumulation of _chilling frigidity_ immediately succeeding the extreme heat of the night, has often produced diseases _without end_, at least those which _ended_ only with _life_. COLDS, COUGHS, FEVER, (original or symptomatic,) INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS, BAD EYES, BROKEN WIND, SWELLED LEGS, CRACKED HEELS, DROPSY in the _chest_, with a long list of _et ceteras_, or even death itself, may be occasioned by circumstances which in themselves appear so _trifling_, yet they sometimes prove of considerable magnitude, and would attract the necessary attention of any humane man looking after his _own_ horses; but in the present age of _duplicity_ and _deception_, are very little likely to affect the _sensibility_ or _integrity_ of those looking after the horses of _others_.

Where a loss of hair has been sustained by some injury, as in broken knees, wounds after being healed, blistering or firing, the growth may be promoted (particularly in slight cases) by reducing three drachms of CAMPHIRE to _fine powder_, then letting it be well incorporated with _two ounces_ of SPERMA CÆTI OINTMENT upon a marble slab, and a small portion of it well rubbed into the part affected at least _once_, but it will be better if persevered in _twice_ a day.

HALTER—is that well-known convenience by which a horse is fastened to the MANGER when confined in a STABLE. Halters are of two kinds; the one prepared of _twisted hemp_, the other made of LEATHER, having head-stall, throat-straps and buckles, nose-band, &c. and are called double-reined hunting-collars. These are the safest in every respect, and, although the most expensive at first, are proportionally durable, and consequently cheapest in the course of time. HEMPEN halters are sometimes injurious, in forming _swellings_, or _lacerations_, upon the upper part of the head, behind the ears, by the friction of the _hard-twisted hemp_ upon a part naturally tender and easily susceptible. They are, however, now but very little used, except in the stables of inferior inns, and of indigent rustics.

HALTER-CAST.—This is an accident to which horses are constantly liable, and it very frequently happens; but, in general, from the inadvertency of leaving the rein of the halter of _too great a length_ on either one side or the other: for when the horse is lying down, and has occasion (from itching, or some other cause) to rub his neck or head with the hind foot, it is no uncommon thing to have it get entangled in the halter-rein; which encircling the _cavity_ of the _heel_, renders it impossible for the animal to extricate himself, unless the halter breaks in his favor; and during these struggles, the heel is sometimes so terribly excoriated, as to become not only a WOUND of much _trouble_, _anxiety_, and _loss_ of _labour_, but often leaves a very vexatious blemish, never to be removed. It is, therefore, a truly necessary part of stable circumspection, to have an occasional eye to a circumstance in itself so seemingly insignificant, when it is recollected, that its omission may be productive of much mortification.

HALTING—may be considered _a limping_, or slight impediment to FREE and EASY ACTION, implying some kind of perceptible _defect_ or _disquietude_, not amounting to absolute LAMENESS. Whenever this irregularity in motion is first observed, and that the legs do not move in corresponding uniformity, or, in other words, as if they _were not fellows_, an accurate examination should be immediately made to ascertain the CAUSE, that it may be _speedily_ relieved; upon a very fair presumption, that what might produce only a _limping_ or _halting_ in the first instance, might probably become a confirmed LAMENESS by a perseverance in use, without adverting to the proper means of alleviation upon the original discovery of something amiss.

HAM, HOUGH, OR HOCK,—is the joint in the center of the hind leg behind; and although so wonderfully united for STRENGTH and ACTION, is nevertheless the seat of serious injuries, as BLOOD and BONE SPAVINS, CURBS, &c. the major part of which originate much more in improper treatment, by short turns, sudden jerks, or twists, upon the road, or in the stable, than by any accidents or fair mode of usage whatever.

HAMBLETONIAN;—the name of A HORSE whose performances have ranked him in an equal degree of retrospective celebrity with _Eclipse_, _Highflyer_, _Diomed_, and the most famous runners of the past or present day. He was bred by MR. HUTCHINSON, of Skipton, near York, and foaled in 1792; was got by _King Fergus_; dam by _Highflyer_; grand-dam by _Matchem_.—1795. May 5, when three years old, he won a stakes of fifteen guineas each, over Hambleton, (five subscribers,) beating _Sober Robin_, _Tarquin_, and another. At York, May 20th, he won a sweepstakes of twenty guineas each, four subscribers. He was then purchased, with all his engagements, by SIR C. TURNER, Bart. in whose possession he won, on the 27th of August, at York, a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, (six subscribers,) beating _Benjamin_, _Minus_, and _Maximus_. Two days after he won a sweepstakes of fifty guineas each, four subscribers. At Doncaster, the 22d of September, he won the St. Leger stakes of twenty-five guineas each, twelve subscribers. The next day he won the GOLD CUP of 100 guineas value, four miles, beating _Governor_, _Capsicum_, and _Bradamant_.

1796. At the York August meeting he won a subscription purse of 227_l._ 10_s._ beating _Spread Eagle_, _Sober Robin_, and another. The next day he won the ladies' plate, beating Lord Darlington's _St. George_. At this period of his uninterrupted success, he was purchased by SIR HENRY TEMPEST VANE, Bart. and at Doncaster, September 28, won the GOLD CUP of 100 guineas value, beating _Sober Robin_, _Ambrosio_, and three others. In the Newmarket Houghton meeting, November 2, he beat Mr. Tatton's _Patriot_ (who was got by _Rockingham_) over the Beacon Course for 1000 guineas.

1797. Monday in the Newmarket Craven meeting, he won the Craven stakes of ten guineas each, beating _Sober Robin_, _Bennington_, _Paynator_, _Hermione_, _Parisot_, _Cymbeline_, and five others. The same day he received 250 guineas forfeit from _Spread Eagle_. On Thursday, in the same week, he beat Lord Clermont's _Aimator_, Beacon Course, 300 guineas. At York, August 23, he won one third of the great subscription of 25 guineas each, (25 subscribers,) to which was added a 50_l._ plate given by the city. The next day he won another third of the same subscription, with an additional 50_l._ plate by the City, beating _Beningbrough_, _Trimbush_, and _Brilliant_. At Doncaster, the 27th of September, he won the stakes of ten guineas each, (ten subscribers,) with twenty guineas added by the Corporation; and on the 29th received 100 guineas forfeit from Mr. Sitwell's _Moorcock_.

In 1798 he was slightly lame, and never started.

1799. Monday, in the Craven meeting at Newmarket, he beat Mr. Cookson's famous horse _Diamond_, over the Beacon, for 3000 guineas, with the odds of _five_ to _four_ in his favour, on account of his superiority in size and strength; it being jocularly observed by the rider of _Diamond_ at _starting_, that it seemed "a little like a race between a mare and her colt." This match was the greatest in popularity ever known from one extremity of the kingdom to the other, and was decided before one of the fullest meetings ever seen at Newmarket. It was won by no more than _three parts_ of a _length_, to effect which the winner had felt the utmost force of the spur; and, it was generally believed, if they had then one hundred yards farther to have ran, _Diamond_ would have been _the winner_; in proof of the justice of which opinion, MR. COOKSON challenged a repetition of the match, which was declined.

At Doncaster the same year, he won the renewed stakes of ten guineas each, (fourteen subscribers, with twenty guineas added by the Corporation,) beating _eight_ of the best horses in the north of England. In 1800 he won the great subscription at York, with 50_l._ given by the City, which was the last time he started. He once ran out of the Course, _soon after starting_, when running three miles over York, 1797, for a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each against _Deserter_ and _Spread Eagle_; and paid one forfeit to _Sterling_ (from being amiss in 1792) at Newmarket; but NEVER WAS BEAT. He is now a stallion in high repute near Leeds, in Yorkshire, at TEN GUINEAS, and half a guinea the groom.

HAND—is the term for a mode of measurement by which the height of A HORSE is ascertained. A HAND (so called originally from its breadth) is _four inches_; three hands is consequently one foot; and A HORSE OF FIFTEEN HANDS is exactly _five feet high_; and so above or below in proportion; as thirteen hands three inches; fourteen hands and a half; or fifteen hands three inches and a quarter; as the measure may be. This, at the entrance of horses for GIVE and TAKE PLATES, is regulated to a most scrupulous nicety by means of a STANDARD, so curiously constructed, as to ascertain the exact height to the _eighth_ of _an inch_, where horses are MATCHED to carry WEIGHT for _inches_.

BRIDLE-HAND: the left hand is so termed, in contra-distinction to the right, which is called the WHIP-HAND; and the most experienced jockies in racing, always take the whip-hand, if possible; it being considered a point in their favour; that is, because they have not only an advantage in the turns of the course, but their adversaries circumscribe a _larger circle_ of many lengths in a FOUR MILES race, exclusive of their having an unrestrained use of THE WHIP, should it come to a _severe push_ at the run in.

There are many _sporting phrases_ in which the word HAND becomes particularly emphatic. To say a horse is LIGHT in HAND, implies his being playful, lively, champing his bit, firm upon his haunches, and not dwelling upon the ground with his fore feet. A horse is HEAVY in HAND, when, bearing his weight upon the bit, and lifting his fore legs with reluctance, he goes _boring on_, with no other sensation to the rider, than an eternal fear of his pitching upon his head. A vicious horse, breaking away with his rider, seems a dreadful sight to a spectator, but can never be attended with misfortune, if the rider is a good HORSEMAN, and has him "well in hand," which is, in fact, the power of "gathering him together," or stopping his career at pleasure.

Although the _left_ is technically termed the BRIDLE-HAND, yet a good horseman, or experienced sportsman, will use either _right_ or _left_ with the most perfect ease and dexterity; to effect which with the greater freedom, young horsemen should constantly practise an exchange of the reins from one hand to the other in their daily excursions. The hand should be delicately alive to every motion of the horse; for it is the judicious management of one, that is to constitute entirely the _good_ or _bad_ mouth of the other. A horse is supposed to gallop awkwardly (if not unnaturally) when he strikes into that pace with his _left leg_ foremost; to prevent which, bear the rein to _the left_, with the bridle-hand, and the horse invariably sets off with the _right_ leg.

HAND-GALLOP is that easy kind of pacing adapted to the aged and infirm, who wish to obtain every possible degree of motion, most consonant to bodily ease; it is the degree of equestrian action synonimous with, and more universally known by, the denomination of CANTER; which is, in fact, the slowest, or most contracted gallop, and can only be enjoyed by those who possess horses of good temper, and well broke for the purpose.

A COLT said to be "taken in hand," implies his being brought from his wild state of nature, to be _handled_, _quieted_, _led_ about, and _stabled_, previous to his being _broke in_ for the SADDLE or HARNESS.

A horse's FORE-HAND includes the fore quarters, from the withers upwards to the tip of the ears; the principal beauty and attraction of which depend entirely upon the length and curvilinear form of the neck, which increases or diminishes his _marketable value_, in proportion as it is _well_ or _ill_ formed.

HANDICAP—is a sporting term, applicable to either MATCH, PLATE, or SWEEPSTAKES, in the following way:

A, B, and C, put an equal sum into a hat. C, who is the handicapper, makes a match for A and B, who, when they have perused it, put their hands into their pockets, and draw them out closed; then they open them together, and if both have money in their hands, the match is confirmed; if _neither_ have money, it is no match: in either of these cases, the handicapper C draws all the money out of the hat: but if one has money in his hand, and the other _none_, it is then no MATCH; and he that has the money in his hand, is entitled to the whole deposit in the hat.

A HANDICAP PLATE is the gift of an individual, or raised by SUBSCRIPTION, for which horses are generally declared the day before running, at a certain hour, by written information privately delivered to the CLERK of the COURSE, whose province it is to make out the list, and hand it to the STEWARD of the RACE; when the weight each horse must carry is irrevocably fixed, (by whoever the steward may appoint), and appears in the printed lists of the following morning. Horses thus entered, and declining the weight appointed for them to carry, are of course permitted to be withdrawn, without any forfeit or loss.

HANDING—is sometimes used to express the HANDING of a COCK during his battle in the pit. It is, however, considered merely provincial, and peculiar only to some particular parts of the country; the _hander_ of the _cocks_ being now more generally known by the denomination of a SETTER-TO.—See COCKPIT ROYAL.

HANDLING,—a term applied by COCKERS to the judicious handling of a COCK, when brought up from his _walk_, to ascertain whether he is in proper condition to be placed in the PENS, and prepared to fight in either the MAIN BATTLES, or the _byes_. This is done by a particular mode of taking the girt of the body by grasp, to discover the shape and substance, the bone, the probable strength, as well as the firmness or flaccidity of the flesh; upon the aggregate of which so much depends, that in proportion to these qualifications, he is ACCEPTED or _rejected_ accordingly.

HARBOUR—is a sporting term, applicable solely to DEER, and used only in STAG HUNTING; when going to covert, and drawing for an out-lying deer; upon finding, it is customary to say, We UNHARBOUR a stag, (or hind.) As with HARRIERS, We _find_ or _start_ a HARE; or with FOX HOUNDS, We _unkennel_ a FOX.

HARE.—This small, harmless, inoffensive animal affords a greater diversity of sport in the field, and a greater degree of luxurious entertainment upon the table, than any species of GAME in this, or, probably, in any other country. The form, shape, and make of the HARE is too universally known to require description; but the most curious naturalists describe, and _affect_ to believe, there are _four kinds_ of _hares_ in different parts of the kingdom. The fact is not so; the species is strictly the same; but they are known to differ in size, speed, substance, and somewhat in colour, according to the soil, climate, fertility, or sterility, of the country where they are bred.

HARES in hilly and mountainous countries are smaller, but more fleet than any other; those who are the natives of low, wet, marshy ground, or moors, are larger, but less firm and delicious in flesh, as well as less nimble in action. Hares bred in open countries, diversified with woods, parks, and arable lands, are in size between both, and afford the best _coursing_ before GREYHOUNDS, as well as the longest _chases_ before HOUNDS. Every part of the hare is admirably formed for the promotion of speed; which, in conjunction with other natural advantages, greatly enables her to evade the pursuits and stratagems of her numerous enemies.

The sense of SMELLING, as well as of HEARING, the hare possesses in a more exquisite degree than any other animal; the latter of which may be justly attributed to the great length, and singular formation, of the ears, so well adapted to receive the slightest vibration of sound, which even the earth is so well known to convey. Its sense of smelling is so incredibly nice, that the hare can _wind_ an _enemy_ (either man or beast) at a considerable distance, particularly in the stillness of the night; this is evidently occasioned by the elastic formation of the nostrils, and the depth of the division between both, from whence has arisen the appellation of _a hare-lip_, with which defect some of the human species are afflicted, in consequence of fright to the mother during the early months of pregnancy. The ears seem to be the regulators of almost every action; for during the chase _one_ is always _erect_, the other _horizontal_; unless in suddenly coming upon an unexpected object, when they are for a moment both erect; but, upon turning and renewing her speed, they invariably resume their former position.

The EYES of the HARE, from the peculiar prominence of their formation, enable her to distinguish objects in almost every direction, without altering the position of either her head or her body; and it is remarkable, that their sight in a straight forward line seems less perfect than in any other. The natural timidity of the hare is excessive; she exists in perpetual fear, and is tremblingly alive to every breeze that can possibly produce alarm. Formed entirely for RUNNING, she either possesses no power, or makes no attempt _to walk_, but in her slowest motion proceeds by JUMPS. The food of the hare varies with the season, and consists chiefly of young clover, green wheat, short sweet grass in parks or upon lawns; and in the winter, parsley, turnip greens, and other succulent plants. During severe frosts, or deep snow, they make no small havock amongst young fruit-trees and fragrant shrubs, by nibbling the bark, thereby retarding their growth, if not (as is frequently the case) promoting their destruction. It is asserted by MR. DANIEL, in his publication called "RURAL SPORTS," that the plantations of a GENTLEMAN in the county of SUFFOLK, had suffered so much in this way, that, in defence of his improvements, he felt himself under the necessity of destroying his HARES, when no less than _five hundred_ and _forty brace_ fell victims on the occasion.

The almost perpetual and incredible _destruction_ of HARES, by HUNTING, COURSING, SHOOTING, and the nocturnal _net_ and _wire_ of the _poacher_, (as well as the infinite increase to supply that destruction,) having occasioned suggestions, that they possess the property of SUPERFŒTATION, it becomes immediately applicable to introduce a remark or two under that head. We are told by MR. DANIEL, that "Sir Thomas Brown, in his Treatise on _Vulgar Errors_, asserts this circumstance from his own observation: and BUFFON describes it as one of this animal's peculiar properties, introducing an idea of hermaphrodite hares; as well as that the males _sometimes_ bring forth young; that they are alternately MALES and FEMALES, occasionally performing the functions of _either_ sex." Nothing can be more contemptible and ridiculous than such conjectures; they are the very essence of mental fertility; and it must suffice to admit, that SIR THOMAS BROWN and BUFFON were not inquisitive sportsmen, or not scientifically acquainted with the parts necessary to generation.

For want of information so very easily to be obtained, some one of these speculative writers promulgated an erroneous assertion, every day liable to the most palpable confutation; "that in the formation of the genital parts of the MALE HARE, the testicles _do not_ appear on the _outside_ of the body, but are contained in the same cover with the intestines." It should seem these authors write more to SURPRIZE than to INSTRUCT, or that they knew little of the subject they wrote upon; as nineteen sportsmen out of every twenty, who have handled hares in the field, or taken them up before the hounds, can demonstrate the contrary; as the testicles, when the hare is full grown, are not only prominently perceptible _externally_, but of considerable size for so small an animal.

The natural fecundity of HARES almost exceeds belief; they continue to breed for nine months out of the twelve; and leverets (young hares) are frequently found and chopped by the hounds in _January_, when the winter has been _mild_. The doe hare goes a month after conception, and at her _first_ produce seldom brings forth more than _two_, afterwards _three_, and sometimes _four_. Whenever the number exceeds two, it is a received (and generally believed just) opinion, that each of the young has a white star in the forehead, which, however, is gradually obliterated as they approach maturity. The dam is supposed to suckle them about one-and-twenty days; but takes care to separate them before that time, and deposits them individually in such _forms_ as she has previously prepared for their reception, at a considerable distance from each other; but so situate, that she can afford maternal protection to the whole. Their prolific powers, and perpetual increase, will create no surprise, when we are respectably informed, that a brace of hares, (the doe pregnant when shut up) were inclosed in a large walled garden, and proper aliment supplied for their sustenance; when at the expiration of TWELVE MONTHS the garden was searched, and the produce was _fifty-seven_ hares, including the original brace turned down: this fact alone demonstrating the certainty, that the females begin to breed when, or before, they are six months old.

The length of a hare's natural life is limited to six or seven years, and they reach their full growth in eight or nine months. The male is by much the smallest, seldom exceeding in weight _five_ or _six_ pounds; but the females, particularly in some very rich and fertile counties, weigh from seven to eight: some few instances have been known of their weighing _nine_ pounds, after being _paunched_. The hare is supposed to be in gentle motion all night during the summer months, and a great part of it in the dreary nights of winter; during the length of which _their works_ are of such immense perplexity, (in _heads_, _doubles_, and _circles_,) that little expectation is entertained of finding a hare by _the trail_, unless the field is taken early in the morning, soon after she is gone _to seat_; which is seldom, if ever, before the dawn of day; and in the summer months, very frequently not till long after day-light.

The HARE till full grown is called A LEVERET, and at any age is very difficult to be found _sitting_; so nearly does the downy fleak (when close contracted) approach the colour of the ground. In this position the old and experienced SPORTSMAN will declare the gender of the hare _before_ it is started. The head of the male is short and round, the whiskers longer, the slit in the nose wider, the shoulders more ruddy, and the ears shorter and broader, than those of the female; the head of which is long and narrow; the ears long, and sharp at the tip; the fur of the back of a dingey hue, inclining to black, and of superior size to the male. When a hare is observed in its FORM, it may be easily ascertained, by the _ears_ only, whether it is a BUCK or DOE; and this is a useful kind of knowledge, particularly at the latter part of the season, when no man, but a hardened poacher, or _pot-hunting_ sportsman, would turn out a _female_ hare before either HOUND or GREYHOUND, where there is a chance of destroying _a leash_, or _two brace_, by the wanton destruction of one.

If the hare found sitting is A BUCK, the ears will be seen drawn close in a parallel line with each other, directly over the shoulders, pointing straight down the back; but if A DOE, the ears are distended on each side of the neck, having a space between them in the centre. In the chase, a _Jack hare_, (as the male is sportingly termed,) after the first ring or two, particularly in the spring months, flies his country, goes straight forwards, and affords a good run, but generally falls a victim to his own fortitude at its termination. The female hangs closer to her native spot, depending more upon her instinctive efforts, in _heading_, _doubling_, _soiling_, and _squatting_, than speed for her preservation.