Chapter D (2)

PAIN in the ear of a horse is discoverable immediately by its flaccidity, and painful deprivation of erection. The ear lays nearly flat either one way or another; the horse is almost every minute giving violent shakes of his head, which he as constantly leaves hanging down on the side affected; from which circumstances alone the seat of pain may with certainty be ascertained. Pains in the ear may arise from various causes, as colds, blows, the insinuation of, or sting from, _forest flies_, _bees_, _wasps_, or _hornets_. If the first is known to be the cause, the stimulus excited by mildly rubbing the inside with the half of a newly divided onion, will soon relieve the pain. If from a blow, rubbing the ear inside and out with two table-spoons full of camphorated spirits, mixed with two tea-spoons full of extract of saturn, will relieve. If from a sting, a plentiful impregnation of fine olive oil, to give the skin the power of expansion, will be right in the moment of increasing inflammation; after which, the swelling may be allayed with common white wine vinegar, verjuice, or strong vegeto mineral water.

TRIMMING the EARS on the inside is a very common practice, and adds considerably to the neatness and cleanliness of the head and appearance; but care should be taken never to let it be done during rainy weather, sharp and severe winds, or in the winter season; dreadful colds, as well as dangerous diseases, have often been produced by these means, without knowing from what cause the ill effect has been derived. The operation of trimming should be performed in warm, open, mild weather, and with SCISSARS in preference to the _flame_ of a _candle_; which, with the additional use of the _twitch_, only serves to put the poor animal to a double degree of unnecessary misery. After the ears are trimmed, they may be rubbed over the inside with a small quantity of fresh butter, or a piece of fine linen impregnated with olive oil, both of which are excellent preventives to cold after the operation.

ECLIPSE,—the name of the most famous horse (since _Flying Childers_) ever produced or trained in this or any other country. He was bred in Windsor Great Park by the _Culloden_ (or Great) _Duke of_ _Cumberland_, being foaled during the celebrated eclipse in the year 1764, from which his name was taken. He was got by _Old Marske_, dam (_Spilletta_) by _Regulus_; her dam (_Mother Western_) by _Smith's_ son of _Snake_; grand-dam by LORD D'ARCY's _Old Montague_, &c. &c. Upon the decease of his Royal Highness, the stud were sold by auction at the Park Lodge; where _Eclipse_ (then a yearling) was purchased by MR. WILDMAN for 46 guineas, and afterwards sold to COLONEL O'KELLY (his last and only possessor) for 1700 guineas. In 1769, when five years old, he won two 50's at Epsom; 50 at ASCOT HEATH; the King's 100 guineas, and 50, at WINCHESTER; the 100 guineas, the bowl, and 30 guineas, at SALISBURY; and the King's 100 guineas at CANTERBURY, LEWES, and LITCHFIELD.

In 1770 he received forfeit 600 guineas, and won the King's 100 guineas at NEWMARKET; the King's 100 guineas at GUILDFORD; the same at NOTTINGHAM; the same and 319 at YORK; the King's 100 guineas at LINCOLN; 150 guineas, and the King's 100 guineas _again_ at NEWMARKET, where orders having been privately given by his owner, "to go off at _score_, and run the whole four miles for _speed_," he double distanced his opponents, and was then taken out of training for want of a competitor. From this time he continued as a stallion at Epsom, in Surry, and afterwards at Cannons, the seat of Colonel O'Kelly, in Middlesex, where he died on the 27th of February, 1789, in the 26th year of his age; leaving a progeny of winners and stallions who are transmitting his blood to posterity in directions too numerous to be obliterated to the end of time.

He was sire of _Firetail_, _Soldier_, _Corporal_, _Serjeant_, _Don Quixote_, _King Fergus_, _Nina_, _Charlemont_, _Competitor_, _Gunpowder_, _Hidalgo_, _King Hermon_, _Meteor_, _Pegasus_, _Scota_, _Serpent_, _Squeak_, _Stripling_, _Devi Sing_, _Eliza_, _Poor Soldier_, _Big Ben_, _Spitfire_, _Fair Barbara_, _Adonis_, _Mercury_, _Lily of the Valley_, _Volunteer_, _Bonnyface_, _Jupiter_, _Venus_, _Antiochus_, _Dungannon_, _Maria_, _Henley_, _Soujah ul Dowlah_, _Grimalkin_, _Dian_, _Thunderbolt_, _Lightning_, _Spinner_, _Horizon_, _Miss Hervey_, _Plutus_, _Pluto_, and _Comet_; exclusive of a great number of winners, for the list and particulars of which, reference may be made to WEATHERBY's "_Stud Book_," _and_ "_Racing Calendar_."

EARTH.—A fox beating his pursuers when hunted, and taking refuge _under ground_, is then said to have _earthed_, or gone to earth. Some of these earths are situate in old chalk pits, forming such different channels and ramifications amidst the roots of trees in woods and coppices, that it is impossible to dig them out; but where there is the least probability of success, it is never relinquished; upon the established and well-founded principle, that the hounds are always _entitled to blood_ after a GOOD CHASE. A wanton and unnecessary destruction is, however, at no time to be justified, particularly in a country _thin_ of _foxes_; such unthinking devastation is frequently productive of a _blank_ day at the end of a season.

EARTH-STOPPER—is an indispensible part of a FOX-HUNTING establishment, whose business is principally performed by night. His department is to visit and stop the strongest earths in the district intended to be hunted on the following day. This is usually effected between the hours of ten at night and four in the morning, by means of _bushes_, _brambles_, _earth_, &c. to furnish which, he is provided with a hand-bill, spade, candle and lanthorn, a hardy rough poney, terriers, and of course _a pocket pistol_, to recruit the spirits amidst the dreary scenes it is become his occupation to explore. It is also his business to _re-open_ the EARTHS after the sport of the day, that the FOXES may not fall victims to other modes of destruction.

ELDER—is a tree common in most hedges in the country, bearing a fruit called ELDER-BERRIES, from which people make a very good wine. It is, however, only mentioned here to remind the reader, that the _flowers_ are a very excellent ingredient in fomentations, and sporting gentlemen should never be without them: they should be gathered in the heighth of the bloom, properly dried, and preserved for use.

ELECAMPANE,—a root formerly in much estimation for its efficacy in coughs and disorders of the breast and lungs; hence the reputation it has attained in pectoral compositions for the use of horses. The great difficulty, however, of procuring any thing like the _genuine root_ in _powder_ from the medical retail shops, must ever prevent any great gratification of expectation, to those who rely too much upon the properties it is said to retain.

EMBROCATION;—a name given to SPIRITUOUS, VOLATILE, or SATURNINE applications in a liquid form; either as _corroborants_, _stimulants_, _repellents_, &c. and in most cases they are doubly efficacious, if their use is preceded by sponges dipt in a hot decoction, prepared from those garden aromatics called "FOMENTATION HERBS."

EMOLLIENTS—are such external applications as mollify the surface, and alleviate any stricture upon the surrounding parts: they supple the solids, as well as sheath and soften any asperity of the fluids. FOMENTATIONS are of this class, and prove of the greatest utility in all tumefactions, enlargements, and many lamenesses of HORSES, with those practitioners who have judgment and patience to bring them perseveringly into use. From the relaxing property of emollient topics, and their sheathing of acrimony, it is that they are good sedative applications, when pain from tension or irritation is excited: from nervous sympathy, their efficacy is conveyed to distant and deep-seated parts, and thus it is that the warm bath proves in most cases so powerful a sedative. EMOLLIENTS, whether in the use of _fomentations_, or the application of _poultices_, by relaxing the fibres, and increasing the congestion of fluids, greatly promote suppuration, to effect which in all inflammatory tumours, they should be immediately brought into use.

ENTRANCE OF HORSES—is the ceremony of entering horses (at the particular places appointed) on a certain day previous to the races at any city, borough, or town, where the plates to be run for are given and advertised. Horses intended to run, are "to be SHEWN and ENTERED," paying _two_ or _three_ guineas "_entrance money_," (according to the custom of the place,) and in general _five shillings_ to the CLERK of THE COURSE. For all plates given by HIS MAJESTY, or his R. H. the P. of WALES, no other entrance money is permitted, or paid, but the before-mentioned fee to the clerk of the course.

ENTRANCE of HOUNDS—is the introduction of _young hounds_ to the PACK; with whom, at a proper age, they are incorporated, for their initiation in the kind of chase to which they are then to become appropriate. This is a matter so truly professional, and so entirely dependent upon the judgment of the HUNTSMAN and his _attendants_, that neither instruction or entertainment can be derived from literary description.

EPILEPSY,—a disorder in horses, bearing some similitude to APOPLEXY and STAGGERS; for which the same medical means are applied for relief.

EQUERRY—is an appointment of much honour in the home department of HIS MAJESTY, under the sole direction of the MASTER of the HORSE. There are FIVE EQUERRIES in this official situation, one of whom is called the _first_: of the other four, two are always in waiting to attend upon HIS MAJESTY in every equestrian excursion, whether on the _road_, to the _field_, or in the _chase_, with whom His Majesty most graciously condescends to converse familiarly. His Royal Highness the PRINCE of WALES, the DUKES of YORK, GLOUCESTER, and other branches of the ROYAL FAMILY, have likewise attendants of this description.

EQUERRIES—apply equally to those in a more subordinate situation, who personally officiate in the STABLES of the CROWN, and to whom is entrusted the _breaking_, _managing_, and _preparing_ saddle-horses of every description for the KING'S use. Some of the out-riders who attend upon the family, pass also under the same denomination.

ESCAPE,—the name of a horse of great beauty, excellent symmetry, and much celebrity. He was bred by MR. FRANCO, and got by _Highflyer_ out of a _Squirrel_ mare; he was foaled in 1785; and in the First Spring Meeting at NEWMARKET, 1789, he beat the PRINCE OF WALES'S _Cantoo Baboo_, from the ditch-in, for 200 guineas. He was then purchased by his Royal Highness, and in the Second Spring Meeting he received forfeit from _Alexander_, and _Clown_, 100 guineas each. In the First October Meeting of the same year, he beat _Nimble_ across the flat 200 guineas. The Craven Meeting, 1790, he beat _Grey Diomed_ over the Beacon 500 guineas; and won the great subscription purse at YORK, beating _Actæon_, and _Gustavus_. The Craven Meeting, 1791, he beat _Skylark_, _Highlander_, _Glaucus_, _Halkin_, _Meteor_, and _Buffer_, a subscription of 50 guineas each: two to one on _Skylark_. First October Meeting the same year, he beat _Grey Diomed_ over the Beacon Course 8st. 7lb. each for 1000 guineas. Two days after, he beat him again for the renewed 140 guineas. In the second October Meeting he won a subscription purse (twelve subscribers) over the Beacon, beating _Chanticleer_, _Skylark_, _Grey Diomed_, _Harpator_, and _Alderman_, with the odds four and five to one against him. When taken out of training, he covered at Highflyer Hall at ten guineas a mare, and half a guineas the groom.

ESCHAR—is the prominence remaining upon the cicatrix of an _ill-cured_ wound, or the scab frequently seen to form a projecting apex upon a broken knee; or where some injury has been left to cure itself by an effort of nature, without the least interposition of art. If it is a scab only, and not of long standing, it may in general be brought away spontaneously, by occasional softenings with small quantities of camphorated spermacæti liniment; if, on the contrary, they are rigidly seated, and have acquired a degree of callosity in the nature of a _sitfast_, there is no other mode of cure, but by extirpation with the knife and forceps.

ESTRAY, OR STRAY,—appertain equally to _horse_, _mare_, _bull_, _ox_, _cow_, _sheep_, or, in fact, any head of cattle, who having strayed from its own home, common, waste, or lair, into a strange MANOR, or LORDSHIP, and there found without an owner, is then called an ESTRAY, or _stray_: in which case it is an established custom, sanctioned by LAW, and founded in EQUITY, that such _stray_ is proclaimed, and his or her marks described, by the common crier, in the three next nearest towns on the market-day; and if the stray is not claimed within a year and a day of the time on which it was publicly cried, and fully described, it then becomes the property of the LORD of the MANOR where it was found. If the owner makes the claim within the time limited, he is liable to pay _reasonable charges_ for finding, keeping, proclaiming, &c. An estray must be kept without labour, uninjured, and properly fed, till reclaimed, or the time above mentioned is expired.

EUPHORBIUM,—an article whose acrid and stimulative property renders it only applicable to one medical purpose, and that externally; it constitutes a principal ingredient in the preparation of BLISTERING OINTMENT for HORSES, where its proportion, if managed properly, should be exactly equal with its corresponding article CANTHARIDES, commonly called _Spanish flies_.

EVACUANTS—are such medicines as gently stimulate the intestines, and urinary passages, to a more speedy secretion and expulsion of their excrementitious contents. The term is applicable to both PURGATIVES and DIURETICS; the effect of which is to remove plethora in horses, and to prevent the consequent viscidity of blood; which, when a horse is overloaded in his frame, and the solids too grossly distended, soon displays itself in _swelled legs_, _cracked heels_, cutaneous _scurfy eruptions_, _grease_, _farcy_, or some _one_ of the many ills frequently produced by an accumulation of HUMOURS originating in a corrupt or vitiated state of the fluids, inconsiderately neglected, or probably never attended to. Those who will condescend to dedicate a little time occasionally to the palpable utility of EVACUANTS, either as preventives, or the means of cure, (in a variety of cases,) will never stand in need of a monitor to promote their use.

EVACUATION—is that part of the ANIMAL ŒCONOMY, without a regular preservation of which, the frame of man or beast cannot long continue free from PAIN or DISEASE. Next to the _aliment_ necessarily received for the support of life, EVACUATION is the very effort of NATURE upon which HEALTH must principally depend. Little penetration is requisite to comprehend most perfectly a system so plain as to require but very concise explanation. Consistency should be observed, and attention should be paid, to what the frame receives by FOOD, and what it discharges by the different _evacuations_; for if the body (within any given time) accumulates much more by unreasonable and unnecessary supplies, than the EFFORTS of NATURE can carry off by her different emunctories in the _evacuation_ of _excrements_, the foundation of disease follows of course. The fluids become thick and stagnant, the circulation languid, the solids preternaturally distended, and their elasticity partially destroyed; hence arises that infinite number of distorted VALETUDINARIANS with which the streets of the METROPOLIS so plentifully abound, and by whom the constantly increasing MEDICAL SHOPS and MEDICINE WHAREHOUSES are principally supported.

By adverting to these considerations, it will immediately appear, that even a temporary suppression of the natural evacuations must, in the first instance, inevitably prove the basis of _pain_ or _disquietude_, and lastly of DISEASE. In the human body, great attention should be paid to _diurnal_ evacuation, if a wish to preserve health is at all entertained. Infinite are the miseries originally brought on, and for years continued, (_to a lingering death,_) by an inconsiderate neglect or indolence in respect to the due proportion to be observed between _repletion_ and _evacuation_.

This attention is not more necessary in the human frame, than it is with the HORSES of those who indulge the least desire to have their studs in high health and perfect condition. When a horse is observed to get above himself, or, in other words, to become loaded with flesh, too full in the carcase, round in the legs, thick in the wind, dull in the stable, and heavy in action, EVACUATION cannot be too soon promoted as a preventive to impending disease.

EXCRESCENCE.—Any preternatural enlargement is so called; but it is principally, and most properly, applied to those of a spongy nature, as WARTS and WENS, as well as a polypus upon any particular part. In all _wounds_ of HORSES, if they are of considerable magnitude, fungous flesh increases very rapidly, and frequently disconcerts the young or injudicious VETERINARIAN; who, erroneously adopting _caustics_ and _escharotics_, too often renders the remedy more destructive than the disease. FUNGOUS formation of this kind passes also under the technical denomination of EXCRESCENCE, and is best reduced by superficial scarification in lines transverse and longitudinal; the dressings then consisting of strong red precipitate digestive ointment with lint, &c. Excrescences of the _warty_ kind will always submit to repeated and persevering applications of BUTTER OF ANTIMONY, OIL OF VITRIOL, or any other escharotic, but they are not to be laid on with too liberal a hand. Wenny deep-seated substances (erroneously called excrescences) require very warm stimulants, and powerful spirituous applications, for a great length of time, before any expectation of repulsion or obliteration can be entertained.

EXERCISE.—The great advantages resulting from EXERCISE, to both man and beast, are now so universally understood, both in theory and practice, that animadversion here must be considered matter of superfluity: those, however, who wish for a more enlarged or scientific disquisition, will find _fifty pages_ in the second volume of the GENTLEMAN'S STABLE DIRECTORY appropriated to this particular head.

EXPEDIATE—is a term transmitted from one book to another by former writers, but is at present little used in either THEORY or PRACTICE. It implies the cutting out the centrical ball of the foot of a dog, or such claws as shall totally prevent his pursuit of game. In earlier times, when the FOREST LAWS were more rigidly enforced, the owner of any dog not expediated, living within the district, was liable to a fine for non-obedience.

EXTRAVASATION—applies only to such fluids as may, from any accidental cause, or injury sustained, escape from the tubes or vessels in which they were confined; when they from such extravasation become stagnant, laying the foundation of an obstruction terminating in an enlargement, probably disagreeable to the eye, and some impediment to action. Extravasated lymph, oozing from ruptured fibres, lay most invariably the foundation of almost every tumefaction to which we can advert; and evidently demonstrates the necessity for reflection before we proceed _to blows_, when it is recollected what serious and lasting injuries by blows may be sustained.

EYES.—The state of the EYES in every horse constitutes so much of the value and excellence in respect to their _good_ or _bad_ formation, that proper, nay extreme, circumspection ought to be used in the examination previous to purchase. The best and most experienced judges of horses are sometimes seriously disappointed, and not unfrequently deceived, in a superficial survey, and too hasty decision: in fact, there is no _point_ of the ANIMAL upon the merits of which (in a variety of instances) it is so difficult to form an accurate, at least an _infallible_, opinion as upon the parts before us. If at first sight you are attracted by their bright, bold, prominent appearance, and observe they are sufficiently clear and transparent to reflect your own figure in the eye as you stand before it, and the horse neither _winks_, _blinks_, or rolls the orbs of the eyes about, as if _feeling for the light_ when brought out of the stable, there is then every well-founded reason to believe they are not only _safe_, but PERFECTLY GOOD. On the contrary, when the EYE appears _flat_, as if sunk in its orbit, with a palpable vacuum round the orb, between it and the eye-lid, it is a very unfavourable indication; particularly if there should be no defluxion (or inflammatory discharge) from the eye, to justify the idea of a temporary injury having been sustained by a BLOW, BITE, or some such _accident_, neither to be foreseen or guarded against. If there is a palpable indentation above the orbs, and a wrinkled contraction of the eye-lids towards the forehead, they are invariable symptoms, or certain signs, of impending danger, and the subject cannot be ventured upon without a very great probability of certain loss when he is again offered for sale.

A small _pig-eye_ should be likewise carefully avoided, as they are seldom to be depended upon; the subject is frequently addicted to _starting_, and the future state of the eye in general _doubtful_. A cloudy muddiness within the outer humour of the eye, (giving it an opaque appearance,) or a milky thickening of the surface, denote present _defect_, and great probability of approaching _blindness_. It becomes, therefore, in all cases of doubt, a matter of self-preservation, to have in memory this admonition, that it will be more advantageous (evidently more prudent) to reject an object of impurity and partial attraction, than to purchase in haste, and "repent at leisure."

F.

FALLOW DEER—are the species of _Deer_ bred in parks for the production of venison, as well for the private use of the great and opulent, as for sale. The male is called A BUCK; the female, a DOE; the offspring of both, A FAWN; and they vary some degrees in colour, but consist principally of a dark dingy brown, inclining to black, or a mottled sandy dun. The BUCK is furnished with horns, which he sheds yearly: the DOE has no such weapons for self-defence.

The BUCK sheds his horns from the middle of _April_ through the first weeks of _May_, which are in part regenerated by the month of _September_. The DOE generally produces her young in the last week of _May_, or during the two first of _June_. The season for BUCK VENISON commences in _July_, and goes out about Michaelmas; when DOE VENISON comes in, and continues till _January_. The time in which the act of procreation is carried on (called _rutting time_) commences at the latter end of _August_, and continues during the greater part of _September_.

The skins of both buck and doe are manufactured into the article of leather for breeches, so superior to every other kind for the purpose of riding, the produce of the whole kingdom is not equal to the demand, many thousand skins being annually imported from different parts of the world. For the LAWS relating to DEER, see DEER STEALERS.

BUCK HUNTING was formerly a much more frequent sport than at present; and a dwarf kind of stag-hound (called _buck-hounds_) were kept for the purpose. The uncertainty and short duration of the chase, has, however, at length, nearly obliterated the practice, as there is hardly such a thing in the kingdom as _a pack_ kept _solely_ for the purpose of hunting FALLOW DEER.

FALLOW LAND—is land so called when under no immediate cultivation, but ploughed up, and laid at rest, to acquire, from its exposure to the elements, additional strength for the production of future crops. Of these there are both _summer_ and _winter_ fallows; upon the last of which, if dry, HARES may generally be found in the months of _January_, _February_, and _March_, if there are any to be seen in the country.

FALCONER.—A FALCONER, whose province it was to _tame_, _manage_, and look after FALCONS, and other _hawks_, was formerly as great and conspicuous a character as the most celebrated HUNTSMAN of the present day. The influence of fashion, and the changes wrought by time, have, however, so obscured both SPORT and SPORTSMAN in this way, that neither _hawk_, _falcon_, or _falconer_, are to be seen or heard of, unless in the northern parts of the kingdom, where it is also nearly buried in oblivion.

FALSE QUARTER—is a defect in the hoof of a horse, originally sustained by some injury, producing a destruction of parts; as _quittor_, _canker_, _wounds_, _treads_, _bruises_, or such _formation of matter_, by which a part of the hoof has been unavoidably destroyed, or necessarily taken away. In the regeneration of parts, the incarnation (from the rigid and horny nature of the hoof) is irregular and imperfect, forming a sort of _cleft_ (or artificial union) with the sound part upon the surface, productive of a sensible weakness underneath. This imperfect and defective junction renders such _quarter_, as is it called, inadequate to the weight it is destined to bear; in which case, much judgment is required, and may be exerted, in the palliation, as _perfect cure_ is not to be expected. Care must be taken in forming the shoe to relieve the tender part from pressure, by _hollowing_ it at that particular spot, and letting the bearing be fixed entirely upon the sound parts. By constant attention in reducing the prominent edges of the irregular projection with the fine side of the RASP, and a few occasional impregnations with _fine spermacæti oil_, the hoof may be sometimes restored to its original formation.

FAMILY.—See BLACK LEGS and BETTING.

FARCY,—except the GLANDERS, is the most unfortunate and destructive disease to which the horse is subject. It is _infectious_, and may be communicated from one horse to another, or to the whole stable, where many stand together. As it frequently attacks different subjects in a different way, (according to the _state_ and _condition_ of the horse at the time of attack,) so it has afforded opportunity to the _fertile_ and _ingenious_ to extend and define it to _various kinds_ of FARCY, though they are but different shades and gradations of the same disease.

The very first traits of this disorder are too distinguishing to be mistaken; although the attack may be made either _one_ way or the _other_. The subject is, in general, _dull_, _heavy_, _sluggish_, and seemingly oppressed with _lassitude_ and _debility_, for some days previous to any external symptoms of disease; in a short time after which, small _purulent pustules_ appear, with a sort of seeming _eschar_ upon the _apex_ of each, running along the veins in a kind of continuity, bearing no ill affinity or resemblance to a bunch of grapes a little diversified in size. Upon any of these _eschars_, or _scabs_, being removed, they are followed by a thin bloody ichor in some; but in others, by a fœtid, viscid, corrupted matter, not unlike a mixture of honey and oil, when brought into all possible incorporation.

As the disorder advances to a more inveterate malignity, these pustules burst, the scab or eschar exfoliates, and each becomes a virulent, ill-conditioned _ulcer_. In many instances the progress is extended with incredible rapidity; and the larger vessels, with their inferior ramifications, are soon universally affected; holding forth a very unpromising prediction of early extrication. A tolerable opinion may be formed of the mildness or threatened severity of the disease by the nature of the attack: if appearances are partial, (that is, attached to any particular spot,) without a speedy extension to different parts of the body, or its extremities, the case may be considered in its then _infantine state_ favourable; and the proper means should not be delayed to counteract its farther contamination of the blood and juices: on the contrary, should a daily increase of the eruption be observed, spreading itself in various directions along the plate-vein, and down the inside of the fore-arm, under the belly, proceeding on both sides the sheath, and down the inside of each thigh, a cure may be considered very _distant_ and _uncertain_; involving a doubt for prudent deliberation, whether the alternative of DEATH may not be preferable to the _chance_ of _cure_, at an expence (if effected) very, very far exceeding the value of THE HORSE.

Experience, and attentive observation, tend to justify an opinion, that when the FARCY makes its first appearance, in the way described, it is then of the species received by _infection_, and that it has lain dormant some time in the circulation. When it makes its attack upon one particular part, in a previous _tumefaction_, and subsequent _suppuration_, (extending no farther than the quarter in which it originates,) it may then be considered a degree of the same disorder, retaining within itself much _less virulence_ than the former, and to have been produced by the morbid state of the blood, and predominant tendency to disease; holding forth a well-founded prospect of CURE, if the case happens to fall into the hands of a judicious and scientific practitioner, who well knows the peculiar _property_ of _medicine_, upon which alone the success depends.

Those writers who have industriously _divided_ and _sub-divided_ the FARCY into so many _different diseases_, have not noticed a disorder (or rather a complication) partaking of the joint symptoms of both GLANDERS and FARCY; from which circumstance it has, by the best and most experienced practitioners, been denominated, FARCY GLANDERS, and is, in its attack, progress, and termination, precisely as follows. One or more swellings appear upon some part or parts of the body, where, after attaining a certain size, they become _indurated_, making no farther progress toward _maturation_. Here NATURE seems counteracted in her own efforts, and, by some inexplicable _revulsion_, the head is almost immediately and severely affected; TUMEFACTIONS appear under the _jaws_; the SWELLINGS increase in various parts and degrees about the _eyes_ and _mouth_; a most incredible discharge comes on from the nostrils, _discoloured_ and _offensive_ beyond description; in which state, bidding defiance to every interposition of ART, or administration of MEDICINE, the animal lingers a few days, and, if not previously dispatched, (as in fact it ought to be,) DIES a _mass_ of complete _putrefaction_.

FARRIER—is the appellation by which a person is known, whose occupation it has hitherto been considered to execute the joint office of furnishing _shoes_ for the PROTECTION of the FEET, and the BODY with MEDICINE for the _cure of disease_. It has been, from its original formation as a business, the most _dangerous_, _laborious_, and _least compensated_, trade (or profession) of any in the kingdom; consequently none but the most indigent or illiterate (from the _eaves_ of a _cottage_, or the _walls_ of a _workhouse_) could be prevailed upon to undertake it. In proof of which, it is a well known fact, that, for a century past, not more than _one_ in TWENTY of its practitioners, in either _town_ or _country_, has ever been enabled to leave a _clear twenty pounds_ to his family at the time of their decease. Recent circumstances have, however, occurred, to give the PRACTICE of FARRIERY a new complexion; but, unluckily, in the _extreme_; for the appearance of "THE GENTLEMAN'S STABLE DIRECTORY" a few years since, and the success of its author in his indefatigable endeavours, and energetic exertions, to promote a reformation in the shamefully neglected, _erroneous_, and _cruel_ system of FARRIERY, constituted such a blaze of national emulation, that the institution, erection, and establishment, of a PUBLIC SCHOOL, has rendered practitioners in FARRIERY (newly ycleped "_Veterinary Surgeons_") as numerous as the necessitous medical adventurers in almost every town and village of the kingdom. See VETERINARY COLLEGE.

FARRIERY.—The ART of FARRIERY consists in the peculiar mode of discovering one disorder from another, by a discrimination of predominant symptoms, and the administration of medicine particularly applicable to that peculiar species of disease. It also comprehends and includes the operations of BLEEDING, CROPPING, DOCKING, NICKING, BLISTERING, FIRING, &c. as well as the cure of wounds, and the long train of _ills_ and _accidents_ to which the horse is incident. This ART (or more properly _science_) now struggling to become respectable, has hitherto continued in a state of the most _wretched sterility_ for the reasons so clearly explained under the last head; to which may be added, the very impressive consideration, that its PROFESSORS have not been permitted to retain the least personal weight in the scale of society; on the contrary, have been generally held in the most trifling estimation, and consequently destined to associate only with the _lowest_ and least polished classes of every description.

The degrading, dirty, and inferior offices to which the _manual_ or operative FARRIER must incessantly become liable in the course of his PRACTICE, renders it readily to be believed, that those whose EDUCATION have been sufficiently liberal to qualify them for a scientific initiation in the STUDY of PHYSIC and ANATOMY, as well as a perfect knowledge of the PROPERTY of MEDICINE, cannot be expected to descend to the _rough_ and _laborious_ business of the FORGE, making, _fitting_ and _setting_ the SHOES, as well as many other equally difficult and hazardous operations to which the subordinate must perpetually become subject in the course of his practice. Hence it is fair to infer, that the liberal education, and acquired polish, of the VETERINARY SURGEON, will so ill accord with the sensations of the SHOEING or _black smith_, that they will be found incompatible with _each other_; and, until a more extended idea, and generous compensation, is adopted by the public, to render the MEDICAL MONITOR, (or veterinary surgeon,) and common _shoeing-smith_ and _operative farrier_, two distinct and separate branches, the practice of FARRIERY and VETERINARY MEDICINE will never attain the improvement of which it is so clearly capable.

FAWN—is the young of the BUCK and DOE, called a fawn during the first year. A fawn is secreted by the dam in the _fern_, or _long grass_, with great care, during the first weeks, and seldom accompanies the mother but by night. In royal PARKS and CHACES, a certain number are annually killed when _fawns_ of about three months old, to prevent the district from being _overstocked_; this is generally done by COURSING _with_ GREYHOUNDS, which is most excellent sport, the greyhounds being frequently _beat_.

FEATHER.—The centrical division, and different directions, of the surrounding hair in a horse's forehead is so called: they are also frequently seen upon the neck on one or both sides the mane, and sometimes upon the hind quarters, and are considered natural ornaments: their similitude to a feather of the first plumage has given them this appellation.

FEATHER WEIGHT,—in the SPORTING WORLD, signifies the lightest weight that can be put upon the back of a HORSE, in whatever MATCH he may be engaged, and totally depends upon the will of the owner; who is not under the necessity of bringing his RIDER to the _scale_ either _before_ or _after_ the race, in an engagement where "feather weight" is particularly expressed. On the contrary, when a horse runs for any PLATE, MATCH, SWEEPSTAKES, or SUBSCRIPTION, at a _fixed weight_, according to his AGE, HEIGHTH, or QUALIFICATION, his RIDER must be publicly weighed upon the course _previous_ to _starting_; and at the termination of _every heat_, if the rider _dismounts_ before his horse is led up to the SCALES, (generally affixed to the starting-post,) or when there, not weighing his proper weight, the HORSE is deemed _distanced_, and can start no more for the prize in question.

FEEDER—is one essential part of a HUNTING ESTABLISHMENT, bearing no ill affinity to the _bellows-blower_ of an ORGANIST; for if the hounds are not _well_ and _properly_ fed, they can never be adequate to the fatigues and difficulties they have to go through. To the FEEDER is submitted the management of the HOUNDS in kennel; but he is always subject to the occasional directions of the HUNTSMAN, whose immediate subordinate he is, and whose dictation he must implicitly obey. He should not only be _young_, _indefatigable_, and _alert_, but fond of his employment; as well as _humane_ and _good tempered_, for the comfort of the poor animals entrusted to his care, who have not the power to expostulate when _ill used_, or to remonstrate if their _grievances_ stand in need of _redress_.

The department of the FEEDER is of more magnitude than may at first sight be believed. It is his particular business to keep THE KENNEL _sweet_ and _clean_, and to execute this part of his trust at stated and invariable periods. To _boil_, _prepare_, and _mix_ the different kinds of provision for the HOUNDS, according to the regulations of the establishment to which he belongs. When disengaged from the concerns of the kennel, he is expected to assist in _the stables_; as well as to _exercise_ and _dress_ the spare horses of the HUNTSMAN and WHIPPER-IN, on hunting days when they are absent. In extensive concerns, and large packs, two are required to FEED, in which case the HUNTSMAN (as is most proper) always renders assistance.

FEET.—The FEET of HORSES being the very basis of support upon which the safety and expedition of the frame entirely depend, they are entitled to every possible degree of CARE and ATTENTION; more particularly in the WINTER SEASON, when, from _neglect_, so many ills and inconveniencies are known to arise. The injuries, accidents, and diseases, to which the FEET are constantly liable, consist of CRACKS in the _heels_, SCRATCHES or _lacerations_, STUBS and _bruises_ of the _outer sole_, or upon the _verge_ of the _coronet_, between _hair_ and _hoof_, CORNS, SANDCRACKS, THRUSHES, CANKER, QUITTOR, RINGBONE, and FOOT-FOUNDER; exclusive of the frequent injuries sustained in SHOEING, by the _ignorance_, _indolence_, or _obstinacy_ of those SMITHS who, having no professional reputation to support, are too innately confident in their _own ability_ to bear instruction.

As the DEFECTS thus enumerated will be found individually enlarged upon under distinct and separate heads, it becomes only necessary here to lay down such general rules for the regular management of the FEET, as may (properly attended to) prove the means of prudent prevention; not more in respect to the _trouble_ and _expence_ of DISEASE, than of the most mortifying and repentant anxiety. These defects and disquietudes are seldom found but in the stables where the MASTER rarely or ever condescends to _obtrude_ his PERSON and commands upon the _tenacious dignity_ of a self-important groom; the persevering industry of whose careful endeavours, and the pliability and elasticity of whose joints, if properly exerted, would prove the truest and most _infallible preventives_ to SWELLED LEGS and CRACKED HEELS, in preference to all the _nostrums_ ever yet brought into private practice or public use. And those who unfortunately encounter _these ills_, may generally, and with justice, attribute them much more to the _constitutional_ tardiness of the _professed groom_ (or occasional strapper) than any defect in the constitution of the horse.

The FEET of different HORSES vary exceedingly in what may be termed the _texture_ or _property_ of the hoof; and this is, in general, regulated by the colour of the LEGS and FEET. There are few horses with _white heels_, but what have _white hoofs_ also, and these are always more liable to, and susceptible of, DEFECTS and WEAKNESS, than those of an opposite description. The sound, firm, dark-coloured hoof, of the BAY, BROWN, or BLACK horse, is seldom found _defective_; but those of other coloured horses are the most subject to weak, thin soles, displaying a prominence on each side the frog, occasioned by a too feeble and inadequate resistance to the force of the membranous mass within; feet of which description are also frequently found to have the corresponding concomitant of a _brittle hoof_, the edges of which are incessantly _splitting_, and throwing out a constant threatening of SANDCRACKS, with the additional mortification of being subject to inveterate THRUSHES, or an almost constantly diseased or putrefied state of the frog.

FEET, so exceedingly different in the nature of their construction, must certainly require as different a mode of treatment, according to such circumstances as happen to exist. To preserve feet perfectly sound, and free from the ills to which they are subject, cleanliness is the leading step. After exercise or use, so soon as the body is drest, the _dirt_ or _gravel_ should be carefully taken from under the shoes with a PICKER, the feet well washed, the legs and heels rubbed dry, the bottom stopped with _cow dung_, and the hoofs oiled with a brush impregnated with SPERMA CÆTI OIL. Horses left with _wet legs_ and _heels_, after a severe chace, or long journey, particularly in sharp easterly winds, or during FROST and SNOW, constitute _cracks_ or _scratches_ to a certainty. So severe a rigidity is occasioned in the very texture of the integument, that it becomes partially ruptured or broken in various places, upon being brought into expeditious action; which, with the _friction_ and _irritation_ then occasioned by the sharp particles of gravel in dirty roads, soon produce lacerations of the most painful description.

The state of the SHOES should be constantly attended to. Permitted to continue _too long_ upon the FEET, the growth of the _hoof_ brings the shoe forward, rendering it too short at the _heel_, when it begins to indent, and _sinking_ upon the _foot_, soon presses upon the _outer sole_, constituting pain or disquietude in some horses, and laying the foundation of CORNS in others. Horses, in moderate work, require NEW SHOES once a month upon an average, never varying more than two or three days from that time: indeed, it is not right they should go longer. The penurious plan of _removing_ shoes _half worn_ is truly ridiculous; they never render service adequate to the expence, and the practice only tends to a more frequent destruction of the hoof. THRUSHES should be counteracted upon their first appearance, without being permitted to acquire a corroding virulence. SWELLED LEGS are hardly ever seen in stables where a proper course of discipline, and regular routine of business, is observed; they proceed from a visced, sizey state of the blood, a languor in the circulation, a want of exercise out of the stable, or a sufficiency of friction, leg-rubbing, care, and attention within. See GREASE.

FERN—is a plant abounding plentifully in CHACES, BEECHEN WOODS, and COMMONS, and is a seeming diminutive resemblance of our native bulwark the hardy oak, not more in the similitude of its growth, than its appropriation to various purposes of utility. It not only constitutes excellent bedding for cattle in the winter, but has been considered so instrumental to the PRESERVATION of GAME, that laws have been _framed_ to prevent its being wantonly destroyed, or unseasonably perverted, to the interested purposes of private individuals.

"Any person who shall unlawfully _set fire to_, _burn_, or _destroy_, or assist in so doing, any _goss_, _furze_, or _fern_, upon any FOREST or CHASE within England, he shall, on the oath of _one_ witness before a JUSTICE of the peace, forfeit a sum not exceeding 5l. nor less than 40s. one moiety to the informer, the other to the poor of the parish. The same to be levied by distress; in want of which, the offender to be committed to the house of correction, or county gaol, for a time not longer than three months, nor less than one." In addition to which act, there are other MANORIAL rights and _local customs_, respecting FERN upon _wastes_ and _commons_, restraining those who have right of common (or other privileges) from cutting fern before HOLYROOD DAY in every year.

FERRET—is a useful little animal, well known to WARRENERS and RAT-CATCHERS, by whom they are principally bred, as necessary to their own occupations. The _ferret_ is of great spirit, strength, and courage, for its size; is an inveterate enemy to _rabbits_, _rats_, and _poultry_; in the pursuit of which, it will encounter any difficulty or danger, when once put upon _the scent_. The body is longer in proportion to its height, than almost any other animal, the _weazel_ and _stoat_ excepted. The colour frequently varies, even in the young of the same dam and the same litter; some being black, with white under the belly; some are of a faint straw-colour yellow, and others of a light sandy red. The head is, in its formation, not unlike _the mouse_; the eyes are small, fiery, having the appearance of red-hot iron, and can consequently distinguish objects in the dark. It has a natural and instinctive propensity to _burrowing_, and where-ever _the head can enter_, the rest of the body can easily follow. Whenever the FERRET has secured the prey he is in pursuit of, he extracts the _blood_ with extreme pleasure by _suction_, but is totally indifferent to the _flesh_; with the exception of the head of either RABBIT or RAT, the skull of which he directly destroys with his teeth, the better to enjoy an instantaneous and luxurious _feast_ upon the _brains_.

The FERRET usually produces five or six young at each litter, after a gestation of _forty days_: the offspring continue blind for _thirty days_, and copulate in six weeks after they can see. They are not ravenous, (except in pursuit of their prey, after having been long fasted;) are easily supported upon bread, milk, and similar trifles, enabled by nature to exist a long time without food, which is in some degree compensated for by their great enjoyment of sleep. When used in WARRENS, they are hunted with _muzzles_, that they may alarm the RABBITS, and drive them from their _burrows_ to the _nets_, without having the power to injure them; for if they were enabled to seize them _under ground_, they could never be prevailed upon to leave the earths.

FETLOCK.—The part so called is the next joint below the knee, and is formed by the union of the shank-bone, at its _bottom_, with the upper part of the small bone passing from this junction to the coronary bone at its _top_. The TENDONS (commonly called the _back sinews_) have their lower seat of insertion at this joint, which is constantly liable to, and frequently susceptible of, the most serious LAMENESS. As injuries of this joint are sometimes incurable, particularly when occasioned by a twist or ligamentary distortion, one precaution may be prudently retained in memory; that more horses are lamed by _short_, _sudden_, and _unnatural_ turns in the _narrow stalls_ of an ill-constructed STABLE, (particularly in the Metropolis,) than by any straitforward means whatever. TENDINOUS LAMENESS has a much greater chance of early relief, and permanent cure, than an injury sustained at the _junction of the bones_; for the relaxed tendons being restored to their original elasticity by CORROBORATIVE STIMULANTS, BLISTERING, or FIRING, frequently continue _sound_ during the existence of the horse: on the contrary, a LIGAMENTARY LAMENESS, however it may be relieved, or _apparently_ restored, is always more subject to a relapse or repetition.

FEVER,—HORSES are subject to, and frequently attacked with, originating in various causes, and acting upon different constitutions in a different way. Judicious discrimination should be made between what is (_ab origne_) a FEVER within itself, and _symptomatic_ fever, dependent upon, and arising from, _another_ cause. Extreme pain may produce FEVER, as in large _formations_ of _matter_, where tumours approach gradually to suppuration. FEVER may become attendant upon _inflammatory cholic_, or upon a severe fit of the _strangury_, or spasmodic affection of the kidnies. In all INFLAMMATIONS of the LUNGS, the fever exceeds description; but these fevers are called SYMPTOMATIC, as being a concomitant, or distinguishing trait, of the DISEASE upon which it is _founded_, rather than a disease within itself.

The predominant symptoms of FEVER are, an agitated lassitude and debility of the whole frame, with evident disquietude in every position; quick and strong pulsation; mouth parched and dry, with a burning heat to the fingers, when placed under the tongue; breath of a fleshy offensive smell; the eyes red, inflamed and prominent, as if propelled by internal inflammation; heaving _more_ or _less_ in the flanks, according to the mildness or severity of the case. Frequent attempts are made to STALE; the urine is very _red_ in colour, and comes away in small quantities: the dung is generally hard, voided in single or double globules, to each of which adheres a _viscid slime_, indicative of much internal foulness amidst the interstices of the intestinal canal. Loss of appetite, difficulty of respiration, a refusal of food, and impatient thirst for water, are amongst the most invariable _diagnostics_ of _fever_; and as these symptoms are _more_ or _less_ violent, may be estimated the severity and DANGER of DISEASE.

FIDGET,—the name of a horse of much celebrity, who won as many capital stakes as most horses of his time. He was bred by MR. VERNON; was got by _Florizel_; dam by _Matchem_, out of an own sister to _Sweetbriar_. In the possession of the DUKE of BEDFORD, he became a stallion at Wooburn, and was the sire of _Augusta_, _Cub_, _Victor_, _Frisky_, _Hamadryad_, _Nestler_, _Fantail_, _Zemise_, _Granadilla_, _Lady Sarah_, _St. Vitus_; all winners; as well as a great number of colts and fillies, who won large stakes at three and four years old, but ran without a name.

FIGGING—is the _sublime art_ of insinuating a profusion of false spirit, and _artificial fire_, into a horse, when offering him for sale. This is done by privately introducing a _piece_ of _ginger_ (previously bitten) within the _sphincter_ of the _anus_, where, by its painful stimulus, it so irritates the animal, that he seems, by the _cocking_ of his tail, the instantaneous erection of his ears, and the _deceptive spirit_ he displays in action, to be a horse of very superior appearance and value to what he turns out when the _stimulus_ of this _deception_ has subsided.

FILLETS—are, in more intelligible language, the LOINS of a HORSE, and seated above the flank, beyond the last rib, and in a transverse line with the hip-bone. A horse long in the back, narrow across the loins, and tucked up (greyhound like) in the carcase, is said to be badly made in the FILLETS, or, in other words, _weak_ in the _loins_.

FILLY,—the female produce of a HORSE and MARE: she is called a FILLY FOAL the _first_ year; a YEARLING the _second_; and a FILLY till _four_ years old.

FILM—appertains to a certain DEFECT, and properly used, applies only to a thickening of the _outer_ coat or humour of THE EYE; in which case relief from external applications may very frequently be obtained: but where any of the internal coverings are become opaque, (and sometimes erroneously called films,) success from topical experiments must not be expected.

FIRETAIL—was a name given to three famous running horses in succession; the first got by _Childers_, the second by _Squirrel_, and the third by _Eclipse_.

FIRING—is an operation performed upon different parts of A HORSE for the promotion of any particular purpose, (according to the degree of injury sustained,) and in the following way. The horse being safely secured by _twitches_ and _cords_, according to the methods in general use, the OPERATOR having his _irons_ in the fire properly heated, and his _attendant_ ready to supply him with another, as often as the _fire_ of the previous _iron_ is exhausted, he proceeds with the edge of the _red-hot iron_ to make longitudinal and transverse strokes in succession, over the whole part where injury has been sustained, and to such extent as circumstances may have rendered necessary; the depth and magnitude of the _operation_ depending upon the severity of the injury, and the length of time since it was sustained. FIRING is frequently adopted in _strains_ of the _back sinews_, where the subject is said to have _broken down_; likewise for BONE and BLOOD SPAVINS, CURBS, SPLENTS, and partially to prevent a renewal or repetition of SAND-CRACKS, as well as for RINGBONES, and LAMENESS in the _round-bone_; in the two last, however, it has hardly ever been known of the least utility.

FIRING-IRON,—the instrument with which the OPERATION of FIRING is performed. It is a piece of iron about fifteen inches long, with a stem terminating in a wooden handle at _one_ end, having a blade of three inches long, and two wide, at the _other_. This blade is forged flat, and is at the back half an inch in thickness, becoming gradually _thinner_ towards the _edge_, which is not more than _one third_ what it is at the back. They are formed of different dimensions for different occasions, and _three_ or _four_ are kept in the fire, and used to expedite the operation, where it is carefully and expertly performed.

FISH.—Reasons are adduced under the head "ANGLING," why it has been thought unnecessary to enter upon so copious a subject in a work of this kind; but as FISH, FISH PONDS, and FISHERIES, have been found repeatedly worthy the attention of the legislature, for the preservation of PROPERTY and PERSONAL RIGHTS, a concise abstract of the LAWS, as they now stand, respecting those rights, will constitute the whole that can be required, or thought necessary, upon this subject.

By the 5th Eliz. c. xxi. s. 2, it is provided, That if any person shall unlawfully BREAK or DESTROY any _head_ or _dam_ of a FISH POND, or shall wrongfully fish therein, with intent to _take_ or _kill fish_, he shall, on conviction at the ASSIZES or sessions, at the suit of the King, or the party injured, be imprisoned _three months_, and pay treble damages; and after the expiration of the said three months, shall find sureties for good behaviour for SEVEN YEARS to come.