Chapter C (1)

CADE—was a horse of the best _blood_, _speed_, and _bottom_, ever bred in the kingdom. He was foaled in 1734; got by the GODOLPHIN ARABIAN; dam (Roxana) by the Bald Galloway. He beat most horses of his time, and was afterwards, as a STALLION, the sire of CHANGELING, MATCHEM, YOUNG CADE, MERCURY, MERRYMAN, CADORMUS, BOLD, BYWELL TOM, VICTIM, TURPIN, and a long list of _et ceteras_; through the channels of whose different progenies his blood is to be found in almost every stud of celebrity from one extremity of the kingdom to the other.

CADENCE,—divested of its mere technical idea in the manege, is, in horsemanship, what _time_ is in _music_, uniformity in manners, or consistency in conduct: a horse complete in his _cadence_, is to be considered perfect in his action.

CALKING, or _Corking_,—is the projecting part erroneously formed at the _heels_ of horse-shoes in general, particularly in frosty weather; at which time their utility may be admitted, and, in fact, cannot be _done without_, where horses are in frequent use. These calkings, however, cannot be justified upon any scientific principle whatever, without chance of accident to the rider, and of lameness to the horse; for upon level ground the horse cannot move but in a distorted motion; and if the prominence in the shoe comes into immediate contact with a rolling-stone, or a projecting part in the pavement, ligamentary lameness probably ensues. If it is found necessary to bring them into use at all, _even in frosty weather_, both heels should be equally raised, as there will be much less danger in a double than a single calking.

CALOMEL—is a medical article, well known by this name as the mildest preparation of mercury: it is in general use in private practice, and a certain specific for the obliteration of _worms_ in HORSES, when added in proper proportions to the ingredients for purging-balls.

CAMPHIRE—is a vegetable concrete, unctuous to the touch, with a fragrant smell, somewhat like that of rosemary, and a bitter pungent taste, accompanied with a sense of coolness on the tongue. It is volatile, like essential oils, but without their acrimony: it burns in water; it receives no empyreumatic impressions; nor does it suffer any resolution from any degree of fire, to which it can be exposed in close vessels, though readily combustible in the open air. Camphire is known to be good, if, when it is put upon hot bread, it becomes moist; if dry, it is bad. It should be kept in a glass stopper bottle, or close tied in a bladder, not more to prevent it from losing its property, than to prevent the loss of the whole by exhalation. Used as a medicine, internally or externally, it has a narcotic effect, and greatly diminishes the irritability of the system; as an external, it is singularly useful, particularly in weakness, rheumatic pains, or spasmodic affections.

CAMPHORATED SPIRITS—is a prescription standing in the Dispensatory of the London College of Physicians, and is thus prepared. "Take of camphor two ounces; rectified spirit of wine, one quart; shake frequently till the camphor is dissolved." It is a very useful embrocation in slight strains, as well as to prevent the breaking of chilblains in the winter season.

CAMOMILE.—The flowers are so useful in fomentations, that no good sportsman in the country should ever be without them in the house.

CANKER,—a diseased state of the foot of a horse, originating in a neglected thrush, which having acquired a corrosive property by its retention, continues to rot and destroy the surrounding parts, till, by a judicious separation of the fungus from the sound parts, fresh granulations may be promoted, and the cure confirmed.

CANKER—in the ear of a dog, is mostly occasioned by injury from bushes in beating or hunting covert, and might be easily cured at first with a little Friar's balsam, or tincture of myrrh: this being omitted, a rigid eschar forms upon the surface, when which is separated by accident (as it repeatedly is) it leaves the wound larger than before. A very slight touch with the _butter of antimony_, is the surest and best mode of destroying the foundation of inveteracy, and healing the wound.

CANKER—in the mouth of a horse, invariably proceeds from an injury sustained from severe and improper jerks of the bridle by the passion and petulance of the rider: in the seat of the wound or laceration, is formed a sort of insensible slough, which either a little burnt alum, or borax powdered fine, and sprinkled upon the surface, will soon separate, and bring away: the part will afterwards promote its own cure.

CANTHARIDES.—Spanish flies, the principal ingredient in every composition prepared for the purpose of blistering; some of which are in the form of ointments; others, less powerful, are applied as liquids, and called liquid blisters.

CAPARISON—is mostly used as a military term, appertaining to cavalry regiments, and applicable to the apparatus of every individual; the saddle, bridle, housings, holsters, and trappings, of every distinction.

CALF—is the male produce of the _stag_ and _hind_: they are the largest of the species in England, and known in the aggregate by the general appellation of RED DEER; these are mostly the natives of forests and chaces, (as Windsor and the New Forests, Sherwood, Enfield Chace, &c.) in contra-distinction to _fallow deer_, bred in parks, and called BUCK and DOE; their produce a _fawn_.

CALLS—are instruments for imitating the call of partridges and quails; some of which are so admirably executed, that, with those who are adepts in the execution of the plan, and the management of the nets, it becomes a pleasing, if not a profitable, amusement.

CAPON;—a young cock divested of his testes (by incision and separation) so soon as he is large enough for the operation: the best time is at about three or four months old. The only useful intent is to acquire additional size and growth, as capons are frequently killed of seven, eight, and even _nine_ pounds weight.

CARP—are esteemed one of the richest fresh water fish we have in the kingdom: they are the principal stock of park canals and manor ponds, to the owners of which they afford considerable profit; particularly near populous cities, where they can be disposed of to advantage at the season when such ponds are drawn, and new stocked with stores. Much success depends upon the nature of the soil where the pond is situate: if in a soft marley kind of earth, or warm clay, impregnated with hazel earth, and a muddy bottom, they thrive beyond expectation; but upon a dead, black, moory gravel, or a flinty, chalky bottom, they are sterile beyond description, in both growth and propagation. They are a fish so exceedingly shy, (or so exceedingly cunning,) that they afford very little success to the angler, who ought to be one of the most patient adventurers that ever embarked in sporting speculation. They are but little found in running streams or rivers, notwithstanding very large quantities of small stores are constantly thrown in from the reservoirs and breeding ponds of gentlemen living in the vicinity of such rivers, not more to get rid of their own superflux, than to promote a friendly supply for the accommodation of their neighbours. In large ponds, well stocked, the _poachers_ are never deficient in means of procuring themselves _a share_: this they effect by forming a paste of crumbled bread, flour, and treacle, to which they add some of the coculus indicus (an Indian berry) in powder: this being well incorporated, and thrown into the pond in various parts, about the size of common baits, in the latter part of the evening, the fish will be found at daylight in the morning floating upon the surface in a state of stupefaction, when they are taken out with the hand close to the bank without the least difficulty. This is a business carried on to a wonderful extent for thirty and forty miles round London, in which circle the _system_ of _supply_ is as regularly conducted as the first commercial concern in the metropolis; as will be seen when we come to a more minute description of the _art_ under the head POACHING.

CARMINATIVES—are all such warm aromatic seeds or medicines as expel wind, amongst which may be justly ranked most of the spices; likewise aniseed, carraways, cardamoms, ginger, grains of paradise, &c. They are excellent aids in the flatulent disorders of horses; but should not, if possible, have been too long _in the shop_, as some of them lose their property by long keeping.

CARROTS—are, after the fair experiments of late years, become an article of very considerable consumption, as a collateral kind of food for the support of horses employed in agriculture. The most candid attention, and minute observation, at length admits, that horses having a proportion of carrots, washed, cleaned, dried, and cut either alone, or mixed with the barn chaff, do their work as well, look as firm in their flesh, and fine in their coat, as those who are kept upon corn, chaff, and hay. Although their utility in this way cannot be denied, yet it must be remembered, they are not sufficiently nutritious for horses in _hard_ or _expeditious_ work upon the public and posting roads; they require a more firm, substantial support: for horses in easy, slow, and moderate work, they answer well, incorporated with other articles; or even alone, in small quantities; but if given _too largely_, they attenuate the blood, and impoverish the frame.

CART HORSES.—The horses so called are principally the horses employed in drawing farmers' waggons, carts, and the plough; as well as the infinity employed with waggons upon the turnpike road, in the conveyance of articles in trade from one part of the kingdom to another. The incredible number supported in the metropolis, and its environs, by the merchants, breweries, coal merchants, carmen, and the proprietors of wharfs, exceed the utmost conception of those not accustomed to such prospects, or to such calculations. Of cart horses this kingdom has to boast different kinds, and those kinds are most judiciously appropriated to the different work, and different countries, for which they seem to be more particularly or individually adapted. Great pains have been taken, and no expence spared, to improve this peculiar and most useful breed of horses to the utmost possible pitch of perfection. The sorts mostly in use, are the large heavy blacks, for which Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and the midland counties, are the most remarkable; the little stout, uniform _punches_ from Suffolk; and some of the strong, hardy _sturdies_ from Clydesdale, in North Britain. The former of the three sorts, when well shaped, and uniform, constitute as perfect beauties to the contemplative eye of the patriotic agriculturist, as the best bred blood horses can possibly do to the most enthusiastic admirer of the turf. From these midland blacks of the largest size, strength, and uniformity, are selected all the capital stock of the most opulent firms and manufactories in and round the metropolis. Those one degree inferior in height, strength, uniformity, and price, constitute the _bell teams_ of the farmers in BERKSHIRE, HANTS, and WILTS; at the principal market towns of which, as _Reading_, _Wallingford_, _Abingdon_, _Basingstoke_, _Alton_, _Alresford_, _Winchester_, &c. may be seen some of the strongest, handsomest and finest teams of draft horses in the kingdom without exception.

The Suffolk punches are a considerably coarser kind of horse, less uniform in shape, and less constant in colour; they run greatly into a mealy chesnut, or roan sorrel, having mostly a blaze in the face, with a white mane and tail; they are very staunch to their work, and the hardiest, perhaps, of any horse brought into use. These qualifications destine them to the possession of small farmers, having the least money, and, in general, to countries having the least keep. By the account of a previous writer, they are entitled to a more pre-eminent situation. He says, "they are nimble walkers and trotters: they have ever proved themselves the truest and best drawers in the world, as well as the hardiest and most useful cart and plough horses. Their nimbleness, it should seem, is owing to their moderate size; and their immense powers in lifting weight, to the same cause, combined with the low position of the shoulder, which occasions weight to be acted upon in a just and horizontal direction. Their superiority over all other horses, at drawing dead pulls, is, no doubt, in some measure owing to early training, as in no county is such pride taken in teaching horses to draw; and it is well known, that a team of Suffolk horses, the signal being given, will all down upon their knees, and leave nothing behind them, that is within the power of flesh and blood to draw away."

Of the Clydesdale or Scotch horses it is said, "they are probably as good and useful a draft horse as any we are possessed of; larger than the Suffolk punches, being from fifteen to sixteen hands and a half high; strong, hardy, and remarkable true pullers; a restive horse being rarely found amongst them. In shape, plain made about the head, sides, and hind legs; mostly grey or brown; said to have been produced from the common Scotch mare and Flanders horses, a hundred years ago." The same writer also recommends "the mixing a little racing blood with the cart flock; enlarging also upon the wonderful exertions in carting business upon the road by the Cleveland bays, a sort of coach horses. Although bred horses are, of all others, the most sluggish; yet it is well known, that a _cross of their blood_ gives spirit and activity to the heavier kind of horses."

CASTING NET.—In a half extended form, (when in part suspended from the ground, and resting on the leads fixed to its bottom,) it resembles a bell in its shape; but when _cast_ in the _water_, or spread on the ground, it constitutes a complete circle. They are made of different dimensions; and so constructed, as to be completely grasped by the right and left hand, having the centre of the net spread over the left shoulder; when, by a sudden exertion, (in which there must be great expertness,) the net is so cast as to fall upon the water in its _utmost circular extent_; where sinking with all possible expedition, by the weight of the lead affixed to its edges, which now becoming the bottom, incloses within it all the fish in the space so covered, and from whence no one can escape. To the centre of the net is fixed a line of ten or twelve feet long, which line, in throwing (or casting) the net, is of course extended, the extremity being previously fastened to the wrist: when the leads have reached the bottom of the water, and rest on the ground, the fish rise into the bell part of the net; then the person having the line in hand begins to draw the net gently to land; in doing which, the edges approach each other at bottom, where there are tucks to receive the fish; and those, particularly _roach_, _perch_, and _gudgeons_, are sometimes caught in great abundance. The person casting the net should use a round frock, or a jacket without buttons; for want of using which precaution, many a sportsman of this description has received a complete and dangerous ducking, to which he did not seem to think himself fully entitled.

CASTING THE HAIR;—an almost obsolete (or provincial) term for a horse's shedding his coat.

CASTRATION—is the loss of the testicles by extirpation, which requires a very nice eye, and steady hand, in the operator: for, although it has, in general, been performed by Vulcanians of the inferior order, who are strangers to the delicate structure and formation of the parts, yet it is now to be anxiously hoped, we are fast emerging from former ignorance, and that we shall become as expert and dexterous in this art (if not so famous) as the _Italians_. There are two modes of operation; one of those not of long standing: the original manner of operating was by first casting the horse upon a bed of straw, properly prepared for the purpose; then securing the testes by bandage, and making an incision longitudinally through the scrotum; laying bare the testicle, and, after making firm a waxed thread around the spermatic cord, the testicle was then extracted by the knife, and the farther effusion of blood prevented by the hot iron, or actual cautery. This is the method still in use in most parts of the kingdom, and most probably where the greater number of colts are bred; but in the present increase of veterinarians, some verification of the old adage, "New lords, new laws," must be expected; and they proceed in a different way.

Presuming upon the possibility of the cauterized eschar coming away by chance or accident, and the profuse hæmorrhage that might probably follow, before the apparatus could be again collected, and the horse reduced to a proper position for securing the arteries from a farther effusion of blood, the following mode is now adopted. The horse being cast, and the incision made through the scrotum, as before described, the spermatic cord is then secured by passing across it a slit stick up close to the body, which is secured at each end with the waxed thread used by shoemakers: this acting as a tourniquet upon the artery, the separation and dissection is then made with the knife; after which a few pledgets, of warm digestives, are introduced; no cautery at all applied; a trifling inflammation, with consequent discharge, ensues; the superfluous parts slough off, and ten days or a fortnight terminates the whole.

In respect to the _age_ and _season_ most applicable, and best adapted, to the operation, custom and experience seem to have left no room for improvement: twelve or thirteen months old is the best time to perform the operation, and in the months of _April_, _May_, or _June_, that either extreme of heat or cold may be equally avoided. In the last seven years, several practitioners of the new school (to shew the superiority of _art_ over NATURE) held forth the theory of castrating horses of _any age_, without the least confinement or rest, the subject being permitted to go directly about his business as usual. This proposition was too surprising, and too alluring, not to obtain converts; numbers acquiesced; theory was in a variety of instances reduced to practice; and the practice soon proved (to the mortification of the owners) the truth of the adage, "Dead men tell no tales."

CATARACT,—the technical term for a defect of the eye, to which no particular _cause_ of _origin_ has been yet decisively ascertained. The faculty define it, "an opacity of the crystalline humour of the eye, which prevents the rays of light passing to the retina, and of course preventing vision." DOCTOR HUNTER says, "it is when an inflammation in the coat of the crystalline humour hath rendered it opaque." But MR. ST. YVES seems to be of opinion that the crystalline humour swells. He also divides the cataract into the _true_, the _doubtful_, and _false_: the true he subdivides again into _three_; the doubtful into _four_; and the false into the glaucoma, and the shaking cataract. All this division and sub-division seems little regarded even by the most curious and indefatigable in anatomical researches; particularly as it is much to be regretted, that, with every professional and energetic endeavour, no medicines, external or internal, have ever been discovered, that are known certainly capable of removing this disorder. In the human frame, methods of operating on the crystalline humour were successfully practised by SHARP, DAVIEL, and others: little, however, is to be expected with the horse. In such case, perhaps, it may be "better to bear those ills we have, than venture upon those we know not of."

CATHARTICS—are synonimous with purgatives, and include all medicines of that description.

CAUSTICS—are medicines which externally constitute a destruction of the texture (or superficies) of the parts to which they are applied. Caustics are of different kinds, and of various powers, according to the reduction, or extirpation, for which they are intended. The actual cautery, or red-hot iron, is used in firing, as well as for the farther prevention of sand-cracks already broke out. The antimonial caustic, or butter of antimony, (in judicious hands), is a complete and perfect cure for _poll evil_, _fistula_, _quittor_, and _canker in the foot_. Lunar caustic is an admirable counteraction to warts, and fast-shooting fungus. Red precipitate is an excellent substitute, when so much strength is not required; few wounds in horses can be brought to a favourable state of cicatrization without it.

CAVESON—is an article used in the breaking of colts, as well as in the manege: it consists of a semi-circle, of iron or blocked tin, passing round the nose, about five inches above the nostrils, having three hinges or joints, concave on the inside, and covered with leather, list, or woollen cloth. This has three swivel rings, one in the center of the noseband, and one on each side; to all or either of which the reins are affixed, that he may be accustomed, in the ring, to pace either to the _right_ or _left_. The caveson is mounted with a headstall, somewhat similar to the headstall of a bridle: and to the rings on each side the caveson, are straps long enough to be buckled to the sides of the saddle, that his head may be kept in a proper position (when bearing upon the _colt's bit_) to render him pliable, and to insure a good mouth.

CHACE.—A chace is, in general acceptation, considered a receptacle for game, interspersed with _fern_, _thickets_, _underwood_, and probably with _small coverts_, for its preservation. It is understood to be superior to a park, but inferior to a forest, having none of those laws for its protection. It is not unfrequently the property of a subject, and is then protected by its own manorial rights and privileges. CHACES there are, also, the property of the CROWN; and those are generally regulated by the FOREST LAWS, as is the case with _Cranbourne Chace_, situate in WINDSOR FOREST.

CHASE.—The chase, as well as other pleasures of equal attraction, has had its most inveterate opponents, as well as its equally determined devotees. Various and vehement have been the declamations against it; equally numerous, and equally energetic, have been the expostulations in its defence. That it was practised, and enthusiastically enjoyed, by the ancients, as perseveringly pursued by the moderns, and will be continued to the end of time, (in opposition to every species of puritanical rigidity,) will not admit of the least contrariety in opinion. The CHASE, taken in a general point of view, includes the chase of every description, and implies a pursuit of GAME (or vermin) found in a state of natural liberty, with a body (called a _pack_) of hounds, who follow the object, whatever it may be, by the _scent_ left on the ground, (from which an effluvia exhales,) so soon as the game thus found may have _broke from their view_. Upon the subject of _scent_, its origin, its duration, and its evaporation, innumerable conjectures have been sported by literary theorists; in opposition to the animadversion upon which, much more might be introduced; but as it must unavoidably terminate, like all other matters of _hypothesis_, to which no criterion of certainty can be produced, very little entertainment, and no _positive_ information, can be derived from the investigation.

The CHASE, in this its most comprehensive meaning, implies _hunting_ of _every kind_, whether STAG, FOX or HARE, (with either or all of which, _the otter_ is not of sport or magnitude sufficient to be put in competition.) These three different kinds of chase afford equal sport, but in a more distinct and different way from each other; most admirably adapted to the different inclinations, dispositions, and personal sensations, of the various admirers who enter into its spirit, according to the different stages of life and gradations of age. FOX HUNTING, it must be admitted, is most applicable and exhilarating to the fire and impetuosity of unrestrained juvenility, or manhood more matured; where, perhaps, the pleasure is enhanced only in proportion to the difficulties of the day, upon the military principle of "the more danger, the more honor."

STAG HUNTING may probably be more adapted to the taste or prudence (or more appropriate to the wishes) of the SPORTSMAN, who having past the meridian of life, has long since discovered the _value_ of _time_, and knows how to appreciate its loss: he wishes to insure a chase of _two_ or _three_ hours to a _certainty_, without employing perhaps _double that time_ before the game is _found_; with the additional chance of exploring a dull and dreary journey of fifteen or twenty miles home, in a dirty country, with no other consolation, than a great deal of riding, but _a blank day_.

HARE HUNTING is, in the estimation of the sporting world, held in a certain degree _inferior_ to the other two, (so far as hard riding and personal courage is concerned;) because the exercise is not so violent, nor is the chase of equal duration. Indeed, strong advocates for STAG and FOX hunting hold this sport exceedingly cheap, and satirically say, "it is better calculated for the initiation of _juveniles_, the entertainment of _women_, and the amusement of those gentlemen in the more advanced stages of life, who, like the old woman in the farce, is highly pleased with the _sound_ of the _fiddle_, though no longer _able to dance_." Hare hunting, however, though not so attracting to those who wish to recount the difficulties, the toils and vicissitudes of the day, after a long chase, yet to the contemplative mind of reflection, much more of the _minutiæ_ of _hunting_, and the instinct of animals, is to be enjoyed than in either of the other two: of this most probably ample proof will be adduced, when they come to be separately enlarged upon under their different heads.

CHALLENGE—is a term used for the first _tongue_ of a hound after throwing into covert, to draw either for _fox_, or an _out-lying deer_. Upon the _challenge_ of a single hound, if he is staunch, and to be relied on, a general silence ensues; ears are all open for a repetition, and every eye for _a view_; the huntsman (who well knows how far to depend upon the truth of the declaration) instantly encourages the pack to the promised point, by "_hark_ to _Gamboy_!" "_hark_ to _Galloper_!" or whatever may be the name of the favourite hound so to be relied on. The hounds by this means are immediately rallied to the precise spot, and ready to go off in a body with their game, as a _lucky find_ frequently follows an unexpected challenge; more particularly in the present fashion of going to covert, at a time of day when our predecessors of only one generation past used to return.

CHAFFING,—so called, is a loss of hair, and laceration of the skin, by the pad of the saddle having got too hard in the stuffing from constant use, and for want of timely circumspection. It is also frequently occasioned by the extreme heat and friction, in continuing to travel _very long stages_ in the hotter months, without more frequent relief or rest to the horse. This is a very common fault, or act of indiscretion, with the mechanical part of the community; who possessing rather too much of the _spirit of trade_, anxiously endeavour (in the extent of their sagacity) to do much more, in less time, than nature ever intended, by _humanely_ travelling a horse _two stages_ instead of _one_, thereby saving most arithmetically one half the expence, upon the city principle of Old Philpot, that "a penny _saved_, is a penny _got_."

There cannot be a more prudent precaution in either sportsman or traveller, than an occasional inspection of the _stuffing_ of the _saddle_, which invariably gets hard with constant use: it should sometimes be beat and softened with a stick, afterwards lightly raised in every part with the point of a packing needle, and made smooth and free from lumps upon the surface, by which means every chance of injury will be avoided. Nothing can be productive of more anxiety than a sore back of the horse, either to the traveller on his journey, or a sportsman in the field; or any thing more mortifying, than to recollect such injury originated in the _neglect_ of the _master_, and not in a fault of the horse. The backs of some well-bred and thin-skinned horses, particularly young ones, are subject to _chaffing_ and _warbles_ upon very slight occasions; to counteract which, nothing can be better, more simple, or more easily obtained, than two or three table-spoonsful of the best white wine vinegar, bathed cold upon the part, and that so soon as the saddle is taken off, and while the pores are open.

CHARGE—was a favourite part of former practice in farriery, and consisted of compositions in the form of an adhesive mass, which being _plastered_ upon the part afflicted, was there left _to act_ as a _corroborant_, an _emollient_, a _discutient_, a _repellent_, or, in fact, to effect any purpose intended, or that the case might require. These preparations were applied in different states, and were denominated _hot_ or _cold charges_, according to the mode in which they were laid on. As, however, no great proofs of their efficacy were ever established, or any authenticated records of their utility known, they seem to have glided out of modern practice, and been totally superseded by the more rational introduction of penetrative stimulants, in fomentations, embrocations, &c. which come into more immediate contact with the affected parts, where injury has been sustained.

CHEST—is the part of a horse comprehended in the side view, from his wither to the bottom of his ribs near the elbow, at the upper part of the fore arm; and is perfectly understood, when we say, "that horse is well let down, and deep in the chest." If, in addition to this, he is "round in the barrel," he may then be said to have a _good carcase_. To judge well of the chest, it is necessary to come before, and take a front view, if which is broad, and the horse stands wide and firm, it is a proof of strength; but if narrow in the breast, (alias the chest,) he will not only be very likely to cut before, but to become chest-foundered, if put to any extraordinary exertions.

CHEST-FOUNDERING,—a debility in the shoulders, chest and fore-quarters of a horse, seemingly less understood, and certainly less explained hitherto, than any one disorder or defect to which the horse is incident. Those who have written upon this subject, evidently _echo each other_; as they literally and individually say, "it proceeds from hard labour, whereby the horse becomes surfeited; so that, upon the whole, it is no more than a severe cold, and is to be managed accordingly." These are, in fact, the very words of BRACKEN, who precedes it with this remark: "Most authors agree it is so;" giving no opinion of his _own_, beyond its originating in a "severe cold," and is to be "_managed accordingly_." He says, "the signs are a staring coat, and heaving of the flanks more than common." That a chest-foundered horse may _happen_ to have a _staring coat_, or a heaving of the flanks, from some different or _remote_ cause, cannot be denied; but that _either_ of them are diagnostic symptoms of chest-founder, no scientific practitioner will ever admit.

A horse said to be chest-foundered, is almost invariably contracted in the breast between the points of the shoulders; becoming narrower there, as if there was a _wasting_ of those particular parts. If you put him into a _trot_, he moves his legs one before the other with great difficulty, as if they were internally connected, and prevented farther extension by two latent links of a chain. When pressed to a gallop, the case becomes _instantly_ decisive; he labours to get his legs from _under him_ without success; a general constriction pervades the whole of his fore parts; and his action may, with much more propriety, be termed _jumping_ than galloping.

Although no one author has given a proof he ever bestowed an explanatory thought, or condescended to transmit a single line, upon the _absolute cause_ of this very common defect, yet it by no means seems sufficiently involved in ambiguity, to render fair conjecture, or professional opinion, a matter of the least difficulty. As the disorder is invariably fixed upon those subjects who have done the _most expeditious_ and _constant_ work, without having been ever known to affect those who have done little or none; so it is natural to conclude, the intercostal and subclavian muscles must have sustained injury, from the incessant vibrative concussions occasioned by the almost eternal contraction and expansion of those parts, in such labour as horses are put to who become subject to the misfortune, which partakes much more of oppressed nature than of disease. It should seem, by the great number of horses (decidedly chest-foundered) who experience evident relief, and go with much less pain and difficulty, when they have got warm, that the muscular parts acquire rigidity when in a state of inaction, but expand, and gradually throw off the stricture, so soon as the circulation is encreased by action, and perspiration produced; both which subsiding, the previous stiffness returns. Let, however, what will be the cause, (and upon which the best opinions may vary,) instances are very rarely or ever known of perfect cure, or complete eradication. Long rest, by either a summer or winter's run, will always be found productive of relief, and sometimes hold forth a descriptive promise of permanence, which very mild and gentle work may continue; but hard riding, long journies, or severe labour, will always produce a relapse.

CHILDERS—was distinguished from _four_ others in succession of the same name, by the appellation of the DEVONSHIRE, or FLYING CHILDERS, having been the _fleetest_ horse ever bred or trained in this kingdom, and said to have ran _a mile in a minute_. The fact, however, was not so; he went the _fourth_ of a mile at the rate of a mile in a minute, and beat every horse of his time with ease. He was bred by MR. CHILDERS; was foaled in 1715; and got by DARLEY'S ARABIAN, dam (Betty Leedes) by CARELESS. He covered as a stallion, and was sire of _Firetail_, _Blacklegs_, _Second_, _Plaistow_, _Snip_, and _Commoner_; all good runners, particularly the first three; also _Blaze_, _Winall_, and _Spanking Roger_; horses of some note; as well as LORD W. MANNERS'S _Poppet_, (an extraordinary runner at five years old,) _Steady_, _Fleece'em_, &c. He covered but very few mares, except the Duke of Devonshire's.

BARTLET'S CHILDERS was likewise bred by MR. CHILDERS, and was _own brother_ to Flying Childers.

HAMPTON COURT CHILDERS was got by the Devonshire Childers, dam (Duchess) by the Newcastle Turk; and was likewise bred by Mr. Childers.

SMALE'S CHILDERS was bred by Mr. Smale, and foaled in 1726. He was got by Bartlet's Childers; dam by the Byerley Turk.

CHILDERS, commonly called _Grey Childers_, was bred by LORD CHEDWORTH, and got by the Devonshire Childers; dam by Sir W. Wharton's Commoner.

CHOLIC.—The disorder so called in horses, is properly divided into two kinds, and should be carefully attended to in the attack, before medicines are administered in _one_, which might have been more applicable in the _other_. One species of cholic (which is the most common) originates in a retention of confined air, from having been supplied with too much _flatulent_ provender, or too much _water_, at an improper time. This disorder, in general, soon submits to warm, cordial, anodyne medicines, accompanied by friction and flank rubbing; seldom terminating in death, though always accompanied with symptoms of danger. The other is produced by hardened fæces plugging up the intestinal canal, and frequently proves fatal: the least delay is dangerous, and too much expedition cannot be used to obtain relief. In the "Gentleman's Stable Directory," they will be found distinctly described, and the mode of cure explained.

CLICKET—is the sporting term for the act of COPULATION with both HARES and FOXES. During the first _warm_ weeks in FEBRUARY, when the _males_ and _females_ seek each other, they are then said to be CLICKETTING; or that at this particular season they go to CLICKET. After _conception_, they are said to be _knit_; when the DOE HARE or VIXEN FOX will make the most powerful and persevering efforts before the hounds to save their lives. JACK HARES and DOG FOXES at this season generally _fly their country_, and lead long chases.

CLYSTERS—are, in a variety of cases, and upon many emergencies, so truly and so expeditiously useful, (without the least danger of being injurious,) that their salutary effects cannot be too well known, or too generally understood. They are differently prepared, from a decoction of the aromatic garden herbs, as _marshmallows_, _camomile_ _flowers_, and _wormwood_, _gruel_, a handful of _salt_, and half a pint of _oil_; or, indeed, from any of the prescriptions with which books upon physic and farriery are generally loaded. When prepared, and of a proper warmth, they are gently conveyed into the body through a wooden pipe, to which is fixed a large bullock's bladder, containing the clyster to be injected. The pipe having been previously moistened upon the surface, with either sweet oil or lard, is then insinuated within the sphincter of the anus; when which is effected, the string hanging from the bladder (and to the other end of which the cork is annexed, that plugs up the internal mouth of the pipe confined in the bladder) is steadily pulled with the right hand, while the left is employed in keeping the pipe in its proper situation, and supporting the bladder with its contents: upon the cork's being withdrawn, and a free passage made for the clyster, the hands are pressed moderately, and _in motion_ upon the bladder, so as to force the whole into the body; when which is done, the pipe is gently taken away, and the effect of course is waited for, or repeated, if necessary. The mild and advantageous mode of obtaining relief by _clysters_, is greatly preferable to the rough old method of extracting the dung from the rectum by introducing the hand, which is not only producing unnecessary pain to the patient, but very frequently of exciting inflammation. Every sportsman of experience must know, that, upon all emergencies, in _fever_, _cholic_, _strangury_, _inflammation_ of the _lungs_ or _kidnies_, a clyster may be so soon prepared, and so soon administered, (particularly in remote situations in the country,) that no gentleman, anxious for the safety and preservation of his _stud_ or _stock_, should be without such articles as would enable him to adopt some extemporaneous means of relief, till assistance (which is sometimes at a great distance) could be obtained.

COAT.—The coat of a horse (which the hair is called) is not only an object of sporting exultation when the horse is in fine condition, but, to the judicious and penetrating eye, is in a great degree indicative of the state of health. Nothing will so soon demonstrate the _ability_, the _care_ and _attention_ of the GROOM, as the coat of his horse. If the coat is observed to become suddenly rough, standing different ways, with a dusty hue underneath, and the hair to look harsh and bristly upon the surface, the blood is then sizey, and tending to an unhealthy state; the porous system has been collapsed by some chilling exposure to _wet_ or _cold_; the integument acquires a tightness and rigidity, which, if not relieved, soon displays itself in some slight degree of disease: this may, in general, be prevented, by taking away blood, and proceeding upon a short course of antimonial alteratives.

COCKING—was formerly a sport so exceedingly prevalent (from the great and perpetual variety it afforded in _betting_) that matches were constantly fighting between different counties, as well as opulent individuals, and at most of the horse-races in every part of the kingdom, for very considerable sums of money. This practice, however, like every other _species_ of _sporting_, in the course of time, opened so great a field for villainy amongst the subordinates, who become unavoidably instrumental, (as _feeders_, _setters-to_, and _assistants_,) that, in addition to the incredible expence of _breeding_, _walking_, _feeding_, _matching_, removing and carrying cocks from one walk to another, collecting them when brought up to fight, injuries sustained upon their walks, consequent disappointments when taken up, with a long train of collateral considerations, have very much reduced both the _sport_ and the _breed_ in every part of England.

When all the leading expences are brought into one point of view previous to a MAIN of COCKS being placed in the _pens_, and the aggregate of expenditure annexed to the _match money_, (then to be deposited,) it plainly appears, that any man so fighting, is doing it at a disadvantage of _two_ to _one_ against himself. If he wins, he wins but the match money; this, probably, may, or may not, even pay his expence: if he loses, he has then lost both the _deposit_, and his previous expenditure in _breeding_, _feeding_, &c. constituting _loss upon loss_; and if he wins, he is no gainer, because the winning has been absorbed in the predatory payments already described. In fact, COCKING then (divested of every moral consideration in respect to its alledged cruelty) is the most ungentleman-like, the least entertaining, and the most doubtful in probable profit, that any sportsman of honour and integrity can possibly engage in: but as fashions continually vary, and it may hereafter undergo a renewal, farther particulars respecting the sport will be found under the proper heads of GAME COCK, and COCKPIT ROYAL.

COCKNEY—is the distinguished appellation by which those gentlemen are honoured, who, being _natives_ of the Metropolis, are supposed never to have very far exceeded the vibrative limits of _St. Paul's clock_, or _Bow bell_. The term, however, well known as it is, would not have been entitled to a place in this collection, had it not been thought necessary to communicate to the sporting world, a _derivation_ so very little known. A citizen of the above description making an excursion with his son to the neighbourhood of Highgate, the lad (who had never before _taken a journey_ of such magnitude and extent) happening to hear a horse neigh, (which was quite _new_ to _him_,) hastily exclaimed, "How that horse _barks_!"—"Barks! you booby," replied the father; "_Neighs!_ you mean. A _dog_ barks; a _horse_ neighs!" They had not proceeded far, when the youth, finding his ears assailed by the sudden _crowing_ of a _cock_, was so fascinated with the shrill and unexpected sound, that he instantly attracted his companion's attention with, "Hark, father, how that _cock neighs_!" To which happy effusion of fancy, citizens will probably stand indebted for the name of cockney to the end of time.

COCK-FEEDER—signifies a person whose occupation it is to _collect_, _handle_ and _feed_ a pen of cocks, to fight such main or match as may be made or agreed on, by those who deposit the battle money, and are called the MASTERS of the MATCH. These find or procure the cocks, of which the feeder takes charge; and to his judgment is submitted the entire management of _selecting_, _rejecting_, _feeding_, _physicing_, _sweating_, _sparring_, _weighing_, _cutting out_, (alias trimming,) and bringing his bag and cock to the pit; where, upon delivering it to the _setter-to_, his function ceases in respect to that particular cock, till death has sealed his disgrace, or success proclaimed his victory.

COCK-MATCH;—an agreement and article entered into by opposite parties, to shew any number of cocks (as "twenty-one, thirty-one, or forty-one) on each side in the _main_ and ten in the byes, to fight for ten guineas a battle, and fifty the odd." The cocks so agreed to be matched, are under the management of their different feeders till the day specified in the article for their being _shewn_ and _weighed_; which day is, upon most occasions, _the day but one_ preceding the day on which the main begins to be fought. This ceremony is attended to with the most scrupulous nicety on each side; every cock is weighed precisely to a _quarter_ of an _ounce_; his colour described almost to a _feather_; his marks in the eye, the _right_ and _left norrel_, the _in right_ and _out left_ in the feet, are all taken down in writing with the same accuracy as the weight; the whole being entered in the match-bills to be produced, read, and compared, with the cocks as they are brought to pit at the commencement of every battle.

The number of cocks having been shewn and weighed on each side, the match-bills containing their weights are compared; and all those who are either dead weights, or within an ounce of each other, are said to _fall in_, and are called _main battles_; in contra-distinction to those who do not come within the ounce of each other, and are _thrown into_ the _byes_; which are generally fought for a trifling sum, and have no affinity whatever to the MAIN. Should the cocks thus falling in constitute either a very small or an _even_ number, it is usual then to separate cocks of _dead weights_, or the nearest so, to match against others, (giving or taking an ounce in weight,) that the main may be extended in respect to the number of battles, and that number to be _odd_; thereby preventing, if possible, the MAINS being _undecided_; which, indeed, sometimes happens unavoidably by the chance of _a drawn battle_.

That the match may be the better understood, let it be supposed that A stands engaged with B "to shew twenty-one cocks on each side, _ten_ guineas a battle, and _fifty_ the MAIN or _odd_ battle." Of these fifteen fall into the _main_; and the remaining six are thrown into _byes_, and fight for two guineas a battle. It is in such case a custom to fight a part of the byes, both _before_ and _after_ such part of the main as is fought on _each day_, whether it is finished in one day, or is a long main of many days duration. The match being concluded, we find A has won _nine main_ battles and _two byes_; B _six main_ battles and _four byes_; when the winning and losing will stand precisely thus: A having three battles ahead in the main, is a winner of fifteen guineas upon the _single_ battles; and winning the main also, he wins the twenty-five guineas upon that event; making himself the creditor for forty guineas: but in the _byes_, B having the advantage of _four_ battles to _two_ won by A, affords him a drawback of two guineas; and B is the loser of thirty-eight guineas battle-money upon the whole match; it being remembered, the byes were fought for only two guineas a battle; or, in other terms, a guinea _each cock_. And this it will be necessary for young adventurers to remember, that a match made for "ten guineas a battle," is tantamount to five guineas _each_ cock; and "fifty guineas the odd of the main," is always _bona fide_ understood a deposit (if required) before fighting of five-and-twenty guineas a-side.

Cocks of middling size, and adequate powers, are always considered the sharpest and best fighters; in confirmation of which opinion, custom has established the match weights from three pounds six ounces to four pounds eight; none to be shewn and weighed in the main under the former, or above the latter, unless an extension to either a _lower_ or a _higher_ weight should be agreed on by the parties. Sometimes (but very seldom) a short match, of a different kind, takes place, and is termed a "_shag-bag_" match, (or battle;) which is no more (the battle money having been previously agreed on) than "turning the cock out at the bag's mouth" in the pit, to meet his opponent, without ever having been brought to the scale, or the weight of his adversary ascertained.

In weighing the cocks, and making the match-bill, it is an invariable rule to begin with the _lightest_ pair, who are to fight _first_, and so continue according to their weight _upwards_; such successive pair being heavier than the former, so that the heaviest pair of cocks is fought the last. Various sums being betted upon a match (or main) soon after it is made, it may not be inapplicable to observe, that those who lay _the odds_ in any proportion, as _five_ to _four_, _six_ to _four_, _two_ to _one_, (or whatever odds may be laid,) either upon the main or a _single_ battle, is always entitled to the privilege of _choosing his side_, although it may not be mentioned; and this right he is possessed of in consequence of _laying the odds_.

COCKPIT,—a place appropriated entirely to the purpose of COCK-FIGHTING, for which it is erected; it is usually of an oblong or circular form, surrounded with seats, to which the spectators pay for admission; and in great mains, or subscription matches, the FEEDERS generally agree with the masters of the match to receive the whole of this _door money_, (equally divided between them,) as their compensation for the fortnight or three weeks they are engaged in feeding the cocks.

COCKPIT ROYAL.—The cockpit royal is considered sanction sufficient for the diversion of COCK-FIGHTING in every part of the kingdom. It is situate on the south side of St. James's Park, from which it has its entrance, and was erected in the reign of King Charles the Second, who, having been himself fond of the sport, is said to have frequently honoured it with his presence, when matches were made and fought amongst his nobles. It is the only place where _long mains_, and great SUBSCRIPTION MATCHES, are fought in the Metropolis; some of which are for considerable sums between opulent individuals, who procure their cocks from different parts of the country; and others (particularly the subscription matches) by many members on each side, who breed their cocks in distant counties, but fight them only in town; of which description many matches are annually fought during all the spring months, when both STAGS and COCKS are in the finest feather and highest perfection.

The cockpit is circular, and completely surrounded with seats six tier deep; exclusive of a rail, with standing room all round the summit of the uppermost seat; forming, in the whole, a perfect amphitheatre. The centrical circle upon which the _cocks fight_ is a raised mound of earth, (surrounded with boarding,) about twenty feet in diameter, and should, according to the technical term of the _sport_, be covered with a fine green turf, denominated _sod_; in conformity with the general acceptation of the word in the sporting world, where by "_the sod_" is implied COCKING. By "the _turf_," RACING is equally understood. In all mains or matches fought in the country parts of the kingdom, cocks invariably fight upon the sod; but as it is an article difficult to obtain in the Metropolis, and would be inconvenient and inapplicable during _hard frosty_ weather, when many matches are fought, _matting_ upon the surface is substituted in its stead.

On each side the circular mound, at its extremity, and exactly opposite to each other, are two small seats for the _setters-to_; who retire to those seats during long fighting, or when ordered by the betters and spectators so to do. Directly over the centre is suspended from the dome, by a chain, a very large circular branch, containing a great number of candles, affording a profusion of light; for nearly all the matches fought here are very _unnaturally_ decided by _night_, the company going to pit at six o'clock in the evening.