Chapter D (8)

Every horse, mare, or gelding, entered to start or run for any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing whatsoever, shall pay the sum of _two pounds two shillings_. And be it further enacted, That the owner of every horse, mare, or gelding, entered to start or run for any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing, shall, previous to the entering or starting such horse, mare, or gelding, pay the sum of TWO POUNDS TWO SHILLINGS, as the duty for one year, into the hands of the CLERK of the COURSE, Book-keeper, or other person authorized to make the entry of such horse, mare, or gelding; and if any owner shall, previous to the starting, _neglect_ or _refuse_ to pay the said sum of two pounds two shillings, for such entrance, to the Clerk of the Course, Book-keeper, or other person authorized to make the entry as aforesaid, the owner or owners of every such horse, mare, or gelding, shall forfeit and pay the sum of TWENTY POUNDS.

RULES IN RACING.

Horses take their ages from May Day. 1760 yards are a mile. 240 yards are a distance. Four inches are a hand. Fourteen pounds are a stone.

When HORSES are matched at CATCH WEIGHTS, each party may appoint any person to ride, without weighing either before or after the race.

GIVE and TAKE PLATES are for horses of fourteen hands high, to carry a stated weight, above or below which more or less is to be carried, allowing seven pounds for every inch.

A WHIM PLATE is weight for age, and weight for inches.

A POST MATCH is made by inferring the _age_ of the horses in the articles; and the parties possess the privilege of bringing _any_ horse of _that age_ to the post, without making any previous declaration whatever, of name, colour, or qualifications.

A HANDICAP MATCH. See HANDICAP.

RIDERS must ride their horses (after running) to the SCALES to weigh; and he that dismounts without so doing, or wants weight when weighed, is deemed a _distanced_ horse.

The HORSE, whose HEAD first reaches the ending POST wins the HEAT.

If a RIDER falls from his horse, and the horse is rode in by a person who is sufficient weight, he will take place the same as if it had not happened, provided he goes back to the place where the other fell.

HORSE'S PLATES (or shoes) not allowed in the weight.

Horses not entitled to start, without producing a proper certificate of their age, if required, at the time specified in the articles, except where AGED horses are included; and in that case, a _junior_ horse may enter without a certificate, provided he carries the same weight as the aged.

All BETS are for the best of the plate, where nothing is said to the contrary.

For the BEST of the PLATE, where there are three heats run, the horse is deemed SECOND best who wins ONE.

For the BEST of the HEATS, the horse is _second_ that beats the others twice out of three times, though he does not win a heat.

In all BETS, either bettor may demand STAKES to be made; and on refusal, declare the bet _void_. A confirmed BET cannot be _off_ but by mutual consent.

If one of the PARTIES is _absent_ on the DAY of RUNNING, a public declaration may be made of the BET upon the Course, accompanied with a demand, whether any person present will make STAKES for the absent party, which proportion not being acceded to, the bet may be declared _void_.

BETS agreed to be paid or received in town, or at any other particular place, cannot be declared _off_ on the Course.

If a MATCH is made for any particular day, in any meeting at NEWMARKET, and the parties agree to change the day, all bets must STAND; but if run in a different meeting, the bets made before the alteration are _void_.

The person who lays the ODDS, has a right to chuse his HORSE or the _field_.

When a person has chosen his horse, the field is what starts against him; but there is no field, if the horse so named has no opponent.

BETS made for POUNDS, are always paid in GUINEAS.

If ODDS are _laid_, without mentioning the horse before it is over, it must be determined as the _bets were_ at the time of making it.

BETS made in running, are not determined till the PLATE is WON, if that heat is not mentioned at the time of betting.

Where a PLATE is won by _two heats_, the preference of the horses is determined by the places they are in at the termination of the second heat.

HORSES running on the wrong side of a POST, and not turning back to completely recover their ground, are _distanced_.

Horses _drawn_ between any of the heats, before the plate is WON, are distanced.

Horses are deemed _distanced_, if their RIDERS cross and jostle, when the ARTICLES do not permit it.

If a horse WINS the first heat, and all others _draw_, they are not distanced, if he starts no more; but if he starts again by himself, the drawn horses are distanced.

When BETS are made after a heat upon a subsequent event, if the horse so betted upon does not start, the BETS so made are _void_.

When three horses have EACH won a HEAT, they only must start for a fourth, and the preference between them will be determined by it, there having before been no difference between them.

No horse can be distanced in a fourth heat.

When the words "_play or pay_" are included in a BET, it is thus decided: the horse which does not appear, and be ready to start, at the time appointed, is the _loser_; and the other is the WINNER, although he goes over the Course by himself.

In running heats, if it cannot be decided which is _first_, the heat is then called a DEAD HEAT, and they may all start again; unless it should happen in the _last_ heat, and then it must be between the two horses which, if _either_ had WON, the race would have been decided; but if between two, that by either winning the race would not have been determined, then it is no heat, and the others may all start again.

BETS made upon horses WINNING any number of PLATES within the year, remain in force till the FIRST DAY of MAY.

MONEY given to have a bet _laid_, not returned, if not run.

To propose a BET, and say "done" _first_ to it, the person who replies "done" to it, makes it a confirmed bet.

MATCHES and BETS are void on the _decease_ of either party before they are determined.

THE _EXACT DISTANCES_ OF THE DIFFERENT COURSES at NEWMARKET ARE AS FOLLOW.

Miles. Furlongs. Yards. The Beacon Course is 4 1 138 Last three miles of ditto 3 0 45 From the Ditch-in 2 0 97 The last mile and a distance of B. C. 1 1 156 Ancaster Mile 1 0 18 Fox's Course 1 6 55 From the turn of the lands, in 0 5 184 Clermont Course (from the Ditch) } to the Duke's Stand } 1 5 217 Across the Flat 1 2 44 Rowley Mile 1 0 1 Ditch Mile 0 7 178 Abingdon Mile 0 7 211 Two middle miles of B. C. 1 7 125 Two Years Old Course 0 5 136 Yearling Course 0 2 147 Round Course 3 6 93 Duke's Course 4 0 184 Bunbury's Mile 0 7 208 Dutton's Course 3 0 0

The New Roundabout Course on the Flat is nearly a mile and three quarters.

The great and leading qualification of a horse bred for the TURF, is the purity of his blood, which can only be insured by the verity of his PEDIGREE, and this, to be authentic, must be signed by the BREEDER, and is in purchase and sale always transferred with the horse. The most distinguishing trait of judgment in racing, is first to ascertain the exact speed of the horse, and then to discover of what precise weight he is master; that he may not be retarded in one, by being overloaded with the other. Attentive experience with the PROFESSORS and AMATEURS for a series of years, has long since fully demonstrated, upon practical proof, (for the trials have been repeatedly made even to the _key_ of the stable-_door_,) that the celerity is, in certain degrees, to be increased or impeded by the weight the horse has to carry. It will, therefore, be readily conceived, if two horses are tolerably equal in speed, strength, blood, and bone, as well as of the same year, the horse which carries the least weight by only _three pounds_, must, in the course of FOUR MILES, display the advantage he has over his antagonist; particularly as the longer the race, the more will the horse be affected by the weight he carries; and those who are the best and most experienced judges, hesitate not to affirm, that the addition of _seven pounds_ weight carried by one, where both are thought of equal speed, will, if the ground is run honestly over, make the difference of a DISTANCE (two hundred and forty yards) in the four miles only.

The racing weights most in use for half a century past, have been according to age and qualifications, from about seven stone seven, to nine stone twelve, or ten stone; except in matches with two years old, and yearlings at light or _feather_ weights, and the KING'S HUNDREDS, for which (till some trifling alterations lately adopted) they carried at six years old TWELVE STONE. There are, however, some NEW CLUBS, lately instituted by NOBLEMEN and GENTLEMEN of the first distinction, who hold their meetings at BIBURY and KINGSCOTE, in Gloucestershire, where the weights are advanced beyond former example to twelve or thirteen stone, upon a well-founded principle of exciting emulation in BREEDERS to pay some attention to BONE as well as to BLOOD; a most judicious and salutary improvement, considering the infinity of _weeds_ that are annually drafted and destined to the hammer of a repository, as objects of neither value, utility, or attraction.

CERTIFICATE OF AGE.

Raby Castle, March 1, 1803.

I hereby certify that my Bay Colt, HAP HAZARD, got by SIR PETER TEAZLE, Dam by ECLIPSE, was bred by me, and that he was no more than Four Years old last Grass.

D——

ARTICLE OF A MATCH. October 12, 1798.

Sir H. T. Vane's B. Horse Hambletonian, got by King Fergus, Dam by Highflyer, now Six Years, carrying 8st. 3lb. is matched against Mr. Cookson's B. Horse Diamond, by Highflyer, (out of the Dam of Sparkler,) now Five Years old, carrying 8st. over the Beacon Course at Newmarket, on Monday in the next Craven Meeting, for 3000 Guineas, Half forfeit; with a Power reserved to alter the Day and Hour, or either, by consent.

H. T. V. J. C.

This match was run on Monday, March 25, 1799, and won by Hambletonian, (five to four in his favour at starting.)—See DIAMOND or HAMBLETONIAN.

PRODUCE MATCH FOR SPRING MEETING, 1803.

The Produce of Sir T. Gascoigne's Golden Locks, covered by King Fergus, against the Produce of Mr. Fox's Dam of Calomel, covered by Beningbrough, for 200 Guineas each, Half forfeit. Colts to carry 8st. Fillies 7st. 11lb. Last Mile and a Half. No Produce no Forfeit.

Produce Matches, and Produce Sweepstakes, are generally made and entered into during the time such Mares are in Foal.

A POST PRODUCE MATCH OF 200 GUINEAS EACH. Colts to carry 8st. 7lb. Fillies 8st. 4lb.

Mr. Clifton's Expectation ⎫ covered by Mr. Clifton's Eustatia ⎬ Abba Thulle. Mr. Clifton's Sister to Gabriel ⎭ Mr. Dawson's Sincerity ⎫ Mr. Dawson's Highflyer Mare, ⎪ out of Sincerity ⎬ Coriander. Mr. Dawson's Blind Highflyer ⎪ Mare ⎭

Each to bring the Produce of one to run over Knavesmire when Four Years old.

ARTICLE FOR A SWEEPSTAKES. Oxford, ——

We whose Names are hereunto subscribed, do agree to run for a Sweepstakes of 50 Guineas each, over Port Meadow, on the last Day of Oxford Races next ensuing; the Horses to carry the GOLD CUP Weights, viz. Four Years old, 7st. 7lb. Five Years old, 8st. 7lb. Six Years old, 9st. and aged, 9st. 4lb. one Four Mile Heat. The Winner of the Gold Cup to carry 7lb. extra. The Subscribers to name their Horses to the CLERK of the COURSE on or before the first Day of March next; and the Subscription to close on that Day. The Stakes to be paid into the Hands of the Clerk of the Course before starting, or the Subscription to be doubled. Five Subscribers, or no Race.

HUNTERS SWEEPSTAKES. Rochester, ——

A Sweepstakes of 10 Guineas each, for Hunters (carrying 12st. one Four Mile Heat, to be rode by Gentlemen) that have never started for PLATE, MATCH, or SWEEPSTAKES, and to be bona fide the Property of Subscribers, and which have been regularly hunted the preceding Season as HUNTERS, and not merely to have obtained the Name; and that, have never had a Sweat with an Intention to run before the first of May next ensuing. Certificates of their having hunted regularly to be produced (if required) from the Owner or Owners of the Hounds with which they have hunted; and to be named to the Clerk of the Course on or before the first of April next; and the Stakes to be deposited at the same Time, or the Horse not permitted to start.—Six Subscribers, or no Race.

See JOCKEY CLUB, KING'S PLATE, TRAINING, and TURF.

HOUGH-BONY—was a term formerly used to signify an enlargement of the cap of a horse's hock, whether it was only a thickening of the integument, generally termed a callosity, or an ossification just below it. The phrase, however, is now considered entirely obsolete; and the distinction in those defects much better understood by the appellation of BLOOD SPAVIN, BONE SPAVIN, or CURB, as the case may happen to be.

HOUNDS—are the well-known objects of SPORTING ATTRACTION from one extremity of the kingdom to another; possessing within themselves a fascinating power, or exhilarating property, to which all liberal minds, of congenial sensibility, become imperceptibly and irresistibly subdued; forming that kind of inexplicable temptation, that indescribable vibration of pleasure upon human irritability, that none but those of the most stoical apathy, the greatest mental fortitude, or personal self-denial, can summon sufficient resolution to avoid.

The great variety of hounds with which the country formerly abounded, seem now, by the judicious crosses of succeeding generations, to have been principally reduced to a much more contracted point of view, and center entirely in the denomination of STAG hounds, FOX hounds, HARRIERS, and BEAGLES; each of the four being a degree less in size than the other, with such variations in strength, speed, colour, and tongue, as may have been adopted by the judgment or fancy of the BREEDER. We have been taught, by a maxim of long standing, to believe, "there is no rule without an exception." An author of much celebrity, however, in respect to the breeding of hounds, pays due respect to rule, but does not advert to exception. It is his opinion, "that there are necessary points in the shape of a hound, which ought always to be attended to; for if he be not of a perfect symmetry, he will neither run fast, nor bear much work: he has much to undergo, and should have strength proportioned to it. Let his legs be straight as arrows; his feet round, and not too large; his shoulders back; his breast rather wide than narrow; his chest deep; his back broad; his head small; his neck thin; his tail thick and brushy; if he carry it well, so much the better."

Without animadverting upon the SIZE of any particular kind of hound, as applicable to any particular sort of chase, or to any particular kind of country, but with a view to the aggregate in a general sense, there are, as in all other matters of FANCY, FASHION, or CAPRICE, a variety of opinions. Some there are who profess themselves strenuous advocates for what they term the "busy bustlers," or small hounds, upon a plea, that they are always at work, lose no time, climb hills fast enough for any horse, and get through coverts quicker than any other. Sportsmen of a bolder description are equally strenuous, and perhaps with a greater shew of reason, in the support of large hounds, justly affirming, they will make their way in any country, get better through the dirt than a small one; and that their pursuit can be but little obstructed by whatever fence may present itself in the course of the chase.

MR. BECKFORD, whose opinion, and perfect practical knowledge of the subject, has been implicitly bowed to, and acquiesced in, by the best and most experienced judges in the kingdom, has given a decided preference to "hounds of a MIDDLE SIZE;" saying, "he believes all animals of that description are the strongest and best able to bear fatigue;" in corroboration of which he quotes from SOMERVILLE, as would have been also done in this place, in confirmation of the same opinion.

———— "But here a mean
Observe, nor the large hound prefer, of size
Gigantic; he in the thick-woven covert
Painfully tugs, or in the thorny brake,
Torn and embarrass'd, bleeds: but if too small,
The pigmy brood in every furrow swims;
Moil'd in clogging clay, panting they lag
Behind inglorious; or else shivering creep,
Benumb'd and faint, beneath the shelt'ring thorn.
For hounds of middle size, active and strong,
Will better answer all thy various ends,
And crown thy pleasing labours with success."

Next to the consideration of SIZE and SYMMETRY (whatever that may be) should follow a corresponding uniformity of the whole. A pack, to be handsome, should vary little or none in height, and have a pleasing affinity to each other in colour: to be good, they should run well together; and the unison of their musical tongues should constitute a perfect harmony, without a single note of discord. It is well known, that it is not always the lot of the most complete and best selected packs to kill in proportion to their seeming excellence; some are very much superior in qualifications to what they may promise to a stranger at _first_ view; for though of various sizes, and picked up in different counties, (as well as from the hammer,) without the least appearance of consanguinity, or one distinguishing trait of attraction, yet they seldom miss their game. MR. BECKFORD mentions a pack of this description who killed _twenty-nine_ foxes without intermission; that when they were running, there was a _long string of them_, and every _fault_ was hit off by an old SOUTHERN HOUND. When sufficient time has been employed in forming a pack of hounds, they can never be considered in a state of excellence or superiority, unless they go as if they were in harness; that is, when they are running _breast high_, they should run nearly all _a breast_; or, in other words, when clear of covert, and crossing a country, the body might nearly be covered with a sheet.

Nothing is a greater disgrace to the MASTER, the HUNTSMAN, or the pack, than to see a parcel of straggling _tail_ hounds, labouring _in vain_; except a leading hound loaded with a _leaden necklace_, to restrain his speed, and depress the instinctive impulse of his nature to a level with those who are not his equals. This is a truly unsportsman-like stretch of authority, bordering upon cruelty; and would be much more "honored in the breach than the observance." Hounds of either description had better be parted with, than to encounter constantly a mortification so easily to be removed; and both will be the less likely to happen, the more moderate the number taken to the field. The taking out too many hounds is a frequent error in judgment, always productive of trouble, and sometimes to a most vexatious diminution of sport, to the incessant employment of the whipper-in, whose horse is the greatest sufferer upon the occasion.

Hounds differ much in their properties, according to the crosses in blood, and this is plainly perceptible to a nice observer, as well in their endeavours to find, as in the pursuit of their game; for those retaining most of the southern hound in their blood, are always the most constitutionally tardy in action. The north country beagle, (now called harrier,) with a cross of the DWARF FOX HOUND, has produced a direct contrast to the former, and are generally in use in those open countries where horses can lay by the side of them. The delight of the old southern hound is to _dwell_ upon the _scent_; the extatic eagerness of the latter is to _press it before him_. When the former come to a fault, and can carry the scent no farther, they stick their noses to the ground as close together as a swarm of bees, making few or no efforts of _their own_, unless _lifted along_ by the helping hand and encouraging voice of the HUNTSMAN. The exertions of the latter are instantaneous and indefatigable; they make their cast in different directions, without a moment's pause, and every individual pants with emulation to become the happy instrument of recovery: once _hit off_, the general struggle for pre-eminence constitutes a scene by far too luxurious for the inadequate representation of literary description.

Opposite as these chases are, they are not without their distinct and different votaries: the tempers of some men, and the age or infirmities of others, render their minds as gloomy as the atmosphere of the _winter's day_ in which they HUNT; to these the solemn knell of the SOUTHERN HOUND is so _musically mechanical_, that it seems to vibrate in unison with the somniferous melancholy of their own sensations. But with those in the health and pride of manhood, who enjoy the obstacles, and surmount the difficulties, of CROSSING a COUNTRY, in direct contrast to the ruminative pleasure of _whipping_ a _thistle_, or riding a few rings round a barn, fleet hounds will always have the preference. Hounds of this description, it must be candidly confessed, are, however, drawn too fine in their formation, and so critically refined to speed, that the game, whatever it may be, can stand but a little time before them: unless, from stormy weather, or some other accidental cause, much cold hunting should intervene. And this, in the present rage for improvement, is so much the case with HARRIERS in general, that, in the early part of the season, half the hares found are run up to in the _first view_; and even after Christmas, when they are supposed to get strong; average chases do not exceed from twenty minutes to half an hour; and by the unprecedented speed of hounds, as they are now bred, the fox chase is contracted in proportion.

Although the breeding, entering, feeding, airing, and general management of hounds, is an entire system, dependent upon personal practice, from a strict and attentive attachment to which _alone_, excellence can be derived; yet, such rules and salutary regulations as stand high in sporting estimation, may be introduced for the information of those, who, in the infancy of initiation, are anxious to improve their judgment, by blending the theory of the closet with the practice of the field. The spring months are the best in which puppies can be produced; they have then the whole summer to expand and grow in. Some circumspection is necessary in the business of propagation, to prevent an unnecessary destruction; attention should be paid to shape, size, colour, disposition, and qualification, of both the dog and bitch intended to breed from; if the perfection of sire or dam are wished, or expected, to be retained, and displayed, in the offspring. The sporting world are enjoined by the best authority, "on no account to breed from one that is not _stout_, that is not _tender nosed_, or that is either a _babbler_ or a _skirter_: it is the judicious cross that makes the pack complete. The faults and imperfections in one breed, may be rectified in another; and if this be properly attended to, no reason can be suggested, why the breeding of hounds may not improve, till improvement can go no further."

Amidst general remarks, it may be remembered, that none but healthy and strong hounds should be bred from: old dogs should never be put to old bitches; and good whelps should never be put to bad walks: stinted in their earliest growth, (by a want of proper nutriment,) the frame becomes impoverished, the loins weak, and they are the less able to encounter that terrible foe, the _distemper_, whenever it may make its attack. This generally happens from the sixth to the ninth or tenth month, and proves incredibly destructive, which probably may be chiefly owing to the little that is done upon those occasions, by the way of either prevention or cure. Various are the opinions respecting the number of hounds it may be necessary to keep in kennel during the hunting season; and these must be regulated by the kind of country they have to hunt, as one may tire or lame hounds more than another: slippery, marley clay will do the one; the rolling flints of SURREY, OXFORDSHIRE, or HAMPSHIRE, never fail to do the other. Those who are prudent, will never take more than from twenty to five-and-twenty couple to the field; to exceed which, would not only be rather _unfair_, but probably do more _harm_ than GOOD. The number necessary to be taken, is not so material a matter of consideration, as their conjunctive qualifications when there; thirty-five couple of settled, steady, seasoned hounds, will, therefore, admit of hunting three (occasionally four) days a week.

It is a well-founded opinion, that every kennel should have a proper annual supply of young hounds; if this is neglected for _two_ or _three_ seasons, the pack will soon be overloaded with old hounds, and suddenly fall into decay. Industrious, hard-working hounds, seldom continue in full VIGOUR and speed longer than _five_ or _six_ seasons; though there are not wanting instances of deserving favourites having continued the _crack_ hounds of the pack for eight or nine years in succession. A little of this difference may probably proceed from _two_ causes, a variation in constitution, and a contrast in the discipline of the KENNEL; from which MR. BECKFORD candidly confesses he never was long absent, without perceiving a difference _in their looks_ at his return. It is also his opinion, that from eight to twelve couple of young hounds, bred annually, would sufficiently supply an establishment not exceeding forty couple; but it is always best to have a reserve of a few couple more than wanted, in case of accidents; since, from the time the draft is made, to the time of hunting, is a long period, and their existence at that age and season very precarious: besides, when they are safe from the distemper, they are not always so from each other; and a summer seldom passes without some losses of that kind. At the same time he hints the absurdity of _entering_ more than are necessary to keep up the pack, as a greater number would only create useless trouble, and more vexation.

No one subject, perhaps, has so nearly exhausted the fertility of human invention, as the infinity of names bestowed upon HOUNDS and HORSES; which have been so numerous and diversified, that a single name can hardly be adopted, which has not been before brought into use. In proof of which, the writer just mentioned has given a list of more than _eight hundred_ appellations, or terms by which hounds may be known: but as the name of each hound should as nearly as possible correspond with the sport, (as well as the most apparent qualification of the individual,) such only are introduced here as are the most musical, and from which a variety for even TWO or THREE PACKS may be selected.

DOGS.

Agent Aimwell Amorous Antic Anxious Archer Ardent Ardor Artful Atlas Atom Awful

Bachelor Bellman Bluecap Blueman Bluster Boaster Bouncer Bragger Brawler Brazen Brilliant Brusher Bustler

Captain Captor Carver Caster Caviller Challenger Champion Charon Chaser Chaunter Chimer Comforter Comus Conqueror Constant Coroner Cottager Countryman Coxcomb Craftsman Critic Crowner Cruiser Cryer

Damper Danger Dabster Darter Dasher Dashwood Daunter Dinger Dreadnought Driver Duster

Eager Earnest Envious

Factious Fearnought Ferryman Finder Flagrant Foamer Foiler Foreman Foremost Forester

Gainer Gallant Galloper Gamboy Gazer Genius Gimcrack Giant Glancer Glider Goblin Growler Guardian Guider

Hardy Harlequin Harrasser Headstrong Hearty Hector Heedful Hopeful Hotspur Hurtful

Jerker Jingler Jostler Jovial Jumper

Lasher Laster Leader Leveller Lifter Lightfoot Listener Lounger Lurker Lusty

Manful Marksman Marplot Match'em Maxim Meanwell Medler Mender Mentor Mercury Merlin Merryman Mighty Minikin Monitor Mounter Mover Mungo Mutinous

Nervous Nestor Newsman Nimrod Noble Nonsuch Noxious

Pageant Paragon Partner Perfect Petulant Phœbus Pilgrim Pillager Pilot Pincher Playful Plunder Prattler Presto Prodigal Prowler Prophet Prosper Prosperous

Racer Rambler Rampant Random Ranger Ranter Rattler Ravager Ravisher Rector Regent Render Restive Reveller Rifler Rigid Ringwood Rioter Rockwood Router Rover Rumour Rural Rustic

Sampler Sampson Saucebox Saunter Scamper Schemer Scrambler Scuffler Searcher Sharper Shifter Signal Skirmish Social Songster Spanker Speedwell Splendor Spoiler Spokesman Sportsman Squabbler Statesman Steady Stickler Stormer Stranger Stripling Striver Stroker Strotter Struggler Sturdy Surly

Talisman Tamer Tartar Tattler Taunter Teazer Thrasher Threatener Thunderer Tickler Tomboy Torment Torrent Touchstone Tragic Trampler Transit Traveller Trimbush Trimmer Triumph Trojan Truant Trueman Trusty Trial Turbulent Twinger Tyrant

Vagabond Vagrant Valiant Valorous Vaulter Vaunter Venture Vermin Victor Vigilant Villager Viper Violent Voucher

Wanderer Warrior Well-bred Whipster Whynot Wilful Wisdom Woodman Worthy Wrangler Wrestler

BITCHES.

Active Actress Airy Audible

Baneful Bashful Bauble Beauty Beldam Blameless Blithesome Blowzey Bluebell Bonny Bonnylass Boundless Brimstone Busy Bucksome

Captious Careless Careful Cautious Charmer Chearful Comely Comfort Crafty Crazy Credulous Croney Cruel Curious

Dainty Daphne Darling Dauntless Dianna Diligent Doubtful Doubtless Doxy

Easy Echo Endless

Fairmaid Fairplay Famous Fancy Favourite Fearless Festive Fickle Fidget Flighty Flourish Fretful Frisky Frolic Fury

Gambol Gamesome Gamestress Gaylass Ghastly Giddy Gladsome Graceful Graceless Gracious Grateful Guilesome Guiltless Guilty

Hasty Handsome Harlot Harmony Heedless Helen Heroine Hideous Hostile

Jollity Joyful Joyous

Laudable Lavish Lawless Lightning Lightsome Lively Lofty Lovely Luckylass

Madcap Magic Matchless Merrylass Minion Mischief Music

Needful Nimble Noisy Notable Novice

Pastime Patience Phœnix Phrenzy Placid Playful Pleasant Pliant Positive Precious Prettylass Priestess Prudence

Racket Rally Rantipole Rapid Rapine Rapture Rarity Rattle Ravish Reptile Restless Rhapsody Riot Rival Rummage Ruthless

Sappho Skilful Specious Speedy Spiteful Spitfire Sportive Sprightly Strumpet Symphony

Tattle Telltale Tempest Termagant Terrible Testy Thoughtful Toilsome Tragedy Trifle Trollop Tuneful

Vengeance Venomous Venus Vicious Vigilance Vixen Vocal Volatile Voluble

Wanton Wasteful Watchful Welcome Whimsey Wishful

HOUNDS are constantly liable to those distressing disorders the DISTEMPER and CANINE MADNESS, as well as to that vexatious and troublesome disease called the MANGE. As well with hounds as with horses, _prevention_, in all cases, is preferable to CURE: unfortunately, there is as yet no mode discovered by which either of the former can be prevented. The _distemper_, if attended to upon its _first_ appearance, may with as much certainty be counteracted, in the severity of its symptoms, by medical interposition, as the variolus matter is divested of its malignant miasma by the alleviating preparatives previous to inoculation. The only specifics by which a purpose so desirable can be effected, are the preparations of MERCURY blended with small proportions of EMETIC TARTAR, as the judicious practitioner may find applicable to the predominant appearances of the case. It has been observed, and with great reason, that as the universality of the _distemper_ has evidently increased during the last twenty or thirty years, so the more destructive calamity of MADNESS amongst the _species_ has evidently declined.

As it is certain the _distemper_ may be arrested, in the severity of its progress, by timely intervention, so the first symptoms of its appearance cannot be too perfectly explained. It is preceded by a husky dryness in the throat; as if a small bone, or some similar obstruction, was fixed there, from which the animal, by an incessant kind of straining and half cough, seems constantly endeavouring to relieve itself. This is soon followed by a slimy discharge from the nostrils; and an adhesive gummy matter exudes from the eyes: food of every kind is refused; the eyes become sunk and glassy: the carcase, behind the ribs, is invariably contracted, and a stricture is to be observed upon the abdominal muscles, as if bound with a cord. As the disorder becomes more inveterate in its progress, other symptoms ensue; every day demonstrates additional debility and emaciation; eternal strainings to vomit, and those severe and violent, producing nothing more than a mere viscid phlegm or slimy mucus from the glands: a frequent tenesmus, or straining to evacuate by stool, without effect, is also attendant: to this succeeds a distressing weakness of the loins, occasioning a twisting and distortion of the hinder extremities, as if a disjunction of the vertebræ had taken place. If the disorder is not counteracted at or before its CRISIS, spasms and twitchings become perceptible about the head and neck; the discharge from the nose and eyes assume a _dry_ and _barky_ appearance, forming a kind of matted eschar upon the surface; the eyes become more and more sunk, till nearly closed: a ropy slime oozes from each side the jaws, which seem nearly fixed; a drooping dizziness, and frequent disposition to turning round, is commonly seen during this stage; and fits soon follow, which, more or less, continue till, during some one of these paroxysms, DEATH closes the SCENE.

In the earlier stages of the distemper, the well-known powder of DOCTOR JAMES has been brought into use with success. It may, however, be necessary to premise, that no good effect is to be expected from small and ineffectual doses; they must be large to be efficacious: no relief can be obtained, but by taking off the general stricture, removing the obstructions, promoting the various secretions, and constituting revulsion. When it is so evidently ascertained, that all dogs labouring under the distemper, have both the stomach and intestinal canal disordered, and in a state of extreme irritation, it is natural to advert a little to the _filth_, _dirt_, _gravel_, _sand_, _dry grass_, _straw_, and various other extraneous particles, young DOGS and PUPPIES ravenously swallow with the chance food they happen to pick up: and it is equally worthy attention, that the prelude to visible amendment is generally the discharge of an indurated MASS or PELLET from the ANUS, which, when broken to pieces is found to consist of the before-mentioned articles; and, beyond a doubt, by retarding some secretions, and obstructing others, contributes in no small degree to increase the inveteracy of disease. For explanatory remarks upon CANINE MADNESS and HYDROPHOBIA, see DOGS.

The MANGE, when it has once found its way into a kennel, is a most troublesome, loathsome, and infectious disorder: if it has not been introduced by the latter, it must have originated in an _acrimonious_ and vitiated state of the BLOOD, arising from too long a perseverance in some impoverished or _putrified_ kind of food; a want of proper AIR or EXERCISE; or a culpable deficiency in _cleanliness_; without all which, health and strength need not long be expected. The mange is a disorder too well known not only in HOUNDS, but every other _kind_ of DOG, to require description; and for the cure of which, AUTHORS, COMPILERS, and EDITORS, of every class, have furnished means in abundance, sulphur vivum, oil of turpentine, gunpowder, ginger, train oil, foot, and a tedious COMBINATION of COMBUSTIBLES, (with various alternatives, in cases of failure,) are recommended to extirpate what may be completely eradicated without half the nastiness or trouble. All that _externals_ can do, may be expected from three plentiful bastings of a very cheap and easily-procured composition, consisting of sulphur vivum, four ounces; white hellebore powder, two ounces; black pepper, very finely powdered, one ounce; sal armoniac, (finely powdered likewise,) half an ounce; oil of tartar, one ounce; and common olive oil, one pint; with which the diseased subject should have every affected part _fully_ and _forcibly_ impregnated with the hand at three different times, three days apart during which process, at the same equal distances of time, three MERCURIAL PURGING BALLS of a proper strength (proportioned to the _age_, _size_, and _strength_, of the dog) should be administered, if a sure and speedy cure is to be expected.

The disorder called the RED MANGE does not appear to be nearly allied to what is so well known by the common appellation of MANGE, but to be a species of disease within itself, seated in the skin, and not always infectious amongst dogs laying together, but almost invariably communicated by a BITCH to her LITTER of WHELPS, particularly if she had it upon her during the time she was in pup. This disorder is most malignant in its effect; the incessant and severe itching, which, from all observation, seems accompanied by a _burning heat_, and this too increased by the perpetual biting and scratching of the tortured animal, gives such parts of the frame as are severely affected, the appearance of having been _scalded_ by some boiling liquor, with a consequent loss of hair. It is this distinct kind of MANGE that so constantly baffles DOG-DOCTORS and _dog-mongers_ of every description, and reduces them to their _ne plus ultra_, where the fertility of invention can go no further. It is, perhaps, the most deceptive disorder to which any part of the animal world can become unluckily subject; for when it has (seemingly and repeatedly) submitted to, and been subdued by, some of the combination of combustibles before described, it has as suddenly, as repeatedly, and as unexpectedly, made its reappearance with all its former virulence. Great care, nice attention, and long experience, can discover but one infallible mode of perfect eradication. Let half an ounce of CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE be reduced in a glass mortar to an impalpable powder; to this, by a very small quantity at a time, add two ounces (half a gill) of spirits of wine; and, lastly, one pint of rain or river water, and, with a sponge dipt in the solution, let every part palpably affected be well washed, every third day, till thrice performed; then leave three clear days, and repeat the former ceremony of thrice as before; letting three MERCURIAL PURGING BALLS be given at the equal distances stated in the common mange, and no doubt of cure need be entertained, if the mode prescribed is properly and judiciously attended to.

However opinions may vary upon the manner of FEEDING hounds, as well in respect to time, as the occasional changes in, and _property_ of, the FOOD best adapted to the purpose of nutritious SUPPORT, no opposition whatever can arise to the general inculcation of CLEANLINESS, as indispensibly conducive to the preservation of HEALTH, and consequent exclusion of DISEASE. In the acceptation of the word _cleanliness_, may be included the true intent and meaning of both internal and external circumspection and attention, as well in PHYSIC, and in FOOD, as in the neat and judicious arrangement of the KENNEL; where the conjunctive force of which is wanting, what a train of _disease_, _misery_, and wretchedness, frequently ensues! To avoid all which, at the times and seasons found most proper for their introduction, ANTIMONIAL ALTERATIVES, and MERCURIAL PURGATIVES, should be brought into use. Upon this practice MR. BECKFORD has given his opinion in the following words.

"I am not fond of _bleeding_ hounds, unless they want it; though it has long been a custom to _physic_ them twice a year; after they leave off hunting, and before they begin. It is given in hot weather, and at an idle time. It cools their bodies, and, without doubt, is of service to them. If a hound be in want of physic, I prefer giving it in balls.[3] It is more easy to give in this manner the quantity he may want, and you are more certain that he takes it. In many kennels, they also bleed them twice a year, and some people think that it prevents madness. The anointing of hounds, or _dressing_ them, as huntsmen call it, makes them fine in their coats: it may be done twice a year, or oftener, if found necessary."

The necessity of introducing something medicinal for the preservation of health, and prevention of disease, is thus admitted upon the best of all foundations, practical experience; but as medical precision cannot be expected from those who have not made the profession their study, so MR. BECKFORD seems to have applied "_physic_" in a general sense to every kind of MEDICINE, as well to ALTERATIVES as to PURGATIVES; though the term, when used technically, is conceived to imply the latter only. According to this construction, it is to be presumed, Mr. Beckford administered the balls as "physic," when, in fact, they can only be termed antimonial alteratives, calculated to obtund acrimony, and alter the property of the blood. Mercurial purgatives perfectly cleanse the intestinal canal, and correct morbidity at the same time. External applications, called "_dressings_," are more particularly directed to bodily eruptions, and cutaneous diseases of the skin: in all these, SULPHUR is a principal ingredient, and looked upon as a specific: in fact, its efficacy is too well known to admit of a doubt upon the occasion.

HOUNDS, as well as HORSES, are rendered subservient instruments to the support of Government, and exigencies of the State. Persons keeping them pay a tax of THIRTY POUNDS per annum.

[Footnote 3: One pound of antimony, four ounces of sulphur, and syrup of buckthorn a sufficient quantity to give it a proper consistence. Each ball to weigh about seven drachms.]

HOUZING.—The houzing of a horse is a part of military paraphernalia appertaining to officers of cavalry in general, and the privates of the King's horse guards in particular; consisting of scarlet trappings ornamented with gold lace, fringe, and some part of the insignia of the crown. They are fastened to the hinder part of the saddle, and suspended from the loins, so as to cover the flanks, and a part of the hind-quarters on each side. GENERAL and FIELD OFFICERS have their houzings principally manufactured of lions, tigers, or leopard's skins, giving additional magnificence to the stately grandeur of the MILITARY CHARGER.

HUMOURS.—All chronic disorders in the horse, arising from an impure state of the blood, are with the inferior classes in general denominated "HUMOURS;" as a concise mode of avoiding scientific investigation, or medical ambiguity, and bringing the case immediately home, as they think, to _every_ comprehension. With people of the description alluded to (whether SMITHS, FARRIERS, COACHMEN, or GROOMS) the word _humours_ is conceived so wonderfully comprehensive, that it is _by them_ supposed to convey an infinite idea of _every thing_, at the very moment it is known, by their superiors and employers, to imply no definite or certain meaning at all. If a horse has swelled legs, they are the effect of "_humours_." If an inflammation of and defluxion from the eyes, they are equally produced by "_humours_." Should cracked heels appear (the evident effect of idleness, and want of attention) they too are brought on by "_humours_." Even thrushes, occasioned in general by equal neglect and want of cleanliness, are also frequently attributed to "_humours_;" and to sum up the intrinsic value of this professional GEM, even lameness, in a variety of cases, whether behind or before, above or below, is most _sapiently_, if not SCIENTIFICALLY, attributed to that _ne plus ultra_ of definition, denominated _humours_.

Thus far upon what HUMOURS are _supposed_ to be; now to what they are. It may readily be conceived by those not professionally informed on the subject, that the BLOOD (which is the very mainspring of existence) must have preserved such kind of equality, consistency, or uniformity, in its component parts, as to constitute a precise standard, necessary to the enjoyment and preservation of HEALTH. This incontrovertible position being admitted beyond all possible ground of controversy, what does it evidently demonstrate? Why, that as much as the BLOOD is enriched _above_, or impoverished _below_, that STANDARD, in its _property_, so in proportion must it approach the kind of disease appertaining to the one extreme or the other. To those whose intellectual rays are open to conviction, not a single line more would be required in explanation; but that the most _incredulous_, the most _obstinate_, and the most _illiterate_, may have equal opportunity of information, let the two different states of the blood, (as just explained,) with their effects, be adverted to. When it has, by a superabundance of food and ease, a neglect of exercise, and a want of the necessary evacuations, acquired a degree of consistence (or thickness) above the criterion already described, it then becomes too _heavy_ and _sluggish_ for its purpose of regular CIRCULATION, and is proportionally inadequate to the task of propelling the perspirative matter to the surface, which being thus compulsively returned upon the blood, adds to its siziness, and promotes its viscidity, jointly tending to such partial stagnation, as soon displays itself in some one of the many disorders to which horses are incident, in the hands of those where prevention is not attended to.

Having taken a survey of the state of the BLOOD, by which swelled legs, grease, foulness, inflammatory tumours, formations of matter in various parts, and one species of farcy, may be produced, it will be necessary to take a short view of it in its contrasted state, when, by a continued series of _hard_ work, with _bad_ keep, a constant supply of unhealthy provender, in _musty_ oats, _mouldy_ hay, or any other article distending the body, without adequate nutriment to the frame, as well as the want of a proper supply, in proportion to the necessary SECRETIONS and EVACUATIONS, will either, or all, tend to _diminish_ the CRASSAMENTUM, or adhesive property of the blood, and in a greater or less degree (according to the cause) reduce it to a serous or weak and watery state, below the standard of mediocrity so clearly explained; when acquiring acrimony in proportion as it has been reduced, the effect seldom rests upon emaciation only, but soon displays itself in some cutaneous eruption, so constantly dependent upon, and appertaining to, an impoverished state of the blood.

This distinction has been introduced, not more to throw some satisfactory light upon the ambiguity of the expression, which it seems so few understand, than to prove the necessity for paying such attention to the general state of a HORSE'S HEALTH and appearance, as may at least be the means of preventing disease, anxiety, trouble, expence, and probably the eventual loss of a useful, or even a valuable, animal, which too often happens for want of a little humane circumspection; when it is then experimentally found REPENTANCE comes too late. As the _fertile_ idea of HUMOURS frequently originates in error, so the error is continued in the medical mode of counteraction; for let the derangement in the animal economy have happened from whichever of the causes described, the system adopted is much the same in all cases, and with all classes, rendering sometimes the remedy worse than the disease. Those, however, who wish to blend instruction with entertainment, deriving advantage from both, will do well to recollect, that whatever DISORDERS (alias _humours_) originate in plethora, fulness of the frame, and viscidity of the blood, must be subdued by repeated BLEEDINGS, moderate PURGING, regular exercise, a great deal of stable discipline, (wisping, leg-rubbing, &c.) and, if necessary, a concluding course of MILD DIURETICS. Disorders arising from a weak and impoverished state of the blood last described, must be counteracted by an extra addition of nutritive aliment, as mashes of ground malt and bran nightly, as well as the usual supplies of corn by day: an invigorating cordial ball daily should assist the intent; and a course of ANTIMONIAL ALTERATIVES be lastly introduced, to give a new complexion to the property of the blood.

HUMBLES.—The articles so called are some of the internal _trimmings_ obtained in breaking up a DEER, which are always a perquisite of the keeper.

HUNTER.—A hunter, in its strictest implied signification with the SPORTING WORLD, is a horse or mare of superior description and qualifications, appropriated to no other purpose whatever than the enjoyment of the chase. As it is the highest ambition of every SPORTSMAN to be in possession of a HUNTER, numbers are so called, who are by no means entitled to that distinction. Various opinions are entertained respecting the more minute properties of a horse destined to the particular purposes of the field, and this diversity can only be justified by an allusion to the kind of hounds with whom he is intended to hunt. Horses of an inferior description, cross bred, and without a point of perfection, or the property of speed, may be called HUNTERS with _harriers_; but prove mere roadsters, when brought into the field with either STAG or FOX. One third of a century since, moderate horses were called hunters; and those about HALF BRED went tolerably well up to _most_ hounds; but during the last twenty years, so great has been the rage for improving their speed, that in the present day, any horse may _follow_ the hounds; but BLOOD HORSES only can go by the side of them.

The horses now denominated HUNTERS, are mostly three parts and full bred; for the great number of blood horses not turning out WINNERS, as well as those not trained for the turf, come of course to the hunting stables, and keep up a constant supply. Under the head HORSE, three distinct kinds are mentioned generally, and the purposes to which they are assigned; but no particular description is made of a HUNTER, whose qualifications are properly reserved for this place. A hunter for constant use with fleet hounds, should be well bred on both sides; not less in age than five years old off; from fifteen hands and an inch, to fifteen three and sixteen hands, but not to exceed it: large and heavy horses, in _deep_ or _hilly_ countries, frequently tire themselves. To be handsome, he should be strong in the frame and formation, short in the joints, firm in his fetlocks, quick in the eye, and agile in action. He should have a light airy head, wide nostrils, prominent lively eye, slight curve in the crest, long in the neck, wide in the breast, deep in the chest, high in the withers, straight in the spine, short in the back, round in the barrel, full in the flank, (the last rib coming well up to the point of the hip-bone,) his loins wide, and rather circular than flat; the summit of the hind-quarters, between the fillets and the tail, should nearly form one section of an oval; the tail should be high, and well set on, in nearly a direct line from the back, and not in a drooping degree below the rump: there should be perceptible strength, uniformity and substance in the thighs, and a prominent muscular swell in the exterior of the gaskins; a great length from the hip-bone to the hock, short from thence to the fetlock, which should be nearly round, and well united; the pasterns rather short than long; fore-legs straight, and upright; hoofs, black, and of a strong firm texture; great courage, good temper, and pliability of disposition.

These are the rules by which thousands will admit a HUNTER should be chosen; and they will also as readily admit, the very great difficulty with which horses of such description are to be obtained. However, as such an accumulation of perfections is so rarely to be found in the same object, the most emulous and judicious will be the more anxious to come as near to such criterion as circumstances will permit; but as it is not to be expected the young, any more than the inexperienced, can retain the minutiæ of a description to which they have been so little accustomed, as well as recollecting the force EXAMPLE is said to have beyond _precept_, the PORTRAIT of a HUNTER is introduced, who, for all the qualifications already described, was repeatedly in the field (with his MAJESTY'S STAG HOUNDS) honoured with the royal approbation. He was got by _Eclipse_, dam by _Blank_, and possessed every requisite in the field to render himself an object of universal attraction: after HUNTING two seasons, and COVERING one, he was purchased, and taken to America as A STALLION.