Chapter C (2)

At the hour previously agreed on, _the bags_ containing the cocks are brought into the pit by the FEEDERS, or who ever they may appoint: they are there received by persons called the _setters-to_, whose qualifications depend upon a _quick eye_, a _light hand_, and _agile heel_; without the whole of which, celebrity can never be acquired in their way. The cocks being taken from the bags, are most scrupulously compared in _feather_ and _marks_ with the original description entered in the match-bill on the day of weighing; if there should prove the most trifling deviation from which, a mistake _wilful_ or accidental is supposed to have taken place, and no progress whatever is made _in fighting_, till it is completely rectified, and the cause done away. This scrutiny is seriously critical, and made by the FEEDERS, who attend minutely to the _match-bill_ and _marks_ of each other's cocks; which ceremony gone through, and admitted to be right, the feeders retire from the centre of the pit, becoming spectators; and the _setters-to_ are then the sole possessors with the cocks in hand. In this state they are shewn to each other "_beak to beak_;" and if they "show fight," they are (for form's sake in the first battle only) given into the hands of the makers (called masters) of the match, who are situate in the lowest circular seat opposite to each other, and they giving the cocks a _set-to_ toss upon the mat, the battle begins amidst clamours indescribable, and offers of bets innumerable, according to the pecuniary sensations, opinions and predictions of the different parties interested in the event, constituting a scene very far beyond the power of description, and which must be seen to be perfectly understood.

_Bettings_ now take place of every kind, as well upon the battle then fighting, as upon the main (meaning the _odd_ battle) of the first _three_, the first _five_, &c. Bets made upon the "LONG MAIN," imply the winner of the match at its termination, in contra-distinction to betting upon the main of _three_, of _five_, or of _seven_ battles, which are very frequently made. Sometimes the cocks on one side are rather greater favourites than on the other, from an idea of their being better blood, better fed, or in finer condition; in this case, there are offers of, "a shilling,"—"eighteen-pence,"—and not unfrequently even "half a crown for a guinea;" the meaning of which is, the person so offering, is willing to give you either of the sums mentioned, to bet him a guinea upon the battle, he taking his choice for _buying the bet_. The person receiving the half-crown to bet a guinea, stands precisely thus; if his cock is successful, he is the winner of one pound, three shillings and sixpence; on the contrary, he can be a loser of only eighteen shillings and sixpence, having previously received half a crown from his adversary toward the guinea he has got to pay: a recollection of this advantage is equally necessary in proportional betting of greater magnitude, as sometimes half a guinea is offered for five pounds, or a guinea for ten.

Persons taking these bets, whether for large or small sums, should, if the odds in fighting come to _two_ or _three_ to _one_ in favor of the cock they have backed, immediately take such odds, which is called "hedging," (alluding to _a fence_ for the bet,) and the party then stands the chance of _winning_ a certain number of pounds to the losing of _nothing_! This is the only mode by which money can be made in a cockpit, and what the _professional amateurs_ are always prompted by prudence to do; as it is a very common thing, during a battle, for the odds to vary, till _three_, _four_, or _five_ to _one_ are betted upon each cock: a person taking the five to one _each_ way, will consequently derive an advantage of _four_ guineas from _either_ cock, let which ever will win. There are never wanting persons in a pit who are attached to the cocks on one side or the other; these are always ready to offer bets of _ten_, _eleven_, and _twelve_ to _four_, that the opposite party "does not win two battles running:" If the cocks on that side are healthy, properly fed, and in equal condition, with those in the other pens, these are not bad bets to take. As for instance; A bets B twelve half guineas to four, that Charles Walter (the _feeder_) does not win _two battles running_; it happens he wins the _first_, (which is no more or less than _even_ betting he does;) then B prudently backs the opposite party for two guineas the _second_ battle of the two, and of course stands the winning of _four guineas_ to the losing of _nothing_.

In a cockpit, the faculties of every man, who sports his money, must be feelingly alive, to escape the most villainous depredations. _The family_, who exist only by the most abandoned and unprincipled scenes of infamy, are always prepared to _deny_ their bets _when they lose_, particularly with noviciates; and with this advantage, they are always supported by _gentlemen_ of their own party on each side of them, _ready to swear_, "he had _no bet_ with you;" but if he _wins_, he demands his money of you, and receives it; consequently, in the difference of receiving and _not paying_, he has _ten_ to _one_ the advantage of a YOUNG ADVENTURER, particularly as you cannot call for "cover," in the ten thousand clamours, and _Babel-like_ building, of a cockpit. At the termination of every battle, the betters leave their seats to adjust, pay and receive the winnings and losings dependent upon the battle just decided; it being a regular point, that the _winner_ makes application to the better who has _lost_; and no disgrace is annexed to the character of the latter by his omitting to follow the former, it being sufficient to pay the _bet_ when _demanded_.

There are certain rules and laws of custom to be observed in fighting; the most material of which it is necessary to explain. When once the cocks are pitted, neither of the SETTERS-TO have the privilege to touch or handle his cock, so long as they continue to fight, unless their weapons hang in the mat, they are entangled with each other, are got too close to the edge of the pit, or have left off fighting while the umpire or law-teller can count _forty_; when, in either of those cases, each setter-to instantly handles his cock, bringing them _beak to beak_ in the middle of the pit: if _one cock_ has refused to fight while the telling forty took place, his adversary, who made the last fight, with either _heel_ or _beak_, is said to have the first law in his favour. When brought beak to beak, and set on their legs, if the cock who did not fight while the _forty was telling_, continues to decline fighting, the setter-to of his adversary (or umpire, if there is one) proceeds to tell _ten_; which being done, they are again handed, and brought _beak_ to _beak_; if the same cock continues still unwilling or unable to fight, the ceremony of telling ten, and bringing _beak_ to _beak_, at the conclusion of every ten, takes place, till it has been repeated _ten different times_, when the cock so refusing to fight has lost his battle. But should he fight during any part of the law, (even in telling the last ten,) what has been told is of no effect, and the first ten must be begun again, whenever a fight is renewed. Instances sometimes happen, when the cock who has the _long law_ in his favour, retreats from the cock seemingly beaten, and in his turn has the law going on against him; so that the cock who fights last has the law in his favour, till one side or other is counted out.

If, during a battle, (either by long fighting or a cut down blow,) any person offers to bet _ten pounds_ to a _crown_, or throws his _hat_, _glove_, or _handkerchief_, into the pit, which is the same thing, and so understood, though not a word is spoken, the teller immediately begins to tell _forty_ in a deliberate manner, which being done, he proclaims, "ten pounds to a crown is betted; will any body take it? will any body take it?" No reply being made, the battle is won by the cock upon whom the odds were offered. On the contrary, should the bet be accepted in words, or a handkerchief, _hat_, or _glove_, be thrown into the pit, during the time of so telling _the forty_, it is an acceptance of the _ten pounds_ to a _crown_ offered, and the cocks are instantly handed beak to beak in consequence. If a cock, having the law in his favour, _dies_ before the _long law_ is _told out_, his adversary wins the battle, although he did not fight within the law; for there cannot be a greater criterion of victory, than having killed his opponent.

When the cocks are first shewn in the hands of the setters-to, and either refuses _to face_, that is, to fight, it is deemed _no battle_, upon the equitable principle, that no man _can_ lose where he has _no chance_ to win. There are frequently disputes between the setters-to respecting which cock is in for the law in his favour, during the changes which sometimes happen by the various changes in setting-to during the _long law_; as well as disputes amongst the spectators concerning bets made, and misunderstandings during the _heat of battle_; to prevent litigation, and long-standing animosity, it is an invariable rule, that all disputes are to be decided by a majority of the pit; but in all pecuniary altercations, both parties deposit their money before the _question is asked_, in proof of their readiness to acquiesce in the decision when made. Persons making bets in a pit, which they were afterwards unable or unwilling to pay, were formerly drawn up in a basket by pullies, and suspended during _the play_; that ceremony, however, is now nearly dispensed with, the aggressor being instantly turned out of the pit, with a variety of _cuffs_ and _kicks_ plentifully bestowed upon him in the gauntlet of his escape.

COCK'S WALK—is the place to which a _game chick_ is removed, from the place where he was bred, (and where he walked _under his sire_,) to the spot where he is to remain till taken up to fight; this is called _his walk_, of which he is the master, not walking _under_ any other cock. They are commonly sent out to walk at six or seven months old, previous to which they have their combs and gills taken off, and are marked in the _eyes_, _norrils_, and _feet_. At this age they are called _chickens_; when turned of a year old, they are termed _stags_; and at two years old, COCKS.

COFFIN-BONE.—This bone is situate at the lower extremity of the foot, deposited in the membranous mass with which the box (or _coffin_) of the hoof is lined, and is in nearly the shape of the hoof itself: in the centre of the coffin-bone is a concavity, into which is inserted the _inferior_ part of the _coronary bone_, supported by the _nut bone_ behind: upon the superior part of the coronary bone (that is just above the line said to be "_between hair and hoof_") is lodged the lower part of the fetlock bone, its upper part articulating with the fetlock joint. Injuries are very frequently sustained by holes in the road, or cavities in the pavement, into which a part, or the whole, of the foot getting, ligamentary twists or distortions happen to the lower joints. Too much pains cannot be taken in accurately ascertaining the exact seat of lameness, particularly in these parts, as a great number of horses are annually _blistered_ and _fired_ by much too hastily, and upon parts where no lameness has ever been.

COFFIN-JOINT,—the joint situate below the fetlock, and just above the union of hair and hoof; this is the part universally known by the term _coffin-joint_; but, in fact, it is not in _reality_ so; for this being formed by the upper part of the coronet with the lower part of the fetlock-bone, leaves the whole coronary bone between the spot described and the coffin-bone. The coffin-joint is buried in the body of the hoof, and is formed by the convex junction of the coronary bone with the concave part of the coffin-bone, as explained in the article preceding.

COLD.—A COLD is evidently occasioned by some sudden transition from heat to cold, a long exposure to chilling rains, or a confined current of external air, through some partial or particular channel: it may be defined a _species_ of _disease_ derived from some one peculiar cause, to which there may be many probable points of termination, according to the constitution, or pre-disposition of the subject at the time of attack.

COLD is much more likely to be acquired in a horse by neglect or indiscretion, than by the effect of chance: it is certainly prevented with more ease than it can be cured; and those who ride or drive their _own_ horses, have this in constant recollection; those who ride or drive the horses of _others_, have seldom any such recollection at all. HORSES are hardly ever known to get _colds_ under the eye of the MASTER, but unluckily he cannot be employed in the eternal superintendance of _a servant_, nor can he carry the horse in his pocket. Colds unattended to upon the first attack, not unfrequently degenerate to something worse, displaying its progressive virulence upon the eyes, the lungs, or in glandular tumefactions. Colds (in general thought very little of) cannot have their probable tendencies too soon counteracted, particularly when it is remembered, that if the blood is previously in a state of sizey viscidity, an inflammation of the lungs may very speedily follow, and carry off the patient in _two_ or _three_ days, in opposition to every medical endeavour that can be made to prevent it.

A COUGH is generally one of the first and most distinguished symptoms of _cold_; for the collapsion of the porous system having thrown the perspirative matter upon the blood, its circulation through the finer vessels of the lungs becomes proportionally retarded, and constitutes the obstruction and consequent irritation (or _tickling_) which almost incessantly excites the cough; to relieve which, all writers agree, that bleeding is the first step to be taken: this to be followed by cordial balls, malt mashes, thin gruel, &c. &c. the particulars of which may be found fully explained in the "Gentleman's Stable Directory," or "Compendium of Farriery," by the present Author.

COLOUR.—Strange notions have formerly prevailed, and much hypothetical writing and reasoning have been equally produced, to collect sufficient criterions to decide upon, for _a proof_ that the strength and constitutional stamen of the horse depended as much or more upon his _colour_ than his formation. Sound judgment, and rational reflection, would, however, induce a well-founded reason to believe, there is more of fancy or _fallacy_ in such suggestion; and that the old maxim still stands upon firm ground, "a GOOD horse can't be of a _bad_ colour."

The bright and the dark _bay_, the jet _black_, the _chesnuts_, the _browns_, and the _dappled greys_, are each proportionally beautiful when in fine condition; and are held preferable in pecuniary estimation to the _sorrel_, the _dun_, the _roan_, the _flea-bitten_, the _strawberry_, and the _nutmeg_ or _iron-grey_. There is a prevalent idea amongst people of a certain class, that many of the latter description are very much inferior in spirited exertion, less calculated for hard work, not such good feeders under fatigue, that they feel the effect of age sooner, that their powers do not continue so long unimpaired, that they are more susceptible of disease, and, lastly, that they are shorter lived, than those called the _hardy_ colours, first mentioned. That there will always be a variety of opinions in mere matter of conjecture cannot be denied, any more than that the framers and supporters of those opinions will magnify _mole hills_ to _mountains_ in defence of their own sagacity; notwithstanding which, it must be admitted, that variety of inferences might be drawn to justify a conclusion, that many of those observations may have the basis of truth for their foundation, if this was the place proper for such elucidation.

Whatever may be the colour of the horse, it is a practice with old sportsmen, and good judges, to reject _white heels_, and _white hoofs_, if they can be avoided: experience has proved, beyond all fear of contradiction, that white heels are more _tender_, and white hoofs more subject to _defects_, and susceptible of injury, in _thrushes_, _corns_, and _sand-cracks_, than any other; and none more so, than light chesnuts with blazes and white heels: the hoofs are frequently shelly, brittle, narrow at the heel, diseased in the frog, and contracted in the feet. Prudence should prompt every man (in a new purchase) to pay some respect to the _lower_ as well as the _upper_ story; it being evidently more advantageous to _reflect in time_, than to repent at leisure.

COLLEGE VETERINARY,—an equestrian establishment for the improvement of farriery: it is situate about a mile north-east of Tottenham-Court Road, at Camden Town, in the parish of St. Pancras, and will be explained more at large under the head, VETERINARY COLLEGE.

COLT,—in the general sense, and immediate acceptation of the term, implies a produce from HORSE and MARE, without adverting for the moment to either the _masculine_ or the _feminine_ gender; but in a more contracted point of view, (as well as in just and sporting-like phraseology,) it is meant to convey an unequivocal idea, that the produce being A COLT, is really so, (that is a _horse colt_,) in contra-distinction to the opposite gender, invariably called _a filly_. The bone and growth of a colt depends greatly upon two circumstances: the first, his being foaled late or early; that is, _early_ in _April_, or _late_ in _June_; as well as the difference of his being weaned in November or March. Although it is admitted that colts (in the first year termed foals) running with the dam during the winter, will afford greater probability of size, bone, and strength, yet it is not at all times it can be complied with, unless in studs, where _brood_ mares are kept for that purpose only, and are left fallow (_uncovered_) for the season. When a mare has been covered with a foal at her foot, and is evidently in foal again, it should be an invariable rule to wean the foal in October or November, upon the palpable impossibility of giving suck to the one, without an impoverishment of the other. Whether the colt is, or is not, weaned in either of those months, he should be well kept, and have daily supplies of corn and hay, as well as proper _stable_, _shed_, or _shelter_ from the inclemency of the winter season. Upon the liberal keep of the two first winters, his size, growth, strength, and bone, entirely depend, and must be particularly attended to, lest repentance come too late; for it must be held in remembrance, that if a colt is _small_ at two years old, from having been _stinted in keep_, there is not one in a hundred ever attains to good size, by any additional exertions or expence, after the natural efforts for expansion have been so long retarded.

As COLTS of any description (except for THE TURF) are seldom taken in hand, at least offered for sale, or brought into work, till they are _three years old_, it is totally unnecessary to go into a minute description of their AGE by the TEETH previous to that period. Suffice it, therefore, to observe, the _twelve teeth_ in the front of the mouth are, from their original appearance, called COLT'S TEETH, and so continue to be, till dispossessed, and followed by _others_ which we proceed to describe: and that a matter of such necessary information may (with very little attention) be perfectly understood, an accurately engraved PLATE is annexed, with such explanatory matter, as will bring the subject home to the plainest comprehension.

COLTS' TEETH are, in whiteness and appearance, not inferior to polished ivory; are individually smooth upon the surface, or seat of mastication, and so continue till some time between _two_ and a _half_ and _three years old_; when, a few weeks sooner or later, (depending entirely upon their having been _late_ or _early_ foals,) but within the space of time specified, he sheds the two middle teeth of the SIX in the under jaw: these are pushed forward, and succeeded by two of a stronger formation, deeper in color, fluted, as it were, or having small grooves from top to bottom, with a natural black cavity in the centre, as represented in _figure the first_ of the PLATE, when the colt will be found rising THREE YEARS OLD.

Some time in the _last half_ of the _fourth year_, the same process takes place with the teeth on _each_ side the two in the centre, (already described to have undergone the change;) so that at four years old we find a repetition of (or addition to) the _first two_, at which particular period he becomes possessed of FOUR horse teeth in the middle, and _one_ colt's tooth only on each side, as will be observed in the _second figure_ of the PLATE, where is represented the mouth of a colt when FOUR YEARS OLD off, which he should be properly called till the fall of the leaf; after that time it is the custom to say, he is RISING FIVE.

At this time, that is, some time in the autumn, as _September_, _October_, or _November_, (depending a little upon his having been a late or early foal,) he sheds the two remaining outside or corner teeth, the successors to which continuing to push out till the May or June following, when he is full in the mouth, FIVE YEARS OLD, and then called a horse.

During the course of this year, the single teeth, called TUSKS, seated beyond the corner teeth upon the bars, appear; and proper attention to the infantine or advanced state of this projection, will evidently demonstrate the _fifth_ year of age; notwithstanding any trifling variation, or singular exception, to the law of Nature already laid down; as may be accurately collected from an attentive inspection of the _third figure_ in the PLATE, where the subject is to be considered FIVE YEARS OLD, off, and through the whole of the year is termed "rising six;" the year not terminating till the FIRST OF MAY, from which every horse takes his age; and it is customary to say he is coming six, or will be _six years old_ next grass.

In the space of the last six months of the _sixth_ year, the cavity of the two _middle_ teeth of the SIX (already described to have succeeded the two in the _first_ change at three years old) gradually fill up, and when turned of SIX YEARS OLD, retain a faint remains of the original _black mark_, but is nearly or quite smooth upon the surface.

In the _last half_ of the SEVENTH YEAR, when the horse is termed "_six off_," (or rising seven,) the teeth on each side the two centrical, last described, become _gradationally_ possessed of the same appearance; and when SEVEN YEARS are fully attained, the two outside or corner teeth _only_ bear _any mark_ of the original cavity. At this period the HORSE is said to be _aged_; and from this time to the completion of his _eighth year_, the faint mark in the corner teeth continues gradually to disappear (varying a little in different subjects) till quite obliterated, when the AGE by the TEETH is no longer a matter to be relied on, but becomes totally dependent upon the _immaculate_ declaration of the DEALER, or the _ipse dixit_ of the BREEDER, if that can be _bona fide_ obtained. This description will be found accurately delineated in the _fourth figure_ of the PLATE.

As the curious, but very common, _operation_ of BISHOPING has been properly explained under _that head_, so another _deception_, in full practice by the fraternity of _horse-dealers_, must not be forgotten; they consider it a LAW of PRIVILEGE, and never omit an opportunity of gratifying their professional sensations. By referring to _figure the second_ of the PLATE, (where the teeth represent the state of the mouth at _four years old off_,) may be seen the four centrical teeth with the _black cavities_, and the two COLT'S TEETH at the corners, without any mark at all. In this state they are frequently purchased of the simple harmless BREEDER in the _country_; but they are very seldom a few hours in the possession of a DEALER, before the _fertility_ of his imagination is at work to _rectify_ the _deficiencies_, and to anticipate the very intent and effort of NATURE.

The two corner COLT'S TEETH just described, are immediately _wrenched_ from their sockets, with even a common _door key_, or the first iron instrument that can be found applicable for the purpose; and this is done as a substitute for the impending exfoliation, by way of giving earlier opportunity for the appearance and growth of their successors, that the HORSE may be shown out as, and affirmed to be, a FIVE YEARS OLD, when, in fact, he is positively no more than four. This is an imposition very little better than a ROBBERY, and principally practised upon the young and inexperienced, (the DEALER'S best _friends_,) but seldom attempted to be _played off_ with the OLD SPORTSMAN, whose very _mode_ of making his examination, speedily displays a proof of his qualifications, and generally shields him from any very palpable species of depredation.

When a HORSE is considerably advanced in _years_, but still _full_ in the _frame_, and _fresh_ upon his _legs_, it is a general rule, even with the best and most experienced judges, to form an opinion tolerably accurate by the _length_ of his TEETH; but this can by no means be considered infallible; as some horses carry a mouth _so much better_ than others of a less age, that it can constitute no certain criterion of decision.

CONDITION—is a word in frequent use with the sporting world, to express the state of a horse in respect to his health and external appearance. If low in flesh, rough in his coat, hollow above the eye, and depressed in his spirits, he is then said to be "very much out of _condition_." But, on the contrary, if full of good sound flesh, his skin loose and pliable, with his coat soft and sleek, he is then said to be in "perfect condition to start," if for the TURF; fine condition to _take the field_, if a HUNTER; or, if a roadster, to be in good condition to undertake his journey. Horses too full of flesh or of blood, are said not to be in _condition_, because they are not fit for strong exertions without the danger of disease: brought into constant work in such state, they soon, as it is termed, "_fall all to pieces_;" that is, if they escape inflammation upon some of the various parts, morbidity soon displays itself, either in a swelling of the legs, cracked heels, bad eyes, defective wind, cutaneous eruptions, tumours, or in one of the many ills to which horses in this state will always be subject.

Experience has so fully confirmed this fact, and custom has so firmly established the great prudence of prevention, that much disgrace and mortification is incurred by both MASTER and _groom_, who are so unfortunate as to have horses _out of condition_; and this is so perfectly understood in the present state of equestrian emulation, that the necessity for occasionally cleansing the frame by BLEEDING, PURGING, DIURETICS, or a course of ALTERATIVES, is not only almost universally acknowledged, but generally practised by every judicious and well informed SPORTSMAN in the kingdom.

CONSTIPATION—implies that state of the bowels, when, for want of the necessary secretion of mucus, their excrementitious contents acquire a degree of solidity bordering upon induration; the dung becomes too hard and adhesive, fœtid in effluvia, and dark or nearly black in appearance. A horse in such state should not be long neglected; inflammatory cholic and consequent danger may ensue; or an indurated mass may be formed in the intestinal canal, which no medicine may have the power to move in time to prevent mortification. Too nice attention cannot be paid to a horse's regular evacuations: if the body is evidently foul, he should be proportionally physicked. Circumstances not rendering that perfectly convenient, opening mashes might be adopted, and continued nightly (or oftner) till the constipation is removed.

CONSUMPTION.—A consumption is a disorder to which horses are very much subject, particularly the carriage horses of the great and opulent: these fall victims to the unmerciful ambition of _nocturnal_ grandeur, in the four, five and six hours street-waiting in the most dreary nights of the most dreary winter. Consumptions originate in _colds_, which being ill managed or neglected, constitute an increasing viscidity of the blood; this preternatural consistence renders it more languid in its circulation; and it is, of course, proportionally impeded in its progress through the finer vessels of the lungs. Here then _obstructions_ are first formed; as these increase, the passages become impervious; the _tubercles_ continue to enlarge, till the vessels are partially distended to their utmost extent, when inflammation takes place, and maturation follows. This stage completed, the tumours rupture; some probably heal by the efforts of nature, and others become _corroding ulcers_, laying the foundation of inevitable danger, and distant death. To a penetrative eye, and distinguishing hand, the predominant symptoms will be immediately found to exceed the traits and appearances of a common cold: the unequal and difficult respiration; the kind of half-suppressed, sore, hollow cough, (denoting an internal sensation of pain,) terminating in a sort of resigned moan; a constant desire to masticate hay, without any seeming enjoyment of it; a general heavy dulness, the palpable effect of conscious decay or debility; and a frequent looking to and after the person accustomed to superintend him, exciting reason to believe he may expect or hope for relief from the very hand from whence it has been usual to derive support.

When brought into motion, the flanks heave, and the cough comes on in proportion to the increase of action and circulation: the pain thus produced soon excites profuse perspiration: by the efforts of snorting, sneezing, and blowing, to relieve himself from the load under which he labours, the discharge from the nostrils is increased, and gets deeper in colour, according to the duration and inveteracy of disease. Different subjects are very differently affected by the gradations of this disorder, (to which but a faint expectation of relief can be at all formed;) as one horse will continue to appear constantly declining, and to waste away perceptibly, every symptom becoming more predominant and distressing, till the scene is _finally closed_; while another shall alter but very little in flesh, coat, or external appearance, till within a few days of his _falling dead_ in his stall.

CONVULSIONS—are a spasmodic affection of the muscular parts of the body, occasioned by extreme pain acting upon the irritability of the nervous system; and generally proceed from cholic, inflammation of the kidnies, strangury, worms preying upon the internal coat of the stomach, a fullness of the vessels, and too great a flux of blood to the brain; as well as a variety of causes, many of which are, perhaps, very far beyond the utmost extent of human investigation. Whenever they come on, the scene becomes truly distressing; they may be considered almost invariably certain indications of approaching dissolution, instances being exceedingly rare of a horse's recovery.

COMPRESSION—is a term meant to convey the idea of an injury sustained in the foot of a horse from a contraction of the hoof, more particularly at the heel, by indiscreet management in the mode of _shoeing_: first, in forming the shoes too narrow, and giving them an improper internal curve at each heel; the injudiciously cutting away the bars of the foot, (formed by nature for its proper expansion;) the rasping away each side of the heel, to make the _foot fit the shoe_, already put on too small; all which is still more aggravated, by the equally _infernal_ and equally _invincible_ practice of _fitting_ the shoe _red-hot_ to the foot, in opposition to every argument and entreaty, thereby drying up and consuming the natural moisture of the internal or fleshy sole, at the moment of cauterizing and contracting the surface.

A hoof in the state described, holds forth, in its appearance, ample proof of _compression_ upon the parts constituting the internal structure of the foot; the membranous mass, the nut and coffin-bone, thus pressed upon by the surrounding stricture, occasions a torpidity, and consequent defect in action, by no means dissimilar to the hobbling gait of an infant in pain from the tightness and rigidity of new leather shoes. Horses whose feet are thus destructively reduced, are generally those to whom neither MASTER or MAN ever condescends to look: if proper injunctions were laid upon the shoeing smith, at each time of performing the operation, such a scene of devastation could never ensue. When the feet, by such mismanagement, have got into this state, every possible application should be made to promote growth and expansion. If the horse stands constantly in the stable, fresh stopping of moist cow-dung every night, with a plentiful impregnation of spermacæti oil, all round the hoof, every night and morning, are the most expeditious remedies for the defect; but if it can be adopted with convenience, _turning out_ two or three months upon a moist marshy piece of land will prove superior to every other consideration.

COOLERS—are such medicines as, by their attenuating property, tend to divest the blood of its viscidity, and to counteract threatened inflammation. They are always useful in plethoric appearances: when a horse is evidently overloaded, and above himself in flesh, when the legs are full, round, and all the vessels are palpably distended, cooling medicines, and gentle exercise, are the direct means of obtaining relief. BLEEDING should take the lead, followed by a course of diuretics, _mild_ or _strong_, according to the size and strength of the subject. Nitre, incorporated with half its weight of gum Arabic in powder, and dissolved in the water, is an excellent article of this description.

CORNS,—as they are called, would be much more properly denominated _bruises_, and are of infinite trouble to those who implicitly submit to the Quixotic schemes and manual dexterity of the SMITH; who, with a _secundum artem_ expedition, instantly renders the remedy worse than the disease. As his principal province is the art of _cutting_, he has no sooner the _drawing-knife_ in his hand, than he is at "_the bottom_:" his great object is the destruction of parts; and he piques himself upon doing more mischief in two minutes, than NATURE can restore in three months. Impressed with no idea but instrumental extirpation, he proceeds to excavate the sole of the foot, till, having reached the membrane, a protrusion ensues, and leaves him a happy opening for the bar-shoe, hot-stopping, a daily dressing, and the collateral considerations which constitute a _sum total_ by no means necessary.

CORNS mostly originate in the shoe having swerved a little from its proper seat upon the wall or crust of the hoof, and becoming, as it were, indented upon the outer sole, occasions _a bruise_, appearing to have ramifications of extravasated fluid in very fine and oblique directions: the shoe being permitted to press upon this part, (become irritable by the injury it has sustained,) produces pain and impediment to action. Upon the discovery that such has taken place, the remedy is as simple as the cause by which it was occasioned. The shoe being carefully removed, take from the surface of what is _miscalled a corn_, just enough to leave the part free from pressure by the shoe; moisten once externally with a few drops of oil of vitriol, or simple aqua fortis; and the operative smith, farrier, or veterinary surgeon, will not find a plea for the devastation he is generally so ready to promote.

CORDIALS,—medically considered, are the very reverse, in their property, of what has been said under the subject of "_coolers_:" they are warm aromatic articles, which stimulate to action the internal coat of the stomach, enliven the circulation, invigorate the frame, expel wind, strengthen the digestive powers; and are, perhaps, without exception, the best and most useful discovery yet made for the prevention and cure of colds in horses, as well as of some other disorders arising from an impoverished state of the blood. Horses subject to incessant fatigue in all weathers, particularly in the wet and dirty months of winter, should never be without the occasional interposition of a warm malt mash, or a CORDIAL BALL, after long journies or severe chases, whenever circumstances may render either or both necessary; the first being given at night, the latter in the morning. After a previous bleeding, these means may be considered infallible in a cold and cough, and never known to fail, if properly persevered in and attended to. The cordial balls are also exceedingly useful, where a horse is off his appetite, either from being overworked, or from the very common and very injudicious custom with weak servants, or penurious masters, of administering large quantities of _nitre_, (as a _cheap_ and _efficacious_ medicine,) till the blood is attenuated and impoverished below the standard of health, the solids reduced to a state of flaccidity, the stomach nauseated, and the digestive powers proportionally impaired.

CORIANDER,—the name of A HORSE who acquired much celebrity by his performances upon the TURF for six years in succession. He was bred by MR DAWSON, and was got by Pot8oo's out of _Lavender_, who was got by _Herod_; her dam by _Snap_, out of _Sweet William's_ dam by _Cade_. He was foaled in 1786. In 1789, when three years old, he beat _Jericho_, from the ditch-in, for 200 guineas, and SIR W. ASTON'S _Marcia_, two year old course, 100 guineas. First Spring meeting, 1790, he beat _Buzzard_, seven stone each, 100 guineas. Second spring meeting he beat him again for the same sum. He beat _Egbert_ and _Isabel_, a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each; and _Shovel_, _Glaucus_, _Alexander_, and _Sir Thomas_, a sweepstakes of 50 guineas each; _Baronet_, _Nimble_, _Egbert_, and _Sir Pepper_, paying forfeit. He walked over for the King's hundred at Ipswich; and beat LORD BARRYMORE'S _Pellegrine_ the two middle miles of the Beacon for 200 guineas.

In 1791 he won a subscription purse, beating _Spear_, _Isabel_, _Ruffian_, _Black Deuce_, and _Mouse_. He also won the plate at SWAFFHAM, beating _Isabel_ and the _Sister to Imperator_; and the next day won the other plate, beating _Clayhall_. At Newmarket, in October, he beat _Highlander_, _Serpent_, _Halkin_, and _Espersykes_; after which, from the ditch-in, he beat _Escape_, _Skylark_, and _Pipator_.

When rising six years old, he received forfeit from SIR C. TURNER'S _Weathercock_, and won the King's plate at GUILDFORD, beating _Enchanter_ and _Braggadocio_; also the King's plate at NOTTINGHAM, beating _Young Cicero_.

In 1793 he won the aged plate at NEWMARKET, beating _Dragon_, _Halbert_, and _Halkin_. He won the King's plate also, beating the DUKE OF BEDFORD'S _Skyscraper_. Second spring meeting, he won the Jocky Club plate, beating _Skyscraper_, _Bustler_, _Cardock_, and _Pipator_; and on the same day won the weight for the aged plate, beating _Huby_, _Volanté_, and _Eager_. In the same meeting he beat _Buzzard_ the Beacon Course for 200 guineas.

In 1794, when aged, he won THE WHIP and 200 guineas, beating _Creeper_, ten stone each, over the Beacon. He won 50_l._ at CHELMSFORD, beating _Sweeper_, and _Portland_; likewise 50l. at NORTHAMPTON, beating _Triumvirate_, and a son of _Faggergill_. At NEWMARKET, in October, he won the aged plate, beating _Quetlavaca_, _Exciseman_, and _Halkin_; and in the same week he beat LORD EGREMONT'S _Gohanna_ (giving him 24lb.) and LORD STRATHMORE'S _Hermes_. In the second October meeting, being the last time of his running, he won a subscription purse, (paying 50 guineas entrance,) beating LORD GROSVENOR'S _Exciseman_, and LORD SACKVILLE'S _Silver_. This extraordinary horse was one of the very few who stood so many years training, and so much severe running, without an accident. He covered afterwards in the north, at seven guineas, and has produced some good runners.

CORNER TEETH—are the four teeth at the extremities of each row in both the upper and the lower jaw, situate between the middle teeth and the tushes: the corner teeth in the lower jaw, are those which the horse sheds when four years old off, and rising five: these not spontaneously exfoliating in time to accommodate the pecuniary propensity of _the dealer_, he possesses the means and the practice of selling a _four_ year old colt for a FIVE year old horse; and this is so constant, that there is _with that class_ nothing _dishonest_ considered in the custom.

CORONET—is the part surrounding the foot of the horse just above the junction of hair and hoof: the bone from which the name is derived, bears great affinity in form to a ducal coronet, and is situate between the lower part of the fetlock-bone and the coffin, into which it is inserted, jointly supported by the nut-bone behind. Ligamentary twists, or distortions, sustained at the superior junction of the coronary bone, frequently occasion a prominence upon the _coronet_, which becoming first callous, and then ossified, is termed A RINGBONE.

COVEY OF PARTRIDGES—consists of the cock, hen, and their produce of that year before they are broken, and so continue to be termed till killed down too thin to bear the appellation: they are then distinguished by the small numbers they are found in; as, a leash, (three;) two brace, (four;) &c.

COURSE OF MEDICINE,—so called where the case is chronic, requiring a rectification in the animal œconomy, or an alteration in the property of the blood. Chronic cases are disorders of some continuance, (producing symptoms of disquietude more than of danger,) and are thus called to distinguish them from those which, proceeding rapidly, terminate sooner, and with more alarm. CHOLIC, STRANGURY, FEVER, &c. in horses, are _acute_ diseases: on the contrary, _grease_, _surfeit_, and some others, may with propriety be termed CHRONIC, and can only be completely eradicated by such _course_ of _medicine_ as shall be considered applicable to the state of the frame, and the origin of the disease.

COURSING—is a species of sport that a celebrated writer has traced to great antiquity; "it having been treated on by ARRIAN, who flourished A. D. 150." The same author, the REV. MR. DANIEL, in his elegant and truly entertaining publication upon "_Rural Sports_," says,

"In our country, during the reign of KING JOHN, greyhounds were frequently received by him as payment in lieu of money, for the renewal of _grants_, _fines_, and _forfeitures_, belonging to the Crown. The following extracts prove this Monarch to have been exceedingly partial to this kind of dogs. A fine paid A. D. 1203, mentions five hundred marks, ten horses, and ten leashes of _greyhounds_. Another, in 1210, one swift running horse, and six _greyhounds_."

"In the days of ELIZABETH, when she was not disposed herself to hunt, she was so stationed as to see the coursing of _deer_ with greyhounds. At Cowdrey, in Sussex, the seat of Lord Montecute, (now Lady Montague's,) A. D. 1591, one day after dinner, the Queen saw from a turret sixteen bucks, all having fair law, pulled down with greyhounds in a lawn before the house."

Coursing was formerly extended to the DEER, the FOX, and the HARE; and much ceremony was observed in _park_ and _paddock_ coursing with the _former_, even in the Royal presence. It is, however, now principally confined to the hare, (except in the season for _fawn_ killing;) is not only universal in most counties, but particularly patronized and promoted in others. CLUBS are composed of the most opulent and respectable members for the enjoyment of the sport, who have mostly two (some three) meetings in each season; the first established and principal of which is the "Swaffham Coursing Society," instituted in Norfolk by the late EARL of ORFORD in the year 1776, which is supported with true personal spirit and sporting energy; the Bradwell and Tillingham meetings, in Essex; the Flixton Wolds, in Yorkshire; and the Ashdown Park meeting, at Lambourn, in Berkshire.

The meetings at Swaffham are held on the second Monday in November, and the first Monday in February, unless prevented by frost or snow, in which case they are then held the first open Monday in or after November, and the first open Monday in February; and not later. The Ashdown Park meeting to be held at the Red Lion at Lambourn, annually, the second Monday in November.

The LAWS of COURSING were arranged in the reign of QUEEN ELIZABETH by the Duke of Norfolk, and were sanctioned by the acquiescence of the nobility, gentry, and sporting world, who then followed the diversion; and have since been considered the fixed criterion for the decision of all bets, by which they are regulated and determined to the present day. The person appointed to let loose the greyhounds, was to receive into his slips (or thongs) those matched to run against each other so soon as he came into the field; and then to follow next the hare-finder, or him who was to start the hare, until he came to _the form_; and no horse or foot men were to go before, or on either side, but directly behind, for the space of about forty yards.

RULES.—A hare never to be coursed by more than A BRACE of _greyhounds_.

The hare-finder to give the hare three _soho's!_ before he put her from _her form_; to give notice to the dogs, that they may attend to _starting_.

The hare to have _twelve score yards law_ before the dogs were loosed, unless the small distance from cover would not admit it without danger of immediately losing her.

The dog who gave the _first turn_, if there was neither _cote_, _slip_, nor _wrench_, during the course, WON.

A _cote_ is when a greyhound goes endways by his fellow, and gives the hare _a turn_.

_A cote_ serves for _two turns_, and two _trippings_ or _jerkins_ for _a cote_: if the hare did not turn quite about, she only _wrenched_, and two _wrenches_ stand for a _turn_.

If there were no cotes given between a brace of greyhounds, but that one of them served the other at _turning_, then he that gave the hare _most turns_, _won_; and if one gave as many turns as the other, _then_ he that _bore_ the hare, won.

If one dog gave the _first turn_, and the other bore the hare, he that bore the hare, won.

A _go-by_, or _bearing_ the hare, was equivalent to _two turns_.

If neither dog _turned_ the hare, he that led last to the covert, won.

If one dog turned the hare, served himself, and turned her again, it was as much as a _cote_; for a cote was esteemed _two turns_.

If all the course was equal, the dog that bore the hare, won; if the hare was not borne, the course was adjudged dead.

If a dog fell in a course, and yet performed his part, he might challenge the advantage of a _turn_ more than he gave.

If a dog turned the hare, served himself, and gave divers cotes, and yet in the end stood still in the field, the other dog, if he _ran home to the cover_, although he gave no turn, was adjudged the winner.

If by accident a dog was rode over in his course, the course was void; and he that did the mischief was to make reparation for the damage.

If a dog gave the first and last _turn_, and there was no other advantage between them, he that gave the _odd_ turn, won.

He that came in first at the death, took up the hare, saved her from being torn, cherished the dogs, and cleansed their mouths from the fleak, was adjudged to have the hare for his trouble.

Those who were appointed judges of the course, were to give their decision before they departed from the field.

Exclusive of the county clubs and local societies established for the annual enjoyment of the diversion upon a larger scale, COURSING has its devotees, who are as energetic in its defence, as its most enraptured advocate can possibly be, for what he calls the inexpressible pleasures of the chase: taken, however, in a more extensive point of view, it is held in nearly an equal estimation with _angling_, when put in competition with the more attracting sports of the field; and seems much better calculated for the amusement of a _cynical solitary_ disciplinarian, than a mind open to all the more noble and exhilarating sensations of the CHASE.

COSTIVENESS—will be sound satisfactorily explained under the head CONSTIPATION; to prevent which, regular exercise, great friction, flank rubbing, and frequent changes of food, will greatly contribute.

CRACKS—in the heels of horses, during the winter season, are found only in stables where the master seldom or ever condescends to appear. These trifles are too frequently attributed to a defect in the _constitution_ of the _horse_, when, with more propriety, they might be fixed upon a _want_ of _constitutional_ punctuality in the _groom_. Horses left with _wet legs_ and _heels_ after chase or journey, particularly in sharp easterly winds, or in frost and snow, constitute the evil to a certainty. So severe a rigidity is occasioned in the texture of the integument, that it becomes partially ruptured, (or broken in various places,) upon being brought into action the following day: this, with the irritation and friction occasioned by the sharp particles of gravel and extraneous matter in the dirty roads, soon produce enlarged lacerations of the most painful description. The prudent part of the world will always consider, as well in this, as in every other case, that _prevention_ is better than _cure_: servants should be allowed in the stables, linen cloths for rubbers to the heels, that they may never be left in the least wet, particularly in the winter season, when once getting _tender_, the stubbed ends of the new and stiff straw frequently occasion or increase such lacerations.

CRAMP—is a most extraordinary spasmodic muscular contraction of some particular limb, where the stiffness and rigidity of the part exceeds belief. To those who have never been accustomed to such cases, they are serious and alarming; for the strength of two men is inadequate to the task of rendering the affected limb pliable and active. The cause is sometimes not to be ascertained; but it has frequently arisen from a horse, in a high state of perspiration, having been placed in a current of _cold_ air, or a _damp_ stable, and in a few minutes found not able to move. Standing still two or three days in succession without exercise, after long and constant travelling, is likewise known to produce it. But whatever cause it may have originated in, the direct road to relief is still the same. Instantaneous BLEEDING, hot fomentation with a decoction of aromatic herbs, immediately followed up by strong friction with an old stable horse-brush, and this by an embrocation of camphorated spirits, half a pint, incorporated with one ounce of oil of origanum, and a part of it patiently rubbed in upon the particular part affected, never fails to relieve in a _short time_. Should it, however, not take effect so soon as expected, dissolve a _cordial-ball_ in a pint of gruel, to which add an ounce of _liquid laudanum_, and let either or all the operations be repeated in a few hours, should the case (or a relapse) require it.

CREST-FALLEN.—A horse is said to be crest-fallen, when the part running from the withers to the ears, and upon which the mane grows, is impoverished, and wasted, from the natural prominence of its beautiful curve, to a state of reverse hollowness or indentation. This is generally accompanied by a total emaciation, brought on by very _bad support_, or neglect under different degrees of disease. The firmness and corresponding curve of the crest is almost invariably a tolerable criterion of the _health_ and _condition_ of the horse; and a judicious inspector seldom omits this part of the examination. If the flesh upon the crest is _firm_, _solid_, and not flabbily soft, or fluctuating, it is a good sign of constitutional strength; but a horse having a low, bare, indented crest, will always have a poor, weak, and impoverished appearance, doing his owner no credit. This defect, however, proceeds more from penurious keep, and temporary starvation, than any cause or defect in Nature, and may always be expeditiously remedied by liberal support, and nutritious invigoration.